Graham Potter has explained his decision to leave Brighton for Chelsea in an open letter and has made a demand to Todd Boehly in the process.
It was an unexpected week in the Premier League, not only because of Queen Elizabeth II's death which meant that fixtures this weekend were postponed but because the Blues grabbed the headlines after new owner Boehly made the decision to wield the axe on Thomas Tuchel.
Per Football.London, the result following Dinamo Zagreb and the underwhelming start to the season wasn't the only reason why Tuchel was sent packing but also the breakdown in communications which started as early as the US pre-season tour.
The search for a new manager surprisingly only took a couple of days, and once Chelsea made their intentions clear to the Seagulls that they were willing to pay the £20million plus release clause for Potter and his coaching contingent, it was all green lights from there. Potter has already taken charge of a couple of training sessions at Cobham and was given extra time following the Fulham cancellation this weekend. His first games in charge are expected to be RB Salzburg in the UEFA Champions League in midweek, followed up by the big game against Liverpool, which is in doubt unless the game is agreed to be changed to Anfield.
Whilst preparing for his first challenges in charge, Potter has now penned an open letter to the Brighton fans, explaining he and his staff's decision to move on during the season. In this open letter published on the Brighton and Hove Albion website, he also discussed other topics like his grown affinity for the South Coast-based side and his appreciation of the ownership structure, which helped him succeed.
Parts of the letter read: 'This has been three wonderful years with a club that has changed my life, and I want to take a moment to say goodbye to all of you who have made it such a special period of my career.
'I bid farewell to a great club and one that will always mean so much to me and my family. For some, I recognise that the change that comes so suddenly in football can be hard to accept. I may not be able to persuade you all to forgive my departure – but I would at least like to take the chance to say thank you.
'All good clubs need great owners and great fans. Brighton & Hove Albion have both. I will cherish the relationships I built in all aspects of the club. My players went above and beyond. My staff gave everything. At the heart of it were the Albion fans. On every matchday at the Amex, the connection with the team was strong. When we played away, you came in your thousands to roar us on. I know what you have been through to see your club finally in a modern stadium and thriving in the Premier League. I felt it every time I stood on the touchline.
'I hope that you will understand that at this stage of my career, I felt I had to grasp a new opportunity.
'I would like to thank Tony Bloom, Paul Barber and the directors for the opportunity they gave me three years ago and the unswerving support that came with it. My gratitude also to Dan Ashworth and David Weir, two first-class technical directors. To the staff at both the stadium and the training ground: all of you have impressed me with the pride you have taken in your work. You supported the club, and you also supported me through some tough times in my personal life.
'The Albion has given me that [great moments] and more. I feel I am a better person and a better manager for the experiences I have had here. Not every team selection or decision has been perfect. But the club has created an environment that gives you the scope to make mistakes, learn from them and then improve. I have always tried to act with integrity and be a good person. These are values I hold dear, and I know that the Albion do too.
'What turned out to be my final match against Leicester City last Sunday was a good way to end. I did not know at the time that it would be the end, but looking back now, we played so well. There was so much positivity around the club. The last few days have been an unexpected whirlwind. Leaving the training ground for the last time was a poignant moment not only for me but also for Billy, Bjorn, Kyle, Bruno and Ben.
'Albion fans know that with Tony, Paul and David, the club is in safe hands. To my successor, whoever that may be, I would say congratulations. You'll be working for a great club with a fantastic squad, supported by a great chairman and board. The squad are playing at a high level and will get better. Most of all, the supporters will get behind the team home and away.
'To everyone at Brighton & Hove Albion: thank you. It has been a pleasure and honour to serve the club over the last three years. I wish you every success going forward.'
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