Graham Potter has pleaded with Brighton followers to forgive him for leaving the membership to turn into Chelsea’s new supervisor.
Potter, 47, signed a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge on Thursday to succeed Thomas Tuchel, who was sacked earlier within the week.
In an open letter written on Thursday and printed on Brighton’s official web site on Sunday, Potter mentioned he would cherish “three wonderful years” at Brighton however accepted some followers wouldn’t be capable to forgive him.
Potter mentioned: “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.”
Former Ostersunds and Swansea boss Potter guided Brighton to ninth place within the Premier League final season – the membership’s highest ever top-flight end – they usually sit fourth within the present desk.
Graham Potter saluted Brighton followers after their win at Manchester United on the opening day of the season (Ian Hodgson/PA)
(PA Wire)
He mentioned his gamers “went above and beyond” and paid tribute to the Seagulls’ followers, their board of administrators and membership workers.
“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 (chairman) Tony Bloom, (chief executive) Paul Barber and the directors for the opportunity they gave me three years ago and then the unswerving support that came with it. My gratitude also to Dan Ashworth and David Weir, two first-class technical directors.”
Potter mentioned he and the membership had shared “some brilliant moments”, citing wins towards Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United, and congratulated his successor on the membership, “whoever that may be”.
Graham Potter claims Brighton followers helped change his life (Steven Paston/PA)
(PA Wire)
He added: “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.”
Source: www.impartial.co.uk
