I don’t know where Graham Potter thought his artistic talents would take him? But I guess it wasn’t on one of the greatest stages in the world, on Broadway – Fulham Broadway, writes Mark Webster…
It’s well documented that Potter’s particular trick box wasn’t exactly assembled following a conventional path to the top of the coaching game.
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Potter’s side take on AC Milan in crucial Champions League clash
After finishing his playing career and with a social science degree from the Open University to his name, he cut his teeth as a coach with the cream of football from various universities, before heading to the North Counties East League with Leeds Carnegie.
So far so unique. At that time, a fourth-tier Swedish team said “hold my beer”.
Potter’s time in Ostersunds was a revelation. Promotion followed promotion, which followed promotion. And before he could say 4G land, he had taken his team to Europe. This is where we all first became aware of Potter’s wizard wheezing.
As we would soon find out, this included transforming the clubhouse into Strictly Come Dancing Meets Sweden’s Got Talent. Swan Lake was apparently a big hit – the frozen water as a dance floor was surely a guaranteed winner – while Potter himself wasn’t afraid to join in.
He even once wowed the crowd with a rap. We can only hope, not like G-Potty? Or Pott Diddy? tub of ice cream? We’ll leave that thought there.
Famously, this unique approach helped his side to an impressive win at the Emirates four years ago, a result that convinced Swansea to bring him back to Britain. Now he’s doing hip-hop at Chelsea. And a return to European football with a Champions League home game against AC Milan.
Potter had a hugely successful stay in Sweden
So Graham is now firmly in the spotlight. Or more precisely, under the very demanding spotlight of Stamford Bridge. But does he have what it takes at this level?
Well, just for what he did to get here tonight, I can’t wait for Chelsea from Potter to pull a rabbit out of the hat.
