The former Brighton gaffer wrote to fans of his former employers in an open show of emotion and solidarity. Graham Potter has gained fame for his innovative tactics in the South Coast Club, among other clubs.
Mr Nostalgia much?
“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.”
Potter, a former Ostersunds and Swansea manager and current Chelsea manager, led Brighton to their highest-ever Premier League finish of ninth place last season, and they currently lie fourth in the standings.
He praised the Seagulls’ supporters, board of directors, and staff, saying that his players “went above and beyond.”
“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.”
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 an honour to serve the club over the last three years. I wish you every success going forward.”
