Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter has opted against making a return to the manager’s role Brighton, according to reports.
Potter left the Seagulls for an ill-fated spell at Chelsea in September 2022 but had been linked with a return to the south coast in the wake of Roberto De Zerbi’s departure by mutual consent at the end of the season.
Brighton were reportedly keen to appoint Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna before the Northern Irishman signed a contract extension at Portman Road after guiding the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League.
Brighton owner Tony Bloom and technical director David Weir are understood to have spoken to Potter about a potential return to the Amex following his acrimonious departure to Stamford Bridge, replacing Thomas Tuchel just months after leading Brighton to a top-half finish in the top-flight.
The 49-year-old was sacked in April 2023 after just 31 games at the Blues.
Sky Sports News reported on Friday that sources close to Potter claim he has opted not to return, in part as he is aware of some lingering ill-feeling about his departure from Seagulls fans.
St Pauli’s 31-year-old manager Fabian Hurzeler and Henrik Rydstrom from Malmo are reportedly leading names in the frame for the role.
BREAKING: Sources close to Graham Potter have told Sky Sports News that he will not be returning to Brighton as head coach 🚨 pic.twitter.com/FrDwsPTStz
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 7, 2024
