Chelsea appoint Graham Potter to succeed Thomas Tuchel as manager

Graham Potter started his playing career at Birmingham City in 1992 (Photo: BBC/Getty Images)

Just one day after sacking former Manager Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea has named his replacement.

Chelsea have appointed Graham Potter as their new manager. Potter has left fellow Premier League club Brighton to take up the role and has signed a five-year deal with the Blues.

Potter will lead the team for the first time on Saturday when they come against fellow west London club Fulham in an away derby.

Potter's assistant Billy Reid, first-team coaches Bjorn Hamberg and Bruno, goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts and assistant head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay will join him at the Chelsea.

Brighton Under-21 coach Andrew Crofts has taken over as Brighton's interim head coach.

On making the move to Stamford Bridge, Potter said: ‘I am incredibly proud and excited to represent Chelsea FC, this fantastic football club. I am very excited to partner with Chelsea’s new ownership group and look forward to meeting and working with the exciting group of players and to develop a team and culture that our amazing fans can be proud of. I would also like to place my sincere thanks to Brighton & Hove Albion for allowing me this opportunity and in particular Tony Bloom and all the players, staff and supporters for their continued support during my time at the club.’

Todd Boehly, Chelsea chairman, said: ‘We are thrilled to bring Graham to Chelsea. He is a proven coach and an innovator in the Premier League who fits our vision for the Club. Not only is he extremely talented on the pitch, he has skills and capabilities that extend beyond the pitch which will make Chelsea a more successful Club. He has had a major impact at his previous Clubs and we look forward to his positive impact at Chelsea. We look forward to supporting him, his coaching team and the squad in realising their full potential in the coming months and years.’

(BBC Sport)