Reputation Repair: Why Graham Potter Needs To Start Again in the Second Tier

Reputation Repair: Why Graham Potter Needs To Start Again in the Second Tier

Graham Potter is the perfect example of why managers should pay attention to the statement "choose your jobs wisely."

When at Brighton, Potter was one of the highest-rated young managers in all of Europe. Not only was he linked to some of Europe's biggest sides, but he was also hotly tipped to succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager.

In the end, he chose the lucrative offer from Chelsea, which quickly proved to be the wrong decision. And ever since, Potter has been unable to re-enamor any of the plaudits he was once in receipt of.

Now, in a toxic environment with West Ham, we assess what Potter can do to get his career back on track as he is seemingly on borrowed time at the London Stadium.

After 25 games in charge Graham Potter has the worst record in West Ham History! Even Lopetegui had more points in LESS games! pic.twitter.com/ISDFOfKwqW

— WestHamStatto (@WestHamStatto) September 20, 2025

Graham Potter - From Sweden to Stamford Bridge to Struggling

After a middling career as a professional, which included eight Premier League appearances for Southampton, Graham Potter opted for an unusual route into football management. He went against the stereotype of players not being intelligent and earned a degree in social sciences and a master's degree in leadership and emotional intelligence.

His coaching breakthrough came in Sweden with Östersund, then in the fourth tier. Over five years, Potter masterminded three promotions and led them into the Europa League, a remarkable rise that earned him attention back in the UK.

Graham Potter took Östersunds FK from the 4th tier of Swedish football to the Europa League.

It was an unusual move for an English coach, but it was one that changed his life forever.

A thread. 🧵📰 pic.twitter.com/FB7CC35qQ7

— Futbolivo (@futbolivo) December 2, 2024

Swansea gave him his first opportunity on home soil (kind of), and in a single season he guided them to 10th in the Championship and an FA Cup Quarter-Final. That success paved the way for his move to Brighton, in the Premier League.

On the south coast, Potter built his reputation. He reshaped Brighton from a relegation-threatened side into an adventurous, fearless team capable of beating the Premier League’s elite. Under his guidance, the club firmly established itself as a top-half outfit, playing some of the most progressive football in the league, and nurturing some of the Premier League's best players.

📆 One year ago today, Graham Potter ditched the Brighton project for a move to Chelsea.

👋 Following him, was Bruno, Ben Roberts, among more back-room staff.

What came next? One of the greatest Amex moments in history.

Poetic justice. 😁

pic.twitter.com/BweYio4tcP

— Ryan (@ryanadsett) September 8, 2023

However, his success naturally attracted bigger fish, and in the autumn of 2022, Chelsea came knocking after the recent surprise dismissal of Thomas Tuchel. The move quickly turned disastrous. At a club demanding instant results, Potter’s philosophy-driven project struggled to impress, and he was dismissed less than a year later. A subsequent spell at West Ham has also failed to get going, with poor results and growing frustration among fans.

For Potter, the next step may be a reset. Returning to the kind of environment where he thrives, a talented squad needing direction, without the suffocating pressure of a big-club job. A EFL Championship side with ambition could be the perfect stage for him to rebuild.

The Lampard Playbook

Potter could take inspiration from Frank Lampard’s path. Lampard was handed the Chelsea job far too early, and when it inevitably unravelled, many thought it might end his managerial career. Yet, the resilience he showed as a player carried into management—he was willing to step down a level, rebuild, and position himself for another shot at the Premier League.

✅Scored the most goals
✅Had the most shots
✅Had the most shots on target
✅Highest xG in the league

Coventry are an attacking force to be reckoned with this season under Frank Lampard 👏 pic.twitter.com/objqHgjjxq

— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) September 16, 2025

Potter would do well to follow suit.

Reports suggest Phil Parkinson’s position at Wrexham is under scrutiny, and with the club’s profile and resources, they could be an ideal project for him. This season is about consolidation in the Championship, but their long-term ambition is clear: reach the Premier League. That’s exactly the kind of environment where Potter has thrived before.

Elsewhere, clubs like Derby and Southampton, both struggling for consistency, could present similar opportunities if a managerial change is on the cards.

While no one wishes for managers to lose their jobs, should West Ham part ways with Potter, the Championship offers him several promising routes to restore his reputation and return to doing what he does best.

A Fresh Start Abroad Perhaps?

Potter has already shown he can succeed abroad, and that might be the smartest route when plotting his next move. His achievements in Sweden with Östersund proved he can adapt to new cultures and translate his philosophy across borders, qualities that not every British coach has in their arsenal.

In recent years, we’ve seen young managers like Will Still in France and Liam Rosenior, who has openly spoken about the appeal of coaching abroad, build strong reputations on the continent. A similar role could be tailor-made for Potter. Away from the relentless glare of the British press, he would have the freedom to develop players, shape a team in his image, and put his ideas into practice without every result being scrutinized.

Strasbourg have become the first team in Europe's top five leagues to start an XI made up entirely of players born after the year 2000 👶

The average age of the side fielded on the weekend by manager Liam Rosenior was just just 20.4 years old.

They won 1-0. pic.twitter.com/dvxJWOskIW

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 19, 2025

European clubs are often more willing to back a long-term project, giving managers time to instill their style and nurture talent. That kind of environment mirrors what brought Potter so much success at Östersund and Brighton. Whether in France, Germany, or even a return to Scandinavia, a continental move could allow him to reset his career while restoring his reputation back to its former levels.

Summary

Like we alluded to previously, we do not want managers to lose their jobs. However, based on current reports and circumstances, should Potter leave the London Stadium, we believe that it would be in his best interest to change tact when choosing where to go next.