The right job for Potter, says former colleague

  • by Staff Writer
  • Friday, 17th January 2025

Brighton legend Glenn Murray has backed former boss Graham Potter to become a huge hit with Hammers fans.

Murray, who was speaking to 10bet enjoyed some of his best years under Potter, who was in charge of the Seagulls between 2019 and 2022 before moving to Chelsea - where he lasted just eight months.


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Yet despite that setback, Murray - who was eventually sent on loan to Watford by the 49-year-old - believes Potter has waited for the right opportunity to present itself before returning to management.

And as a consequence, he insists West Ham are poised to benefit from a "hungry" Potter, who may feel he has much to prove following his miserable spell at Chelsea.

"I think Graham was touted for a lot of jobs while he's been out of work," said Murray. "I think he's been really selective about what he wants from a football club.

"He was linked to some big jobs, and he's kind of let them pass him by. I really do feel as though this is the one that he's been waiting in the wings for, and he's been really patient.

"I know he wouldn't go into a club out of desperation. He would only go into a club that he feels he can be beneficial to and that can work under his methods, so I think as far as Graham's concerned, he's waited a long time for this West Ham job.

"He'll have a really good idea of what he wants to do, and he'll be meticulous in doing that. I just think that people need to show a little bit of patience because it is going to take time to get his tactics and his philosophy across.

"I think most managers would like to take over in pre-season. He likes to structure the kind of the fitness model of the football club in a certain way. So, starting in the summer would have been ideal, but it wasn't to be. He's taken it at this point, and I think he'll do well at West Ham."


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And Murray - who scored 49 goals in 141 appearances for Brighton - believes he has a solid squad to work with, even if he predecessor failed to get a tune out of them - although he also expects moves to be made during the current transfer window.

"I think he's inherited a really good group," added Murray, "I just think that the former manager, Lopetegui, couldn't quite find that right combination or concoction that works for that group of players.

"I think first and foremost Graham will have a really good idea of what he wants to do with them and how he sees the team working together and building those relationships between the players.

"He would like a striker, obviously. [Michail] Antonio had a really unfortunate accident that ruled him out. [Niclas] Fullkrug is our now too so to bolster his squad in forward positions is something that Graham will be thinking about."

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