Graham Potter has sent a lengthy open letter to Brighton & Hove Albion fans thanking them for their support during his tenure at the club.
Potter was announced as the new Chelsea manager this week, signing a five-year deal and replacing the recently sacked Thomas Tuchel at the club.
The former Brighton boss is Todd Boehly’s first managerial appointment as Chelsea owner.
In an open letter published on Brighton’s official website, Potter admitted that he understands that his swift exit may be difficult for fans to accept. Potter has left Brighton just six games in the Premier League season and immediately after the transfer window shut.
Here is Potter’s open letter in full:
“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.
“All good clubs need great owners and great fans. Brighton & Hove Albion have both. I will cherish the relationships I built in all aspects of the club. My players went above and beyond. My staff gave everything. At the heart of it were the Albion fans. On every matchday at the Amex, the connection with the team was strong. When we played away you came in your thousands to roar us on. I know what you have been through to see your club finally in a modern stadium and thriving in the Premier League. I felt it every time I stood on the touchline.
“To those of you who stopped to chat when I was in the city or further afield – and the many who wrote to me – all those connections meant a great deal. Your personal stories of following the club – of parents and grandparents who were fans – helped me to understand what makes Albion special.
“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 Tony Bloom, 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. To the staff at both the stadium and the training ground: all of you have impressed me with the pride you…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at 90min EN…