"Why I Decided To Coach Chelsea" — Graham Potter

 In an open letter, Graham Potter outlined the reasons behind his choice to go from Brighton to Chelsea and issued a demand to Todd Boehly.

It was an unusual week in the Premier League, not just because games this weekend were postponed due to Queen Elizabeth II's passing, but also because the Blues made headlines after new owner Boehly decided to fire Thomas Tuchel. 

Surprisingly, the search for a new manager only took a few days. After Chelsea made it clear to the Seagulls that they were willing to pay the £20 million plus release clause for Potter and his coaching staff, everything else was smooth sailing.

Potter was given more time after Fulham's postponement this weekend and has already presided over a few training sessions at Cobham. 

The UEFA Champions League match against RB Salzburg is anticipated to be one of his first matches in charge. This will be followed by the crucial match against Liverpool, which is in doubt unless a venue change to Anfield is agreed upon.

Potter has now written an open letter to the Brighton supporters explaining why he and his crew decided to leave during the season as he gets ready for his first challenges as manager. He also covered other subjects in this open letter, which was posted on the Brighton and Hove Albion website, including his growing affection for the club from the South Coast and how much he valued the ownership structure, which enabled him to be successful.

'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.

'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 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 have taken in your work. You supported the club, and you also supported me through some tough times in my personal life.

'The Albion has given me that [great moments] and more. I feel I am a better person and a better manager for the experiences I have had here. Not every team selection or decision has been perfect. But the club has created an environment that gives you the scope to make mistakes, learn from them and then improve. I have always tried to act with integrity and be a good person. These are values I hold dear, and I know that the Albion do too.

'What turned out to be my final match against Leicester City last Sunday was a good way to end. I did not know at the time that it would be the end, but looking back now, we played so well. There was so much positivity around the club. The last few days have been an unexpected whirlwind. Leaving the training ground for the last time was a poignant moment not only for me but also for Billy, Bjorn, Kyle, Bruno and Ben.

'Albion fans know that with Tony, Paul and David, the club is in safe hands. To my successor, whoever that may be, I would say congratulations. You'll be working for a great club with a fantastic squad, supported by a great chairman and board. The squad are playing at a high level and will get better. Most of all, the supporters will get behind the team home and away.

'To everyone at Brighton & Hove Albion: thank you. It has been a pleasure and honour to serve the club over the last three years. I wish you every success going forward.'