Rob Davies
Football is a crazy game; 24 hours ago Thomas Tuchel was in charge of Chelsea against Dynamo Zagreb for what would be his final game as manager despite winning the Champions League less than 18 months ago.
This morning he was sacked by the club’s new American owner Todd Boehly paving the way for an approach for former Swans boss Graham Potter.
The 47 year old has received glowing praise for his progressive brand of football with Brighton and Hove Albion since leaving SA1 in 2019 leading them to 9th last term.
And whilst it is yet to be confirmed that Potter will become Chelsea’s new manager it is widely expected that he will agree to take over at Stamford Bridge therefore leaving Brighton with a bit hole to fill.
They are a team very much on the up, currently sitting 4th in the table after a strong start and have a good squad of technical players suited to playing the type of game that Potter developed at Ostersunds and then here at Swansea.
And social media is awash with suggestions and rumours as to who Seagulls chairman Tony Bloom will turn to next and surprisingly (or not, depending on your own viewpoint) Russell Martin has figured in many discussions.
On paper it makes considerable sense. The Swans are renowned for developing good young coaches (see Brendan Rodgers, Roberto Martinez, Steve Cooper, Potter, and even Paulo Sousa as examples in recent times) and Brighton have already had success on that road in the past.
Indeed if they are not looking to rip up the work Potter has done at the Amex Stadium then they will need to follow the approach of hiring young, enthusiastic and progressive coaches to work with what is a largely youthful group of players.
It also can’t be discounted that Martin was born in Brighton and began his youth career at the club. But whether his patchy results at Swansea would deter a move remains to be seen if he is – as he surely would be – on a list of possibilities to replace Potter.
It’s worth remembering that Potter, like Martin, didn’t enjoy huge success at the Swans but did develop a brand of football and (crucially) saleable assets. Much like the current Swans boss.
To compare the win percentages of both as Swansea manager, there is an edge to Potter but that was with a squad containing Nathan Dyer, Wayne Routledge, Joe Rodon, Oli McBurnie, Leroy Fer, Dan James, Connor Roberts and Jefferson Montero to name but a few.
Potter won 41.2% of his matches at the club, Martin currently sits at 33.9%.
Also in contention for the job is likely to be Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou who has been a revelation since moving to Scotland along with Luton’s Nathan Jones.
What do you think, will Russell Martin figure amongst the contenders if Potter leaves Brighton?
Think it makes so much sense for Russy and Brighton as they’ll want someone cheap and cheerful. That’s their motus operandi
clearly wants to go let him go. that’s if Brighton come calling
Well it will not be end of the day if he goes perhaps then the board might get some one in who is more experienced in the championship and get players in who can do a job for the Swans.
If Potter indeed moves to Chelsea, then I think another Swans manager might figure in the mix @ American Express Stadium – Brendan Rogers. Rogers is on the outs with Leicester City management/owners due to their lack of funding new replacements. Rogers also plays a possession-based type of football that Potter has put in place.
Why would Brighton consider Russell Martin as their manager? Does he have a wealth of experience? Does he have a proven track record ? Would he command the respect of a squad of players who have been successful in the Premiership? Is he adaptable ? Is he flexible ? No to all of these. Being born in Brighton, having played professional football and having managed two Teams who have finished in the bottom half of their respective divisions are not reasons for any Club, fan or pundit to consider him.
There are clearly different types of possession based styles of play.Martinโs blinkered approach is not a successful one.
What planet Swansea are you on? Russell Martin to Brighton, I have heard it all now. His name has been mentioned in many discussions. Oh yes can you give us some details please. The paucity of genuine reporting has plumbed new depths.
I reckon I could be a reporter How about this?
Martin for new Chelsea vacancy, Rogers back to Swansea and Tutchel to Leicester. Have I got the job I can start as soon as they let me out.
Bookmakers have it at 12/1 with the favourite 6/1. Nobody knows. It’s as likely as Scott Parker is to go there according to them.
But you crack on chap
Just thought I’d add Halcyon that The Athletic now report that Martin is in the running for the job.
Don’t leave your day job.
Thier having laugh
No Martin will not be required by Brighton.Not even worth discussing
No.
Omg your all bunch of jokers if Martin goes to Brighton he’ll have more money to spend on players he wants look at potters and Cooper in a way I hope Martin goes to to shut you all up and watch him thrive there you’ll all be sorry then won’t you I reckon Russell is gunna be a top manager and you’ll all regret him going all you fans that are slating russ you all did same with Cooper look at him now and potters who ran from Swansea min he had chance and who can blame him I definitely wouldn’t blame Russel Martin after you so called swans fans are treating Russell Martin would seriously love to see you all do better job you all make me sick you call ya self’s fans nothing but fake ass fans
It is all bollux.football is now a game of musical chairs.for this reason… I’m out.