England job contender Graham Potter responds to being on the shortlist to replace Gareth Southgate… while still in his graduation gown and hat after being handed an honorary degree!
England’s potential new manager has responded to speculation linking him with the job, while wearing a robe.
The Three Lions are on the hunt for their first national team manager in eight years after Gareth Southgate resigned this week after his team lost the 2024 European Championship final to Spain.
Graham Potter is one of the names considered for the role, but Eddie Howe, Lee Carsley and Mauricio Pochettino are also said to be contenders.
Potter had not yet said whether he had been linked with the job, but on Thursday he broke the silence while studying at his old university in Leeds.
However, when asked by the BBC if he would be interested in the role, the former Chelsea manager declined to comment, instead paying tribute to outgoing manager Southgate.
Graham Potter responded to the link with the vacant England manager’s position while wearing his graduation cap and gown
The 49-year-old has been unemployed since he was sacked as Cheslea manager in April last year
Potter was reluctant to talk about possibly taking the job, opting instead to praise Gareth Southgate (pictured)
“I don’t think it’s the day to talk about that,” he said. “I think Gareth has done a fantastic job. I don’t think there’s anyone in the country who is more respected in football than Gareth.
“I think he and his team have led the country and his time in a very good way and I have a huge amount of respect for him. I think this is the day to wish him a nice break – because he’s earned it – and wish him the best in whatever he does in the next part of his career.”
Potter was in Leeds to receive an honorary doctorate from his former university and stood there, in his gown and hat, answering the question.
In 2005 he graduated from the Open University with a degree in social sciences, with support from the Professional Footballers’ Association.
After working as a development coach at the University of Hull, he became assistant coach with the England university team.
He later joined Leeds Metropolitan University (now Leeds Beckett University) in a similar role, where he obtained a Masters degree in Personal and Professional Leadership, with an emphasis on the use of emotional intelligence.
After his time at university he rose through the ranks to become a manager, eventually reaching the Premier League.
The 49-year-old has been unemployed for over a year after being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023 following a string of disappointing performances.
Potter received an honorary doctorate after working at several universities before venturing into club football (pictured – at Ostersunds in 2018)
Football Association chairman Mark Buckingham (pictured) is responsible for finding a replacement for Southgate
Meanwhile, Mail Sport revealed that Chelsea would receive a windfall worth £1million if England decide to replace Gareth Southgate with Graham Potter.
Potter left Stamford Bridge in April last year after less than seven months in charge, but Mail Sport understands the west London club are obliged to pay his wages, believed to be in the region of £200,000-a-week, until October.
Should the FA intervene, the salary they pay Potter will be deducted from Chelsea’s outstanding balance.