Brighton are currently fifth in the Premier League. They will be promoted to the top four if Liverpool wins on Saturday
Graham Potter was grateful to have the chance to manage a remote club in the fourth level of Swedish football.
He could have fallen without a trace, but it was a leap into unknown waters. Potter instead guided Ostersunds FK through three promotions in five seasons. This was followed by a first major trophy, and a place in the Europa League.
His prospects were changed beyond recognition.
Douglas Bergqvist was a young defender who lost his way in England's system. He was reintroduced to the team by Potter in February 2014 after he left Exeter City to join Ostersund.
"I didn’t feel like I was getting my due. Graham was the one who sold me the dream in my first conversation. Bergqvist says that they were in the second level and it may have seemed far-fetched, but it all worked out."
"I don’t believe it will be repeated in Swedish football, especially with the magnitude and speed of it all."
Bergqvist was among many players who were disillusioned by a lack in progress and embraced the possibility of a new start in Sweden. Potter helped them feel valued in a way that others had not.
"Many of us were lost and doubted. We were rejected. He was a believer in a turnaround story and in changing lives. He has made a difference in my football career and my entire life. He helped me become a mature, respectful person. He was more concerned about you as a person and less about your football skills.
Potter was thoughtful and compassionate. He helped create a supportive culture in Ostersund where people were encouraged openly to each other. This was quite a contrast to the old-fashioned English dressing rooms.
The 28-year old explains that "moving away from home made some things difficult off the pitch." He was very passionate about helping the mental health side. It was not talked about as often as it is today. He helped me, and many other boys.
"We were surrounded by a great team. He found a solution that would work for you, regardless of how talented you are as a player. The team was greater than any player.
Bergqvist developed a close friendship with Potter, and they have remained in touch ever since. Ostersund was promoted to the top division after his second season.
They didn't get overwhelmed and kept playing on the front foot against more powerful teams. They won the Swedish Cup in April 2017.
"We played a very possession-based style of football. It was very methodical and forward-thinking. Bergqvist says it was high-risk, but high-reward."
He was always two, three, or four steps ahead. He knew exactly what the opposition would do. He was adept at switching personnel and playing in different systems. He was a tactical genius."
Ostersund rose to prominence due to their run to 32th place in the Europa League. This included positive results against Galatasaray and Hertha Berlin, as well as Athletic Bilbao. Even though they won 2-1 at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal eventually defeated them.
Ostersund was led by Potter to their most successful period in history
Potter was appointed to Swansea City's management in the summer of 2005, as they were trying to rebuild after their Championship return. Although he was not well-known in the UK, he quickly gained popularity with his new team.
Oli McBurnie, a striker, says that they had a large meeting. He said exactly what he meant: "This isn't dictatorship". He wanted us to be as helpful as he was. He was as interested in helping you as a player as he was as a manager. This was something I had never experienced from any other manager.
"The club had been relegated, and some big names had left. It was quite upsetting. He brought in many players from the under-23s. He was very interested in developing players. He was happy to allow them to play if they were able to.
McBurnie was among the greatest beneficiaries. McBurnie was one of the biggest beneficiaries after three years as a fringe player. He was then given the task to lead the line for Swans.
"He is the best manager I have ever had. He was so concerned about your well-being. You're almost treated like a piece of meat when football is a results-based sport. The Scottish striker recalls that he went above and beyond to assist me with things that he did not have to."
"He trusted me a lot. He allowed me to have that chance and gave me the confidence during the entire season to keep going. I was also very comfortable with the way we played football."
Potter restored Swansea’s identity as a passing club, which was so important during their rise through the divisions. His players were encouraged to follow the plan and be courageous by Potter.
McBurnie adds, "He cared more about the performance than about the result." "I can only recall one game at Nottingham Forest. Although we lost 2-1, they were absolutely battered. He was more happy with this than games in which we had a win but didn't play the way he wanted.
His philosophy was that if the performance is perfect, the result will follow. It was like a breath of fresh oxygen."
Potter's only season as a coach ended in a 10th place finish, nine points short of the play-offs. Although his side was entertaining to see, they were too slow to challenge. The Premier League called before they could continue to build on their success.
McBurnie says that everyone in the Swansea team believed he would do well at Brighton. He plays football the right manner. He has the right outlook about football and life. He is a great person and boys will always be able to play for him. These are great qualities for a manager.
For the past two seasons, Brighton was constantly in danger of being relegated. In May 2019, Chris Hughton was replaced by Potter. He was given the task of pushing them up and introducing a more adventurous style.
Dale Stephens, who joined Burnley in the following year, says that he was impressed by Stephens's vision of the game and his passion for playing. He took over a team that was very good defensively, but likely lacked some going forward.
He wasn't going change anything in two weeks. It was going to take time, but he could clearly see the direction he wanted for the team and club.
Potter tried to create a more fluid attacking scheme during pre-season. Everything came together at Vicarage Road on the opening day. This gave an indication of the potential of this revamped Brighton.
Stephens recalls, "We had all the new ideas and they're clearly going to be tested during the first game." "We won 3-0 at Watford. This builds trust within the team and shows that we are doing the right thing and that we are on the right track.
The players didn't panic when Brighton's form dropped. Potter was unwavering in his belief and prepared as meticulously as ever.
The midfielder said, "There was no stone unturned." "From Monday morning you understood your job well. You would be challenged every week. One week you could be using one system, the next week another.
"He would study a team together with his backroom staff and then we'd have a plan. He did not leave anything up to chance. He was able to win, but he also had a clear idea. He gave everything in the form of video meetings and clips showing what he wanted.
Potter enjoyed success playing with younger, more approachable players at Ostersund & Swansea. Brighton's squad was more experienced, but they responded with the same enthusiasm.
Stephens adds that he was only 30 and still had a lot to learn about the game. Stephens said, "He has fueled my desire to be a manager." He was a great guy to work with. He had a plan, no matter what opponent you were playing against.
Although the Seagulls were 15th and 16th in their previous two seasons with the same points total, their performances gave them hope that things would improve. They are now fifth in the Premier League, with Brighton currently flying high.
Potter, 46, is enjoying life at Brighton and many people believe that he can go further. Many of his former players consider him a potential England manager.
"I would not say anything is too big for him. He could easily take over the England job one of these days - he has the potential to go far. Bergqvist says that it is only a matter of time before people at the top are ready to believe in him and his vision."
McBurnie agrees, "At Swansea we all said that we could see him as England manager." We believed in him so much. He could reach as high as he desires. He's not going to stop, I think.
