Potter 'on shortlist' for UK return after ex-Chelsea boss snubbed France offer

10 September 2023 , 11:32

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Graham Potter lost his job as Chelsea manager in April (Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter has been shortlisted by Rangers as a potential replacement for under-fire boss Michael Beale.

Following last Sunday's stinging 1-0 loss at home to arch rivals Celtic and failure to qualify for the Champions League, Beale's position at Ibrox has become uncertain just over a month into the new season. That's prompted the Gers hierarchy to make a shortlist of candidates who could succeed him and Potter has emerged as one.

The English coach is yet to return to management after being sacked by Chelsea in April. That was when Potter, 48, was only seven months into a five-year deal, winning just 12 of his 31 games in charge.

But his reputation hasn't been completely damaged, with French giants Lyon offering him their managerial position as Laurent Blanc faces the sack. That's according to the Sun, who report that Rangers are now circling for both Potter and Birmingham manager John Eustace.

Beale is already feeling the heat in Glasgow after going four points behind early pacesetters Celtic following the deflating Old Firm derby defeat on home soil. That came just four days after Rangers were slapped 5-1 away to PSV Eindhoven in Champions League qualification, meaning that they'll have to settle for Europa League football his season.

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But whether or not Beale will be given the chance to take charge of their first group stage match against Real Betis later this month remains to be seen, with a must-win trip to last-placed St Johnstone coming next Saturday. Potter could be lined up to replace Steven Gerrard's former assistant, who quit QPR in last November to return to Ibrox.

Have your say! Should Graham Potter consider taking charge of Rangers? Give us your verdict in the comments section.

Rangers boss Michael Beale is under pressure just over a month into the new season (Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Potter's stellar work as boss of Swedish side Ostersunds before impressively running the show at Swansea and Brighton means that his stock remains high. Most would render his spell as Chelsea as a hiccup, having been the guinea pig manager in Todd Boehly's cash-splashing ownership regime, signing a whopping 16 players over the course of last season.

Leicester had targeted Potter this summer following their relegation to the Championship but the 48-year-old appears to be planning on making his return to coaching at the top. Beale, meanwhile, won't be budged without a fight.

"Words are not worth anything if the team doesn't go and win the big games," Gerrard's ex-No.2 affirmed after the loss to Celtic. "There will be ups and downs in the season but it is clear we need to go on a run of performances and wins right now."

Nathan Ridley