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Reply | The Potter Era Begins
at 18:41 4 Jun 2018
Sod your traditions. ;)
We ÖFK fans always focus on the positive. |
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Reply | The Potter Era Begins
at 16:09 4 Jun 2018
Congratulations guys!
I'm of course gutted that Potter is leaving ÖFK but it's a great opportunity for him and I hope he'll do well at Swans. |
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Reply | Graham Potter
at 15:50 4 Jun 2018
Congratulations guys!
Hope he'll do well at Swans. |
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Reply | Graham Potter
at 14:46 31 May 2018
Are there any pre-season games scheduled?
I might plan a short trip to Wales or elsewhere if/when Potter signs the deal. |
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Reply | Graham Potter
at 09:19 27 May 2018
Local paper today:
(google translate with lots of corrections)
Potters on Swansea's interest and the love of ÖFK: "Sensitive and nostalgic"
 Â
Daniel Kindberg has given Swansea permission to talk with Graham Potter.
In a long interview, the ÖFK coach tells about his feelings of the season so far, the future of the club and what attracts Swansea City.
"They want to regain their identity and build something for the future," said Potter.
Last week, everything has been about Graham Potter and the recently relegated Premier League club Swansea City.
Several reputable newspapers have reported on the Welsh club's interest, pointing out ÖFK's coach as the main candidate to take over as a new manager.
Potter and Daniel Kindberg have so far kept the lid on, but after the 2-0 victory against Häcken and heading into the World Cup break, Kindberg held an extra press conference where he announced that Swansea was allowed to contact Potter.
Huw Jenkins, a Swansea representative, called me last night and asked me if he could approach Graham for a talk - and I have granted permission, he said.
However, this should not be interpreted as Potter being lost for ÖFK this summer.
"This does not mean Graham leaves, we're not there," said Kindberg.
When the ÖP Sport sits down with the protagonist himself, he talks about his feelings of what may have been his last match as coach of Östersunds FK.
- One reflects back in seven years. I came to this club when it was in the fourth division and nobody really liked it. Not even the people here in Östersund. So when you think where we are now and where we were then, it will be obviously emotional and nostalgic to look back and feel proud.
Throughout the interview, he repeatedly points out how much he likes to be part of the club; to work with the players and the team. Being proud and at peace with his life right now.
Despite the setbacks and controversy around ÖFK this spring he has always felt pride in his work.
In order for him to move it takes a real challenge.
- Yes absolutely. All parts must fit in. There are many jobs in football but you have to be careful how to choose them. It is about the right time, the right kind of project and the right place.
The question everyone now ask is about the Welsh coastal town of Swansea and "the Swans" is right in the time of the 43-year-old. He confirms that he was talking to representatives of the club. More than that he doesn't want to go into today.
- I do not want to repeat it (what said) right now. They have contacted me and told about their project.
He still allows himself to paint with a broad brush and describes how he views the club.
"It's a former Premier League club that wants to return. They want to regain their identity and build something for the future. They have a fantastic fan base with passionate supporters. There is nothing more to say than it is a big football club.
That is largely what he said to his players at the Jämtkraft Arena as well, where he dutifully tried to prepare the team for each individual match.
- The players know the situation that there's an interest and that I've been approached. But I have told them that they need a nice break.
With three straight victories and a draw against league leaders AIK, ÖFK has resurrected after the tough start that made lots of negative headlines.
"I'm proud of them because they've responded well to the adversities that have been this spring. It has been an interesting spring season when we needed to handle both external and internal expectations as a result of the success of the Europa Leaguet. When we did not get the start we had hoped for, there were a lot of things we went through in a good way and ended strongly by being six in the league, not far behind the top three.
If you would leave - does it feel important to come back from the busy spring, where the headlines have not been so flattering for Östersund?
"It will be a bit of a hypothetical question. Again, it is a process of the club's establishment in the highest league. This is only our third season in Allsvenskan and if you look back at all the interviews that I have done, I've always said that's exactly what it's all about. Now we are in a position where the club can build on, is financially secure and has a well-playing team.
At the same time, Östersund's FK is facing a major trial this summer. Daniel Kindberg says that evening that you will not stand in the way of a possible sale of Ken Sema and Saman Ghoddos - if the right bid comes. But already, FC Copenhagen has agreed on a transition to ÖFK's third big star: the defender Sotirios Papagiannopoulos.
The feeling this evening is, however, that an era may have ended. With "Sotte" to Copenhagen, two other stars who want to go on in their careers and a coach on their way to something bigger, you can't deny that ÖFK is a club in transition.
- That's exciting. You know that the club will get money for them, which makes it possible to grow. One has to understand that there is a hierarchy. We do not have to give in to it, but I think it's the right thing to do. That's what's best for the players, for the club. You can look at it in a broader perspective. From David Accam to Rasmus Lindkvist, to Modou Barrow, to Alex Dyer, to Fouad Bachirou.
- Players come and go and that's how it is. Then the challenge for the club will be to find replacements and continue to evolve.
Even though it is awaiting negotiations between Potter, ÖFK and Swansea, he still has a finger in the game when it comes to player recruitment. The plans are there and the club will continue to work with the same method as before.
Exactly what awaits the next few weeks remains to be seen. One thing, however, is booked and ready.
- I'll have some vacation. Taking the family away for some sun.
Where will it be?
- My wife booked. It will be two weeks in New York. [Post edited 27 May 2018 9:22]
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Reply | Graham Potter
at 19:25 26 May 2018
Not much to add I guess. Swansea will talk to Potter, that's it for now. |
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Reply | Graham Potter
at 19:18 26 May 2018
As already mentioned, chairman Daniel Kindberg has approved Swansea to approach Potter. |
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Reply | Graham Potter
at 19:17 26 May 2018
The chairman talks about some of the players that might move on in the summer. |
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Reply | Graham Potter
at 19:09 26 May 2018
Press conference has started. They talking about the game right now.
ÖFK won 2-0. |
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Reply | Graham Potter
at 13:26 26 May 2018
Well we'll know in a few hours. I'll post updates from the press conference. |
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Reply | Graham Potter
at 13:07 26 May 2018
Potter interviewed in today's local paper:
"
Potter continues to focus on today's match against Häcken before the World Cup break. He does not let himself be influenced by the speculation that thrives around him and Swansea. When the ÖP Sport asks him, "What would make you leave ÖFK," he answers:
- It's a hypothetical question. My job is to be Östersund FK's manager. There is no need to change it, he says.
Is there still no truth in the information that has appeared between you and Swansea?
- No no. There are still speculations and things coming from the media. I continue the job I do, he says.
In March, Potter wrote on a four-year contact with ÖFK. He still feels he has things to develop as a coach and at the players.
- There is a lot to do here. It's an exciting project. We are in a good position to build and develop, so it's absolutely exciting here, he says.
Will we see Graham Potter in ÖFK this fall?
We'll see, I hope so, he says.
"
Not sure what to make of this. Still feels like he's leaving.. [Post edited 26 May 2018 13:15]
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Reply | Saman Ghoddos
at 08:55 26 May 2018
Yep, the Station Hotel is still the pub for away fans. |
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Reply | Graham Potter
at 08:54 26 May 2018
I've been all over the UK but never to Wales, so if possible I'll try to go to Swansea for the away game next season. Especially if Potter makes the move. |
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Reply | Graham Potter
at 20:49 25 May 2018
Ipswich fan for 35+ years, ÖFK fan since the club was formed 1996.
Last year I briefly had three season tickets simultaneously; ÖFK home, ÖFK away and Ipswich. :D |
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Reply | Graham Potter
at 20:28 25 May 2018
Thanks! I noticed that I actually posted here already back in December when Potter was first linked with Swans.
Yes, I think it will be announced tomorrow. Our chairman has denied any contact with Swansea though while Potter has deflected the questions by talking about speculations and emphasized on focusing on the next game.
Oh well, at least Potter isn't going to Norwich.. |
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Reply | Saman Ghoddos
at 19:46 25 May 2018
At our ÖFK supporter's forum we've been joking about at all the rumours of who Potter will bring with him to Swansea. Right now it's the assistant manager, the scout, Sema, Ghoddos, Potter's neighbours, the pitch, a referee and the kitman's moustache. |
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Reply | Graham Potter
at 19:31 25 May 2018
Will do. There are plenty of speculations here in Östersund and due to some contradicting statements many still hoping for Potter to stay. I don't though, it has been too much going around about this for it not to be true.. |
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