Former West Ham boss Graham Potter has made a surprise return to management — taking charge of Sweden on a contract lasting just two games.
Potter has been handed the short-term international role following the sacking of Jon Dahl Tomasson last week. He will oversee Sweden’s final two World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland and Slovenia, with his deal extended to the March play-offs only if the team qualifies.
The Scandinavians’ poor showing in Group B prompted Tomasson’s dismissal, and their chances of finishing second — and earning a play-off spot — remain slim.
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It’s a brave move by Potter, whose reputation took a serious knock after his horror spell at West Ham, where he became statistically the worst permanent manager in the club’s history.
While Premier League offers were never likely to be on the table, Potter’s decision to take on Sweden is still a bold one given the conditions of the contract.
A London Stadium source confirmed to Claret & Hugh last week that the former Chelsea and Brighton manager’s appointment will not affect the compensation still owed to him following his Hammers dismissal. That would change in the event of Potter taking Sweden to the World Cup and being awarded the job full time.