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Former Beckett coach Graham Potter announced as new Swansea City Manager
Leeds Beckett Alumnus Graham Potter (MSc Leadership, Personal & Professional Development in 2011) has been announced as the new Swansea City manager ahead of their 2018-19 Championship season.
Graham, who is also a former Football Coach at Leeds Beckett, will succeed former Sheffield Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal as Swansea manager and is tasked with getting Swansea back into the Premier League - after the club were relegated last season.
He joins the club after a successful seven-year spell with Swedish side Ostersunds FK, steering the club from the Swedish third division to the premier division – the Allsvenskan.
After retiring from professional football in 2005, the former right-back started his managerial career at the University of Hull as a football development manager, before moving to Leeds Beckett in 2009.
Graham enjoyed a successful two years with Beckett before taking over the top job at Ostersunds in 2011.
During his time at Beckett, Graham worked alongside Senior Football Coach John Hall - a man Graham sees as a ‘role model coach’.
John said: “It has been fascinating to follow Graham’s journey in Sweden and his success to me is no surprise, he is a humble, honest, hardworking man.”
“During his time with us, Graham developed his own coaching style and philosophy and by doing so he created an environment players wanted to be part of.
“This is not an overnight success for Graham, he has drawn upon his experiences of playing and coaching and he is a real student of not only the game but of people too.
“Swansea appointing Graham has certainly put a smile on my face and I look forward to observing the next chapter of his story.”
Sports Development and Coaching manager Ian Smyth, who has been at the forefront of sport at Leeds Beckett since 2004, hailed Graham’s impact on the university’s sporting success over the past 14 years.
He said “Graham coming to the University was a turning point in the football programme. He brought his vision, insight, passion and professionalism.
"He built on an existing highly successful student team and transformed them into a sector leading programme.
"His influence extended beyond just the players and he supported, guided and mentored many coaches both within football, but across other sports at the University. He was always destined to go onto achieve great things, and it was a privilege to work with him.”
Congratulations Graham on your appointment at Swansea City.