Transfer Centre

Graham Potter 'turns down chance to replace Rangers manager Michael Beale'

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 14 September 2023

Potter 'turns down chance to replace Rangers manager Beale'

Graham Potter reportedly turns downs the opportunity to return to management with Scottish giants Rangers amid uncertainty over the future of Michael Beale.

Graham Potter has reportedly turned down the opportunity to return to management with Scottish giants Rangers amid uncertainty over the future of Michael Beale.

Following a mass overhaul of the first-team squad in the summer, the Gers have endured an underwhelming start to the new season under Beale, losing two of their first four Premiership matches and suffering elimination in Champions League qualifying.

Rangers suffered defeats to both Kilmarnock and Old Firm rivals Rangers either side of a heavy 7-3 aggregate defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League playoff round, losing the second leg 5-1 in the Netherlands.

Beale has since come under intense scrutiny and Rangers, who are now competing in the Europa League group stage, are allegedly exploring their options as they consider parting company with the 43-year-old just 10 months after his appointment at Ibrox.

A recent report claims that Rangers had identified former Chelsea manager Potter as a top target should they decide to relieve Beale of his duties, and discussions with the 48-year-old's representatives have been held via third parties.

Chelsea head coach Graham Potter during defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on October 29, 2022. © Reuters

However, according to The Sun, Potter is not interested in the Rangers job and is in no rush to return to management.

Potter is also understood to have turned down the chance to manager Ligue 1 club Lyon after holding talks with the French outfit, while he is said to have rejected offers from Championship duo Leicester City and Southampton earlier this summer.

A separate report from Football Insider claims that Potter is holding out for a Champions League calibre club as he believes that his CV warrants the recognition of clubs competing at that level.

Potter was sacked by Chelsea at the beginning of April after just seven months at Stamford Bridge, winning only 12 of his 31 games in charge across all competitions.

Chelsea head coach Graham Potter after Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund on March 7, 2023. © Reuters

The Englishman previously excelled in charge of Brighton & Hove Albion, Swansea City and Swedish side Ostersund, and his success with the former in particular attracted interest from a number of top clubs before he decided to join Chelsea.

Potter has also been tipped to take charge of England should current boss Gareth Southgate decide to leave his international post after Euro 2024.

Furthermore, Swedish news outlet Aftonbladet has played down suggestions that Potter could succeed Janne Andersson as Sweden's first-team coach.

As well as Potter, John Eustace has been linked with the Rangers job, but the Birmingham City manager has insisted that he is "very, very happy" in his current role.

Beale is set to take charge of Rangers' Scottish Premiership clash away against basement club St Johnstone on Saturday.