Graham Potter discussing his new job. (Image: The PFA.)
has confirmed his new job as course co-director for the certificate in Football Psychology, Emotional Intelligence and Leadership at the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Business School.
Potter has been out of work since being sacked by in April 2023, though continues to be linked with positions back in the after successful spells at and .
He most recently has spoken with , with under increased scrutiny and calls for the former boss to lose his job.
But should he take over at the London Stadium, Potter will have to juggle that with his commitments to the PFA. Speaking after being appointed certificate co-director, he said: “In the end education helped me become a better person and a better player.
“In football you prepare all week and you lose a game, it doesn’t feel very good. Whereas studying gave me a sense you can work and achieve something and no one can take that away from you.
“You’ll always have that qualification, you’ve always got it. It was quite a nice balance to the volatile world of football. It’s quite exciting the PFA are doing this, it’s exciting they’re providing the opportunity for young players and old players to improve, to get qualifications, to tackle what comes at them in the next part of their lives in a positive way.
“I’m happy to support this. It gives you knowledge, it gives you clarity of thought. It’s an investment not just in the now, in terms of how you are, but an investment in your future.
“My degree I got, how many years ago now? I don’t want to remember! But through the PFA’s help, it was a foundation for me and my career in management.
Julen Lopetegui is under immense pressure at West Ham. (Image: Getty)
“Without that degree I wouldn’t have got that job, it was a graduate position. I think education, education, education. Somebody’s probably said that before but it’s something I would really advise.”
Potter is joined as co-director by performance analyst Lee Richardson, with the course taking place across 10 months of the academic school year, from November to the following October.
It remains to be seen how much of an impact the course will have on Potter potentially taking charge at West Ham, having reportedly held talks with club chiefs over the possibility of replacing Lopetegui.
The Hammers have picked up eight points from their last eight games and sit 14th in the league table, with Lopetegui considered on borrowed time and .
West Ham sporting director Tim Steidten has also been asked to stay away from the club’s training ground by Lopetegui, according to the , amid criticism over his signings, though that suggestion has been refuted by the Hammers.
Potter is said to be open to returning to London on a short-term basis, which could see him take over until the end of the season when both parties would re-evaluate their situation.