Potter aims to recreate Swans identity
New boss Graham Potter believes the experience he gained at Swedish giant-killers Ostersund can only help him recreate a new Swans identity at the Liberty Stadium.
Potter signed a three-year contract at the club this afternoon following a seven-year stint in Sweden that took Ostersunds from the fourth-tier to the top flight and Europa League headlines.
“There are a lot of similarities with Ostersund and Swansea,’’ explained the 43-year-old.
“It’s about trying to build a football club identity that people can be proud of and can connect with. It’s not just about what happens on the pitch, but also getting that feeling of pride, togetherness and connectivity with the local community.
“I understand the frustration and disappointment following relegation. It’s the same for every football club in the world when you go down.
“The last two or three years have been a battle to stay in the Premier League, which is an unforgiving competition. Now we need to move on. The playing style is important, but it’s also about how we are as a club; how we connect and treat each other.
“All the times I’ve experienced Swansea City over the years, especially when they were successful, there’s not only been a clear playing style but also a feeling of togetherness at the club.
“I remember coming to Swansea on my days off from university to watch training and games when Roberto (Martinez) and Graeme (Jones) were in charge. It was when they were starting to build that Swansea philosophy, which was fascinating. But I also got that feeling of a strong family connection where everyone was working towards the same thing.
“The ‘Swansea Way’ was also about creating an identity where people felt they could go into any game and win. That was the mind-set.
“So, long-term it’s about building a sustainable club that people are proud of and that can function at the highest level for as long as possible.
“I know the supporters will get behind the team - they always have here.
“We are not miracle workers, just down to earth people that will try hard to create something people will be proud of.’’
