Potter ready for "special" FA Cup weekend
Graham Potter is eager to get his first taste of managing in the FA Cup as Swansea City prepare for a "special" weekend in the football calendar.
The Swans travel to face Aston Villa in the third round on Saturday as clubs from the top two divisions enter the fray in the famous knock-out competition.
Swansea reached the quarter-finals for the first time in 54 years last season, while Villa Park was the venue for their semi-final appearance against Preston back in 1964.
Potter featured for several clubs in the FA Cup as a player, and has fond memories of expectantly watching the final on TV as a youngster.
Which means the chance to take charge of a side in the competition is one he is relishing.
"The third round of the FA Cup is special, there is no such thing as an easy game," he said.
""I remember the competition more as a kid, the final was the day I looked forward to the most. It was the end of the season, summer was about to arrive and there was a big build-up on TV with all the supporters.
"I particularly remember the Liverpool v Wimbledon shock (in 1988) and I am glad it has maintained a special feel. It's a great competition.
"I didn't have too many highs or shocks as a player, I must say, but it's one I look forward to as a manager and a head coach."
Potter may not have too many notable FA Cup moments to recall from his playing days, but he has already enjoyed knock-out success as a manager.
In 2017 he led FK Ostersund to glory in the Swedish Cup, beating IFK Norrkoping 4-1 in the final and teeing up their remarkable Europa League campaign.
"It was amazing for the club and everybody, the day itself is one I will remember for the rest of my life, and it provided a springboard for the European adventure we had," he added.
"It was an amazing experience, and I think with the FA Cup it is a chance for supporters to take a break form the league and just to focus on the dream.
"It's the FA Cup and the possibility to win on any given day. That's the beauty of football."
