Chelsea's appointment of Graham Potter was both the expected choice and also the most unexpected. It's a move that goes against most of what Chelsea have become known for over the past 19 years but also shows where the new ownership group, fronted by Todd Boehly, want to go.
It is too easy to say that this is the same old Chelsea and that nothing is changed, and whilst on the face of it that seems right, nothing could be more wrong. Just by signing the five-year deal, Potter's first, and somewhat risky, deal at Stamford Bridge would keep him beyond the date of Thomas Tuchel's own extended contract.
Despite coming in with more acumen, experience and top-flight success, the German only received an 18-month contract. As it worked out, he would only stay on for 19 months.
READ MORE What happens to Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Premier League fixtures as The Queen dies aged 96
Fans of Potter, and the new manager himself, will say that there are almost no circumstances in which he shouldn't be allowed at least that before being too heavily critiqued. If Chelsea wants a long-term appointment, then giving their manager short-term leeway to develop and get the wheels in motion, especially with a mid-season appointment, is absolutely necessary.
Considering the calibre of manager that was available to Chelsea whilst they were set on a single-track pursuit of Potter. Both Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane provided more glamorous and 'typical Chelsea' names - the decision to go so heavily, decisively and quickly for Potter is proof of the clear state of mind the owners are in. Whether it's right or wrong.
It's also a move by the club that has been heavily lauded, with John Terry tweeting only last week: "How good is Graham Potter? I love how Brighton play, and he has to be one of the best young managers around.
"Ticks every box for me."
The former Chelsea captain, who is currently in a coaching consultancy role at the club, has also been backed up by someone even closer to the Chelsea manager's job. Jody Morris, Frank Lampard's assistant manager during his spell at the club, has also come out in support of Potter, saying, "No [I wouldn't prefer Pochettino]. I don't mean that in a bad way. I really, really value Pochettino, and I think he's a top coach, and he's performed great at Spurs and PSG, but if you ask me as a Chelsea fan, it's a little bit different.
"[Are you happier with Potter] Yeah. Purely and simply because he hasn't come from Spurs, and also Potter is an English coach, and I like to get behind English coaches, and I think he's great, and why not?"
Potter becomes just the fourth English Chelsea boss since the Premier League's formation, with Lampard being the only other British boss since 2000. He also becomes the fifth incoming from within the league, with Raheem Sterling, Wesley Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka and Marc Cucurella also switching allegiances this summer. It's clearly something valued highly by the new owners. With Potter's current experience of the league landscape, having been a Premier League manager for three years, there is an expectation of getting down to business swiftly.
Partly for this reason, Potter had been tipped for a future role managing his country, but Blues fans, Morris, Terry and Boehly alike will hope that if that is ever the case, it's a long way down the line.
READ MORE
- The one thing Graham Potter needs from Todd Boehly at Chelsea that Thomas Tuchel was not granted
- Five Chelsea loanees Graham Potter could turn into first-team stars after Thomas Tuchel sacking
- Pep Guardiola has already approved Chelsea Graham Potter appointment amid Thomas Tuchel sacking
- Ben Chilwell question, Aubameyang mess: Chelsea players who could lose in Graham Potter arrival
- Jamie Carragher makes brutal Roman Abramovich jibe as Chelsea sack Thomas Tuchel
