Chelsea dismiss manager Graham Potter

Graham Potter’s short-lived spell as Chelsea boss is over – with the west London club confirming a parting of the ways this evening.

The final straw for the Blues hierarchy was a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday night.

The result leaves them in the bottom half of the Premier League despite a huge financial outlay on new players.

Potter was headhunted from Brighton seven months ago.

“Chelsea FC has announced that Graham Potter has departed the club,” said the club in a statement. “Graham has agreed to collaborate with the club to facilitate a smooth transition.

“In his time with the club, Graham has taken us to the quarter-final of the Champions League, where we will face Real Madrid. Chelsea would like to thank Graham for all his efforts and contribution and wish him well for the future.”

Bruno Saltor has been appointed interim head coach.

Co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali said: “On behalf of everyone at the club, we want to thank Graham sincerely for his contribution to Chelsea. We have the highest degree of respect for Graham as a coach and as a person. He has always conducted himself with professionalism and integrity and we are all disappointed in this outcome.

“Along with our incredible fans, we will all be getting behind Bruno and the team as we focus on the rest of the season.

“We have 10 Premier League games remaining and a Champions League quarter-final ahead. We will put every effort and commitment into every one of those games so that we can end the season on a high.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD