Chelsea manager Graham Potter's path to the very top

Born: May 20, 1975 in Solihull, England

PLAYING CAREER

* Began his career as a left back at second-tier Birmingham City in 1992 before spending a season on loan at Wycombe Wanderers.

* Played for Stoke City before moving to the Premier League with Southampton, where he was part of the side that recorded a famous 6-3 win over Manchester United during the 1996-97 season.

* Earned one cap for England at Under-21 level.

* Had spells at West Bromwich Albion, York City and Boston United before ending his career at League Two Macclesfield Town in 2005.

COACHING CAREER

* Worked as technical director for the Ghana women's team at the 2007 World Cup and became assistant coach for Leeds Metropolitan University.

* Named manager of fourth division Swedish side Ostersund in 2010.

* Led Ostersund to back-to-back promotions before guiding the side to the Swedish top flight in 2015-16. The club finished eighth in their debut season in the first division.

* Won the Swedish Cup in 2017 and led Ostersund to the Europa League group stage after coming through qualifying.

* Appointed head coach of Championship club Swansea City ahead of the 2018-19 season, where they finished 10th.

* Took over at Brighton & Hove Albion in May 2019 and led them to 15th and 16th in his first two seasons.

* Brighton ended last season in ninth place, their highest top-flight finish.

* Joined Chelsea on a five-year contract as a replacement for Thomas Tuchel.

COACHING STYLE

* Known for his slick, possession-based style of football.

* Encourages players and staff to use dance and music as forms of self-expression. He got his Ostersund squad to put on a performance of the ballet Swan Lake for the local community.