Brighton and Hove Albion prepare to announce new manager this afternoon

Brighton and Hove Albion are preparing to confirm Graham Potter as the club’s new manager at a press conference at 4.30pm today (Monday 20 May).

Swansea City boss Potter, who turns 44 today, is expected to bring his backroom team with him from the Swans to the Seagulls.

They include assistant manager Billy Reid, coach Bjorn Hamberg and Kyle Macaulay, the head of recruitment.

Albion are expected to compensate Swansea by paying the Welsh club between £2 million and £3 million after Potter turned down a new contract with the Championship side.

He would take over from Chris Hughton who left after Brighton finished 17th in the Premier League – just one place above the relegation zone.

The team managed just 14 points – from three wins and five draws – in the second half of the season. They suffered 11 defeats.

After the 19th of their 38 matches – a 1-1 draw at home to Arsenal – Albion had 22 points from six wins and four draws.

Wales Online said at lunchtime: “Swansea City boss Graham Potter is on the verge of taking over the hot seat at Brighton.

“The Premier League side have called a press conference for 4.30pm when Potter is expected to be unveiled.

“Swansea had rejected an initial approach from the Premier League side and had offered to make Potter one of the best paid managers in the Championship in a desperate attempt to convince him to stay at the club.

“However, Swansea’s offer clearly hasn’t been enough to persuade him to stay and he looks highly likely to take his backroom staff with him to the south coast after Brighton met the terms of his compensation package which is believed to be just over £2 million.

“The club have already begun the search for Potter’s replacement although they are yet to draw up an official shortlist.”