Adam Lallana to take charge of Brighton on temporary basis

Callum Boyle

Lallana will oversee first team duties

Adam Lallana will take charge of Brighton and Hove Albion on a temporary basis following the departure of Graham Potter to Chelsea.

Potter was appointed as the new Chelsea boss on Wednesday and has taken a number of first team staff to Stamford Bridge.

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As a result, Lallana will work alongside Andrew Crofts and take charge of the side for their game against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.

Lallana is injured at present and the 34-year-old isn’t expected to be fit until their their game against Liverpool on October 1, by which time the Seagulls will hope to have had a replacement in place.

A statement from Brighton’s chairman Tony Bloom said: “I am very disappointed that Graham will be leaving us. He has done exceptionally well over the past three-and-a-bit seasons, he is an exceptional head coach and an exceptional person. He will be hugely missed at our football club.

“He leaves an excellent legacy for his successor with the club in its highest ever position, and on the back of leading us to our highest finish in the club’s history last season.

“While our attention is now on appointing Graham’s successor as head coach our immediate focus, of course, is on Saturday’s game at Bournemouth and supporting Andrew Crofts as interim head coach.”

Meanwhile after the news of his appointment, Potter told Chelsea: “I am incredibly proud and excited to represent Chelsea FC, this fantastic football club. I am very excited to partner with Chelsea’s new ownership group and look forward to meeting and working with the exciting group of players and to develop a team and culture that our amazing fans can be proud of.

“I would also like to place my sincere thanks to Brighton & Hove Albion for allowing me this opportunity and in particular Tony Bloom and all the players, staff and supporters for their continued support during my time at the club.”