Potter hails ‘fantastic’ return of fans

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Head coach on 1-1 draw against Chelsea as Amex hosted spectators for the first time in six months.

Bruce Talbot

2020-08-29T16:40:00Z

Graham Potters gives the Albion fans a thumbs up after the 1-1 draw against Chelsea.

Head coach Graham Potter hailed the return of fans to the Amex as a ‘fantastic’ step forward.

A crowd of 2500 saw a 1-1 draw with Chelsea as supporters returned to the stadium for the first time in six months.

“I thought it was a fantastic day – a small step to getting back to normal as soon as we can safely do so,” said Potter.

2500 supporters watch on as the Seagulls draw 1-1 with Chelsea.

“It was so nice to see fans here because as we know it brings a completely different dynamic to the stadium and I thought they made a lot of noise and really got involved in the game. Hopefully they enjoyed the performance as well.

“I think people at the club deserve a lot of credit for the work that has gone in and hopefully it was the first successful step to a return to normal at some stage in the future.”

Albion came from behind following Timo Werner’s early goal for Chelsea to level through Pascal Gross’s 90th-minute penalty after Neal Maupay missed from the spot just after the break.

Pascal Gross beats WIlly Caballero from the penalty spot.

“I thought it was a good workout for both teams,” added Potter. “It’s a pre-season game so there are always lots of changes but I was very happy with our performance against a strong Chelsea team.

“We introduced one or two younger players as well and they have brought a freshness and energy to the group which is always good to see.”

The only setback for Potter came when goalkeeper Christian Walton had to be stretchered off in the second half with an ankle injury.

Potter said: “We don’t know the extent of it yet but it’s quite swollen and he will go to hospital to have it checked out.”