Interviews

Potter: We're in no rush to replace White

Head coach happy with centre-backs currently at the club.

By Charlie Hanson • 31 July 2021

By Paul Hazlewood
Albion boss Graham Potter is looking forward to welcoming fans back to the Amex.

Graham Potter wants to find 'a solution' to Ben White’s departure from the players currently available to him.

The 23-year-old signed for Arsenal on Friday afternoon, in what was a record transfer received for an Albion player, but the head coach is happy with the quality that remains within his defensive ranks.

“We have got enough competition in the centre-back area, we have enough good players and can be flexible with how we set up," he said. "You can't replace a player of that value; you have to look to find a solution in the squad, but we are in a good place at the moment.

“We wish Ben well, he has been fantastic. His journey from the academy to Newport County, to Peterborough, to Leeds United is fantastic for him. To then get a move to Arsenal is a great achievement for him and the club. 

“It is a proud moment for everyone connected with the club and I am really pleased for Ben. The fee gives us a fantastic opportunity to develop the club and progress the team."

Potter was speaking after Albion’s first win of pre-season, a 3-1 victory against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road.

“I thought we played well in the first half especially; we controlled the game, created some good chances and scored some good goals. I was really pleased for Enock [Mwepu] to get off the mark.

“I am disappointed in their goal, which was from an error, and that made the start of the second half a little bit more competitive. It is something we just have to accept and learn from, but in the end our response was good and it was nice for Percy [Tau] to score the third.

“There were lots of young players on the pitch getting minutes towards the end of the game. It was a really good afternoon for us.”