Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Thu 12 March 2026 14:00, UK

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Former West Ham United manager Graham Potter has signed a four-year extension to his contract with the Sweden international team.

The 50-year-old was sacked by the Hammers in September and hired by Sweden in October, but he has taken charge of just two games so far, winning neither.

Potter’s first game in charge saw his side smashed 4-1 by Switzerland, before they were held to a 1-1 draw by Slovenia.

Sweden are due to face Ukraine and either Poland or Albania later this month in a play-off tie to go to this year’s World Cup.

The former West Ham manager left the Irons in the Premier League’s relegation zone, losing five of their opening six games of the season.

Sweden fans up in arms about Graham Potter decision

Potter has a history with Sweden, having gotten his start with fourth-tier side Ostersund in 2010.

The former left-back had called time on his playing career five years earlier, and caught some eyes managing Northern Counties East League Division One side Leeds Carnegie.

Potter’s time with OFK was a massive success. The manager secured successive promotions immediately after his appointment, and took his team to the Swedish top flight in 2015.

After winning the Svenska Cupen in 2017, Ostersund would qualify for the Europa League, a campaign which saw them record a historic 2-1 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Potter left for Swansea City in 2018 but has retained a connection to Sweden – even speaking the language fluently in his first press conference after being named manager of the international team.

But fans were left confused and frustrated by the confirmation on Thursday that he will be under contract until 2030.

Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Celtic considered Potter, but that idea appears to have been put to bed by the news.

“Extremely stupid,” wrote one fan. “Please explain this decision. SVFF continues to embarrass themselves. He hasn’t proven anything, but you give him a five-year contract.”

Another asked the question that was likely on everyone’s lips when they saw the news, asking: “Shouldn’t we wait until after the World Cup qualifiers?”

“HOW can you extend his contract when he hasn’t even shown anything? What a joke of a board we have,” wrote another bemused Sweden fan.

Sweden explain Potter extension

Potter’s time at West Ham was disastrous but there remains little doubt that he is a good tactician.

The international stage, where there is less club politics to focus on, could be the ideal home for his style of management.

“I am incredibly happy about the continued collaboration with Graham Potter, who is a solid person whose leadership I appreciate and have strong faith in,” said Niclas Carlnen, Swedish FA’s secretary general, after Potter’s extension was announced.

“The long-term perspective gives players and managers peace of mind and the opportunity to create continuity in their activities with a view to future championships.

“Our national teams are of great importance to Swedish football and to many people around the country. Now we look forward to the coming years, but first and foremost, hopefully a World Cup summer.”