THE lack of opportunities for British coaches is a gripe well-documented, but one man from these shores is showing that European glory can be achieved away from the Premier League big boys.
And the little-known Englishman is now carving out quite the reputation for himself after his Ostersund side reached the Europa League knock-out stages.
Graham Potter, a former midfielder for Stoke City, is being hailed as miracle worker for the job he is doing at the Swedish minnows.
He took over the club back in 2011 after they had just been relegated to the fourth division.
But just six years later he is the toast of the town after his side beat FK Zorya last night to book their spot in the last 32 of the Europa League with a group game still to spare.
And the 42-year-old admits it feels like he is living in a real-life sci-fi movie.
Potter said: “We’re watching science fiction. From the beginning of the season no one had believed it, but we have done it and we deserve it.
“Especially at home we have played well, against Athletic Bilbao we deserved more than a draw but we have scored 10 points now against big clubs.
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“The players have been fantastic, their understanding has evolved. The Galatasaray matches (winning 3-1 on aggregate in qualifying match) made self-confidence grow and the PAOK match (going through on away goals after 2-0 home win) was an incredible evening.
“We have some really good players here who have developed and grown. They are an honour for themselves and their families, I am proud of them.”
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Potter will now be hoping to write another chapter to his fairytale story once the formalities of the group stage are over.
Ostersund will discover their opponents for the knockouts in February when the draw is made on Monday 11 December in Nyon, Switzerland.
Potter’s men will be joined by the eight teams who finished third in the Champions League group stages.
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