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Graham Potter's exit for Chelsea 'isn't ideal' for Billy Gilmour after he swapped Stamford Bridge for south coast this summer, says Brighton's CEO Paul Barber... but he backs 'resilient' Scottish star to 'take it in his stride'

Billy Gilmour has been back to take Graham Potter's exit to Chelsea 'in his stride' despite the manager's departure being far from 'ideal' for the young midfielder, says Brighton CEO Paul Barber.

The 21-year-old midfielder left Chelsea on deadline day to move to the Amex Stadium for £9m.

He was initially unwilling to depart his boyhood club, but eventually opted to join the Seagulls after speaking to Potter, with Thomas Tuchel giving him the green light to leave Stamford Bridge.

Gilmour swapped Chelsea for Brighton this summer in a u00a39m move
Potter, just a week later, agreed to become Chelsea's new manager

Graham Potter (right) leaving for Chelsea is 'not ideal' for Billy Gilmour, admits Brighton CEO Paul Barber, after the Scottish midfielder left Stamford Bridge to work with Potter

Thomas Tuchel encouraged Gilmour to make the switch to Brighton to help his development

Potter unquestionably played a key role and given he is now no longer at the club questions have been asked about Gilmour's future on the south coast.