Chelsea chiefs were split on the timing of of Graham Potter's sacking last season.

Potter, who was tempted from Brighton with the season underway, was dismissed in April with Frank Lampard eventually arriving in a caretaker capacity for the remainder of the season.

However, such was Potter's struggles that the board were discussing his axe BEFORE Christmas.

Football.London says there were some members of the club's board that wanted him gone right at the beginning of 2023, but he was given until April.

Chelsea are now being led by Mauricio Pochettino, with the Argentine also under pressure after a poor first-half of the season.