Jo Potter explains decision to quit Rangers for Crystal Palace | OneFootball

Jo Potter has left Rangers to become the new manager of Crystal Palace. Credit: Crystal Palace

Former England star Jo Potter has explained her decision to quit Rangers to become the new manager of Crystal Palace.

Potter leaves Rangers after two successful seasons at the club, with the Scottish side set to receive a compensation fee.

Rangers won the Scottish Women’s Cup and Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup in back-to-back seasons under Potter. However, they missed out on the Scottish Women’s Premier League title on the final day in both seasons.

She joins a Crystal Palace side who are fresh off their relegation from the Women’s Super League (WSL). The Eagles spent just one season in the WSL and parted ways with two managers during their short spell in the top-flight.

Why did Jo Potter leave Rangers for Crystal Palace?

New Crystal Palace boss Jo Potter said that leaving Rangers was “one of the hardest decisions” she has ever made.

It was first reported on Tuesday that Potter was expected to leave Rangers to become the new manager of Palace.

In a message to Rangers fans via the club’s social media account, she said: “It’s been a privilege to work with an incredible group of players and staff, and deliver silverware to the club. Something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

A special thanks go to the supporters who have backed the team and I at every turn. I will miss meeting you all after the games, the songs, and celebrating trophies with you.

“I know the future for this group and club will continue to be bright, and know I will always be a supporter from afar.”

In a separate message to Crystal Palace fans via the club’s announcement, she said that she is “extremely honoured” to join the Eagles and is “looking forward to coming in and hitting the ground running”.

She added: “I know there’s huge ambition running throughout the club. I had a really good conversation with Steve Parish and could see how important the women’s team are to him and his aspirations for this club.

“It’s a massive place to be right now. We want to make sure we’ve got the network and the environment right, so we’re able to make this season successful.

“My message to the fans is that we are going to fight. We are going to fight with you and for you. We want to see you bring the noise and support the team.”

Rangers look for Jo Potter replacement

Rangers in their statement confirming Jo Potter’s departure, thanked the former Lioness for her success at the club.

Women’s football managing director, Donald Gillies, also hinted that a replacement will be found in the coming weeks.

He said: “On behalf of everyone at Rangers, we wish Jo all the very best for her new role at Crystal Palace. The search has now begun for our new head coach. I look forward to updating our supporters on that in the coming weeks.”

Gillies also credited Potter for leaving the club in a better place than when she first arrived in 2023.