How Graham Potter's trip to Brighton beach resulted in three stitches and nasty facial injury

Potter appeared at his press conference ahead of Saturday’s trip to Sheffield United with heavy bruising below his left eye and a significant gash on his cheek.

But as reporters were ready to hear details of a daring deed or possible training ground incident, the 45-year-old bashfully explained that the cause was far more mundane.

“I would love to be able to tell you that there’s a heroic, chivalrous story here that I can make myself look really good but unfortunately I just missed my footing walking home on some steps and then went crashing into a metal railing,” he said. “And I have got a bit of whiplash on my back.

“Thankfully it’s only hit my cheek – it could have been worse!

When it was suggested his modelling days may now be over, he replied: “They were over a long, long time ago – if ever they started!”

Pressure on Potter was further eased on Tuesday evening by a battling goalless draw at Chelsea which moved the Seagulls seven points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.

Nevertheless, he suggested the painful fall shows he still has plenty to ponder ahead of the weekend trip to Bramall Lane.

Explaining the incident in more detail, he continued: “I can’t even blame it on anything.

“I was walking on the beach trying to look where I could shelter from some wind, missed my step, wasn’t thinking – probably had too much on my mind from the last few days.

“I look a little bit better, so the lady upstairs tell me in terms of I am looking a bit more rugged and handsome, but I think she’s crazy, of course.

"My wife witnessed it, she was walking behind me and saw it happen in slow motion. I would like to be able to tell a story about rescuing three baby seals or something, but unfortunately I walking up the steps by the groins.

"It was a bit windy and as I was looking for some shelter, hey ho, schoolboy error, I was not looking where I was going – something I tell my kids all the times – missed my step and went crashing onto the metal railing. It was a bit sore.

"I made sure I got TLC of course, and then it needed three stitches. Always look where you are going. Thankfully the club was doctor was in the vicinity and stitched it up. I am not great with needles, so I was pathetic as a patient."