Brighton should be wary about appointing Graham Potter, one pundit has warned – but others say he would be a “perfect fit” for the club.

Albion continue their search for a new head coach after the departure of Roberto De Zerbi and potential target Kieran McKenna will likely be out of the running as he is expected to sign a new contract with newly promoted Ipswich.

Now, Potter is considered among the favourites to succeed the Italian in what would be a divisive return to the club – and Ally McCoist says that uniting the fan base would be “absolutely vital” to success.

Speaking on talkSPORT’s breakfast show with Jeff Stelling, the former Rangers manager said: “I would have a massive question mark about the re-appointment of Graham Potter - not because of his ability, I think in many ways that would be a good move, but in terms of uniting a fan base which is absolutely vital.

“I think the split in Brighton fans would not be a good thing. I’m not sure it would be a good move for Potter or Brighton.”

READ MORE: Albion ready to take time over top appointment - if necessary

Potter has been touted as a potential replacement for De Zerbi, but some Albion fans have expressed concerns about the idea after his departure to Chelsea in 2022.

The reaction to rumours of his return, with him currently the bookie's favourite after McKenna dropped out of contention, proved that questions remain within some sections of fans.

But despite the divisions, former Times chief football writer Henry Winter maintained that Potter would be the “perfect fit” for Albion.

Speaking on Stelling and McCoist’s show on Wednesday, he said: “How upset will Brighton fans be if he settles quickly, the players respond to him, welcome him back and he gets some good results?

“Potter makes a lot of sense. They are such a well-run club, they will have had everything planned in terms of who they should look at and Potter seems the perfect fit to go back there.

“He will have to put out the olive branch to a few supporters but I think they would welcome him back.”

McCoist questioned whether it was worth upsetting a section of fans, adding that he thought the appointment was “probably as important as Brighton have had in the last three or four appointments”.