Graham Potter has said he is “ready and really excited” to make his return to management after more than a year out of the game since his sacking by Chelsea.

Potter is believed to be among the front-runners to replace Gareth Southgate as the new England manager, although in an interview on Thursday he refused to discuss the national team vacancy.

Speaking after being awarded an honorary doctorate at Leeds Beckett University, Potter said that he has had talks with “lots of clubs” about potential managerial roles but that he is still waiting for the right opportunity to present itself.

Telegraph Sport has reported that the former Swansea City and Brighton manager was of interest to Leicester City earlier this summer, and that he had also caught the eye of Dutch giants Ajax.

Asked by Sky Sports about the England job, Potter said: “Today is not the day to speak about that. I’m proud of the job Gareth Southgate did. As an Englishman in football, I don’t think there’s anybody who has more respect than he has, how he conducted himself, him and his staff, qualifying for tournaments, going deep into tournaments, getting the country behind the team.

“He’s done an amazing job. I’d like to wish him well, I hope he has a nice break, and wish him well for whatever he decides to do next.”

Potter said he has been in no rush to return to football after his time at Chelsea, which was brought to an end after less than seven months in charge at Stamford Bridge.

“I spoke to lots of teams and lots of clubs but it was recognising that journey [he had been on as a coach] was a long journey, a tough journey,” Potter said. “Unless the right opportunity came along I wasn’t rushing to go back into football. It had to be right for me.

“I spoke to a few clubs but it wasn’t the right thing. It was important I was patient and waited for the right opportunity and took the time with the family to reflect and think about what I wanted to do. Now I’m in that good place where I’m happy to be ready and looking forward to the next challenge.

“I’ve had a great break. The journey from where I started to where I finished doesn’t come for free. Moving three countries, with a young family and all that comes with being a football manager. It was important for me to take a break, reflect and re-energise. It was a good time to look at other things, other sports, other teams and visit places. I feel really ready, really excited to be back when the right opportunity comes.”