Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Mathew Davies

Movement expected at Swansea City as sequence of two events to put wheels in motion

It was last Saturday that saw national reports state Russell Martin had “verbally agreed” to become Southampton’s new manager.

The Saints, relegated from the Premier League, had identified the Swansea City head coach as the man to spearhead their Championship campaign next term and get them back in the top flight at the first time of asking.

Since then, over the next eight days of so, that speculation turned from reports to something a lot more concrete.

READ MORE: Former USA boss Gregg Berhalter among candidates in the running for Swansea City job

It is a matter of when, not if, Martin swaps south Wales for the south coast of England, and Swansea’s job of rebuilding will start again.

The past week has been a frustrating one for supporters; few like playing the waiting game in situations like this by this is what usually happens when a manager leaves for a new club.

The Swansea City Supporters’ Trust released a statement earlier this week to expand on the circumstances playing out.

"We are aware of the speculation and news stories that have been circulating regarding changes to the senior management, coaching staff, and playing squad in recent days and weeks," the Trust wrote. "The Trust would like to assure all members and supporters that we are continuing to both consult with and ask questions to the majority owners at every available opportunity to protect the interests of the club and of course our members and supporters. Our Trust Officers are working extremely hard to get the latest information and updates and are in daily discussions with new club chairman Andy Coleman.

"We have impressed on Andy the need to keep supporters updated on the latest developments but accept that there are things that cannot currently be shared with supporters. Andy understands this frustration and we’re assured that when an update can be shared, he is committed to doing so.

"The reason that no official communications have been forthcoming is due to complicated legal and confidentiality aspects, which could have meaningful financial implications on the club if shared in advance by ourselves in our capacity as shareholders of Swansea City AFC, or by the club itself.

"Our Trust officers will be having further conversations with Andy Coleman again today and we all hope to see announcements being made through the official club channels in the very near future."

We could now, however, see some movement. Southampton play their final game of the season today against Liverpool at St Mary’s, bringing the curtain down on a miserable campaign which saw them sack two managers and slip through the top tier trapdoor.

Reports from Hampshire state the club will see cutbacks and redundancies due to relegation - with current boss Ruben Selles the most high-profile casualty.

Once the final game of the term is over, one suspects Martin’s appointment - or at least the process of appointment - will be rubberstampted. Indeed, it would not be a surprise to see him take in the match this afternoon.

That, in turn, will set the wheels in motion for Swansea’s own managerial search, which will no doubt have started unofficially anyway.

The names in the frame so far include Plymouth Argyle's Steven Schumacher, former Swansea coach Chris Davies and former Brighton boss Oscar Garcia, while WalesOnline understands ex-USA boss Gregg Berhalter is under consideration.

Julian Winter left his post with Swansea this week, with the chief executive leaving SA1 after nearly three years at the Swansea.com Stadium helm.

New chairman Andy Coleman will now oversee the day-to-day running of the club.

Luton Town’s victory in the Championship play-off final on Saturday could now grease the wheels over talks to bring the Hatters' chief operating officer Paul Watson on board as a sporting director, although whether the club's promotion to the Premier League changes the landscape at all remains to be seen.

Whatever, it appears that after a period of inactivity, there is set to be movement in the coming days in Landore.

READ MORE:

Former USA boss Gregg Berhalter among candidates in the running for Swansea City job

Swansea City transfer news as striker target undergoes medical, Selles makes statement and duo eye Swans talent

Brendan Rodgers to Tottenham could knock new favourite from Swans job shortlist

Who is Swansea City-linked Oscar Garcia Junyent

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.