Planet Swans ArchivesSwansea City have handed the managerial reigns at the Liberty Stadium to Roberto Martinez and possibly Graham Barrow who take over from Kenny Jackett who left the club last week.
Martinez was club captain up to his release at the end of last season – something which was widely criticised by the supporters who felt that he still had plenty to offer to the club. Barrow was the man who bought Roberto to Wigan when he was manager of the club and the two have retained a close relationship ever since. However, Chester have stated in a statement via their official site that Barrow will remain a member of their coaching staff
Martinez beat off the challenge of other candidates who included Dean Saunders, Gary Megson and Andy Richie to take charge of the side and it is rumoured that several ‘big’ names in football may have sung the praises of the midfielder who has excelled for Chester this season.
Martinez was given an ultimatum to make his mind up regards Swansea after talks with Huw Jenkins yesterday at a hotel in Chester.
At 33, Roberto will become one of the youngest managers in League history.
Earlier in the week when talking about the speculation, Roberto had said
“Swansea City is a fantastic football club, it’s in my heart and the problem is that they are living in a division where they don’t belong,”
And although he refused to state that it was a job that interested him he did add “If Chester City get into a position that they allow me to consider the situation (at Swansea), then I’ll be able to think about it,
“At the moment I’m just thinking about next Wednesday’s big game with Bury.
“It would be very disrespectful of me to try and talk about the Swansea job when I’m contracted to Chester and have another year after this season.
“But Swansea will always be in my heart whatever happens.”
