Michael Reeves
The whole situation of Russell Martin and his managerial move to Southampton is still dragging on with reports at the weekend suggesting that Southampton are prepared to wait until post 14th June when their relegation is “confirmed”
The report suggests that there is a total stalemate in discussions between the two sides with the compensation being the sticking point on the issue as to whether Southampton are a Premier League or Championship club at this point in time.
It’s pretty clear that they want Martin, Martin wants to go there and Swansea are seemingly happy to let him go which should suggest – at most levels of logic – that even with a sticking point as relatively trivial as this should be able to be closed off much quicker than is actually being proved at the moment.
To recap the issue is as simple (!) as whether Southampton are a Premier League or Championship club. The answer to that dictates the compensation that the Swans will be entitled to when Martin heads to St Mary’s. And we still say when rather than if because there is a widespread belief that agreement will be reached, the question is whether it will be reached amicable.
Martin is believed to have agreed personal terms with the Saints which led to the reports of a few weeks ago when his appointment was meant to be imminent. It is therefore quite incredible that the two boards have not come to some level of agreement on compensation even over the sticking point that is going around at the moment.
Yesterday, journalist Alan Nixon stated that Southampton were waiting to name Martin when they lose their Premier League status which frankly is not helpful from a Swansea City perspective. It would, I suspect, also lead to additional legal challenges from a Swans perspective given our current stance is that Southampton were (are) a Premier League club when talks commenced with the Swansea manager.
The report though tells you just how bad the stalemate has been between the two clubs and hopefully will trigger some interest from both sides to try and reach a swifter conclusion which surely must benefit both clubs rather than this stand off.
The reports on how much difference there is between the two compensation packages has been wide ranging but there is – and always will be – a conclusion to be reached if both parties want to make it happen. And surely on this occasion they do? Don’t they?
But for now, it seems, the delays rumble on and we are left in some level of state of limbo.
We always seem to be in this situation. Where proceedings drag on and on -Gylfi , Cooper,Joe Rodon.
It will always be so while these owners remain in charge .
The reason is simple – our success as a football club is nowhere near the top of their list .
If we somehow get into the play offs or even Premier League – great they adaot their business plan,but there’s no plan or ambition to do so
As long as we stay in the championship and keep producing players at low cost that they can sell at aprofit and squirrel away some money they are happy
Southampton fans get ready for the excuse on no pre season when he drags your club down . Never met a manger with such a high ego and everyone else’s fault. Be glad when he’s gone .
But also shame on Southampton. What an embarrassment
Hey Saints, your reputation and integrity is being tarnished. You was (& still are) a Premier League Club and approached RM when you was still playing Premier League Games. So basically, pay up the full amount or shut up. RM if your possible future board of directors do not honour the value as stated in YOUR contract, they are no Saints are they!! RM this should worry you for the future. The grass is sometimes not as green as it looks. If the deal falls apart then you will remain a Swans Employee and your job will be redeployed to our our U18’s or Academy until your contract ends in 2024.
Did Southampton seek permission to talk to Martin,if not surely they are breaking fa rules
Pathetic loser Yanks get out of our city. They are an anembarasment to.all who love the Swans. Just a bunch of losers, no commitment to developing a successful club. If we allow these scavengers to continue we will.regret not taking action. Its not about RM, managers will.come and go. The real problem are this board of loosers with no feeling for football.
Saints fan here! Gotta admit this is becoming a bit of a joke now, for the sake of £750k (1 of the more spoken about differences I’ve seen) we’re being petty about it! He doesn’t exactly fill me with confidence with what I’ve seen you Swans fan sayin but time will tell. Good luck for next season guys!