We Do Things Differently Says Swans Chairman

The money issue comes to the fore again on Derby weekend as Swansea City prepare to entertain their local neighbours.

The difference between the two sides on the money front could not be wider in reality.  Cardiff have a well publicised debt whilst the Swans have a relatively low debt that goes with their relatively low budget in reality.

But that is not something that plays on the mind of the Swans boardroom and it is clear that the Chairman is more than happy with the way things are progressing at the Liberty

“We think differently from everyone else in the Championship I think,” he told the Evening Post

“There’s a balance to be found when you’re running a football club and we try to do it within our income.

“We have tried to be realistic in terms of what we pay in wages and fees from day one.

“That’s why we brought in Roberto, whose policy is to work with lesser-known players and get them to improve.

“We are talking about players who haven’t had a chance at this level rather than players with experience.

“John Toshack mentioned how he was concerned about our lack of experience in the summer, and that’s what a lot of people think you need to succeed in the Championship.

“But we rely more on Roberto’s knowledge and, up to now, we are doing okay.

“You have to be strong,” adds the Swansea chief.

“If you are not, you will end up spending a lot of money to meet players’ demands.

“The nature of football is that you are tempted to spend that little bit more, but sometimes you have to let a player go or not sign a player.

“It’s not easy, but then when you play against sides who have spent a lot of money, as we have this season, you realise that spending is no guarantee of success.

“Any player you sign is a gamble, and we would rather gamble with a little less cash.

“Most clubs who are heavily in debt have either got backers who are prepared to put up guarantees or bank managers who will give out money based on the assets of the club,” says Jenkins.

“Clubs can borrow against their stadium, the land around the stadium or the players at the club.

“But the way we finance our club, we don’t even include players on the balance sheet as assets.

“The reason for that has been shown this week with Ferrie Bodde. Overnight he has become worthless until he gets fit again.

“It comes down to making good decisions and then having a bit of luck, which everybody needs.

“It’s about surrounding yourself with good people who put the club first, and the manager is key to that.”