After seeing Brenda Spencer admit that they had been unable to conclude the deal for Roberto in time to greet the press at the JJB Stadium today, their chairman Dave Whelan said that he would not pay any more for the backroom staff and the poor man thinks it unfair that we don't just give them pick of who they want.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Whelan said 'We had agreed a deal with Roberto over the weekend and everything was finalised yesterday
"We had agreed compensation with Swansea for taking Roberto and then suddenly we get a telephone call saying that we had to pay compensation for certain members of his staff who want to join us.
"We didn't expect that and we don't think we should have to pay that. We have been fair with Swansea.
"Roberto is a gentleman and has gone back to Swansea to speak with the chairman to see if it can be resolved as soon as possible.
"I think it is most unfair of the chairman to say that we have done anything wrong. We have done everything within the rules and regulations.
"I am not bothered if the other three don't come. If Swansea want to keep them then let them stay there, if the chairman can persuade them to work for him.
"I have agreed everything with Roberto and I expect everything to be ironed out over the next one or two days."
Earlier Whelan had watched Spencer tell the assembled press – ready to question the new manager who was unable to appear – "We have an agreement with Roberto verbally but he cannot sign at the moment to be our manager until Swansea sign the agreement between the two clubs
"It's absolutely frustrating because at no time over the last week have Swansea ever mentioned anything about backroom staff.
"We have agreement for Roberto, we just have to see what compensation they want (for the rest). Unfortunately we cannot get hold of their chairman at the moment," Spencer added.
"We just have to get on to Swansea about compensation for backroom staff.
"We hope to get something sorted today or tomorrow but certainly early next week. At about 11am this morning we did think this was something we could sort out in time but until we get hold of the Swansea chairman there is not much we can do.
"I'd just say to the fans to hold on tight and keep their fingers crossed and their toes crossed and hopefully Roberto will be our manager today or tomorrow.
"Until we get hold of the chairman from Swansea there's not really much we can do. I know he's a very busy man and does not work full-time at the club."
She added: "I really don't know the chairman of Swansea. I wouldn't like to think he is doing it deliberately. We have tried the club and he's not there, and he's not answering his mobile.
"I had a meeting with Roberto last night with the chairman. That's where he mentioned staff he would like to bring along.
"A couple of the staff he wants to bring are out of contract so there is no issue there. Two of the staff he wants to bring are under contract."
This article first appeared on JACKARMY.net.