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Hartson’s Coming? Not So Sure…. |
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The reports state clearly that Hartson met with Huw Jenkins on Monday night, something not denied by the Chairman in any way. Indeed, he is quoted in the Western Mail to confirm the meeting although he does confirm that it is far from a done deal. It is also reported that Hartson watched the Swans in last night’s 3-2 win over Millwall at the Liberty Stadium and will sign initially on an initial loan with a permanent move in January. The speculation will be heightened by Roberto’s decision to call off Friday’s trip to Cheltenham as he cannot sign Hartson until the loan window opens at the end of the week. But is this really as clear cut as that. There is still the matter of Roberto deciding where Hartson fits into his plans for the club and final discussions. It has long since been speculated that Roberto does not want to bring Hartson to Swansea and that he doesn’t fit into the plans although it is understood that manager and player have had discussions over a possible move. Speaking in the Western Mail, Huw Jenkins says “The whole thing has been going on for a while. We’ve had a recent meeting. We are very hopeful of things reaching a satisfactory conclusion – although I must stress that nothing is yet settled. “We are reasonably optimistic. John coming to Swansea would certainly capture a lot of our followers’ imagination – it would be a high-profile capture.” In addition, a ‘source’ close to Hartson said that moving back to Swansea would complete a lifelong ambition for the former Arsenal, West Ham and Celtic player John has supported the Swans since his dad Cyril took him down the old Vetch Field on his shoulders,” the source said. “He loves the club and wants to fire the goals that would take Swansea into the Championship. He has longed for the day that he could wear the club’s shirt.” All the reports do indicate that there is more mileage in this than any of the speculation that has raged in the past but I also err on the side of caution when I think that Hartson has ‘signed’ for us in every window that has been open in the past season and a bit. He was signing when he left Celtic, was signing in January and has been signing all summer. I still look at us bringing in three strikers – four now if you include Feeney – over the summer ahead of Hartson which makes me wonder even more and until ink is dried on any contract then I won’t believe it is happening. I do firmly believe that John would love to play for Swansea – having spoken to him many years ago I believed it then as much as I do now – but the question remains does Swansea, and more importantly Swansea’s manager, want John to play for them. A recent poll on the site suggested a 50/50 split in the fanbase on whether Hartson should sign although there is little doubt that he would get the full support of the fans. For what it’s worth, I still don’t think that it is going to happen, I believe that the talks, the wages etc all went well but I still don’t think he fits into Roberto’s plans and, if that is the case, then that should be the end of it. Time will tell, could be an interesting 24 hours or so. What are your thoughts? Share your views on the Message Board |
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