Swansea City chairman Andy Coleman has issued a lengthy statement to the club's supporters, acknowledging their frustrations over the Russell Martin saga that dragged on for weeks before finally ending with his departure on Wednesday evening.
Coleman said he has been unable to communicate with supporters due to legal factors surrounding the compensation battle with Southampton that appears to not quite be over yet.
The US businessman revealed Head of Football Operations Josh Marsh is to stay at the club after positive discussions, with news of a new manager and other appointments coming soon. The new first team boss is expected to be Barnsley boss Michael Duff.
Coleman added: "While I appreciate this has been an uncertain time, after spending several weeks working closely with the brilliant and hard-working staff at Swansea City, I am really excited about the future.
"I believe this club is in a good position to start driving forward, but we need to get better.
"I am prepared to work hard with all the departments here on the ground to get us where we need to be."
You can read Coleman's message to supporters in full below
I want to start by acknowledging how frustrating the past month will have been for supporters.
In my first address as chairman, I said that communication and transparency were extremely important and, while I stand by that, I am aware that supporters will feel those two elements have not been delivered on in recent weeks.
I know you are frustrated and I am as well.
It has been an extremely challenging period since the 2022-23 season came to an end and I can appreciate that fans will have plenty of questions on a number of fronts.
Due to the compensation complexities and the legalities of the process, it has been difficult for either myself or the club to comment publicly on Russell’s departure to Southampton.
Under the circumstances, it was not possible to keep supporters fully informed while that process was ongoing.
When I arrived at the club, I also spoke about putting the interests of the club first, and it was important that we stood firm on the issue of compensation to ensure that we weren’t settling for less than we deserved and were entitled to contractually.
We will continue to fight for what we are owed and you should expect us to do just that.
We will also update supporters regarding a new first-team coaching staff in due course.
Russell gave his all for this club in two years here and I know he had a strong bond with you, the supporters.
I am also fully confident that our new head coach will further strengthen those bonds.
The nature of the football industry means that a club like ours have to be prepared and have contingencies in place should a head coach move on, and we hope to have news on that very soon.
That will be an individual who fits the playing philosophy, fits the identity we have in place, and who can build on the positive end to last season.
They will also continue to develop and grow a young and dynamic group of players into a competitive Championship outfit who are always battling for promotion.
Whilst a new first-team coaching setup has been our number one priority in recent weeks, work has also been taking place to ensure we have a robust and organised structure to player recruitment.
Following positive conversations with Josh Marsh, I’m delighted that he will be staying on at the club and we anticipate continuing to strengthen our football department, and again I hope to have news regarding that in due course.
Everyone knows how important this summer is for the club and I do believe the hard work that has been going on behind the scenes will put us in a great position going forward into the new season.
It was great that Kyle Naughton signed a new contract to stay with us for another year, because he has been a fantastic servant to this club over a long period of time.
With a young squad and a new head coach coming in, it’s vitally important that we have experienced players who know this club alongside them, and Kyle is a prime example of a player who is held in high regard by everyone both inside and outside of the dressing room at Swansea City.
I have been in regular contact with the Supporters’ Trust since my arrival at the club, seeking to provide transparency and clarity where possible, and I look forward to continuing to build a strong relationship with them throughout my time here.
My partners and I agree that a single voice for ownership is what is in the best interests of the club, and I look forward to providing that for you.
While I appreciate this has been an uncertain time, after spending several weeks working closely with the brilliant and hard-working staff at Swansea City, I am really excited about the future.
I believe this club is in a good position to start driving forward, but we need to get better.
I am prepared to work hard with all the departments here on the ground to get us where we need to be, and both myself and my family cannot wait to be in Swansea full time from August 1.
Take good care.
Andy
