Russell Martin is poised to leave Swansea City after nearly two years in charge.
It's understood Martin has agreed to join the Saints, following their relegation from the Premier League, with the club's hierarchy keen to implement a more possession-heavy style in their bid to bounce back to the top flight at the first time of asking.
At the time of writing, there hasn't yet been an approach from Southampton in regards to compensation and other formalities. However, it's understood a move is now almost certain to materialise.
Attention will inevitably soon turn to who replaces Martin, and a number of potential names have already floated around, both in the press and on social media.
Here's a quick rundown on a few of them.
Nathan Jones
He's the first name to have been mentioned in light of Martin's imminent departure, but there's little question he'd be a divisive appointment. His two hugely successful spells at Luton Town arguably laid down the foundations for the Hatters' Premier League dream this season. However, his stints with Stoke City, and more recently Southampton, were largely disappointing. Even so, it's his affinity to bitter rivals Cardiff City that would likely be the biggest problem for many. Indeed, he's also been linked the current vacancy in the capital. Certain sources in SA1 already have doubts, although interestingly it's not yet been completely dismissed. Indeed, the club are still working on a move to bring Luton COO Paul Watson to the club, and the pair do have history. We'll see...
Brian Barry-Murphy
Was another name to have been linked with Cardiff recently. He's currently the head coach of Manchester City's under-21s side after spending two years in charge of Rochdale, where he earned praise for his possession-based style. It was enough to catch the eye of Pep Guardiola, who's entrusted the 44-year-old with the responsibility of developing talents like James McAtee and Tommy Doyle. Could perhaps bring some much-needed contacts with him from the Etihad.
Jody Morris
Was one of the final two candidates last time before the club eventually opted for Martin, and might well be mentioned again, although in fairness a fair amount has changed since then. After getting his chance as a first-team boss at Swindon, Morris was eventually shown the door earlier this month. A run of four wins in 18 games ultimately sealed his fate. With his stock clearly taking a hit, it remains to be seen whether he'd be considered this time around. Certainly seems less likely than before.
Kevin Muscat
Hard as nails as a player, the Australian is currently in cutting his managerial teeth in Japan, where he's developed a brand of football that's a little more easy on the eye. Currently in charge of Yokohama FC, he won his first J1 league title last season, after previously serving as Ange Postecoglu's number two. Seems only a matter of time before he takes a crack at managing in Europe, and Swansea might be seen as a good fit.
John Eustace
Was the leading the contender before Martin's appointment, but pulled out of the running due to personal reasons. Would later go on to take the job at Birmingham City. His record with the Blues might not dazzle many Swans fans, but given so many wrote them off at the start of the season, keeping Birmingham in the Championship, and earning their highest points tally since 2016, has to be seen as a success. Whether a move to south Wales would be re-explored is open to question.
Luke Williams
Wouldn't be a surprise to see his name linked given his previous relationship with Martin, whom he worked under as a number two at MK Dons and the Swans, the latter of whom he left back in February 2022. Went on to take the reins at Notts County, where his style of football, heavily influenced by Martin-ball, helped the Magpies to an incredible 107 points in the National League. Plays a very similar system to Martin, it would be a move that would represent a solid chance of continuing 'the process'.
Steven Schumacher
Has done a superb job in charge of Plymouth Argyle, winning League One with a tally of 101 points. Has won plenty of praise for his high intensity, possession-based football. Sound familiar? Having only just masterminded a promotion to the Championship with the Pilgrims, it's not clear whether he'd fancy a change of scenery. If he did, he'd at least know how to get the best out of striker Morgan Whittaker, who scored nine goals during a fruitful six-month loan spell.
Francesco Farioli
A name that might not be too well known to many Swans fans, but has already been linked with a move to the Championship, with Sunderland and Watford already mentioned as possible admirers. Having started out at as a goalkeeping coach under current Brighton and Hove Albion coach Roberto De Zerbi, he took his first job as a senior boss in 2021, joining Turkish side Alanyaspor, and there are visible similarities between his style and the current Seagulls boss. Would be a bold appointment, but the 34-year-old is the sort of up-and-coming boss that might appeal to the Swans board.
Wayne Rooney
Could it happen? Rooney's Derby County stint may have ended in relegation, but the general consensus is he did reasonably well in operating against the backdrop of such financial turmoil. He's further enhanced his managerial reputation at in MLS with a solid season in charge of DC United. You see where I'm going with this... The financial side of things could be a challenge, mind.
Cameron Toshack
Wouldn't be at all surprising to see his name mentioned in some capacity given his obvious connections to the club. Likely to be available after serving as assistant under Jesse Marsch at Leeds United. Has already had a crack at management in Cyprus with Pafos, and would surely be interested in the chance to return to south Wales.
READ MORE:
Swansea City's summer transfer window - what they want, the players linked so far and who could go
The 148 Championship free agents Cardiff City and Swansea City could sign for nothing
