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Swansea appoint Barnsley manager after seeing Russell Martin leave for Southampton

Swansea City appoint Barnsley manager Michael Duff after seeing Russell Martin leave for Southampton in a busy week of managerial changes.

The Swans made their move on Sunday and Duff is expected to train for the first-time on Friday, according to Yorkshire Post.

Swansea are to leave for Spain on Sunday ready attend a pre-season training camp.

The departure of Duff means that Barnsley will be looking for their 8th permanent manager over five years.

Swansea wanted to replace Martin with his former assistant Chris Davies, however he’s linking up with Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham Hotspur.

Plymouth’s Steven Schumacher was also a contender but he chose to remain in Devon.

Gregg Berhalter, another potential target, re-joined US national team, prompting quick thinking with fixtures being announced, a training camp planned and signings needing to be made.

BARNSLEY STATEMENT

Barnsley Football Club can confirm that Michael Duff has today left his position as Head Coach to join Swansea City.

Despite being offered an improved deal and contract extension prior to received interest, Duff has decided to join the Welsh outfit with two years remaining on his deal at Oakwell.

Club Chairman, Neerav Parekh, said: “As a board, we’d like to thank Michael for all his efforts over the last year. We’d also like to appreciate the professional way in which he behaved once Swansea triggered the release clause, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

“We want to reassure fans that the search for a new head coach is well underway and should be confirmed soon in order to make the most of preseason. The foundations laid down at the start of last summer ensure that we’re able to compete, and regardless of departures, the club is bigger than any one individual. We promise to continue to build on the positive progress we’ve made and challenge again next season, to push for promotion back to our natural home in the Championship.

“Finally, I’d also like to thank all our loyal fans who have shown support to the new board as we focus on continuing the momentum created last season. It’s been a year of many highs and lows, but your support has stayed constant, and we will strive to repay that faith.”

Barnsley FC CEO, Khaled El-Ahmad, added: “Michael has helped us work towards the vision we set out at the start of the season. We are focused on success both on and off the pitch. We are naturally disappointed to lose Michael after a promising first season in charge, but we wish him all the best for the future.

“As a Club, we are prepared for eventualities like these and are constantly reviewing the available opportunities when looking to make an appointment in this position. The recruitment process for our new Head Coach is well underway. The framework and the support structure that the board and backroom staff have already implemented provides us with a strong platform to build on as we begin preparations for the 23/24 season.”

Michael Duff said: “I’d like to start by thanking everyone from the players to Neerav, Julie Anne, Jean and Khaled for their immense support during my time at the club. I loved every minute of my time at Oakwell, and I take immense pride in the journey we all went on, starting with the loss at Plymouth and all the way to Wembley – the proudest moment of my managerial career so far.

“During the latter points of the season I learned of interest from other clubs, but my focus did not waver from Barnsley. Unfortunately, we just fell short of that goal, but I will remember that day for a very long time.

“This decision was not money-orientated. The board at Barnsley did everything in their power to make me commit to the club on an extended contract, but I am an ambitious character and after taking stock in the summer felt that this opportunity was the next natural step in my career.

“I reflect on my time with Barnsley positively and would like to think I left it in a better place than when I found it. Once again, I would like to thank the fans for their incredible support, which I’m sure will continue as the club looks to progress and kick on. Thank you. You Reds.”

Information regarding the appointment of our new Head Coach will be communicated. Pre-season preparations begin for the 23/24 campaign on Monday 26 June.

SWANSEA STATEMENT

Swansea City can confirm head coach Russell Martin has left the club to join Southampton.

Martin had a little over 12 months remaining on the three-year deal he signed upon arriving at the Swansea.com Stadium in August 2021.

The club also stands firm in our belief that we are owed full compensation for Russell, and we will continue working diligently and strategically to protect the best interests of the club.

Swansea City would like to place on record its thanks to Russell for his work during his time in SA1.

SWANSEA CHAIRMAN STATEMENT

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.

SWANSEA STATEMENT:

Swansea City is delighted to confirm the appointment of Michael Duff as the club’s new head coach.

The 45-year-old Northern Irishman has put pen to paper on a three-year deal at the Swansea.com Stadium after compensation was agreed with Barnsley, and he will oversee the first day of pre-season training on Friday.

He becomes the fourth Northern Irishman to manage the Swans, following in the footsteps of Billy McCandless, Harry Gregg and Brendan Rodgers.

An update regarding Duff’s coaching staff will follow in due course.

“Michael has a proven track record of galvanising a group of players into a collective unit, and he has consistently outperformed expectations at his previous clubs,” said Swansea City chairman Andy Coleman.

“Every conversation I had with him only reinforced the view that he is exactly the type of leader we need here at Swansea City.

“He is a proven winner, both as a player and as a manager, and I’m confident he will bring that mentality here.

“I believe in his ability and his belief in the Swansea Way, while he also possesses the capability to adapt within games to drive results.

“This is a results driven business. Our position in the table matters to all of us and we are focused on supporting Michael with everything he needs to succeed.”

Duff moved into coaching after a long and distinguished career that saw him remarkably play in the top eight divisions in English football with Carterton Town, Cirencester Town, Cheltenham Town and Burnley.

Born in Belfast, Duff had spells on the books with Nottingham Forest, Darlington and Swindon, before signing for Cheltenham Town.

The former defender helped the Southern League club to promotions in 1997 and 1999, scoring the goal that sealed their place in the Football League in the second of those two seasons, while they also celebrated an FA Trophy win in 1998.

Duff was also part of the squad that got the Robins promoted to the third tier via the play-offs in 2002.

He would move on to Burnley – then in the Championship – in 2004 and would enjoy three separate promotions to the Premier League with the Clarets.

He played in the play-off final win over Sheffield United in 2009 and helped Burnley finish second in the second tier in 2014, before hanging up his boots in 2016 following their Championship title success.

He also won 24 caps for Northern Ireland, playing in famous wins over England and Spain.

Duff moved into coaching in the Burnley youth set-up, before taking over as Cheltenham boss in 2018.

He led them to the League Two play-offs in a season curtailed by Covid-19, before securing promotion as champions the following campaign.

A switch to Barnsley followed in 2022, and a side renowned for its attacking potency came agonisingly close to securing an immediate return to the Championship, only to lose to a last-gasp strike in the League One play-off final against Sheffield Wednesday.

SOUTHAMPTON STATEMENT

Southampton Football Club is delighted to announce that Russell Martin has been appointed as its new Men’s First Team Manager.

The 37-year-old joins on a contract that runs until 2026 at St Mary’s, after the club reached an agreement to secure his services.

Martin has spent the past two seasons as head coach of the Welsh club, earning widespread acclaim for the team’s progress and style of play during that time, as he led them to within three points of an unlikely Championship playoff berth in the most recent campaign.

Prior to his time there, Martin impressed in his first managerial role, spending a season-and-a-half at MK Dons in League One, overseeing significant improvement in the side’s performances.

Southampton FC Chairman, Henrik Kraft, said: “We are extremely excited to welcome Russell to Southampton.

“Russell was the stand-out candidate throughout our recruitment process and we are confident his strong track record, alongside the experienced leadership of our new Director of Football, Jason Wilcox, will deliver great results.”

Director of Football, Jason Wilcox, added: “Russell has shown fantastic qualities in his managerial career so far and is someone who we believe will thrive in the great environment we have here at Southampton.

“He is a fantastic fit for what we are trying to achieve, with a strong record of developing and nurturing young, talented players to fulfil their potential and deliver results on the pitch.

“We can’t wait for Russell to get started working with the team at Staplewood as we get ready for the new season.”

Russell Martin added: “It’s a privilege to accept this opportunity at Southampton, a club with such a long and rich history.

“My aim is to get this club back where it belongs – in the top flight of English football.

“I am ready for this challenge and will give everything to achieve this aim and to give the supporters a team that makes them proud.

“I’m thrilled to be here and cannot wait for the work to begin.”

Southampton Football Club anticipates an exciting era under the guidance of Russell Martin and hope fans will give him a warm welcome to the club. Further announcements regarding the coaching staff and pre-season preparations will follow in due course.

Here’s what fans have said as Swansea appoint the manager of Barnsley after seeing Russell Martin leave for Southampton…

@Hcafc__Ryan: No loyalty in football anymore is there

@MitchayjayH: Thank god, took long enough to announce. Great for us last year, but clearly was chatting rubbish when he said it was a long term project. Anyway onwards and upwards

@MonkBrettonRed: I have absolutely no interest in what he has to say now.

@luca673121: Back him please

@kylebarretttt: Got yourself a top manager there to be fair to u

@HayleyJ87: Welcome to the best team in Wales and a fantastic city. Ex players and managers love it here. Michael Duff’s Barmy Army!

@DannyHolland93: Now we can say it. Michael duff you’re a cunt.

@alexfrancis04: Hugely disappointing, but absolutely no individual will ever be greater than our football club. We move on. ❤️

@CurtLewis15: Finally!! Bring on the new season, up the swans 🦢❤️ #Swans

@LeoJones111:
Surely its got to be –
Oh Le Oh Le Oh Le Oh La
Michael Duff Duff Duff, Michael Duff Duff Duff 🎶 ….

@HayleyJ87: Swans fans are experts in experiencing manager heartache, it happens too often. Feel for the fans but they’ll be fine. Good luck 👍

@TomTB1995: It’s a blow for Barnsley to lose Michael Duff. Impressive manager, clearly got something about him. Who’d have thought less than a month on from Wembley, both teams with managers. Crazy, weird, mental, frustrating game is football.

@k3L5_BFC: Fucking rat!!!!! Offered a new deal with club too 🤮 Grim behaviour

@lgkeogh: Can’t say I know much about him or his style of play, read mostly positive things. Owners must back him now, Michael Duff’s barmy army⚫️⚪️ #swans

@JRPeez: I knew this would happen when we lost at Wembley, I knew this would happen when the rumours start. Wank this football business

@EllisRoberts06: Love a late birthday present from the Swans 😍 welcome to Swansea City Michael Duff 🤍🖤🦢 #Swans @SwansOfficial

@pgillett2022: It’s a shame he couldn’t get Barnsley back in the championship but he leaves them in a good place going into the new season

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