By Gareth James
Swansea City are on the verge of appointing Michael Duff, the former Northern Ireland international defender, as their new manager.
The Swans have been in search of a replacement for Russell Martin for the past month, as he is poised to join Southampton.
To secure Duff’s services, Swansea reportedly need to activate a £500,000 release clause in his current contract with Barnsley.
Having closely observed Duff’s accomplishments with Barnsley, particularly his remarkable journey to the League One play-off final last season – where they ultimately suffered a heart-wrenching last-minute defeat to Sheffield Wednesday – the Swans have identified him as the ideal candidate.
Duff, who boasts an international career with 24 caps for Northern Ireland, will be treading the same path as his compatriot Brendan Rodgers.
The newly-returned Celtic boss was in charge of the Swans from 2010 to 2012, successfully guided them to the Premier League before moving on to manage Liverpool.
Amazes me how ungrateful this fanbase can be at times.
For the last two seasons Russell Martin has done nothing but want good for this club, despite having to work with his hands behind his back.
Could’ve easily jumped ship to Watford or Norwich prior to this move, where he… https://t.co/BP7BFmsUOj
— Only Swans (@onlyswanss) June 21, 2023
As potential successors to Martin, Swansea had considered Chris Davies, a long-standing assistant to Rodgers.
However, it appears that Davies is on track to join Ange Postecoglou’s coaching staff at Tottenham.
There were also reports of Swansea’s interest in Birmingham City manager John Eustace.
Duff’s impressive managerial career started at Cheltenham, the club where he began his playing days.
He led the Gloucestershire team to the League Two title in 2021 and achieved their highest finish of 15th place in League One the following campaign.
Everyone blaming Southampton for the delay of Martin’s announcement but it wouldn’t surprise me if it was us wanting to delay it until we have fully Sorted Michael Duff. Swans probably expecting massive backlash when announcing Martin so want to announce Duff almost immediately
— • (@FW1912_) June 21, 2023
The arrival of Martin at relegated Southampton has been the subject of delays due to a compensation dispute.
Swansea have argued that maximum compensation should be paid since Southampton approached them while still in the Premier League.
The Saints had c;aimed Martin’s agreement to take charge at St Mary’s came after their status as a Championship club had been confirmed.
Duff is one year into his three-year contract at Oakwell and his first anniversary in charge arrived last Thursday.
Swansea return to pre-season on Friday before flying to Spain for a training camp on Sunday.
