By David Williams
The appointment of Andy Coleman as Swansea City’s new chairman has been welcomed by the club’s Supporters Trust, who have urged him to put his hand in his pocket this summer to fund new players.
Coleman was appointed the club’s new chairman on Friday and will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the club.
He is also part of a trio of businessmen close to investing into the club with new shares, but control will still rest with joint owners Steve Kaplan and Jason Levien.
The Supporters Trust – who own a 21 per cent share of the club – have given a broad thumbs up to Coleman’s arrival, which is likely to see the departure of chief executive Julian Winter.
But they are clear in their hopes that new cash injections into the club must help fund squad strengthening after a disastrous last transfer window in January when the club got rid of six players but signed no-one.
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In a statement on their website, the Trust stated: “As well as becoming chairman, Andy will also be investing money into the club through his own US based investment group.
“This will provide further working capital to the club and continue to ensure the club can operate; we hope to see some of that money used to improve the playing squad this summer as well.”
Coleman, who is also a part-owner of MLS team DC United, is a 49-year-old American businessman who has pledged to relocate with his family to Swansea.
He has expressed his “honour” at becoming chairman.
Nigel Morris and Brett Cravatt are the two other businessmen, who are also reportedly close to purchasing shares in the club.
Swansea’s current ownership group, including Levien and Kaplan, will remain in place.
“I’m putting my whole life into this club and this community. I promise to work tirelessly to represent the club in a manner that supporters can take pride in,” said Coleman in a statement released by the club.
“The facilities and infrastructure are best-in-class, and we look forward to building on the club’s strengths to put Swansea City in the best possible position to achieve our shared goals.”
Breaking. Swansea receive equity injection from club's owners.
Investment – said to be worth more than £1m – sees stake of Jason Levien, Steve Kaplan and Jake Silverstein once again increase while all other shareholders are diluted. #Swans https://t.co/BqSiYdTwvb
— Ian Mitchelmore (@IanMitchelmore) April 12, 2023
Coleman’s appointment raises questions about the future of Winter, as well as Josh Marsh, the head of football operations.
The Swans are reportedly seeking to hire Paul Watson from Luton Town as their new sporting director.
Levien, Kaplan purchased a controlling stake in the club in 2016 and have been seeking additional investment to provide the club with greater financial stability.
“We believe what Swansea City needs now is a chairman on the ground with the authority to run the club,” said Levien in a statement.
“Andy’s passion for this project is palpable, and his commitment and leadership are exactly what the club needs.”
Coleman’s experience in building one of the world’s leading hospitality industry finance businesses for Berkadia in the US was also highlighted in the statement.
The club also published an open letter to fans from Coleman, in which he pledges “to be as transparent as possible.”
He describes Russell Martin, the club’s head coach, as “a terrific young head coach” and says his initial focus will be on “supporting and strengthening the work of our player recruitment team ahead of what is an important summer.”
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