Michael Duff is expected to agree a move to Swansea City later today or tomorrow after four days of discussions between the Swans and Barnsley for his services. Not only that we hear he wants certain staff to come with him to build what is today a vastly depleted backroom set up at Swansea after Russell Martin took four staff with him to Southampton.
Of course nothing has been made official regards Michael Duff but at last Russell Martin to Southampton is, possibly that length of time talking over money bored them rigid ? Now we will read about the cash involved to get Martin and his four associates away from Swansea, but let’s be honest nobody will ever know ( an apt old fanzine title there )
There’s only two things really that can change Duff’s position, first there will be a very short cooling off period between Duff and Swansea. With so much at stake now that can be any period of time, but we are talking a day or so - no more after the agreement is made. And as we stated on Tuesday the only other thing is the payment for Michael Duff’s services to Barnsley. If the Swans stall as they are prone to doing there are numerous clubs waiting to install a quality, young British manager and they will swoop for the Northern Irishman for sure. No matter the contract issue, Swansea City, or more precisely the majority ownership have carved out a name for themselves in delaying discussions, changing mediation times and generally frustrating anyone involved in any deal involving money or settlements.
That’s about it, the cooling off period will reflect both sides being able to withdraw their offers but it’s unlikely. So, we refer back to payment for Duff’s services and anything else he has agreed. Get that done and today or by tomorrow he will be Swansea City’s new manager.
Just in time for the new season.