First it was 500k, then we managed to get the information it was 750k or close to it, and now we understand that the Swans are pushing for even more compensation from Southampton for Russell Martin’s services. The reasons as we know ( in the main ) are that Southampton are stating they are a championship club so the higher ‘premier league’ clause for Martin’s release doesn’t apply.
Clear as mud ? Let’s try and explain.
Southampton are maintaining that any approach for Russell Martin was made when they were a championship club, or because they are now a championship club. They say that is now where any compensation they pay applies. This seems strange as they were relegated only last Sunday. Reports on here and almost anywhere else that cared to mention it are now at least two weeks old regards Southampton’s interest in the Swansea manager. However, in their defence if there is one, they are now a championship club and potentially have a case.
Of sorts.
Reports of two million pounds compensation are way off the mark as we have been told that the difference between the championship release clause and the premier league release clause isn’t massively different. Of course nobody wants to give away hundreds of thousands of pounds if they don’t have to, whatever the difference is, and nobody knows what that is. It’s pure speculation. What we did know initially is that Martin’s release was to cost Southampton around four hundred thousand pounds, plus his four staff members. Potentially around the eight hundred thousand pounds mark.
The Swans not only wanted compensation for the extra staff they were to lose but for the loss of knowledge, information and work done whilst the four additional staff were at the club.However, it’s Martin’s contract which is now the issue formally. Anyone who knows the caveats in the contracts for his additional staff to leave are called lawyers or agents.
Talk around the ex Saints manager Rubén Sellés leaving Southampton when his contract finished at the end of May - leaving Martin to be announced was nothing short of nonsense. First off Rubén Sellés was told weeks ago he wasn’t staying on at Southampton, and he knew he was leaving, and in any event it was common knowledge. And secondly his contract terminated upon the final game concluding at the end of Southampton’s premier league campaign.
The discussions which some are now stating only started in the middle of last week have dragged on. What both clubs need to do is grasp the nettle and come down on a final deal and resolution. Swansea City will lose the spine of their coaching network whatever happens now. There’s absolutely no going back for any of them, and we are advised the managerial search goes on for a replacement. But still there’s no formal discussions for any potential candidate to take the job.
On top of all that Swansea followers are still none the wiser regards new players coming in or players leaving. The only thing we do know is when you shout ‘Hello’ within the corridors of the club - all you get back is a distant echo.
And no response.