For two seasons Steve Cooper has led Swansea City fairly, and at times stylishly in the Championship. Two fails in the play offs haven’t really overshadowed his career to date, as it seems either Fulham or Crystal Palace will head hunt his services.
As it stands this morning we do know that Swansea City have already given Cooper permission to speak with Crystal Palace, and although it was reported he had two interviews we do know that is incorrect. He has though been in contact with Steve Parish at Palace and has been interviewed. Parish wasn’t keen on appointing Cooper, however he remains the first choice for Palace owners David Blitzer and Josh Harris in the USA. Palace were unhappy to pay any release fee for Cooper, however it now seems this is not an issue.
Josh Harris has a fairly long business association with Jason Levien who is co-owner of the swans and both have talked directly over the compensation for Cooper. They have a long business and friendship relationship which saw them involved in the Philadelphia 76ers take over with actor Will Smith. In the world that Levien and Harris travel in the nearly three and a half million compensation is small beer - and we do know Levien was surprised to hear Palace were baulking at the fact they did not want to pay anywhere near that amount.
With Palace now in the box seats to get Cooper the swans as expected are in search for a replacement with Michael Appleton at Lincoln being one of five managers the club are interested in, The swans generally appoint leftfield when appointing new managers, so don’t be surprised if a completely new name comes in to the frame in the coming days.
Hopefully the talks between Harris and Levien have thrashed out the financial solution and Steve Cooper can move on, as it is more than clear he no longer favours his post at Swansea City.
Who would you like to replace Cooper at Swansea City ?