x

Tale Of Two Chairmen

A Tale Of Two Chairmen

Swans chairmen Huw Jenkins was looking at the bargain basement figures while he set off for London whilst Torquay chairman, the similarly outspoken Mike Bateson was dreaming of a Ferrari in return for the player who spent a season at Plainmoor as they battled in vain against relegation from League One.

And in the end it was Bateson who emerged with the biggest smile on his face with the Swans potentially facing a payment of at least £75,000 before the end of the season.

The trubunal set the fee as follows

  • £35,000 in two installments

  • £25,000 after20 league games

  • £25,000 after 40 league games

  • £25,000 if the Swans are promoted and Akinfenwa plays in at least 60% of the games

  • A 15% sell on clause.

"I'm obviously disappointed at the tribunal's findings,'' explained Jenkins, ''especially when you consider the fact that Bayo was only with Torquay for one season and the derogatory contract offer they made him."But on the positive side, I'm very pleased that we have finally got a very good player who I am sure will prove his worth 10 times over.''

The fee is most definitely on the high side for a player who had just one season with the Gulls but then again we only have to look at the initial payment for the true transfer fee - the rest of it is purely based on the success of the move.

Some Torquay fans have been critical of the performances of the man who scored 14 goals for them last season whereas others clearly did not want to lose his services.

From my own point of view there were some good touches last weekend in my only viewing of the guy to date but how much can you judge one way or another based purely on 45 minutes of football in a friendly?

Time will tell on whether the player turns out to be value for money but with a record of goals in a side that struggled last season, at £35k is it worth the gamble to start with? I think so

Do you fancy sharing your thoughts with the world through an article on the site. Just pen your thoughts and e-mail them to us here

What to read next:

The fate today’s Swansea footballers would never have to endure
Swansea City bring this season to a close on Saturday with a home game against Millwall. However, what about those bygone days when footballers had no choice but to go down the pit after their career ended, or open a toy shop, pub or retrain ? That thought would petrify todays modern footballer.
Jamal Lowe : Still to be contacted regards his future at Swansea, Langstaff update
We have been told by numerous Swansea fans of a chance meeting in a service station between Jamal Lowe and those returning from Norwich yesterday. Nothing in that or indeed the conversation they had yesterday. Indeed there has to be some interpretation from what we know already on Jamal Lowe.
Brave Swans in memorable game at Carrow Road
It was a pulsating game to watch and very much one of my favourite away games of the season. The Swans looked an entirely different side to that we saw at Middlesbrough when it is clear a catalyst for commitment was agreed behind the scenes at Swansea City. To a man every player grafted and wore the shirt with pride. To see the players really acknowledge the Swans support at Carrow Road this afternoon was emotional.
Norwich City 2 - 2 Swansea City - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
TEAM NEWS : Norwich City v Swansea City
The Swans are on the Norfolk Broads, punting and boating their way to the end of the season. Hopefully the city of Norwich is obliging.
Swansea City : Jack Army travel over 1,000 miles for two games in succession
Swansea City have set out on their second long distance away trip in two weekends, this time to Norwich for todays clash between the Swans and Canaries (3pm) Over the last ten meetings between the clubs Swansea City have won five times, Norwich the same.
Cardiff City fan sends tragedy tweet directed at dead Swansea City fan Terry Coles
As a result of the news reported by Sky on Wednesday that five military horses had escaped and ran through central London, a Cardiff City follower thought it wise to relate the incident to the death of Swansea fan Terry Coles, 42.
Swansea reject Cullen contract and trigger one year option
Liam Cullen has had his request for a new contract dismissed by Swansea City after discussions broke down last week. The lowest paid ‘senior’ player at the club ( he is twenty five) asked for a better contract increasing his £3,500 a week to around £7,000 a week over three years.
Gwyn’s Eye View : Norwich City v Swansea City ‘The officials’
Thanks to Gwyn we have a thorough assessment of this weeks officials who will take charge at Carrow Road this Saturday at 3pm. Norwich City will be keen to get the points to guarantee their play off slot, and Saturday is their first go.
Sam Parker hasn’t turned down a new deal, he is willing to negotiate
He was a revelation for the Swans for the few games he played this season, and now it emerges Sam Parker has ‘turned down’ a new Swansea City contract. News is thin on the ground, and some of it just incorrect as he looks to involve his representatives in some further negotiations. Plus his current contract runs for two more years.