The expected loan signing coming in to the club this week has been halted for reasons we can only assume are the ever increasing concerns over the future of Steve Cooper at Swansea City. The media are steering clear of any speculation, in fact they are not even going anywhere near this very stormy cloud that continues to hang over the club again this week.
We have to speculate, we owe it to the thousands of readers we have on this site, we can’t keep quiet just because a few people don’t like it. That was never going to be the way since September last year when we took over the network, this site was too important to lose. However, we will only speculate by grading the information that is given to us, and the veracity of those who continue to be accurate in their assessment of what is going on at the club. That isn’t about being first, second or last with information, this site isn’t about that, it’s about reviewing daily what we know is true, as we say ‘grading’ that information that is unqualified but potentially accurate. That’s how it works in journalism, and personally having written for every single football magazine I know, national newspapers over many years, freelance and employed, where good contacts remain, and having published ten books - I think personally I’m in as good a place as can be to make that assessment.
We know for sure a pretty decent loan signing is on his way, but there are a few contractual matters holding things up. I will go as far to say that it’s either registration within Wales or the player is coming in from abroad. Plus any agent representing a player, and indeed the club he is coming from will want to know the ins and outs of any potential loss of staff at Swansea City. Especially if a player is coming in on the back of the excellent track record Steve Cooper has of developing young players on loan at Swansea in recent times. If he is on his way, would you want one of your clubs players caught up in such disorientation ? Of course not you would want answers.
So what could be the Steve Cooper issue ?
Weighing up the last six weeks of speculation it’s very clear he was interviewed by at least one club, Crystal Palace. To do that he needs permission from the swans, as do Palace. The very fact he wanted to be given permission and was interviewed, beyond doubt, does give his current employers the indication he isn’t one hundred per cent in to his current role. Put yourself in Winters shoes, it’s obvious.
There is clearly an issue, these rumours don’t come from nowhere, especially when those we trust entirely are as good as confirming things are not right. We obviously hope it’s just a spat over a new contract, but that’s becoming increasingly doubtful. It’s more than obvious now the club are reaching the stage where some form of legal agreement is being discussed to either 1) Protect the club should Cooper leave with a future non employment clause for a period of time, so he can leave without any financial implication on Swansea City or 2) He leaves without any financial obligation on Swansea City and agrees a non approach clause for any of the clubs players. If that is the case then he may well have a job offer, and part or all of the compensation clause is paid.
I have to say I favour point 1.
The other point is that Julian Winter, and we have featured his very clear strategy on succession planning on this site twice in recent months, will have almost certainly made some progress in sourcing Cooper’s replacement. Is that person now the preferred option for the swans with Cooper having displayed a lack of loyalty to the club by wanting to try and elevate his career this summer ? If that is the case then of course Swansea City have to negotiate very carefully to ensure Cooper leaves with little financial implication.
The issue is dragging on, and the majority of Swansea watchers are growing increasingly concerned that as the season gets closer, and player deals are being held up, the whole matter is seriously affecting the clubs progress. Even the ‘odd’ few on social media who sit about all day waiting to prove someone wrong will agree, regardless of the situation, this isn’t a positive time for the club.
That’s how we are this morning, this is what we think, and we think that by careful analysis of the whole information pool, but surely now news is on its way. This hasn’t come from just one outlet, but multiples, and many close allies of the site who continue to speak with us. It’s what you would expect. What’s the point otherwise in running an up to date and busy football website ?
Tonight the swans take on Plymouth Argyle in what is their first real friendly game of the summer, in front of spectators, and we can predict there will be a decent turn out of home fans tonight. Swansea City fans are also welcome to attend the game and we have the access and cost details on the matchday thread on our football forum. You can watch it for free on the official Swansea City website, and without any announcement by the club today we expect the full coaching team to be there, Steve Cooper included.