With news about to be announced on the new permanent head coach at Swansea City (sources) and Harry Darling looking okay ish for Saturday it’s time for another Swansea City report.

On the permanent appointment we expect that Alan Sheehan will be the man after we revealed that he had already received a contract offer on the weekend.

That’s here —> Sheehan contract offered

Discussions have been described to us as ‘very keen’ with the coaching appointments of Mark Fotheringham and Richard Stearman also in discussion. We hope by now that the length of contract is now agreed along with Sheehan’s remuneration package. Speculation is that confirmation could come in the next forty eight hours. As we have spoken on here many times these finer details such as bonuses, increments and so many more specific points pertaining to the appointment are harder to agree than a contract offer. That’s just the start. And as ever like in every appointment there will be agents fees. What we do know is that a promotion bonus, league placing bonus, pay offs etc will be a major feature in this contract. The Swans are renowned for rewarding success in their player contracts and this is no different.

Sheehan’s new coaches have worked wonders as a unit with Kristian O’Leary and Martyn Margetson since their arrival and are a must for success in the immediate term for Swansea City. They came in when Sheehan was working almost alone and he desperately needed assistance. And there’s very few who would disagree they have been a success. And we shouldn’t forget Anthony Wright, he too has been a major contributor.

This is a coach who will most certainly gain impetus as next season progresses.

It probably isn’t news to many that Harry Darling will be speaking with the club after the Oxford United game this Saturday, nothing we say here can jeopardise those final talks. Quite simply he will command a hefty signing on fee, it’s been mentioned to us that £750,000 wouldn’t be an unusual figure for him to request. That will be spread over whatever length his proposed contract would be. The issue is his belief in the Swans as they are today. A position which is far healthier than when Luke Williams was at the club. Then of course what lengths will the Swans go to regards a new offer. The club have already stated that they have made a very good offer. What that is will remain unknown but it’s clear Harry is keeping his options open. He will most certainly know now what clubs are interested in him and a ball park figure of what’s available. And let us be serious. Money is the route to this final attempt being a success.

We will have some news on Lewis O’Brien but as it stands he will return to his club, Nottingham Forest after Saturday as he has another year to run on his contract. Any ‘official’ negotiations can’t occur until the transfer window opens in mid June.

We will carry a build up to the last game of the season tomorrow.

Photograph : Swansea City AFC

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