We had a look last evening at the very early situation regards the sudden announcement of Richard Montague, Sporting Director at the Swans leaving the club. In its infancy we examined a few matters which may or may not come to pass with this news now confirmed. We were of course careful in our wording of what may lay ahead.

That’s called journalism.

We examined who would potentially move into the more front facing role that Montague leaves behind. So, it didn’t come as a surprise that the official site last night reported that global recruitment specialist Adam Worth would in fact step into a more leading role. He will now head up the recruitment team bridging the gap between recruitment and the CEO, Tom Gorringe. Although Gorringe, as we reported had a somewhat uncomfortable time with Montague, we are also pleased to see him offering value and filling in the slot overall left by the Sporting Director.

As CEO Gorringe has to take the rough with the smooth, so this is a role whereby he and Adam Worth can work together in alignment with the clubs recruitment strategy. Yes, he has had some flak over the ticket situation at the club, and many would agree as CEO he has to know that and manage whatever happens, especially in such an important area. What we will state now, which was also hinted at in yesterday’s report is that Gorringe was indeed more of an influence in negotiations this summer. It’s a fact he has now got that overall responsibility confirmed by the ownership group which is a reflection of what the Chairman achieved.

Gorringe we now know did get a number of deals over the line (he didn’t recruit or source any players as has been suggested) but we will always admit when we’ve got matters out of context. In fact we will go as far to say he was instrumental at times in securing a number of deals during the latter part of the window. This will clearly be where the issue with Montague started. He wasn’t being perceived as doing his job. Montague was absent at times leaving the Swans CEO holding the baby. He obviously had the decisiveness and ability to do this, so it’s a humbling nod in his direction of course. The whole of the summer we were being told that Montague was the driving force, the main man, and that was the club message too. However, this reconfirms Montague’s sacking. He simply had to go.

Fair play Mr Chairman.

As the club has reported via Co-owners, Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen, “It is vital that everyone at the club is aligned with our shared strategy. We are confident in the team we have in place, both on and off the pitch, to continue driving the club forward.” That brief message may well carry all the proof that is needed to suggest that Richard Montague wasn’t offering the required value, and indeed as we also reported yesterday there was a relationship potentially not as sound as it should have been.

When we get things incorrect as we did with Tom Gorringe to an extent, or we write things that are slightly out of context we will always put our hands up. We know you appreciate it. As it stands Swansea City have no ‘immediate’ plans to replace Richard Montague.

Have a guess what ? That’s called journalism too. Although you don’t often see it these days.

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