Swans break silence on alleged dispute over summer spending, while midfielder Canas will sign on July 1st when transfer window opens
So, finally some response from the club, and it's typical Huw.
“Myself, the manager and our recruitment staff are all agreed on the quality of players we would like to sign to help us remain competitive in the Barclays Premier League. We are continuing to work behind the scenes, in private wherever and whenever we can, to strengthen our squad.
“For that reason it’s disappointing that I have to respond to the speculation of unrest at the club after the fantastic season we have had. There are substantial funds available to strengthen our squad over the summer while we are also in the privileged position, because of the way we’ve managed our finances over the years, that we do not need to sell anyone to fund those new recruits.
“It goes without saying that some of our targets will sign for other clubs for different reasons. But that’s the same for every club. The important thing, and a factor that has always been vitally important for us, is that we sign players who want to play for Swansea City for footballing reasons. If not, then we move on to the next target. I think most people will agree that it is a policy that has served this football club, and more importantly our fans, well over the last decade.
“It is true that I have not sat down with our manager since the last game of the season against Fulham, but that’s because we have both been away on holidays at different times. It doesn’t mean we haven’t spoken because I’ve had numerous conversations with Michael over the phone and there's been no difference of opinion on our original transfer targets.
“We have built up a strong reputation over the last few years at Swansea and I believe we have gone about our business in the right way. We have to remain strong for the sake of our supporters and make sure this proud reputation is protected at all costs.
“A lot of hard work has been done to try and maintain and improve on the incredible journey we have had over the last 10 years. That work will continue.’’ Huw Jenkins
Quite. After watching the current board lead the Swans from the foot of the football league to the biggest league in world football, it's hard to doubt them, yet still some do. Whenever rumours arise, people always seem to want to snipe at people who have previously enjoyed untarnished reputations - but hey, it sells papers right? For me, I have absolute, unmitigated faith in the Swans' owners, and have no doubt that at all times they act in the best interests of the club.
The idea that after 10 years of prudently (and successfully) running a football club they're suddenly going to make decisions to the detriment of the club is laughable and to be honest, rather insulting. Other football clubs may have leeway with their finances, but then other football clubs aren't run as well as the Swans; but don't let that fool you into thinking that the Swans (or Huw) are "tight" when it comes to the transfer market. Two £5million signings last year showed the Swans weren't afraid to pay out if they thought the price was right, and when you compare that to the likes of Arsenal (who are sitting on £150million) you can hardly say the Swans' board have been reluctant to spend.
There's always politics between a manager and his board, and I understand that at most clubs it's not uncommon for the manager to go to the board in the hope of some extra cash, or a bit more money for wages, but the Swans don't operate like that. They have a budget, and that's it. Don't like it? Close the door quietly on the way out please. It's not a secret, and I find it hard to believe that it's come as a surprise to Laudrup that Huw will refuse to move on the club's financial position.
Canas agrees terms with Swansea City, and will join up with the squad on July 1st
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| Canas in action against Barca. |
I found it quite amusing that on the official club website the quote above was tacked on to the announcement regarding Canas' signature. Very Swans. It's been all but confirmed for a while now that the Spaniard is heading to South Wales, and he will join up with his fellow countrymen Pablo Hernandez, Angel Rangel, Michu & Chico Flores when the transfer window opens.
A did a statistical profile of him a while ago (click here to view it) and I described him as a hairier, taller version of Leon Britton who likes to put himself about a bit, and if that turns out to be true he's just the player we need. He helped Betis get to the Europa League playoff places so he could well have been enjoying European football in Spain next year, however he's opted to sign for the Swans and that further reinforces what Huw has said regarding players who want to play for us.
When you consider Canas' agent's comments regarding him knocking back bigger offers from other clubs in favour of a transfer to SA1 it seems he really does fancy it here, and why not? European football, plenty of Spanish faces and an attacking brand of football - there's plenty going for the club when it comes to raiding the Spanish market. Let's just hope it doesn't come at the expense of local talent, although the investment in Landore and Fairwood would indicate a successful youth system is very much a part of the Swans' long term vision.
Bienvenido, Jose! Bueno suerte!