Kapland and Levien ‘fully committed’
SWANSEA City part-owner Landon Donovan insists that majority shareholders Steve Kaplan and Jason Levien are determined to lead the club back into the Premier League.
The American duo have come in for heavy criticism at times from supporters, particularly since the Swans fell out of the Premier League, with some fans disappointed at what they believe to be a lack of investment in the club.
Kaplan, while retaining his shareholding, has since stepped away from the club’s board, which was subject to a significant shake-up towards the end of last year.
However, Donovan, who himself is a part-owner at the club, says Kaplan and Levien remain committed to the club and are desperate to get them back into the top flight after a threeyear absence.
Asked if he was in contact with the duo, the former US international told the BBC: “Not as much directly, but with someone who works closely with them, so I keep tabs on what’s going on in that way. “Those guys are busy too. “I know it means a lot to them. More than what most people maybe think or realise. They want to do right by the club and the city and get the team back in the Premier League.
“Although it may not always appear that way or seem that way, I can promise you that they’re committed to it and we all hope that happens.”
Defeat in the South Wales derby before the international break has left the Swans six points adrift of the automatic promotion places with a game in hand. They will aim to make a return to winning ways against Birmingham City on Good Friday.
And Donovan claims Cooper’s side are attracting interest from across the Atlantic, particularly given the loan arrivals of MLS duo Jordan Morris and Paul Arriola in January.
Morris saw his Swans career come to a premature end due to an ACL injury picked up in the defeat to Huddersfield, but DC United wideman Arriola is still hoping to catch the eye.
Donovan, given his involvement in the club, says he’s following the club’s fortunes and admits the Swans’ American contingent are helping to win over new supporters.
“I still follow Swansea quite closely. I was really excited for Jordan Morris and Paul Arriola to go there,” he added.
“Paul is from San Diego so there’s a group of Swansea fans here that I see pretty regularly. Sometimes we’ll watch the matches together.
“Obviously it’s sad what’s happened with Jordan and Paul’s been hurt a bit, but it’s been fun to watch. Every weekend I’ve been either watching or following closely on the internet and it’s been enjoyable to watch.”
Asked if he believed Swansea could win promotion, the ex-everton star added: “I hope so. I really hope so. It was really hard to watch them get relegated. Last year was stressful and they nearly got there, but it’s been really enjoyable this year to watch. I think Steve Cooper’s done a fantastic job. I really hope they finish the job now.”