Britton joins the coach party to boost Clement
SWANSEA City have again turned to Leon Britton to boost their fortunes after Paul Clement named the longserving icon as his new assistant coach.
But the Liberty idol will not be hanging up his boots with no change to his contract as he looks to combine coaching with playing duties, although it’s likely he will step down as club captain to concentrate on his new responsibilities.
Britton, 35, was praised for his influential role when he returned to the side at the end of last season, a move that coincided with the team’s superb run of form that secured the club’s top-flight status.
And, with Britton having already expressed a desire to take his first steps into management with the club, Clement has confirmed the midfielder has accepted the offer of replacing Claude Makelele in the Swans boss’ backroom set-up.
Makelele left the Liberty last week, ending a ten-month spell as Clement’s assistant coach to take up a managerial position with Belgian outfit Eupen. The news was seen as a blow given the club’s struggling start to the season that has left the side in 19th place in the Premier League going into Saturday’s clash with Burnley.
It prompted speculation who Clement would bring on board to back-up himself and No.2 Nigel Gibbs.
But, with the club keen to look inhouse, it was confirmed on Monday Britton has agreed to move into the coaching set-up, though it will not be at the expense of his playing career with no plans for the veteran to step away from the action despite his new role.
Outlining the details of the move, Clement said: “I am delighted that Leon has agreed to take on the role as player/assistant-coach.
“It is the beginning of a new chapter in his career.
“I feel he is the perfect person for the role at this time. He is still very much in my plans as a player, but now we can tap into his knowledge as a coach too. He has a lot to give in that respect.
“On the days where he is not training then he will be part of the coaching set up.
“Similarly on a match day – if he’s in the squad then his focus is on playing. If not, then he will be in the dugout as part of the coaching staff.”
Britton signed a new improved deal at the end of last season that takes in this campaign and guaranteeing him a further 12 months should he feature in a set amount of games, but also opened the door for a potential coaching role.
Chairman Huw Jenkins said at the time he was keen for Britton to remain at the Liberty beyond his playing days, with the midfielder having completed his A-Licence coaching badges with the FAW.
Britton, though, is expected hand over the club captaincy he took on following the sale of Ashley Williams to Everton last summer.
But he becomes the fifth Swans skipper to have moved from captain to the coaching set-up over the past 15 years with Roberto Martinez and Garry Monk having made the jump to manager, Kris O’Leary having served as Under-21 boss and assistant to Monk while Alan Tate is part of the club;s current academy coaching set-up.
Clement added: “He has a great relationship with the players and has a superb connection with the supporters of this club.
“He knows more than anyone what playing for this club means.
“I have no doubt he will manage the dual role as both a player and coach.”