Directors were not ‘forced to quit’, insists Swans boss
APREMIER League chairman has denied that two longserving directors of Swansea City were forced to resign from the club because of their age.
Huw Jenkins has denied claims made by the club’s former legal director Steve Penny, 62, that he was unfairly removed after the club was taken over in July 2016.
Mr Jenkins told an employment tribunal that age had “nothing” to do with the decision and there were people “as old if not older” working with the club.
The solicitor was with the club for 14 years before he claims he was forced out after refusing to resign from his £100,000 role as a Swansea director.
The court heard how the club’s three oldest board members, including fellow claimant Don Keefe, were asked to resign from the board after Americans Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan took control.
Swansea City FC say the resignations were a condition of the sale of the club, which stated only shareholders with a 5% stake could sit on the board. All three never held shares. Mr Penny and Mr Keefe met with club lawyer Chris Farnell days before the takeover.
At the meeting they claim to have been told they would be sued for “millions of pounds” if they stopped the sale by refusing to resign.
Addressing Mr Farnell, Julian Milford – who is representing the claimants – said: “You told them they were putting the sale of the club at risk and could face legal action for millions of pounds from the shareholders.
“You said they would be sued for millions of pounds.”
Mr Farnell, who has been the club’s legal advisor since the 200910 season, accepted he said there could be legal action but denied he said they would be responsible.
He said Mr Penny’s accusation was a result of him wanting to “formulate” a claim against the club.
The tribunal previously heard how Mr Penny felt “bullied” and “intimidated” by Mr Farnell.
Mr Farnell was alleged to have “threatened” Mr Penny and said “If we have to, we will get rid of you anyway,” the court heard.
Mr Penny said he believed age played a part in his removal pointing to conversations with fellow director Martin Morgan who he said told him they needed “fresh blood” on the board.
He said he took this to mean younger people and believed Mr Jenkins shared this view.
Mr Penny said he was offered a role as an in-house lawyer but said he was given less responsibility after he refused to resign his directorship.
While giving evidence on Tuesday, Mr Penny told the court he felt his job was “diminished” after the takeover. He left the club shortly afterwards.
Swansea City FC maintains Mr Penny’s role as in-house lawyer carried the same responsibilities and carried the same paycheck.
New owner Mr Levien is due to give evidence via video link today.
Both Steve Penny and fellow exdirector Don Keefe are claiming unfair dismissal and age discrimination. Mr Penny and Mr Keefe working as finance director were part of a group who helped the Swans rise to the Premier League.
The tribunal continues.