Schumacher is now favourite with bookies to take over the SA1 hot seat
PLYMOUTH Argyle boss Steven Schumacher has been installed as the early favourite to take over at Swansea City.
Bookmaker BetVictor have priced the current Pilgrims boss at 3/1 to take the job, should Russell Martin leave the Swans as expected.
Attention will soon turn to appointing Martin’s replacement, and there are already a few names mentioned as being in the mix.
Former Southampton boss and boyhood Cardiff City fan Nathan Jones is one of the early contenders mentioned by reports elsewhere, although he is currently priced at 12/1.
Ange Postecoglu’s former righthand man Kevin Muscat is also in the frame, alongside Man City No.2 Enzo Maresca, who is said to have turned down an approach from the side relegated from the Premier League which in turn saw them switch focus to Martin.
Shrewsbury Town boss Steve Cotterill is second-favourite at 4/1, while Luke Williams, who served as Martin’s number two at MK Dons and the Swans before taking the reins at Notts County, is at 10/1 with Ryan Mason and Bolton boss Ian Evatt (10/1).
However, having guided Plymouth to promotion from the Championship, it’s Schumacher who has emerged as the early favourite with the bookies.
Steven Schumacher 3/1
Steve Cotterill 4/1
Luke Williams 10/1
Ian Evatt 10/1
Julian Winter has left his position as chief executive at Swansea City, WalesOnline understands.
Winter spent nearly three years at the Swans, and his departure comes as part of an ongoing shake-up of the club’s hierarchy.
The club are understood to still be working on a move to bring Luton Town’s Chief Operating Officer Paul Watson on board as a sporting director, although that move has seemingly been delayed due to the Hatters’
participation in the Championship play-off final this weekend.
Meanwhile, Andy Coleman has already been installed as the chairman, and has been briefed with the day-to-day running of the club. Indeed, the American is likely to lead the search for a new boss following the imminent departure of Russell Martin.
Winter’s departure comes despite releasing a strongly-worded statement hitting out at a WalesOnline report on his expected departure earlier this month.
The statement, signed by Coleman, read: “Swansea City AFC believes that people matter. I believe that people matter.
I am extremely disappointed by recent speculation in the media regarding Julian Winter and Josh Marsh.
“That is just not ok and it’s simply something I cannot let stand.
“We as a club will always support our community members when wronged.”
Swansea City have declined to comment.