Mason to Swans is a win-win – Palmer

CARLTON Palmer believes Swansea moving for Ryan Mason would be a win-win situation for all concerned.

Mason is a name who has been floated as a replacement for Russell Martin in south Wales, although it is understood Chris Davies, Brendan Rodgers’ former assistant, is a leading contender.

Former Spurs midfielder Mason has had two stints as interim manager in north London, most recently finishing the Premier League season in charge of the London Stadium club. Tottenham have now turned to Ange Postecoglou, who himself is reportedly keen to bring Davies into his coaching team.

Former England star Palmer, though, believes it’s time for Mason to strike out on his own.

“It’s clear that Ryan wants a manager’s job, and whenever he has taken over as a caretaker for Spurs he has conducted himself well and done a good job,” he said.

“I think the time is right for Ryan to dip his toe into his first managerial role, and I think this could be a win-win, for Ryan and Swansea.”

MK Dons defender Warren O’Hora says he and his teammates were devastated when they learned Russell Martin was leaving for Swansea.

Two summers ago Martin replaced Steve Cooper in the Swansea dugout having attracted plaudits for the football he played with the-then League One club. As such Swansea came knocking.

Martin is now on the verge of leaving SA1 for Southampton, and O’Hora has lifted the lid on how his exit from MK played out.

“We heard a little whisper that Russ was going to Swansea the night before,” he said on the One Up Top podcast. “We woke up the following morning and we knew something was up. He was a bit quiet, and it was all strange.

“We were playing Bournemouth in the cup the week before the season started, so it was the first game of the season, but we got hammered, and I mean hammered. The fans were chanting some nasty stuff about Russ, and we went back into the dressing room thinking it can’t get much worse, he walked in and said he was going and taking his staff.

“We were all devastated. Don’t get me wrong, the style was a bit frustrating at times to watch, but to play in it was so good.”

Off the pitch Swansea have agreed a new multi-year extension with Owens Group.