Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou in danger of having ‘coach poached’ by Championship club
One of Ange Postecoglou’s trusted Tottenham coaches is being lined up by Swansea City to become their new manager, according to reports. The Welsh club are currently on the lookout for a new boss after sacking Michael Duff earlier this week, with Alan Sheehan having been placed in temporary charge.
Postecoglou’s senior assistant coach Chris Davies has since emerged as a leading candidate for the top job at Swansea, according to BBC Sport. The 38-year-old joined Tottenham in the summer, having spent much of his career as Brendan Rodgers’ right-hand man.
Davies had reportedly been close to taking over at Swansea at the end of last season before Duff was named as their head coach in June. He is now being lined up for the role once again six months later but the Swans will need permission from Tottenham to speak to him and will almost certainly have to pay compensation if he is appointed.
The Welshman previously worked as an analyst at Swansea when they won promotion to the Premier League during Rodgers’ time in charge. The pair also worked together at Liverpool, Celtic and Leicester City, while Davies also had a spell as a first-team coach at Reading under Brian McDermott in 2016.
Davies’ commitment to a possession style of football is thought to be a key factor in Swansea’s interest following Duff’s turbulent spell as manager. They have gained a reputation as a possession-based team since Roberto Martinez took charge back in 2007, with Duff’s more pragmatic style often being criticised by supporters.
Swans chairman Andy Coleman is set to begin meeting potential candidates this week as the club’s search for a new permanent boss ramps up. Manchester United coach Eric Ramsey is said to be another name on the list, although his lack of experience may count against him when it comes to Swansea making a final decision.
The championship strugglers won just one of their last eight league matches, are also thought to be looking overseas but no specific names have been mentioned as of yet. The likes of John Eustace and Nathan Jones have been linked with the vacancy following Duff’s exit but are reportedly not being considered for the role as things stand.
It remains to be seen whether Davies will take over at Swansea in the near future if a compensation package can be agreed with Tottenham over the coming days. The Swans are not expected to appoint their new manager until next week at the earliest, with caretaker boss Sheehan set to be in the dugout against Rotherham United on Saturday.
