Swansea City Supporters’ Trust have called for the Championship club to review its transfer strategy and leadership team in the wake of criticism of their January business.
And they have warned chairman Andy Coleman to be prepared to face questions over a transfer window that saw the club sell captain Matt Grimes and fail to land a number of key targets.
The message comes as the club confirmed it would hold a fans’ forum at the Swansea Stadium later this month, with Coleman and head coach Luke Williams in attendance.
The Trust, which has a 7.59% shareholding in the club as well as a seat on the board, states it has engaged with the club since the closure of the window that has been widely criticized.
Midfielder Lewis O’Brien and defender Hannes Delcroix were the only two players to join the Swans, who also signed Melker Widell from AaB Aalborg, although he will remain with the Swedish side on loan for the remainder of the season.
In addition to selling midfielder Grimes to Coventry City in January, Azeem Abdulai was sold to Leyton Orient, while Andy Fisher, Kyrell Wilson, and Josh Thomas left on loan.
In a letter to members, the Trust said they wanted “a frank and honest review of our recruitment policy and leadership team as once again those in charge have failed to break a cycle that supporters have become all too familiar with—promises that we are ready for the January window, poorly-timed departures of influential players, rife speculation on potential targets, waiting until deadline day to try and sign players, and ultimately the failure to close the right deals.”
The Trust, who hold a protected 5% stake in the Swans, highlighted that club staff were left “bitterly disappointed” after the winter market and have since called for clarity on playing style, relationships with fans, and the latest on plans for a new director of football.
Swansea have been without a sporting director since Paul Watson left the club in early October.
The club took their time to find a replacement, though an individual has now been identified and is set to arrive in March after serving a notice period at another club.
On Coleman, the Trust wrote: “We have spent a lot of time with Andy and have seen how deeply he cares and wants to succeed—but this has not borne out into action for supporters.
“The club needs to create more regular opportunities for meaningful engagement where frank and honest discussions can be had. This is the only way to build trust.”
The fans’ forum will be held at the Swansea.com Stadium on 18 February…
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