Faletau deal calls system into question – Davies
SWANSEA CITY will today step up their search for the man to replace Garry Monk – but look set to be left frustrated in their ambitious bid to lure Brendan Rodgers into a shock Liberty return.
And they could yet turn back to the continent as they identify the man they need to put the spark back into their season and stave off relegation fears.
Swansea finally parted company with Monk late yesterday afternoon following days of intense speculation over the former captain’s future.
As reported by WalesOnline, it is understood the decision – one Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins said in a statement was made reluctantly – was made as early as this weekend after a run of poor performances and results that had seen the side slump to within two points of the relegation zone.
Monk had been made aware of his likely fate yet still oversaw training over the past two days with players in the dark over his future as little as 30 minutes before the statement confirming his departure was released. DRAGONS chief executive Stuart Davies says the WRU dual contract system has been called into question by Taulupe Faletau’s move to Bath.
As recently as Tuesday night, Davies was under the impression negotiations were continuing between the union and Faletau over the signing of a national dual contract that would keep him at Rodney Parade. But then, to his surprise and huge disappointment, it was announced yesterday the Wales and Lions No 8 would be joining Bath next season.
This has left Davies wanting a full explanation of what has happened, given Faletau had declared just a few weeks ago he wanted to stay with the Dragons on a dual deal.
He says what has happened is the there have been several conversations worst possible scenario for the between the pair and representatives Gwent region, who were blocked by and the Northern Irishman has been the WRU from selling the player to considering the chance to return to Bath for a “significant” fee in OctoSouth Wales. ber.
And although it is not being comMeanwhile, the WRU have issued pletely ruled out, Swansea know they a statement expressing their own are unlikely to fully persuade Rodgers disappointment, but accepting the to go with his heart and snub apparent player’s decision “in which he idenlucrative offers in the Far East. tified a desire to pursue a new rugby
A short-term offer until the end of challenge at this stage of his career”. the season is also thought to have been Giving his reaction to losing Falediscussed. tau, Davies said: “It is a huge disap
Still, Jenkins is said to be comfortapointment and it does raise quesble with his remaining targets and tions around the NDC process that confident of getting the man he wants, it has failed to secure the services of although it is far from clear exactly Taulupe. It suggests it does need who that is and there is a possibility he looking at. The inability to reach a will look to make an interim appointsatisfactory conclusion on this ment, with former coach Colin Pascoe focuses attention on the process. being mentioned as a caretaker option. “Obviously there are players that
And it is not being ruled out for have been signed up to NDCs that Swansea to look to Spain once again, don’t have Taulupe’s standing in the despite having previous misgivings game and naturally we are very disabout going overseas again after appointed that we haven’t been Michael Laudrup’s spell.
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