The season may be over, but the Swans are still in the news - and we'll bring you the stories right here on the official website.

The South Wales Evening Post is dominated by reports this morning about possible suitors for the vacant manager's job at the Liberty.

Leading the way is Swansea-born former Wales international John Hartson who has expressed his interest and revealed that he is to apply for the role.

Hartson, who has made a remarkable recovery after undergoing treatment for cancer, said: "I am definitely interested in the job and I will be applying for it.

"But I really can't say any more than that because I will be going through the necessary channels."



One man who has officially applied is Bobby Davison, the former Derby County and Leeds striker.

He has managerial experience with Hungarian side Ferencvaros and watched the Swans several times last season as a scout for Crystal Palace.

"Swansea have everything in place to be a successful club. The stadium, the fans, the squad of players — they can continue to progress with these things in place," he confirmed to the Post.

"I understand Swansea have a smaller budget compared to the majority of teams in the Championship, but I worked under similar circumstances with Ferencvaros.

"I also had to develop a lot of youngsters in Hungary and deliver promotion at the same time, which I did.

"Managing in Hungary was a great experience, particularly with the different approaches to games and tactics, and I have gained a lot of contacts around Europe because of my time there.

"Now I would like to manage back in Britain — I feel I have a lot to offer.

"I have applied for the job and hopefully I'll hear something soon."



Chairman Huw Jenkins, meanwhile, insists that the club will not be rushed into appointing a new successor for Sousa.

"While we fully recognise we need to get a manager in as soon as possible, we've got a stable staff who will make sure our pre-season preparations are fully implemented," said the chairman.

"That will give us a bit of breathing space to make sure we get the right person in.

"I can't give a time on it, but over the next few days we'll see what develops."

And he assured fans the club was not in as serious a predicament as last year when Roberto Martinez took coaching, scouting and medical staff with him to Wigan.

"We've got a good system in place, we've got staff committed to our training this week and moving things forward," added Jenkins.

"I think we learned our lessons from last year.

"Last year was a different situation because we lost all our backroom staff, chief scout and physios. That was a much worse situation to be in.

"We're fully prepared for any eventuality these days and we have to make sure that system continues at the club and we don't lose all staff when any manager leaves.

"We need to get some continuity here.

"Supporters shouldn't be worried. There's always a bit of apprehension when managers change, but I think first and foremost, we're fully aware of what we need to do and we've got full control over the situation.

"Our players will be properly looked after, put through their paces and pre-season will continue as planned."



One of the potential targets, Exeter boss Paul Tisdale (above), is favourite with the bookies but his club are confident of keeping his services.

Exeter vice-chairman Julian Tagg is unconcerned by the speculation — though not surprised.

"There has been no contact at all," he said. "Every time a job has come up in the last few years Paul has been linked with it.

"I am not the least bit surprised that he has been linked with this one because he continues to do an exceptional job at Exeter City.

"It is not something that I worry about. It is not like I am bracing myself for a phone call because it is something that we are used to now. One day it is going to happen, but Paul
will make that decision when he is ready."

The Western Mail reports that Welsh duo Gary Speed and Chris Coleman have both entered the race for the Liberty Stadium hot-seat - but Swansea City look to be veering towards an approach for Exeter boss Paul Tisdale.

Former Wales captain Speed was last night the bookmakers' favourite to replace Paulo Sousa in South Wales, the Portuguese set to be officially unveiled as Leicester boss.

Hot on his heels was Coleman, with sources indicating the ex-Swans star would be keen on a return to the club.

And Wales boss John Toshack has thrown his weight behind a man many have considered a future manager of the national side, claiming now could be the right time for Speed.

"Gary has been around a long time, but hasn't been the number one man yet," Toshack said. "Maybe now is the right time for him. He would know the area and he's Welsh so, maybe if he was approached, it could happen. If the people at Swansea felt that would be the right choice, well I think maybe it's the time for Gary now to go in and be his own man."



The Western Mail have also put together a full list of possible contenders for the managerial post.

Paul Tisdale
Age: 37
Current club: Exeter City

Previous achievements: After four consecutive promotions with Team Bath, Tisdale has made his name by guiding the Grecians from the conference to League One with back-to-back promotions.

Current odds: 9/2

Chances of him coming: Tisdale has already moved to distance himself from the Swans post, claiming he is happy in Exeter. But he hasn't ruled himself out completely and, having reportedly turned the job down last time round, he certainly has his admirers at the Liberty Stadium.

Graeme Jones
Age: 40
Current club: Wigan (assistant manager)

Previous achievements: Jones was an integral part of Roberto Martinez's coaching team when the Swans surged to the League One title two years ago. Is now part of the Spaniard's coaching team at Wigan.

Current odds: 11/1

Chances of him coming: Swans chairman Huw Jenkins has played down Jones' chances but he is understood to be a big favourite among the squad. Jones would indeed be a good candidate for the job so don't write this one off yet.

Gareth Southgate
Age: 39
Current club: Unattached

Previous achievements: Had his first stab at management with Middlesbrough but, after a good first season, he then struggled as Boro were relegated from the Premiership in 2009. He vowed to get Boro back to the top flight but was dismissed in October.

Current odds: 13/2

Chances of him coming: While Jenkins has indicated Southgate is a contender for the job, the man himself doesn't know if he is ready to return to football. Southgate told the Western Mail the timing of this vacancy rules him out.

Gus Poyet
Age: 42
Current club: Brighton

Previous achievements: After successful stints as Dennis Wise's No 2 at Swindon and Leeds, Poyet stepped up to become the assistant boss at Tottenham under Juande Ramos. When Ramos left, so did Poyet and, after losing out to Sousa at Swansea, he took the reins at Brighton.

Current odds: 12/1

Chances of him coming: Having come very close to getting the job last summer, Poyet is likely to be on the shortlist. But the Uruguayan has said it will be "practically impossible" for him to join after agreeing a new four-year deal at Brighton.

Dean Holdsworth
Age: 41
Current club: Newport County

Previous achievements: After a spell at Redbridge, Holdsworth took over the Exiles in 2008. His first season in the Blue Square Premier started slowly. A sensational last campaign saw Newport canter to the title, 28 points ahead of second-placed Dover, and into the National Conference.

Current odds: 25/1

Chances of him coming: Might not be a name at the top of Swansea's list but fits the bill of a young, successful manager that would be a relatively cheap appointment.

Chris Coleman
Age: 40
Current club: Unattached

Previous achievements: After hanging up his boots, Coleman initially made his name as Fulham boss. He had a good first season but, after losing key players, battled relegation before being sacked in April 2009. He had a spell with Real Sociedad before taking over at Coventry, ending in May after a 19th-place finish.

Current odds: 11/1

Chances of him coming: The ex-Swan has said he would not want to manage his hometown club as his family still live locally and it would be too much pressure.

Sean O'Driscoll
Age: 53
Current club: Doncaster Rovers

Previous achievements: Following four successful seasons with Doncaster, O'Driscoll is rated as one of the league's best managers. He got Donnie promoted from League One in the same year as Swansea and, on a limited budget, has received praise for the attractive football played.

Current odds: 10/1

Chances of him coming: Jenkins is an admirer of O'Driscoll but the compensation Donnie would be entitled to could prove prohibitive. Swansea are unlikely to pay a big sum for their new boss and O'Driscoll won't come cheap.

Nigel Adkins
Age: 45
Current club: Scunthorpe

Previous achievements: Promoted from the club's physio to its manager, Adkins has worked wonders with The Iron. Promoted to the Championship in his first season, relegated in his second, then promoted again and retained their status last term.

Current odds: 4/1

Chances of him coming: Ex-Bangor City boss Adkins deserves consideration. He has done a great job at Scunthorpe but could be persuaded it's time to move. The need for compensation could provide a stumbling block though.

Tony Mowbray
Age: 46
Current club: Unattached

Previous achievements: Good two years at Hibernian earned Mowbray West Brom job. In two years the Baggies went up to the Premiership but relegated the next season. Mowbray went to Celtic but was sacked in March.

Current odds: 12/1

Chances of him coming: Keen to get back into work and would surely be on Swans shortlist. Question marks over if he can apply, sources claim he is restricted over terms in his Celtic severance package. Also may be reluctant to move from his Midlands base.

Gary Speed
Age: 40
Current club: Sheffield United (player-coach)

Previous achievements: Ex-Wales international Speed had an impressive playing career but is yet to make an impression in management. On the coaching team at Sheffield Utd and wants a move into management.

Current odds: 7/4

Chances of him coming: Speed was interviewed for the Swansea job last summer but didn't get it. His name has cropped up again this time but, while Jenkins has mentioned him, it is understood that both parties may be reluctant to go down that road again.

OTHER NAMES IN THE MIX.....Lee Trundle, Alan Knill, John Hartson, Jim Magilton

* The details of these reports are not necessarily the views of Swansea City Football Club.