Swansea name Russell Martin as new head coach

Swansea City have announced the appointment of Russell Martin as their new head coach on a three-year contract.

The former Scotland international moves to the Liberty Stadium from League One side MK Dons.

The Championship club – who lost to Brentford in the play-off final last season  will pay around £400,000 compensation for Martin, who replaces Steve Cooper and will be joined by Luke Williams, Matt Gill and Dean Thornton from his coaching staff in Milton Keynes..

Chief executive Julian Winter told Swansea’ official website: “We are delighted with the appointment of Russell as our new head coach.

“He very much fits the profile of a young and hungry coach who wants to succeed.

“After earning plaudits with Milton Keynes Dons for the attractive, attacking style that he implemented, we quickly realised Russell would be the right person to take us forward.

“He captained Peterborough and Norwich, as well as winning promotion on five separate occasions (as a player), which tells you everything about his leadership qualities and winning mentality.”

Martin was appointed at Stadium MK in November 2019 and guided the club away from relegation danger in his first season.

Last term the Dons finished 13th in  League One and only Manchester City and Barcelona had a higher possession percentage in Europe.

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Swansea made an official approach for Martin on Friday, a day before the Dons’ first game of the season, which angered the  League One club.

They lost 5-0 to Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup first round, Martin’s final game in charge.