Roberto Martinez is a firm favourite with Swansea fans |
Roberto Martinez has signed a two-year contract to take over as the new Swansea City manager.
The Swans offered him the post on Friday after agreeing a compensation package with his former employers Chester City.
Martinez spent three seasons with Swansea before joining Chester last summer after falling out of favour with former manager Kenny Jackett.
The 33-year-old is hoping to bring in an assistant in the next few days.
Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins said Martinez's preferred candidate is contracted with another club and so further negotiations are required to secure his release.
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Roberto has been the Board's preferred candidate
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Chester City assistant Graham Barrow, who first brought Martinez to English football in 1995 when he was in charge of Wigan, is believed to be the man in question.
Caretaker manager Kevin Nugent will be in charge for Saturday's game at Yeovil, but Martinez is expected to take over for Tuesday's visit to Rotherham.
Midfielder Martinez has been a regular for League Two title outfit Chester this season, but he will not be able to play for the Swans this season as his move falls outside the transfer window.
Former Wales striker Dean Saunders and ex-Leeds United manager Kevin Blackwell are also believed to have held talks with Swansea over the manager's position.
But, despite having no previous coaching or managerial experience, Swansea have decided to put their faith in Martinez.
"The club has received interest from over 50 parties for the post, and after carefully considering those applications, interviews took place this week with a number of candidates," said a Swansea City statement.
"Ever since Kenny Jackett's surprise departure last week, Roberto has been the Board's preferred candidate.
"After the interviews it was clear that Roberto was the best man for the job and the decision was made to offer him the position.
"Roberto comes highly recommended from many people in the game of football, none more so than Welsh boss John Toshack, who has offered Roberto any assistance that is required."
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