These are the latest stories making Swansea City headlines on Friday, June 9.
Palmer: Mason move 'a win-win'
Carlton Palmer believes Swansea moving for Ryan Mason would be a win-win situation for all concerned.
Mason is a name who has been floated as a replacement for Russell Martin in south Wales, although it is understood Chris Davies, Brendan Rodgers' former assistant, is a leading contender.
Former Spurs midfielder Mason has had two stints as interim manager in north London, most recently finishing the Premier League season in charge of the London Stadium club. Tottenham have now turned to Ange Postecoglou, who himself is reportedly keen to bring Davies into his coaching team.
READ MORE: Where we now stand with Swansea City's manager search
Palmer though believes it's time for Mason to strike out on his own.
“It's clear that Ryan wants a manager's job, and whenever he has taken over as a caretaker for Spurs he has conducted himself well and done a good job," he said.
"I think the time is right for Ryan to dip his toe into his first managerial role, and I think this could be a win-win, for Ryan and Swansea.”
Martin's exit was devastating - O'Hora
MK Dons defender Warren O’Hora says he and his team-mates were devastated when they learned Russell Martin was leaving for Swansea.
Two summers ago Martin replaced Steve Cooper in the Swansea dugout having attracted plaudits for the football he played with the-then League One club. As such Swansea came knocking.
Martin is now on the verge of leaving SA1 for Southampton, and O'Hora has lifted the lid on how his exit from MK played out.
“We heard a little whisper that Russ was going to Swansea the night before,” he said on the One Up Top podcast. “We woke up the following morning and we knew something was up. He was a bit quiet, and it was all strange.
“We were playing Bournemouth in the cup the week before the season started, so it was the first game of the season, but we got hammered, and I mean hammered.
“The fans were chanting some nasty stuff about Russ, and we went back into the dressing room thinking it can't get much worse, he walked in and said he was going and taking his staff.
“We were all devastated. Don't get me wrong, the style was a bit frustrating at times to watch, but to play in it was so good.”
Swans renew deal
Off the pitch Swansea have agreed a new multi-year extension with Owens Group.
The company's logo will be branded on all players' and staff training kits, along with the travel ranges.
Lee Merrells, head of partnerships at Swansea City, said: “Swansea City are delighted to announce a new multi-year extension with Owens Group which will see the brand feature on all player and staff training kits, alongside the travel ranges.
“Following many successful seasons before, Owens Group will continue to be the club’s official logistics partner for the 2023-24 season, along with sponsoring the team coach.
“Owens Group has proven to be a valued partner and we look forward to continue working together in the upcoming seasons.”
Hourihane turns to coaching
Former Swansea loan man Conor Hourihane is taking up a job coaching Aston Villa's under-16s.
The former Villa man, 32, is halfway through a two-year deal with Derby County but has a new job at Bodymoor Heath starting in September.
“I’m going to be one of a couple of coaches,” he said. “It’s amazing just to be involved in it.
“I’ve got great contacts there, still, from the time I was there. I was in and out there recently over the summer and they offered me the job of being involved with the under-16s and I absolutely jumped at it.
“It’ll be great for the experience and to have on my CV going forward, and I’m trying to do as much as I can off the pitch to get ready for the transition over the next couple of years.”
Saints star in limbo amid Martin appointment
Southampton's Will Smallbone says he is waiting until the Saints appoint their new boss before deciding on his future.
Martin is set to take the reins on the south coast once a compensation agreement is reached between Swansea and Southampton.
In the meantime players like Smallbone are in limbo, who spent last season on loan with Stoke City.
“I don’t think anything has been announced yet so I’m not sure what’s going on down there,” Smallbone said while away on international duty.
“I’m not thinking too much about my future while I’m out here with Ireland. I’ll wait for Southampton to appoint a manager and like everyone else have a conversation with him to see where he sees me."
READ MORE:
Where we now stand with Swansea City's manager search
Sunderland, Coventry City, Plymouth and Rangers to spark Morgan Whittaker bidding war
Russell Martin to Southampton latest as Chris Davies emerges as frontrunner for Swansea City
