John Eustace turned down the chance to take over at Swansea City due to personal reasons, WalesOnline has learned.
Eustace emerged as the early front-runner to succeed Steve Cooper in the Liberty Stadium hot-seat this week and seemed almost certain to be unveiled as the club's new boss, only to seemingly perform a dramatic U-turn over the weekend.
The move has left Swansea with little choice but to return to the drawing board in terms of their managerial search, although it's understood Eustace's decision was not a footballing or financial one.
Indeed, it's believed he was relishing the task at hand and the chance to rebuild the squad, having previously come close to taking over in 2019 when Graham Potter left the club.
Eustace had even discussed terms with previous chairman Trevor Birch before the club eventually opted for Cooper, but he is a coach that has seemingly been on the radar ever since.
Julian Winter, Birch's successor, is also a keen admirer having worked with Eustace during his time at Watford, and the club seemed set to appoint the former Coventry City midfielder as their next boss.
Eustace's only previous managerial role was with Kidderminster Harriers, whom he left to join Queens Park Rangers in 2018, and saw Swansea as the ideal next step in his development as a coach, following his three-year stint as an assistant manager at Loftus Road.
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His style of football was seen as the perfect fit for the club, with Harriers earning plenty of plaudits under his stewardship.
One rival manager even labelled his side the 'non-league Barcelona' such was their brand of free-flowing attractive football.
But it seems the deal taking him to SA1 has fallen through due to matters beyond the control of Eustace or the club, with both parties believed to be bitterly disappointed at how things have developed.
Eustace is now set to remain with QPR, while Swansea now face the tough prospect of restarting their search for a new boss.
You can follow live updates on their search here
Jody Morris and Cameron Toshack are among the early front-runners with the bookies, while there has long been interest in Michael Appleton, although he is currently taking time off after recently being diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Reports have also suggested that MK Dons boss Russell Martin could be another name in the frame.
Alan Tate is set to take charge of Swansea's pre-season clash with Forest Green Rovers on Wednesday night, but the club will surely be keen to have a new man installed before their Championship curtain-raiser with Blackburn Rovers on August 7.
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