New Swansea City, Vitor Matos twist emerges and it's got Swans fans reacting | OneFootball

Swansea City may have been dealt another blow in their race to appoint a new manager

Swansea City may have been dealt another cruel twist in their search for a new manager.

The Swans have been on the lookout for a new boss after deciding to part ways with Alan Sheehan during the November international break, having won just two of his last 11 matches in all competitions.

It seemed like Kim Hellberg was set to become their next manager despite efforts from Hammarby to stop that happening, before fellow Championship side Middlesbrough swooped in at the last minute to take him away.

Swansea turned to Vitor Matos as a back-up option, with the former Liverpool coach reportedly enthused by the opportunity, finding the prospect of taking over the club as “irresistible”.

However, the Welsh outfit’s search for a new boss may have just taken another turn for the worse.

Swansea City dealt apparent Vitor Matos blow

With Matos’ move to Swansea seemingly all but done, it now appears the South Wales side may have to turn their sights to a third target.

Maritimo, the club Matos is currently in charge of, have released a club statement confirming that they are fully confident of retaining the 37-year-old’s services.

"Marítimo da Madeira SAD guarantees that Vítor Matos will remain at the club, despite interest from other institutions.

"The President, Carlos André Gomes, acknowledges the external attention generated by the quality of the coach's work, but assures that the club's rights are protected."

It has been reported that Matos’ €1m release clause is proving to be quite the sticking point for Swansea and whilst the Portuguese outfit seem confident in keeping their boss, they haven’t categorically ruled out an exit.

"The club considers the interest in Vítor Matos to be natural and highlights both the excellence of his work and the coach's own satisfaction with the project," the statement continued.

"It further emphasises that his departure can only occur upon full payment of the €1 million release clause, without exceptions or parallel negotiations.”

Swansea have confirmed that Darren O'Dea will take interim control as manager ahead of their visit to Bristol City on Saturday, whilst the Swans finally try and bring an end to their hunt for a new boss.

Swansea City fans react to recent Vitor Matos update

With Swansea now potentially missing out on a manager for the second time this week, frustrations are naturally starting to build throughout the Welsh outfit’s fanbase.

When news of Maritimo’s stance hit social media, some supporters have questioned how attractive the prospect of coaching their club really is.

“Because we are so big and got such a fantastic project happening we can’t get Hellberg and now Matos,” stated one Swansea fan.

“We better start looking in the National League for someone.”

“We are fast becoming a joke of a club!,” commented another.

Other fans decided that the Welsh side should stop pursuing managers who are already contracted elsewhere, with calls for a Russell Martin return rife.

“Bring back the man who finished 3 points off the playoffs, 3rd highest scorers all on a bottom 3 budget,” demanded one of the Swans’ faithful.

“Proven he can take teams up with a good budget and squad. Oh, and hes on a free and loves the club.”

“we’ve got super Russell Martin….” commented another.

Swansea supporters will rightly feel frustrated that their club haven’t been able to find a managerial replacement during the November international break, whilst division rivals such as Middlesbrough and Norwich City both seem to have succeeded in that task.

Spending €1m on what is an unknown quantity in the English game would be a huge gamble from the Swans and Maritimo’s recent statement may have been a ploy to make sure the Welsh outfit pays up soon.