...By Babatunde Lucas for TDPel Media.
Swansea City is reportedly considering Gregg Berhalter, the former USA national team coach, as one of the potential candidates for the manager position once Russell Martin leaves the club.
The 49-year-old American manager is likely to attract interest from Swansea’s American owners as they plan for the upcoming Championship campaign.
With Martin on the verge of joining Southampton, Swansea’s ownership must start formulating a new plan for the future.
They are currently exploring their options and considering various candidates to fill the managerial void. Live updates on this matter can be followed for the latest developments.
Among the contenders, former Brighton and Watford manager Oscar Garcia has also captured Swansea’s attention.
Additionally, former Swansea coach Chris Davies and Plymouth manager Steven Schumacher are seen as early frontrunners according to bookmakers.
Davies had previously served as Brendan Rodgers’ assistant at Swansea, following him to Liverpool, Celtic, and Leicester City.
Berhalter emerges as a new name in the frame for the managerial position.
However, Swansea City will hope for a more successful outcome than their previous experience with Bob Bradley.
Bradley, another former USA boss, lasted only 85 days in charge of Swansea, winning just two out of 11 matches before being replaced by Alan Curtis on a temporary basis, and later by Paul Clement on a full-time basis.
Berhalter has a strong track record, having guided the USA national team to the World Cup finals in Qatar, where they reached the round of 16 before losing 3-1 to a strong Netherlands side.
The Americans remained undefeated in the group stages, with their opening match being a 1-1 draw against Wales, salvaged by a Gareth Bale penalty late in the game.
While Wales struggled in subsequent matches against Iran and England, Berhalter’s USA side managed a goalless draw against England and a victory over Iran to secure their spot in the knockout stages.
However, they were eventually defeated by the Netherlands in a comfortable manner, ending their World Cup journey.
After his tenure with the USA, Berhalter was succeeded by his assistant Anthony Hudson.
Prior to his national team role, Berhalter managed Swedish club Hammarby and MLS team Columbus Crew.
It was his success with Columbus Crew, reaching the MLS playoffs for four consecutive years and the cup final where they narrowly lost to Portland Timber, that led to his appointment as the USA national team coach.
Swansea City’s owners, particularly the new American chairman Andy Coleman, are currently negotiating a suitable compensation package with Southampton for the departure of Russell Martin.
While the specifics are being worked out, it is widely expected that Martin’s exit is imminent, requiring Swansea to actively commence their search for a suitable replacement.
