New role for Swansea City legend Alan Curtis
6th January
Swansea City is pleased to confirm that Alan Curtis has agreed to become the club's first Loan Player Manager.
The club legend, who has already given over 40 years' service to the club in numerous positions from player to caretaker manager, will oversee and monitor those players from the first team and under-23s on loan at other clubs.
He will also assist the likes of scout Brian Flynn in the identification and recruitment of young players.
The role, which involves Curtis linking with new head coach Paul Clement, head of academy coaching Dave Adams and head of recruitment David Leadbetter, will see the 62-year-old travelling to watch the club's loan players train and play, before reporting back on their progress to the relevant club personnel.
Swans chairman Huw Jenkins confirmed: "The loan system has become an extremely important part of our player development strategy in recent years and we felt it was vital we had the right person overseeing it.
"While Alan has stepped away from a direct first-team coaching role, we felt it was imperative we kept him as part of our footballing structure and have his presence around the club and training ground.
"Not only does he have a wealth of knowledge and experience, he is respected throughout the game, not just in Swansea.''
The Premier League has also made the Loan Player Manager's role a requirement for all clubs to meet.
It is a position Curtis is looking forward to taking up with immediate effect.
"I'm delighted to take up the new role,'' declared Curtis. "There has definitely been a gap at the club in this area for some time and I'm really looking forward to filling it to the best of my ability.
"It was an opportunity I jumped at following very amicable discussions. It's a very important role and one that excites me.
"It's great to continue my involvement with the club, but the priority is for everyone to concentrate on the rest of the season and secure our Premier League status again.''
The club has had as many as 12 players out on loan at one time this season. Bafe Gomis (Marseille), Franck Tabanou (Granada), Kyle Bartley (Leeds United), Matt Grimes (Leeds United), Marvin Emnes (Blackburn), Ryan Hedges (Yeovil) Liam Shepherd (Yeovil), Josh Vickers (Barnet) and Josh Sheehan (Newport) are currently on loan, while Connor Roberts (Bristol Rovers), Kenji Gorre (Northampton) and Adam King (Southend) have just returned.
