Head coach Matos agrees new Swansea contract

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Head coach Matos agrees new Swansea contract

ByGareth Vincent

BBC Sport Wales
  • Published

Head coach Vitor Matos has agreed a new Swansea City contract which ties him to the Championship club until 2030.

Matos, 38, was appointed on a deal running until 2029 last November.

But Swansea’s progress since Matos took charge has convinced the club’s hierarchy to hand the Portuguese improved terms.

“From the moment I arrived here, I have sensed how powerful the connection between Swansea City and the fans and community is,” said Matos.

“This is something very special, it is a feeling myself and the players love, and the desire to keep building that and sharing great moments together is one of the key motivations in extending my contract with the club.”

Chief executive Tom Gorringe said “stability and consistency of vision” were important at what he called an “exciting time for the football club”.

“Vitor made a considerable impact following his appointment in November of last year and we are excited about the direction in which he is taking Swansea City,” Gorringe added.

“This new deal is a reflection of our belief in the work he and his team have done since joining us, and what we believe we can accomplish together under Vitor’s stewardship.”

Matos had only brief experience as a manager, at Portuguese club Maritimo, when Swansea turned to him after missing out on Kim Hellberg to Middlesbrough last year.

A former elite development coach at Liverpool – and assistant boss at Red Bull Salzburg – Matos steered Swansea clear of relegation trouble before securing an 11th-placed finish thanks to 14 wins in his 30 league games in charge.

Swansea will begin Matos’ first full season in charge with increased expectations based on their improvement last term.

Matos has been backed in the transfer market this summer, with Swansea spending close to £15m on Moussa Yeo, Elijah Just and Joseph Opoku as well as bringing in defender Stephen Welsh.

There are more signings to come, although Swansea have sold influential midfielder Ethan Galbraith and it remains to be seen whether Zan Vipotnik, last season’s Championship top scorer, will still be at the club when the summer transfer window closes.

“We put good foundations in place last season, but now we have to look forward, we have to keep pushing and making progress,” Matos added.

“We have enjoyed a positive pre-season, and made good additions to our squad, and I am looking forward to the season ahead and beyond.”

Matos’ team play their final pre-season friendly at home to Leganes on Saturday before hosting Birmingham City in the Carabao Cup the following weekend.

The new league campaign starts with a trip to Stoke City on Saturday, 15 August.

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