Leon Britton backed as next Swansea City manager by John Hartson
Last updated on .From the section Swansea
Swansea should "build the club" around Leon Britton and appoint the former midfielder as their next manager, says ex-Wales striker John Hartson.
Carlos Carvalhal is not expected to be given a new contract after failing to keep the Swans in the Premier League.
Ostersund manager Graham Potter and Swansea's under-23 boss Cameron Toshack have been linked with the role.
But Hartson said 35-year-old Britton, who retired from playing at the end of the season, would be "exceptional".
He added: "Nobody knows how Swansea tick as a club inside and out, in the dressing room and around the place than Leon Britton.
"I would build the club around his knowledge and personality."
Britton made 536 appearances for the Swans after initially joining from West Ham United in 2002 on a one-month loan.
In two spells with the club over more than 15 years, he helped the Welsh side avoid relegation from the Football League and then win three promotions.
He was named caretaker manager for a two-game spell before Carvalhal's appointment in December.
Swansea previously offered the Englishman the chance to take up another coaching role, but he has instead opted to become a club ambassador.
'They've lost that identity'
Hartson, who won 51 Wales caps and scored 14 international goals, told BBC Sport Wales: "People talk about the 'Swansea Way' and what they mean by that is the system they played for several years.
"[Former manager] Brendan Rodgers played it ever so well - play with wingers, width, genuinely good footballers in the middle of the park, a major threat up front.
"You play out from the back, everyone wants the ball, everybody is comfortable on the ball, making angles.
"It's brave, possession football. Work the opposition tirelessly and you keep possession.
"They've lost that identity, the way they play - and the best person who was in and around that Swansea Way for many years and excelled in that position as a leader, as a midfielder who knew how to organise the game and would run the game from the middle of the park, is Leon Britton."
Hartson says the fact Britton is "revered" by supporters would help the relegated club's situation and that being out of the higher stakes of the Premier League could allow them to take a chance on a rookie.
"He would be exceptional," he added.
"Put someone alongside him with experience because he would need help, but I believe Leon Britton would be a fantastic choice and the fans' choice."
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He doesn't want to be a coach, end of story.
Sadly, football fans' just don't live in the real world and now DEMAND instant
success. Leon Britton's commitment to the cause may just see him through.
No doubt some players have relegation clauses in their contracts, and will do a Ki. Others are under contract, and will stick around. Not knowing individual contract details makes it impossible to know who will go and who will stay. A complete overhaul is vital, however, but may not be possible.
Hate to point out the obvious, but playing the Swansea way got them into, and a 7 year stay in the Premier League...
for Leon. There is another scenario - if Carlos stays, have Leon as part of the coaching line up. I still think that Carlos can turn things around and he
arrived with 2 to 3 years of incompetent recruitment. A big ask.
I will get behind whoever they pick, hope it's early enough to get rid of the chaff and show those that remain that hard work lies ahead.
He inherited a poor squad devoid of confidence. Nobody gave us a chance of survival but he nearly achieved it. Admittedly, stress got too much for him and bad decisions followed.
He's got my vote. Brittan on staff to learn the ropes.
Sounds like the old pal's act here-so prevalent in football
Carvalhal did ok at Sheff Wed-I would keep him.
Now just exactly what makes him " a clown "? Having a different opinion to you doesn't cut it.