22/6/2009

Paulo Sousa was flying back from Portugal today and is expected to be announced as manager of Swansea City tomorrow - along with his own backroom staff.

The 38-year-old, who was assistant coach of the Portuguese national team, played 51 times for his country and had spells with Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Juventus, Inter Milan, Parma and Borussia Dortmund.

One of the most celebrated and highly-regarded Portuguese footballers in the modern game, he won the Champions League twice as a player, first with Juventus in 1996 and then Dortmund the following year.

Last season he managed Queens Park Rangers but was sacked after 26 games, winning seven times.

Swans confirmed today that long-serving physio Richie Evans has left the club after ten years to join manager Roberto Martinez at Premiership Wigan.

He joins former Swans backroom staff Graeme Jones, Kevin Reeves, Inaki Bergara and Oscar Brau at Wigan.

Swans chairman Huw Jenkins said, "While we are sorry to see him go, his commitment and service to this club over the last 10 years has been first class.

"He feels he needs a change after a decade with the club and I have thanked him personally for what he has done for us over the years.''

Evans, whose late father Brian also played for the club, has worked under six different managers since joining the Swans back in 1999.

As well as the physio duties, Evans also carried out the conditioning and fitness work under Martinez.