Rodgers Disappointed To Miss Out On Defender

Swansea City manager Brendan Rodgers admitted his disappointment at the board for a blocking a move to sign defender Ryan Bennett.

Rodgers told the Evening Post how he was set to complete a deal worth around £3million to sign the 21 year-old.

Bennett was on the road to complete a move to Swansea City, but he was then told to turn back, after the board blocked the move. He then completed a move from Peterborough United to fellow Premier League side Norwich City.

Rodgers explained what happened, and said:

‘I am disappointed,’

‘Putting together our squad is like piecing together a jigsaw. We know the type of players we want and there’s not that many around who have the criteria we want.

‘They have to be able to play, and obviously they have to fit the bill financially.

‘Ryan Bennett was someone I felt would be good value for the club because he is a terrific player who I see being a big talent in the future.

‘But all I can do is put forward the players to the board.

‘I have to respect that they will make the final decision because they will be here long after I am gone.

‘We have watched Ryan a number of times over a number of months, but they are well within their rights if they feel the deal is too rich, and it’s history now.’

‘It’s not the first time (Swansea have lost out on a player to Norwich),’ added the Swansea manager.

‘I understand where the board are coming from, although that does not mean I agree.

‘I have to respect them and the people at the club, and it’s history now. Norwich have managed to stump up the cash, they have signed the player and good luck to them.

‘I won’t dwell on it. I make my point on why I think we should have done it and then I move on.’