Manager Candidate Profiles - Gus Poyet

We profile the possible candidates for the vacant manager's job at Swansea City and next we look at Gus Poyet. There has been plenty of rumours and speculation linking him with the job and today there are various reports suggesting he has held talks with the club.

You can read our profile on Gary Speed here

Age: 41

What Do We Know?

Not a lot really. It's been all speculation up until now when there are reports today suggesting he's had talks with the club about the job.

Gus Poyet had the chance to join Juan Ramos at Real Madrid last year after getting sacked by Tottenham, but he preferred to stay in England to get a head coaching role. He also had the opportunity to take over at Newcastle Utd earlier last season but not chose not to. He now says he's ready for his first manager's job.

Poyet can also speak Spanish but most of the Spanish players at the club can speak good English.

Poyet said a month ago that he'd be interested in the Reading job if he was approached so it seems he wouldn't mind dropping down into the Championship to manage a club.

Playing Career

It has to be said, Gus Poyet was a quality player when on top form and clear of injuries. He played for Chelsea and Spurs during his time in England and also won 23 caps for Uraguay.

He started his career with French side Grenoble Foot 38 in 1988 before moving to River Plate the following year.

He spent 7 years at Real Zaragoza, joining the club in 1990 and made 239 appearances for the Spanish side, scoring 63 goals.

He then joined Chelsea on a free transfer in 1997 but he suffered an injury early on in his season at Stamford Bridge. The following season he was the club's second highest goalscorer with 14 goals. He was again the club's second highest goalscorer in the 1999/2000 season with 18 strikes.

Poyet then decided to leave the Blues in 2001 and joined fellow London club Spurs in 2001 for just over £2m.

His honours include English FA Cup 2000, UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1998 and European Super Cup 1998, all with Chelsea.

Coaching / Management

Poyet began his management career with Swindon in July 2006, and joined Dennis Wise as his assistant. Their impact there saw them join Leeds just 3 months later.

Poyet and Wise were a huge success at Leeds in League One, and despite having a 15-point deduction, they achieved a play-off place. Poyet left the club mid-way during the season which seemed to have a big impact on their form, as after a dominating start, they lost their unbeaten run.

Wise joined Newcastle United while Poyet returned to his former club Tottenham to work alongside Juande Ramos as first team coach. The duo parted company after a terrible start to the season. Ramos joined Real Madrid but Poyet turned them down, instead he preferred to seek a job in the English League. He's been out of management since October 2008 but has spent his time since then as a football pundit and commentator.

For the very latest Championship odds

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.