Thursday 5 January 2017 16:47, UK
Alan Curtis has a job for life at Swansea if he wants it, new boss Paul Clement said in his first news conference.
Curtis' future has been shrouded in uncertainty after Swansea announced Karl Halabi and Nigel Gibbs will assist Clement, who was confirmed as Bob Bradley's replacement on Tuesday.
Former Wales international Curtis began his career at Swansea, enjoying three spells at the club as a player before rejoining the Swans in a coaching role.
The 62-year-old served as first-team coach under Michael Laudrup, Garry Monk, Francesco Guidolin and Bradley, and has been Swansea's caretaker manager on three separate occasions, most recently for the 2-1 win at Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.
Speaking ahead of his first match as Swansea head coach, Saturday's FA Cup tie with Hull, Clement said: "Alan, I know has been here for many, many, many years. He was a legend as a player, he's been part of the backroom staff, he's been first-team coach, caretaker manager, and the situation with Alan is that we want him to stay at the club.
"As far as I am concerned and as far as Huw Jenkins is concerned Alan has a job here for as long as he wants, for life if necessary.
"I know he is absolutely respected by the players, the people at the club and, most importantly, the fans, but it's down to him to discuss things with the chairman. He will do that tomorrow but he will be stepping aside from first-team coaching duties on the field.
"I'm sure there will be some fans who will be disappointed he will not be working closer to the first team but I hope he stays on in another role. That role is to be discussed and I don't know what that is at the moment but credit must go to Alan for the result the other night at Crystal Palace.
"He selected the team and did the tactics along with Paul Williams and I was just there to help in any way that I could. He was responsible for that result and I know that I can lean on Alan if I need to."
Clement left his role as Carlo Ancelotti's assistant at Bayern Munich to take the reins at Swansea after spending a number of years working under the Italian at clubs including Chelsea, Paris Saint Germain and Real Madrid.
"I've assisted Carlo for almost seven years at lots of different clubs. I have learnt a lot from him and I remain very good friends with him," Clement said.
"I had a wonderful six months in Munich and it was a very difficult place to leave. It's one of the best clubs in the world - with fantastic players - and it's also a great city.
"I must say thank you to Bayern and the CEO Karl-Heinz-Rummenigge for the opportunity and also for giving me the chance to fulfil my ambition of once again becoming a head coach.
"I've been very lucky over the last few years to work for some great clubs and win a lot of games and compete for titles at domestic and European level. I'm a competitor and I love to win, so the first thing we need to do [now at Swansea] is put in some positive performances to get some good results."
