Less than a year after first taking charge of Swansea City for the second time, Alan Sheehan has been given the boot by the Championship side.
Given the interim manager’s role in January after the sacking of Luke Williams, the Irishman gave cause for optimism in the final months of the season with a string of positive performances, which led to his permanent appointment ahead of the 2025/26 season. It served as a slight gamble in recruiting someone with no previous experience as a head coach rather than an existing established name.
Sacking Decision Made, Announcement Close
However, after a poor start to the season which has left the Jacks in 18th in the Championship table, it seems that the ownership group in South Wales, which includes figures like Snoop Dogg and Luka Modric, have made a final decision on Sheehan.
A report from The Athletic’s Stuart James has revealed that Swansea have moved to sack Sheehan as they slump towards the 2nd tier’s relegation battle. Losing to Ipswich Town 4-1 was the final straw for the former Bradford City defender, and a formal announcement is due shortly.
Fans had turned on Sheehan during the defeat to the Tractor Boys, with chants ringing out around the Swansea.com Stadium stating “We want Sheehan out” after winning just 1 match in their previous 8 fixtures.
Swans Enter Championship Managerial Battles
Now faced with the task of finding a new head coach during the November international break, the new ownership group at Swansea City face a battle for their preferred options at a time many of their rivals are doing the same.
Middlesbrough, Norwich City and Southampton are just 3 of their adversaries in the market for potential managers, with names like Gary O’Neil, Steven Gerrard and Tony Mowbray linked with moves to these Championship clubs.
A potential option which could unite fans at a time where they are divided is Russell Martin, who managed the Jacks between 2021 and 2023, before being poached by the Saints to lead them back into the Premier League.
The first task any new boss in South Wales will have to address is to find more attacking form, with Swansea generating the lowest xG of any Championship club this season despite making big name signings such as Adam Idah from Celtic in the summer.
