Alan Sheehan: Swansea City part ways with head coach

Sheehan was appointed as Michael Duff’s assistant in the summer of 2023, and was placed in temporary charge of the first team in December of the same year following the manager’s departure.

Under Sheehan’s guidance, the Swans took 11 points from the 21 on offer before Luke Williams was appointed as Duff’s permanent replacement in January 2024.

But just over a year later, Sheehan returned to an interim role following Williams’ dismissal.

The former Republic of Ireland international led his side to an even better performance the second time around as Swansea took 24 points from his 13 games in charge to guide the club to 11th place – a remarkable achievement considering the Welsh side were on the verge of relegation just months before.

After receiving a three-year contract as head coach, Sheehan received a huge boost in the summer transfer window as Swansea’s new ownership group – led by Brett Cravat and Jason Cohen – demonstrated their determination to put the club in a position to challenge for a return to the top flight.

Adam Idah, Marko Stamenic, Zidane Inosa and Ethan Galbraith were among those to receive hefty transfer fees.

But they were unable to convert the club’s early-season optimism into results – with their attacking production under Sheehan in particular coming under criticism.

Swansea’s expected goals (xG) of 12.48 is the lowest of any team in the division while their total of 15 big chances created is comfortably the worst of any team in the Second Division.

During Saturday’s defeat to Ipswich, some fans booed at half-time and at full-time – with some chanting “We want Sheehan gone” at their 39-year-old manager after the game.

He is now on the verge of leaving South Wales after overseeing just one win in eight matches in all competitions.

Now, in the final international break of the year, fans are hoping an impending managerial change will give the club time to turn around their fortunes and reignite their hopes of a top-six finish.

Swansea return to league action against Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Saturday 22 November (12:30 GMT).