Swansea City have confirmed the departure of head coach Alan Sheehan following a disappointing start to the Championship season.
The 39-year-old Irishman, who was appointed on a permanent basis in April, leaves the club after overseeing just four league wins from the opening 15 matches of the current campaign – the Swans’ lowest return since their relegation from the Premier League in 2018.
Sheehan’s appointment came after two impressive spells as interim boss. He first took charge in December 2023, recording a win percentage of 42.86 per cent across seven games. His second caretaker stint proved even more successful, delivering a 58.3 per cent win rate from 13 matches, including an impressive run of five consecutive victories that earned him the permanent role following Luke Williams’ departure.
However, the club’s fortunes have taken a sharp downturn this season. Saturday’s heavy 4-1 defeat to Ipswich Town at the Swansea.com Stadium left the Swans languishing in 18th position with just 17 points – their worst return from the opening 15 games of a league season since dropping out of the top flight.
The club acknowledged the difficulty of the decision in their statement announcing Sheehan’s departure, noting that “results and performances do not meet the standards expected at this stage of the season.”
Owners Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen paid tribute to Sheehan’s contribution, saying: “Alan has been instrumental in helping improve the club through two periods of time. Alan has a tireless work ethic, an honest approach and a positive attitude. He has put his full effort into the job on behalf of the club.
“The club would like to place on record its thanks to Alan for all of his hard work during his time at Swansea City. We wish Alan and his family all the best for the future.”
The search for a new head coach is already underway, with the club promising to update supporters once the recruitment process has been concluded.