Swansea City Sack Former Leeds United Defender Alan Sheehan
Swansea, Wales — Swansea City have confirmed the dismissal of head coach Alan Sheehan, the former Leeds United defender, following a dismal start to their Championship campaign.
The Swans have endured their poorest league opening since dropping out of the Premier League in 2018, managing just four wins from 15 matches. Saturday’s heavy 4-1 home defeat to Ipswich Town only deepened the crisis, with home supporters voicing their frustration as the team left the pitch both at half-time and full-time.
Currently sitting 18th in the Championship table with 17 points, Swansea remain seven points above the relegation zone, with Blackburn Rovers, Portsmouth, and Oxford United separating them from 22nd-placed Sheffield United.
Multiple outlets, including The Athletic, reported on Tuesday that Sheehan had been relieved of his duties — just six months after being appointed permanently on a three-year deal. The 39-year-old initially impressed during two interim spells after succeeding Luke Williams earlier in the year.
Official Club Statement
Confirming the decision, Swansea City said:
“Swansea can confirm the club has parted ways with head coach Alan Sheehan. The 39-year-old was appointed as full-time head coach in April following two highly impressive interim spells.
“Alan initially took charge in December 2023, achieving a win rate of 42.86 per cent from seven matches. His second spell saw that figure rise to 58.3 per cent from 13 games, including a run of five consecutive victories.
“However, following a disappointing run of recent results, it is felt performances have fallen below the standards expected at this stage of the season. The process to appoint a new head coach is already under way, and supporters will be updated in due course.”
Sheehan’s tenure included a memorable 2-2 draw at Elland Road against his former club Leeds United in March, when his side twice came from behind thanks to a late error by Illan Meslier that gifted Zan Vipotnik an equaliser deep into stoppage time.
Swansea was Sheehan’s first managerial role since retiring as a player in 2022. The former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international enjoyed a lengthy playing career spanning nearly two decades across the English Football League, amassing over 450 senior appearances.
He joined Leeds United from Leicester City on loan in 2008, making the move permanent that summer. Though he featured only 14 times for the Whites, much of his spell was spent on loan with Crewe Alexandra, Oldham Athletic, and Swindon Town, where he later signed permanently. Sheehan also represented Luton Town, Bradford City, and Notts County before hanging up his boots.