Alan Sheehan sacked as early contenders emerge for Swansea City job

Hellberg expected to be a contender

Kim Hellberg is expected to be an early contender for the Swansea City job following the sacking of Alan Sheehan, with informal talks said to have already taken place.

The Swede has been on the radar at SA1 for some time, having come close to taking the job before Sheehan was appointed.

It's understood he has been keeping a close eye on the latest situation ever since, and sources in Sweden claim informal discussions with the Swans have already taken place, although a deal is considered a long way off at this stage.

Hellberg led Hammarby to the second in the Swedish league, and a move to English football is likely to be his ideal next step.

It's understood he would be interested in taking the job at Swansea, although several other Championship sides also believed to be keeping tabs.

Hellberg is believed to have hugely impressed Swansea's hierarchy when he was in the frame for the role back in April, but his hopes of landing the job were ultimately scuppered by the team's incredible run under Sheehan.

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Swansea confirm Sheehan sacking

Swansea City say the search for a new head coach is already well under way, after confirming the sacking of Alan Sheehan.

News of Sheehan's impending departure had broken earlier on Tuesday afternoon, and the club have now confirmed the news in a short statement.

"Swansea can confirm the club has parted ways with head coach Alan Sheehan," the club said.

"The 39-year-old was appointed as full-time head coach in April following two highly-impressive stints in interim charge of the Swans.

"Alan initially took over in December 2023, overseeing seven games with a win percentage of 42.86 per cent.

"His second spell in charge saw him record a win percentage of 58.3 per cent from 13 games, including a run of five wins in a row.

"However, in the wake of a disappointing run, it is felt results and performances do not meet the standards expected at this stage of the season, and we have had to take this difficult decision.

"The process to appoint a new head coach is already under way. We will update supporters on this process once it has been concluded."

In a joint quote, co-owners Brett and Jason Cohen added: "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."

What next?

We're still awaiting official confirmation on Sheehan's departure, and indeed a few other details.

For one, we don't know yet if Sheehan will be the only one leaving.

He had brought Darren O'Dea and Richard Stearman in as part of his backroom staff, their futures appear unclear at the moment.

It also remains to be seen whether anyone will take over on an interim basis.

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