Premier League strugglers Swansea are searching for yet another new manager, after American Bob Bradley’s reign came to and end after just 85 days with the Welsh club.
The former USA boss replaced the sacked Francesco Guidolin back in early October but after seven defeats in his 11 games in charge, Bradley’s fate was decided after a heavy 4-1 home defeat to West Ham on Boxing Day left them four points from safety.
Bob Bradley was the first American to manage in the Premier League
image: teamtalk.com
In a statement on the club’s website, Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins was disappointed Bradley only lasted a short time in the job, but felt a change was needed to help the South Wales club fight against relegation from the top-flight.
“We are sorry to lose Bob after such a short period of time,’’ said the Swans chairman.
“Unfortunately things haven’t worked out as planned and we felt we had to make the change with half the Premier League season remaining. With the club going through such a tough time, we have to try and find the answers to get ourselves out of trouble.
“Personally, I have nothing but praise for Bob. He is a good man; a good person who gave everything to the job. His work-rate is phenomenal and we wish him well for the future.”
The 58-year-old has been in the managerial game for over 30 years, including stints French side Le Havre, Norway’s Stabæk and a number of American clubs, including Chivas USA and Chicago Fire.
However, it was his spell as USA boss from 2006 and 2011 were he enjoyed his best success having guided the United States to the last 16 at the 2010 World Cup.
Former Swans player and coach Alan Curtis will once again take the role of caretaker manager alongside Paul Williams for Swansea’s New Year’s Eve home game against Bournemouth, as the board begin their search for a third manager in less than 12 months.
Ex- Man United winger and assistant Ryan Giggs is already a heavy favourite for the role with the bookies, while former Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew and Wales boss Chris Coleman are also in the mix.
My Opinion
I was not a fan of this appointment when Bradley replaced Guidolin back in September and I am not surprised that he was sacked after a disastrous run in the Premier League, with seven defeats in 11 games.
I do think Guidolin should have been given more time and that the Swansea board have now realised that appointing a a manger with no Premier League experience was a big mistake.
The Swansea squad suffered a big blow over the summer with the sale of captain Ashley Williams and Andre Ayew. Their new manager will definitely need to strengthen the squad if Swansea want to retain their Premier League status come May.
Man United legend Ryan Giggs would be a decent choice but whoever the new manager will be, I think it is going to take a lot of hard work to keep Swansea in the Premier League.
Balls and Brawls 