Ex-Hatters promotion winner is sacked by Swansea after a 'disappointing run'
Sheehan relieved of his duties by the Swans
Former Luton captain and promotion winner Alan Sheehan has been sacked as manager of Swansea City.
The 39-year-old, who played 135 times for the Hatters, helping the club rise from League Two to the Championship between 2016-20, had returned to Kenilworth Road as first team coach in 2022, but soon followed former manager Nathan Jones to Southampton, although left St Mary’s after just three months, named as one of two assistant head coaches at Swansea City in June 2023.
Sheehan was made caretaker head coach after the sacking of Michael Duff in December 2023, moving back to his assistant role once Luke Williams was hired and going on to earn his UEFA Pro Licence in June 2024. Once Williams was relieved of his duties in February 2025, the former Republic of Ireland U21 took temporary charge again, then given the role to the end of the season, and after leading the Swans to five consecutive victories, their best winning sequence since 2007, was unveiled as head coach on a permanent three-year deal in the summer.
Swansea had started the current campaign fairly well, as after losing on the opening day at Middlesbrough, they went four unbeaten in the league, also defeating Crawley, Plymouth and Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup. Despite losing 1-0 to Birmingham, Swansea then drew with Millwall and won at Blackburn to sit seventh in the table, just two points adrift of Stoke City in second.
However, a run of just one win in seven Championship matches, with four defeats, and a Carabao Cup last 16 exit at the hands of Manchester City, then Saturday’s 4-1 loss on home soil to Ipswich proved the final straw for the Swansea boward, who opted to let Sheehan go with the team in 18th place, seven points above the drop zone.
A club statement said: “Swansea City 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 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.”
Swansea City owners Brett Cravatt 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.”