Bob Bradley sacked: American dismissed by Swansea after 11 games in charge

His departure comes after the side's 4-1 Boxing Day defeat by West Ham at the Liberty Stadium

Samuel Lovett
Tuesday 27 December 2016 20:32 GMT
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Bob Bradley has left Swansea
Bob Bradley has left Swansea (Getty)

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Swansea City have sacked American manager Bob Bradley after just 11 games in charge.

His departure comes in the wake of the side's 4-1 Boxing Day defeat by West Ham at the Liberty Stadium.

The club have struggled for form under Bradley's guidance and stand level on 12 points with Hull City at the bottom of the Premier League.

“We are sorry to lose Bob after such a short period of time,’’ confirmed Swans chairman Huw Jenkins on Tuesday. “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 American managed just wins and two draws during his stint in charge, with 29 goals conceded along the way.

Bradley joined from French side Le Havre to replace Francesco Guidolin on October 3 of this year.

Swansea remain in deep trouble in the Premier League's relegation zone
Swansea remain in deep trouble in the Premier League's relegation zone (Getty)

The 58-year-old has spent much of his managerial career in America, coaching MLS sides such as Chicago Fire, Metrostars and Chivas USA. He spent five years as the United States’ national boss, winning the CONCACAF Cup in 2007, and led the side to the 2010 World Cup last 16.

Speaking after his dismissal, Bradley said: “I knew exactly what I was getting into when I came to Swansea and realized the hardest part was always going to be getting points in the short run.

"But I believe in myself and I believe in going for it.

"That’s what I’ve always told my players. Football can be cruel and to have a chance you have to be strong. I wish Swansea the best and look forward to my next challenge.”

First team coaches Paul Williams and Alan Curtis will take charge as the club searches for a replacement.

Reports suggest Swansea are considering out-of-work managers with former Manchester United coach and player Ryan Giggs an early favourite.

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