EFL Championship outfit Swansea City have opted to part ways with Alan Sheehan after a dismal start to the league season, reported by Stuart James from The Athletic.
Pressure had been mounting for the 39-year-old, who was in his first full-time management role, taking charge last February.
Despite a memorable victory over Premier League side Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup and a strong effort against Manchester City in the following round, the Swans’ league form has been thoroughly disappointing.
Only winning one of their previous seven – the win coming over a lowly Norwich City – the South Welsh side sit 18th in the Championship.
A 4-1 defeat at home to Ipswich Town was the final nail in the coffin for Sheehan.
Now, attention must turn to who will take charge of the club.
We have taken note of the leading candidates, combined with our own suggestions, to identify five of the most suitable candidates.
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5. Michael Carrick
Having parted ways with Middlesbrough last summer, the former Manchester United midfielder was largely renowned for his playstyle in the North East.
Swansea have tended to prefer a possession-heavy approach over the years, and Carrick would bring just that.
A decorated player, he delivered playoff football in his first season at Boro and is largely credited with the development of Hayden Hackney.
4. Will Still
Recently departing Southampton, his spell on the South Coast was not largely reflective of Still’s capabilities as a manager.
Famous for his overachievements with Reims, the 33-year-old remains one of the most high-profile, up-and-coming managers out there.
Similarly to Carrick, Still favours a high-possession, progressive approach. Additionally, the underlying statistics for Southampton this season could suggest he was largely let down by his personnel on the field.
With his best work coming as an underdog, perhaps a move to Swansea could suit the Belgian.
3. Michael Skubala – Lincoln City Manager
Nearly two years into his tenure at Lincoln City, the former Leeds United academy coach has consistently overachieved with the Imps.
Operating on one of the lowest budgets in League One, he has established the Lincolnshire side firmly in the top half of League One. Currently sitting sixth in the division, the Imps are winless in their last three league outings, which could help Swansea in any potential pursuit of the 43-year-old.
However, with Skubala still under contract with Lincoln, a move may prove difficult. On the other hand, the head coach may feel that it is time to take the step up to the Championship.
4. Brendan Rodgers
Swansea have stagnated in the Championship in recent years, which could spell out the chance for a club legend’s return.
In the modern day, there are not many Swansea City managers as well-regarded as Brendan Rodgers.
Winning promotion to the Premier League in 2011, his attractive brand of football still breathes throughout the club’s ethos to this day. Recently parting ways with Scottish giants Celtic, it would not be a surprise to see Rodgers back at the Liberty Stadium.
Additionally, since his last spell at Swansea, he has managed Liverpool and Leicester City, showing his capabilities as a manager in the top half of the Premier League.
5. Steven Schumacher – Bolton Wanderers Manager
Perhaps a more direct alternative to the previous picks, Schumacher has excelled primarily at League One level with Plymouth Argyle and currently with Bolton Wanderers.
However, upon promotion to the Championship, his work with Plymouth Argyle continued, attracting the interest of Stoke City. His tenure with the Potters did not work out; however, the environment at Swansea City could be more suitable for Schumacher.
Still under contract with Bolton and sitting third in the division below, any pursuit for the coach would be difficult. However, Schumacher may have something to prove in the Championship, given his time at Stoke.
While the project with Bolton has huge potential, the prospect of moving up a division cannot be undermined.
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