Swansea City have sacked head coach Michael Duff.
The Northern Irishman leaves after just 21 competitive games in charge, with the decision coming after a disappointing 1-1 draw with fellow Championship strugglers Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
Assistant head coach Alan Sheehan will take interim charge as the club seeks a new manager, having only appointed the former Barnsley boss over the summer.
After a disastrous start to the season that saw the Swans go eight games without a win, Duff appeared to have turned a corner after overseeing four straight victories. However, having secured just one win in their last eight games, the decision has now been made to make a change.
In a statement, the club said: "Swansea City can confirm the club has parted company with head coach Michael Duff.
"Assistant head coach Martin Paterson has also left the club with immediate effect, with fellow assistant head coach Alan Sheehan assuming the role of caretaker head coach for an interim period.
"The process to appoint a new head coach is already underway and the club will update supporters in due course."
Trust statement
The Swansea City Supporters Trust have released a statement tonight:
The Trust notes the announcement by the club this evening that Michael Duff has been relieved of his position as Head Coach at Swansea City.
Michael joined at a time of significant transition within the club and oversaw some positive performances and results during his time in SA1. However, we recognise that neither the performances nor the results have been consistent enough and therefore understand why action has been taken to address this.
Football is a results-based business, and nobody knows that more than Michael, who is an experienced and accomplished professional. We have some important fixtures ahead, as well as a critical January Transfer Window where we expect the club will make additional moves to shape the squad, and with the league as tight as it is at both ends, every result counts.
The Trust has talked continuously with the club about first-team performances and supporter concerns throughout this season, and we were informed of the decision to relieve Michael of his duties earlier this evening.
We are pleased to see in the statement from Chairman Andy Coleman that he recognises and fully embraces the importance of the footballing identity of the club – this is something that supporters take great pride in, and we know it is important that the club finds the right replacement who can deliver both the performances and results that supporters expect. We look forward to welcoming that individual to SA1 as quick as is feasible to do so.
We expect a busy period ahead as recruitment for a replacement gets underway, and preparations for the January Transfer Window continue at pace. We will keep discussing this with the club and sharing what we can back to supporters.
Everyone at the Trust would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Michael, and to Martin Paterson who is also leaving the club, and wish them and their families all the very best for the future. Performances aside, Michael and Martin are human beings with families, and we hope supporters will recognise and appreciate the efforts that both have made in their time with the club.
In the meantime, we know the Jack Army will get behind Alan Sheehan for the immediate future and wish him luck for upcoming fixtures.
Andy Coleman speaks
“I acknowledge that there has been a significant amount of change at the club, both on and off the pitch, during Michael’s tenure. I consistently asked for patience as we gave him time to implement his plans and bring the squad together.
“Unfortunately, we have seen neither the results that we expect nor the progress from the squad that we need. I believe it is now in the best interests of Swansea City to make a change of head coach.
“I have the greatest respect for Michael as a person and as a leader. I know how hard he and his staff have worked throughout this season for Swansea City. I want to personally thank Michael, Martin, and their families for the sacrifices they have made on behalf of this club and this city.
“I know that Michael will be successful in his next opportunity and on behalf of the Board and the entire club, I wish him and Martin only the best in their future endeavours.
“I understand how important it is to reconnect the leadership of Swansea City Football Club with its supporters. That is one of the primary reasons why I moved here with my family this summer.
“Being present in Swansea matters, but so does taking responsibility. I will learn from the experience of these last several months. My appreciation for how critical the Swansea identity is to this club has grown since the summer and it will be high in my mind as I make the decision on our new head coach.”
Swansea sack Duff
Michael Duff has this evening left Swansea City.
The news comes on the back of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Huddersfield Town, a result that leaves the Swans with just one win in their last eight games.
More to come.
