Swansea City has dismissed head coach Michael Duff from his role, less than six months into leading the Championship club. Duff’s departure comes after a series of struggles, including one victory in eight matches, leaving Swansea in the 18th position in the league table.
The 45-year-old faced challenges during his tenure, finding it difficult to maintain consistency for the team this season. As a result, Martin Paterson has also departed, while fellow assistant head coach Alan Sheehan steps in as the interim boss.
Sheehan will commence his temporary leadership this Saturday as Swansea seeks its first league win in five games against second-bottom Rotherham United.
Duff’s brief stint began with a seven-game winless streak, followed by four consecutive wins that initially boosted the team’s league position. However, the recent run of securing only six points out of 24 led to Duff’s dismissal.
The ex-Cheltenham Town and Barnsley manager faced criticism, with sections of Swansea’s support expressing discontent after the last game against Huddersfield.
Swansea City confirmed they are already in the process of appointing a new head coach. Duff arrived at Swansea in June from League One’s Barnsley, signing a contract until 2026 following Russell Martin’s departure to Southampton.
Despite significant changes behind the scenes and an overhaul of the playing squad, including suggestions from chairman Andy Coleman that the team should contend for promotion, Swansea sits only five points above the relegation zone. The club’s departure from their possession-based style of play, previously instrumental to their success, has also attracted criticism.
Moreover, Duff’s relationship with Swansea’s fanbase has been somewhat strained during his tenure.
