English Football
Ryan Giggs favourite to get Swansea job
Ryan Giggs is favourite to replace sacked Bob Bradley
Ryan Giggs is the early favourite to succeed Bob Bradley but it is by no means certain that the former Manchester United man will be interested.
The 43-year-old was interviewed twice by the Swansea board in the autumn as Francesco Guidolin’s reign came to an end, but lost out to the American. Even if Swansea decided they got the wrong man, Giggs knows he is effectively a second choice.
Chris Coleman’s stock is still high after guiding Wales to the Euro 2016 semi-finals in the summer but would the same be true if he missed out on qualification for the 2018 World Cup? That is a real possibility after picking up six points from the opening four group games.
Former Birmingham boss Gary Rowett’s name has also been mentioned but he has limited Premier League experience as a player and none as a top-flight manager.
Other names I have been told are in contention are Alan Pardew, sacked by Crystal Palace last week, and Nigel Pearson, who left Derby in October after just 14 games in charge amid reports of a row with chairman Mel Morris.
Swansea have sacked Bradley after only 85 days in charge of the Premier League club.
Monday’s 4-1 home defeat by West Ham was Swans’ seventh in 11 games since Bradley took over on 3 October and leaves them on 12 points, above bottom club Hull on goal difference.
Bradley was the first American to manage a Premier League club.
Chairman Huw Jenkins said: “We felt we had to make the change with half the Premier League season remaining.”
He added: “With the club going through such a tough time, we have to try and find the answers to get ourselves out of trouble.
“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.”
Bob Bradley was sacked after just 85 days in charge of the Welsh club
Bradley managed USA, Egypt and Stabaek in Norway before leaving French second division club Le Havre to succeed Francesco Guidolin, who had himself only been appointed in January.
At the time of Bradley’s arrival, Swansea were above the relegation zone only on goal difference but have picked up just eight points out of a possible 33 since, conceding 29 goals in the process.
“I knew exactly what I was getting into when I came to Swansea and realised the hardest part was always going to be getting points in the short run,” said Bradley.
“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 Alan Curtis and Paul Williams will take temporary charge, starting with Swansea’s New Year’s Eve home game against Bournemouth, before the club appoints its fifth manager in under three years.
Swansea City Supporters Trust said in a statement: “We are pleased to say that we are being fully consulted in the decision as to who should be our new manager.”
