Here we go! The 7th gameweek of the season has just concluded and with it, we have our first managerial casualty of the season. Francesco Guidolin has been stripped of his managerial duties and has been replaced by Bob Bradley, who will take charge from the very next match. With this important development, Bob Bradley becomes the first American coach to manage in the Premier League.
Swansea had a positive start to the season as they saw off Burnley 1-0 in their very first match. But sadly it was not a sign of things to come as the Swans failed to muster up a single win after that in 6 games in the Premier League. But from a neutral perspective it was evident that although the team did look slightly toothless in front of the goal, the performances were not to be dismayed at. Swansea dug in to fight out a 2-2 draw against Chelsea. And against Manchester City in both their matches which took in a matter of 4 days, they troubled the Sky Blues before succumbing to the quality in their opposition ranks. Guidolin also managed to make the Liverpool juggernaut look blunt but failed to take their own opportunities which allowed the Reds to get back in the game and eventually win it.
Guidolin will feel a tad hard done by, considering that a number of clubs performing far more poorly with easier sets of fixtures have given their managers an extended period to turn things around. Although the board had sanctioned a couple of big money signings, there was scepticism about the changes in personnel. They had failed to replace their talismanic captain- Ashley Williams and also did not add to the creative department of the team. Instead, they opted to make the side top heavy by bringing in Borja Baston and Fernando Llorente, both of whom play in similar positions.
Currently, there is an uneasy atmosphere surrounding the club and the owners with the sacking and subsequent hiring of Bradley. Bradley, who was managing French second tier team Le Havre will take charge from the next match. Bradley was the manager of United States National team for a brief period. He also had successful spells with the Egypt National team and Norwegian club Stabaek.
We take a look at the way the Swansea fans have reacted to the news on Twitter.
Swansea City sacked Francesco Guidolin as head coach on his 61st birthday and replaced him with former USA manager Bob Bradley.
— Tosin Adenusi (@TosinTnice) October 3, 2016
@SwansOfficial you’ve just confirmed relegation, lads.
— azy (@azymanzur) October 3, 2016
@SwansOfficial what a joke. We are Swansea not America. These new owners will never listen to us fans.
— Cara Readle (@CaraReadle) October 3, 2016
@SwansOfficial have we replaced the Carling with Coors Light too? #championship
— Little Deuce Coupe (@LittleCoupe) October 3, 2016
@SwansOfficial im ashamed to be a supporter, this I how we treat people now is it! Disgraceful!!! Happy Birthday Francesco Guidolin
— Alison James (@alisonmills6t6) October 3, 2016
@SwansOfficial who in their right mind expected us to pick up wins against man city, Liverpool, Chelsea! Do me a favour!
— Sam Stevens (@SamStevens7) October 3, 2016
@SwansOfficial Welcome to US Cash Cow City. Absolutely pathetic charade of capitalist shit. 40 yrs of support & this is not my club anymore
— Antony Thomas (@geniaphobic) October 3, 2016
@SwansOfficial smh…you hired Bradley?
Prepare for a lot of huddles and touchdowns.— D@dude (@DENTOTH) October 3, 2016
