Former men’s U.S. national team soccer coach Bob Bradley was fired as manager of Swansea of the English Premier League after just 11 games.
Bradley was the first American to be hired to manage a Premier League team, and his term lasted 85 days.
In 11 league matches, the Swans picked up just eight points, and its defending was a major shortcoming. Monday’s 4-1 home loss to West Ham was the seventh loss in those 11 games and was the eighth time Swansea had given up at least three goals. It turned out to be the last straw.
Swansea issued a statement from chairman Huw Jenkins, which read: “We are sorry to lose Bob after such a short period of time. Unfortunately things haven’t worked out as planned and we felt we had to make the change with half the Premier League season remaining.
“With the club going through such a tough time, we have to try and find the answers to get ourselves out of trouble.
“Personally, 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.”
Bradley was head coach of the U.S. national team from 2006 until June 2011, when he was fired.
“I knew exactly what I was getting into when I came to Swansea and realized the hardest part was always going to be getting points in the short run,” said Bradley, according to the BBC.
“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 over as temporary managers of the team.
