Alan Sheehan: Swansea City need clarity over manager's job, says caretaker boss
- Published
Alan Sheehan coached at Luton and Southampton before joining Swansea's staff last summer
Alan Sheehan says Swansea City need clarity over their vacant manager's job after being told he will remain in temporary charge for at least two more games.
Sheehan has taken four points from three matches as caretaker head coach.
Swansea had hoped to appoint Tottenham Hotspur's Chris Davies as their new boss before he pulled out of the running last weekend.
"It needs clarifying soon, I think that's fair," Sheehan said.
"But I understand that it's a process to get the right manager. Sometimes you can rush into these things, but I think it's a process of finding who the right man is to lead Swansea City in the right direction."
Davies had been Swansea's top target to take charge following the sacking of Michael Duff on 4 December.
But after Davies opted to stay at Spurs, Swansea have been left reassessing their options.
Notts County boss Luke Williams, Elfsborg's Jimmy Thelin and Kjetil Knutsen of FC Bodo/Glimt are among the names who have been considered by the Championship club, though an appointment is not close.
Chairman Andy Coleman said in a statement issued by Swansea on Thursday that they have been "working diligently for weeks on a multitude of options and there has been great interest" in the vacancy.
Tottenham's senior assistant coach Chris Davies had been Swansea's top target to succeed Michael Duff, but turned the Welsh club down
"We are making real progress, but we will not settle for a candidate that isn't the right fit just to move quickly," Coleman added.
"While this may elongate the final phase of the search, I am adamant that we must do what is in the best interests of Swansea City.
"This is a critical time for the football club and I recognise, appreciate and share the frustration that many of you (Swansea's fans) are feeling right now.
"I also understand just how important it is to get the right head coach to lead this squad, implement a playing style that respects our identity, establish a bond with supporters, and take this club forward.
"We will not compromise on the quality of the person in that role to save a few days and we are willing to accept the challenges that come with that."
Sheehan, who had been a coach under Duff, will lead Swansea as they seek just a third home league victory of the season when they face Preston North End on Friday night.
He will also be at the helm for the trip to Southampton on 26 December, when Swansea will be reunited with former boss Russell Martin.
"I am confident that Alan will have the squad prepared for these fixtures and that he gives us the best chance to get the results we need," Coleman said.
Swansea were beaten 2-1 by Middlesbrough last Saturday in what was Sheehan's first home game in charge, yet the Irishman was pleased with large aspects of their performance.
"It will click, it will all come together," he said.
"You saw it in phases on Saturday. It's now about being more ruthless and finishing things off."