Swansea appoint Bristol Rovers executive Gorringe in shake-up

Swansea City have appointed a new chief operating officer as part of a number of changes at the top of the club.

Tom Gorringe – most recently chief executive at Bristol Rovers – has been brought in to fill the new role.

The club says the shake-up to the leadership team is "aimed at strengthening the club's financial, operational and strategic capabilities".

It comes just days after the decision to sack Luke Williams as head coach at the same time that new director of football Richard Montague started work.

Ken Gude - brought in by chairman Andy Coleman having worked in the US together previously – has now been appointed executive director and company secretary.

Previously named chief of staff, the club say Gude's role will now see him "further drive the club's strategic initiatives and football operations, while also liaising at the League level and coordinating with key stakeholders".

Coleman, who led a takeover from the previous US ownership group in November, said: "We are making changes to our leadership team to improve our performances on and off the pitch.

"There will always be a period of transition after a takeover, and we've been busy working to spot the gaps and areas that we need to improve to take this club forward."

Other appointments see long-term staff members Gerrard Cassidy promoted to financial controller, a role previously held by Gareth Davies who had served with the club during its time in the Premier League. Meanwhile Ben Greenwood has been made head of football operations and administration.

Gude, Gorringe and Montague now sit on the club's executive management team, as well as commercial chief Richard Morris and facilities head Andrew Davies.