Swansea City

Image source, Getty Images

Alan Sheehan said togetherness was key for Swansea City as they stunned Leeds United with a 96th-minute equaliser to claim a point at Elland Road.

Swansea looked destined to get no reward for their spirited performance against one of the Championship's heavyweight clubs when Wilfried Gnonto put Leeds 2-1 ahead four minutes from the end of normal time.

But there was a memorable climax to a dramatic game as Zan Vipotnik struck to ensure Swansea became only the fifth visiting side to avoid defeat at Leeds in the second tier this season.

It was a sweet moment for caretaker head coach Sheehan after he agreed to remain in charge until the end of the season with the club declining to offer him a longer-term deal at this stage.

"You see a togetherness and a character and how happy everybody is when we score," the Irishman said.

"We said before the game, no individual can succeed at Elland Road.

"It's got to be a team. Make sure we get to the end of the game and look to the left and the right and think 'you had my back today'. What a feeling that is, hey?"

"We are competing against ourselves. We have had six games now and five of them we have been OK."

The point earned at Leeds – and the psychological boost it should offer – could be key for Swansea as they look to extinguish relegation concerns.

Sheehan's 16th-placed team are now seven points clear of the bottom three with seven games remaining this season, though the gap could be cut by the time they host Derby County next weekend as the 22nd-placed Rams face Preston in midweek.

Swansea recovered from a desperate start at Leeds as they conceded to Brenden Aaronson after only 35 seconds, while they also overcame the blow of missing a first-half penalty when Josh Tymon's spot-kick was saved by Illan Meslier.

Meslier went from hero to villain when his fumble saw Harry Darling score Swansea's first equaliser before the pendulum swung way and then the other late on.

"We were disappointed with the manner of the goal so early, it gets this place absolutely rocking, but then you find out things about your players," Sheehan added.

"When you come to places like this, you can go one way or the other.

"In everything I do, we talk about character, resilience, togetherness, honesty, never giving up and fighting for this club. It's an honour to play for this club so we have to give every ounce that we have."

Image source, Swansea City AFC

Alan Sheehan has described himself as "a bit of perfectionist" – and says his new-look management team will help Swansea City thrive in the final stages of the season.

Sheehan will be flanked in the dugout at Leeds United on Saturday (15:00 GMT) by new coaches Mark Fotheringham and Richard Stearman.

The duo arrived on short-term contracts this week, joining Kristian O'Leary and goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson on Swansea's first-team staff.

Sheehan says he is delighted to be working with two former team-mates who showed "so much desire to come in and help" Swansea secure their Championship status for next season.

"I'm incredibly pleased to have two people and then Marge (Margetson) and Kris, to have that team where we can get through work because I am quite demanding and I do work long hours and we do discuss a lot," Swansea's caretaker head coach said.

"We want to improve this team as much as we can in every moment of every game and every training session.

"I'm a bit of a perfectionist so you're doing a lot of stuff. It's wonderful to have this calibre of coaches that are willing to come in for six weeks."

The new faces go straight in at the deep end at this weekend, with Swansea aiming to become only the second visiting team this season to win a second-tier game at Elland Road.

Swansea have won only one of their past nine away matches, while Leeds have won 15 of their 19 home league fixtures in 2024-25.

While his side will start as underdogs, Sheehan says Swansea's players have responded well to the new voices on the training ground.

"We've got a really good relationship with the players. They are very good to us, they give everything," he said.

"I think there's no question of their application and desire to work hard for each other.

"Yes we fell short against Burnley and I take ownership of that. Now we get ready for really a difficult test against Leeds, but in terms of the players, I think so highly of them."

Image source, Getty Images

Alan Sheehan returns to Leeds United this weekend hoping his old club will enjoy "all the success" after Swansea City's visit to Elland Road.

Former left-back Sheehan played 24 games for Leeds, scoring twice, after joining the Yorkshire club – initially on loan and then permanently – from Leicester City in 2008.

He was part of a squad who lost to Doncaster Rovers in the League One play-off final in 2007-08, the same season in which Roberto Martinez's Swansea team won the division in style.

Sheehan has fond memories of playing for Leeds under Gary McAllister, but the arrival of Simon Grayson as manager saw the Irishman fall out of favour.

He had loan spells with Crewe Alexandra, Oldham Athletic and Swindon Town before making a permanent move to the County Ground in 2010.

Asked about his spell at Leeds, Sheehan joked: "I was there for half an hour.

"I had a good time there on loan under Gary McAllister. We lost in the play-off final in the year Swansea got promoted from League One.

"Then I signed permanently. I had some good times under Gary McAllister, then there was a change of manager and I ended up going out on loan.

Image source, Getty Images

"It's a massive football club with really, really passionate fans. I wish them all the success after Saturday."

Leeds head into the weekend on top of the Championship table despite something of a lean spell which has seen them win only one of their past four matches.

But Daniel Farke's team have lost only one home league game all season – to Burnley last September – and will start as firm favourites against a Swansea side aiming to avoid a third successive defeat.

"They're a top team for this league - to butter it up any other way would be silly," Sheehan said.

"It's probably the toughest game of the season. No matter what form they are in, we're expecting a difficult challenge.

"They've got quality all over the field, high-level players for this division. That's why they are where they are."

Image source, Getty Images

Alan Sheehan says Swansea City are happy heading into the final stages of the Championship season because they do not need help from elsewhere to ensure they stay in the division.

Swansea are six points clear of the relegation places with eight games remaining in what has turned into another arduous campaign for the Welsh club.

The gap to 22nd place was as big as 12 points only two games ago, but successive defeats – coupled with the successes of others – mean Swansea are looking over their shoulders as they prepare for Saturday's daunting trip to Leeds United (15:00 GMT).

Caretaker head coach Sheehan, who will stay in charge for the rest of the season having taken seven points from his five games since the departure of Luke Williams, says Swansea's challenge is to maintain the sort of performance levels on show since he took the reins.

"Everybody is fighting for their lives down there," Sheehan said.

"I think the most important thing is it is in our hands what we do. The challenge is to be the best version of ourselves and in the five-game block [before the international break], I think we've been close to that on four occasions.

"I think where we are at the moment, we need to keep doing what we are doing but become better at it."

Sheehan says a visit to Elland Road means "probably the toughest game you're going to get in the Championship".

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Swansea have won only once on their travels since early December, when Josh Tymon's goal sealed victory at Bristol City on 9 February.

Leeds, meanwhile, have won 15 of their 19 home league fixtures this season, with their only second-tier defeat on their patch coming against Burnley back in September.

"In possession and out of possession, apart from a couple of areas to improve, I think statistically we have been very strong," Sheehan added.

"I think we just need to keep that aggression and robustness and that intent that we want to play fast, attacking football, but there are different ways and different spaces to attack different opposition.

"Leeds are an elite team for this division so to be beat them you have to be perfect in the big moments. When the big moments come, you have to take them."

Leeds United will aim to keep their place at the top when they welcome Swansea City on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

The Whites currently lead the Championship on goal difference but may find themselves back in second should Sheffield United prevail against Coventry City on Friday evening.

Though this could be a tricky fixture for Leeds, having seen somewhat of a dip in form in their past four league games prior to the international break (W1 D2 L1) and the pressure of keeping the title in their hands mounting.

Meanwhile, the Swans will spy an opportunity to get some revenge for the reverse fixture in November, when Wilfried Gnonto scored a winner one minute after Florian Bianchini had equalised for the hosts on the 90th minute.

• Leeds United have won each of their last four league games against Swansea City, scoring 3+ goals in each of the three most recent.

• Swansea City have won just one of their last 17 away league games against Leeds United (D3 L13), with the exception coming with a 1-0 victory at Elland Road in August 2019.

• Leeds have won each of their last six league games against sides from Wales, scoring 3.8 goals on average per match during that time. This is already the club's longest winning run against Welsh opposition in league action.

• Swansea have lost six of their last eight away league games (W1 D1), failing to score in four separate matches during that time and never netting more than once in a game.

• Leeds pair Dan James and Junior Firpo have both provided nine assists in the Championship this season, with only Georginio Rutter (15 in 2023-24) and Pablo Hernandez (12 in 2018-19) managing more in a campaign for the Whites in the last 10 years.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Alan Sheehan says Swansea City must wait and see whether Harry Darling will be fit for Saturday's trip to Leeds United.

Centre-back Darling has been out since picking up a hip injury during Swansea's win over Middlesbrough on 8 March.

With Darling in the side, Swansea kept clean sheets in their first three games under caretaker boss Sheehan.

Without him, they suffered successive defeats against Watford and Burnley prior to the international break.

But Sheehan says there are no guarantees that Darling will be feature against the leaders at Elland Road.

"Nothing is 100%," Sheehan said.

"Harry is back on the grass, so we'll have a look at him closer to the game."

Swansea will be boosted by the return of Hannes Delcroix at Leeds after the defender was forced to sit out the 2-0 defeat to Burnley because he is on loan from the Clarets.

Sheehan, meanwhile, says Swansea are assessing a "few bumps and bruises" after eight players who have been away on international duty returned to their Fairwood training base on Thursday.

"Today is the first day we've had the group together, after coming back from South Korea, Australia, Chile, Slovenia and North Macedonia," he said.

"We have had to train with a small group, but we have now got most of the group available."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Leon Britton reckons stability is required at Swansea City to ensure the club do not end up dropping out of the Championship.

Britton is confident Swansea, who are six points clear of the drop zone with eight games remaining, will have enough quality to stay in the second tier this season.

But the club legend is concerned that off-field upheaval will eventually cost Swansea on the pitch.

In the last six weeks, Richard Montague has begun work as Swansea's director of football, while chairman Andy Coleman has handed over responsibility for the day-to-day running of the club to new chief executive Tom Gorringe.

Meanwhile, uncertainty over Swansea's long-term managerial situation continues after caretaker head coach Alan Sheehan agreed to remain in place until the end of the season.

Britton, a former Swansea midfielder, caretaker boss and sporting director, says off-field disruption does not help players deliver results.

"We need some stability for a period of time now. Hopefully the new chief executive and sporting director will be in their roles for quite a while and we can have a bit of smooth sailing," he told Radio Wales Breakfast.

"It has been a bit of a bumpy road in the last couple of years. On the pitch we have been looking over our shoulder and we need to settle things down.

"I think if the turnover in managers and executive positions carries on, eventually we are going to find ourselves in trouble and really having a battle on our hands to stay in the league."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Sheehan has been at the helm since the departure of Luke Williams in mid-February.

The Irishman had indicated he wanted to sign a long-term deal during the current international break, but has instead agreed to stay in place for the last five weeks of this campaign.

Swansea have allowed Sheehan to bring in two new staff members, Richard Stearman and Mark Fotheringham, as the club look to end any relegation concerns.

Britton says former Luton and Southampton coach Sheehan is in "pole position" to become Swansea head coach on a permanent basis.

"It's his job to lose if you like," Britton added.

"He'll be looking to get some results in this period, some strong performances, to really put himself in a position to say 'look, I am the man to take this club forward from the summer onwards'.

"Obviously if things don't go so well and performances and results don't follow, maybe the club will look to go in a different direction.

"But he will be looking at this period to really stamp his authority on the team and get the job full-time."

Britton says Sheehan's "main job" is to ensure Swansea are still in the Championship come August.

"I think we will be," he added.

"There are a couple of very tough games in there, including this Saturday against Leeds, and Sunderland, but the other six are games where you'd expect us to pick up enough points to make sure we are safe."

Image source, Rex Features

Swansea City's Melker Widell made his senior international debut on Tuesday as Sweden thumped Northern Ireland in Stockholm.

Widell signed for Swansea in January, but returned to Danish club Aab Aalborg on loan for the rest of the 2024-25 season.

The 22-year-old will arrive in Wales this summer as a full international having come on for the closing minutes of Sweden's 5-1 friendly win.

Widell, an attacking midfielder or wide player, featured alongside the likes of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga and Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof.

He has signed a contract at Swansea which runs until 2029, with the Championship club paying a significant fee to secure his signature.

The Swans had been keen for Widell to join up with them in January, but Aalborg would only agree to the transfer if Widell's return on loan was guaranteed.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Swansea City fans will finally get the chance to grill club officials next week after a twice-postponed forum was given a new date.

With the Championship club under fire on and off the pitch, the Swans hierarchy had initially agreed to face supporters in February.

But with head coach Luke Williams sacked 24 hours before the event, it was put back until the following month.

That was then also cancelled, with chairman Andy Coleman announcing he was stepping down at the end of the season in the days that followed.

Now the club have confirmed there will be a chance for supporters to put their questions and concerns to officials with new chief executive Tom Gorringe and recently appointed director of football Richard Montague on the panel.

Former Bristol Rovers chief Gorringe has taken over the day-to-day running of the club from Coleman having been originally appointed as chief operating officer in February.

Montague was hired from Notts County at the start of the year and is leading the search for Williams' replacement.

Caretaker boss Alan Sheehan will not face questions, with commercial head Richard Morris making up the panel for the event at the club's Swansea.Com Stadium home on Thursday, 3 April at 18:00 (BST).

The original event had been so heavily subscribed Swansea had moved it into the stands but next week's forum will take place in one of the hospitality lounges and limited to 400 guests – although fans can also follow a live stream and submit questions in advance.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

While Alan Sheehan is still leading training at Swansea City's Fairwood training base, preparations continue without a number of key players.

Following the defeat by Burnley, caretaker boss Sheehan revealed he had been told to remain at the helm for the initial build-up to the trip to Leeds United next weekend.

Yet as many as eight of the squad will be absent because of international call-ups - with four involved in Wales' 2026 World Cup qualifying openers against Kazakhstan and North Macedonia.

That includes captain Ben Cabango, veteran midfielder Joe Allen, top scorer Liam Cullen and midfielder Oli Cooper all of whom have been called up by Wales boss Craig Bellamy.

Elsewhere, striker Zan Vipotnik is in the Slovenia squad for their Nations League play-off ties with Slovakia.

Still waiting for his first cap, goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux has again been called up by Chile for their World Cup qualifiers with Paraguay and Ecuador, while Eom Ji-Sung is with South Korea for their fixtures with Oman and Jordan.

And full-back Nathan Tjoe-A-On is part of Patrick Kluivert's Indonesia set-up for their qualifiers against Australia and Bahrain.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Alan Sheehan says Harry Darling will be "touch and go" over the coming weeks after a scan revealed an issue with the defender's recovery from injury.

Centre-back Darling, 25, was withdrawn in the second half of Swansea's 1-0 win against Middlesbrough on 8 March due to a hip problem.

He was left out of the squads for his side's defeats to Watford and Burnley, with Hannes Delcroix and Kyle Naughton filling in at the heart of Swansea's defence.

And interim boss Sheehan says Darling will continue to be assessed during the international break before Swansea's return to action against Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday, 29 March (15:00 GMT).

"Harry had a scan and something showed up on it," said Sheehan.

"That will be touch and go now in the next couple of weeks to see how he heals.

"Naughts came in and did well. We understood we were going to have make changes."

Darling's Swans contract expires in the summer.

Image source, Getty Images

Alan Sheehan says Swansea City must focus on themselves and not the sides around them as they look to end their Championship relegation concerns after the international break.

Swansea were a healthy 12 points clear of the bottom three after victory over Middlesbrough last weekend.

But defeat at Watford in midweek and at home to Burnley on Saturday – combined with results elsewhere – mean the gap to the bottom three has been slashed to six points.

Swansea have eight games remaining this season, the first of which is a daunting trip to Leeds United in 13 days' time.

Caretaker boss Sheehan does not yet know whether he will still be in charge for the Leeds game – but says the Swans must ignore results elsewhere as they look to cement their second-tier status.

"You need to get a certain amount of points to stay in the division," he said.

"I think it's in the club's hands, it's in our hands, so we need to keep focused on ourselves."

Swansea will start as firm underdogs to get anything at Leeds, the Championship leaders who have lost only one home league game all season.

Image source, Getty Images

But at least there should be no issues with the playing surface at Elland Road, amid further problems with the Swansea.com Stadium pitch this weekend.

After Luke Williams criticised the surface earlier this season, there was more trouble in the Burnley game after the pitch irrigation system broke down on Wednesday.

Despite the club's best efforts, the problem could not be fixed in time for the Clarets' visit, meaning groundstaff had to water the pitch the old-fashioned way – using handheld hoses – before kick-off.

And the feeling in the Swansea camp was that the unfortunate Josh Key error – when he tripped over the ball – which led to Burnley's opener was a result of the dry surface.

Sheehan tried to be diplomatic, saying: "I am not going to say the pitch this and the pitch that. It was a bit sticky out there - hard to move the ball around.

"But look, we turned the ball over and they scored. It was the same for both teams."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Caretaker boss Alan Sheehan says perfection will be required from Swansea City if they are to humble high-flying Burnley today (15:00 GMT).

Swansea are looking for a response having lost narrowly at Watford in midweek, with Sheehan suffering a first defeat since he took the reins following last month's departure of Luke Williams.

But they face one of the Championship's sternest examinations against a Burnley side who have lost only two of their 37 league games this season.

Scott Parker's Clarets have not been beaten in the second tier since a 1-0 reverse at Millwall on 3 November, while they have conceded just 11 league goals in 2024-25.

Sheehan says a Swansea victory this weekend would be an "upset" – but insists his 16th-placed team can topple opponents who are two points adrift of the automatic promotion places.

"You can win every game if you are perfect," Sheehan said.

"There are three four teams up there, in that league of their own. Leeds, Sheffield United and Burnley are there, and Sunderland are there having a very strong season.

"I think you have to be perfect in every way – tactically, physically, mentally – to compete against these teams because they have individuals and a really strong defensive base.

Image source, Getty Images

"But we have to find a way to make us as competitive as possible."

Burnley were held to a draw by West Brom in midweek, a result which ended a three-game league winning run.

The Lancashire club, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, have drawn 15 league games this season, hence they trail Leeds United and Sheffield United in the promotion race even though both those sides have lost more matches.

While expectations about Swansea's prospects may be low heading into the game, Sheehan insists the pressure is on his team to deliver a performance.

"You don't get judged as much playing against these teams because they have so much quality in their squad, but it's important that we show up and do what we do," he said.

"It will be an incredibly difficult test. But we have to be the best version of ourselves, which I feel like we have been for large parts of the last four games."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Swansea City are sweating over the fitness of Harry Darling as they face a potential centre-back shortage against Burnley on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

Darling missed the midweek defeat at Watford after being forced off during last Saturday's win over Middlesbrough because of a hip problem.

On-loan Burnley defender Hannes Delcroix replaced Darling at Vicarage Road – but he is ineligible to feature against his parent club this weekend.

Caretaker boss Alan Sheehan says there are doubts over Darling's availability, meaning Kyle Naughton and Cyrus Christie – both of whom are full-backs primarily – are on standby to face the high-flying Clarets.

"Harry we are not sure on," Sheehan said.

"That will go down to the wire. We have to have a look and respect what he is feeling.

"He is desperate to play, but we'll have to wait and see how it goes."

Sheehan says Swansea are dealing with "bumps and bruises" having been in action at Watford on Wednesday, 24 hours after Burnley drew with West Bromwich Albion.

Swansea lost Myles Peart-Harris to what looks like a season-ending injury earlier this month, meaning resources are thin heading into the final stages of the campaign.

"Myles has gone, Hannes is unavailable," Sheehan added.

"But you have to be adaptable. We have Cyrus and Kyle and we have an academy as well that we are always looking at."