Alan Sheehan has had three spells as Swansea City head coach, twice of course in a caretaker role and now as a permanent choice. He has Darren O’Dea as his assistant, a man with a good pedigree from his time at Glasgow Celtic and has been supported well by the clubs majority owners. He has a solid Championship squad to challenge within the upper echelons of the league.

The fact is and certain things have to be accepted that not everyone wanted Sheehan as the new appointment after the sacking of Luke Williams. There were fans then and that seems to have increased somewhat that didn’t want him at the club. However, his performances whilst in a caretaker role were pretty much the cause of his permanent appointment. He was without doubt the top contender. The Swans were not dealing with a man desperately looking for work either, we reported in the summer that Sheehan had been offered roles at far more glamorous clubs than Swansea City. However, he wanted to be his own man and at the time had formed a trusting relationship with new Sporting Director, Richard Montague and head of global recruitment, Adam Worth. Players were being recruited to his liking - Zeidane Inoussa, Cameron Burgess and Melker Widell, both signed early enough for Sheehan to be excited in what was being called a turning point in the Swansea City dynamic. What also excited him was the introduction to the club of Luka Modrić and world famous songwriter and businessman, Snoop Dogg. Sheehan was aware of the many targets the club were going for and also appreciated not everything goes to plan.

Don’t be drawn into thinking that Alan Sheehan is the shy retiring figure he cuts in his interviews pre and post match. Yes, he is more considered when in dialogue than those appointments we have seen before, but the players know exactly where they stand with him. His on screen persona, as he has often admitted is not really a thing he enjoys can change dramatically within his training regime. A place where all coaches are determined to enforce change or introduce certain mindsets into their play (hence Darren O’Dea)

When we look at Sheehan’s time at the Swans we see some clear examples of progress but also a drop in standard as well. That isn’t a criticism at this early stage, the consistency in his selections wavers slightly now and again as he searches for his best eleven. Many will state though it’s a squad game, and we tend to agree but yesterday his selections were based not only on giving some players a rest but also as they will be playing seven club games in twenty one days from the Southampton away fixture. (Inc internationals previous to this that’s nine) We think that Northern Ireland, Wales, Slovenia, New Zealand, Australia etc should not be in the equation when deciding Swansea City selections. If the players are tired or need rest then they should be pulled from their international call ups. Okay, they all are facing big games for their country and all want to go, but what comes first ? To indicate there should ever be a consideration to these internationals isn’t good form, if they are either exhausted, tired, or not up to ninety minutes etc, then they don’t go.

Think Alex Ferguson.

Sheehan has a very open character with his players, we can assure you he is approachable, likeable, funny and good company - what he thinks his players very much know as we saw with Zân Vipotnik and Liam Cullen when coming up in conversation about who gets the shirt. That was either a great piece of management or frustration on behalf of Sheehan shining through at that time. Whatever it was we can’t ignore Vipotnik now, not only has his prowess in front of goal improved his overall game is much better in his link up play and anticipation. Even yesterday. The Swansea squad is a private group of course, the inner sanctum will never reveal the usual issues you get with thirty odd young men with pretty much their own agenda coming first in a lot of what they do.

Balancing that with selections is certainly one of his own personal headaches, no matter his coaching staff and their opinions that remains a very solitary role. We spoke about agenda above, and Sheehan has to be forgiven at times for his own agenda as a head coach and preserving his own position. The consistency though isn’t there, the selections and performance isn’t reflective at times of a match winning mentality. Currently we see what many expected this season, signs of brilliance followed by inconsistency, especially at the back in the dying embers of a game. Then there’s the walking football when chasing a game, not all the time but we look to Cameron Burgess for slowing down the game to the extent the opposition can reform and instigate their blocks on the opposition. Then there’s the Swans attempts to play through these blocks, they are slow, looking for a crucial killer pass which as we saw yesterday the Swans just don’t have.

Looking below there is a clear difference in Alan Sheehan as a caretaker manager and to this season in a permanent role. The caution we see now wasn’t that evident at the end of last season. His win rate has dropped significantly since then with what is believed to be better players.

There is a clear shortfall on last seasons magnificent efforts to stay in the Championship.

We have a poll running on Sheehan (below) it isn’t by any means against the Swans head coach and those with previous experience of how we work and operate including the actual delivery of information will know this. It’s a basic review of how people are feeling at this moment in time. Tactically there is a change this season, we spoke earlier on in the summer when we were given some information on Sheehan’s desired way of playing. The ‘door bolt’ system referred to we haven’t seen much evidence of, this term in Italian is (Catenaccio) This isn’t evident as a tactic with the added panache that Sheehan seeks. If he is trying to revert to that it is only noticeable to an extent in the games where leads have been thrown away or seeing out a half. But it’s a very poor reflection of the actual strategy. Coupled with Darren O’Dea who is regarded as a very good strategist in player development when it comes to an awareness of increasing a strong mindset there remain frailties. Again that doesn’t seem to be evidential, keeping control of the ball in areas that are not dangerous is developing a slow momentum with Swans players expected to make their runs from a standing position instead of being within the momentum of a move.

Are we dealing with a prescriptive style of play that Luke Williams and Russell Martin wanted ?

That’s here —> ⚽️ Sheehan poll and fans comments

That’s been commented on by numerous people we speak to who have a lot of experience in examining strategy with attitude and behaviour. We are not seeing a positivity at this moment in time at home where games can be won. There’s little effort to take shots at goal, over play being the issue resulting in no goals, goals such as Leicester City scored yesterday, or indeed Jaden Philogene today at Portman Road are not evident. The caution we see seems to stifle that clear creativity we know is possessed by Inoussa and Ethan Galbraith, the latter has displayed that opportunistic desire but he is slowly looking less reluctant to take shots. Are we seeing that prescriptive style of play infringing on their natural ability, even squashing creativity ?

As it stands there is too much caution, awareness and not a lot of individual effort when players need to stand up and be counted. When you have players like Galbraith, Inoussa, Yalcouye, Franco and this season Ronald with a free scoring Vipotnik they should be ready to go in every game. Not preserved because they have seven (or nine) games in quick time two which are nothing to do with Swansea City. Leicester City came into the game yesterday with a thirty three percent better chance of winning the game. Yes, we saw the Swans take shots at goal but they were pretty insignificant efforts when compared to their opponents. And let’s be honest they hit the frame of the goal on three occasions. It could have been a few more overall.

This could be seen as a criticism of Sheehan’s overall match day strategy, for us these are very obvious and openly achievable markers to improve upon. We’ve seen it over nine games with preservation and some would say negativity taking over this season’s EFL games. It hasn’t worked, in fact it has lost the Swans points when in clinical positions to either kill off a game or reverting to such a deep defensive set up that draws or loses games. He cannot be as determined as we saw with Russell Martin to remain unaware to what looks like solid evidence against his strategy this season. There isn’t a lot of difference between both managers when it comes to a frustrating build up from the back that influences slow play and players searching for space with their markers easily seeing what’s in front of them.

Whatever he was doing last season - be that in player development or invigorating their belief to win he has to return to it. We can see his percentages this season, that isn’t top six form as it stands. The win then draw then slip up is counter productive to a successful season. If anything Swans fans should be reflecting on Alan Sheehan by the end of the November pre international break. We should also be very mindful that the two home wins in the league this season were against bottom feeders, Sheffield United and away at Sheffield Wednesday. The midweek away win again against a mediocre Blackburn side was decent overall though. When it comes to the bigger games and more dominant opposition be that Middlesbrough, Birmingham City and now Leicester City the Swans aren’t matching up, that has to change. The next seven games are crucial but self preservation we think won’t last forever in Sheehan’s decision making. We have a pretty ruthless board now, that isn’t to say he is in any danger, he clearly isn’t and as much as that can change it’s also within his gift to turn it into a positive. But we must declare a more free flowing expansive game on better opposition. Southampton are next and that’s where it should start.

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Photograph : Already licensed Reuters 2023

johnjubal1958 added 12:47 - Oct 6 I believe that Sheezy got his tactics all wrong with the subs as I said on your report after the Leicester game. I echod your observation of the game but he's still learning his trade so to speak. You look at some of the great managers/coaches who began their careers with the hiccups and gone on to be legends. He told this team is a work in process and the club is looking long term to create a team that can compete top. We have 12 new players who are still getting to know each other's game and it doesn't happen overnight! We live in a world of fast food type football and sacking managers/coaches like there is no tomorrow! For me I can see what Sheezy is trying to do but it will take a little and patience. We the fans believe he was the man for the job and I still believe he's the man for the job. It's easy to pick holes but put yourself in his position and it's easy to see why he can be frustrated! Every team in football no matter how good they are have off days. I said we were good enough to beat Leicester but after we equalized the team lost their way. We all saw what happened. It wasn't pleasant for any Jack watching because we just crumbled. We allowed Leicester to get their tails up. Remember they have four draws in a row uo to this game and we had the opportunity to win the game but once thet got their second then it was game over as we all knew. We went to deep defensively and we lost all urgency. The played it safe and when you're behind you have to take risks. Long balls if need be puts the opposion under pressure because they don't know who coming up behind them in some instances. Creative play was lacking and as such we paid the price!!! Let's see where we are halfway the season before pointing the finger but that helps no one and just makes it harder for the player's and the team. It's far to early to say one way or the other and on one I know has a crystal ball. We all need to give the man a break and let him do what we all know is possible. We all dream about successes right of the team we follow, but we forget quickly this is the Championship which is as many have said they tough league in the world! Fast food is only served before and during the break. So let us all (including me!) give him some space to do what we know he can do. With the player's we have I believe Sheezy can get us to the promise land!

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johnjubal1958 added 13:18 - Oct 6 Quick PS. It's seems everyone has forgotten what Sheezy has already done for this club, that is why he got the job! So much for loyalist for a man who could have gone anywhere with options on the table, but his loyalty was committed to the club he loves! Do I need to say more??? Come on Ye Swans 🦢❤️🙌👍!
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KeithHaynes added 13:21 - Oct 6 Well thought out John 👍
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johnjubal1958 added 13:22 - Oct 6 Loyalty! So much for productive text 🤔😁
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johnjubal1958 added 15:50 - Oct 6 Thank you Keith for the thumb up, but it's not something I actually think about. It comes from the heart and therefore, it's inspiration that is as natural as breathing😁! That word "inspire" means, in the spirit! You know it all to well as a writer, when you start writing it flows naturally. The only difference is our paradigm or world view as we see it. It can be positive or negative and the world as we see it right now is all negative. They want results and they want it now (the fast food idea!). Patience is long gone from our society, because if they don't get now they through a tantrum and demand results or else! For a good example; take AI, nobody wants to think for themselves when you can have a machine doing the thinking for you right. When that happens those skills that has been handed down for generations are no longer valid. Why on earth would I want to do the hard work is the question they ask themselves if there is an easier way to get from A to B? The next think you know with computer to brain technology now being rolled out is; "I want to be a professional football player. Ah, I've got all the skills that Messi or Ronaldo can do"! Think of the movie The Matrix, Ah, I can do Kung Fu! I know where you are and going with these new technologies and I can assure you, no one will benefit from it, well except a chosen few! I'm a researcher on many topic in our current climate of world events not just football which like for many my interest and passion. I go to match and I'm crazy as the next person. I come to games to leave the world behind and enjoy the ups and downs as everyone else. However, the moment I walk out the gate I've put on my natural hat on so to speak and behave accordingly! Everyone is different and when they leave the ground they do their own thing. But at the game we are all on the same side sharing our passion, including getting some fast food if we must! The world is no longer the same place and what was once considered as values are drastically disappearing! Life in the fast lane rather than taking time out to reflect on what is actually what! Our paradigms have changed and fast food and "I want it now has become the norm and is the consequences of it! Apologies, but I couldn't just miss this opportunity to help understand where I am coming from. I avoid criticism because it drags down the spirit and Swansea City has been well know for having a great spirit within the club. Of course you had those Americans Paracites (in their nature only who tried to destroy our club and as I said, once they were exposed they couldn't get out the door quick enough. The sad part is, that bitterness they left behind in the fans is still lingering within the fan base of the club because their trust was abused! These American business stated time and time again, "We and our family are fans of the club" but all along they simply wanted to destroy that fighting spirit within the club. If we don't stick together as fans (and every staff member are fans) then they would have succeeded with our help! There is that age old saying, divide and conquer right, that is to say, together we stand and divided we will fall. The Power Players whole game on a huge scale is to crush that fighting spirit of independence that makes each and everyone of use unique. Swansea City was recognised for that fghting spirit who defide all the odds! However, the so call globalist had to crush that. So they sent a team to do just that. Fortunately, they were found out by the club and fans and it was pleasing to see them leave with their tails between their legs! Who are we? Jack Army 😁! Come On Ye Swans ❤️🦢🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿⚽!

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lumpy73 added 19:30 - Oct 6 Not a bad summary of the swans so far this season. Sheehan rightly occupies the emotional support of some fans after his efforts last season to keep the swans away from relegation and to that end did a great job but it’s definitely noticeable the drop off in tempo and positive intent this season compared to last. The great Swansea passing teams we’ve seen know not,only how to move the ball but move the opposition to create space, wear them down, pass between the lines, crate overlaps and be dynamic in transition. Passing and movement is a means to an end not the end itself! The swans passing philophy has becime laboured and all too predicable. The ball is passed slowly between defenders then inevitably (and slowly) to full backs and wingers. Great if those wingers can beat defenders with pace or trickery, Ronald flatters to deceive albeit have a little more faith in in Inoussa and Eom. Leicester showed how forward passing & clever movement can achieve breaks, their passing positive and movement incisive. Yes they scored brilliant goals, but if you don’t shoot as they say. Sheehan is in danger if letting the season pass him by, needs to be bravely, especially at home. One win(not two) at home isn’t very good. And three overall might be seen as progress were they not against three of the four statistically worst teams currently in the championship. I’d love to see him take a chance in youth, Widell, innousa, Galbraith and perhaps leave cullen and Fulton provide knowledge and influence in the training pitch. Swans have spent a lot, expectations are high, Sheehan has a chance to be a great manager if he wants to be, but he needs to be less cautious and perhaps have a little more faith in the talent the hierarchy have acquired. Mid table mediocrity might be ordinarily fine if you haven’t spent cash. It’s a bit different this season.

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