Swansea City dealt managerial blow ahead of Bristol City clash as Championship rivals hijack swoop

Bristol City are winless in their last three games as they look to return to winning ways this weekend. They are back in action on Saturday afternoon following the international break. Swansea City are the visitors to Ashton Gate.

The Robins are sat in 8th place in the Championship table after their first 15 fixtures. They are only outside the play-offs by two points behind Hull City and Millwall. Gerhard Struber’s side drew 1-1 away at Watford in their last game with Scott Twine on the scoresheet.

Swansea City in hunt for Alan Sheehan replacement

Swansea City remain in the hunt for a new manager as they prepare to play Bristol City. They made the decision to part ways with Alan Sheehan recently. The Welsh side are now weighing up their options as they look to bring in the right candidate.

Hammarby IF boss Kim Hellberg has been their ‘first choice’, according to WalesOnline, but Maritimo boss Vitor Maritimo has shot up the bookies list of names. The Swans have held ‘talks’ with Hellberg recently, who is believed to have other interest. Norwich City are not after him though, as per reporter Samuel Seaman on X who has posted: “Bit of talk about Kim Hellberg and Championship interest, but people close to the #NCFC head coach search don’t believe that he’s currently an option for Norwich. Things expected to accelerate over the weekend but unlikely to be with Hellberg.”

In this latest update, Fotbollskanalen claim he is set to join Middlesbrough instead in what would be a big blow to Swansea. Boro have seen Rob Edwards leave them for Wolves recently. They are 2nd in the division behind Coventry City.

What now for Swansea City ahead of Bristol City clash after sacking Alan Sheehan?

Swansea target Hellberg, 37, took over Hammarby back in 2023 and penned a three-year deal. He has since done an impressive job in the Allsvenskan. However, his current club face a real battle to keep hold of him now amid attention from elsewhere.

The Norrköping-born man started his managerial career with spells at IF Sylvia and IF Sylvia after hanging up his boots in 2014. Hammarby then came calling and they finished 2nd in the table in the last campaign behind Mjallby. His situation is up in the air now though and it remains to be seen whether he will be staying put in Scandinavia or moving to Wales for a new challenge.

In terms of other possible candidates as well as Hellberg and Matos, Russell Martin has naturally been linked due to the fact he has managed Swansea before. The ex-MK Dons and Southampton man is available after parting ways with Rangers recently. However, BBC Sport say a move for him is ‘unlikely’, whilst the same source has poured cold water on a return for Brendan Rodgers as well following his exit from Celtic.

A swoop for Michael Carrick hasn’t been ruled out though. BBC Sport reported he has ‘admirers’ among the Swans’ hierarchy. He was dismissed by Middlesbrough at the end of last term and is unattached right now. Carrick joined Boro back in 2022 and guided them into the play-offs in his first year.

Following their decision to give Sheehan the chop, Swansea owners Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen said: “Alan has been instrumental in helping improve the club through two periods of time. Alan has a tireless work ethic, an honest approach and a positive attitude. He has put his full effort into the job on behalf of the club. The club would like to place on record its thanks to Alan for all of his hard work during his time at Swansea City. We wish Alan and his family all the best for the future.”