BRADLEY GETS THE GIGG
Yank Bob beats Ryan to become Swans boss
BOB BRADLEY will become the first American to manage in the Premier League after seeing off Ryan Giggs to land the Swansea job.
Francesco Guidolin was sacked on his 61st birthday yesterday after Swansea’s worst start to a league campaign in 25 years. The move comes as little surprise with chairman Huw Jenkins having met with Bradley and Giggs recently as Swansea struggled for points. American owners Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan attended Saturday’s defeat by Liverpool and had talks with Jenkins afterwards over Guidolin’s future. The decision was finally taken to axe Guidolin (left) after more talks on Sunday – with former USA boss Bradley the man chosen to step in. The 58-year-old, who has been working in the French second tier with Le Havre, met Jenkins at Bristol Airport last week where he is thought to have impressed the Swans chairman. Landon Donovan – an investor at Swansea and a sounding board for Levien and Kaplan – is also thought to have backed his old boss when the possibility was put to him. Bradley took charge of Le Havre for the last time against Sochaux last night.
His first game as Swans boss will be at Arsenal a week on Saturday.
Bradley said: “I have mixed emotions. On the one hand I would have liked to carry through Le Havre’s project.
“On the other hand I thank the club for giving me the opportunity to go and work in the Premier League.
Delighted
“This is a unique opportunity and I will not forget that they have allowed me to leave, or that it is my time here that showed what I can do and showed I am capable of working in the Premier League.”
Manchester United great Giggs had been the favourite for the role, while Paul Clement, Patrick Vieira and Jurgen Klinsmann were also considered.
But it was felt a lack of frontline managerial experience counted against Welshman Giggs, given Swansea’s difficult position.
Jenkins said: “We are delighted Bob has agreed to join us.
“He is highly regarded as a coach and has a wealth of experience on the international and domestic front. It is never easy changing managers but we are looking at a long-term appointment and we are confident Bob can settle us down and stabilise matters on and off the pitch.”
However, the move has not proved popular among many fans – Swansea City Supporters’ Trust have accused the club of keeping them in the dark.
The group said they were frustrated and saddened that their director on the club’s board had not been involved in discussions over a managerial change.
Guidolin had only signed a two-year agreement to become Swansea’s full-time manager in May, having guided them to survival last term.
Despite a strong end to last season, concerns were expressed over his ability to communicate with players, as well as the intensity and lack of variety of in training sessions.
The Italian’s health was also an issue. He missed the games against Arsenal and Norwich last season with a chest infection and was unwell in the lead up to the defeat by Liverpool.