Wednesday 28 December 2016 11:25, UK
Bob Bradley has been sacked as manager of Swansea City after just 11 games in charge.
The 58-year-old took over after Francesco Guidolin left the Liberty Stadium on October 3, but secured just eight points and managed two wins in his time in charge. He leaves with the side 19th in the Premier League table.
Bradley's last match in charge was a 4-1 home defeat to West Ham on Boxing Day which led to boos ringing around the stadium after the final whistle. That defeat meant the Swans had shipped 29 goals in the American's 11 games in charge.
"I knew exactly what I was getting into when I came to Swansea and realised the hardest part was always going to be getting points in the short run," Bradley said.
"But I believe in myself and I believe in going for it. That's what I've always told my players. Football can be cruel and to have a chance, you have to be strong. I wish Swansea the best and look forward to my next challenge."
Sky sources understand that the club will consider out-of-work managers, with former Manchester United player and assistant manager Ryan Giggs the early favourite for the role.
"We are sorry to lose Bob after such a short period of time,'' chairman Huw Jenkins said in a statement. "Unfortunately things haven't worked out as planned and we felt we had to make the change with half the Premier League season remaining.
"With the club going through such a tough time, we have to try and find the answers to get ourselves out of trouble.
"Personally, I have nothing but praise for Bob. He is a good man; a good person who gave everything to the job. His work-rate is phenomenal and we wish him well for the future.''
Sky Sports News HQ understands discussions took place after Monday's home defeat to the Hammers and again on Tuesday morning between Jenkins and American owners Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan.
The owners were planning to stick with Bradley, however, the West Ham game changed opinions at board level. They decided that there were no signs of improvement and that the club needed someone to stop the slump.
It is understood that Jenkins held conversations by telephone on Tuesday morning with Levien and Kaplan who are presently in the US.
Bradley took training in the morning and was told the news on Tuesday evening.
Swansea are level on 12 points with bottom-side Hull but are four points from safety. They host Bournemouth on December 31.
Paul Williams and Alan Curtis will take change for the match against the Cherries.
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