Sheehan was initially tasked with leading the club until the end of the current season, but was always keen on taking the role on a long-term basis, having missed out on the opportunity after the sacking of Michael Duff in December 2023.
The 38-year-old Irishman has now been handed the chance to make a long-term impression having been given a first permanent managerial role.
After a highly successful temporary spell in charge, under Sheehan’s management, the Swans have picked up an impressive 23 points out of a possible 36, including a run of five consecutive wins to eclipse a record held since March 2008, a time when Spaniard Roberto Martinez was at the managerial helm of the club..
Sheehan, who initially took on the caretaker role after Luke Williams’ departure in mid-February, has led Swansea from 17th in the Championship to a guaranteed top-half finish ahead of the clubs final game of the season against Oxford United on Saturday lunchtime.
Swansea were looking nervously towards the bottom three when Williams left the club on the back of a run of seven defeats in nine Championship matches. After initially taking charge with the team looking like being in the middle of a relegation dog-fight, Sheehan led Swansea clear of the drop in some style.
Speaking about taking over on a full-time basis, Sheehan said: “It’s a privilege to be at this football club and now I have the honour of officially being the head coach.
“It’s somewhat surreal. There’s been a really good feeling around the place and I spoke over the last couple of months about building something.
“I’ve been in talks with the ownership for a good while now and I haven’t really changed what I’ve been saying about moving forward. Now is a really good time to move forward.”
Director of Football, Richard Montague, said: “We’ve been very impressed with Alan since he’s taken over as caretaker head coach for a second time.
“It was important that we carried out a thorough and detailed process for appointing our new head coach.
“We had to get this decision right, and we are very happy with the work that’s been done and confident that we’ve picked the best head coach to take our club to the next level.”
Tom Gorringe, Swansea City’s CEO, added: “Alan has shown strong leadership and tactical acumen during his time as caretaker head coach.
“Collectively, we believe he is the right person to take Swansea City forward and build on the progress that we’ve made towards the end of this season. We’re excited and optimistic about what we can achieve together.”
[Lead image: Swansea City FC]
