MX23RW : Sunday, January 19 15:07:09| >> :120:6552:6552:

Swansea City announce Steve Cooper exit

Swansea City announce Steve Cooper exit
© Reuters
Steve Cooper led Swansea to consecutive top-six finishes in the Championship.

Swansea have announced the departure of head coach Steve Cooper.

The Sky Bet Championship club said Cooper, who had a year left on his contract, had opted to leave the Liberty Stadium.

A statement on the Swans' official website read: "Swansea City can confirm that head coach Steve Cooper has decided to leave the club.

"Cooper had 12 months remaining on the three-year deal he signed upon arriving at the Liberty Stadium in the summer of 2019.

"Despite efforts by the club to enter dialogue with regards to a contract extension, it was subsequently agreed by both parties to mutually part ways ahead of the 2021-22 season."

Cooper, who guided England Under-17s to World Cup glory in 2017, led Swansea to consecutive top-six finishes in the Championship.

They lost in the play-off semi-finals in 2020 to Brentford, who beat the Swans again in last season's play-off final at Wembley.

Cooper added: "I'm very proud of what we have achieved over the past two seasons, especially getting to the play-off final, but it feels like a good time for all parties to make a change.

Swansea were beaten by Brentford in the play-off final
Swansea were beaten by Brentford in the play-off final (Mike Egerton/PA)

"It is a fantastic club, with incredible supporters and I'm very grateful to them, to the players and all the staff for making me so welcome here. I wish the team every success for the future."

Swansea chief executive Julian Winter said the decision "was reached amicably two weeks ago".

Winter added: "Just like the playing squad, when a manager has 12 months left on a contract, there has to be a coherent plan that allows the club to continue to build both on and off the pitch, and that involves dialogue around contracts.

"We felt as a club that the situation needed clarity and with a new season edging closer, the mutual nature of this decision allows both parties a chance to look forward.

"I would like to take this opportunity to wish Steve the best of luck for the future and thank him for the work he has done during his two years with the football club."

ID:456419: cacheID:456419:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5425:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Harry Wilson celebrates scoring for Wales in March 2021
Read Next:
Swansea to move for Liverpool's Harry Wilson?
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Washington
45-31
Lions
8pm
Rams
@
Eagles
11.30pm
Ravens
@
Bills
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leeds UnitedLeeds27168351193256
2Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd27176438172155
3Burnley27141123192253
4Sunderland27149439221751
5Blackburn RoversBlackburn2712693124742
6West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom27914433221141
7Middlesbrough27118844341041
8Watford27125103837141
9Bristol City2791083331237
10Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds27107103843-537
11Norwich CityNorwich279994339436
12Queens Park RangersQPR2781183034-435
13Swansea CitySwansea2797113033-334
14Coventry CityCoventry2788113537-232
15Oxford UnitedOxford Utd2788113041-1132
16Preston North EndPreston2761382834-631
17Millwall2679102424030
18Stoke CityStoke27610112533-828
19Derby CountyDerby2776143137-627
20Cardiff CityCardiff2769122941-1227
21Hull City2768132636-1026
22Portsmouth2668123245-1326
23Luton TownLuton2775152744-1726
24Plymouth ArgylePlymouth2749142555-3021


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!