Sheehan ready for Rotherham United test as he takes the reigns – for now!

Alan Sheehan faced the media for the first time yesterday as interim manager of Swansea City after a week that saw him take a step up following the departure of Michael Duff on Monday evening.

Sheehan was placed in temporary charge of the Swans following the decision to remove Duff from his role less than six months after he was appointed as successor to Russell Martin.

The Swans now find themselves in the middle of yet another managerial search after what will prove to be an expensive mistake no matter who they employ although they were denied permission (for now) yesterday to speak to Tottenham coach Chris Davies about the vacancy.

Spurs denial of that permission is certainly the current stance being taken by the club but as we know all too well from recent years things can change very quickly in any managerial search and he should not be ruled out of the running following yesterday’s news.

Sheehan though is clearly focused on the weekend trip to Rotherham which is a vital game for the Swans given their league table predicament that leaves us just too close to the relegation places for comfort.   And that is one of the reasons why Duff was relieved of his duties.

So what does Sheehan make of his new opportunity? “I have been given the privilege to be in charge of this club and I understand the responsibility that comes with it,” he said.

“We want to put out a good Swansea team that the fans can be proud of on Saturday.

“We’ve been working on how we can hurt the opposition. It’s about how we can get the best from the players we have in the building.

“In moments we have seen it, but hopefully we can bring that on Saturday.

“But it’s never going to be about me or anyone else, it’s about the club, it’s about Swansea City and what it means to represent this club.

“I know the people who work here and are around the place. I have had people wishing me good luck and you can’t describe that feeling.

“As I say, it’s a privilege to be in this position for now, and I hope in this short period we can produce a performance and a result on the weekend.”