Revisiting Swansea’s Last Promotion Push: Lessons for 2025/26

It’s been four years since Swansea City last flirted seriously with promotion. The 2020/21 campaign under Steve Cooper ended in heartbreak at Wembley, but it also offered a blueprint—one that still echoes through the corridors of the Swansea.com Stadium today. As Alan Sheehan leads a new-look Swans into the 2025/26 season, it’s worth asking: what lessons can be drawn from that near-miss, and how do they apply to the current rebuild?

🧠 Tactical Identity: From Pragmatism to Purpose

Cooper’s Swansea were pragmatic. They didn’t dominate possession or dazzle with flair, but they were structured, defensively sound, and ruthlessly efficient. The back three of Cabango, Guehi, and Bidwell provided stability, while Ayew and Lowe offered direct threat up front.

Fast forward to Sheehan’s side, and the tactical identity is evolving. There’s a clear emphasis on vertical transitions, aggressive pressing, and fluid rotations. The midfield trio of Widdell, Galbraith, and Yalcouye already looks more dynamic than any unit Swansea fielded in 2021.

Lesson: Promotion doesn’t require perfection—it requires clarity. Cooper’s side knew exactly what they were. Sheehan’s challenge is to embed that same clarity, but with a more expansive style.

🔄 Recruitment: From Loans to Legacy

The 2020/21 squad leaned heavily on loan signings. Guehi, Woodman, Hourihane, and Palmer were all temporary fixes. While effective, it left the club exposed when the season ended. Continuity was sacrificed for short-term gain.

This season, the recruitment model—led by Tom Gorringe and Richard Montague—is focused on long-term value. Galbraith , Widell, and Burgess are all permanent signings with resale potential. Even the pursuit of Jusef Erabi, though seemingly stalled, reflects a strategy built on development rather than dependency.

Lesson: Sustainable promotion pushes require squad ownership. Swansea are building assets, not borrowing them.

🧩 Squad Depth: The Bench That Wins Games

One of the criticisms of Cooper’s side was its lack of impact off the bench. Beyond the likes of Whittaker and Cullen, options were limited. Injuries to key players often derailed momentum.

Sheehan’s Swansea already look better equipped. Against Sheffield United, it was the bench impact of Widell and Inoussa that proved decisive—both introduced just after the hour mark and directly involved in the winning goal. With further reinforcements expected, the depth is improving.

Lesson: Promotion campaigns are marathons. Depth isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

🗣️ Leadership: From Ayew to Galbraith?

In 2021, André Ayew was the emotional and tactical leader. His goals, experience, and presence carried the side through difficult spells. But it also created a dependency—when Ayew didn’t fire, Swansea often faltered.

This season, leadership feels more distributed. Galbraith has emerged as a midfield general, Cabango remains a defensive anchor, and Sheehan’s quiet authority is beginning to resonate. There’s no single talisman—but perhaps that’s a strength.

Lesson: Promotion sides need leaders—but not just one. Shared responsibility builds resilience.

📊 Fan Sentiment: Then vs Now

Supporter mood in 2021 was cautiously optimistic. Cooper’s style wasn’t universally loved, but the results spoke for themselves. The fanbase rallied behind the cause, especially during the play-off run.

In 2025, the mood is more volatile. The Martin, Duff and Williams eras left scars, and Sheehan’s appointment was met with scepticism. But the win over Sheffield United has sparked belief. Both the forum on here and X are buzzing with cautious hope—not blind faith, but genuine curiosity.

Lesson: Supporter buy-in matters. Tactical clarity and visible progress are the fastest ways to earn it.

🧠 Culture and Connection

Perhaps the biggest difference between now and then is cultural intent. The current leadership speaks openly about “reconnecting the club to the community.” That wasn’t a priority in 2021. The focus then was results; now, it’s identity.

From the triangular corner flag banter to the attendance debates with Cardiff, Swansea fans are reasserting their voice. The club’s media output, supporter engagement, and transparency have all improved. It’s not just about winning—it’s about belonging.

Lesson: Promotion is more than points. It’s about momentum, meaning, and emotional connection.

🧃 Final Word

Swansea’s last promotion push was built on pragmatism, loans, and a talismanic figure. It nearly worked. But the cracks were visible, and the collapse came swiftly.

This time, the foundations feel stronger. The squad is younger, the recruitment smarter, and the tactical ambition clearer. There will be setbacks—there always are—but the lessons of 2021 are being applied with intent.

Whether Sheehan’s Swans reach the play-offs or not, the journey feels purposeful. And that, in itself, is progress.