Alan Sheehan | That win is for everyone connected with Swansea City

Caretaker head coach Alan Sheehan spoke of his pride as he dedicated the 2-1 victory at Rotherham United to everyone connected with Swansea City.

Sheehan led the Swans following Michael Duff’s departure earlier in the week, and saw his side a goal and a man to the good at half-time; Charlie Patino diverting a cross into the net after the hosts had seen Daniel Ayala sent off.

Rotherham levelled through Sam Nombe just beyond the hour mark, but the visitors snatched all three points when substitute Jerry Yates seized on a defensive error to calmly fire home his sixth goal of the season.

And Sheehan was proud of how everyone at the club had come together to make sure a difficult week ended on a high.

“The overall feeling is one of pride, for the players, the staff and everyone connected with the club,” said Sheehan.

“They have all stood up during a tough week and really supported me. Everyone has stuck together and it shows what a special place it is.

“They are physical side, they have had a good record at home and we knew we would need to be able to stand up to that.

“We controlled large amounts of the game and some of the passages of play were excellent.

“It is hard to break down a block but I thought we were patient and we showed bravery. Yes, we can improve, it was not perfect, but I felt there was progress.

“The players deserve all the credit. I am pleased for Jerry, he came on, we wanted him to get himself in the middle of the goal. We know he can score goals in the Championship and he deserves it.

“But that win is for the players, the supporters and the football club.”

Sheehan, the staff and the players all celebrated the win with the 494 members of the Jack Army who made the long journey to south Yorkshire.

The Irishman felt it was important to recognise their contribution to the victory, and smiled when reminded of his enthusiastic fist pumps in front of the away end after the final whiste. 

“It is really important to share that with them because it is a long journey those 500 fans made to cheer on our team,” he said.

“I got egged on a bit by the players and I took the bait!

“It’s been an emotional week, it has been all about showing character, sticking together and playing our way.

“So, I may have gone a bit over the top, I think I might have blacked out a bit! But there are so many emotions and that win is for the fans.”