Club Statement | Steve Cooper leaves Swansea City
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.
Steve Cooper said: “I am 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.
“It is a fantastic club, with incredible supporters and I am 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 City chief executive Julian Winter said: “We feel that this conclusion is in the best interests of the club with a new season just over two weeks away.
“This decision was reached amicably two weeks ago, and I would like to place on record my thanks to Steve for taking pre-season and for his professionalism while this process has been resolved.
“During his two years in charge, Steve has immersed himself in the club and continually improved our league position as well as giving young players a first-team opportunity.
“It has been well documented that since the club dropped out of the Premier League, the financial position was one that meant the club had to be far more sustainable and we are pleased that so many young players have come here and been afforded that opportunity by Steve and his coaching staff.
“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.”
Cooper departs the Liberty Stadium after two years in charge, during which time he led the club to consecutive top-six finishes in the Championship.
The 41-year-old – who guided England Under-17s to World Cup glory in 2017 – arrived in SA1 in June 2019 and oversaw the club’s best start to a league season in 41 years.
Despite a thrilling end to the campaign, the Swans lost out in the play-off semi-finals in a season which was disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.
The 2020-21 campaign again saw the club challenge for promotion, going on to achieve a second-consecutive top-six finish – the first time the club had done so in 16 years – while Cooper became the first Swansea City boss since Roberto Martinez to rack up 100 games in charge. The Swans went one better to reach the Championship play-off final but lost out to Brentford at Wembley.
Swansea City would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Steve for his work during his time at the club and wish him every success in the future.
