The news that Alan Sheehan has the support of the decision makers at the Swans came as a huge shock for many Swans fans yesterday. Not because this news comes from those who put their hard earned cash into Swansea, it seemed more about them not getting their own way. That doesn’t go for everyone of course, some people have excellent dialogue and debating skills. We apologise for that but our sources on these matters are and have been impeccable, right from the exclusives on the boards changes last year to now.

So what is our position on the current Swansea City head coach ?

We think Alan Sheehan is on borrowed time without any real limits to how long that time is. Having been assured or even informed that Alan Sheehan is safe for now there will obviously come a time when he will leave Swansea City. That’s a solid fact. Having discussed this at length with our site contributors and those with an interest in our work we came to this conclusion.

If results continue as they are, albeit with only six points separating the Swans and sixth place in the league, then it’s fairly obvious what the outcome will be. Swansea followers have every right to point out his failings to date this season. His unremarkable strategy on a match day, especially right through to his direction and change of mindset in the middle and towards the end of games is of concern. We have seen him in loud conversations on the sidelines with assistant Darren O’Dea which hasn't gone unnoticed by many, and that seems to be an ongoing issue.

So, what will earn Alan Sheehan the sack ?

In our opinion it will be within touching distance if the Swans are defeated on Saturday at home to Ipswich. The reaction of the crowd will also burn his contract down far quicker than he has signed on for as well. Without doubt the club are concerned about attendances and the reasoning why. Currently they sit around and about the same as the season the club were promoted to the Premier League. (Slightly less I would say though without checking) There is a big influence from the excellent work done to engage Snoop Dogg in to the club. By that i mean what he will put in financially as weeks go by or what else he wants to do with his name attached to Swansea City. That hasn’t been an issue to date but will be if he starts asking questions. He wants to see success for licensing the club with his Death Row logo, and there are plans as well to increase that and maximise income as a result. If he starts backing off then this will be a key factor. It may sound obvious now but people aren’t talking about it.

The club are fully aware of the dissent coming from social media, but won't take that as a major concern as they know two good results will change that. For proof see the ticket fiasco of a month or so ago. Despite hundreds of complaints - here, there and everywhere they shook it off and carried on. It’s not being thick skinned it's what they did and continue to do in certain circumstances. The League Cup run shadowed any further rigmerole as the fair weather fans returned. That run was down to Alan Sheehan as much as the disappointing performances are now. That’s a two way street.

The other key factor is clearly from yesterdays report is Sheehan is very much liked at the club and their desire to see this period between the summer window closing and now isn’t a long period of time. If we take it from the start of the season until now it’s thirteen weeks. There will have been a six week period struck off for the head coach after the players return from this next round of international fixtures. Time he will say that he hasn't had with a full squad. Take that as you want but it’s a fact. To be kind to Sheehan take that time off his thirteen weeks and it's just seven weeks with a full squad to organise.

If Swansea City want Sheehan gone and to an extent that has to include O’Dea then more than a social media pile on and shouts for Sheehan to go on Saturday is required. Speaking to a good friend who was very much involved in the Petty era he reminded me of how long it actually took to get the momentum going. People shouting for this and that at the time were not there when initial protests were organised, in fact there seemed little appetite for anyone to stand up and join us. The meetings held with people at the time were noticeable by the absence of the vociferous majority. I know this as it was myself and Phil at the time that planned these meetings and eventually got the fans to a stage where the game was on and we had total support. Yes, others were involved but not at the start in 1998, many jumped on the bus when they saw the fans were there in numbers. And this is my point. Those times were obviously more important than Sheehan leaving but the mindset is the same today. People don't follow through with what they want unless others are in the firing line.

That’s the first challenge for Swansea supporters who want Sheehan to go. And I'll wager now it will fall flat on its face. For a protest to be taken seriously then the club have to be concerned, and as it stands I'm thinking they are not. It's football and day to day business which as i said above changes on the spin of a few results. People can challenge us on our reporting as some did yesterday but they wont be the ones standing proud in their desire to organise serious protest. Because the major fear is that people won't support it, and most certainly they will end up with egg on their faces. That sort of protest does make boards of football clubs listen. When the fans are restless and mean business they take notice. Yes, the slow deterioration of support is known to them, and it won’t be allowed to go on until it is terminal, but it's pretty clear today that the head coach has their support.

What i do know from talking to people who know exactly how our owners work is that it will only be when the finances are seriously hit or the heat is so bad that they will take some form of action. And here’s a bit of news for you, some may know it already but one possibly two serious investors are talking to the Swans. One could well be asian, time will tell. If these types of investors pull back due to a situation they see at Swansea not being handled well then the board will have to start taking action. These are the areas despite the toxicity we see on social media at times that bring matters to the forefront. Committed action by the fans using their creativity and by that we mean lawful but newsworthy does work, but it needs leaders. Younger minds with more than a keyboard are needed to organise and take ownership of their club.

You want a proper voice then get active. Just like those who saved our club and took it to the Premier League, see, everything is achievable. But it takes more than abuse.

I don’t see, and can’t see anyone or any group of people able to be that bold, people who can back up their dissatisfaction with action. I remember once back in far more darker days than this when a few wags decided that boycotting a game would work. They didn't have the mindset to stimulate the feelings of the fans at the time and it was a complete disaster. They quickly scurried away when it fell apart.

If Swans fans want to show true spirit and do more than shout in capital letters then take some recent history into account. Reach within yourselves and find the spirit of all of us from 1997 to 2002. Find that desire that we saw from Huw Jenkins, Leigh Dineen, Brian Katzen, David Morgan, John Van Zweeden and all. Look up Richard Lillycrap, and get some knowledge. That’s the type of determination and total commitment you need to make changes. This is on a much smaller scale, it’s just the removal of a head coach and his mate that is being called for. Well, if it's that simple, and quite clearly this is at a far lower level then surely it's not going to be that hard to do.

Is it ?

Photograph Open Source

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