Swansea have confirmed that Steve Cooper has left his role as manager with mutual consent after the two parties failed to reach an agreement on an extension of the contract.
Former England youth coach Cooper did a brilliant job during his two years at Liberty Stadium, leading the club to back-to-back play-off places despite being forced to work on a shorter budget.
Swansea City can confirm that head coach Steve Cooper has decided to leave the club.
Club statement? https://t.co/L32wgOOEEA pic.twitter.com/of17MYZrhz
– Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) July 21, 2021
He was expected to provide new terms at the club this summer, but without any news of an upcoming deal, Swansea have now taken to their official website to reveal the shocking news that he left his post just a few weeks before the kick-off of the 2021/22 season.
“Swansea City can confirm that head coach Steve Cooper has decided to leave the club,” the statement read. “Cooper had 12 months left on the three-year contract he signed when he arrived at Liberty Stadium in the summer of 2019.
“Despite the clubs’ efforts to enter into dialogue regarding the extension of the agreement, it was subsequently agreed by both parties to mutually differ ahead of the 2021/22 season.
Cooper took the opportunity to make a brief statement thanking the fans for their support during his time at the club before wishing them luck in their quest for promotion next season.
“I am very proud of what we have achieved over the last two seasons, especially coming to the playoffs, but it feels like a good time for all parties to make a change,” he said.
Steve Cooper has left Swansea / Athena Pictures / Getty Images
“It’s a fantastic club with incredible supporters and I’m very grateful to them, the players and all the staff for being so welcome here. I wish the team good luck for the future. ”
Swansea’s CEO Julian Winter also made a statement, thanking Cooper for all his hard work during his two years with the Swans before revealing the decision to divorce had been made two weeks ago.
“We believe that this conclusion is in the club’s best with a new season just over two weeks away,” he wrote. “This decision was reached two weeks ago, and I would like to thank Steve for taking the preseason and for his professionalism while this process has been resolved.
“During his two years as manager, Steve has immersed himself in the club and constantly improved our league position, as well as giving young players the opportunity for a first team.
Steve Cooper almost led Swansea back to the Premier League / Athena Pictures / Getty Images
“We felt like a club that the situation needed clarity and with a new season approaching, the reciprocal nature of this decision can give both parties a chance to look ahead.
“I want to take this opportunity to wish Steve good luck for the future and thank him for the work he has done during his two years with the football club.”
