Swansea manager Bob Bradley is facing two pivotal games as he battles to save his job.
Bradley is under growing pressure after a dreadful run of results and defeats against Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are likely to bring the American’s short tenure to an end.
Swansea’s new owners Steve Kaplan and Jason Levien are reluctant to dismiss Bradley, who was only appointed in October, and are even prepared to back him in the January transfer window with significant funds.
Yet seven defeats in 11 matches and the nature of the performances, particularly the 4-1 home thrashing by West Ham on Boxing Day, have triggered deep concern within the Liberty Stadium boardroom.
Swansea fear the downturn in results have become so severe that Bradley could be unable to mount a recovery, with the club already four points from safety in the Premier League relegation zone.
The dismal performances of Swansea’s players and the club’s summer recruitment are also scrutiny but Bradley is now facing a huge scrap to avoid becoming the latest managerial casualty in the top flight.
Bradley, 58, replaced Francesco Guidolin at the beginning of October and was seen as a long-term appointment under Swansea’s new American owners.
Yet Swansea supporters have targeted Bradley and the board during recent home games and the visit of Bournemouth on New Years Eve is now crucial to the manager’s future. A heavy defeat to Eddie Howe’s side could even force a change before the trip to Crystal Palace on January 3.
Kaplan and Levien remain hopeful that Bradley can take points from the next two games before starting work on strengthening the squad in January. Funds will be made available, with Bradley heavily involved in discussions over transfer targets.
