Swansea confirm departure of Steve Cooper by mutual consent

Swansea have confirmed Steve Cooper has left his role as manager by mutual consent after the two parties failed to reach an agreement over a contract extension.

Former England youth coach Cooper did a brilliant job during his two years at the Liberty Stadium, leading the club to back-to-back play-off spots despite being forced to work on a shoestring budget.

He had been expected to pen fresh terms at the club this summer, but with no news of an agreement forthcoming, Swansea have now taken to their official website to reveal the shock news he's left his post just 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 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.

Cooper took the opportunity to provide a brief statement thanking the fans for their support during his time at the club before wishing them well in their quest for promotion next season.

“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," he said.

“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 chief executive Julian Winter also provided a statement, thanking Cooper for all his hard work in his two years with the Swans before revealing the decision to part ways had been made a fortnight ago.

“We feel that this conclusion is in the best interests of the club with a new season just over two weeks away," he wrote. “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.

“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.”