Swansea City have sacked Francesco Guidolin as head coach and replaced him with former USA manager Bob Bradley.

Francesco Guidolin was sacked by Swansea City

The Swans have not won in the Premier League since the opening day of the season and are 17th in the table.

Bradley, who has also managed Egypt and Norwegian side Stabaek, leaves French second-tier team Le Havre to succeed Guidolin, who was appointed in January.

The club’s hierarchy spoke to several potential candidates, including former Wales captain Ryan Giggs.

American Bradley, 58, will take over a Swansea side who have lost their past three league matches and find themselves above the relegation zone only on goal difference.

Guidolin has been under intense pressure – which was increased by Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat by Liverpool- and his sacking was announced on his 61st birthday on Monday.

Three members of the Italian’s backroom staff – Diego Bortoluzzi, Gabrielle Ambrosetti, Claudio Bordon – have also left the Welsh club.

Swans chairman Huw Jenkins said he was “disappointed” to sack Guidolin but added that the club “needed to change things as soon as possible in order to move forward in a positive way”.

The chairman said Bradley is viewed as a “long-term appointment” who will “stabilise matters on and off the pitch”.

“He is highly regarded as a coach and has a wealth of experience on the international and domestic front,” added Jenkins.

“He is well aware of the club’s footballing philosophy and will provide us with strong leadership qualities and a renewed belief to compete at this level.”

Bradley’s first match in charge will be at Arsenal on 15 October, after the international break.