LISTEN – John Hartson on ‘harsh’ Francesco Guidolin sacking: ‘Swansea’s fixtures have been horrendous! He should have been given more time’
John Hartson is disappointed by Swansea’s decision to sack Francesco Guidolin, but insists disgruntled supporters MUST behind new boss Bob Bradley following his shock appointment.
Guidolin was given the boot and swiftly replaced by the American on Monday - his 61st birthday - having steered the Swans to just one league win from their first seven games of the season.
But Swansea-born ex-Wales international Hartson says the Italian's departure is harsh given the team’s tough run of games at the start of this new campaign.
“The fans are up in arms over what’s happened and I feel he should have been given a few more games,” the former striker told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast.
“The fixture list that Swansea have just faced in the first six or seven games this season was horrendous.
“Leicester away, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and they go to Arsenal after the international break.
“The American owners have obviously played a huge part in bringing in Bob Bradley, but this is not the way Swansea normally do things. They normally do thing currently and fans think it was disrespectful how they sacked Guidolin - especially on his birthday.
“But it is what it is. He’s been appointed and, as harsh as they feel the decision was and as disappointed as they are, the fans have just got to behind the manager now.”
READ MORE: Bradley hails Swansea job as an 'important moment for football in America'