Alan Sheehan must hand 10-goal striker a lifeline at Swansea this season, he deserves a second chance

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Alan Sheehan has one goal with Swansea City in 2025/26, and that is a Championship play-off spot.

It’s been seven years since the Swans’ last Premier League campaign but after a strong end to 2024/25, supporters will be excited as Luka Modric prepares for his first season as a minority shareholder in South Wales.

Sheehan, who took charge of the club following Luke Williams’ sacking, became the permanent head coach at the end of April and he will be hoping for a big summer of transfers to help take that next step towards the top six.

However, there is no denying that Swansea do need more firepower up front with Liam Cullen ending the campaign as the top scorer on 11 goals. To find that new threat up front, they may not need to look far at all.

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Jerry Yates deserves a second chance at Swansea City

Back in May, EFL Analysis reported that Jerry Yates looks likely to leave the Swans this summer after spending the season out on loan at Derby County.

He scored 10 goals for the Rams, helping to avoid relegation to League One and he was a vital player for John Eustace as the East Midlands outfit lacked a presence up front for much of the campaign apart from the 28-year-old.

Yates has returned to Swansea revitalised and with a new head coach in charge, he perhaps deserves the opportunity during pre-season and the first weeks of August to prove himself as an option.

The Swans are going to need cover in the forward positions and the ex-Blackpool ace can provide that, with his fitness record over the last year a particular strong point that will stand out to Sheehan.

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Jerry Yates has a point to prove

There is no denying that at times over the last couple of years, Yates has perhaps not been as much of a threat as he should have been, with missed chances being a big issue during his time at Pride Park.

However, the fact he was able to reach double figures in a team that found it tough to score from open play is proof that he does have the quality to lead the line when required.

With Swansea having high expectations for the new season, Yates will want to show to Sheehan that he has what it takes to fight for a place in the team and after a full reset following his loan, he could be like a new signing if given the chance to shine.