Swansea's squad needed more winner and fighters, says Bradley

Former Swansea manager Bob Bradley has hit out at the club's squad strength, claiming that they lack 'winners' and 'fighters'.

The American lasted just three months at the helm of the Premier League club, but saw his tenure abruptly ended after a poor run of results saw the club sink into a relegation battle.

Bradley has been replaced by Paul Clement at the Liberty Stadium, but believes that the owners are not doing enough to help the club get out of its current predicament.

“There is a real trust issue between the supporters and the people involved in the change of ownership,” Bradley told the Times.

“That has to improve. The other aspect is the team. When you take over a team and you’re in that part of the table – just like when I took over from Francesco [Guidolin] – it’s for a reason. The reason is that the team needs to be improved.”

Bradley revealed that he was looking to revitalise the squad and bring in more determined players, but was stymied by the board who have not replaced the ones who have left in the past two seasons.

He also claims that this forthright approach to speaking with the board may have helped hasten his exit, as they may not have liked his 'direct' approach to discussions.

“Part of what I said was that we needed more winners, more fighters, more guys that come in every day desperate to improve," the 58-year-old admitted.

"I think in the last 18 months or so, as different players have left, the club hasn’t been able to replace some players with others at the same level.

“When a team goes through a tough period, you need people you can count on, people who are strong, people who will stand up for the team.

"It takes that kind of strength to get back on track. I was very direct in those conversations and at some level I think that came back to hurt me.”