Swansea assessing next step after Watson exit

Head coach Luke Williams took charge at Swansea in January after Michael Duff's disappointing spell in charge

Head coach Luke Williams says Swansea City’s hierarchy are discussing the best way forward following the departure of sporting director Paul Watson.

Watson, who had responsibility for all football matters at Swansea, left the Championship club last week after just 16 months in the role.

Watson’s spell in Wales was turbulent, with criticism of the club’s transfer work as well as Michael Duff’s brief stint as head coach.

Swansea chairman Andy Coleman has declined interview requests since Watson’s exit, with club sources only willing to suggest that he departed due to a number of factors.

Coleman and Ken Gude, Swansea's chief of staff, are leading the search for Watson’s replacement and are currently seeking out potential candidates for the role.

Williams says Watson’s exit provides a chance to assess Swansea’s set-up behind the scenes.

“In the near future I will be able to tell you exactly how we are moving forward I am sure,” Williams said.

“Unfortunately the only way you can survive in football is to move on very quickly. I am sure we are going to have a permanent solution at some point.

“Whether that happens sooner rather than later, I don’t know exactly. And how that’s going to be shaped – whether it’s going to be the same structure, or we are going to change the structure slightly, is something we are going to wait and see on because discussions are going on.

“When you make a change, it’s also an opportunity to redesign, to learn from previous errors, and I am really pleased to hear lots of conversations going on in that way.”

Watson arrived in Wales in the summer of 2023, stepping down as Luton Town’s chief operating officer to take a more football-focused role at Swansea.

He was officially appointed in the same week as Duff, though played a part in the decision to name the former Barnsley boss as successor to Russell Martin.

Duff was sacked after less than six months in charge with Swansea struggling for results and also facing criticism over their style of football.

Swansea had overhauled their squad before the season started, but a number of their many signings proved underwhelming.

There were more question marks over the club’s transfer business in January 2024, before Williams’ first close season at the helm saw 13 senior players – plus four youngsters on the fringe of the first team – depart while only eight arrived, including two goalkeepers.

A banner reading “Watson out” was held up by Swansea fans at Coventry City last December, before Watson was forced to apologise after sitting alongside his former Luton colleague Nathan Jones – a Cardiff City fan – as the Swans were thrashed at Bournemouth in January.

Speaking about Watson’s exit, Williams said it was “sad” to see somebody lose their job.

“It’s a decision made above my head obviously so I can’t say too much about details,” he added.

“We wish him well. Unfortunately this chapter has closed but I am sure Paul Watson will find himself back in a role in the near future. But we have to move forward and not dwell on the past.”

Williams said Watson’s departure has been “dealt with and done in a seamless way” and will not have an impact on Swansea’s plans for the next transfer window.

“The great thing is that the club has been structured so there are things in place to prevent us being too reliant on any individual,” he said.

“I think that’s something the chairman was keen to do, to restructure the recruitment department. The recruitment machine will move forward.”