Luke Williams: Swansea assess next step after Paul Watson exit

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.”