Swansea City confirm Luke Williams as their new manager as Coleman and Watson laud coach's 'fit'
Williams has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Swans
Swansea City have confirmed Luke Williams as their new head coach.
Williams, who arrives from League Two side Notts County, has put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Swans, bringing the curtain down on a manager search that's lasted 31 days.
The 42-year-old succeeds Michael Duff, who was dismissed at the beginning of December, with this his second spell in SA1, having previously worked under former Swans boss Russell Martin.
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After leaving in February 2022, Williams took charge of Notts County that summer, guiding the Magpies to promotion from the National League via the play-offs last season. County have subsequently enjoyed a successful return to the EFL, and currently sit fifth in League Two.
Williams brings assistant Ryan Harley and first-team coach analyst George Lawtey with him to the Swansea.com Stadium. Alan Sheehan, who's served as interim boss for the last seven games before his appointment will return to his role of assistant head coach. Martyn Margetson and Kris O'Leary will also continue in their current roles.
Williams and his new-look backroom team will take charge of Saturday's FA Cup third round tie with Morecambe on Saturday.
The decision to appoint Williams follows an eventful search for the club. Indeed, the Swans were initially confident of landing Tottenham coach Chris Davies, only for him to turn down the role at the eleventh hour. Manchester United coach Eric Ramsay was another to be considered, but it's Williams who has now landed the job - and chairman Andy Coleman is adamant the club have made the right decision.
In a statement, Coleman said: “As I have said previously, we have undertaken a diligent and detailed process to find our next head coach. I have been fortunate to spend a lot of time with Luke recently. I have looked him in the eye and know that we can trust Luke to be a coach and leader who is aligned with our vision for Swansea City.
"He fits right into the mould of other talented and ambitious young managers who have succeeded here. I am confident our supporters will be excited by and proud of this Luke Williams-led Swansea City team.”
Sporting Director Paul Watson added: “We know Luke can coach the style of play we want, in part because he was an integral part of delivering it here in training sessions when he was an assistant. Luke’s ability is also backed by the data and results. He is a great fit for Swansea City and our ambitions.”