SWANSEA have sacked manager Luke Williams.
The move comes with the club 17th in the Championship and after a horror run of seven defeats on the spin.
A club statement said: “Swansea City can confirm the club has parted ways with head coach Luke Williams.
“Assistant head coach Ryan Harley and first-team coach analyst George Lawtey have also left the club with immediate effect.”
Williams departs the Swans after 13 months in charge.
Following a 3-1 defeat to Stoke over the weekend – in which former Chelsea star Lewis Baker scored from inside his own half – Swansea are only eight points clear of the bottom three.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
Swansea chairman Andy Coleman said: “This was a difficult decision and one that has not been taken lightly. Luke has led the club through some challenging periods and we appreciate his hard work.
“I am aware of the effort he and his staff have put in throughout the last 13 months for Swansea City.
“I want to personally thank Luke, Ryan and George for their dedication and the sacrifices they have made on behalf of the club.
“Unfortunately, since the turn of the year our performances and results have not been of the standard required at this level.
Most read in Football
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS
“Ultimately, that has led us to conclude a change is required in order to bring about an improvement in our showings on the pitch…
“Everyone at Swansea City thanks Luke, Ryan and George for their contribution to the club, and wish them well.”
A decision has already been made to appoint Alan Sheehan as caretaker manager, with his coaching staff including Martyn Margetson and Kris O’Leary.
However, fans have made their feelings clear that they do not want Sheehan to be in charge for any longer than a couple of games.
Reacting on social media, one fan said: “Really hope I’m not reading too much into the word interim instead of caretaker. Under zero circumstances should the job go to Alan Sheehan.”
A second said: “If they look for a new manager, then that’s all good. I can tolerate Sheenan for one or two games, tbh. Don’t see any other choice.”
A third added: “Correct decision. Don’t keep Sheehan for more than one game I beg.”
Another said: “Gutted it ended like this and for the love of God, don’t keep Sheehan in for more than two or three games.”
A fifth said: “Get rid of Sheehan. We are going down if we have him.”
Sheehan was previously appointed caretaker manager of Swansea in December 2023 when he stepped up following the sacking of Michael Duff.
However, he won just three of the seven games he took charge of before Williams was appointed.
Swansea’s statement added: “The process to appoint a new head coach is already underway, and the club will update supporters on an appointment in due course.”
Coleman also continued: “We will keep supporters informed of developments when we are in a position to announce a new head coach, while Alan, his staff and our squad focus on our upcoming fixtures.”
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Swansea’s next game sees them face Blackburn Rovers, who are themselves without a manager following the shock departure of John Eustace to Derby.
Names such as Gary O’Neil, Steven Gerrard, Luis Boa Morte and George Boateng have been linked to the vacant role.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
