By David Williams

Swansea City have parted company with sporting director Paul Watson after issuing a brief three-paragraph statement.

Watson has left with immediate effect, little more than two months into the season and only five weeks after the close of the transfer window, over which he presided.

The 38-year-old had been in the job for less than 18 months and had overseen three transfer windows, with mixed results when it came the success of the club’s recruitment.

Watson arrived shortly after the appointment of Michael Duff as head coach last year, a detour from the club’s normal track record of hiring coaches who believed in dominating through high possession and passing figures.

Watson was unpopular among fans and was always going to struggle to get over that incredibly wasteful first summer.

But Swansea have to sort out their chopping and changing in this area because it's led to a really inconsistent and disjointed transfer strategy with no clear plan https://t.co/JRu6vyHLHV

— Guto Llewelyn (@GutoLlewelyn) October 8, 2024

 

Duff lasted only five months before he was sacked and replaced by caretaker Alan Sheehan, prior to the appointment of current head coach Luke Williams in January.

Swansea chairman Andy Coleman said: “I would like to extend our thanks to Paul for his work during his time with us. We wish him every success for the future.”

The club’s statement went on: “The club will update in due course regarding recruitment plans for the position. In the meantime, Paul’s responsibilities will be handled by the existing football department staff.”

A total of 13 senior players and four fringe players left the club this summer, but only eight were signed in their place, including two goalkeepers.

That has left the club with only two senior recognised strikers in their squad this season – Liam Cullen and Zan Vipotnik.