- By Ian Mitchelmore
- BBC Sport Wales
Image source, Getty Images
Luke Williams has a win rate of more than 57% at Notts County
Swansea City are in talks with Notts County boss Luke Williams to become their new head coach.
The Swans sacked Michael Duff on 4 December after a run of just five wins in 19 Championship games.
Alan Sheehan oversaw three wins, two draws and two defeats during his stint as caretaker boss.
But the club are now in discussions to finalise a deal to make 43-year-old Englishman Williams their new head coach.
A potential move would see Williams return to the club he left in February 2022 following a stint as assistant coach to Russell Martin.
No compensation package has been agreed between the clubs yet, although Williams’ assistant Ryan Harley is also expected to make the move to Wales.
Williams took charge of Notts County in the summer of 2022 and guided the Magpies to promotion into the Football League via the play-offs having claimed a club record 107 points during the regular season.
In December, Williams said it was “flattering” to be linked with the Swans vacancy.
The Meadow Lane outfit are currently fifth in League Two and sit seven points adrift of the automatic promotion places.
After not being offered a new contract, former boss Martin departed to take charge of Southampton in June, with former Burnley defender Duff leaving Barnsley to join Swansea.
Duff oversaw the club’s worst league start in 32 years and irked fans with comments made to the media on numerous occasions.
The 45-year-old was also criticised for the style of play implemented at the club, although he did lead the Swans to four successive wins across late September and early October.
Swansea claimed just six points from their next eight games after that upturn though.
Following a 1-1 draw at home to struggling Huddersfield Town, Swansea opted to relieve Duff of his duties after fewer than six months in the role.
As a result, Duff became the first manager to be sacked by Swansea since Paul Clement in 2017.
Chairman Andy Coleman said: “I will learn from the experience of these last several months.
“My appreciation for how critical the Swansea identity is to this club has grown since the summer and it will be high in my mind as I make the decision on our new head coach.”
The club lined up Chris Davies – who was an assistant to Brendan Rodgers at Swansea between 2010 and 2012 – as their prime target to replace Duff.
However, Davies opted to remain in his coaching role at Tottenham Hotspur, forcing Swansea to reassess their options after a month without a permanent head coach.
Following their 1-0 New Year’s Day win over West Bromwich Albion, Swansea sit 16th in the Championship and are eight points adrift of the top six.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
