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Luke Williams Says Swansea Return Was Irresistible

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By Paul Jones

Luke Williams has claimed the opportunity to return to Swansea City was “irresistible”.

The club’s new head coach has also vowed to deliver a team to excite supporters after being appointed in succession to Michael Duff.

The 43-year-old returns to the Swans following a successful period in charge of Notts County, who he led to promotion to the EFL last term following a record-breaking campaign.

“I want to bring goals, a lot of goals, and I have a fairly good track record with that,” he said.

“We need to be mean as well. A one-dimensional team is okay, but a real team is a team that attacks with the same vigour with which they defend.

“It’s going to be a tall order, we have to strive for something fantastic and we begin that task now.

“At Notts County we managed to score the most goals in the country last season and we conceded the fourth least.

“I like my teams to try to attack a lot and to try to score a lot. At my previous club we had a great season and managed to get over the line somehow in the play-offs.

“I think the play-off campaign showed a side to the team that I love, which is the character, the relentless feeling that you won’t lose.

“This is something I want to bring here to try to create plenty of chances to score and try to be mean defensively as well.

“The only thing I can promise is that I’m going to work very, very hard. There’s no way that I’m going to take for granted the position I have at a club like this.

“I’m going to work and I’m going to give all the energy I have – that’s the promise to the supporters.

“Only a club of this magnitude with this quality could pull me away from an amazing job.

“I am in a place now that is so incredible, it was irresistible.”

Williams led County back to the EFL last season with promotion via the National League play-offs and leaves the club fifth in League Two.

His assistant Ryan Harley and first-team coach George Lawtey have also made the move from Meadow Lane and the new management team will be in charge for Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie against Morecambe.

Williams previously worked at Swansea as assistant manager to Russell Martin before taking over at Notts in June 2022.

Notts County scored 117 goals last season and their total of 55 this term is the highest across England’s top four divisions.

A Swansea statement read: “Williams’ appointment follows a thorough and extensive search for a head coach who can deliver the types of performances and results Swansea City need to achieve our goals while exhibiting a commitment to a brand of football in-keeping with the club’s best recent traditions.”

Chairman Andy Coleman added: “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.”

‘Williams broke records and created lifelong memories’

A management team consisting of Notts’ longest-serving player Jim O’Brien, goalkeeping coach Tom Weal and first-team coach Joao Alves will oversee County in the interim.

Notts County said: “As disappointed as we are to lose Luke, he departs with nothing but our very best wishes.

“We’re sure this sentiment will be shared by our supporters, who have grown to love him not only for his phenomenal achievements but also his infectious personality.

“He will be forever known as the man who took the world’s oldest professional club back into the EFL, breaking records and creating lifelong memories along the way.

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