Paul Watson: Sporting director leaves Swansea City

It is thought Watson played a role in the recruitment of Duff, who was sacked in December following a run of just five wins in 19 league games.

Alan Sheehan took over as caretaker prior to the permanent appointment of current head coach Luke Williams in January.

Watson was among those criticised for the club’s transfer activity during the 2023 summer transfer window – with few of Swansea’s signings impressing and many deemed not suited to the club’s preferred style of play.

The transfer business occurred despite Watson later claiming the recruitment structure at the club was not up to the required standard upon his arrival in south Wales.

Speaking of his maiden transfer window at Swansea at a fans forum in March, Watson said: “There were no scouts (at the club), no processes, no nothing.

“There wasn’t a single person in the building, so the recruitment over the past few years, prior to us coming in, was almost on a whim. That couldn’t last.”

The sporting director angered some Swansea supporters after being pictured with former Luton boss Nathan Jones – a known Cardiff City fan – during the club’s 5-0 FA Cup fourth round defeat by Bournemouth in January.

“I worked with Nathan for five years,” Watson said of the incident.

“When I went to an away game, they put our seats together because they knew we’d worked together. On reflection, I apologise. It won’t happen again. I certainly didn’t mean to offend the fans.”

There have been further concerns regarding the club’s transfer strategy given that Williams’ squad has been left short in areas following the exits of 13 players, and a further four fringe first-team players, over the summer, with only eight coming in, two of which were goalkeepers.