Championship side Swansea City have relieved head coach Luke Williams of his duties after enduring a dire run of results.
The Swans’ sit 17th in the second tier and have picked up just four points from their nine league fixtures in 2025.
In a club statement, the club announced that Williams will leave South Wales after 13 months in charge at the Swansea.com stadium.
They placed on record their gratitude for his hard work during his tenure but made it clear that the timing was right for both parties.
Time for Change Arrives
While the threat of relegation is still a comfortable distance away, Swansea City’s board have acted decisively in a bid to save their season.
They currently sit eight points above the relegation line, with a host of sides below them showing signs of improvement of late.
Their 3-1 weekend defeat at Stoke City has proven to be the final straw, with pressure having mounted over recent weeks.
The humbling loss to fierce rivals Cardiff City in the South Wales derby last month was the first sign of what has proved to be a terminal slump in form for Williams.
American businessman Andy Coleman has already overseen the termination of three bosses contracts since he himself was appointed Swansea chairman in May 2023.
In the official club statement, he revealed how difficult the decision was but that Williams’ position has become untenable.
“This was a difficult decision and one that has not been taken lightly.
“Unfortunately, since the turn of the year our performances and results have not been of the standard required at this level.”
The 43-year-old guided his side to a 14th placed finish last season, steadying the ship after joining them following a successful spell at Notts County.
But in recent months he has come under heavy criticism from the Swansea faithful.
His link to the then vacant West Bromwich Albion job ultimately proved an unwelcome distraction, with some questioning his commitment.
Defensive Fragility & Transfer Frustration
January proved to be a deeply troubling month for Swansea, both on and off the pitch.
In this calendar year, they have conceded 18 goals in six away matches in all competitions, including losses by four goal deficits at Portsmouth and Norwich.
In response, they attempted to strengthen during the transfer window but were unsuccessful in their pursuit of many targets.
A three match ban for the previously ever present Harry Darling, after a heavily debated red card against Sheffield United, left them even shorter in defensive options.
As confidence began to diminish in their existing squad, the lack of fresh blood coming in meant they have continued to leak goals.
Their desperate form was not helped by the departure of popular midfield stalwart Matt Grimes to Coventry late on in the window. At the time, Williams was left exasperated by the timing of this deal, with his squad already threadbare.
With Alan Sheehan being placed in temporary charge, the Swansea board have already begun the process of appointing a replacement. They will be desperate to name a successor for Williams as quickly as possible in order to salvage a season that has drifted dramatically off course.