Swansea City head coach Luke Williams has emphatically shut down speculation linking him with the vacant managerial position at West Bromwich Albion.
The Baggie are on the search for a permanent successor to Carlos Corberan, who departed the Hawthorns last month for Valencia. Williams has been listed as the heavy favourite to take on the role, although had previously kept quiet about the rumours.
The 44-year-old will celebrate one year in charge of Swansea on Sunday. Despite a rocky start, he has largely impressed over the last 12 months and the Welsh outfit currently sit 12th in the Championship, six points off the final play-off place currently held by West Brom.
Williams Shuts Down Links
In a twist of fate, Williams welcomes West Brom to the Swansea.com Stadium tomorrow. However, he has now put an end to the speculation, offering an apology to the supporters for not doing it sooner. Speaking to the media, via Wales Online, the ex-Notts County boss said:
“I apologise for that. I think because there was no contact at all, I probably didn’t take it seriously. I’m very, very happy to be here and I couldn’t think of anything worse than walking away from this place.
“I understand the reaction. Of course, I do. Absolutely. It’s quite right. 100 per cent right.
“Today I got off the train in Swansea and the first person I saw said to me ‘Don’t go. Stay with us’. I was a bit surprised. Then the driver jumped out to help me put my bags in the boot and he said ‘You’re not going anywhere gaffer, are you?’, and I was just wanting to get to the training ground!
“I’ve not done anything here yet. I’m very privileged to be here. Why I would want to walk away from that is beyond me.
“So I apologise to anyone that felt I was showing a lack of commitment. I think my blasé approach was more that I just felt it was ridiculous that anyone would even suggest it. My apologies, and I totally understand any frustration. I completely understand that.”
Writer’s View
Swansea fans will be delighted that Williams has finally ended the speculation and committed his future to the club. Swansea are a club which he has always admitted are close to his heart and he has reaffirmed his belief that there are still things to be achieved during his tenure. Of course, the ultimate goal will be a return to the Premier League, something that Williams is seemingly keen to try his luck at.
Head of Writing
