Phil SumblerRhys Williams was formally recalled by Liverpool yesterday halfway through his loan spell at Swansea – a loan spell that never worked the way that neither club nor the player himself wanted it to.
Seven appearances with just five in the league was not what was pictured by any of the involved parties when Williams signed back in the summer transfer window and the decision to recall him was not a surprise having been expected for most of the window so far.
He returns with Liverpool expected to sell Nat Phillips in this window meaning there could be opportunities within the first team squad for Rhys who, as has become somewhat of a player tradition, took to Instagram to send his thanks to the Swansea supporters.
“I’d just like to thank everyone at @swansofficial for making me feel part of the family from the get go,” he said.
“Gutted it didn’t go to plan but it’s been a pleasure to be a Swan for the time I was given. Wish the club all the best in the future. Once a Jack always a Jack.”
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Russell Martin also praised the defender despite the loan spell not really working out when he said “He found it tough but he appreciated it’s been a fantastic learning curve. The maturity he showed, and he’s frustrated he didn’t play more, but we leave on good terms. Loans are not easy at this level.
“But he goes with everyone’s best wishes. I think he’s grown a lot in his time here. Not everyone works out and he needs to go back to Liverpool or maybe force his way back out elsewhere.”
