“Unhelpful” – Andy Coleman speaks out on Luke Williams speculation as Swans show united front

It must have been quite a tiring and testing week for Swans Chairman Andy Coleman.   Not only will he have been frustrated by the 4-0 defeat at Portsmouth he has had to contend with the speculation and PR disaster that has been the link between manager Luke Williams and West Brom all week.

There is probably little doubt that Coleman will have been seething at some of the comments made by the manager this week in relation to the links with the Baggies but he has used his programme notes for tomorrow’s game – ironically against West Brom – to state that his manager remains committed to the Swans despite the suggestions this week that it was anything but.

Coleman said “It is important to remember the progress we have made this season and the resilience our team has shown previously.

“There has been some unhelpful speculation regarding our head coach, Luke Williams, and links to today’s opponents. I want to assure you that Luke remains fully committed to Swansea City. I know that his focus is on guiding our team to success, and we are united in our efforts to achieve our goals for the season.

“As we enter the new year, there is still much to be optimistic and excited about. We have won our last two home games in exciting fashion, and today’s match is another opportunity to showcase our ambition and determination as we continue our journey through the second half of the season.”

Coleman’s comments come on a day where Williams was also keen to confirm his committment to the club when he said “I am here to try and make Swansea the best version of the club it can possibly be.  I have still got a lot to prove to Swansea fans, and I am going to keep setting about doing that.

“I want to be at this club for a long time to come, but that is only going to be the case if I am good enough.

“No-one is going to put up with me forever if I do not help us produce good football and try and get out of this division. I would not expect anyone to.

“But I will keep working hard every day to prove that I should be their manager.  I think I have done well so far to get a nod from supporters to keep going, and I would love to see my contract out as a bare minimum.  I love being here and working with these players, seeing the progress they have made. I love working with them.

“I am really enjoying how our new players from the summer are coming along. We have a chance to add to and strengthen the squad this month and I am excited about our plans.

“I am very happy here, but I also know I have not achieved anything here yet. I am very privileged to be here. I feel like I am just getting started.”

The comments of both Coleman and Williams are clearly designed to demonstrate a united front at the end of a week of speculation and certainly a case that they want tomorrow to be about the future.   I still suspect, as was suggested on these pages two days back, that there will be further discussions between the two parties but maybe we could be at a stage where this relationship will continue undamaged into the remainder of the season.

Starting tomorrow?