Swansea City sporting director Paul Watson leaves with immediate effect (original) (raw)

Swansea City sporting director Paul Watson has left the club, it has been announced in a shock statement.

Watson arrived in SA1 nearly 18 months ago following a successful five-year spell at Luton Town, where he played a key role in player recruitment as the Bedfordshire club reached the Premier League.

Chairman Andy Coleman said: “I would like to extend our thanks to Paul for his work during his time with us. We wish him every success for the future.”

The Swans added: "The club will update in due course regarding recruitment plans for the position. In the meantime, Paul’s responsibilities will be handled by the existing football department staff."

Watson angered some Swansea supporters earlier this year after being pictured with former Luton boss Nathan Jones - a well-known Cardiff City fan - during the club's 5-0 FA Cup fourth round defeat by Bournemouth in January.

He was later forced to apologise, saying: "I worked with Nathan for five years.

"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."

Watson had also faced criticism over the club's recruitment during his time at the helm.

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