Watson leaves Luton to become Swansea Sporting Director
Watson was Chief Operating Officer at Luton Town
Written by Training Ground Guru — June 26, 2023
LUTON TOWN’S Paul Watson has been appointed Sporting Director at Swansea City, overseeing “all football operations.”
Watson joined Luton in 2018 as General Operations Manager and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer midway through the 2021/22 season.
Swansea said Watson would “have oversight of all football departments, including Academy, sports science, medical and analysis, while he will also join the club’s senior management team.”
The Swans already have a Head of Football Operations in Josh Marsh, who joined from Huddersfield last summer, but he will now report into Watson.
“Josh has got real good knowledge [and] I have enjoyed getting to know him and looking at the work he has done previous to my arrival,” Watson said. “I think he has put in place a really good foundation that we want to evolve, we want to push forward from.
“We are working in tandem, he has helped me find my feet and we have worked well together, and long may that continue when it comes to pushing forward because recruitment is the first big challenge we are going to face.
“We have a wonderful Academy and catchment area here. First of all, do we want to produce our own players? Of course we do, because of the work that goes on in that Academy.
“But, do we need players who have played a lot and who are at their peak age, where they can come in and impact the team? Yes. So, I think it will be about that blend that can help us push things forward.”
Chairman Andy Coleman said: “In any business, it is rare to find someone who is universally praised for their character and capabilities. Paul is one of those few people.
“He is an incredibly talented individual with tremendous football knowledge and Swansea City needs football people making key football decisions. Paul’s arrival immediately strengthens the club, and I look forward to working with him and providing him with the resources to make a positive impact at Swansea City.”
Last week the Swans appointed Michael Duff as Head Coach following the exit of Russell Martin to Southampton.
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