Swansea City appoint Paul Watson as sporting director

Swansea City can confirm the appointment of Paul Watson as the club’s new sporting director.

Watson arrives in SA1 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.

He assumes responsibility for all football operations at the Swansea.com Stadium.

Watson will work closely with head coach Michael Duff and chairman Andy Coleman, together with head of football operations Josh Marsh, and will have particular focus on player recruitment.

He will have oversight of all football departments, including academy, sports science, medical and analysis, while he will also join the club’s senior management team.

“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,” said Swansea City chairman Andy Coleman.

“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.”

After joining Luton in 2018 as general operations manager, he went on to be promoted to chief operating officer midway through the 2021-22 season.

During his time at Kenilworth Road, Watson proved a key figure behind the scenes as the Hatters climbed the Football League, culminating in their promotion to the Premier League back in May.