The Local Lowdown: Swansea City

Luke Williams was appointed as Swansea’s new head coach a fortnight ago. How did the fans react to that news?

Supporters welcomed the news of Williams' appointment. After a long, drawn-out recruitment process, which lasted a month, Williams' arrival in south Wales has been met with positivity. He clearly wasn't their first choice, but Williams knows the ropes at Swansea from his time here under Russell Martin and he is far more aligned with their possession-based philosophy than previous head coach Michael Duff. His first few weeks in charge have gone well and fans are quickly warming to his enthusiasm.

What sort of impression has he made in his first two games in charge?

It is still very much early days and in truth his first game in charge – the FA Cup clash against Morecambe – was heavily influenced by former interim head coach Alan Sheehan. The match against Birmingham City, Williams' first league game at the helm, showed signs that he wants his new team to go back towards their 'Swansea Way' roots. You could see what they were trying to do, basically – which wasn't apparent under the old regime. There were enough signs to leave supporters encouraged for the future, most certainly. 

New Swansea boss Luke Williams worked as a coach at the club before making his name in management at Notts County

Williams previously worked as a coach under Russell Martin at Swansea, adding an intriguing subplot to this game. Is he expected to implement a similar style of play?

Yes, I suspect there will be more than a few similarities between the two head coaches. Williams' Notts County team were free-scoring and given time he will make Swansea far more attractive to watch, just as Martin did. 

It’s only been three and a half weeks since Saints’ 5-0 win over Swansea on Boxing Day. What was the fallout from that game?

Even though the two teams faced each other recently, it feels like a lifetime ago. Swansea are in a new era now and supporters, players and the coaching team alike won't want to dwell on the hammering they received at St Mary's. Sheehan deemed that result "unacceptable" and not many fans would disagree with his assessment. But that is behind them now and the message will be very much to look forward under Williams.  

Should Saints avoid defeat on Saturday it will be 21 games unbeaten in all competitions – a new club record in the Football League era. How big an incentive is it for Swansea to end that run, live on Sky?

It's a bit cliché but I think Swansea will just be concentrating on themselves and starting afresh with new faces in the dugout. Yes, having Martin back in SA1, in front of the Sky cameras, might add that extra bit of motivation to proceedings, but all Williams and Co will be focusing on is laying the foundations for their new project, for want of a better word, at the Swansea.com Stadium. Southampton are an impressive outfit and it will be fascinating to see how Williams does against his former colleague, but I don't think the new Swansea head coach will need any extra incentive this weekend. 

How is the atmosphere at the Swansea.com Stadium, and what sort of reception will await Russell Martin on his return?

Under Duff the atmosphere at games wasn't particularly inspiring, at all. Southampton will be Williams' first home league fixture in charge and I suspect the stadium will be a far more positive place on Saturday. Martin's return will be met with a mixed reception, one suspects. Many will be keen to show him their appreciation for what he did here, while others might not be so welcoming!  

How do you see the game going on Saturday, and who are the players for Saints to watch out for?

There is no denying Southampton are a fantastic team and look like a Premier League outfit in waiting. Any sort of result against them would be massive for Swansea but I think as long as supporters see positivity and some sort of plan on Saturday, then they will be happy. Jamie Paterson is in good form, while skipper Matt Grimes is the player who makes Swansea tick.