It has not yet been confirmed, but Luke Williams appears to be closer to returning to Swansea City.

After leaving the club in February 2022, the 43-year-old now looks ready to take the reins as number one, having spent his last spell here as Russell Martin’s number two.

This is a big step forward. Williams, of course, never reached that level and doesn’t exactly enjoy the simplest jobs. In fact, after a tiring first half of the season, Williams will have to pay attention to a number of issues.

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Ultimately, the most important item on the agenda will be results. But given his reputation, his followers will also look for signs of a tangible and relevant sense of philosophy and identity. Both feel they have been absent for most of the season.

Many of the older players, who were here with Martin, will know exactly what it takes to produce the kind of football that Williams demands, although there is an argument that some of the younger players also have the qualities. Bashir Humphreys, uncomfortable in the air but tremendously impressive on deck with the ball at his feet, is a particularly poignant example.

When Williams hits training camp, the first task will be to improve this team to play the way he wants, an ambition that could take some time.

It’s also not something the new boss can accomplish alone. With this in mind, it is clear that one of the first things to do will be to confirm the behind-the-scenes team.

Williams is now set to bring Ryan Hurley with him as assistant in a deal that will take him to South Wales. He will be joined by Alan Sheehan, who will step down from his duties as caretaker boss and is likely to return to the role he held under Michael Duff. Martin Margetson is among those who will remain, but Williams could still turn to his former employers for two more signings.

Next comes the January transfer window. It’s clear that even after performing over the summer, Williams inherits a squad in desperate need of reinforcements. It is understood the club initially planned to bring in a striker, a midfielder and one or two wingers in the winter window. It remains to be seen whether this appointment will change anything.

Williams himself may have some ideas about what this team needs and will likely have some input, though the data-driven model that athletic director Paul Watson is implementing will almost certainly remain at the center of hiring decisions.

You should also call on weekends. Caretaker manager Sheehan has suggested that a number of players are likely to move on in the winter and it could be argued that some stars could benefit from a loan move. Youngsters like Cameron Congreve and Nathan Tjo-A-On would certainly benefit from first-team action elsewhere, although questions remain over the futures of some loanees.

Harrison Ashby is back in the building but still out of the first team, while the rumors linking Charlie Patiño with a sensational January move to Serie A simply refuse to go away. At this stage, it is worth noting that there are no signs of either player approaching the exit, but the possibility remains.

There are also doubts about Yannick Bolasie’s future. His short-term contract expires at the end of the month and there is no real indication at this point whether he has done enough to earn an extended stay.

Additionally, there are a number of big names who are also out of contract this summer, including Jamie Paterson, Joe Allen and Liam Walsh.

Liam Cullen and Nathan Wood are also coming to the end of their current contracts, although the club has options for both players for a further 12 months. However, now could be the time to lay the groundwork for potential extensions beyond next year, as it is understood the club have already held initial talks with both players.