Swansea City 1-1 West Bromwich Albion: Late Joe Allen header salvages point for Swans

Judging by the talk on social media, a fair number of Swansea City fans might well have been expecting Luke Williams to take his place in the visiting dugout for this clash.

After previously failing to kill off rumours of a possible move to West Bromwich Albion, the Swans boss finally set the record straight on Friday, in a bid to draw the line under a saga that had clearly dented the feelgood factor that had previously underpinned a largely promising Christmas period.

Williams’ explanation was he was merely making a joke about it all, which is perhaps understandable. After all, Baggies interim boss Chris Brunt laughed off suggestions he might be keen on the role this week. Clearly, the idea of taking over at the Hawthorns is a highly amusing one right now.

There was, however, little room for joviality when Tom Fellows’ second-half strike looked to set to condemn the Swans to back-to-back defeats at a chilly Swansea.com Stadium, and deal another blow to their fledging play-off hopes.

However, Joe Allen’s first goal since March, a superb glancing header, was enough to salvage a share of the spoils for Swansea, and offer a much-needed injection of late optimism after what's felt a difficult week for the club.

Chairman Andy Coleman taking to his programme notes to insist the current head coach remained committed to the club, despite ‘unhelpful’ speculation linking him with the job at the Hawthorns.

Williams himself took the opportunity to apologise to Swans fans, some of whom have questioned his commitment to the cause following his previous failure to publicly shut down the speculation.

There certainly won’t be anyone questioning Goncalo Franco’s commitment, mind. The Portuguese midfielder started this clash as one of four