Jacks’ Williams hoping home crowd can jack them up the table

The Premier League’s basement side will be relying on the support of their home fans if they are to turn their form around, according to new Swansea City assistant manager Paul Williams.

Swansea are glued to the bottom of the table at the minute, winless in the Premier League since the opening day of the season, and new arrival Williams has highlighted the importance of Saturday’s home clash with Crystal Palace in their quest to escape the drop zone.

Palace sit in 16th place, five points above the Swans, meaning a first win for Bob Bradley on Saturday would see the Jacks move to within two points of Alan Pardew’s side.

And Williams has called upon the Swansea faithful to help cheer their side on to success.

“What the players do will be vital, of course, but I also think the fans are going to be important for us,” said the former Nottingham Forest caretaker boss.

“This is such a passionate area – there are fantastic fans here. Hopefully they are going to be our 12th man this weekend.

“To get out of the position we are in, I think it’s really important that we all come together – the team, the fans and the club. We all have a common goal.”

Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images

Swansea’s points tally could have been looking healthier had they held onto the lead last time out at Everton.

Ronald Koeman’s side came back to earn a point in 89th minute, and Williams is keen for history not to repeat itself.

“The result at Everton was not ideal, but in terms of the way we went about it, I thought especially the first half was really pleasing,” he added.

“We have got ourselves a base now and hopefully we can start building on that in the coming weeks.

“What is really important I think is that we learn from the second half at Everton.

“At times it is about the Swansea identity – keeping the ball and therefore keeping the ball away from the opposition.

“But there were positives and we hope to build on those when we play Crystal Palace.”