Planet Swans ArchivesAn assessment by rockin_jack
Swansea City is at a crossroads I believe. I have been interested by many of the varied viewpoints from the past month or so; some points have been interesting some off the scale. One thing is certain though in my view, we’re in a big period of transition.
The question of the liberty has come back into vogue again I seen. Personally I have long argued that something needed to be done early on. The away days now are the only places to be; frankly I would rather travel 150 miles than a few miles to ‘feel’ like I am at a football match.
The lunatics really have taken over the asylum; there is no passion and more depressing than anything a raft of negativity. I genuinely believe that this does not help the team, imagine a raucous atmosphere from the start of the match, do you honestly think the performance would be laboured? I don’t, it just doesn’t help one iota. If we chant ‘you only sing when you’re winning’ we really need to understand the meaning behind that song.
The days of us “supporting” the team at home seem a distant memory, apart from the token glamour games where there is a modicum of noise. I don’t need to spell out why I believe the atmosphere is poor I have said it many times, but one thing I do believe is a factor is our level of expectancy. It smacks of a ‘consumer’ rather than a ‘supporter.’ I never thought I would see the day when the Jackarmy would become ‘consumers’ but it seems more and more apparent.
We seem to have a Soccer AM fanbase these days, expecting results and performances to die for – it won’t happen every game. I really don’t know how this can be reversed the ‘true’ fans seem to have given up so to speak, in the face of draconian ground legislation. It would be a terrible shame if this was a long-term issue, I would hate to see the day where we become an, ‘away team’ I mean what’s all that about? Teams used to hate coming to Swansea, because of the ‘intimidating’ atmosphere.
I don’t doubt for a second the Vetch was never a wall of noise, but the practical silences that now ensue, never ever occurred at the Vetch. Something needs to change and FAST. On the team, I admit now I got carried away with the whole hype at the start of the season.
I let my heart rule my head and that is never a good position to take. Having said that I believe there is a great deal of potential in the squad, but I didn’t quite ascertain the size of the job Roberto has been left with. I do now categorically agree with people who believe we need an, ‘option’ up front. I thought the Duffy/Scotland partnership would be exciting, but together they don’t work. I don’t see much of a future for Feeney, his signing was bit rushed and the Bussy signing does seem a big mistake.
I believe that an, ‘option’ up front should not necessarily mean Hartson. I understand the feelings and a younger model would certainly be appealing. But personally I would prefer a better version of Fallon, who suited the ball to feet approach while obviously having the ‘presence’ up front which we seem to lack at the present moment. In the midfield, this area still seems to transitional and in need of some serious patience. I don’t doubt Pratley has abilities but I don’t see a future for him. I think an Orlandi, Robinson, Bodde, Britton midfield is the answer with hopefully a fit again Way to come back into the reckoning along with Tudor Jones.
I have been very disappointed by Paul Anderson, hopefully he will come good but I think he is too lightweight for this division at the present moment. Now the defence, a gold mine of fan resentment, there is no doubt we need a good centre half or two to partner the very impressive Monk.
I do trust Martinez is working tirelessly to sort this out, he risks fan resentment but if he manages to pull off the right signing he will have been proved spot on. Overall I see a team, with a great deal of potential to work with but nowhere near the finished article.
Provided we get the necessary signings in place in the not to distant future I can see us being right up there although if not I can see us just challenging for the playoffs which would be very disappointing. I just wish we had the luxury of Trundle to call on, such a shame.
Martinez is a manager that in my view we must back, I don’t doubt he has made some errors and he will continue to make errors. But if we have patience with him I can see us going places, our style of football would suit the championship we must get there I know but I just hope the fan base don’t kill him off before he has really been given the opportunity. Sorry for that long winded account.
