Phil SumblerIf we as fans feel the tension ahead of a big game like the one against Brentford this afternoon it is difficult to know what the players feel as they prepare for a game that would be life changing for their careers.
We know that all too well from our promotion ten years ago. Players that we bought as we rose through the divisions – think of Leon Britton, Garry Monk, Angel Rangel and Nathan Dyer – were turned into Premier League players overnight giving them earnings and exposure that they probably never dreamed was possible.
This is deemed to be the richest game in football but for the players it can be that and so much more as even one season in the Premier League can be enough to build your stock as a player and earn you moves to keep you in that division even if your team is relegated.
We have seen ourselves that even bang average players can carve out Premier League careers and lucrative moves (we bought most of them in our latter years!) so you can imagine that as the clock ticks down to kick off the tension in the players is increasing as they prepare for the game.
All week they have been in demand from local and national media for their thoughts ahead of the game and a selection of the views are below
Jamal Lowe: “There are ups and down in every season, that’s the way football is, and you have to stick together. You cannot afford any egos or bad eggs, and we don’t have any of that. Everyone gets along, anyone could sit next to anyone at lunch, there are no little cliques going on. It’s not that way at every club, but it is good we have it here and it’s been big for us.” (Swansea official site)
Conor Hourihane: “This has been a fantastic time for me since I arrived at the club in January, my goal was to try and be a help to the lads and try and help to get the club promoted. We are one game away from that now, we are within touching distance and it is very exciting. “It is amazing when you win these games, but I have experienced both sides of it. I have won there and I have lost there, and it’s either heartache or complete joy.” (Swansea official site)
Ben Cabango: “We have worked so hard and we just want to make sure we get over the line and do it for the fans, because that is who we are playing for. We want to do it for them and we have to refocus quickly and get ready for Saturday. Everyone has pulled together, we have worked hard for each other. We know if we have that foundation, and we are switched on, we will give ourselves the best chance.” (Swansea official site)
Henrik Dalsgaard: “I don’t feel under pressure; to be here again is a fantastic achievement. We have a fantastic group of players, and friends, around me. We are ready to go out and play football and have fun. We don’t need to worry too much which I think is what hit us last year; we got scared of losing. The vibe in the squad is different this year. It just feels more relaxed and calmer. We saw how to tackle that last year and hopefully we are in a better position this year.” (Brentford official site)
Within the two camps today at least one player will emerge a hero. Will it be a keeper for a penalty save (or multiple saves in the event of a shoot out) – a defender for a heroic performance or someone like Ayew or Toney for firing the goals that win promotion.
This is life changing for them and the tension they feel this morning as they wake up for many will be something they haven’t experienced before. Thrive on the adrenalin!
