Phil SumblerIt’s been quite the week in SA1 and today the players will return to pre-season training with much having changed in the close season, not least the management of the club which was sealed yesterday with the arrival of Michael Duff in SA1.
Just as we reported yesterday morning, the Swans confirmed the arrival of Duff late in the day with his appointment confirmed during the evening and Duff will meet up with his new charges today.
Confirmation of his backroom staff has yet to be announced but the new manager was wasting no time in settling down and issuing a rallying call to the supporters that everyone needs to be pulling in the right direction.
It could have been a nod at the previous regime where there was a definite split in the supporter views on Russell Martin but Michael was clear that he needs everyone on the sae page together if the club is to succeed.
Speaking via the official club website, Duff said “We need that one team mentality; the players, staff, fans, and board. Everyone needs to pull in the same direction because that’s the only way you’re going to achieve success,” said Duff.
“I’ve had seven promotions in my career as a player and manager so I know what an environment should look and smell like.”
As he continued it did start to feel like there was some criticism of the brand of football that the club has played over the past two years although Duff was quick to show that he wanted to build on that although he promised more progression with the ball than maybe we are used to.
“I want to play good football,” he added. “I know that there is an expectation of that at this football club, but it’s about evolving it, moving it and being a bit more on the front foot and a bit more progressive at times.
“It’s about getting the balance of all those things because ultimately it’s a winning business. You’ve got to win.
“My immediate aims are to get a helicopter view of the landscape and the players, physically and mentally. What do they look like? What is their attitude like? And that’s the same for all the staff too.
“Ultimately, we want to walk out of pre-season with a fit group of players who are fresh.
“Hopefully the supporters are as excited as I am. Hopefully we’re going to see some really good football which is a little bit more on the front foot.
“We need the supporters as much as they need us and if we both turn up every week, then hopefully we’ll get more wins than losses.”
Welcome again to Swansea Michael.
Awesome
Martin who ?