Phil SumblerThe Swans pre-season continued yesterday with a 5-0 win over Swindon Town at Fairwood as the work in progress of the new coaching set up at the club continued with Martin Paterson stating that the game plan was coming together.
Goals from Wood, Piroe, Cullen and two from Josh Thomas told the story of the 5-0 win that also saw Jerry Yates and Josh Key continue their “integration” into the squad after their recent signings.
The Swans continue behind closed doors in midweek when they face Newport but then it is the first time in front of the supporters on Friday night when they travel to Oxford for the first of three friendlies which will also be streamed live on Swans TV.
It will be the first chance for the fans to see a Swansea City team under the command of Michael Duff and that is something that Paterson believes is importantย “We are looking forward to getting in front of the fans,” said the Swans assistant coach.ย “But what is more important is that we give them a team that they can be proud of and that is where our daily practice is.ย ย We are working really hard to improve the group and the football club along the way.”
Paterson was doing the post match interview following the Swans 5-0 win and it was clear that there was much of the game that went to plan although the coaching staff clearly have their feet on the ground and accept that there is more work to be done.
“It was a really good workout physically,” Paterson added.ย “We got another clean sheet which is really important for the defensive line as a collective as everyone must defend.
“And then we went and scored five really good goals which is really pleasing but the most important thing today is the game did not go our way early on but we came through that period doing what we do well and our quality shone through.
“The players should be satisfied.ย ย It’s really simple in that everyone works hard and defends for the team and a couple of the goals came from that pressing.
“We are happy with that but we are not disillusioned to think that is the final article.ย This group have got individual qualities and when we piece together combinations and counter press and we can really hurt teams.
“We are happy with the way the team is shaping up.ย ย The gaffer has put them through some tough tests and they are coming through and they looked fit.ย ย We will continue to ramp that up over the next three weeks.”
โWe are working really hard to improve the groupโ – too right, after Martin destroyed our key differentiators- stoic defence, the will to win, never say die attitude and collective commitment.
If Duff&Co can fix what Martin broke, give us back what Martin took away, get players playing in their rightful positions, get the right pegs in the right shaped gaping chasms created by Martin, most proper fans will be delighted.
A seismic shift away from Martinball and back to Cooperball ++, owners investing hard earned $, a proper management team playing proper footballโฆ..where winning is our aimโฆ. Fans will be back in their droves.
Completely agree with Chuck and the positivity is definitely spreading through the fanbase. The appointment of Duff appears to be one of the most solid ones we have made for a decade or so and the players coming in look good additions. Roll on the start of the season
I agree and concur wholeheartedly Chuck. Put faith in our production line and keep our best players
My biggest problem with Martin was that everybody else could see what was wrong except for him. If we had moved the ball forwards more quickly and increased the movement in front of the ball, we would have experienced a higher level of success . Hopefully, Duff and Co can deliver – it does seem that there has been a comprehensive restructuring of the club, this can only improve things- fingers-crossed!