Rob Davies
We all know football changes quickly but few believed that we would see such a dramatic turnaround in fortunes in a short space of time.
Three weeks ago yesterday was that defeat at Cardiff City that at that time seemed pivotal for Duff in terms of his future at the club, at least from a supporter perspective.
But the transformation has been remarkable with yesterday’s win at Plymouth justifying the growing optimism of the supporters and no one is happier than one Michael Duff.
The former Barnsley manager was quick once again yesterday to point to the players for praise when questioned about the upturn of form and reminded fans that this isn’t the finished article quite yet.
“I think we were good today,” he said.
“I think it was a good game. It was two teams going for it. There was some good football played. I think the thing that got us over the line was that we were slightly better in both boxes. I think some of the blocks we made were brilliant. Some of the doggedness and the resilience we showed was really good.
“We were quite calm at half-time. I thought we played pretty well first half. There were those killer moments where we couldn’t quite find that one pass. Second half we landed the passes and got the ball in good areas again, and scored three good goals.
“You don’t want to have to come from behind in games, but it is something we have not done yet and it was really pleasing to see us do that.
“I know we were behind, but I was pleased with the first half, we had a few moments where we could not find that killer pass.
“We came on really strong in the second half, we were good with the ball and scored some really good goals.
“Ollie has come on and scored and sometimes it is just your day. The subs have been really good coming on and impacting the games, everyone has a role to play and energy to bring.
“I think everyone is pretty tired, I know I am, so I don’t know where Josh Key found the energy to run the full length of the pitch and it was a brilliant moment for him, for the fans, for everyone and it meant we could enjoy those final moments a bit more.
“I hope the supporters can see the things we are working on coming out, and we are fully appreciative of the efforts they make to support the team.
“I feel tired and I get to travel on a lovely coach and stay in nice hotels, it’s not that way for people who spend their hard-earned money to watch us
“To
be able to celebrate with the supporters is special. We’re in a seaside resort, the sun is out and I am sure they will enjoy a few beers tonight.
“I think it’s really important to share moments like that with the supporters. They are special and it’s important to take it in and not just clap and walk down the tunnel.
“It’s lovely to enjoy those moments in each other’s company.”
It is pleasing to see the latest run of success and hopefully we can build on this and the international break will provide further training ground time to develop the Duff way to play. The transformation from Martin to Duff style of play was painful to watch but it seems Duff has a more forward-thinking process and leaves me less frustrated with side and back passing which was Martin’s way, so glad to see the Swans adopting a more goal-threat approach. Cheltenham and Barnsley under Duff were attack-minded and good football to watch, so onwards and upwards – well-done lads great spirit and well-deserved results.