Swans Face Reality Check in Cheltenham Defeat: Lessons Learned for Sheehan’s Men

Swansea City’s pre-season preparations took a minor stumble last night as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against League Two side Cheltenham Town at the EV Charger Points Stadium.  While results in pre-season are often secondary to fitness and tactical experimentation, the loss provides valuable insights for head coach Alan Sheehan and his squad as they gear up for the Championship campaign.

The Swans, coming off a 3-2 victory against Stevenage in Murcia, Spain (well a 2-2 draw and a 1-0 win!), entered the contest looking to build momentum and further integrate their new summer signings.  However, a spirited Cheltenham side, keen to impress in front of their home crowd, exposed some areas that will undoubtedly be a focus for Sheehan in the coming weeks.

From the outset, Swansea aimed to dominate possession, a hallmark of Sheehan’s philosophy, which he honed during his successful caretaker stint last season. Early exchanges saw the Swans exchanging passes and attempting to create danger in the attacking half, forcing Cheltenham to defend deep.  However, the anticipated breakthrough proved elusive.

“It was a good exercise, and there were some pleasing aspects,” stated Alan Sheehan in his post-match assessment. “We controlled spells of the game, and you could see the boys trying to implement what we’ve been working on in training.”

One of the immediate takeaways was the need for greater cutting edge in the final third. Despite periods of possession, clear-cut chances were at a premium for Swansea. The movement off the ball, particularly from the new attacking recruits, will require further refinement to unlock stubborn defences. While the likes of Bobby Wales and Zan Vipotnik showed glimpses of their potential in the Stevenage game, today presented a different challenge against a well-organised, lower-league opponent determined to make a statement.

“We need to be more clinical,” Sheehan acknowledged. “In those moments, when you have the ball in dangerous areas, that’s where you have to be ruthless. It’s pre-season, of course, but that killer instinct is something we’ll keep pushing for.”

The midfield battle also provided a stern test. Cheltenham, despite their league status, showed tenacity and disruption, at times stifling Swansea’s ability to play through the lines. The transition from defence to attack, particularly when dispossessed, will be another area of focus. A collision between two players, leading to early substitutions for both sides, including Santos for Swansea, also disrupted the flow and rhythm Sheehan was hoping to establish.

Defensively, while not constantly under siege, the goals conceded will be scrutinized. Pre-season offers an opportunity to iron out kinks and build understanding within the backline, especially with new additions like Cameron Burgess potentially featuring. Sheehan’s philosophy has often emphasized defensive discipline, and this defeat highlights the need for the entire unit to be on the same page from the first whistle.

“We need to be more resilient collectively when we lose the ball,” Sheehan explained. “There were moments where we allowed them to get at us too easily. That’s something we’ll address on the training ground. Building that resilience, character, and confidence is paramount.” This aligns with his previous statements about building foundations, emphasizing that “before we can talk about style of play or anything else, we need to build resilience, character and confidence.”

The match also allowed Sheehan to continue giving valuable minutes to various academy graduates, a key component of his player development strategy.  While the result was disappointing, the experience gained by these young players against senior opposition will be invaluable as they continue their progression.

Looking ahead, the Swans have further pre-season tests against Exeter City and FC Lorient before the Championship opener against Middlesbrough.⁷ Sheehan will undoubtedly use these matches to fine-tune his tactical approach and ensure his squad is physically and mentally ready for the rigours of the Championship.

“It’s about getting minutes in legs, testing different combinations, and understanding where we are,” Sheehan concluded. “Every game, win or lose, is a learning opportunity. We’ll take the lessons from tonight and keep working hard to be in the best possible shape for Middlesbrough.”

While a friendly defeat might sting momentarily, the true measure of its impact will be seen in how Swansea City responds and implements the lessons learned as the new season approaches. For Alan Sheehan, the focus remains clear: building a resilient, tactically astute, and unified team capable of challenging at the top end of the Championship.