Programme – Boston

In The Programme – Boston United

Well, that was quite entertaining wasn’t it? Two wins from the two games so far sees us in the promotion spots already. Eight goals in the back of the opposition nets – including hat-tricks for Brad and Magic Daps and everything is looking good. Take away the exit from the Carling Cup which by all accounts was very unlucky indeed and we have what we could deem as a dream start. And tonight, we can cap it all by going top of the Third division even if it may only be for 24 hours. It’s great having the football back don’t you think.

Of course there are negatives. The defence have let in five goals in two league games but, that aside, it’s hard to find much else wrong on the pitch at this moment in time. The signings that we were given during the summer have all proved their worth at some stage or another in the three games that we have played to date and the quality of football that we are playing far exceeds what we have seen over the past few seasons here at the Vetch.

And that, of course, is the Swansea take on things. It’s also been interesting on the internet to see what fans of our three opponents have made of the games so far. The Bury fans at the Vetch were less than complimentary first off of our stadium and the facilities inside and then of our team. Apparently we were lucky to win and it was only because they were having an off day that we managed it. Cheltenham fans had a similar viewpoint of last Saturday’s game and believed that they should have finished us off before Lee grabbed his unforgettable hat-trick. BristolCity fans were more complimentary of our performance and in particular the gem that is Leon Britton. Most were unanimous in making him their man of the match and few of them could remember an ovation like the one he received for an opposition player at Ashton Gate. But of course his ability we know all about but it is always nice when an opponent sees the same things in a player that we do. It’s easy to believe at times that we are biased. However, when opposition fans come on the Swansea sites and accuse us of blinkered views, to a degree they may have a point, but at the same time some of it is quite likely to be sour grapes?

But it is what makes the internet so compelling at times. How often do you get the chance to head home after a game and discuss the match itself with opposition fans? I would guess not that often. On the internet you can do it after every game. Some of it is very light hearted and your general banter but then you get the real discussions with people who have as much passion for their club as you have for the Swans. And it is compelling and not the case, as some perceived in the past, of people in front of a computer screen wearing their anorak in a darkened room. Well, at least it isn’t from my end anyway!!

But that part aside I have to say that the football we have played so far has been a joy to watch. Against Bury two weeks ago I felt we could create a chance every time we had the ball and although I wasn’t at Cheltenham last weekend, clearly we were playing the same kind of football. For this you have to stand back and admire the management and coaching staff at the Vetch for putting this side together and if the first two games are anything to go by then the next nine months will fly by in a blur of golden football and many a Swansea win. Keep this up lads and let’s take three more points tonight.

And of course there has been sadness and I, along with the other contributors to JackArmy.net would like to extend our well wishes to those that were involved in the accident on the M5 last Saturday that delayed the kick off and wish all of them a speedy recovery.

But back on the pitch – anyone notice what price the local Jack Browns was offering on a Swans player grabbing a hat-trick tonight. Three successive league games and three different players – it much be too much to ask for someone to do the same again tonight? Not too sure about the hat-trick myself but I would settle for a single goal victory if it meant we could carry on like this. And although records are perhaps too early to talk about – worth noting as well that a win would be out fifth consecutive success in the league. Not bad for a team that looked doomed to the conference before that game started?

And definitely last but not least to the fans. You have supported the club in your numbers when we needed you last season and you started the same this season. Now sit back and enjoy the ride as I think the next 44 games could be very enjoyable to watch – I know I can’t wait. And for those that remember the late 1970s – I’ll make no excuses for using the old club saying – Be Proud To Be A Swan. I know I am

Phil Sumbler (phil@sumbler.freeserve.co.uk)

You can keep up to date with the fans views on Swansea City by visiting www.jackarmy.net – Supporting the Swans, All Day, Every Day.

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