Sat On The Fence

Tuesday, 16 March 2004, 0:00
3 mins read

Sitting Firmly On The Fence

Thought I’d throw my one pound and seventy-nine pence worth in the hat concerning the very popular topic of Flynn In or Flynn Out. What I have found most difficult this season, and why I have not been an avid poster on this site, is that since the birth of triplets in 2002 (my wife not me) I have stopped being a season ticket holder (I was a holder for eight years) and therefore find it hard to judge and contribute to the board when I only get to see roughly one game a month. I have to admit that when Flynn was appointed I was very pleased, he was IMO the best man to get us out of the crapper that was the 2002/2003 season. He was also IMO the man to take us forward and beyond. I could honestly see this guy being here for five to six years minimum. Last season his objective was to keep us up, and although it went right down to the wire when it needn’t have had, it was objective complete and he was rightly applauded for that. This season’s objective is more unclear. Although every fan has delusions of success at the start of the season, I am sure that most of us would have settled for challenging for the playoffs during the last ten games. Just what the Board’s objective was is also unclear but I am sure that a playoff challenge would show progress and be a good marker for what will be the last season at the Vetch in 2004/2005. This is why I feel that regardless of the many, many opinions that people have (and should be allowed to express and free to do so thanks to Phil on this site) until this season is over then I think it is hard to judge objectively how Mr Flynn has done. There is not doubt that on paper it is looking that at the end of the season most football fans would look at what the Swans have achieved this year and come to the conclusion that the season would have been a success. Some fans have a real problem with this season being compared to last and although I understand that at the end of the day there has been a real improvement on last season in terms of the playing staff employed and the predicted league position of a probable top ten finish. The FA Cup run too has been helpful in terms of revenue. So why the doubters? The season IMO is the wrong way around. What should have happened is that we should have started off slow as Flynn got to grips with the strengths and weaknesses of the squad, the squad should have taken a while to gel and with various signings made mid-season the squad should have started to hit a bit of form come January/February. At this point we might be 15 or 20 points off a playoff place. But our form should be one of a top-three side thus given optimism for the season ahead. So even if the playoffs were not reached, the bookies would rightly place us amongst the contenders for automatic promotion next season and with a little tweaking of the squad during the summer automatic promotion could be achieved. What I mean when I say this season is the wrong way around is that we started off at a blistering pace, we then had a bit of a lull (all clubs have one during the season, we are no different) then after showing promise of getting our season back on track (ala Yeovil at home) the lull has just continued but now we have no real excuses as to why we cannot win matches. Injuries and the squad needs strengthening just don’t wash anymore IMO. On one side of the argument there are Flynn’s contacts, ability to bring in quality players and the fact (yes it is true) that this season should be looked upon as a successful one. The other side of the argument is much more worrying though. The tactics (yes I hate them too), squad motivation and fitness levels are appalling. But what overshadows everything is our current form. Our next 11 matches are crucial, just as crucial IMO as the last 11 matches of last season. We have to start playing well! I haven’t got much of a problem with Flynn tinkering around with new formations, strategies and tactics even if it is at the expense of the playoffs. As long as we hit a bit of form otherwise I really fear for us next season. There have been some brilliant articles (which prompted me to have a go) written over the last few days highlighting many of our current problems and revealing where certain individuals stand regarding the In or Out debate. As for me, as my article title suggests, I am firmly on the fence at this stage and do feel that our final league position and form over the last 10 matches will decide what side I get my leg over. Next season has the ingredients of being the most memorable in the club’s history. It is also capable of being the most disappointing. I am sure you will all join me in praying for the former. Up the Jacks!!! Lee (Davoswan)

Lee adds: The game against Macclesfield has now finished and I am angry. However, I have asked Phil to publish my thoughts written before the game and maybe they are a reflection of my real feelings rather than what I am feeling now the game has finished?

Why not check out the latest Vetch Verdict on the BBC site?

Images courtesy of Getty Images, Athena Picture Agency and Swansea City Football Club.

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