Can Only Get Better?

It’s hard to believe that just four weeks ago there was mass hysteria in Swansea and the season had ended with the calls for Jackett’s head ringing out loud and clear amongst sections of the support. The season was just two weeks old but it was enough time for some to justify that we had the wrong man at the helm and that we were destined for a season of doom, gloom and ultimate falure.

Just four weeks later we lie 5th in the league table having won 4 of the 5 league games in that period and conceded just one goal – a penalty – during the same. As we said back then, let’s give him a chance and all I can say is thank god the board did not see fit to make that change as I couldn’t imagine us doing the same as we have done if they did.

The football has improved, the goals tally has improved, the fitness of the side appears to have improved and most of all the defence has improved. At this moment in time, Swansea City have the best defence in the Coca Cola leagues having conceded just five goals in their nine league games to date. Just three of those have come since the opening day of the season and while the goal tally is just nine, the points tally of 16 looks quite impressive.

I said before the Lincoln game that all we needed was a bit of luck and the confidence would start to show and it looks as if that is indeed the case as the Swans keep winning games and moving up the table. Goals are starting to come from the squad members we expected to score them and more importantly we are not conceding anything at the back. We have kept five clean sheets in our nine league games this season – not bad considering the defensive howlers that marred the opening day defeat against Northampton.

Next Saturday we entertain Rushden at the Vetch with the chance of hitting the top of the table – 12 months exactly since we last managed that feat. The win at Carlisle on the corresponding weekend last season was the last time that we really experienced league success as a defeat against Hull just three days later sparked the slide that saw us finish mid table. This year’s side has got more about them to let that happen again and when goals aren’t going in at the back then more games will naturally be won than lost.

What we have proven over the last few weeks is that we have what we wanted to have. A strong squad with strength in depth. Over the four weeks we have been without Iriekpen, Monk and Trundle for one reason or another but we have the strength to call on more than adequate replacements for them. We have had the likes of Maylett, Britton and Tate on the bench and whilst they want first team action from a supporters point of view it always looks good that we have good options to call on.

Paul Connor is off the mark and running with his goals, Andy Robinson is back amongst them and Trundle was back to showboating last weekend which can only mean one thing – danger for opposition defenders.

Some of the criticism levelled four weeks ago was justified but we stuck my our man (men) and it could well pay dividends in the coming weeks and months. Just as four games into the season was early, nine games is as well but the signs are good and I for one am very optimistic at this moment in time.