Planet Swans ArchivesThey conceded just 43 goals in 61 games last season – a stark contrast to the torrent of silly errors which threatens to capsize them this campaign. Jeers have replaced cheers as Swansea without a victory in NINE League and Cup games have sunk into the Division Two drop zone.
But Bound blasted: “When people have a go at the Gaffer they are also attacking us. “The fans calling for his head are clueless they need to look at what he’s achieved under difficult circumstances.
“Everybody talks about our defensive record winning us the title last season, but it’s our collective spirit which is the greatest weapon.
“We’ve talked among ourselves we know we’re letting everyone down and it won’t continue. Critics had a go at the boss this time last season and it inspired the lads on to an unbeaten run which won us the title.
“We’re only one result away from turning the corner.”
Bound, 28, is arguably one of the Swans’ best captures in recent years. Snapped up from Stockport for just £55,000 three years ago, he’s already chalked up over 150 starts prompting big spending Bristol City, Reading and Cardiff to wave their cheque books at him.
He said: “At my age it was a case of looking for financial security. But even though we aren’t having the best of times right now, I feel happier than I’ve been for years. “A week is a long time In football, but I’d love to finish my days here. If the club wanted to talk with me about a contract extension, I wouldn’t turn them away.”
Bound is convince that the expectations of City’s fans were too high before a ball was kicked this season. He insisted: “I think a lot of people have to remember that this division is a much higher standard than Division Three.
“You are punished severely for stupid mistakes. Maybe we haven’t had much luck of late, but sometimes you have to create your own!”
In Leigh DeVuIgt, Stuart Roberts, Lee Jenkins and Michael Keegan, Swansea have some of the brightest prospects in the Nationwide League. And Bound is ready to utilise his colossal frame to anchor their continued development.
He said: “I’m ready for the responsibility of helping our young lads through. “We have a lot of talent at Swansea and I think it’s vital we stay up this season for them to develop in a footballing division. “Any success we’ve had here has been gradual – there’s been nothing instant, no quick fix with bags of cash. “We missed out on the playoffs two years ago and last season’s title was simply a continuation of our progress.
“We worked hard to get ourselves into the same division as Wrexham, Stoke and Wigan we’re not going to chuck away all our hard graft now!” Swans have made a stuttering start in the FAW Premier Cup and were dumped unceremoniously out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle in Bournemouth last week. But Bound says success means League survival come May.
He declared: “It’s taking us time to adjust to Division Two and I’ll be happy .just to see us out of the bottom four when spring comes. “Next campaign we’ll be more battle hardened and our youngsters will be a season wiser.”
And Bound already has a fierce war with arch rivals Cardiff in his sights. He said: “We don’t care what happens with them or any other club, although I’d like to think we could be battling Cardiff next season but not back in Division Three!”
