Ashley Williams believes that the Swans do not get the respect they deserve and that other clubs live off past reputations
Williams hit out in disbelief after reading that Nottingham Forest arrived at the Liberty last weekend and were classed as favourites to win the game. That, despite the 10 point advantage that the Swans had over their opponents last season en route to cruising towards the League One title.
Williams believes that Forest are not the only side trading off a past reputation and will feature in his third game of the season tomorrow along side Garry Monk looking to help give the Swans their first road success of the campaign.
Speaking in today's Western Mail, the Wales international said “It was important for us to get that first win under our belt and the way we did it was pleasing
“I hope it showed people what we can do after putting in a good showing at Charlton, but coming away empty-handed in the end.
“The thing that amazed me was when I saw that before the Forest game they were favourites to win at our stadium.
“You do wonder why that is considering we came up as champions last season and they finished behind is.
“Forest have been a big club in the past and I think people were just looking at that reputation.
“But I think in the Championship this season you have to see past reputations. There are a lot of good sides around, but we won’t be fearing anybody at all.
“I think the trouble is the way people see this club sometimes. Perhaps the respect that it deserves is not there.
“Previously I was based in Birmingham and people look at Swansea and don’t see it as a big club in the scheme of things.
“They don’t see what a good manager we have, what a great squad of players, amazing supporters and really good stadium.
“We hope this season we will be able to educate a few people about that as we go about our business.”
Williams will celebrate his birthday tomorrow and hopes for the perfect present with three points which would move the Swans into the upper echelons of the Championship table.
“The Forest result will do confidence no harm. Plymouth will be a strong side, but we go down there looking for a result. That is what we always do.”