| For those of you that didn't make it to the cup match for whatever reason, I must say that I am thoroughly envious of your decision to stay away - it was horrific from start to finish. Thus we ask the question...where do we go as a football club from here? Off of the pitch, Brian Flynn appears to be doing a relatively good job. He understands that it will take time for the side to improve and appears to have concentrated further energies on the youth setup. In the short term, he has been scouting the nations up and coming talent in an attempt to provide instant relief to the pain of Swansea supporters, who are suffering due to weekly inept displays from their Nationwide side. One example is Brian Cash - who constantly looks a cut above the rest of the side. We also have a new stadium to look forward to (whether it will happen or not is another question) and we can at least hope that work will begin on it soon.
On the pitch, Swansea are in turmoil. No movement. No passing. No tackling. No communciation. No way are we going to be able to stay in this division if we continue to play like this. However, those who know me will understand that I am a "Swansea Optimist" - the sort of fan who continually tells his friends how unlucky we were to lose4-0 and that turns up every week expecting things to improve and is disheartenedwhen he is proved wrong. Well, my friends, things have changed. Perhaps the low confidence and negative atmosphere that seeps out of the Swansea playing side has finally rubbed off on me, because my attitude has now changed. I now find myself praying before kick-off (although not being a religious man) for something to smile about or driving to an away match and hoping that Damien Lacey has missed the bus.
The simple fact of the matter is that too many of the current playing staff should be plying their trade in the lower leagues. All season, I have hurled abuse at three players in particular. The first was Kristian O'Leary, but to his credit, has improved in recent performances by 400% and has now become a crucial addition to the back four. The second is Steve Watkin who was recently voted most unpopular Swansea player by an unofficial website.Watkin is the man that continually misses open goals, fluffs chances and (in my opinion) has cost Swansea too many points already this season to return to the first team again.This may be deemed as a littleharsh, but anyone who made the trip to Oxford this month will understand fully.
The third member of the playing staff that probably wouldn't make the bench for Accrington Stanley, is "Racey" Damien Lacey. He sets pulses racing by his passing and tackling skills, coupled with his never-say-die attitiude and dedication for the Swansea cause (I am being extremely sarcastic in this statement). Playing as a defensive midfielder, he cannot tackle, likes to give the ball away and appears to gain great satisfaction in being beaten time-and-time-again by his opposing number. I hold him personally responsible for both goals on Tuesday night, as he was continually panicked with the ball and gave it away constantly over a 5 minute period until Flynn finally took him off.
On the other hand, I feel sorry for a number of Swansea players. Of course, Freestone, Thomas, Jenkins and one or too others that really are trying to play football - but also those who have been tarred with the same brush as those previously mentionned. These include Paul Reid and David Moss, who have been massively influential in games this season, yet are being played out of position and thusreceiving abuse from the crowd.
You may read this column and think that supporters like myself can only further lower confidence by open statements such as these and by singling out particular players. Unfortunately, football sides can contain viruses, that can only progress when these foreign bodies are removed - a tough job for Brian Flynn. The simple fact of the matter is that confidence and attitude could not fall any lower than its current level and its about time that players start wanting the ball...and more importantly, wanting to win. The Southend victory was a huge day for Swansea, yet who else noticed the number of players that walked off with their heads down, despite winning? All that supporters can do is voice their opinions, not play in place of players like Steve Watkin and Damien Lacey. Unless something is done soon, Swansea City will be doomed to relegation - even Brian Cash appeared to lose belief in Stevenage on Tuesday, let down by his fellow players. It is now time to stop the rot and I put it to Brian Flynn - pleasebring in some more talented footballers to get us out of this situation.
Rich Evans |
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