This is the first chance that I have had to write programme notes since the surprise departure of both Brian Flynn and Kevin Reeves from the club. Naturally, time has moved on since the departures and speculation is rife about who will take over the reigns from these two.
No-one can dispute that playing wise the club is in a much much better position now then it was when Flynn & Reeves arrived at the club back in the Autumn of 2002. No disrespect to those that have departed but I would rather have a Lee Trundle, Andy Robinson or Alan Tate in my side over David Moss, Matt Murphy and David Theobald any day of the week. The new manager will certainly have an easier job at the outset than that which was afforded to the previous incumbent.
At Swansea we have the basis of a very very strong squad and one that you see no reason cannot get stronger over the course of the summer and challenge strongly for promotion next season. We have a strong backbone and, thanks to the foresight of Flynn & the board, the backbone is tied into the club on longer deals which should protect us from other clubs which may come a sniffing once the season has ended.
We also have a squad that is getting stronger by the week and the three new additions to the squad can only suffice to increase that strength in depth making us a better team again in the process. In Lee Trundle and Paul Connor we have the makings of a deadly partnership up front and in cases of injuries and suspension we have the likes of Kevin Nugent and James Thomas as good back up for them. Midfield sees the inspiration of Roberto Martinez who we have yet to see the best of since his return from injury backed up with the never say die attitude of Robinson, the skills of Britton and the pace of Maylett and Roberts. Add to that the depth provided by the likes of Maxwell and Coates and again you have a strong midfield.
Alan Tate and Izzy Iriekpen look a solid partnership at the back that could well mature and grow in strength as time goes by and with your choices from Stuart Jones, Kris O'Leary, Mickey Howard and Leon Hylton with that we again see plenty of options for the new man to choose from.
The team is of course unrecognisable from the side that Flynn & Reeves inherited and, as I said above, the new manager has had the ground work done for him. No matter what the reasons the board and Flynn had for parting company he has left a very positive legacy and for that I think we all have to thank him. This season has not been a disaster although we haven't always put in the performances that we would have liked to have seen but next season I can honestly see us going from strength to strength and I also honestly believe that the sides relegated this season from the second will not be as strong as those that are promoted from the third.
And with a new stadium taking more and more shape by the day on the old Morfa site, we have every reason to believe that this club can go from strength to strength over the course of the next 12 months and who knows where we will be this time next season?
And finally just a quick word for those Carlisle fans that have made the long trip down today. We do know exactly what you are going through. In fact Carlisle are fighting as hard, if not harder, than we did last season and, if I was perfectly honest, I would love to see you pull this escape off this season as back in October it looked a no hope situation. Having said that, I'd like us to have the three points today so good luck in every game you play after this one! Enjoy the game though and hopefully this won't be the last time you see the Vetch Field.
COME ON YOU JACKS!
Phil Sumbler (phil@sumbler.freeserve.co.uk)
You can keep up to date with the fans views on Swansea City by visiting www.jackarmy.net - Supporting the Swans, All Day, Every Day. | 
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