With Jason Scotland gone who will become the clubs new talisman ?
That was the tantalising combination put on the table for Stephen Dobbie, however the Glaswegian has seen both the man that brought him to the Liberty Stadium, Roberto Martinez and his former team mate Jason Scotland leave in quick succession over the last few weeks. Such is the cruel and unforgiving world of football nothing is set in stone and the last vestiges of loyalty are brushed aside quicker than a striker not scoring goals.
Looking at Scotland's success whilst with the Swans, it is no wonder that the 26 year old relished the chance to further his career in South Wales. Admitting that the goal scoring exploits of the former Dundee United man played a big part in his move from north of the border, and craving his own slice of the success that the club has seen over the last few seasons, he said, “Seeing him do well is another reason why I came down to Wales as Jason came from Scotland and has done well in the Championship and now I hope to be a similar success.”
Swans fans may be snooping for clues to who will replace Scotland, looking to new Swansea boss Paulo Sousa to use his burgeoning contacts book to lure another prolific striker to be part of his new Portuguese revolution. However replacing a 20 goal a season striker has its own unique problems and finding a powerful striker to fill the skilful boots of the Trinidad And Tobago forward will not be easy.
It's is a conundrum for the 38 year old manager, nevertheless the answer maybe already staring him right in the face. Scoring 47 goals in 83 appearances for Queen Of The South, Dobbie has all the hallmarks of being a more that capable replacement for Scotland.
Questions have been already been asked whether a striker with his level of experience can fill the void left by Scotland a now experienced league campaigner. It is a perfectly understandable argument, such is the step up from Scottish division 1 to the championship. Should Dobbie keep his nerve and show the tight ball control, composed finishing and strength seen with the Doonhammers over the last two years then the former Hibernian man could be the clubs new talisman.
One thing is for certain, Dobbie will be relishing the fight to make his mark in the the cut and thrust of the championship. This division in unrelenting and far superior to that of Scottish First Division but he should not be deterred or intimidated by the bright floodlights of St James's Park or the Riverside.
Many fans may look to Spaniard Gorka Pintado for the goals to propel the club to the targeted play-off place. Showing touches of visionary brilliance and skill, namely that awe inspiring deftness of touch to steer the ball home past Paul Smith the Nottingham Forest goal keeper, that saw the 31 year old open his account against the Reds last season. To showing his balance and poise in the box, when El Toro netted his 4th goal in Swansea colours with a magnificent volley in the 2-2 draw against arch rivals Cardiff City.
Injuries have hampered the former Granada CF man throughout last season and there is a feeling that he has not fully been able to show his talents. Reports from pre-season training have suggested that Pintado is back on form and should that be the case Swans fans could be in for something special.
On paper the prospect of a Pintado/Dobbie strike partnership is a mouthwatering prospect. However patience will be required, with Pintado never truly fit enough to show his full range of talents and Dobbie, not tested at this level before, it may take some time for the duo to click.
What of Swansea University student Guillem Bauza ? New manager Paulo Sousa will inevitably want to bolster the attacking options at the club. That in itself could spell out bad news for the 24 year old.
With Scotland officially named as a Wigan player yesterday, the fight is on to become the clubs new talisman. Whoever wins the battle will still have a mightily big crown to fit in.