It seems the smiling face of Connor Roberts is not as happy as normal as he binned all connections with Burnley on his social media accounts yesterday. A bit odd we thought, especially after hearing he was none too happy about his non selection for his new club Burnley on the weekend. ( again) So whats the story ? Is he missing Swansea, his mates or just sick of being excluded from Sean Dych’s squad ?
It’s always hard to move away from home and settle in a new area, Connor did have experience away from Swansea when he was at Yeovil Town for a season. He did play the majority of that season though, in fact forty five games. As it stands after fourteen weeks at Burnley Connor Roberts hasn’t played a league game for his new club. Sean Dyche has explained after that one league cup game, a loss to Spurs " I thought Connor was excellent in the week and I explained to him that there is still a bit of loyalty, trust and hierarchy here at Burnley” Now what I read in to that is it’s a bit of a time served thing to get a game at Burnley. And Dyche doesn’t trust Connor as much as other players. That’s how I see it. I wonder if Connor did ?
It seems as well after numerous squad omissions that Roberts is now rebelling. Being told " He knows the script” by his new manager, and he needs to develop has clearly rubbed up Connor Roberts the wrong way. In his prime at twenty six this isn’t how he must have seen his future panning out. Behind the scenes we obviously don’t know what has occurred, but for a player to rid the social media presence of his employer, and all their links is sending a very clear message.
He is stating, I’m not happy.
Leon Britton returned to the swans after six months at Sheffield United, paying much of his earnings and Swansea losses back to the club some ten years ago. He was homesick and his family situation was difficult at the time. Connor will obviously find Burnley a difficult place to settle, especially if he isn’t playing games. Away from his family, and in the infrequent company of his partner so far away from Swansea can take its toll. We all know a happy footballer plays at the best level he can. Connor has obviously tried to impress but it hasn't worked, at least to date. Burnley picked up Connor for a steal, and maybe that as well gives Dyche some leeway to exclude him ? Especially in lieu of the fact the fee Burnley paid was extremely low. No pressure from the clubs owners to play someone they snapped up on a giveaway fee.
There seems to be at least two players, Matt Lowton and Phil Bardsley, in front of Connor as we stand, although Dyche encouraged his inclusion for Wales after injury. Games which Roberts excelled in recently. Certain quotes from him " It’s good to be playing - again” well, you can read all sorts into that. And we will.
Who can say ?
Matt Lowton keeping Connor Roberts out of the Burnley team
The first things Swansea City fans will be thinking is " Can we get him back to Swansea " ? It’s unlikely to be honest, Dyche would see that as a failure on his behalf, that is unless Connor makes those moves himself like Britton did ten plus years ago. If he kicked up enough fuss it could happen, the main issue as it always will be is finance. A loan would work, but really ? I’m uncertain Russell Martin would buy in to that. It looks like Connor has most certainly sent some subliminal messages by actually saying nothing,
It’s a way of drawing attention to your plight by not doing a lot, and no doubt Connor will get the fall out from that action today. He is clearly unhappy, and is clearly potentially regretting his move as a result of his current situation. My personal view on Connor is so be it, we all make our beds, sometimes you just have to get on with it. And in a privileged position such as Connor is in, that seems to be his only choice.
More to come from this we think.