Russell Martin and Matt Gill have seven whole days to review and reflect upon the clubs recent away performances that have seen nine goals conceded in three games. Hull City, Stoke and Sheffield United have all found it fairly easy to take the points this year, the last result really exposing the tactical awareness of the young coaches.
It will also give the clubs medical staff an opportunity to assess and introduce new recovery plans for Nathanael Ogbeta, Kyle Naughton, Hannes Wolf and Michael Obafemi all of whom have felt the demanding campaign catch up with them. For the likes of Cyrus Christie and Andrew Fisher it gives them an opportunity to take stock of their short time at Swansea City. Christie who has seen a lot of game time for the swans ( nine matches on the trot ) now compares to last season where he completed forty six games for Nottingham Forest. Up until his move to the swans he hadn’t featured in a league game all season. Andrew Fisher hasn’t enjoyed the best of times since moving from MK Dons and questions are being asked if his transfer was necessary for £400k. He too will need some time to review where he is going wrong between the sticks as there is definitely a problem. Five games, nine goals conceded and one clean sheet are his stats to date. Dean Thornton needs to work rapidly and progressively to ensure his number one keeper is up to speed and confident come next Monday’s trip to West Bromwich Albion.
Ben Parker and Matt Willmott who are involved in the performance side of the first team will also be pleased with this unexpected break. That is before the team return to an even more punishing schedule now Bournemouth has to be rescheduled. Then there’s internationals on the horizon. The weekend of March 26th is the next break, so no league games then. Up to that point the swans have six league games arranged, and that’s at the moment, although it’s hard to see where the Bournemouth game can be squeezed in beforehand, plus the cherries have games to rearrange as well.
There is definitely time now to refuel and explore where this squad can quickly motivate themselves in to a position where they can take on these next six games. Of course none will be easy, and out of those games which have eighteen points up for grabs there has to be an improvement away from home at WBA, Blackpool and Peterborough. The home games against Coventry, Fulham and Birmingham City should also be reap dividends. Ten points is the least swans fans will want as after the international break Cardiff City are the opposition for the first game back in April.
Come the end of this six game run Russell Martin will most certainly have the full gauge on where he needs to be and to look in the summer. He is also on the cusp of making history if he can take his Swansea team to Cardiff and secure a win. Having obliterated the bluebirds at the swansea.com stadium earlier in the season at a point where you could say the swans were at their best, to achieve the first ever double would put a smile on everyone’s faces. That’s a way off yet, but this week is now crucial. Recovery, reflection rejuvenate and rally the troops.
That’s the agenda, nothing more, nothing less.