Believe it or not we are only a couple of weeks away from those rather interesting pre season friendlies we all used to love going to in good weather with a few mates. And there is no note of sarcasm there, I used to love our trips to grounds we had hardly ever visited or for the first time. And of course checking out the squad for the new season.

Andy Scott has already identified two class signings for the club, in my humble opinion of course. Kyle Jospeh and Joel Piroe for me are better than what we have already in a match up with certain current squad players. So, good news there. Although I am a supporter of Steve Cooper and have been generally since his arrival I’m unsure what his position is at Swansea City, I’m pretty certain nobody knows. What I do know is he hasn’t said anything for five weeks, and most strangely hasn’t even commented on these two new signings.

However, looking at what we have already there is still some reasonable amounts of strength in depth at the club, surprisingly no players of note have left, and Matt Grimes has indicated, currently, he is concentrating on the swans, nothing else. That leaves us in a decent position.

The goalkeeping department is possibly the only area of uncertainty, we do have Steven Benda and Ben Hamer, but like many I’m unsure of their quality to maintain the standard set by Freddie Woodman these last two seasons. Freddie is pretty determined to return to the club, as a permanent signing ? I think it’s clear we haven’t got that sort of money unless players leave. A third season on loan is pretty unusual. However, I would definitely support that happening.

At the back we have Joel Latibeaudiere and Ben Cabango, these will see more game time this coming season. We also have the leadership qualities of Ryan Bennett in there too. Out on the flanks, albeit currently in rehabilitation from his Euros injury we have Connor Roberts, and on the other side Jake Bidwell. Utility man Ryan Manning is also in the mix at the back or in midfield. I can see the thought behind the club wanting another defensive player, but do we really need one with Kyle Naughton and Brandon Cooper also in the frame for selection ?

The club does have numerous players who are more than capable in midfield. First on the list has to be Matt Grimes, as comfortable a player on the ball you will find in the championship. Korey Smith is a dogged hard working grafter as is Jay Fulton. I don’t think the side will miss the likes of Conor Hourihane this season it all seemed a bit much for him. However, some of the players Swansea have at their disposal don’t possess the abilities of say Morgan Gibbs-White or Harry Wilson, and maybe that’s the real area to strengthen now ? Wilson is clearly available to the highest bidder wages wise, I can’t see anyone paying anywhere near ten million for him, not even a flush with cash Norwich City. Their best business will be Billy Gilmour this season. With Grimes, Smith, Fulton, and possibly Manning we have Yan Dhanda, George Byers and OllIe Cooper. The latter I think will get far more game time than Dhanda or Byers this season, thats just a gut feeling. Both Byers and Dhanda have, for me at least, flattered to deceive in far too many games. I also like Dan Williams a lot, a clever and quick midfielder who could well feature more as well this season. Jordan Garrick seems keen to prove his ‘dissenters’ wrong after his Swindon loan spell. He does offer something else aside what the other midfielders have, his pace for starters. Again the jury is out.

Up front is shaping up, Morgan Whittaker hasn’t really had a lot of time as a first team pick, Liam Cullen the same, but I see these two as back up now to the potential front three. Joel Piroe, Jamal Lowe and Kyle Jospeh. Piroe and Joseph both featured heavily in our transfer target articles at the conclusion of last season, so it’s really good to see them on full contracts. The other possibility is Ali Al-Hamadi who has definitely taken the eye in certain games last season, still only nineteen he could find his feet in the match-day squad, if given a chance.

Many swans fans will want another more proven goal scorer, attacking and versatile midfielder and the keeper position sorted out. That’s a potential for three players to come in, and the same going out. Those going out could be Dhanda and Byers, possibly Benda to free up some extra finances, but to clinch those three coming in more money has to come from somewhere. The swans only real saleable asset, proven over time and recognised as one of the best in the championship is Matt Grimes. Any rumours on Roberts have been put to bed for now, so maybe that’s what the swans have to do to assemble a real threat in the league come August ? Sell the club captain ? He would be a hard act to follow, and personally like many football fans I want both, Matt Grimes and a Morgan Gibbs-White, time will tell but is this squad good enough as it stands today ?

Readers of this site are more than welcome to offer feedback on all Swansea City matters, just keep it respectful and without obscenities. You are welcome to contact me via the PM button on the site of course.

Thanks as ever for your support in what continues to be an ever growing community of like minded Swansea City supporters who are able to discuss and debate without hate.

Photographs licensed from Reuters

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