The wind was blowing through me as we negotiated a tricky wind around the Roseland peninsula. I was the worse for wear, having exceeded the permitted rations of grog after splicing the mainbrace. The new crew of raw press-ganged recruits was shouting. I had to close my eyes due to a pounding headache. “For Gawd’s sake, shut your racket, you weaselly, smelly lot. I’ve got news for ye.”

When Vitor Matos was announced as head coach on 24 November 2025, the Swans were in trouble. At that point, they were 20th in the table with 17 points from 16 games. The defence was leaking goals (22), and the attacking play was rewarded with a bare 15 goals. This had become the way in recent seasons, where the team's and fans' hope of breaking into the playoff places at the start of the season crashed with the onset of winter, and the team flirting with relegation.

To finish the season in a creditable 11th position with 64 points is a testament to Matos's ability to get the best out of his squad. The high-energy press and counter-press strategy was a notable stylistic feature for the remainder of the season and was in stark contrast to the pedestrian walking football that had characterised the football of recent seasons.

Furthermore, Matos introduced a more aggressive style, physicality, and competitiveness into our game, all of which are essential to impose a football game plan and identity in this league. Together, this has contributed to much more entertaining football, with players appearing to be wholeheartedly engaged and enjoying this way of playing.The target given to Matos to avoid relegation has been achieved. But of course, Matos has done so much more than that. He and his coaching team have strengthened this squad, which, it should be remembered, had 13 new players added at the start of the season. Players that were brought in for the then head coach, Alan Sheehan, not for Matos.

It may seem unfair to mention only some players when the entire squad has done well, but it is important to show how so many players have improved under Matos. For example, Žan Vipotnik (not just his goals but his pressing game), Sam Parker – just 19 years old seizing his opportunity as right back cover (just like Ben Davies did all those years ago when Neil Taylor was badly injured). Melker Widell’s running and growing contribution to join up midfield and attack, Jisung Eom, who has grown in confidence with added physicality to show off his skills; Adam Idah’s wonderful skillfully taken goals against Charlton and Leo Walta’s fabulous free kick in the same game indicate what more we may expect from them next season.

It is always interesting to hear Matos speak in pressers. He was aware from the outset of what was needed and of the issues that had arisen since that still needed to be addressed. He is consistent in saying how he, the club, and the owners have a plan to build a team that can compete with the best. He clearly sees this as a project that is continuously building. He recently said, “The ownership has a really clear vision of what they want for the future. I buy into that, and they bought into my ideas as well. That was always the common ground, that's why [my] contract is until 2029.”He often says this may take some time and will be done step by step. He does not anticipate a large influx of players during this close season. “It's not about changing 14 players and getting 14 new ones - the base is there; the foundations are here.” This confirms that he is broadly happy with what he has at his disposal and will want to address gaps, squad depth, and the need for added quality. He has had the opportunity to see his squad up close for more than 5 months and will have conveyed his requirements to the recruitment team.

The uncertainty at this point is how the club will manage recruitment without Adam Worth, Head of Recruitment, who left the club in mid-April. There has been a lot of speculation about why Worth left the club after his role in what is generally regarded as a highly effective management of incoming transfers, including bringing in Matos. There are many high falutin’ internet stories on why Worth left, but I prefer the more mundane. Worth knew the club intended to recruit a Director of Football (DoF) and felt that their areas of responsibility would encroach on his, so he decided to leave. (Which is the right answer : Ed)

It is reasonable to expect that Matos, the owners, and Worth would have clarified the squad requirements before Worth left, and that this research will guide the club’s work in the upcoming transfer window (15 June to 31 August 2026). However, it is a slight concern that the new DoF has not yet been confirmed, as work on prospective players should be underway now in readiness for the window opening. (Worth left in mid-April, which means over the last month, there has been no dedicated lead on the club’s recruitment plans.)

Maybe this is explained by Keith’s article on Mikael Dorsin as a rumoured contender for the DoF position. This appears to be a high-investment (salary and supporting costs) proposal that will require sophisticated negotiation and time to iron out the contract wrinkles. A final word on Matos. The club has gone through 7 head coaches since relegation in 2017-18. Each time, fans hope that this might be the appointment that builds a competitive team that is enjoyable to watch and has an affinity to the club and the area. Similar to what Brendan Rodgers and Michael Laudrup appeared to have seen in Swansea as a football project, they bought into. For Rodgers, it was to build a team and get into the Premier League; for Laudrup, it was to test himself as a coach managing a Premier League underdog team.

Matos certainly buys into the project. He has a high regard for the fans, he seems to enjoy living and working in Swansea, and being part of an exciting project. A project that is being built to get back to the Premier League. Strap yourselves in. It’s going to be a ride! Next season – stagnation is not on the menu!!

Take a look at all our reports over the last seven days. From CEO Concerns to Mtos and his preparations for a return to work, Mikael Dorsin, Ethan Galbraith and much more.

Click ⚽️ A week of reports on the Indy

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