The work continues unabated for Michael Duff and his coaching team at Swansea City, even when new faces arrive they are rarely fit enough to go straight into the Swans starting eleven. Not our words, the words of the Swans head coach as his much changed Swansea side readies itself for tomorrows big game against Coventry City.

Speaking openly on the situation regards his players availability and fitness, citing new signing Nathan Tjoe-A-On as a good example Duff stated. “He’s hungry, which is one of the reasons we wanted him in, he’s played at a decent level, athletic, he’s a little bit raw so he needs coaching, so there’s things to improve on. The unfortunate thing is, as with a few of the ones we have been bringing in he’s not fit. We are going to have to build him up again, which is pleasing but a frustration because you are getting people in but they are not fit. That’s what you need a pre season for, is to build it in, so we are going to have to integrate ‘them’ in and get them fit on the job”

Corny reflected on Duff’s fitness requirements last month and his way of implementing a higher fitness regime.

That’s here —> Gaffers Day

Interesting use of the word ‘them’ in this weeks press conference, he could of course be referring to Nathan Tjoe-A-On and Charlie Patino, both of whom are new arrivals. However Patino and before him Harrison Ashby both trained with the squad during the run up to them being revealed as season long loan signings. It could well be just a slip of the tongue, or maybe the ‘building’ that’s being referred to so often is one player extra, and the Swans are playing their usual tricks again with communication ? It’s worked to an extent, but to ensure this way of recruiting fits all then you need a fully briefed club photographer and an up to date copy, clip and paste application ( joke ) and a head coach who is on the ball at all times when talking to the press. ( not a joke ) Overall Duff has come across reasonably well of late, and far better than when he first came in to the club. That’s good news, an improvement in communication skills and basic thoughtfulness when giving and receiving information in ‘every walk of life’ is crucial when looking to bond relationships. That’s rarely forgotten when support is needed during those times when the football waters get a bit choppy.

Worth considering.

Photographs with permission Swansea City AFC

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