It was the perfect performance in the first half against QPR yesterday, but the second period displayed a few things which we believe are significant to this squad and progression this season. That first half though was exemplary.

If we go back to the summer when negotiations were still rumbling on from the early part of the year to get rid of then main investors, Steve Kaplan and Jason Levien, the clues are there. The Swans had a clear brief on what the boundaries were regards money available from Levien and as a result had to spend within prescriptive guidelines.

The main one being get rid of Nathan Wood to part fund expenditure.

We won’t go into too many figures but quite simply basic maths tells us not a lot of cash was made available so shopping within a certain category of player was the only option. We have seen some great business in recruiting Franco and Ronald, and of course Eom is showing signs now of his ability since his injury. That’s three very good players who do not look out of place in the Championship most weeks. Larry Vigouroux despite a recent downturn in performances is a more than capable keeper as well.

It’s only when the Swans went shopping for forward players, as has happened since the summer of 2022 that things haven’t gone exactly right. There are two striker options in Mykola Kukharevych and Jerry Yates which have seen them go out on loan, this has freed up a significant wage outlay. Jerry is being touted as a striker at Derby County who has turned a corner. Far better than he was at Swansea etc … However, Swans fans saw the complete Jerry Yates last season, warts and all. They are not seeing him in close up this season. His four goals for the Rams this campaign do not show an improvement in Yates compared to last season when he scored six for the Swans at the same point. So, certain folk need to take a breath before questionable facts are being bandied about. Mykola Kukharevych is on three goals for Hibs after fifteen matches. Other attacking players such as Joel Cotteril, Cameron Congreve, Maliq Kadogan and Josh Thomas have been loaned out with differing reports. None outstanding, but Cotteril, the nephew of David who once played for the Swans has played in nineteen games for Swindon. Kadogan at Kidderminster has been in and out of their squad since mid November, and returns to the Swans on New Year’s Eve if an extension isn’t agreed. Josh Thomas and Cameron Congreve are at Bromley, the latter playing in most of their games, but for Josh it has been a nightmare loan. He has seen action in only two games. That’s the issue, these players are all playmakers or attacking players, none are pulling up trees and they are at a level where the Swans want them to step up. As it stands none of them will do this. And with Yates and Mykola, despite the rumours neither of these will assist the greater good at Swansea either.

Being a big name or having a big agency behind you means nothing, it is your ability on the ball that matters. And I’m going to stick my neck out here and state as it stands for the rest of the season none will pull on a white shirt in anger in the Championship. It takes us back round again to the start of this piece. The Swans were set goals and prescriptive finances in the summer, all based on what they could free up, loan out or bend into their financial situation. The results were Źan Vipotnik, Florian Bianchini and Myles Peart-Harris (loan) on the more attacking front who the club were relying on to step in and do better than those who had departed. None have, and to be harsh none are showing any form of consistency to be Championship footballers. Unlike Josh Tymon, Ronald, Franco, Eom or Josh Key. All are great examples of good recruitment that will pay off this season. It’s a mixed bag, but yesterday we saw some complete performances that according to head coach, Luke Williams was inspired by Captain, Matt Grimes pre match.

A new contract for Ben Cabango saw a different player yesterday, and Harry Darling (below) isn’t a dead deal either.

The last remaining finger up to the Swans was dealt by Levien and Kaplan, already deep into their discussions to leave the club in June. They gave Chairman, Andrew Coleman little leeway, and left him with a poisoned chalice. Despite that he has lowered the clubs salary outlay remarkably recruiting in and around the £5-6,000 a week for the likes of Ronald, Eom and Franco. The same for Vipotnik and Bianchini, somewhat laying off his bets if you like. But as we stated in the summer - league one wages. The club were and continue to offer low salaries, and will do, but now you would hope not as per the summer. Back then isn’t now and any attempts to recruit lower quality players as we have done will backfire, For me, and possibly numerous others if it is at all possible the Swans need to free up spaces come January. Nelson Abbey is doing nothing for the club sat on the bench for twenty three games, nor has Myles Peart-Harris who despite his build has little pace or it seems character on the pitch. If they could return from whence they came it will be seen as a bonus. Plus the likes of Andrew Fisher and maybe even Azeem Abdulai being shipped out on loan, they offer little to nothing to Swansea City and even less to themselves.

Harsh times, harsh words. This is about Swansea, not some idea that you cannot say anything untoward about regards these highly paid ‘resources’ - because that is all they are. For me, on the pitch is where respect has been earned throughout this campaign. We have seen yesterday what this team is all about, and we have also seen the very worst this team can produce over half a season. Yes, we are now half way through the season and Luton Town at home this Sunday (3pm) signals the start of the second half.

I’m wondering now what the next five months hold ? Now that the dripping septic tap has been turned off and we have a club that wants the best and to be the best. The Swans are on thirty points and could get to thirty three with a home win this weekend. If that happens that is slightly below the desired thirty five to be the springboard for next year. But it is a lot better than many hoped for. And when you look at the performances and the loss of points over the last twenty three games then maybe we can start looking upwards. Correct that marginally and this campaign could be considered a good one.

It’s not as if the Swans can’t make the play offs this season, the big question is do we want them to ? For me it’s a huge no, I’m being realistic, this club needs now to build under the guidance of positivity not negativity, as we have seen for some seven years. Step by step, with a team that really does know the way forwards. It could happen you know.

Photograph with permission Dimitris Legakis

ReslovenSwan1 added 18:32 - Dec 27 The Wembley final generates £2m. Swansea were unlucky financially with Cooper because of Covid restrictions.
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ReslovenSwan1 added 18:41 - Dec 27 Cotterill is getting good reviews at Swindon since Holloway took over. His form has improved markedly recently as the side as a whole has performed better
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