Swansea City have had what can only be described as a disappointing start to their fifth Championship campaign since relegation from the Premier League. With so much emphasis by boss Russell Martin on the style and strategy of the way the team play it’s taken almost a year for the slightest glimmer of hope.
Games that should have been won, and we refer to Stoke away and Millwall at home deprived the side of an extra four points to their tally to date. The hammer blow winner for Sheffield United last week was another point that should have been taken. However, the three wins from the first ten games gave hope, especially Saturdays 3-0 victory against what we have to say was a very poor Hull City.
Beating Queens Park Rangers was indeed an indication that things are being managed better on the field of play despite the loss to the blades. It was obvious that the Blackpool away win was a game that really could have gone either way. With three wins, three draws and four losses that last stat isn’t pleasing. Not least the 3-0 home defeat to Blackburn Rovers and then the loss, again at home to Luton by 2-0. Those performances still hurt and are evidence that this swans side may well look better over the last few games, but little has been done to display that in a complete block of games. The loss at Middlesbrough was deserved, and as we have covered Sheffield United which was difficult to take.
However, when reviewed overall it is only the losses to Luton and Blackburn which were distinctly hopeless, and they were, and the away game at Middlesbrough can be added to that. We know the football is frustrating but there have been a whole host of chances missed to win games for sure. Rotherham away is a prime example.
When utility player Ryan Manning says things like ‘We can go up’ you have to see his point. The unique way that Russell Martin wants his sides to play is a fundamental given each game. In recent times the destructive mindset at the back has stopped with the reintroduction of Steve Benda as we covered extensively yesterday.
That story is here –> Steven Benda analysed
As Ryan says about Russell Martin "He gives us the kind of freedom that other managers wouldn’t allow. There is such a good opportunity for us here to progress. We have such a good group of boys," he added. "To play the style of football we play, the majority of teams we play are envious of it”
That’s a fact, it’s now a definite stamp on the Swansea way that is being portrayed week in and week out. For us here at Swansea Independent the calls for Martin to be sacked were futile and we have said this on many occasions. If he was to be relieved of his role the squad would be sent in to a complete spin of disorientation, especially as they have in the majority worked so hard to get to where they are now. Manning confirms this "Under this gaffer, we do get a lot of work in. You have to learn the philosophy and the way we play, so it gives me an opportunity to knuckle down and hit the ground running." With that unique style being generated day to day in the training ground it is pure folly to even contemplate a change of direction, just yet. Cardiff City hitting the fire button in the weekend was pure madness.
As a club the swans are more unique than many, and the envy that Cardiff must have for the style of play, the ability to put seven goals by them in two league games last season and the feel good factor the players are talking about must hurt. Thankfully the majority owners at Swansea aren’t as daft as the owners at Cardiff. Manning is clear in his thoughts though. He see’s his side in a prosperous position and with the ability not only to make an impact on the league this season but to get promoted. "If we can really knuckle down and start taking our chances, then I think there is such an opportunity to go up this season, to be within the top half of the table. It’s a case of realising the opportunity and taking it with both hands."
That’s a positivity we all want to hear from the players, and we do hear it a lot. Much will rely on Swansea City’s games in October. There are seven in that month and eight in thirty two days. Come the end of that block of matches we will most certainly see what type of Swansea City we have this season. The games on paper look tough, however they all have to be played and this twenty one points the swans will fight for in October must return at least four wins, it’s imperative this corner is turned quickly. A couple of draws and realistically a loss or two will potentially happen, but the time for talking about bad luck is over.
Ryan Manning, very confident in the swans this season
We’ve seen what this side can do, and they now have two weeks to work even harder on the process Russell Martin is so fond of. Yes there will be international extractions, but overall the philosophy is there to be worked upon. And the time to do it again is also available. Russell Martin is stoic in his approach at times but knows where he wants to be "It's why we have a brilliant support staff. That's why you have brilliant people around you, especially when you have difficult moments, to make sure that you have the energy and give the attention that people require. He ( Matt Gill ) took charge on Wednesday and Friday and he was incredible. The league is crazy. If you put a few results together you can be in and around it. The process is what it is with us, we're really consistent with it. We'll keep building and we'll see where it takes us."
It may take more than a few results to convince everyone who follows Swansea City, but it is clear the performances are now much better. October is most certainly the next phase of games which he will now be judged on, and there will be a far higher level of scrutiny for sure. That’s how it goes sometimes, especially when you constantly repeat the same mantra and defend your principles to the hilt.
The scrutiny starts at West Bromwich Albion away a week on Saturday after the international break. And with another very large swans support travelling the focus will be on a win, that’s a given, and it always will be.
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