Issue 150

Swansea on the up

04th December 2006

After a slow start to the season, Swansea City have clawed their way back into the promotion race in Coca-Cola League One. Despite lingering around mid-table at the start of October, a run including only one league defeat in two months has propelled them into a play-off place.

Boss Kenny Jackett will be delighted with the turnaround as his side chase the prize that so narrowly evaded them in the playoff final last season. Barnsley, the victors on that occasion, last week took Swansea's troubled striker Leon Knight on loan for a month. The Knight transfer saga has overshadowed the team's performances on the pitch this season and Jackett, at least, will be glad to see the back of him, for now. There is no doubt that, come January, and the opening of the transfer window, Knight will be making the back pages again as Championship clubs, as well as a number of fellow League One clubs are expected to bid for him. It is thought that Knight prefers a permanent move to the Championship, and the loan to Barnsley puts them in pole position for his signature. It is unlikely, however, that he will be satisfied with a move to a side looking likely for a swift return to League One. Knight has also had interest from League One rivals Gillingham, who, after missing out on a loan deal, will no doubt be back with a fresh bid in January.

The Swans also recently successfully negotiated a potentially tricky F.A Cup first round tie at fellow Welsh side Newport County. The Swans 3-1 victory was again overshadowed by factors other than football as the fourth official was struck by a coin thrown from the crowd. Though this was not the fault of a Swansea fan, the incident overshadowed what should have been a spectacle for Welsh football.

Swans fans will be pleased with the timely return to form of their talisman Lee Trundle. Trundle has struggled to find the form that has made him the club's star man for the past two seasons, but has recently began to find his shooting boots again, and looked confident and dangerous against Bristol City last week.

The squad was recently bolstered by the loan signing of young left back Marcos Painter from Birmingham, and he has started well with solid performances in the win Port Vale, and the home draw against Bristol City last weekend. The Swans also completed the signing of midfield player Ian Craney from Accrington Stanley, and Kenny Jackett will no doubt be looking to strengthen the squad further in the January transfer window.

Jackett will be fully aware, however, that despite their improvement in form, the Swans have failed to beat any other side in the top eight of League One this season. If they want to make their promotion dream a reality, this is something they must do in the second half of the season. Controversy off the field still dominates the local headlines, and Swansea will do well to steer clear of this in the new year and get back to letting their football do the talking.

You can catch the Swans in action next against Carlisle on Saturday December 16.

Tom Mooney