Upon watching Swansea City’s confident 3-0 victory over West Ham Utd on Saturday just, it took me a while to register that winger Scott Sinclair wasn’t on the pitch. Such was the ease at which Michael Laudrup’s Swans disposed of Sam Allardyce’s powderpuff Hammers, it was easy to forget that this win took place during the week in which rumours over Sinclair’s future were (still are) rife.
The 23-year old forward, formerly of Chelsea, has been a key component of the south Welsh side’s ascent in the past couple of years. Easily buying into Brendan Rodgers’ way of passing football and, in the club’s Premier League bow, standing out as one of their key men.
As it stands, Sinclair looks almost certain to be heading out of the door at the Liberty Stadium, potentially on to bigger things (no disrespect to the Swans, of course), following his refusal to sign a new contract at the club. However, his proposed big-money move to Manchester City has hit a snag with Swansea rejecting a £6.2 million bid from the Premier League champions. You’d have thought that, with their seemingly bottomless pits of money, City will hope to agree a deal post-haste. Swans chairman Huw Jenkins has said that the saga has ‘dragged on’ and would like it resolved ‘in the next couple of days’.
The fans, his team-mates and staff will surely be sad to see him go whilst being understanding of the player’s want/need for bigger and better things. But, at the same time, when you reflect on the way Swansea have started this season, how much will they actually miss Sinclair’s craft and guile? Well, two games, eight goals and zero conceded might tell you that it’s a departure that they can live with. On day one of the new season, with new manager Michael Laudrup at the helm (signing with the club in June on a two-year deal), the Welshmen confidently despatched QPR 5-0 in their own backyard. Granted, Hughes’ men part-gifted them their victory with some comical defending but the finishing from the visitors was nothing but exemplary.
New signings Michu, Chico and Jonathan de Guzman all started and adapted quickly – the first of whom netted twice. This was followed up with an equally impressive 3-0 win at home to West Ham (as previously mentioned). In both games, the Swans have continued their sharp, incisive passing football which served them so well under now-departed boss Brendan Rodgers last season. The core of the side is still there – Vorm, Williams, Britton, Dyer, Graham – the only slight difference is that there is a more ruthless aggression in front of goal.
Hey, it’s early doors – don’t get me wrong, their opposition hasn’t provided too stern a test for them in both encounters. They’ll have much more difficult games as they adjust to their second season of Premier League football. But, only two games in, the 48-year old Dane seems to be carrying on the good work of Rodgers and that can only mean great things for the Swansea faithful. Indeed, it was the club’s footballing philosophy that attracted him to the job in the first place. #
He stated: “With the philosophy this club has, and the way I see football, I think it’s a very good match.” And he’s not the only one who’s been impressed by the way they move the ball; Barca midfielder Cesc Fabregas tweeted recently that he too loves the way the team plays. High praise indeed.
Midfielder Joe Allen defected to Liverpool, following manager Rodgers out the door, and now Sinclair looks set to follow them. Departures that could potentially disrupt a club. But no, with Laudrup around and the team continuing to play football in the way they do, don’t bank on the Swans enjoying another fine season of top-flight football. I’d wager a top-half finish.
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on to bigger things he struggled in the premier last year on occcasions & he will struggle to play regularly in the city team johnson is a better player & he couldnt do it,Scotty is moving for reasons beyond most of us but hes been brill for us so good luck you always be remembered by the real jacks thanks mate
as i have already stated we would not be in the premier league if it was not for scott,s goals and how many of us would turn down a possible 3 times increase in salary so as far as i am concerned he goes with my good wishes thank you Scott and good luck to you