Swansea City will be looking for a season that brings stability after a tumultuous couple of years. Much criticised chairman Huw Jenkins departed the club as well as manager Carlos Carvalhal who was replaced by Graham Potter. At the end of the season, Potter left the club to become Brighton & Hove Albion manager, replacing the sacked Chris Hughton. Consequently the club announced Steve Cooper as new manager on a three year deal.
Steve Cooper Aiming For Stability at Swansea City
Pre-Season
An unbeaten pre-season, culminating in a 2-1 victory over Atalanta at the Liberty Stadium, brings cautious optimism. The second-half performance, in particular, was impressive. There was much more urgency about the play and signs that the team are ready for the new season. Hull City are first up on August 3 at home.
Transfers
The biggest deal of the summer window is that of Daniel James, the highly-rated winger who has joined Manchester United for £18 million. Oli McBurnie, an integral part of the Swansea City squad, is rumoured to be heading to Sheffield United and would be a big loss.
New manager, Steve Cooper told Wales Online that he is still hopeful of bringing in new faces ahead of that season opener: “Yeah, we’re not far away. Hopefully, we’ll have news early next week, and as soon as we have obviously we will let you know,”
Better Communication From the Top
One of the biggest criticisms of former chairman Huw Jenkins was his perceived lack of transparency with the club’s fans. New chairman Trevor Birch is changing that and it’s making fans feel connected with the club once more.
Season Goals
Much will depend on whether McBurnie remains a Swansea player. His goals and all-round play are so important to the club and there is little time to bring in an adequate replacement. Swansea are holding out for £20 million to even be tempted to consider his sale. Fans will hope if he is sold that Cooper already has a replacement lined up.
The main goal will be to return to the Premier League, likely through the play offs. The loss of McBurnie would make that task tough and maybe a season of consolidation is the most the Swansea fans can expect.
Predictions
Championship – 8th
FA Cup- Third Round’
League Cup- Second Round
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