Dominic O’Shea sends in his latest article to Vital Swansea, and asks which department of the squad has contributed the most to our success?
Dare we say it? Even think it? Whatever the case maybe, if we didn’t already know it, we are in the Championship.
A hard-earned victory against Gillingham saw us gain the promotion we craved and wanted from top to bottom.
I think what has been key this season for us, is the defence, despite some people’s berating, it has in fact been the platform upon which we have mounted our title challenge.
Although Dennis Lawrence and Alan Tate have sometimes displayed a knack for occasional clangers, it is indeed the defence in my opinion that has been the key.
In the previous 2 seasons, we have displayed the ability to score plenty of goals, only to concede late goals, particularly when in charge of League One in season 05/06.
This season, the versatility of Angel Rangel and Marcos Painter at full-back, coupled with the re-emergence of Garry Monk at centre-back, and the continued improvement of Dennis Lawrence, has allowed our more attacking players to flourish.
Our first choice back five of De Vries – Painter Monk Lawrence Rangel has not been beaten in the league since Leeds in September, and it is without Monk that we have looked our shakiest in recent weeks.
The midfield of course, should not be forgotten. the trio of Bodde, Britton and Pratley have done wonders for us, particularly when we were struggling at home early on, and god knows how we have missed Bodde at home in recent weeks. They have contributed creativity, energy and goals, Bodde 9 in particular, and this contribution should not be sniffed at.
It would be doing the Swansea squad a disservice to dismiss the attack, after all, we are the most attacking side in the division.
Jason Scotland, despite his critics now and previously has contributed an invaluable 29 goals and that cannot be argued with. I have taken many student friends to see games, and they have all lamented his lack of work ethic, but point to the statistics, which unfortunately are often just as important unfortunately, and Jason is the leading scorer for the club and division.
What a replacement for Lee Trundle. An honourable mention should go to the trio of Bauza, and loan signings Brandy and Feeney, who all contributed valuable goals which clinched points. Ultimately the season never quite kicked off for Darryl Duffy, but I believe he will be in our Championship squad, as one of the few who has experience at that level if nothing else.
In my opinion, and somewhat controversially, I think our defence, and my player of the year Garry Monk have won us promotion and all the plaudits….What do you think???
