Saturday 27 July 2013

Augustien to join Brighton

Dutch midfielder seemingly set to join The Seagulls


It seems that Kemy has found himself a new club, and in all honesty there's probably a sizable section of the Swansea faithful who, while they weren't necessarily hoping for him to depart, have no problem with him moving on to pastures new. In recent times it seems he's struggled for fitness, and with questions marks over his professionalism I for one am pleased to see him move on to a club where, hopefully, he can finally settle down and show what he's really capable of.

One thing that's never been in doubt with Kemy is his ability. His first touch, close control and long passing are as good as anyone's at the club, but it's his inconsistency (perhaps exacerbated by fitness problems) which has seen him fall out of favour in SA1. Well, his inconsistency, coupled with going out drinking with the Cardiff lads two days before the Wigan game, and accruing a shitload of points on his driving license. Not the example you want a senior pro setting for the younger lads in the squad; I wonder what softly-spoken Ben Davies made of his antics? With the Swans so keen to instill a family-club ethos, any player who gets up to anything remotely close to that will swiftly find themselves heading for the exit.

It's a shame, because I do really like Kemy as a player, and I'm sure I'd get on with him like a house on fire away from football, but that doesn't stop me from thinking I'd prefer it if he found another employer now. He's tweeted today:















Rumour has it he's finalising a deal with Brighton which would make him on of new boss Oscar Garcia's first signings. Good luck to him; hopefully he can settle down and show people what he's really capable of.

Swansea to face Reading


The Swans travel to face The Royals today, finally knowing their opponents in the Europa League this coming Thursday. With Malmo FF waiting in the wings, this is the first "real" test (apologies to Yeovil and Den Haag) that the Swans have faced, and given Reading's recent PL status we have to view this as a serious warm-up game - to help the players prepare for our opening competitive fixture if nothing else.

As mentioned on Thursday, I'm wondering whether the Swans pre-season fixtures have been competitive enough, however one thing's for sure is that there won't be a lack of self-belief given the positive results so far. We can only hope that continues today and that another win is secured, as the team look to pick up some more confidence ahead of what will no doubt be a stern test when Malmo come to town.