@ajmcglashan looks at the possibility of having a Swansea old boys management team in the future
The sporting world (including those Swans fans with previous United allegiances) has been focused on Old Trafford recently. Moyes’ departure has led to back pages full of pictures of the majority of the “Class of ‘92” taking United’s training and sitting at the dug out against Norwich. Seeing all of this has led me to ask the question, could we see some of the stand out performers of the promotion winning squad of 2010/11 (i.e. the Class of ’11) taking Swans training in the coming years?
There's been lots of talk about instilling a “Shanklyesque Boot Room” environment at the Liberty, and that's something that'd undoubtedly go down well with the fans, so I’ve put together what I see as the perfect managerial team from the “Class of ‘11” that could lead the Swans in the coming years:
Manager – Garry Monk
This choice picks itself. With Premier League survival guaranteed this weekend the odds are shortening and the momentum growing in favour of Monk being appointed manager for longer than just the “foreseeable future”. Although I have one or two doubts about Monk’s immediate appointment, and I am sure a large number of fans see him as still a bit of a gamble, there is no doubting Monk’s commitment to the team. I am sure however that at some point, if not this season, he’ll be appointed to lead the Swans to further glory (which will hopefully be chasing for Champions League honours by then given our current rate of success).
Assistant Manager – Ashley Williams
Many words can be used to describe Ash but the one I would go with is “leader”. The guy leads the Swans in every way; 100% application in matches and training; continuously setting the example by throwing his body on the line and is always the first to run in and out of the dressing room at half time (I love players who do that). For these reasons I see him as someone who demands respect from everyone working with him.
He’s therefore the ideal assistant manager. Can you imagine knowing you have to go in at half time after a poor performance knowing you have Ash and Monks waiting for you?! That’s enough incentive for any player to put in a performance, and there's a good chance they could put Fergie’s “hairdryer treatment” to shame. We should also be incredibly sound defensively with those guys in charge, and without Chico around the place the hairdryer will be free if required.
Coach - Leon Britton
I’m not sure I can add anything more to what has already been written about Brits over the past 10 seasons. I’ll just leave it at this – I bloody love him. I can’t think of anyone more perfect to help preserve the “Swansea Way” than good old Leon. His technical ability and passing is something we have been lucky to witness for many years now. He is therefore perfect to pass down all this wisdom and coach our upcoming stars about how to retain possession and play the right way. I have no doubt that even in years to come he’ll still be the best at each and every passing drill. The only issue may be getting him a box and potentially a megaphone to help project his voice.
Fitness Coach – Darren Pratley
This may be a controversial choice given the way Mr Pratley left the Swans for Bolton however, as happens with pretty much everyone who leaves the Swans, he’s probably wishing he didn’t! It can’t be much fun playing away at Yeovil on a wet and windy Tuesday whilst knowing the Swans are preparing for an away trip to Napoli.
Nonetheless, you cannot deny that Pratley did a good job whilst he was here and was always a consistent performer. He was a typical “box to box” player and could always be relied on to chip in with goals – no more importantly than THAT night at the Liberty against Notts Forest. His tireless running always impressed me and if he can get every member of the squad to his fitness levels then we’ll have a team that plays full throttle right to the 90th minute. He can also help demonstrate shooting from the halfway line – but he may have competition from Shelvey on the evidence of this Saturday!
Player Liaison Officer and Charity Secretary – Angel Rangel
I’ve put down Rangel for this dual role because I basically see him doing the same role currently. I can’t help but get the feeling that he is the “glue” that helps bond the new Spanish players with the rest of the squad. Although I fear that he has been severely tested in this role this year as tensions look like they have grown in the squad to some extent.
He’s clearly invaluable in terms of helping the latest Spanish recruits into Swansea life by showing them where Pizza Express and Joe’s are, telling them where the best bars on Wind Street are and where is good for parking in the city centre, so he should be very handy at doing this with all new recruits and ensuring that they all buy in to the “Swansea Way”.
Of course following his sandwich giving acts of generosity in the past, I have to install him also as the club’s “Charity Secretary”. Hopefully by the time he’s retired he's thought of more innovative ways of generating money for charity than sandwich giving - but he’s got plenty of time for that.
Social Secretaries – Alan Tate and Lee Trundle
Now I know that Trunds wasn’t part of the promotion winning squad but I have to have him as part of the managerial set up. The guy bleeds black and white and the same can also be said for Tate, so who better to be responsible for the social side of things than these two? As long as they don’t print t-shirts for everyone to wear (no one wants a repeat of the debacle over the Cardiff t-shirts following the LDV Vans Trophy win – no matter how funny it was) and avoid breaking legs on golf days out (I still don’t know how Tate managed that!) they’ll be golden.
They can also help out in training too. Trunds can chip in to help the forwards with some shooting and showboating skills and Tate can demonstrate how to back off wingers for a good 20 yards until someone comes and helps you out.
So there you have it. A managerial set up for the ages. It’s just a shame we may have to wait so many years for it! If you think there are other shouts for inclusions into this set up then let us know!
Follow Andrew on Twitter @ajmcglashan