Swansea pick up wins in their first two friendlies as they look to get up to speed ahead of the new season
As suspected, I spent the entire weekend on the Brighton promenade, hawking the wares of my friend's clothing company, and as such I was unable to catch any of the sport. I didn't time that one too well to be honest, missing the Lions smashing Australia and Murray becoming the first British winner of Wimbledon in donkey's years, but in truth I spent more of my time wondering how the Swans had been getting on in Holland (and whether a certain striker had agreed terms).
They kicked off their pre-season shenanigans with a match against FC Gravenzande - very much an amateur side and the Swans seemed to take their time about things, using the game to get up to speed and get their passing game going. The game was a bit of a dead rubber, but finished 2-0 to the Welsh side thanks to goals from Ki Sung-Yueng & Pablo Hernandez. The Spaniard was pleased to get off the mark so early on in pre-season:
"Considering it was our first game, we enjoyed good possession.It wasn't easy because we are not 100 per cent fit. It's always better to win, but more important for us now is the hard work we do to ensure we start next month 100 per cent fit and ready.
"Obviously I am happy to score in the first game, but the goal is secondary to me. It's the work that comes first." Pablo Hernandez
The game saw the inclusion of many of the club's new signings, as did the second game - against Excelsior - who despite supposedly being a class above the Swans' previous Dutch opponents took a bit of a pasting 5-1, with the goals coming from Lamah, Donnelly, Pozuelo, Gorre & Dyer. Good to see some different names popping up on the score sheet, but notable for me was how much Ki seemed to be getting forward. Is it possible he's trying to make a point in pre-season? With attacking midfield options secured in Pozuelo & Shelvey, it's imperative he sticks his head above the parapet in the next few games if he's any hope of figuring in a more advanced mifield role this season.
Another player who's hoping to force his way into the first-team reckoning is Jazz Richards, who's spoken to the official site regarding his plans for the new season:
"I went on loan to gain experience and get some game-time so you can return and push for a spot in the team. Obviously Angel is going strong and doing very well, but I hope to be a part of things this season. I don't know if I will go out on loan again, but you never know what can happen during pre-season.
"Just look at Ben [Davies]; he was among the best players we had in pre-season last year, and he went on to have a great season. When Tayls got injured, Ben went straight in because he had a great pre-season and was fit, sharp and ready.
"That's what it is all about. You go into pre-season, get your fitness in and show the manager what you can do. Then it's up to the manager. So that's what I'm hoping to do." Jazz Richards
Personally I thought he did very well when he featured for us in the PL, and as a right-back I think he could have a good future at the club. With youth on his side, he's got plenty of time to add a bit of defensive savvy to his name, and with a decent first touch, good passing ability and a great engine he's a tidy player to have kicking around the squad. While it seems Tiendalli won't be retained (which is a shame as he was excellent for us) I think Jazz will seize this opportunity with both hands and we'll see more of him this year.
Swansea expected to finalise £13million deal for Wilfried Bony
It looks like it's finally happening. Fingers crossed, touch wood and all manner of other superstitious sayings are no doubt being rolled out across South Wales as Huw & co try to iron out the creases in what would be a record signing for the Swans, and a record fee received for Vitesse. The transfer is believed to be over £10million up front, with £13million being the top end fee if all add-on's come to fruition, and it's a real, real statement of intent from the Swansea board.
"Until it is signed we cannot speak about an agreement, but there are only a few details now. We want it done by lunchtime [Monday] or so. We have the last few details to sort with his representative, but that won't be a problem.
"He will have his medical in Holland before joining up with the team." HuwaJenkins speaking to Dutch paper De Telegraaf
Quite a few people were sniping cynically for weeks and weeks about how the lack of ambition in the transfer market could cost the Swans dearly, however in pursuing Bony they've shown that (if they believe the player is right for the Swans) they have no problem spending money to get him. One thing that can't be said of other clubs too, is that as fans we know that if we're bidding £13million, it's because we can damn well afford it. How much remains in the Liberty coffers remains to be seen, but with around £20million spent (assuming the Bony deal goes through) hoping for further big-money signings may be futile.
Of all the strikers we've been linked with this summer, Wilfried Bony seems to be the one that excites the fans, and his goal return also far exceeds that of any of the others too. Stay tuned as it seems we could be hearing something imminently - but then again, we have been hearing that all weekend...