Five Swans hopes for next season

As this poor season for Swansea City comes to an end, now is a good time to start looking forward to the 2016/17 campaign. While there is lots of work to be done over the summer, here are five hopes for next season that we can all agree on…

1) A fresh start

A pretty obvious one, but a fresh start is essential to ensure no part of this feeble season lingers into 2016/17. A good clear out is in order, with players like Bafetimbi Gomis, Ki Sung Yueng (unless he’s willing to shape up), and Kyle Bartley the first to go. Then we can start to bring in some fresh faces. And while I like Francesco Guidolin, it seems the vast majority of fans feel another managerial change is needed. And if it means consistent, entertaining football from Swansea, so be it.

2) More goals

Like many other Swans fans, I was surprised (but not shocked) to realise that the 3-1 victory over Liverpool last weekend was the first time all season that the Swans had scored more than two goals in a league game. Goals have certainly been at a premium for the club all season, and it’s been a drag to watch. So more goals are definitely needed. And it may help if we can find…

3) A striker that can score

Bafetimbi Gomis and Alberto Paloschi haven’t really done the job, leaving it up to Gylfi Sigurdsson and Andre Ayew to nab the majority of goals this year. It would therefore be nice to have a striker that can score goals consistently. Someone in the same mould as Wilfried Bony, who you can rely on to stick one in the back of the net on a weekly basis.

4) A go at the FA Cup

In the club’s Premier League era, we have seen the Swans take down the biggest teams, as well as set new records, win the League Cup and enjoy a little European football. However one thing that still eludes the club in their 104 year history is winning the FA Cup. So what better way of showing the world that the Swans can still write fairy-tales than by winning the prestigious trophy, or at least having a good bash at it next season? It’s been a while since we’ve had a day out at Wembley, and we could do with it!

5) More stability

One thing lacking this year was stability at all levels. Garry Monk began the season well, but when it all fell apart there were weeks of speculation about his future. Then there was equal uncertainty over the arrival of a new manager (would we even have one?) until Guidolin was appointed… but even his future with the club has been questioned over the past few weeks. Add to that the ongoing ‘will they/won’t they’ American takeover and constant threat of relegation, and it’s been a very unsettled year. So it would be nice for 2016/17 to start and end with one manager, a settled squad and stable ownership.