Manager for a week but it seems like a lifetime because so much has happened in the past seven days.
Two matches, my first signing and now planning for Sunday’s derby at Cardiff. Never a dull moment in football and that’s the way it should be.
Winning at Doncaster was a huge relief for everyone after a run of poor results. It was a great start for me but for that I’ve got to thank the players.
Under difficult circumstances they responded magnificently and I was far more pleased for them than myself with three goals and three points.
I know Doncaster have been having a rough time, but our results had not been much better. Winning there has given us a little breathing space to get things organised the way I want and to generate a really good team spirit.
That was one of our strengths at Fulham and I want to see Swansea operating the same way.
I’ve inherited a very enthusiastic bunch of lads who are willing to learn and that’s the best thing about them.
But I wasn’t fooled by the Doncaster result and after Monday’s disappointing performance against Conwy it’s pretty obvious to anyone with just a little knowledge about the game that we need a few older heads around to help the younger players to progress further.
Some of the younger ones need a rest. Hopefully, once we’ve strengthened the squad I’ll be able to do just that.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not about to trot out excuses for Conwy. They were obviously delighted with a point but I think they were probably surprised as well because we should really have beaten them out of sight with all the chances we created.
By the time the knockout stages come around we’ll get it right. Signing Nick Cusack from Fulham will go a long way towards that aim.
I had Nick under me at Craven Cottage and I know he will be a tremendous asset to Swansea. He has all the qualities I feel we need and his ability to play in different positions is vital at a club where there is simply not enough competition for places.
Nick will be in our side at Cardiff on Sunday, a tough baptism for any new player. It’s a match which is bound to arouse the old passions and rivalry because it’s a local derby.
I know from my days at Sheffield Utd how much derby games mean, not just to the players but the fans as well.
They are always very competitive and this time both clubs will be under the TV spotlight.
My message to our fans who intend going to the game is quite simple. Enjoy the occasion and please be on your best behaviour. I sincerely hope we can serve up the right result. If we don’t it will not be for any lack of effort.
On a personal note, I’d like to dispel any talk suggesting my stay at Swansea will be short. I am totally focused and committed to the cause.
I’ve just moved into a flat and I wouldn’t be messing about doing that if I didn’t want to stay.
My contract has been typed out and all it needs now is for me to look it over. Mind you that might take me a fortnight. It’s 74 pages long…