recognising that there is such a wide difference of opinion (thank the lord) on this site, and that there are different levels of optimism/pessimism excitement/caution etc.
I wonder what SC's report card would say if you were doing a probationary appraisal.
I will kick it off by saying that I am VERY encouraged by what I have seen summarised as follows:
* Obviously wants to play a possession based game with the emphasis on attack, and is putting that into action
* The one piece of actual recruitment was a solid professional (with upside) in a position of massive need - and when pressed on other areas for improvement he has variously mentioned centre back and attackers with pace - I believe his assessment of the squad is close to mine!
* he continues to give the youngsters a chance - and is supporting them in the media, and resisting throwing them under the bus when inevitable mistakes are made
* Recognises the need to address goalkeeping and set pieces and has added MM to the coaching team to help with this
* Wants us to get more bodies in the box and take more shots - so VERY positive in approach
* Keeps his trap shut in the media about prospective transfer targets - hopefully until they are pictured in a Swans shirt
* Was the choice of TB AC and LB and therefore has a close working relationship with the leaders both on/off the pitch
* Talks about the discipline of professionals on/off the field and the togetherness of the squad - VERY important, and seems to be choosing his skipper as a role model for the young players.
the negatives for me are largely too early to judge BUT
* We seem to continue to ship goals from set pieces - NO progress
* To date we have not seen any of the contacts he has with young talent and large clubs translate into help in recruitment
* our friendlies have been largely a procession when our best team are on the field - so we are untested against better opposition who want to get in our face and disrupt us
On the whole VERY pleased with what I have seen so far - am I alone?