Graham Potter calls for calm from 'frustrated' Swansea fans over lack of summer transfers
'I think the club has spent money in the past and money in itself doesn’t necessarily solve the problem'
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Your support makes all the difference.Graham Potter says he “understands the frustration” of Swansea fans who were angered by their lack of signings in the transfer window, arguing that not every problem can be solved with money.
Following the club's relegation from the Premier League last season, 12 players headed for the exit door in South Wales, four of which came on deadline day this week. With two of those also being defenders, it left captain Mike van der Hoorn as the only centre-back in the senior squad.
During their 1-0 win over Preston North End, there were chants from the stands of “where’s the money gone?” and “we want Jenkins out” directed at the owners and chairman Huw Jenkins.
Speaking out after the game, which also marked Potter's debut at the Liberty Stadium, the new boss called on fans to have trust in the club’s judgement over transfers going forward, stressing the importance of having players that want to be there.
“I understand frustration,” he said, “I can’t control too much of what’s happened over the past, and you understand in that context there’s disappointment. I think the club has spent money in the past and money in itself doesn’t necessarily solve the problem. We have to solve it in a good way, in a sensible way. In a way with an idea, and we have to make sure that the principles – in that the money is spent – are solid.”
“There’s a point in every window where you have to make sure that you’ve got the players out that don’t want to be here,” he added. “Otherwise, players can’t grow and develop that are here. So I understand the frustration around, they want the external solution, and I get that. But for me I just try to focus on the group that we have. Focus on the solution internally. And we’ll keep working because there is a [loan] window that’s still open.
"There’s a chance we’ll get some players, but again they have to be the right ones. This time last year there were two loan signings, big loan fees, big transfer fees and players. Everyone’s excited, but they don’t turn out as everyone would like. It’s about the right people, the right profile of player, and then working with the group."
Swansea’s only goal against Preston came from Jay Fulton, which was also his first league finish for the club since he joined in 2014. In another first, due to the lack of defenders, Potter brought in 20-year-old Joe Rodon to make his debut at centre-back.
The manager said, in reference to the transfer window, that if the deals don’t work out it’s not always best to look away from the squad already available to fill the gap – allowing younger players, like Rodon, a chance to step up.
“Sometimes the timing doesn’t fit,” he said. “Sometimes the sale comes in, but you know you can bring someone in a bit later so you’ve got a bit of time – it doesn’t all fit in together. If you bring in a centre-back then Joe [Rodon] doesn’t play. Joe doesn’t have his debut and suddenly there’s not that development process going on. So we’re always aware of the internal solution.
“There’s also some good players here, and there’s an academy we spend a lot of money in, and we try to develop players in. And I think it’s important that they get to feel that there’s an opportunity to play rather than externally keep looking for a solution.”
In spite of the Swans' transfer predicament, they now have back-to-back victories and a 100-per-cent record to be thankful for, leaving them in fourth place. Potter was quick to acknowledge the support from the fans, and the relief it gave him to grab a win after a stressful week.
"[I'm] very proud of the players, very proud of the supporters. The environment was one I was very proud of," he said. “I think of course [with] the week we’ve had, the players are really thankful of the support they got, because I thought it was amazing. I thought they stuck with the players. They knew it was a bit of a huff and puff at times. They carried on supporting the guys. And despite everything we were together as a group of players and supporters, and I think that’s why it deserves that recognition."
Swanea's next match is a trip to Birmingham City on Friday. The Blues have picked up just a point from the first two games.
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