Swifts captain aims to bag some silver
Anton wants to lead club to league and cup success
The competitive season kicksoff this weekend but already Jeanfield Swifts captain Chris Anton is targeting silverware.
The Riverside full-back has his sights set high as the Perth side prepare for a Saturday cup clash away at Bo’ness United.
Anton (31) wants Swifts to start the season on the front foot as he looks to lead the club to league and cup success in the senior ranks.
“Looking at the league, we know quite a few of the teams and we’re capable of beating all of them,” he said.
“You need to think as high as you can. We want to be up there challenging for the league.
“Some of the teams, we don’t know what they are like but there is going to be enjoyment in playing them.
“With the capability we have in the squad we can definitely challenge for the league this year.
“There are a lot of the cups as well and we want a good run. We want to make sure we stay into the latter rounds and even get to a final.
“Everyone wants to play in finals in their career and that is maybe why some of the boys have come here.
“You want to win - that is why we’re all here.”
Anton is excited about Swifts’ chances this campaign having watched new signings - four from SPFL teams settle in to the club with ease.
“There have been quite a lot of new players come in so we’re trying to find everyone’s best position and get used to playing with each other.
“We have a lot of good, attacking options and you can see that there is a lot more competition for places.
“Attendance has been very good at training. Jack Parr has come in with the fitness stuff. The boys are on board, eating right.
“Jack has been changing the warmup a little, telling us why we’re doing certain things and bringing in the weights.
“Making the step going into the new league and bringing boys in that have been senior, people are looking at Jeanfield as a place players want to come and play now.
“That is what we want. We want the best young talent that maybe haven’t had their chance or haven’t been lucky enough to get the run of the games they wanted.
“The park is beautiful and the games we’ll be playing in will be competitive.”
This weekend’s Qualifying League Section I opponents Bo’ness will certainly offer up a competitive test.
“Bo’ness are one of these teams where, every time we’ve played them down there, we’ve not really played that well,” Anton said.
“Last year we played them at the Riverside and beat them 2-0, which was probably one of our better performances that season.
“They were going through a transitional period with boys leaving going to other clubs so we maybe got them at a good time.
“The last twice we’ve been down there we’ve been hit for five so we’re hoping for better things this year. We’re well set up for it.
“I’ve looked at some of Bo’ness’ results and they’ve done well. They drew with Auchinleck and won 4-1 the other night.
“This is coming into my fifth or sixth season with Jeanfield and it’s been sad to leave the juniors.
“You always wanted a Perth team established in the Super League. It’s what you wanted for the city and we managed to do that.
“Leaving as a Super League team was a good thought.
“Now it’s on to better things and, looking forward, we want to get as high up the leagues as possible. The sky is the limit for Jeanfield.” Chris Anton