Gunnion rates his Swifts as strongest

Jeanfield Swifts manager Ross Gunnion reckons the current squad is the strongest he’s ever seen at the club.

That was the message after watching his players dismantle Stirling University to the tune of 9-1 at the weekend.

Hat-tricks for Robbie Holden and Paul Simpson were joined by Connor McLaren’s double. Gary Fergus had earlier opened the scoring.

Swifts moved up to second in the Conference C, one point behind Broxburn Athletic, and Gunnion said: “I was very happy with the performance.

“We showed a ruthless streak which we had maybe been lacking a little in recent weeks.

“Straight from the off we were on the front foot, pressing and taking the game to Stirling. The score line certainly didn’t flatter us.

“To do that to a welldrilled, fit team such as Stirling is very impressive and the players deserve the

plaudits.

“It’s without doubt the strongest squad I’ve seen at Jeanfield and I’m delighted with the ability, attitude and strength in depth we have.

“We’ve worked hard and the committee have backed us in bringing in the best young talent at this level in and around Perth.

“The quality we have is second to none in the area. The challenge for this group now is to go on and win silverware.”

Holden’s trio of goals pushed him through the 100 mark and Gunnion was full of praise for the experienced striker.

The Swifts boss is backing Holden to continue his scoring form for the remainder of the season.

“Robbie came back into the starting line-up after struggling with a few niggling injuries of late and was excellent,”Gunnion said.

“He was back to his best and led the line extremely well.

“His goals were excellent but he was central to the majority of our attacking moves and that’s what was even more pleasing.

“On a personal note, to pass the 100 goal mark for the club is excellent for him and shows how good a servant he’s been.”

The comfortable win witnessed new signings Scott and Fraser Smith make appearances after joining from Broughty Athletic.

Gunnion said:“We got to introduce Scott and Fraser Smith for the first time since signing them from Broughty.

“When the opportunity came along we couldn’t pass it up as both are outstanding players and have excellent attitudes.

“They’re still young and fit the mould of the team we’re building here and I’ve no doubt both will be welcome additions to the squad.”