POTTER THRILLED BY WINNING START
GRAHAM Potter was full of praise for the his team and the Swans’ travelling army of fans after getting his reign in the club’s hot-seat off to an impressive winning start at Sheffield United.
Potter’s side fell behind when United’s George Baldock steered the ball home on 62 minutes.
But they roared back into the contest and levelled nine minutes later through Oli McBurnie before debutant Yan Dhanda grabbed a sensa- tional winner.
“I am delighted with the result and I am very proud of many aspects of the performance,” Potter said.
“We were not perfect, as you would expect, but it’s the opening game of the season and the start of a process.
“When we went a goal down, you are wondering how we will respond, but the players were amazing and all credit to them.”
Meanwhile Potter has confirmed that Mike van der Hoorn is the club’s new captain, but insists his appointment has not been influenced by the uncertainty around fellow centreback Federico Fernadez
Both players played the full 90 minutes of Swansea’s impressive victory at Bramall Lane.
Van der Hoorn is expected to inject some much-needed experience into what is a youthful looking Swans side, but the future of Fernandez remains uncertain.
Having been linked with moves to Russia and Newcastle United this summer, the defender could yet leave SA1 before the close of the transfer window next week, but Potter says the current situation has had no bearing on his choice of skipper for the coming season.
“I’ve been impressed with Mike’s character and as a player and a person,” said Potter.
“I think he’s good in the group. This is probably not something he’s done before but I think he can grow into it and the same with Leroy.
“I made an assessment on the group that we have here and that seemed to be the right call for me and those two guys have been great for me, Fede also. This is a bit of a change and that would be for the best.”
One man who looks certain to be off the books at the Liberty Stadium soon is midfielder Sam Clucas who’s closing in on a move to Burnley.
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