Western Mail

Hartson: Things looking up for Swans

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JOHN Hartson believes Swansea City are destined for better things under Paul Clement as they prepare to round off their pre-season preparatio­ns against Sampdoria.

Head coach Clement is preparing for his first full season at the helm after helping the Swans escape the drop following his January arrival last term.

While the Gylfi Sigurdsson saga continues to hang over Swansea, and further additions to the arrivals of Tammy Abraham, Roque Mesa and Erwin Mulder pending as a result, former Wales, Arsenal and Celtic striker Hartson is confidence an improvemen­t of last season’s 15thplace finish awaits.

“Swansea finished last season really strongly under Paul Clement,” said Hartson, who is part of S4C’s live coverage of the Sampdoria game today.

“Having a full summer and preseason with Clement at the helm should stand the Swans in good stead for the new season. He did ever so well to steer them away from relegation and keep them up last season. He’s got a good bunch of players down there and I strongly believe that they should do better this forthcomin­g season.”

And Swansea-born Hartson expects Serie A side Sampdoria to provide just the sort of stern test Clement’s men will need before they kick-off the new season at Southampto­n on August 12.

“Sampdoria have always had great teams and excellent managers over the years,” he said. “When I was with Arsenal I remember beating them on penalties over two legs in the semifinal of the European Cup Winners Cup in 1995.

“They are a very good Serie A side and it’s sure to be a very competitiv­e match which is just what the Swans need.”

The match will be shown on S4C and webcast on s4c.cymru, with coverage starting at 5.00pm and kick off at 5.15pm. The Sgorio coverage will be available to watch throughout the UK. Commentary is available in Welsh and English

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> John Hartson.

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