Oli will need some help
AT the full-time whistle, Swansea City fans around the Liberty let out an audible sigh of relief.
For the players on the pitch, there was a huge collective puff of the cheeks, too.
Because they had run their socks off (or down, in Oli McBurnie’s case) to secure all three points in Graham Potter’s first home game in charge.
After the elation of victory came the pangs of fatigue.
As the players left the pitch in the South Wales drizzle, it was interesting to note that a number of the players looked out on their feet.
Jay Fulton, who had worked tirelessly, pressed and harried for the full 90-plus minutes, looked absolutely shattered as he headed towards the tunnel, the Swansea coaching staffs’ pats on the back giving him that extra boost he needed to make it to the sanctuary of the dressing room.
McBurnie, too, had chased down lost causes and put the hurry on Preston’s backline all afternoon. He was like a man possessed.
Back in the changing room, the Scottish pair posed for a picture, which McBurnie shared on Twitter.
“Wow that was a graft from the boys !!!! Another 3 points and the fans were unreal. Thanks to my big mate for getting me out of trouble, us Scots stick together @ Jayfulton penalty practise for me Monday morning @ SwansOfficial,” he wrote.
It isn’t exactly breaking news to see sportsmen tired after a match, but the fact there was no other striker on the bench or much in the way of midfield back-up illustrated a telling point.
Leroy Fer, a surprise inclusion on the team sheet, was brought on to shore up a game Swansea were in danger of losing in the latter stages.
Although the sight of Fer back on the pitch was a welcome one, Potter’s decision to bring him on will have been one he thought long and hard about.
There is no suggestion that the Dutchman was rushed back at all, but another few faces in the selection mix would be most welcome.
We all know about the Ryan Woods saga, but with that ship now likely to have sailed, others will need to be looked at. The same goes for up top.
Wilfried Bony strolled on to the pitch at full time to congratulate his teammates and applaud the crowd (as every single one of the players did too, it is important to point out) but his rehabilitation is not as advanced as Fer’s.
McBurnie, who is still getting accustomed to 90-minute football week in, week out, cannot be expected to lead the line on his own without support. He simply must have help.
The manager, for his part, has confirmed Swansea will be active in the loan market.
“I am aware we need to carry on improving the group we have. It’s a long season, but that’s not to the detriment of the players who are here,” he said.
“I wouldn’t say there will be many more coming in, but there’s a chance that we will get some players.
“What we must do is get the right ones. It’s about getting the right players who want to play for Swansea City.”
Swansea have a perfect start, six points from two games.
The squad balance is far from perfect, but loan additions, even just a couple in key areas, would make this team one to be reckoned with.