The recent poor form at the end of games was again highlighted after the 1-0 loss away at Birmingham City yesterday. Against Nottingham Forest the same loss of concentration occurred at the end of the first half in the League Cup. Then the previous Saturday another goal was conceded against Hull City with seconds to go.

All of these goals in the last three games have been in injury time and although the Swans came back to win the game against Forest it’s yet another example. Two points dropped against Hull City and one at least against Birmingham City. Those three points would have seen the Swans in sixth place in the play offs today. Yes, fine margins but also a concerning common theme of late. It’s also been a common theme over the past three seasons.

Russell Martin, Michael Duff, Luke Williams and now Alan Sheehan have all seen their defences exposed to either lose games or draw right at the death. In Duff’s case his stand out fixture dropping points was at QPR in September 2023, and yes Lyndon Dykes bagged an equaliser for the R’s in the ninety second minute. Just as he did yesterday. Before that Russell Martin had numerous games lost or drawn in the dying minutes of a match. Remember that 3-4 home loss to Birmingham City ? There’s others. Luke Williams who took over from Michael Duff wasn’t any different. In October 2024 he lost a game at the death when Saturdays opponents, Millwall scored through Casper De Norre. A few weeks later having drawn level at 3-3 with Leeds United, Gnonto scored a fourth on ninety one minutes to give Leeds the points.

There are numerous other examples but what really stands out is the period of a game when the Swans do concede goals, and that’s for all of these managers. Between the seventieth and eightieth minutes is a timeframe when the Swans really do get dozy. See the Watford home draw as another example this season. So many goals conceded. And now this season our three examples of goals being ‘gifted’ to the opposition is splitting the Swans support. Some say Sheehan is doing okay (it can’t be described as fine with his last two league results) and others believe that Sheehan hasn’t got the strategic mindset to change his side during a game as illustrated during yesterdays loss. Much of this and from the other games played this season seems to be a desire to defend and not kill off games or have the ability finish off a game (Watford) when being pegged back.

As proof of how a team should be playing and performing was Oxford United’s 1-3 away win at Bristol City today. There was no deep defending, they were intense, closing down spaces and their third goal which knocked the stuffing out of the Robins came at the end of the game. Even after that Oxford did all the right things to ensure there was no injury time drama. Playing like that wins games, and that’s something it seems at this moment in time Sheehan hasn’t got in his locker. Help is there though.

This issue also falls straight at the feet of Assistant Head Coach, Darren O’Dea. His CV and coaching record spells out all the experience he has to stop this last minute rot. His desire to promote awareness, get players to understand when they need to be more invested in their role and with intensity should not be lost on anyone. Both he and Sheehan need to review this immediately.Yiu can read O’Dea’s areas of expertise below.

The last time the Swans played Millwall at the Swansea.com below (Oct 24) we saw another injury time loss. This was Millwall’s only shot on target in the game.

These are dropped points, and as we have seen these points over just eight days would have seen Swansea City in the Championship play offs. We should also not be complacent about the distance between the Swans and those relegation places, it’s just three points as it stands today. We have talked about the quiet revolution at Swansea City, but for it to be a success we need leaders with the ability to implement their match day strategy. Just as in every revolution there needs to be grit, determination and guile, and more importantly people to deliver that to their troops in away they understand and will sign up to.

Solidly.

With Saturdays game upcoming at the Swansea.com (12:30pm) against Millwall we will of course bring you all the news and views on the lead up to this fixture. You can be guaranteed that this will include our approach to football reporting which we know so many of you love, (and understand).

Photograph Casper De Norre : Millwall FC.

johnjubal1958 added 06:48 - Sep 22 Give the guy's a break! I've been at all the games this season and what I've seen their is lots to be encouraged about! The Birmingham game is understandable. They looked jaded at the end and that is why we lost. They switched off of a moment and that was that. Birmingham wasn't the win more and they got it! If our "goal" stood in the first half the outcome would have been different I'm sure of that! It's early day's yet and all teams are still finding their way. If things look bad at Xmas then you have every right to express your views and we will notice it ourselves too as fans! Playing a Wednesday night then travelling throws they body clock and it why they were not on top of their game against Birmingham City. Sheezy is not the first to comment on the issue about the format and poor timing of games selections and he won't be the last until that format is updated and changed, and yes it can be improved upon! We haven't had an awful start so give the guy's a break. I don't know about you but I see a lot of positives in this team and coaching staff I'm convinced they will turn it around once every is up to speed. Look at the table, one win would put us on the same points as the in 3rd place! Have a little faith and trust. After all many of us publicity state we believe that Sheezy is the man for the job right! Just be patient because I'm more than confident we will be right there at then of the season will Sheezy and his stuff at the helm!

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johnjubal1958 added 12:55 - Sep 22 One last thing! If the club is putting out feeler to see how the fanbase reacts then it isn't doing itself any favours! If you are a true fan then you won't be as negative by pointing the figure of blame! What you are doing is inviting a negative response that will drag the club downward. You maybe aware of what you are doing, but that is exactly what you are doing! I've noted I still have a yellow triangle with an explanation mark in the middle on my two previous comments! So much for free speech when the author dictates who get to see what is what! In the case I'm more than happy you don't publish those above comments, but it don't take a genius to figure out what you are up to. Stop seeking feedback with your negative comments, because if you are not careful you'll start a fire you can't put out. You'll get exactly what you asked for and will being helping Sheezy out the door a lot sooner than we want him to go!!! The fans are on board and they are not expecting overnight success. However, they can see where the club wants to go. That take a positive mental approach and not a negative one! Have a nice day Jack😁👍

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KeithHaynes added 18:15 - Sep 22 Think you’re missing the point, again.
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KeithHaynes added 18:23 - Sep 22 Yes the yellow warning triangle is for people who use certain words instead of dialogue, one of yours had just that. It seems you haven’t grasped the actual content of the report nor understood why it is out there. There’s certain people here and out there who run websites who if it were not for them you wouldn’t have a club to follow. We always accept dialogue but not with elements of oddness attached to them. This was put together by the Indy team and it is based on facts. As for your message of careful what you wish for, it seems you have completely misconstrued the report and taken offence on behalf of those reported on. Honestly, they couldn’t care about anyone least of all you and me. We report what we want btw. And 29k views on this report alone tells us there’s interest and always has been in this website. Thanks for reading, Jack 😉

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liamW added 12:42 - Sep 23 It’s a sad day when people can’t see a report for what it is. And even more sadder they take offence on behalf of people they don’t even know. This is a viable and accurate take on what the problem exactly is regards this subject.
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