Declan: Signs are promising for next season

Declan John believes the Swans can look to loftier heights next season after an encouraging first year under Graham Potter.

The Swans finished their first year back in the Championship with a 10th-placed finish – nine points off the play-off spots.

A resurgent run of form saw Potter lead his side to five wins and three draws from their last nine games, though their play-off hopes were ended after a 2-2 draw with Hull City in late April.

The season saw a number of players leave the club following relegation from the Premier League, but Potter’s decision to hand the Swans’ young crop opportunities to shine certainly paid off.

The likes of Daniel James, Matt Grimes, George Byers, Joe Rodon, Connor Roberts and Oli McBurnie became key figures in Potter’s plans, with the Swans one of the leading clubs in the EFL for minutes totalled by players aged 23 or under.

And John, who joined the Swans from Rangers last summer, believes the Jack Army can look forward to another exciting campaign next season under Potter.

“I think we’ve had a good season when you consider all that went on last summer following relegation from the Premier League,” said John.

“The club had to move on quickly, and the manager has done a very good job of assessing the team quickly and getting the team to play the style of football that Swansea fans expect to see.

“If you look at the table, not many would have put us where we finished because we had so many young players in the team.

“Next season the aim has to be to get into the play-offs. We all want to get back into the Premier League and with the talent we have here then that is a real possibility.”