'Development is happening'

Graham Potter reckons his new-look Swansea City side are heading in the right direction ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Ipswich Town.

The Swans were left licking wounds in the summer following their relegation from the Premier League and the departure of a host of senior players.

But Potter, who took charge at the Liberty in June, has lifted spirits in SA1, with his youthful team getting results courtesy of the manager’s brand of positive, eye-catching football.

The Swans are seventh in the Championship table, outside the play-off places on goal difference, as they approach league fixture No. 12 of a 46-game season.

And while he insists there is plenty of work to be done, Potter is pleased with the progress his team are making.

“I think we are still a work in progress – we are still trying to work out and learn about ourselves,” said the Swans manager.

“We have had some good performances and some that were not so good. We have been fortunate to get some points and unfortunate not to get more points in other games. That’s the competition.

“But overall I think you can see there’s a development happening.

“The pleasing thing for me is the resilience and competitiveness we have had throughout our performances and the desire to play for each other.

“The connection between the players and the supporters is growing all the time and that is the most important thing at any club.

“There is a lot to be happy with but we are also aware that there are still improvements to be made.”

Potter’s team have the second-best defensive record in the Football League having conceded only six Championship goals so far.

They have not been prolific at the other end of the pitch, although there have been positive signs this week.

The Swans registered their biggest victory under Potter as they eased past Queens Park Rangers last Saturday, while they created a number of big opportunities in Tuesday’s goalless draw at Wigan.

“I have said all along that we want an attacking style of play but, if you are not defensively organised and resilient, you can’t achieve anything,” Potter added.

“When you look at our defensive record so far, we have done quite well. The way we have defended has been pleasing too – our disciplinary record is quite good.

“We have shown organisation, but the big thing is that the players are showing that willingness to fight for each other and to do the ugly part of the game.

“That gives us the foundation to play the possession style we want.

“Ultimately, it’s about trying to improve our performances so we can win games. We want to create more chances and we did that against Wigan.

“On another night we would have scored, but that’s football.”