Potter: We must improve in 2019

Graham Potter hopes Swansea City can give supporters plenty to cheer in 2019 as the curtain comes down on a challenging 2018.

The Swans kick off a new year against Reading at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday, seeking to end a run of three games without a win.

It comes on the back of 12 months which saw the club lose its Premier League status and undergo an overhaul in coaching and playing staff over the summer.

Potter – who was appointed manager in June – knows there is plenty of work to be done by all concerned at Swansea City, despite there being reasons for encouragement in the emergence of a group of young players over the first half of the Championship campaign.

But he is keen to start 2019 in positive fashion and ensure supporters have plenty of reasons for optimism in the coming 12 months.

“It’s probably been a tough year for everybody but what we want is to try and build on the things that have been positive,” said Potter.

“The second-half response of the players and supporters together (against Wigan) was something to be very proud of.

“I can’t thank them enough for the support they have given us since we have been here.

“We want to carry that into 2019.

“I think quite clearly that myself and everybody connected with Swansea City has to improve for our supporters.

“That is the challenge, that is the business we are in and we are aware of the responsibility.

“I think the supporters can see the effort and the desire the players have.

“They are a really good bunch, fantastic to work with and in the second half against Wigan you could see their personality and character on the pitch to respond to a difficult situation that we found ourselves in.

“We’ve been through a tough period of restructuring in the summer and trying to get the group together.

“We have done some things well and there are thing we can improve.”