3 things we learnt from Swansea City’s 2015/16 Premier League season

Swansea City have had a rollercoaster of a season. They started off with an impressive draw away at Chelsea, which was followed by two home wins against Newcastle and Manchester United. However, the next four months were to be very disappointing, with the club dramatically declining and eventually finding themselves in the relegation battle.

Garry Monk was sacked in December, and eventually replaced with Francesco Guidolin in January, with the Italian coming in and helping the Swans claw their way out of the bottom three and into a mid-table finish.

The 12th-placed conclusion to the campaign put an end to one of the maddest season’s Swansea have ever had.

Here’s three things learned from the 2015/16 Premier League campaign.

1. Swansea need to spend more money.

Last summer, Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins spent just under £10million, which is a far cry from any other clubs in the league. For the past decade or so, Jenkins has gotten away with not spending much in the transfer market, however last summer it came back to bite him – and Swansea City.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins needs to give manager Francesco Guidolin more money to strengthen the squad this summer. Photo: Simon Stacpoole/Offside.

Portuguese striker Eder signed for £5million, but proved to be a very unspectacular signing. He failed to score in 15 appearances and was then sent out on loan to Lille in January. Left-back Franck Tabanou joined the Welsh club for £3.5million and was another ‘flop’. He wasn’t up to standard and then went to the French press complaining when he couldn’t get into the team. Kristoffer Nordfeldt was the other signing, and has been Lukasz Fabianski’s understudy.

This summer, Jenkins needs to splash some cash if we are to avoid another campaign in a relegation fight. A new striker is needed, and you won’t get a proven goalscorer on the cheap. A few extra players need to come in as well, and with the extra money from the new TV deal, it’s time to stop being stubborn and to spend some money.

2. We can’t take success for granted.

In the past decade, Swansea have continued to progress every single season. From 2005, it’s been an upward spiral with promotions, League Cup success as well as Premier League solidarity. However, we haven’t progressed this term.

It was always a monumental task to top the eighth place finish from 2014/15, but it really was unsettling to see us struggle as we haven’t really had any continuous battles since 2003. The players weren’t used to the pressure of a real relegation fight, and you could see how unnerved the team was out on the pitch.

However, Guidolin did come in and take the pressure off, which helped the Swans’ cause. Maybe we needed a ‘bad’ season to make sure everyone at the club stays level-headed.

3. Despite the troubles, the fans have been brilliant.

This season, we’ve seen the best and worst of the Swans fans. Through the tough times, many of the Jack Army displayed their anger on the team as well as other fans. However, despite the struggles, the fans have shown tremendous support all campaign long.

Selling out every home game, and with thousands following the team all across England for away games, this season has shown how the fans can come together despite difference of opinion.  We all want what’s best for Swansea City, and with the brilliant support, surely we can have a better season in 2016/17.

With everything set to be more settled next campaign and with Guidolin hopefully permanently in charge, the Jack Army can get what they deserve after a very challenging period.