Seven games down and Swansea sit fifth, ahead of the likes of Spurs, Liverpool and Arsenal. If you’d have offered such a start to Swans fans, they’d have pecked, we mean bitten, your hand off, with last term a disappointing one as the toils of European football hit home.
With such a fine opening to the campaign, there is some pressure on the club heading into January, as if they get their business just right they could mount a genuine charge for a domestic trophy or a top six finish. But before additions can be thought of, a few players may have to be axed to free up space and funds, so here are FIVE we at Football FanCast think could be axed…
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CLICK ON GARRY MONK TO REVEAL THE FIVE
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Dwight Tiendalli
With just 38 minutes of Premier League football to his name so far this season, Tiendalli is far from being a key man at Swansea. The Dutch defender has been a bit part player since his 2012 arrival, with even his versatile nature having not been enough to get him the quantity of on-field minutes he would have desired. With no European football to balance, Tiendalli could be axed in January to free up space and funds, with a move back to his homeland likely to appeal to the 28-year-old.
Gerhard Tremmel
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The German has been a capable stand-in stopper over the course of the past few seasons, but with Lukasz Fabianski having been very impressive since joining the Swans on a free transfer from Arsenal over the summer, his chances of game time look slim. At 35, Tremmel is sure to fancy one last crack at being a first-team regular, which could be a possibility with a switch either back to his home nation or down a division in England. Swansea could also give David Cornell more opportunities or move to snap up a promising back-up stopper.
Alan Tate
On loan at Crewe Alexandra until December, Tate could well be back in South Wales at the turn of the year. The 32-year-old is virtually guaranteed a short-term future away from the first-team thanks to the level of competition for a starting berth, which could see him eased out of the door in January. At 32, Tate has the experience to benefit a side in the lower end of the Football League.
Marvin Emnes
Despite only being signed on a three-year deal over the summer after a loan spell from Middlesbrough, Emnes appears to a fringe player at the Liberty Stadium. With Wayne Routledge and Nathan Dyer impressing on the flanks, the 26-year-old is unlikely to get much of a look in, and a quick sale could free up space for January additions.
Kyle Bartley
With so much competition for a starting berth at centre-back, Bartley could benefit from a loan deal in January, or even a permanent move. The 23-year-old is no longer a promising young talent (although he’s by no means past it), so he needs regular action to fulfil his potential, which he could get at Championship level.
