I have seen some comments on here that Adam Swift isn't happy and wants out. I think this deserves its own thread.

I think this is worrying; not from saints' POV but for the player. Fair enough he wants to play, but it worries me that (if the rumours are true and he wants out) his instinct is to want to go and not fight for his place. Why doesn't he just get his head down and work his way back in?

I think Dawson has done well recently and probably deserves his spot in the team. It's for Swift to work his way back in.

I draw parallels with the way Makinson was managed a couple of years ago. He dropped out of favour for a while but when he came back he was a much better player.

Certainly peple have said he's not happy, but have they said (do they know) that he's really threatening to leave?

Your right that he should look at Tommy Makinson. Dropped a couple of years back, dream team winger this year.

How long is Swift contracted for?

I would just put it down as disruption rumours.

Sport is about competition and I can't see a pro-sports man quitting after missing a few games due to poor form. They are more resilient than that and will know where they need to improve.
Even those of us who can see the merits in Dawson, recognize that long term Swift has the edge and just needs to work on certain aspects. Lets not forget this is only his 2nd year. Even Charnley who has played for several years was questioned about his game, so if a GB winger is open to criticism then so is swifty.

He's not happy but I've not heard he wants out.

Brown isn't happy with his attitude and the way he reacted to not being selected.

This.

He's more than likely not happy about not playing (what professional player wouldnt be) but seriously doubt he's after leaving.

His reaction not been great apparently. Just sulking about going thru the motions.

"if" this is true he needs to grow up, then man up

That kind of reaction is not unexpected from a young player, I dont think they realise that being a professional sportsman is all about ups and downs. Its about using the situation to motivate himself to perform better. No doubting he is a talent and with ball in hand he is head and shoulders above Dawson, but he cant hide away from the fact that his defensive positioning is questionable. Again though, he isnt a winger and is still learning the position.

Maybe the coaches have tried to correct his decision making but he then keeps repeating the same mistakes. You then leave them with little choice but to drop you.

When the coaching staff select your competitor as Young Player of the Year when 1) he's not young, and 2) he's not the best young player, then you know the writing is on the wall. I'd get out now.

Sounds like anothe Gaskell scenario, I hope the coaching staff are not allowing Swifty to sulk and simmer, he needs a positive objective to build up a positive attitude.
Ade Gardner had a short spell of doubt but got stronger with the help of the experienced players and coach, Swifty might not have that, would be a total waste if he wanders elsewhere.

Exactly the wrong attitude that a top competitor should have. A top competitor will want to train the house down and get back in the team on merit, not some local favouritism or suggestion that talent alone outweighs effort and application.

But when you've tried that and are still being left out, what do you do?

Swift IMO didn't do anything particularly wrong to be left out, there are young players who are far worse defensively than him. Percival is a good example, he can't defend for toffee but still plays. Dawson is just the epitome of averageness. He should not be in our squad let alone our team. His selection as young player of the year was farcical and just shows how idiotic the people in charge are.

Swift is another victim of the selfishness of P. Wellens, dare I say it? Swift SHOULD have been playing fullback whilst Lomax has been out and would be better in the halves than Wellens as well. He could have excelled in either of those roles and could have proven his worth to the team.

I said mid-season that we needed to break up the Percival/Swift partnership for the time being and only play one of them at a time. At that point we were so vulnerable down that flank it was ridiculous. Swift clearly has considerably greater talent than Dawson, and I've no doubt he will become an excellent player, but since Dawson has been getting picked we've been much more solid on that edge defensively, so it makes sense to continue that way for now. Long term, however, I don't think Swift has anything to worry about at all.

Exactly, but he should not just expect to be picked as he is the home boy.

Dawson is exactly what we need in the backs, not a super star, but average enough to step into the gap in any of the centres, wingers, fullbacks if they are not up to it or slack off.

If you had a class winger, they would not be content with chopping and changing each week to cover injuries or defensive frailties. IMHO Dawson is best for him at centre, but will not get a spot there as our other centres are better. Although maybe if we did not have Percival injured earlier in the year, Turner maybe should have been dropped for a few games too until he got his act in gear.

As it is, Percival was injured and so Dawson stepped in there and got a decent run. Covering until Swift ups his game is probably the plan, but if Swift can't up his game, then I'd expect us to go shopping rather than have Dawson long term. He's a squad player not a starting 17

I suspect Brown would disagree, hence the young player of the year accolade.

Wouldn't surprise me if Swift decides to move on, can't be good being left out time and time again.

Jesus.

A 21 year old isn't an undropable first team regular yet and we all think he should just up sticks? We've made far better youngsters than Swift wait in the stands for their chance, and they were better as a result for it. Patience is a virtue

I suspect this is just a rumour and nothing else, as he's not exactly an 'established' member of the team, even though he was given the 5 shirt this season. He should be looking at the positives and the potential he has, not just expect a place in the side, it should be a long term view if he's committed to Saints. Just look at the other youngsters who are waiting their turn in our squad!!

Oh, here we go again. More comment on a player's 'attitude'. Last time fans started commenting on a player's 'attitude' the player's Mum felt she had to make sure those fans were corrected (see the article by said Mum in this month's Forty 20 magazine).

I am always surprised that the Mods allow comment on the attitude of players, based upon rumour and speculation.

If your referring to Saveilo, then I said for over 6 month the was other reasons.

Was I right about Gaskell ?


I know for FACT what's happening

Looks like he wants to leave to me.

Like I said at the start, disruptive but not looking like he wants to leave.

Also a much better defensive effort. Held his line until the man with the ball was wrapped up.

Notable that he and Percy were played on opposite sides of the pitch. Great performance from both players.

Percival looked the best we've had since Gidley tonight. I was very impressed, he can kick a goal too.

Looked very good tonight.