The Swans finished 10th in their first season back in the Championship.
Overview
Swansea’s first season back in the Championship since 2011 ended with disappointment as they failed to make an immediate return to the Premier League.
After losing many of their key players in the summer transfer window, the Welsh side found it difficult to adapt to life in the second tier and were never really in contention for a play-off spot.
Highs
The Swans started the season well. 4 wins, 4 draws and 2 losses left the club in 7th after 10 games. They also finished the season on a high, losing just two of their last 10 games. 5 wins and 3 draws in this time saw the club shoot up the table from 15th to 10th but it was a case of too little too late.
They also reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, losing to eventual cup winners Manchester City. Swansea found themselves 2-0 up against the Premier League side with just 20 minutes left but couldn’t hold on. A late City comeback saw them lose the match 2-3.
Stand out performer
Matt Grimes enjoyed a brilliant season at the Liberty Stadium as he rightfully claimed the players’ player and supporter’s player of the year awards. The 23-year-old midfielder had been out on loan in the past 3 seasons.
He was recalled to the club following their relegation to the Championship and proved his intelligence and versatility by filling in at a number of positions throughout the campaign.
What went wrong?
It’s always difficult for clubs to keep hold of their top players after relegation. Lukasz Fabianski, Ki Sung-yueng and Alfie Mawson all secured moves straight back to the Premier League joining West Ham, Newcastle and Fulham respectively.
Brothers Jordan and Andre Ayew were both loaned out and striker Wilfried Bony also joined Al-Arabi on loan. Such disruption to the squad meant that Swansea struggled to settle last season and ultimately didn’t win enough games to threaten the top 6.
One to watch
Daniel James emerged as one of the league’s best young players, finishing with 4 Championship goals and 7 assists to his name. His pace and his ability to beat an opponent in a one-on-one situation makes him a serious threat and a move to Manchester United has been widely reported.
Next season
With manager Graham Potter recently leaving the club after just one season to join Brighton and Hove Albion, Swansea City will feel that they will be starting all over again next season.
Whoever takes over as manager of the club will hope they can keep hold of their young talent and add one or two players with Championship experience to boost their chances of promotion back to the Premier League.