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.