Poor Discipline Could Cost Swans Dear

Last updated : 13 August 2005 By Richard Evans
Just three games into the new season and Swansea's disciplinary record is threatening to ruin their return to League One, as the club looks set to face a large number of suspensions in the very near future. Five players were booked at Huddersfield on Saturday, along with O'Leary and Iriekpen both receiving their marching orders...leaving Jackett with a major selection headache for the visit of Doncaster next weekend.
O'Leary - 2 Yellows & 1 Red Already



























Kenny Jackett vowed to correct Swansea's terrible disciplinary record last season, when he was left with five first team players suspended for the visit of Bury last November. However, it would appear that Jackett hasn't quite alleviated the problem, with his large physical team finding themselves in trouble after just 270 minutes of League One football.

The Swans have now amassed 12 yellow cards in their three opening fixtures, alongside Saturday's two reds which already leaves Kris O'Leary and Izzy Iriekpen automatically suspended for the visit of Doncaster next week - not to mention the fact that Andy Robinson is currently serving a five match ban carried over from last year. Jackett will now be forced to rely on the unfamiliar pairing of Kevin Austin and Alan Tate in the centre of defence as fellow defender Garry Monk nurses a knee injury. Izzy and O'Leary could also face a lengthier suspension for their violent conduct charge, which will be subject to the whether or not the FAW opt to take a closer look at video evidence.

So where do the Swans go from here? Kenny Jackett simply must address the issue of discipline within the squad, particularly the way in which his players are getting booked for needless infringements. Colchester fans reacted angrily to Swansea's style of play last Tuesday, claiming that the South Wales club tried to "kick them off the park" and it would appear that the physical balance in Jackett's tactics may well need to be looked at.

One thing is for sure, if the Swans continue to play in such a manner and pick up a similar number of bookings, then they will find themselves facing a hefty fine from the FAW at the end of the season.