If Swann has always been in ultimate control he would have seen Eisa and Gillead play much better under a different system last season and cause a threat, which is what we’re lacking now. Why would he be forcing Cox and Lillis to not play to their strengths?
Swann is vocal about the team, yes, and is involved in the transfer policy. These are all points worthy of debate, but I don’t see any indication here that he is the one in control of Cox’s strategies and player selection.
There are similarities between Cox’s formation and what came before, but as we see with Eisa and Gillead, there are distinct differences. I don’t see why Swann would do this if he was the real boss, given how they played so much better last season in their more natural positions. There are many managers, across clubs in the lower leagues, who adopt this ‘safety first’ strategy. I’d say that the playing style and player selection is more down to Cox’s preferences than some Swann conspiracy.
Cox was assistant to Ardley at Notts County, who plays a similar style based on workmanship and being hard to beat. Is it not conceivable that Cox brought ideas from there? Or was Swann controlling Notts County from behind the scenes?
