Less than 12 months on from his decision to turn down Rafa Benitez and Newcastle in favour of a loan move to Swansea, it’s fair to say Tammy Abraham got it horribly wrong – and so did Lee Trundle, who had a lot to say about his decision this time last year.
Trundle – a former Swansea forward and club legend – came out and praised Abraham’s decision to opt for the Swans back in July last year, taking a pop at Newcastle in the process.
To say these comments have backfired is an understatement. He claimed we were no longer a big club after being relegated twice in the last decade, crediting Swansea as an ‘established’ top flight side who play good football and develop young players.
12 months on and they’ve been relegated, we’ve finished in the top 10 and they’ve played played anything but good football – ending the season the league’s lowest scorers. Not to mention the fact Abraham struggled for starts over the second half of their dismal season.
So, it’s fair to say Trundle (and Abraham) got it horribly, horribly wrong. Here’s what Lee had to say when the 20-year-old turned down Rafa and NUFC for Swansea and Paul Clement back in July 2017:
“To say they are a massive club is just not right. Massive clubs do not get relegated out of the Premier League twice within the space of a decade.”
“Of the two clubs, Swansea have established themselves in the Premier League, while Newcastle — no matter what they have done previously — are newly-promoted.
“Swansea have a track record of developing young players, and of producing a style of football that tests a player’s technical ability.
“I saw there was a suggestion he was advised not to go to Newcastle because of the nightlife, but I personally think it would have been far more about what he would get out of the on-field experience at each club and I think coming to Swansea will be the right move for Tammy and the club.”
Oh dear! This has well and truly backfired and it’s hard not to chuckle given the direction both Newcastle and Swansea have gone in since he made these comments.
What’s amusing is Abraham has been linked with a move to Newcastle once again this week, with TEAMtalk claiming Benitez is keen to bring him in on loan for the 2018/19 season.
I actually think he’s a brilliant young talent and someone who’d do well at NUFC, but that ship may have sailed now.
You are correct in what you say in that Swansea have played a poor brand of football for the last couple of seasons and we ultimately got what we deserved.But the main reason why Tammy (bless him) could not get in even a struggling team is that he was not very good ! I cannot believe that Chelsea,at the start of last season,gave him a lucrative 5 year contract as I am not really sure what they see in him.He cannot hold the ball up,is quite rash in front of goal and most of the goals he does score are inside the 6 yard box.In fact he seems to be just all arms & legs and often not in control of what he is doing.Good luck to Newcastle though in the new season
Ian(Quote)
Interesting. Are you a Swansea fan mate?
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Do we really want him?
Mick rees(Quote)
Not sure he would get a game at the Toon. He didn’t exactly pull up trees with the Swans did he?
BillytheFish(Quote)
Get over it Newcattle. Are you still crying about it? Just accept he made a decision based on facts at the time.
Jim(Quote)
Hi Olly.Yes I am a Swans fan (for 40 odd years )and a season ticket holder.I have watched Tammy when he has actually played and cannot see what all the fuss is about.Watch the youtube footage of his goals particularly when on loan at Bristol City and you will see that nearly all his goals are from 2 or 3 yards out.I am not necessarily saying that that’s a bad thing be he does not create anything for himself.You could also point to the fact that he played this season in a poor team,which would be true but I genuinely believe that he is totally overrated.Newcastle would be better served looking elsewhere.
Ian(Quote)