Nathan Dyer apologises for "unacceptable" display
Nathan Dyer admits Swansea City’s performance in defeat to Queens Park Rangers was unacceptable, and apologised to supporters for the manner of the FA Cup third-round loss.
The experienced winger skippered the Swans for the first time in a competitive game at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.
It should have been a moment to remember but a 5-1 reverse ensured it was a nightmare afternoon.
Head coach Steve Cooper made clear he felt his players had lacked the attitude and application expected of anyone asked to pull on a Swansea jersey.
And Dyer echoed the sentiments of the Swans boss after a side showing 10 changes were simply steamrollered.
“I don’t think you can use the rotation of the team as an excuse. If you get put in the team, you must give 110 per cent and throw your body on the line. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen,” said Dyer.
“They won their battles, we didn’t win ours and we were punished for that. They were strong in defence too and didn’t give us a minute’s rest.
“It’s disappointing to go out. It’s also disappointing for the players that don’t get much game time not to progress in the competition.
“As a club, we know we have much more quality than we showed. It was unacceptable and I apologise to the fans that came to watch – I take full responsibility, as I’m sure the rest of the players will too.
“That wasn’t good enough at all. It’s massively important that we respond. We simply have to raise our levels.”
It was Dyer’s 346th Swansea appearance, and he was entrusted with the armband by Cooper.
The former Southampton and Leicester man was honoured to be handed the role, but it was not a day to look back on fondly.
“It’s always been a goal of mine to captain Swansea. I’m very proud to have done it in a competitive game for the first time,” added Dyer.
“The club gave me my first chance and made me the player I am today. It was an honour to go out onto the pitch wearing the armband but I’d have wished for a much better scoreline.
“On a personal note, it was nice but it does not matter much when you lose so emphatically.
“At the end of the day, it’s about the performance on the pitch, which wasn’t good. The gaffer has told us that in the dressing room.”
