Potter: Fans a big part of unbeaten Liberty record

Graham Potter feels the bond between his young squad and their supporters stand Swansea City in good stead for the 2019-20 campaign.

The Swans made it 11 Championship games unbeaten at the Liberty Stadium as Wayne Routledge’s goal earned them a share of the points against play-off chasing Derby.

They have not lost on their own turf in the league since Boxing Day and will carry their unbeaten record in 2019 over into the start of next season.

Manager Potter has made a point of acknowledging the backing of the Jack Army at home and away games this season, and Wednesday night was no different.

And he feels the relationship between those on the pitch and off it, has a big part to play in what will be one of the key foundation stones if the Swans are to challenge next term.

“Whenever you have aspirations to be successful, you have to be good at home. It is as simple as that,” he said.

“Away from home it is not so easy to pick up points because of the atmosphere and everything else against you.

“But if you win your home games there is less pressure away and you can build momentum and that is what we will try to do.

“We have enjoyed our time at the Liberty this season because the supporters have been brilliant and always with us.

“At the start it was a little bit difficult because I think everyone is used to struggling a little bit. In those times they still got right behind the team.

“I think of the first game against Preston where we did not play well, but they helped us over the line.

“That is so important, there is no more important relationship at a football club than that between the supporters and the team.

“When you have got that, you have a chance.”

Potter was also pleased with how his side – despite their own play-off hopes being over – applied themselves against the Rams.

And, during the final stages of an absorbing encounter, you would not have known that only one of the sides was chasing promotion.

“It was important for us to keep the integrity of this competition. We did not want anyone to look at it and say that one team was going for the play-offs and the other team was playing for nothing,” added Potter.

“That was not the case. They were better than us first half, but then we responded second half and that was a great sign for us.

“We did not have anything to play for in terms of the play-off, but the guys knew their responsibility and the aim we have of trying to make it look as though both team still had everything to fight for.”