Alfie Mawson targets top-half finish next season

After producing the great escape last season, Swansea City defender Alfie Mawson has loftier ambitions for the next campaign.

The English centre-back was an integral part of Paul Clement’s side as they mounted their survival bid.

The Swans finished the season in fine form, winning four and drawing one of their last five games and Mawson is hoping the Welsh side can carry that momentum on.

“We must use what happened last season as a learning curve and ensure we are away from the relegation scrap,” said the centre-back.

“We celebrated avoiding relegation last season but next year we want to be celebrating a top-half finish.

“In the last 19 games we picked up a considerable amount of points.

Photo credit: Getty Images

“We conceded a lot less too. In the first half of the season we were conceding far too many silly, silly goals.

“We would concede one then another and another. It wasn’t what fans pay to see, especially at home.

“We knew we had players who had quality to score, but it was keeping them out at the other end which was the problem.”

Mawson was full of praise for Clement who helped inspire  Swansea’s survival after sitting bottom when he took charge.

He said: “The gaffer came in with a plan and he stuck to it. He wanted to shore up the defence and make sure we played football. It sounds simple, but it isn’t.

“Some results didn’t go our way and performances weren’t what they should have been, and that falls to the players – we weren’t good enough in some games, and we held our hands up for that.

“The gaffer wants everyone to be even better. He will say well done for doing this, but you can do this and improve even more.”