Stephen Dobbie: Let me prove myself at Swansea City
STEPHEN Dobbie has spelled out a desire to prove his worth to Michael Laudrup after claiming he was not given a fair chance by Brendan Rodgers last season.
The Scottish frontman marked Laudrup's first game in charge by netting a hat-trick in Saturday's pre-season friendly at Port Talbot.
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Stephen Dobbie
And despite being linked with the likes of Celtic, Bristol City and former loan club Blackpool this summer, Dobbie has revealed he is focusing on re-establishing himself at the Liberty.
Dobbie, who has a year left on his Swansea contract, played a starring role under Rodgers as the club climbed out of the Championship two seasons ago.
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But he was a fringe figure throughout Swansea's debut Premier League campaign and ended up on loan at Blackpool.
"Personally I didn't think I got a fair crack last season so I've come back, worked really hard in pre-season and I want to show the new manager what I can do," the 29-year-old said.
"The season we got promoted to the Premier League I thought I was given a fair crack and I showed the fans what I can do.
"Then I kind of got isolated last year. But I've come back fit and hungry to show the manager I deserve a part in this team."
Dobbie is a player with undoubted talent and, as he proved in the memorable 2010-11 run-in, has the ability to unlock defences.
But former Swansea boss Rodgers felt he could not afford to include the former Queen of the South man in top-flight games.
Dobbie reckons Rodgers was wrong to take that view — and is determined to prove himself under Laudrup.
"I've seen a lot of speculation (about a transfer) in the papers but I've still got another year here at Swansea and when Brendan moved on my main objective was to come back and make sure I was ready for this pre-season, whoever the manager was that came in," he added.
"For me it's all about showing I can play in this team and in this league because I really believe in myself that I can.
''The team was doing really well last season and he (Rodgers) played a number of players in my position so I'm not one to grumble, if the team is playing well fair enough.
"I moved on to Blackpool but I know what I can do and I was keen to show it there again.
"The whole point of playing football is to get to the highest league.
''I did that with Swansea and I didn't think I got a fair crack last season, but this year I am making sure I am fit and ready to show I can play in this team."
Dobbie's treble — which included two penalties — plus goals from Leroy Lita and youngster Henry Jones, saw Swansea cruise home against their Welsh Premier League neighbours over the weekend.
Tour
They flew out to America yesterday for a 12-day pre-season tour which will include three more friendlies as the build-up to the new league season intensifies.
"It was good to get back on the pitch and try to show the new manager what I can do," Dobbie continued.
"He (Laudrup) hasn't said much to me yet but he doesn't know any of the boys so it's a fresh start for everyone.
"These games are great for the local teams and for us it's about getting fit.
"It's always nice to get a few goals as a striker,'' he added.
"Now I have to keep working hard in America to show him I can be part of this team."
Comments
by andyjack10
Tuesday, July 24 2012, 6:05PM
“I totally agree with "f1jackarmy", Dobbie is a great player but not a great Premier league player he just hasn't got the legs any more and we just cant afford to take a chance on a "maybe" player can you honestly see him filling in for Gylfi??? come on ppl wake up we're in the Barclays Premier league not the welsh premier league!!!..... Done.”
by f1jackarmy
Tuesday, July 24 2012, 4:55PM
“I think ppl need to get real on this subject. Not good enough - end of.”
by morton1947
Tuesday, July 24 2012, 11:13AM
“I believe Dobbie desreves a chance and is a good player for us to have on the books . .unknown quantity in the Premiership I agree but deserves a chance to shine and who knows he may prove to be a valued asset”
by C.Lion
Tuesday, July 24 2012, 8:54AM
“One thing Dobbie does give us is a shoot from anywhere philosophy.
He is certainly a good enough player to stay with Swansea, and with a fair crack, could contribute with a few goals.”
by f1jackarmy
Tuesday, July 24 2012, 8:52AM
“I like dobs but realistically he's not a premiership player. When he played last season he was too slow and was miles behind the pace. I can't see him featuring much this season .”
by DanEGraig
Tuesday, July 24 2012, 6:30AM
“If DG had scored a hat trick at Port Talbot then it would have been 'here we go for a great season' but Dobbs is a very much under-rated player. He and Scott Sinclair compliment each other very well and it is no coincidence that Scott did not have a great season without Dobbs threading through passes to him. Match fit and goal hungry Dobs is a top striker, poacher and starting he can get us a quick lead, or he can provide the Plan B for Swans that Rogers never had. His goal in the play off final was technically very dificult to score and some of these so called premiership millionaire stars would never have done it. Best goal since the days of LT10 ! The lesson for us is that we really need to ensure that the players not getting on the pitch on Saturdays get plenty of match practice, not just training. We play very intense football and it must be hard to get up to speed when you only get 20 mins here and there. I hope Dobbs gains more confidence and just remembers his magical strke that flattened Reading in the play off final. At least there is one Swansea star who will not be linked with a move to Mereyside !”
by andyjack10
Monday, July 23 2012, 6:32PM
“Lets not get carried away guys,we beat Port Talbot and Dobbie scored a hat-trick lets see how many he gets against Stuttgart etc, i got nothing but praise for Dobbie but the fact of the matter is he's a very good championship player,thats why not one premiership club has come in for him.best move he could make is a move to Celtic where he would become a star.”
by welsh_auusie
Monday, July 23 2012, 1:12PM
“kick ass steve i rate you”