The rebuilding of Town continues despite missing out on signing Dan Kemp
The Ink Weekly Sports Focus with STFC writer Sam Morshead
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The failed pursuit of a player might end up a good thing for Town
By STFC writer Sam Morshead
What can we learn from the failed pursuit of a player?
Over recent days, Swindon Town have shown considerable interest in getting a deal for Dan Kemp done, despite competition from several other clubs.
However, on Monday morning (June 10), Kemp signed for Stevenage. The player preferred a new challenge at League One level. Swindon are not of that calibre these days. The proposed move has snuffed it.
The attempt to land Kemp fits very well into the Clem Morfuni brand of player acquisition: namely signings with existing connections to Swindon Town, who can provide an immediate PR boost.
In Kemp’s case, it would have also represented quite a footballing coup. Last year’s player of the season, despite only playing half a campaign in red, Kemp is evidently an exciting talent.
How the 25-year-old old would have fitted into a Mark Kennedy XI, however, is not quite as clear.
The general view among those in footballing circles lower down the EFL is that Kemp is the sort of player who requires a team to be built around him. Less effective when occupying a prescribed position, he is at his most potent when given a wandering brief.
That was certainly the case under Michael Flynn in the early weeks of last term, when Kemp – nominally a No.10, but prone to popping up on either wing and dropping deep to carry the ball in possession – embarked on a prolific scoring and assists streak.
There was some concern at the time, however, that his free role limited how much some of Swindon’s other creative players could find space and get on the ball. Every silver lining has a cloud.
Kemp’s return to MK Dons saw him used sparingly in his most impactful roles, often out wide and rarely with the ability to dictate play. That would be a waste of his ability at League Two level, and Swindon must have known that when going after his signature this summer, despite having effectively started to develop a similar player in the backend of last season.