Swindon Town manager Mark Kennedy has identified Sean McGurk’s physicality as an area for improvement despite the midfielder’s technical strengths.
Returning from injury, McGurk played a key role in Swindon’s 4-0 victory over Bristol Rovers, but Kennedy stressed the importance of developing his off-the-ball work to match his on-ball skills to the Swindon Advertiser.
McGurk’s Return to Action
Sean McGurk’s return to the Swindon Town squad after an injury-plagued start to the season was met with optimism. Sidelined by a hip flexor injury and complications from scar tissue, the 20-year-old made his first start of the season in a convincing 4-0 win over Bristol Rovers. The victory boosted Swindon to second place in their EFL Trophy group, with hopes of progressing to the knockout stages for the first time since the 2021/22 season.
McGurk’s contribution was significant as he provided assists for Paul Glatzel and Botan Ameen, helping to end Swindon’s 13-game winless run in cup competitions. However, despite his technical brilliance, Swindon manager Mark Kennedy has noted areas where McGurk needs to grow.
Kennedy Highlights Physicality Concerns
While praising McGurk’s on-ball performance, Kennedy was quick to point out that the player’s physicality needed work. “I thought on the ball he was excellent, he caused a lot of problems and showed us his skills,” said Kennedy. “Off the ball is where we really need to help Sean, so I thought his performance was very promising from the technical aspect; tactically he was good, but from a physical aspect, he needs some help from us on that.”
During the match, Kennedy took the time to speak directly to McGurk, calling him out on his physical numbers. “I spoke to him after about 20 minutes, I called him out from the side and said your performance technically is very good and tactically, but physically, you’re the worst player in numbers,” Kennedy revealed, adding, “We need to get these numbers up, but we’ve got 70 minutes to improve them.”
Kennedy clarified that while he may not have used the word “worst,” he emphasised that McGurk’s physical performance was below what is expected at this level. He believes that with the right guidance, McGurk will improve in this area, stating, “He just needs some help and encouragement with that and it’ll come.”
McGurk’s Role Moving Forward
McGurk’s technical skills and vision on the field make him a key asset for Swindon, but Kennedy’s comments suggest that his development into a well-rounded player is still ongoing. His ability to set up crucial goals in the win against Bristol Rovers was crucial to ending Swindon’s cup competition struggles, but as Kennedy pointed out, becoming more physically adept will be important for McGurk’s continued growth in the team.
With midfielder Joel Cotterill away on international duty with Wales U21, McGurk could be given more opportunities to start in upcoming fixtures. The weekend’s match against Cheltenham Town could see McGurk back in the starting lineup, providing him with another chance to build on his recent performances and work on his physical game.
Kennedy’s focus on developing McGurk’s off-the-ball work is part of a broader approach to improve the overall squad’s performance. As Swindon Town push for progress in the league and cup competitions, McGurk’s development will be key to the team’s success.
Our View
Swindon Town boss Mark Kennedy clearly recognises Sean McGurk’s technical ability, but his physical performance is now under the spotlight. In a demanding league like League Two, physicality is essential, and Kennedy’s emphasis on this aspect of McGurk’s game is a sign that the midfielder has room to grow. Improving his off-the-ball work will make McGurk a more complete player, adding to his already impressive technical and tactical skillset.
The opportunity for McGurk to feature more regularly in the squad, particularly with Cotterill’s absence, could be a defining moment in his development. With Kennedy’s guidance, McGurk has the potential to become a vital player for Swindon Town in their pursuit of success this season.
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