Swansea City v AFC Bournemouth - 20-21 Season - Issue 9

Cadwch yn ddiogel Jacks

Issue 9 - Digital Copy

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Swansea City v AFC Bournemouth Tuesday, December 8 - Kick-off 7.45pm

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CONTENTS Page 6 - Season Ticket Renewal 20-21

Page 16 - Meet the Opposition

Page 20 - Match Reports

Page 28 - Q&A with Freddie Woodman

Page 44 - Century of Football League

Polite Warning: The British courts have now imposed a standard minimum three-year ban from all football grounds for football-related arrests – both inside and outside the ground. CCTV is currently in operation inside and outside the stadium, while police are also using handheld video cameras.

Offences include: obscene or racist chanting or gesturing; consuming alcohol in seated areas; continual standing in seated areas; aggressive behaviour; going onto the pitch; throwing of items; drunk and disorderly behaviour or under the influence of drugs. Please note there is also a no-smoking policy within the stadium. If broken, you could be ejected. Sales of goods inside and outside the stadium is prohibited unless via official registered sellers. The club badge is a registered trademark and unauthorised use of it will not be permitted. High-quality cameras are not permitted inside the stadium.

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GALLWCH DDARGANFOD MWY AR-LEIN

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WATCH ALL THE

CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES VISIT SWANSEACITY.COM

Chief Executive Julian Winter Board Of Directors Directors: Romie Chaudhari, Bobby Hernreich, Huw Jenkins, Jason Levien, Stuart McDonald, Martin Morgan, Gareth Davies, Julian Winter, Jake Silverstein, Sam Porter Honorary Club President: Alan Curtis; Associate Directors: David Morgan, Cath Dyer Team Management Head Coach: Steve Cooper Assistant Coach: Mike Marsh Behind the Team Goalkeeping Coach: Martyn Margetson Head of Medicine: Dr Jez McCluskey Head of Performance Analysis: Steve Rands Head of Recruitment: Andy Scott Academy Manager: Nigel Rees Staff: David Tivey, Ritson Lloyd, Ailsa Jones, Matthew Murray, Adele Callaghan, Daniel Morris, Lee Watkins, Chris Watkins, Tom Jenkinson, Tom Goodall, Daniel Nisbett, Michael Eames, Shaun Baggridge, Huw Lake, Ashley Gill, Steffan Popham

Senior Management Group Andrew Davies (Head of Operations, Facilities & Development); Gareth Davies (CFO); Rebecca Edwards-Symmons (Head of Commercial) Club Staff Club Secretary: Ben Greenwood Assistant Football Secretary: Rebecca Gigg Head of Retail: Andrea Morris Head of Hospitality & Customer Services: Catherine Thomas Legal Counsel, Head of Safeguarding: Rebeca Storer HR Manager: Nicola Butt Senior Commercial Sponsorship Manager: Lee Merrells Commercial Marketing Manager: Katie Hughes Media Manager: Chris Barney Ticket Office Manager: Luke Hughes Operations & Events Manager: Matthew Daniel Facilities Manager: Gordon David Grounds Manager: Anthony Harry Disability Access Officer: Mark Phillips Community Trust Manager: Helen Elton Club Ambassador: Lee Trundle

Programme Production Contributors: Alex Bennett, Julie Kissick, Alun Rhys Chivers, Chris Barney, Andrew Gwilym, Jonathan Davies, Sophie Davis, Adam Evans, Gwyn Rees Designers: Callum Rothwell, Jordan Morcom Photography: Athena Picture Agency, Natalie Davis, PA, REX Print: DWJ Group Ltd Swansea City AFC Liberty Stadium, Landore, Swansea, SA10 2FA CP-D Dinas Abertawe Stadiwm Liberty, Landore, Abertawe, SA1 2FA Telephone/FfĂ´n: 01792 616606 Fax/Ffacs: 01792 616606 Web/Gwe: swanseacity.com Email/E-bost: info@swanseacity.com

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fter what has been a difficult year for everyone, Swansea City would like to update supporters on season tickets for the 2021-22 season.

The club has been overwhelmed by the support shown by the Jack Army, especially our 2020-21 season ticket holders who have shown incredible loyalty throughout these unprecedented times.

And, following conversations with Swansea City Supporters Trust, we are able to provide details of the season-ticket renewal process ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.

We want our fans to ‘Be proud to be a Jack’. We know our club is different because our fans make us very special. During these hard times, we want our supporters to know that better days are coming and that we will be reunited again

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at our home, the Liberty Stadium, in the future.

Although we can’t be together right now, we need the Jack Army more than ever before.

Throughout these unprecedented times, our 2020-21 season ticket holders have shown unrivalled support. We did not foresee that this season’s season ticket holders would not be allowed to be at games to support Steve Cooper’s team for such a long period of time.

As a result, we feel this is the right time to show our loyal 2020-21 season ticket holders how much we appreciate your understanding with the current circumstances.

The season ticket renewal window for the 2021-22 campaign opened on December 1, initially only for current season ticket holders who

either took the option for streaming and kept revenue in the club, as well season ticket holders who have opted for monthly refunds.

Supporters who have initially selected the monthly refund plan, but are yet to withdraw monies from their ticketing account balance via the account cashback facility, may request to opt out of the monthly refund option.

If there are supporters who have opted for monthly refunds and have already withdrawn funds to your bank account, but wish to renew at the new prices, you can contact the ticket office and arrange to return your withdrawn funds to the club before renewing.

Season ticket holders who elect to opt out of, or return, their monthly refunds to renew at the new prices will receive a streaming code to

access SwansTV Live coverage of home league games and midweek away league games.

season’s season ticket prices, while over-65s and under-18s can enjoy up to £260 and £120 cuts.

We want to take this opportunity to give back to those who have been incredibly supportive to us, by giving them a HUGE discount for next season.

The future generation of Swansea supporters are as important to us as our current loyal fans, and we wanted to ensure matches are as affordable as possible for those Junior Jacks. Therefore, existing under-12s season ticket holders can renew for just £23, which works out at £1 per league game.

The prices for 2021-22 season tickets, for those season ticket holders mentioned above, have been confirmed as: • £99 for adults IN ALL STANDS • £79 for over-65s and students IN ALL STANDS • £49 for under-18s IN ALL STANDS • £23 for under-12s IN ALL STANDS This equates to just £4.30 per game for adults, £3.43 per game for over-65s and students, £2.13 per game for under-18s and just £1 a match for under-12s.

The ‘early bird’ purchase window has also been removed to ensure there is no pressure on supporters to buy season tickets at this time.

Last season, over 80 per cent of season ticket holders purchased season tickets in the historic early bird window.

There will be a further announcement in the New Year regarding new season tickets.

The club recognises the financial impact the pandemic has had on the c ommunity, but has opted to launch the season tickets now should any supporters want to purchase season tickets as Christmas presents for their loved ones.

The significant price reduction means that adults can enjoy up to a £390 price decrease on last

The club has been working hard in preparation for getting supporters back to the stadium when it is safe to do so, and it has been difficult for the club not to be able to share this season so far with the Jack Army in full voice at the Liberty and stadiums across the country.

The main objective once the Jack Army are back in the Liberty is to make our home ground a fortress full of supporters singing loud and proud, as it was before matches were played behind closed doors.

The renewal window with the offer prices outlined above is open until Sunday, February 28, 2021.

General sale of season tickets will be announced at a later date.

How to renew

SEASON TICKET HOLDERS WHO HAVE NOT REQUESTED A MONTHLY REFUND Those season ticket holders who are eligible to renew for the 2021-22 season as mentioned above, are now able to renew online or over the phone.

A l t h o u g h t h e T i c k e t O ff i c e remains closed for all in-person visits, supporters are able to renew over the phone. Call 01792 616400 and select option 1 to speak to a member of the team.

Should you require any assistance with your season ticket renewals, you can also contact the ticket office via email at ticketoffice@ liberty-stadium.com.

SEASON TICKET HOLDERS W H O H AV E S E L E C T E D MONTHLY REFUNDS Season ticket holders who have selected the 2020-21 monthly refund option but wish to take up the reduced rate season ticket for the 2021-22 season can now opt out of the monthly refund plan.

Supporters who have initially selected the monthly refund plan but are yet to withdraw monies from their ticketing account balance via the account cashback facility, may request to opt out of the monthly refund option.

Once the option has been selected, please allow 24 hours for your 2021-22 season ticket seat to display in your online account at the reduced rate.

Please note: Supporters who have already received credits for 2020-21 season fixtures played in previous months, will have these monthly credits removed from their account balance.

If there are supporters who have opted for monthly refunds and have already withdrawn funds to your bank account then please contact the ticket office by calling 01792 616400 and then select option 1 to speak to a member of the team.

Alternatively you can email us here: ticketoffice@liberty-stadium.com.

Finally, as you can appreciate we are having a high number of calls at the moment, so please bear with us. We will come back to you when the phone lines allow.

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Chief Executive’s Notes

JULIAN WINTER G

ood evening and welcome to all of you watching our Championship fixture against Bournemouth this evening.

We head into tonight’s fixture following our victory over Luton at t h e we e ke n d , w h e r e t h e team showed their character and commitment to complete a tough week on a winning note.

We know we will face a tough test tonight against a Bournemouth side who were in the Premier League last season, but our form at the Liberty has been very good and I have no doubt Steve Cooper and his team will be relishing the challenge.

Off the pitch our supporters will be aware that some clubs in the EFL have been able to start welcoming fans back into their stadiums.

It goes without saying that we would love nothing more than to have the Jack Army back where they belong, cheering our team on at the Liberty.

We hope that day will arrive sooner rather than later and, while we share your frustrations, we will continue to follow – as we have throughout the pandemic – the guidance from the Welsh Government and the relevant healthcare authorities to ensure our supporters are as safe as they can be.

Your health and safety has to be our priority but, rest assured, we are working diligently as a club to ensure we are ready to welcome you all back safely when we are allowed to.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, I a m s u re yo u will have read last week’s news regarding an agreement between the Premier League and the EFL to provide financial assist anc e for club s in the Championship, League One and League Two. These have been unprecedented times for people and businesses in all sectors of society, and football has not been immune to the effects of Covid-19.

I believe it is a very positive step for the football authorities to come to a solution that protects the clubs in the EFL, and the football pyramid of which we are so proud.

I have always said that it is essential the Premier League and the EFL do their utmost to protect all the clubs within the league system.

This will provide assistance for those clubs who find themselves in difficulty and, hopefully, e n s u r e we d o n ot l o s e a n y football clubs - so many of whom are at the very heart of their local communities - due to the impact of the events of this year.

It will require time for everyone to assess the detail of last week’s announcement, but any move to provide help and financial protection to football clubs in need is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.

Enjoy the game.

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Head Coach’s Notes

STEVE COOPER G

ood evening and welcome to all of you who are tuning in to watch tonight’s Championship game against Bournemouth.

We are looking forward to this fixture having turned in a pleasing performance in our 2-0 win over Luton at the weekend.

It was great to see Joel Latibeaudiere make his Swansea City debut. Joel has worked really hard since joining us, he has been very patient and he played his part in making sure we got the result.

The nature of the schedule we currently face means there are no straightforward games, and I was particularly proud of the character and resilience the players showed on the back of a week that had seen us rack up the miles.

It’s a tremendous challenge to play in Nottingham on a Sunday, then head to Middlesbrough on a Wednesday and have to play again a little over 48 hours after the return journey home, but it was one the players rose to.

We have also faced a situation where some of our recent opponents have had an extra day of rest prior to playing us, which adds to the degree of difficulty.

But we know that these things will even themselves out among the clubs over the course of this season, and they are certainly no excuse as far as we are concerned.

We face a Bournemouth side who have only recently returned to the Championship after a stint in the Premier League, they are a good team with a very strong squad who have made a good start to the season, and this is the sort of challenge that should excite us.

The only shame is that you, the supporters, c annot be here to cheer us on and enjoy the occasion.

With the return of fans in some regions recently, this marks the first time there has not been a level playing field among all clubs in the EFL. We would love nothing more than to have you in the Liberty giving us the fantastic backing you always do.

The fact of the matter is we want you here, we miss your presence and that powerful connection between you and our team, and we wanted to try and show you how much you mean to us with the recent announcement of heavily-discounted season ticket renewals.

We know how important watching Swansea City is to so many of you, but we are also aware that everyone’s safety and wellbeing has to be the priority in what are unprecedented times for all of us.

B ut , rest assured, I always remind the players that we are representing you every day, every time we pull on the Swansea City crest.

We want to put smiles on your faces during these tough times and we want to do you proud.

That is always our aim, and it will be again tonight.

Enjoy the game.

I am sure it is frustrating for you all - and I can tell you we share those frustrations - that you can see fans of other clubs being able to cheer their side on while you continue to watch from home.

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MATT GRIMES Captain’s Notes

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ello and welcome to everyone joining us from around the world for this evening’s Championship home fixture against Bournemouth.

We go into the match off the back of a 2-0 win over Luton at the Liberty on Saturday afternoon.

Luton are a tough team to play against. It was a grind, but we’ll certainly take the three points and the clean sheet.

T h ey a r e a ve r y g o o d t e a m and I don’t think they’ll be an easy team for anyone to beat t h i s y e a r. T h e y h a v e s o m e good player s and play ver y well together. Obviously, three points are massive in this league against anyone, but they were very good on Saturday.

It was brilliant for Connor to get his second goal of the season and there was yet another f a n t a s t i c g o a l f r o m A n d r e.

Everyone knows the quality that he has; if you give him a chance and space on the edge of the box, he can hurt you and he did on Saturday. It sealed the game and made the last few minutes a little bit easier.

It was also great to see Joel make his debut against Luton.

It shows the depth we have in the squad. He’s been ready to step in and has been fantastic in training since he’s arrived.

Hopefully, he can make many more appearances in the future.

Obviously, Bournemouth are a very good team with players of Premier League quality, so it’s going to be as good a test as any, but it’s one we’re looking forward to.

We’re aware of our league position, but we’ve only played 16 games, so we’re not focusing on that just yet. Once we get to 40 games, we’ll start focusing on that.

We’re happy with our home form and want to continue it. A good season is built on strong home form.

Thank you once again to the Jack Army for your continued support and we hope you enjoy the match this evening!

We’ ve shown in the last four or five games at home that we fancy ourselves playing against anyone at the Liberty.

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Ministry

Group

Ministry

Graphics

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oday, Terry Sinnett writes: One of the aims of the Trust is ‘to represent the views, needs and aims of our members (and supporters) at all times’. This naturally includes protecting the interests of season ticket holders.

We have been working with the club in finding the right and best solutions and will look forward to their announcements when the time is right. We are mindful of course that decisions on club policy will be determined by Welsh Government regulations.

We appreciate how the Covid crisis has affected fans, our club and football in general. We were proud to have worked with the club’s management in agreeing season ticket options for last season, and this season.

December also sees the launch of our new monthly member prize draw. The first and special ‘Christmas Draw’ will feature prizes of a replica team shirt, books personally signed by club president Alan Curtis and FREE membership for season 2021-22 – our 20th anniversary season.

Fundamental to those needs was that a refund option was made available to those fans that requested one, but also a recognition that fans who were able to forego a refund for this current season, were suitably rewarded.

We were delighted therefore that our ongoing work with the club resulted in the news that no existing season ticket holder will pay more than £99 for a season ticket for next season, with under-12s only paying £23.

The package has been well received by fans, not forgetting that, if we should get promoted back to the Premier League, these prices will still apply.

Current season ticket holders have also been given extra time to renew to take advantage of this great offer. A great result.

This level of cooperation between the club and the Trust can only be good for our fans and the club going forward.

Last week saw a limited reintroduction of fans into stadiums and we all look forward to the day when we can return to the Liberty in a safe environment.

There will also be a separate draw for junior members with prizes including a replica team shirt, a mystery prize and FREE Junior membership for season 2021-2022.

Full details of the draw have been sent to members and, to be eligible to take part, you need to be a member before the draw takes place. If you are not a member, now is the time to join us. Don’t forget, you’ll enjoy a 50% discount off membership rates up to December 31… what a bargain. Join now!

You and family members can join at swanstrust.co.uk.

At the time of writing, our last two games resulted in mixed fortunes. A very good win at Forest but a disappointing loss to Middlesbrough.

With a home game against Luton and tonight’s game against Bournemouth, we hope we have returned to winning ways ahead of the big one coming up this weekend.

Enjoy the game #YJB

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BOURNEMOUTH

FACT FILE OWNER

Maxim Demin

NICKNAME

The Cherries

@afcbournemouth @officialafcb

@afcbournemouth

Vitality Stadium

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STADIUM OPENED CAPACITY 1910

THE GAFFER Tindall took the manager role at the beginning of the season following Eddie Howe’s departure. After being the former boss’ number two for all 456 games in charge, the Englishman seems to be excelling with the Cherries following a strong start to the season as they look to bounce straight back up to the Premier League. A popular figure around Bournemouth from his playing days, Tindall made 199 appearances across two spells for the club. His only previous management experience was with Weymouth, where he was playermanager in 2006-07.

CLUB CAPTAIN Cook was given the captaincy duties at the beginning of this season, taking over the reins from Simon Francis. He has made over 300 appearances for the Cherries since initially signing on loan in October 2011, missing just 21 games out of 190 in the club’s five seasons in the top-flight. Cook has played in all but one game this term for Bournemouth, as well as coming off the bench in the club’s third round League Cup tie with Manchester City. The 29-year-old has also played for Brighton, with loan spells at Havant and Waterlooville, Eastleigh, Eastbourne Borough and Mansfield Town.

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FOUNDED

1899

TWITTER INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK

STEVE COOK JASON TINDALL

CLUB DETAILS SOCIAL MEDIA FACILITIES

STADIUM MEET THE OPPOSITION The Cherries are back in the Championship after a five-year absence whilst enjoying a stint at the summit of English football. The club finished 16th in their first season in the top-flight before an impressive 12th place finish the following season where they were tipped by many to go down. They have retained a strong squad and know what it takes to get out of the Championship as they target a Premier League return.

BOURNEMOUTH’S FORM Three wins on the bounce for the Cherries before a draw against Rotherham saw them sit second in the Championship table, a point behind Norwich City. The 2014-15 Championship winners have lost once this term – away at Sheffield Wednesday – and have two wins, four draws and that sole loss on their travels this season. They have already visited South Wales this season and left with a point against Cardiff.

THE KEY MEN With Callum Wilson departing for Newcastle in the summer, Dominic Solanke has stepped into the void, scoring four goals so far this term.

Arnaut Danjuma has contributed five goals in an impressive start to the season, while the Cherries also boast the creativity of Wales international David Brooks, while his compatriot Chris Mepham is a key man in their defence.

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ONES TO WATCH

DAVID BROOKS

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David Brooks returns to Wales, a place where he excels with the national side. Brooks joined Bournemouth from Sheffield United at the beginning of the 2018-19 season in which his form saw him win the Premier League October Player of the Month award. However, he was beset by injury problems which limited him to just nine league appearances last season. He has started the new campaign well, scoring a brace against Birmingham City earlier this term.

POSITION

CB

NATION

AGE

POSITION

23 MF

In January of 2019, Mepham signed for Bournemouth after catching the eye with a string of fine performances for Brentford – where he’d played since 2012. At the Bees, the 23-year-old made 48 appearances, scoring a solitary goal. Mepham is now an ever-present in the Cherries’ side. He brings experience and calmness to the back line, and has represented the national side 10 times, being a part of the Wales squad that qualified for European Championships.

CHRIS MEPHAM

NATION

AGE

23

JUNIOR STANISLAS Stanislas has been on the South Coast for over six years after signing for the Cherries in July 2014 on a free transfer. He is capped for England at under-19, under-20 and under-21 level and the winger has made over a century of appearances for Bournemouth; scoring 20 goals and registering 12 assists during their time in the Premier League. This season the 31-year-old has already scored four goals and made another two.

POSITION

FW

NATION

AGE

POSITION

23 FW

Danjuma signed for Bournemouth from Club Brugge in August 2019 aft e r t h e C h e r r i e s s a w off competition from top European clubs. The winger started out at PSV before a spell at NEC Nijmegen.

He then moved onto Club Brugge, where he made a name for himself as he scored the equaliser against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. The Dutch international can dribble past defenders and, in turn, create space for shots on goal.

ARNAUT DANJUMA

NATION

AGE

31

POSITION

ST

NATION

AGE

23

Solanke joined Bournemouth in January 2019 after a season-and-a-half with Liverpool. The 23-year-old was another player from Chelsea’s conveyor belt of talent to come through Cobham before he left in 2017. A representative for England at all youth levels, the striker notably won the Golden Ball as the Three Lions won the Under-20 World Cup. Solanke went on to make his senior international debut in a friendly against Brazil.

DOMINIC SOLANKE 19

MIDDLESBROUGH 2 SWANSEA CITY 1

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MATCH DETAILS DATE: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 VENUE: RIVERSIDE STADIUM REFEREE: KEITH STROUD

MATCH REPORT S

wansea City suffered frustration on Teesside as Duncan Watmore’s brace gave Middlesbrough the spoils at the Riverside Stadium.

The striker fired the hosts into the lead via a fortunate deflection in the 25th minute, and doubled their advantage by finishing a counter-attack in the 65th minute.

Yan Dhanda gave Swansea hope as he pulled one back through a deflected strike of his own, but it was not to be.

The Swans had their chances to get something from the game – with Viktor Gyokeres having the best of them - and were also left wondering how they were denied a spotkick when there appeared to be a handball and a foul on Andre Ayew in quick succession during the first half.

LINEUPS Middlesbrough: Marcus Bettinelli; Paddy McNair, Dael Fry, Marc Bola; Djed Spence, Marcus Tavernier, Jonny Howson (captain), Sam Morsy (Lewis Wing 76), Marvin Johnson (Hayden Coulson 76); Chuba Akpom, Duncan Watmore (George Saville 68).

Subs not used: Dejan Stojanovic, Nathan Wood, Isaiah Jones, Sam Folarin, Patrick Roberts, Britt Assombalonga.

Swans: Freddie Woodman; Ben Cabango (Wayne Routledge 46), Ryan Bennett, Marc Guehi; Connor Roberts, Korey Smith (Jordon Garrick 81), Jay Fulton (Matt Grimes 46), Ryan Manning; Kasey Palmer (Yan Dhanda 65); Andre Ayew (captain), Jamal Lowe (Viktor Gyokeres 46).

Subs not used: Steven Benda, Kyle Naughton, Jake Bidwell, Liam Cullen.

QUOTE OF THE GAME

But the visitors kept battling, and substitute Dhanda gave them hope when a deflection off Dael Fry took his strike past Bettinelli and into the net.

“I AM DISAPPOINTED, THE PLAYERS ARE DISAPPOINTED, AND THEY KNOW WE HAVE DROPPED OUR STANDARDS TONIGHT. IF YOU DON’T PLAY ANYWHERE NEAR YOUR LEVEL YOU ARE GOING TO GET PUNISHED.”

The Swans continued to push, but they were unable to find a late leveller.

STEVE COOPER

For Steve Cooper’s side it was just a third defeat of the league season.

It had been an even opening, but it was Boro who took the lead when they pounced on a loose pass in midfield, with Watmore driving infield to get away a shot that took a wicked deflection off Marc Guehi to leave Freddie Woodman stranded.

Half-time substitute Gyokeres had a gilt-edged chance within a minute of the restart as Marcus Bettinelli made a hash of a clearance, but he blazed over with others free in support.

Watmore struck again not long after the hour mark, finishing off a counter that caught Swansea short of defensive numbers.

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SWANSEA CITY 2 LUTON TOWN 0

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MATCH DETAILS DATE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 VENUE: LIBERTY STADIUM REFEREE: LEIGH DOUGHTY

MATCH REPORT S

wansea City struck early and late as goals from Connor Roberts and Andre Ayew sealed victory over Luton Town at the Liberty Stadium.

There were less than two minutes on the clock when wing-back Roberts – who also netted at Nottingham Forest – was teed up to fire a deflected shot into the net.

And there were less than two minutes of normal time left when Ayew picked up the ball and drove forward before firing an unstoppable strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

Those goals settled a hard-fought contest where both sides had their chances, and the visitors ended a man down following the dismissal of defender Matty Pearson.

The result saw the Swans move back into the play-off places and get back to winning ways following their midweek defeat at Middlesbrough.

They made a dream start when Liam Cullen was first to Korey Smith’s cross, with Ayew then teeing up Roberts to fire a deflected strike beyond James Shea in the Luton goal.

Luton sought a response as George Moncur struck the post, while Luke Berry lifted over the bar from just eight yards.

But their hopes of getting back into the game were dented when Pearson was show a second yellow card after catching Marc Guehi in the head with an attempted overhead kick.

And Ayew put the game to bed as he took aim from 18 yards and fired home in the final moments.

LINEUPS Swans: Freddie Woodman; Kyle Naughton, Ben Cabango, Marc Guehi (Joel Latibeaudiere 83); Connor Roberts, Korey Smith, Matt Grimes (captain), Jake Bidwell; Yan Dhanda (Kasey Palmer 71); Liam Cullen (Jamal Lowe 71), Andre Ayew (Viktor Gyokeres 90).

Subs not used: Steven Benda, Ryan Manning, Jay Fulton, Wayne Routledge, Jordon Garrick.

Luton Town: James Shea; James Bree, Tom Lockyer, Matty Pearson, Dan Potts; Glen Rea (captain), Jordan Clark; George Moncur (Elliot Lee 62), Luke Berry (Kazenga LuaLua 82), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Harry Cornick 62); James Collins.

Subs not used: Ryan Tunnicliffe, Harry Isted, Brendan Galloway, Sam Nombe, Joe Morrell, Dion Pereira.

QUOTE OF THE GAME “WE’RE VERY PLEASED WITH THE RESULT AND LARGE PARTS OF THE PERFORMANCE. IT WASN’T EASY BUT I DON’T THINK ANY GAME IS GOING TO BE EASY IN THIS SCHEDULE.” STEVE COOPER 23

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STILETTOS & STUDS

BY JULIE KISSICK

T

onight’s visitors, Bournemouth, are a club on a mission and with a significant point to prove.

Eddie Howe was synonymous with Bournemouth, having managed the club for two spells and more than 450 games.

Relegation stings. It leaves a sharp burning sensation in its wake and it isn’t something anyone wants to experience for long – as we know all too well.

A former favourite on the pitch he delighted fans when he moved to manage the club he clearly had a deep affection for and his departure in the summer after a 25 year association was a huge blow.

And the easiest way to eradicate the discomfort is to make sure promotion is the aim and the achievement.

As fans too, the prospect of being back in the Promised Land of football, the Premier League, is a key driver. We all want to see our side go toe-to-toe with the best.

And that is why the result from the last midweek game, away to wily Neil Warnock’s Middlesbrough, stung so much.

A win would have meant climbing to the t o p of t h e C h a m p i o n s h i p, a s t e p c l o s e r t o promotion, but we all know that you should never underestimate the oldest manager in the football league.

So, we look for the consolations. Substitute Yan Dhanda got his first goal of the season and there was no shortage of subs coming off the Swansea bench as Steve Cooper rung the changes at half time.

There was a will to win, it just didn’t go right on the night.

The Cherries also lost in midweek, 3-2 to P re st on Nor th E nd, although they ret ained their lofty league position – one from the top of the table.

They faced a double blow when they dropped from the Premier League because the man at the helm left too and the searing disappointment of the drop must have felt even more painful to navigate without him.

Jason Tindall has big boots to fill. The former number two to Howe now gets a chance to show what he can do – and so far, it appears he’s not doing much wrong.

This evening will be a real challenge for both sides to show what they are made of and to go all out to position themselves closer to the goal of a return to the top flight – a prospect not lost on the two young managers in charge.

It should be a great game.

On a different note, I want to give a big shout out to show appreciation for the work the Swansea City Disabled Supporters Association have been doing throughout the pandemic.

Every season the group work with the club to support disabled fans. Things have had to change this season because of Covid-19, so the D SA have adapted in order to c ontinue their work and offer appropriate support to their members.

T hey have continued to make an incredible contribution, delivering food hampers to members during lockdown, running competitions and raising funds, including for Macmillan Cancer Support and Children in Need and the Mr X Appeal, which has been running in Swansea for years and provides Christmas gifts for children who would otherwise miss out.

Thank you to all at the DSA for all that you do.

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2018 GlobalData UK Market Analyzer (released Aug 2019)

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ERTHYGLAU CYMRAEG

BY ALUN RHYS CHIVERS, GOLWG

“W

hen I first met Roberto Martinez, I had exactly the same feeling as when I met my wife for the first time. I knew it was going to work.”

Dyma eiriau Graeme Jones, cyn-is reolwr Abertawe, mewn erthygl ar hyfforddi yn ddiweddar, lle mae’n sôn am ymuno â’r Elyrch yn is-reolwr Martinez. Heno, mae Jones yn dychwelyd i’r Liberty yn aelod o dîm hyfforddi Bournemouth ar ôl ymuno â staff y rheolwr newydd Jason Tindall yn yr haf.

Rhwng 2007 a 2009, profodd Martinez a Jones gryn dipyn o lwyddiant gyda’r Elyrch, gan godi i’r Bencampwriaeth gyda 92 o bwyntiau – y nifer fwyaf erioed i glwb Cymreig yn y Gynghrair Bêl-droed.

Cafodd Martinez ei enwi’n Rheolwr y Flwyddyn am gipio tlws yr Adran Gyntaf. Ond gyda’r llwyddiant hwnnw daeth mwy o sylw i Martinez fel rheolwr ac fe ddychwelodd i Wigan, lle’r oedd e wedi cael cryn lwyddiant fel chwaraewr, ac fe aeth â Jones gyda fe.

Aeth y ddau ymlaen i gydweithio yn Wigan ac Everton, cyn rhoi cynnig ar y llwyfan rhyngwladol gyda Gwlad Belg, gan orffen yn drydydd yng Nghwpan y Byd 2018, ddwy flynedd ar ôl i Gymru eu curo nhw yn wyth ola’r Ewros. Erbyn symud i Wlad Belg, roedd y ddau wedi cydweithio mewn mwy na 265 o gemau dros gyfnod o saith mlynedd.

Ond roedd Jones â’i fryd ar fod yn rheolwr ac ar ddod adref am resymau teuluol, ac fe ddychwelodd i Loegr at West Brom yn rhif dau i Darren Moore. Ond fe gollodd ei waith pan gafodd Moore ei ddiswyddo, ac fe barodd ychydig yn llai na blwyddyn wedyn yn rheolwr ar Luton.

Felly pam fod y berthynas rhwng Jones a Martinez mor llwyddiannus? Mae’r ateb yn yr erthygl ‘The Journey: No Fluke’ ar wefan The Coaches Voice. A Jones yn hanu o ogledd-ddwyrain Lloegr a Martinez yn Gatalanwr, allai’r ddau ddim bod yn fwy gwahanol o ran eu diwylliant na’u dull o chwarae – roedd steil i ddull Martinez, tra bod Jones wedi’i drwytho mewn dull corfforol. Ond yn ôl Jones, roedden nhw’n gweddu i’w gilydd, gyda Jones hefyd yn credu’n gryf yn ochr seicolegol y gêm. Mae’n dweud nad oes “neb eisiau clôn o reolwr fel is-reolwr” – doedd e ddim yn ofni dweud ei ddweud, ac roedd parch mawr gan y naill a’r llall at ei gilydd. Dau ddull gwahanol, dwy athroniaeth wahanol, ond un nod oedd wedi tynnu’r ddau ynghyd.

Fe allai’r berthynas fod wedi dod i ben yn gynt, pan gafodd Jones gynnig swydd rheolwr Abertawe i olynu Martinez. Ond megis dechrau roedd eu perthynas, ac fe arhosodd Jones yn dryw i’r rheolwr a’i ddilyn i Wigan – er mor amhoblogaidd oedd ymadawiad Martinez ymhlith y cefnogwyr ar y pryd. Brwydro am eu heinioes wnaeth Wigan am dri thymor, gan osgoi gostwng i’r Bencampwriaeth bob tro. Daeth llwyddiant chwerwfelys ar y pedwerydd cynnig, wrth iddyn nhw guro Manchester City i godi Cwpan FA Lloegr ond cwympo, yn anochel, i’r Bencampwriaeth.

Daw Jones yn ôl i’r Liberty heno gyda Bournemouth ymhlith y ffefrynnau i ennill dyrchafiad. Er bod y steil ychydig yn wahanol erbyn hyn o dan reolaeth Steve Cooper, fe fydd Jones yn gwybod yn well na’r rhan fwyaf o hyfforddwyr sut i guro athroniaeth yr Elyrch.

Mae’n gynnar yn y tymor o hyd, ond gemau fel hon sy’n gallu adrodd cyfrolau – am dimau ac unigolion.

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Q&A WITH FREDDIE WOODMAN Age: 23 Position: Goalkeeper Nationality: English Former Clubs: Newcastle United, 0 Apps Hartlepool United (Loan), 0 Apps Crawley Town (Loan), 11 Apps Kilmarnock (Loan), 14 Apps Aberdeen (Loan), 5 Apps

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SINCE MAKING HIS INITIAL LOAN MOVE, FREDDIE WOODMAN HAS FULLY EMBRACED LIFE IN SWANSEA AND WAS DELIGHTED TO BE ABLE SECURE A RETURN TO SA1 LAST SUMMER. HERE THE GOALKEEPER REVEALS HIS ADMIRATION FOR THE ALL BLACKS, WHY HE LIKES TO KEEP BUSY ON AND OFF THE PITCH, AND TALKS ABOUT THE AFTERNOON HE SIGNED FOR THE SWANS ON A SURREY RIVERBANK. Freddie, it’s been a fine start to the season. As we speak, you have kept seven clean sheets and are playing as part of the best defence in the top four divisions of English football?

It feels good to say that, but it is only the start and we have to be consistent. It’s nice to hear those things, but it will be even better if people are still saying it after 46 games.

But we take it one game at a time, I don’t think beyond what’s next. That has stuck with me from what the gaffer says.

We have players who want to put their body on the line and make a block, the boys want to make sure I don’t have many saves to make.

You have the defenders, but guys like Jamal Lowe come back and make blocks. The attitude to defending is good.

That comes from people like Alan Tate. We have meetings with him and Marge, and the players they were breed that.

We take on board their commitment, no-one turns their back in this team. We are eager not to concede, because we know there are guys up the other end of the pitch that will get goals.

Tatey has so many stories, and he keeps reminding us of the season they kept 24 clean sheets. He reminds us of that after every clean sheet. There’s still a long way to go, I like that.

It’s great to have that relationship with coaches, they just want to improve you but have you enjoy it too.

One of the big incentives for me is that I missed the end of last season through injury, and I was absolutely gutted.

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Don’t get me wrong, I was chuffed that the team made the play-offs and I celebrated that every bit as much as I would have had I been playing.

But, deep down inside, you wish you had been playing in those games. Those are the sorts of games you want to play in and try and make a difference in.

When there’s something on the line and you have to perform, it was a big motivation for wanting to come back, to try and be a part of something special for this club.

Off the field, you’ve spoken before of how much you enjoy reading. You’ve been working your way through a number of books. Are there any you’ve particularly enjoyed?

I really enjoyed the book about the All Blacks; ‘Legacy’.

Someone gave that to me at the age of 16, I had picked up a bad injury and was told reading would help me pass the time.

That was the first one I read, and the first thing that struck me was the culture of Maori people, and of the All Blacks. It goes onto talk about lessons in life, there are so many things you can relate to your own life. It has stuck with me, and I’ve read it five or six times.

You have all these great athletes and players, like Dan Carter and Richie McCaw, and you can learn from the values they follow. It has made them one of the best sports teams in the world. I have taken things from it myself.

They talk a lot about Kaizen, which is Japanese for the pursuit of continuous improvement. There’s that theme of no-one looking after the All Blacks, the All Blacks look after themselves.

They tidy up after themselves, they are the right professional on and off the pitch. It’s about staying on the top of your game, but it also talks about there being a time to change your game.

I found that weird at first, but it’s definitely true. I read Carter and McCaw’s books after that, I’m a bit obsessed with them.

They have brilliant basics, and whatever you do in life, if you have that you can get to the top of your profession.

If you do those fundamental things, you do them to your best.

It’s like when they talk about sweeping the sheds – cleaning the dressing room. You should do it the best you can.

I could go on and on about them, but I love anything that is an insight into cultures, into values and sports teams. No one size fits all, everyone has different ways of doing things.

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What else have you been reading?

I read a book about Ayrton Senna, and what an incredible guy he was. I like watching Formula One, and if you look at Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes, I am fascinated by them too. Just look at that sustained excellence where they have been dominant for so long. That culture, that humility to keep working hard, to never take any short cuts. I admire that.

Hamilton deserves so much credit, he’s a serial winner.

I think he and the organisation deserve so much respect, to be successful for so long is remarkable.

But reading is not your only hobby. You love your golf, darts, fishing… you certainly keep yourself busy?

I have to be that way. I cannot just sit and not be engaged by something. If I am watching TV, I have to be engaged in what I am watching, I will never watch something for the sake of watching it.

I’ ve been watching The Crown, and I’ ve just completely got into it and been looking into some of the things that happened in it.

If I’m playing darts with Mike the kitman, I have to be engaged in it. I don’t win often, but I enjoy in it and trying to be better at it.

I also like going to coffee shops and trying different ones, I ask my mother to give me things to try and cook so I can improve on that.

I enjoy yoga, I’ve got all sorts going on, to be fair!

What coffee shops have you visited?

I go down Mumbles, and there’s a good one called The Lookout in Three Cliffs. It’s near my house and I tend to go there on the morning of the game, get some fresh air.

I also want down to Coal Town Coffee in Ammanford and it was excellent. My barber was going to take me there for a coffee brewing experience, but we have not been able to during the pandemic.

The people down here are great and very friendly.

You talk about being engaged, that’s obviously something that’s important as a goalkeeper as the play can be at the other end of the field at times?

One big bit of advice I got given was to play the game in five-minute segments. To concentrate for 90 minutes is not easy, but to break it down is easier.

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If something good happens, just move on to the next five minutes. If something bad happens, just get to the next five minutes and put it behind me.

People probably see me looking at the clock in games, and that’s why. I’m just seeing where I am to the next five minutes.

I live my life a bit like that I suppose.

But Steve Black told me that, I spent a lot of time with Blackie and he is such a fascinating human being.

I knew he was with Wales and the British and Irish Lions in rugby, and I knew him through my time at Newcastle and his time working with Jonny Wilkinson.

I went to meet him once for a coffee, I thought it would be 20 minutes but we were there for four-and-a-half hours.

The knowledge he has is incredible. It was amazing and I learnt so much, it was him who told me to read the All Blacks book.

I’ve kept a lot of advice he gave me. I met him through a guy called Eddie Jennings at Puma, and he suggested I meet him.

I did my research on him, and we went on to meet on a regular basis. We used to go to the garden centre in Newcastle and have a coffee at 3pm. I would walk away thinking I was the best goalkeeper in the world.

He does that to you.

We are still in touch, he is very, very busy, but I get messages and he is a very kind man.

He’s always been viewed as a man ahead of his time in sports psychology, his time with Wales and the Lions predates a lot of what is more common now.

I remember telling my mother I was going to meet him, and she was wondering why I was going to see him.

She just said there was nothing wrong with my mind.

But I came back from meeting him and I was buzzing, and she could sense the energy he had given me.

She still knows when I am trying something different, and wonders why I do it. But everyone keeps evolving.

I am open minded about that. You have to try new things, you can’t be set in stone. Try things, have different experiences.

Superstitions are not helpful for me, I do have some, but not many.

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That reflects how you embraced your time in Swansea?

I think so, but it helps when you come to an area where everyone is so welcoming and the area is beautiful.

I have been to other places where I wondered if anyone liked me at all, but I have loved being here.

From the end of last season, I wanted to come back.

The gaffer spoke to me and said he wanted me back, and I was delighted.

I had interest from other Championship clubs, and one from abroad, but I just told everyone that I had my heart set on coming back to Swansea.

I was made up when it got sorted. I didn’t even move my stuff out of my house, I asked to leave it there as I had a good feeling I would be back. The gamble paid off!

The big thing for me was how top drawer the gaffer and Martyn Margetson are. I improved so much under them, they are brilliant and to be back into an environment where you feel you are getter better as a player and a person, is great.

It’s like when I talked about Kaizen, constant improvement. I feel I have that here.

You talked about signing your contract earlier, not many people know you signed it on a riverbank in Surrey?

I know, I thought you might ask me that!

My cousin had organised it for us, we had been planning it for a while, and it ended up being the day I signed for the Swans and signed a long-term deal at Newcastle.

The two gaffers were fuming. I knew the deal would be done around that time, but I got to my cousin’s place early and we got to the lake early and set up.

Then my agent text me and asked how quickly I could get to the offices in London, so I had to ring him and tell him I couldn’t get there fast because of where I was.

The gaffer was asking me what I was playing at, so I ended up getting my phone out and signing it all over that.

And you’ve got a little darts tournament going on at the end of a day?

I play golf too, I play off 12 although I’m more of a summer golfer. I had some lessons up at Glynhir Golf Club with Steve Williams, he’s a massive Swans fan too.

He was really helpful.

Joel (Latibeaudiere) plays off nine, Matt Grimes is a good golfer, and I see Morgan Gibbs-White watching golf tutorial videos every time I go in the treatment room.

With the darts, Michael Eames is the main man. Magic Mike, we very rarely beat him.

We have nicknames for ourselves. Sam Surridge used to be the Eagle, so I decided to be the Falcon. Ben Wilmot was the Budgie and Liam Cullen is the Claw. Erwin Mulder was Michael van Erwin!

Mike got me a darts shirt, with Falcon 180 on the back!

We have a good laugh, it’s great to be able to enjoy each other’s company like that.

How do you view the rest of the season, and what are your long-term goals?

I think this season will definitely be about going from game to game and keeping a tight focus. You look at the sheer number of games there are in a short period of time, and you can’t afford to be looking too far ahead otherwise things will get away from you.

I don’t think the gaffer and the coaching staff here would ever allow us to do anything like that though. We know we cannot get too far ahead of ourselves, even though we have had a good start.

In terms of the long term, my answer is very similar.

When I was a kid I was always talking about what I wanted to do, and what I would do. But, as you get older, you realise it does not work like that.

You have to negotiate each step along the way, you have to keep improving. That’s the way you give yourself the best chance of achieving what you want to achieve.

I also got a catch that day – we were carp fishing – we put back everything we catch, but it was nice to mark the day. I sent the gaffer a picture of it.

My cousin Nathan was laughing his head off that I had signed two of the biggest deals of my career while stood next to him fishing. He’s a great lad and great company.

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T

JACK THE LAD

here is finally light at the end of the tunnel. As the Swans were taking on Middlesbrough at an empty Riverside Stadium, there were some Football League matches around the country that were being played out in front of fans.

Not cardboard cut-outs, not pre-recorded sound effects, but proper, real life, living, breathing football fans.

Around 2,000 supporters were allowed into Shrewsbury ’s Montgomery Waters Meadow ground for the League One match with Accrington Stanley.

One person who was glad to see fans back at the ground was lifelong Shrewsbury fan Ryan Jervis, who has experienced both sides of fans being absent from stadiums as the club’s volunteer tannoy announcer.

Jervis said: “Thank goodness we’ve got people back into the stadium.

“I have for weeks now been talking to myself, no reactions from the terraces when we score, concede, or the referee makes a mistake.

“I have even got off scot free when I’ve given the wrong goal scorer or pronounced a name incorrectly.

“The atmosphere has been very sterile, football means very little without a crowd.”

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Perhaps that last comment is slightly overstating the situation, but you know what he’s getting at.

Football still means an awful lot to us, we all still want to see our clubs win whether we are at a ground or not, but it’s simply not the same without us being there.

As I write this, no decisions have been made over letting fans back into Swans’ matches. There may well be some twists and turns ahead before we start filing back through the Liberty Stadium turnstiles.

So, I’m trying not to get too excited, but it certainly feels like we have made a big step forward, especially combined with the recent vaccine-related news.

If there is one thing we have learnt from this COVID-19 pandemic is that fans need football and football needs fans.

It’s been great watching the action on Swans TV, especially listening to the brilliantly enthusiastic and partisan commentary of Anthony O’Connell and the passionate co-commentary of the likes of Lee Trundle, Alan Curtis and Kristian O’Leary.

Hearing Wyndham Evans heading every ball and flying into every tackle while he watches from the commentary box has been a genuine delight and will continue to be so whether we are allowed back into stadiums or not in the near future.

But sorry guys, as entertaining as you are, watching football on TV is just not the same as being there in the flesh for fans, whether that’s a top of the table Premier League clash or a League Two relegation battle.

Forty-two years ago, I walked into the Vetch for the first time - coincidentally to see the Swans play today’s opponents Bournemouth in the old Fourth Division.

Truth be told, there wasn’t much of a crowd, it wasn’t much of a game and the weather wasn’t the best.

But it was my first taste of live professional football. I had never been to a game where there were more than four and a dog watching.

Despite the relatively modest crowd and a less than actionpacked one-nil win, I was hooked and I have loved being at live sporting events ever since.

Yes, I like watching live football on television, I enjoy listening to live football on the radio, I watch recorded highlights.

But if I’m able to be at a game, I would take that option pretty much every time. There’s nothing that quite lives up to “being there”.

I know I’m not alone, fans up and down the country have spoken of how much they have missed going to fixtures and events in all kinds of sports, not just football.

A s Swans fans, our absence from football grounds has made us all appreciate just how much we enjoy the traditions and routines of our individual matchday experiences.

And clubs have come to appreciate how important fans are.

Ye s , t h e r e a r e t h e o b v i o u s financial advantages of having fans at games. But what can’t be quantified in monetary terms is the atmosphere that we bring.

No-one will ever be able to argue again that fans are not part of the overall entertainment provided by a football match.

I’m sure we won’ t t ake the ability to go to football matches for granted again and I hope football clubs won’t ever take fans for granted either.

The Swans have certainly acknowledged how important we are with their recent season ticket announcements.

The club’s statement said: “The club has been overwhelmed by the support shown by the Jack Army, especially our 2020-21 season ticket holders who have shown incredible loyalty throughout these unprecedented times.”

Fine words, but they also backed them up with the hugely generous season ticket offer for the 202122 season.

The statement added: “We want our fans to ‘Be proud to be a Jack’.

We know our club is different because our fans make us very special.”

We are always proud to be Jacks, but it was nice to see the club acknowledging what they think of us and backing it up in practical terms.

Hopefully, it won’t be long before we can reply in kind by flocking to the stadium in whatever numbers we are allowed to and showing the club and the players on the pitch how important they are to us.

It may not be the same as the preCOVID days for a little while, but I am sure we will all play our part in making sure our eventual return to full stadiums is as safe and speedy as possible.

Hopefully today’s result will be a repeat of my first Swans match all those years ago when the Swans enjoyed a home win in front of a crowd of 7,500, which included a wide-eyed youngster who has loved attending live sport ever since.

C’mon you Swans!

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SWANS ACADEMY

BY NIGEL REES

G

ood evening everybody/noswaith da pawb. Our fixture schedule with all players is now fully operational and there is an exciting and vibrant atmosphere within the academy now all the players have returned. We are still encountering some disruption with the COVID scenario, but it is a pleasure to have our boys back training and playing.

the opportunity to further develop this programme and give the Swansea community as a whole the chance to experience our very effective coaching programme. We have held limited CPD sessions via online programmes, but it will be a positive move when we can get aspiring coaches back into the building and support them on their pathway.

The under-23s squad continues to work hard, and the squad will play Carmarthen Town in a friendly fixture next week. We are trying to arrange as many local fixtures as possible as this supports the regulations required under the COVID rules. The under-18 squad continue to work hard and even though the players gave a very hardworking performance against Ipswich, they lost the game but still gained valuable experience from the fixture.

As I’ve stated previously, recruitment is the lifeblood of every football club and we are investing heavily into developing this aspect of the Academy. We feel that this is an area that has greatly improved during the course of the last year during which time we have restructured the department and are reviewing our development centre structure and pre-academy provision. During the lockdown period it gave us an opportunity to review many of the processes we operate, and the key objective is that we always provide an excellent service for all our current and future players. In addition, we have Increased the number of scouts working within the Academy structure and continue to build excellent relationship with local clubs and schoolboy associations. This investment is critical to our continued growth as we ensure that all young players in Wales are allowed the opportunity of accessing a very professional and innovative coaching programme.

The next fixture for this group is the eagerly awaited Youth Cup fixture against QPR. This is always a much-anticipated game in the calendar and the boys have been working and preparing for the challenge.

Even during these difficult times, our Academy continue to grow and develop, and the ability and quality of the coaching staff and the coaching curriculum are fundamental keys to success and offer young players every opportunity to develop.

The intangible fabric of Academy – its people, its environment and its spirit are paramount to the continued development of our future young stars.

The ongoing current investment into the facilities at Landore clearly supports the above statement and the club’s intentions of developing a worldclass resource at Swansea Academy is testament to the belief that the Board has in the continued development of Youth programme.

Hopefully when the COVID situation has changed, we will continue to develop our coaching and support programme for local coaches and clubs. This has developed into a very successful initiative and we will continue to offer coaching workshops and seminars during the season if possible. Our facilities allow us

We have recently been in a position to restart our pre-academy structure and have started our training schedule. We ensure that all our players are receiving a very consistent and structured curriculum, which is delivered at the Academy training ground at Landore. The programme is both vibrant and exciting and our focus is to ensure that we continue to develop a happy, safe and educational environment. The Pre-Academy as a whole has been working extremely well and the structure has developed our players in a very positive fashion. The nucleus of our current under-9 squad comprises of last year’s pre-academy players.

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DATE: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 VENUE: IMPERIAL COLLEGE SPORTS GROUND Swans U23s:

QUEENS PARK RANGERS U23S 3 SWANS U23S 1 MATCH REPORT A

Jamie Searle; Ryan Bevan, Scott Butler, Matthew Blake (captain), Cian Williams; Erick Kenko (Jacob Edwards, 65), Morgan Clarke (Ruben Davies, ht), Adnaan Moti (Michael Murphy, 65); Cameron Congreve, Bradley Gibbings, Rio Campbell.

Subs not used: Tyler Evans, Dylan Perkins.

“We were disappointed with how we played in the first half,” said under-23s coach Grey.

youthful Swansea City Under-23s side were beaten 3-1 by Queens Park Rangers in the Professional Development League.

Despite first-year scholar Ruben Davies marking his debut with a goal, the young Swans suffered a second consecutive defeat at Imperial College Sports Ground.

Jon Grey made four changes to the side beaten by Charlton Athletic last time out; handing first starts at this level to Cian Williams, Adnaan Moti and Rio Campbell.

The Swans fell behind in the 21st minute, when Stephen Duke-McKenna sent a 20-yard free-kick flying into the top corner.

The visitors responded well after the break; equalising in the 64th minute as substitute Davies capitalised on a loose pass before slotting past Tyla Dickinson.

But they were pegged back just four minutes later when Hamzad Kargbo raced onto a long ball and rounded Jamie Searle before finishing.

And QPR sealed the points with five minutes remaining as Nathan Carlyle sent a thumping shot into the top corner.

“We had to remind the boys at half-time that to be a footballer, you have to produce the goods on the pitch, not just off it.

“There was a good response in the second half in that regard. They were better and remained in the game right to the very end, but still miles off it.

“With the amount of games they’ve been involved in, this was probably one too far in terms of the physicality. The boys were out on their feet.

“It’s a tough period, but we’ve just got to get on with it and get the lads used to playing twice a week like the first team do.

“THEY HAVE TO LEARN TO LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES AND HOW TO RECOVER PROPERLY. NOW IS A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM TO DO THAT.” 39

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STAPLES PLEASED WITH RECENT DISPLAY

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wansea City Ladies head coach Colin Staples felt his side’s recent 1-0 win over Cardiff Met had been a great advertisement for ever-increasing standard of the Welsh Premier Women’s League.

Swansea beat one of their main title rivals thanks to a narrow 1-0 victory at Llandarcy, which handed Cardiff Met their first defeat of the season.

The win was sealed thanks to an audacious longrange attempt by Chloe Chivers who broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute.

And, Staples was delighted with the improvement his side showed from their previous win over Cyncoed, and how the game as a whole highlighted the quality on display in the Welsh top-flight.

“That was a great advert for the WPWL, that is what football is really about and it was a pleasure to be involved in it,” he said.

“Our performance pleased me immensely, it was like chalk and cheese (from the Cyncoed game).

“We have had a week of open and frank talking to each other, as well as working on the training pitch, and then coming out for this game every player involved was immense.

“I timed it on my watch and for 40 of the 45 minutes we were in control of the first half.

“In the second half, once we got under control, we were never in doubt. it was just the case of how we were going to score.”

Chivers’ winner was her fourth goal this season and Staples was in admiration of her magnificent strike, which flew over the head of the stunned goalkeeper.

“The goal was typical Chloe,” added Staples.

“She is a maverick player; you don’t know what you are going to get from her and when you get that sort of thing you can only stand back and applaud her.

“But she can’t do that without the rest of the team. The team dug in deep and we’ve worked hard.”

41

HELPING FAMILIES ENJOY FOOTBALL AT HOME The ‘homemade waste pipe goal’. Waste pipes, push-fit knuckle bends and some barrier fencing. It doesn’t seem like much, but sometimes it’s all you need to transform your garden into a proper footy pitch.

OFFICIAL TRADE & HARDWARE RETAIL PARTNER

42

SWANS DSA GOES THE EXTRA MILE FOR MEMBERS DURING PANDEMIC

T

hursday, December 3 marked International Day of Disabled Persons, and Swansea City was proud to recognise and celebrate the incredible work of our Disabled Supporters Association during this most difficult of periods.

For many supporters attending a matchday at the Liberty Stadium is about so much more than the 90 minutes, and our disabled supporters are no exception. The uncertainty and isolation as a result of the pandemic has negatively impacted the mental health of those who rely heavily on the social aspects of a live game.

During each season the DSA work with the club to introduce new facilities and incentives to benefit disabled supporters. Since its launch the DSA has also hosted many successful social events, attended by Swans players and staff.

While many of these events have been postponed due to the pandemic, the DSA committee have continued to work tirelessly to spread some positivity and stay connected to the association’s members.

Throughout the pandemic the DSA has: • Delivered food hampers to members during lockdown.

• Undertaken social media competitions.

• Continued to fundraise for Macmillan Cancer Support through socially distanced coffee mornings.

• Supported BBC Children in Need.

• Supported the Mr X Appeal - providing Christmas gifts to under-privileged children.

DSA chair Andrew Brayley points out that it’s the ethos of “one happy family” that continually motivates the committee, who dedicate many hours helping fellow Jacks and their families.

“The DSA found it important to keep in contact with our members during these difficult times where loneliness and isolation have come to the forefront,” he said.

“As a committee, we have worked tirelessly to keep every member engaged with the DSA and the club. “ To this end we have organised a number of competitions, a coffee morning, supported the Mr X appeal, player of the decade, supported BBC Children in Need, shared member profiles, and are currently organising a Christmas raffle.

“We always try and ensure that our members feel valued and involved, keeping the ethos of ‘one happy family’. The DSA continually receives positive feedback on the work we do.

“On a final note I would like to thank our sponsors and the club for their contributions during this time.”

Swansea City disability access officer, Mark Phillips, explained how important the DSA has been to the club and supporters during the pandemic.

“We know how important attending matches at the Liberty Stadium is for our disabled supporters,” he said.

“As a club we are grateful the DSA has continued its fantastic work.

“Over the next few months, we will continue to work with the committee to make sure that when disabled supporters are able to return, they can do so safely and with confidence.”

43

A CENTURY OF LEAGUE FOOTBALL Historian Gwyn Rees looks at the club’s campaigns throughout its 100-year involvement in the Football League divisions and Premier League.

1961-1962 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO (FINISHED 20TH)

1960-1961 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO (FINISHED 7TH)

The Swans started up where they had left off by going undefeated through the first three games of the season before Preston ended a record 19-match unbeaten run at the Vetch.

After the unexpected loss, the side went on an alarming run of poor form, losing heavily away at Sunderland (72), Liverpool (5-0) and Derby County (6-3), to end up at the wrong end of the league by the New Year.

The only significant off-season signing in 1960 was Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Noel Dwyer from West Ham, while Swansea also rejected an offer of £30,000 for Mel Nurse from Manchester United.

The season – which would include the inauguration of floodlighting at the Vetch Field on October 11 began dismally with one win in 11 matches leaving the Swans bottom of the league.

Keith Todd would make his debut as a 19-year-old that autumn, scoring in a 2-1 win over Derby County, before an FA Cup run of wins over Port Vale and Preston North End was ended by Burnley.

Even the much anticipated European adventure turned into something of a farce, with a ban on movement throughout the Allied Corridor in Berlin meaning that the Swans would play both games in Europe against East German side Motor Jena. The first leg played in Austria ended 2-2, but the sending off of Colin Webster saw the second leg end in a 5-1 defeat.

Once again the side rallied at the season’s end, winning the final two games to avoid relegation.

1962-1963 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO (FINISHED 15TH)

But that cup run provided the impetus for a remarkable run of 16 league games without defeat, there were 12 wins as the Swans finished the season with a best finish in 34 years.

This campaign was completed with Welsh Cup victory over Bangor City at Ninian Park, in the process Swansea became the first Welsh club to qualify for the newly-created European Cup Winners’ Cup.

44

Eddie Thomas moved from Blackburn Rovers to the Vetch Field in a deal worth £10,000, and local boy Glyn Davies arrived from Derby County in time for the beginning of the new season.

An encouraging start was tempered with the departure of centre-half Mel Nurse to Middlesbrough for a fee of £25,000. This caused a backlash amongst the supporters, with many criticising the manager and the board through the local Evening Post.

The quarter-finals sent the Swans to Anfield to face a Liverpool side on their way to another top-flight title but, on the day, and with their backs against the wall, a Dwyer-inspired effort saw the side win against the odds 2-1 and play in only their second ever semi-final.

With gates down to an average of £10,000 it was understandable that the directors needed to reduce the clubs deficit, but with yet another young star sold, the supporters found it hard to take.

Thirty thousand supporters made the trip to Aston Villa to watch the side take on fellow Second Division side Preston North End.

The club stayed in a lower mid-table position for most of the season, but was encouraged by the progress of the youngsters breaking through, highlighted when Roy Evans, Barrie Jones and Keith Todd represented Wales at under-23 level against the Republic of Ireland at the Vetch Field in February.

1963-1964 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO

But, on a quagmire of a pitch, and having taken the lead just before the half time break, the game was turned on its head in the second half, with a disputed penalty, and a freak 40- yard clearance that sailed into the net ensured heartbreak for the Swans.

1964-1965 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO (FINISHED 22ND)

(FINISHED 19TH)

Manager Trevor Morris broke the club transfer record to sign Republic of Ireland international Jimmy McLaughlin from Shrewsbury Town for £16,000, while also bringing in Abergavenny winger Brian Evans. Both players would have successful spells with the club.

Once again early league results were mixed, but this was a season remembered for a superb FA Cup run as the Swans reached the semi-finals.

A third-round tie at home to Barrow saw the Cumbrians brushed aside 4-1, before the fourth-round draw saw the side travel away to First Division Sheffield United. A gritty performance by the team saw them earn a replay with a 1-1 draw in Yorkshire, before a superb 4-0 win in front of over 24,000 fans at the Vetch.

The draw for the fifth round once again saw the side drawn away to First Division opponents, this time Stoke City. The legendary Stanley Mathews scored an early goal for the hosts, but goals from Keith Todd and McLaughlin saw the side battle for another draw, which set up a hard-fought 2-0 win in the replay.

The opening of the new season saw Eddie Thomas move to Derby County, and Barrie Jones sign for Plymouth Argyle in a deal worth £40,000. A few weeks later and Dwyer would join Jones at Plymouth.

The season got off to a dreadful start, and the side found itself rooted to the bottom of the league. With pressure on the manager intensifying, he dipped into the transfer market, signing centre forward George Kirby from Coventry City, along with winger Willie Humphries and Jimmy McGuigan from Southampton in the hope of finding some creativity in midfield.

There was another positive FA Cup run with wins over Huddersfield and Newcastle putting the Swans within sights of another quarter-final, only to go out after a replay against Peterborough United.

The team stumbled through the rest of the season, and a 3-0 loss in the final game at Coventry City ensured relegation.

Manager Morris paid the price for the failure, with the board accepting his resignation.

45

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PLAYER SPONSORS 20-21 FREDDIE WOODMAN

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RYAN BENNETT

BEN CABANGO

MARC GUEHI

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CONNOR ROBERTS

JAKE BIDWELL

RYAN MANNING

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WESTACRES

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EMAIL L.MERRELLS@SWANSEACITY.COM FOR AVAILABILITY 51

SEASON 2020-21

52

Match Statistics

Key

Goal =

Sub = 2 (number denotes player replaced)

Captain =

FIXTURE

DATE

TEAM

Newport County (CC R2) A L 2-0

Sat, Sep 5, 3pm

Woodman

Routledge 3

Naughton

Rodon

Fulton

Bidwell 1

Grimes

Preston North End A W 0-1

Sat, Sep 12, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Rodon

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Birmingham City H D 0-0

Sat, Sep 19, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Rodon

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Waycombe Wanderers A W 0-2

Sat, Sep 26, 12.30pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Rodon

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Millwall H W 2-1

Sat, Oct 3, 3pm

Benda

Roberts

Cabango

Rodon

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Huddersfield Town H L 1-2

Sat, Oct 17, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Naughton 3

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Coventry City A D 1-1

Tue, Oct 20, 7.45pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Bristol City A D 1-1

Sat, Oct 24, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Stoke City H W 2-0

Tue, Oct 27, 7.45pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Bennett 3

Guehi

Manning 1

Grimes

Blackburn Rovers H W 2-0

Sat, Oct 31, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Naughton

Guehi

Bidwell

Smith

Brentford A D 1-1

Tue, Nov 3, 7pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Norwich City A L 1-0

Sat, Nov 7, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Rotherham United H W 1-0

Sat, Nov 21, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Bennett

Naughton

Bidwell

Grimes

Sheffield Wednesday H D 1-1

Wed, Nov 25, 7.45pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Bennett

Naughton 2

Bidwell 4

Grimes Grimes

1

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Smith

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Smith

Nottingham Forest A W 0-1

Sun, Nov 29, 12pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Middlesbrough A L 2-1

Wed, Dec 2, 7pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango 2

Bennett

Guehi

Manning

Smith 5

Luton Town H W 2-0

Sat, Dec 5, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Cabango

Guehi 3

Bidwell

Grimes

A.F.C. Bournemouth H

Tue, Dec 8, 7.45pm

Cardiff City A

Sat, Dec 12, 12.30pm

Derby County A

Wed, Dec 16, 5.30pm

Barnsley H

Sat, Dec 19, 3pm

Queens Park Rangers A

Sat, Dec 26, 3pm

Reading H

Wed, Dec 30, 8pm

Watford H

Sat, Jan 2, 3pm

Stevenage A (FA R3)

Sat, Jan 9, 3pm

Barnsley A

Sat, Jan 16, 3pm

Blackburn Rovers A

Tue, Jan 19, 7.45pm

Brentford H

Sat, Jan 23, 3pm

Rotherham United A

Sat, Jan 30, 3pm

Norwich City H

Sat, Feb 6, 3pm

Sheffield Wednesday A

Sat, Feb 13, 3pm

Nottingham Forest H

Wed, Feb 17, 7.45pm

Huddersfield Town A

Sat, Feb 20, 3pm

Coventry City H

Wed, Feb 24, 7.45pm

Bristol City H

Sat, Feb 27, 3pm

Stoke City A

Wed, Mar 3, 8pm

Middlesbrough H

Sat, Mar 6, 3pm

Luton Town A

Sat, Mar 13, 3pm

A.F.C. Bournemouth A

Tues, Mar 16, 7.45pm

Cardiff City H

Sat, Mar 20, 3pm

Birmingham City A

Fri, Apr 2, 3pm

Preston North End H

Mon, Apr 5, 3pm

Millwall A

Sat, Apr 10, 3pm

Wycombe Wanderers H

Sat, Apr 17, 3pm

Queens Park Rangers H

Tues, Apr 20, 7.45pm

Reading A

Sat, Apr 24, 3pm

Derby County H

Sat, May 1, 3pm

Watford A

Sat, May 8, 3pm

Booked =

Sent off =

Carabao Cup = CC

FA Cup = FA

Correct as of December 7, 2020

SUBSTITUTES Smith 2

Gibbs-White

Smith

Gibbs-White

Smith

Gibbs-White

Lowe 1

Smith

Gibbs-White 1

Lowe

Smith

Gibbs-White 2

Smith Smith

1

Lowe

Ayew

Benda, Rushesha, Evans, Williams, Dhanda 2, Peterson 3, Asoro 1

Lowe 2

Ayew

Benda, Naughton, Fulton 1, Dhanda, Routledge 2, Peterson, Cullen

Ayew

Benda, Naughton, Fulton, Dhanda, Routledge, Peterson, Cullen 1

Ayew

Benda, Naughton, Fulton 1, Dhanda, Routledge, Peterson, Cullen 2

Lowe 1

Ayew

Webb, Naughton, Fulton 2, Routledge, Garrick, Cullen, Gyokeres 1

Gyokeres 1

Lowe 2

Ayew

Benda, Evans, Fulton, Dhanda, Palmer 1, Garrick 3, Cullen 2

Gyokeres 1

Lowe 2

Ayew

Benda, Manning, Fulton 1, Dhanda, Palmer, Garrick, Cullen 2

Smith

Fulton

Lowe

Ayew

Benda, Naughton, Manning, Dhanda, Routledge, Cullen, Gyokeres 1

Fulton

Dhanda 2

Lowe

Ayew

Benda, Cabango 3, Bidwell 1, Smith, Palmer 2

Fulton

Dhanda

Lowe

Ayew

Benda, Bennett, Manning, Grimes, Routledge, Palmer 2, Gyokeres 1

Dhanda 2

Lowe 3

Ayew

Benda, Latibeaudiere, Manning, Grimes 1, Routledge, Palmer 2, Gyokeres 3

Palmer 3

Lowe

Ayew

Benda, Latibeaudiere, Manning, Grimes 1, Dhanda 3, Routledge, Gyokeres 2

Fulton

Dhanda 2

Lowe 3

Cullen 1

Benda, Latibeaudiere, Manning, Rushesha, Williams, Smith 3, Cooper, Routledge 1, Palmer 2

Smith

Dhanda

Lowe 3

Cullen 1

Benda, Latibeaudiere, Manning 4, Rushesha, Fulton, Cooper, Routledge 3, Palmer 2, Ayew 1

Smith

Fulton

Lowe 1

Ayew

Benda, Cabango, Manning, Dhanda, Routledge 1, Palmer, Garrick, Cullen, Gyokeres

Palmer 4

Lowe 3

Ayew

Dhanda 2

Cullen 2

Ayew

Fulton 1 Fulton

Fulton Smith

2

1

2

1

, Cullen, Gyokeres

Benda, Naughton, Bidwell, Grimes 1 , Dhanda 4 4

, Routledge 2, Garrick 5, Cullen, Gyokeres 3

Benda, Latibeaudiere 3, Manning, Fulton, Routledge, Palmer 2, Garrick, Lowe 1, Gyokeres 4

53

CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE 20-21 POS TEAM

P

*Sheffield Wednesday deducted 6 points.

W D L

F

A

GD PTS

1

Norwich City

16

9

4

3

21

15

6

31

2

Bournemouth

16

8

6

2

29

16

13

30

3

Reading

16

9

3

4

26

19

7

30

4

Swansea City

16

8

5

3

19

10

9

29

5

Stoke City

16

8

4

4

23

18

5

28

6

Brentford

16

7

6

3

24

15

9

27

7

Watford

16

7

6

3

19

12

7

27

8

Bristol City

16

8

3

5

19

16

3

27

9

Blackburn Rovers

16

7

4

5

31

19

12

25

10

Middlesbrough

16

6

6

4

16

11

5

24

11

Cardiff City

16

6

5

5

21

13

8

23

12

Luton Town

16

6

4

6

14

20

-6

22

13

Huddersfield Town

16

6

3

7

20

22

-2

21

14

Millwall

16

4

8

4

13

13

0

20

15

Preston North End

16

6

2

8

22

25

-3

20

16

Birmingham City

16

4

7

5

12

14

-2

19

17

Barnsley

16

5

4

7

17

21

-4

19

18

Queens Park Rangers

16

4

5

7

17

24

-7

17

19

Coventry City

16

4

5

7

18

26

-8

17

20

Rotherham United

16

3

4

9

15

23

-8

13

21

Nottingham Forest

16

3

4

9

9

19

-10

13

22

Wycombe Wanderers

16

2

5

9

9

23

-14

11

23

Derby County

16

2

5

9

8

22

-14

11

24

Sheffield Wednesday *

16

3

6

7

9

15

-6

9

B

UPCOMING FIXTURES CARDIFF CITY (A)

Saturday, Dec 12, 12.30pm

DERBY COUNTY (A)

Wednesday, Dec 16, 5.30pm

BARNSLEY (H)

Saturday, Dec 19, 3pm

QUEENS PARK RANGERS (A) Saturday, Dec 26, 3pm

READING (H)

Wednesday, Dec 30, 8pm

Correct as of December 7, 2020

NEXT UP AT HOME - BARNSLEY

arnsley are in their second season back in the Championship following their dramatic esc ape from relegation at the end of last season.

They have made a steady start to the campaign, with Valerien Ismael in charge following Gerhard Struber’s departure for New York Red Bulls.

I n r e c e n t y e a r s , t h e Ty k e s h a v e b o u n c e d between the Championship and League One a number of times, and won the Football League Trophy at Wembley in 2016.

Formed in 1887, Barnsley’s solitary season in the top-flight came during the 1997-98 campaign.

They were FA Cup winners in 1912.

54

35 SWANS

24 BARNSLEY

15 DRAWS 74 PAST MEETINGS

55

SQUAD LIST V

HEAD COACH: STEVE COOPER Freddie Woodman Ryan Bennett Ryan Manning Marc Guéhi Jay Fulton Korey Smith Matt Grimes Jamal Lowe André Ayew Morgan Gibbs-White Steven Benda Viktor Gyökeres Wayne Routledge Liam Cullen Yan Dhanda Joel Latibeaudiere Connor Roberts Jake Bidwell Kyle Naughton George Byers Tivonge Rushesha Oli Cooper Daniel Williams Cameron Evans Jordon Garrick Lewis Webb Ben Cabango Kasey Palmer

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 20 21 22 23 24 26 28 30 31 37 38 41 42 44 45

MANAGER: JASON TINDALL 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 29 32 33 40

Asmir Begović Steve Cook Dan Gosling Lloyd Kelly Chris Mepham David Brooks Jefferson Lerma Dominic Solanke Arnaut Danjuma Sam Surridge Adam Smith Lewis Cook Jack Stacey Cameron Carter-Vickers Junior Stanislas Rodrigo Riquelme Diego Rico Mark Travers Nnamdi Ofoborh Jack Simpson Gavin Kilkenny Joshua King Philip Billing Jaidon Anthony Jordan Zemura Will Dennis

MATCH OFFICIALS REFEREE: PETER BANKES ASSISTANT REFEREES: MARC PERRY AND JAMES MAINWARING FOURTH OFFICIAL: LEE SWABEY

56