Swansea City v Brentford – 20-21 – Issue 14

Cadwch yn ddiogel Jacks

Issue 14 - Digital Copy

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Swansea City v Brentford Wednesday, January 27 - Kick-off 7pm

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CONTENTS Page 14 - The new Swans trio

Page 18 - Meet the Opposition

Page 22 - Match Reports

Page 28 - Q&A with Ben Hamer

Page 38 - 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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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: Mark Alan Staff: David Tivey, Ritson Lloyd, Ailsa Jones, Matthew Murray, Adele Callaghan, Daniel Morris, Lee Watkins, Chris Watkins, Tom Jenkinson, 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 Head of Media & Communications: Ben Donovan Media Manager: Chris Wilson-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, Ben Donovan, Chris Wilson-Barney, Andrew Gwilym, Jonathan Davies, Sophie Davis, Adam Evans, Gwyn Rees, Ben Jones, Dylan James 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 616400 Web/Gwe: swanseacity.com Email/E-bost: info@swanseacity.com

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Chief Executive’s Notes

JULIAN WINTER G

ood evening and welcome back to the Liberty Stadium for tonight’s Championship game against Brentford.

It has only been four days since we were last in action on home soil for the brilliant 5-1 victory over Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup. It was a really good team performance and I was delighted to see Liam Cullen grab his first goals of the season, as well as Ollie Cooper scoring his first senior goal.

It was also great to see Conor Hourihane make his debut for the club following his loan move from Aston Villa, while Jordan Morris was also in attendance to watch his new team-mates.

We were delighted to get the deal for Jordan over the line, and we are looking forward to seeing him in action over the remainder of the season.

The weekend also saw George B yer s go out on loan as he headed to Portsmouth for the rest of the campaign.

Steve Cooper has always been c o m m i tt e d t o g i v i n g yo u n g players a chance and I’m sure the supporters would have enjoyed seeing two academy products amongst the goals for us.

George hasn’t long come back from a long spell on the sidelines and we hope he can get some game time working under former Swansea boss Kenny Jackett at Fratton Park.

To score five goals in any game is special, but we played some lovely football too and everyone at the club was delighted to see us progress to the fifth round and set up at home tie against Manchester City next month.

But it is back to league matters this evening in what will no doubt be a stern test against a very good Brentford side.

into this fixture and it bodes well for an entertaining game between two teams who like to play positive football.

As supporters will be aware, we are in the process of bringing all our catering operations inhouse at the Liberty Stadium following the end of our agreement with Sodexo.

The decision has been taken with our supporters in mind, and – as regular visitors to the stadium when circumstances allow - they are well-placed to tell us what they want and expect from us in this area.

There is a survey that can be found on our club website and we would appreciate your feedback to help us create an outstanding catering operation for our loyal supporters.

Enjoy the game.

Despite missing out on promotion last season, they are in a good run of form coming

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Head Coach’s Notes

STEVE COOPER G

ood evening everyone as we look forward to tonight’s Championship encounter with Brentford at the Liberty.

We were really pleased to have signed Conor for the rest of the season, and he’ll add further quality and experience to the squad.

this season – a game which ended 1-1 – and I’m sure this will prove to be another entertaining Championship encounter.

We go into the game on the back of a 5-1 win over Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup – a result and performance which we were really pleased with for a number of reasons.

The same goes for Jordan Morris, who has joined us from MLS side Seattle Sounders on loan. Jordan is a player who will give us some different options in the attacking third, and I’m sure you’re all looking forward to seeing him represent our club.

Hopefully you’ve enjoyed our performances and results so far this season, but there is a lot of hard work to be done, particularly as we’ve only just entered the second half of the league season.

The players and staff are well aware of that, and we’ll continue to do what we can to make you feel proud to support our club.

I was really happy to see Liam Cullen get two goals. He’s a great lad and he’s worked very hard since coming into the first-team set up. He’s had to be patient for opportunities too, so for him to start and score twice was great for him.

Shortly after our victory at the weekend, it was confirmed George Byers had joined Portsmouth on loan for the rest of the season.

It was also a big moment for fellow academy graduate Ollie Cooper, who scored his first senior goal. Ollie made his debut in the previous round against Stevenage, and to find the net for the first time in senior football is a moment he’ll never forget.

George has not long returned from an injury which had sidelined him for a while, and this move gives him an opportunity to get some valuable game-time in a team which operates in a similar fashion to ourselves. We wish him well for the rest of the season at Pompey.

These are not only fantastic moments for these young lads, but recognition of the academy and all the staff that have helped these players along the way.

As mentioned, our win over Forest puts us into the fifth round of the FA Cup, and we will welcome Manchester City to the Liberty next month, which is a game I’m sure you’ll all be looking forward to.

Last weekend also saw Conor Hourihane make his first appearance for us since joining on loan from Aston Villa.

Our focus, however, is firmly on tonight’s game against Brentford.

We’ve already played each other

Finally, I spoke to a fan on the phone shortly after the Forest match after hearing his son had sadly passed away recently.

Jac Williams was just 19 when he was involved in a car accident and lost his life. I spoke to his dad Keith to talk about Jac, and to give him our support during this awful time. This was such a tragic thing to happen, and it’s important that we all look out for each other – our family, friends and fellow Jacks – during such tough times.

Jac will certainly be in our minds tonight as we take on Brentford.

Enjoy the game.

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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 fixture against Brentford at the Liberty.

Saturday’s performance in the 5-1 victory over Nottingham Forest was fantastic and there were so many positives to take from the afternoon.

The biggest incentive was to keep the momentum going and we certainly managed to do that, netting five goals along the way.

A few c h a n g e s we re m a d e, but we want e d t o ke ep the momentum going and it was a good opportunity for players that maybe haven’t got as many minute s to get some under their belt.

We wanted to keep winning, keep progressing and keep the mentality going of always wanting to win, and we did that.

For me personally, it marked the first time in my career that I’ve scored two goals in one game. It’s a good moment for myself but it was all about playing well as a team and giving us something to build on.

We have also recently seen the arrival of Jordan Morris and he looks a real threat. We’re looking for ward t o training more with him and seeing what he can bring to the table.

It was a wonderful moment for Ollie Cooper who netted his first senior goal; it’s a massive milestone for him. I also want to say a big well done to Liam Cullen; he’s been brilliant this year and took his goals fantastically well.

After Saturday ’s win, our attention immediately turned to this evening’s Championship fixture against Brentford and we are completely focused on the challenge ahead.

We’ve got players who maybe aren’t getting the game time they feel they de s er ve, but they’re showing in a game like Saturday that they’re ready for their moments when they come.

The match proved the perfect debut for new signing Conor Hourihane. Conor’s been brilliant from the day he came in. You can see the quality he’s got; everyone’s going to be very happy to see him on the pitch.

I think they are all big games but with Brentford being in and around us in the league, it adds a little extra incentive. We’re in good form, so we’ll just worry about ourselves and prepare the same way we do for every game and, hopefully, keep the momentum going.

Enjoy the game.

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Ministry

Group

Ministry

Graphics

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oday, Terry Sinnett writes: Lots to say… and in only 500 words! As the Trust moves into its 20th year, I am reminded of the battle it took by a group of committed Jacks to secure the future of our football club back in 2001. The journey the club has been on since the official launch of the Trust in August 2001 has been remarkable.

Who would have thought back in those dark days that our team would miss relegation to the fifth tier of football by the skin of its teeth, rebuild and progress up the leagues, achieve promotion to the Premier League in 2011, stay there for seven seasons, win the League Cup at Wembley under the legendary Michael Laudrup in 2013, and compete in the Europa League? Quite an achievement in 20 years.

L ast Monday, we held our AGM. Due to the pandemic, it was held virtually, and we were pleased to see many Trust members attend.

Minutes of the meeting along with the Q&A will be made available on our website in due course.

Virtual meetings are becoming a norm and, to ensure we remain in communication with members from near and far, we aim to hold further virtual Q&A sessions in the coming months. We are conscious that regular communication is essential, and we will continue to reach out to the Jack Army by whatever means possible.

A s I write these notes, we are sitting in an automatic promotion place with every chance of promotion back to the top table. It’s a mouthwatering prospect. Steve Cooper, his coaches, staff and the players deserve great credit for getting us to this position.

The strengthening of the squad continues with the addition of Ben Hamer, Conor Hourihane and Jordan Morris. Andy Scott, Steve and the recruitment team again deserve great credit in adding quality players to the squad that can help maintain our promotion challenge.

There is no doubting the importance of the academy to our club. We therefore welcome the recent appointment of Mark Allen as academy director. Mark has an impressive record of working and developing young players from his time at Manchester City and Glasgow Rangers. We wish him well and hope he can build on the tremendous work done by his predecessor Nigel Rees.

We also welcome Rory Fallon back to the club.

Rory was part of the team that played in the 2006 League One play-off final against Barnsley at the Millennium Stadium. He’s taken up a coaching role within the academy and will always be remembered for that magnificent overhead kick in that game.

Enjoy the game #YJB

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A WARM WELCOME TO SW

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wansea City have enjoyed a productive January transfer window, bringing in three new signings to bolster Steve Cooper’s squad.

He will wear squad number 18 and had made 17 appearances for the Terriers this season, including their victory over the Swans in SA1 earlier in the campaign.

Having seen Kasey Palmer, Morgan Gibbs-White and Viktor Gyokeres recalled by their parent clubs, the Swans head coach knew bringing in new faces would be a necessity, and he has added a trio with no shortage of experience and talent.

He has also represented Reading, Crawley, Brentford, Exeter, Charlton, Leicester, Nottingham Forest, Bristol City and Derby during his career.

Goalkeeper Ben Hamer was the first to arrive in SA1, coming in to provide competition for Freddie Woodman following a serious ankle injury to Steven Benda.

The 33-year-old has put pen to paper on an 18-month contract at the Liberty Stadium, running through to the summer of 2022.

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He helped Brentford win the League Two title under the guidance of Swansea’s now head of recruitment Andy Scott, and was at Huddersfield at the same time as chief executive Julian Winter.

Hamer also helped Charlton seal the League One crown in 2012.

Midfielder Conor Hourihane was the second January arrival, as he arrived on loan from Aston Villa for the remainder of the season.

WANSEA CITY’S NEW TRIO

The Republic of Ireland midfielder – who will wear the number 14 shirt – made his debut in the FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

The 29-year-old has made 150 appearances for Villa since joining in January 2017, scoring 29 goals and helping them secure a return to the Premier League in 2019.

Hourihane, who is a set-piece threat with his left foot, previously played for Barnsley and Plymouth, having also had spells on the books at Ipswich and Sunderland.

He has won 24 caps for his country, scoring one goal.

And the final addition to date was Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris, who has also joined on a loan deal through to the end of the 2020-21 campaign.

The 26-year-old has won 39 caps for the United States national team, scoring 10 goals, while he has 35 MLS goals to his name from 135 appearances with the Sounders.

One of his international goals was the winner in the USA’s Gold Cup final win over Jamaica in 2017.

Known for his pace, Morris – who had a trial with Bundesliga side Werder Bremen in 2016 - can play as a central forward or in wide areas, and Swansea have the option to make his transfer permanent in the summer.

Morris will wear the number 11 shirt for the Swans, and will be hoping to be part of the matchday squad against the Bees.

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wansea City AFC Community Trust is pleased to announce the launch of a new weekly activity calendar.

Local lockdown restrictions have led to the postponement of our face-to-face delivery in schools and throughout the community.

But starting this week, we will be providing a wide range of fun activities for our participants to engage in from the comfort of their homes.

Along with the Online Kicks Club, which continues in its regular slot on a Monday evening, there will be plenty of challenges to look forward to from our Premier League Primary Stars and Inspires projects.

With health and wellbeing a huge focus during these uncertain times, we will also be hosting a ‘virtual cuppa’ session courtesy of our We Wear the Same Shirt initiative, encouraging our participants to join us for a cup of tea and catch-up.

A full itinerary for the week ahead will be released every Monday morning via our social media channels.

“By sharing all the brilliant work our team are doing to support our local community, we would like to enable more people to find out, join in and benefit from what’s going on.

“As COVID continues to affect us all in profound and challenging ways, we’re proud to be able to represent the Swans and serve the city however we can.

“Our staff are working hard supporting individuals, schools, running online activities and working alongside other local organisations to make a positive difference in the Swansea area.

“THROUGH THESE EFFORTS, WE HOPE WE CAN HELP MAKE PEOPLE’S LIVES THAT LITTLE BIT BETTER DURING THESE DIFFICULT TIMES.” For more information, email graham@ scfccommunitytrust.co.uk Stay tuned to our Twitter (@SwansCommunity) and Facebook channels for further details.

Graham Smith, secondary education lead at the Trust, said: “We’re really excited to launch our weekly activity calendar.

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BRENTFORD

FACT FILE OWNER

Cliff Crown

NICKNAME

The Bees

TWITTER INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK

@brentfordfc @brentfordfc @brentfordfootballclub1889

STADIUM OPENED CAPACITY Brentford 2020 17,250 Community Stadium

THE GAFFER Having taken over from Dean Smith following the former manager’s departure for Aston Villa, the Dane overcame a difficult start to make the Bees a real Championship force. Frank studied sports psychology and worked extensively at youth and development level before making the step up to senior level when handed the manager’s job at Brondby in 2013. He twice guided them to top-four finishes in the Danish Superliga before departing to become Smith’s assistant at Griffin Park. He assumed the top job when Smith left for pastures new in October 2018.

CLUB CAPTAIN The Sweden international has proved an astute signing since his arrival from Leeds in 2019, and he came within a game of helping Brentford reach the Premier League last season.

Jansson emerged at Malmo – playing against Swansea in the Europa League ties between the sides in 2013 – before making the move to Torino. His time in Italy did not work out as he would have liked, but he was rejuvenated by a move to Leeds – initially on loan – under Garry Monk in 2016; racking up 120 appearances at Elland Road.

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FOUNDED

1889

PONTUS JANSSON THOMAS FRANK

CLUB DETAILS SOCIAL MEDIA FACILITIES

STADIUM MEET THE OPPOSITION Now in their seventh season in the second tier, the Bees are aiming to go the extra step this term and secure promotion to the Premier League.

They looked set for promotion to the top flight last season only for a run of crucial defeats to condemn them to the play-offs, where they lost to Fulham in the Wembley final.

Arguably the finest spell in their history came during the 1930s, when they finished in the top six of the old First Division in three consecutive seasons.

BRENTFORD’S FORM Impressive. Right in the promotion mix, Brentford are unbeaten in their last 16 Championship matches, winning five of the most recent six. They continued their momentum with a brilliant run to the Carabao Cup semi-finals – knocking out three Premier League sides along the way in Southampton, Fulham and Newcastle – before eventually succumbing to Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham.

However, they have looked a little vulnerable defensively in recent times, with no clean sheets in five games after keeping six in their previous 11 outings.

THE KEY MEN Tasked with filling the shoes of Ollie Watkins, striker Ivan Toney has done a good job of it so far with his tally of 16 goals putting him joint-top of the Championship scoring charts. Marcus Forss and Sergi Canos have also been in the goals for the Bees this term, while Bryan Mbeumo – part of the potent ‘BMW’ partnership alongside Watkins and Said Benrahma last season – continues to pose a great threat, with only Reading’s Michael Olise bettering his tally of six assists in the second tier.

Elsewhere, Rico Henry is a dynamic force from left-back with his ability to get forward and support attacks providing yet another dangerous weapon for Frank’s side.

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ONES TO WATCH

EMILIANO MARCONDES

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Marcondes played a key role in Brentford’s play-off surge during t h e s e c o n d h a l f of l a s t season; notably scoring in their semi-final victory over the Swans. The former Denmark youth i nt e r n at i o n a l s p e nt t h e first half of last term on loan at Midtjylland, where his 12 appearances were enough to secure a Danish Superliga winner’s medal.

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Now in his fifth season with Brentford, Henry made his 100th appearance for the club earlier this term. A d y n a m i c l e ft- b a c k w h o displays bundles of energy going forward, he played 51 times in all competition last season. The former England youth international began his career at Walsall, where his performances during the 2015-16 campaign earned him a place in the PFA League One team of the year.

RICO HENRY

NATION

AGE

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BRYAN MBEUMO Mbeumo is yet to hit the heights of last season, which saw him net 16 times in Brentford’s play-off charge.

But, despite just three goals so far, the France Under-21 international already has six assists to his name – among the highest tallies in the Championship. A third of the potent ‘BMW’ partnership alongside Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma last term, the Swans are well aware of the sheer quality that the former Troyes striker possesses.

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After a promising start to the season, Forss’ goal tally is quickly approaching double figures. Used mainly as an impact player from the bench, his efforts were rewarded in December with a new fiveand-a-half- ye ar de al in West London. The Finland international enjoyed a produc tive lo an spell with AFC Wimbledon last season, scoring 11 goals in 18 appearances.

Former Peterborough striker Toney has been a revelation sinc e joining the Bees in the summer, netting 16 Championship g o a l s a l r e a d y. T h i s has come after an impressive 49 strikes from 94 appearances during his two-year stint with P osh. Toney began his career with spells at Northampton and Newcastle, but managed just four appearances for the latter.

MARCUS FORSS

IVAN TONEY 21

SWANSEA CITY 5 NOTTINGHAM FOREST 1

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MATCH DETAILS DATE: SATURDAY, JANUARY 23 VENUE: LIBERTY STADIUM REFEREE: KEVIN FRIEND

MATCH REPORT S

wansea City swept Nottingham Forest aside as a five-star performance set up an FA Cup fifth-round tie against Manchester City.

Liam Cullen and Matt Grimes bagged a brace apiece, while Ollie Cooper marked his home debut with his first Swansea goal on a satisfying afternoon for Steve Cooper’s side.

The head coach had made seven changes from the win over Barnsley – including a debut for loan signing Conor Hourihane – but it did not impact on a fluent start.

The hosts led in the seventh minute as Wayne Routledge got free down the right, with his perfect cross being volleyed home first time by Cullen.

The Swans were in control and they doubled their lead when Grimes hammered home an unstoppable swerving drive from 25 yards just before the half-hour.

Anthony Knockaert pulled one back for Forest early in the second half, but their comeback hopes were dashed when Grimes netted from the spot after Ryan Manning had been fouled

by Joe Worrall.

Cullen made it four with another first-time finish following excellent work by Ollie Cooper, Yan Dhanda and Manning.

And young midfielder Cooper put the icing on the cake when his shot squirmed under Forest keeper Jordan Smith, after Jamal Lowe’s shot had been blocked.

LINEUPS Swans: Freddie Woodman; Joel Latibeaudiere, Ryan Bennett, Marc Guehi (Jake Bidwell 66); Connor Roberts (Jordon Garrick 77), Yan Dhanda, Matt Grimes (captain; Jay Fulton 65), Conor Hourihane (Oli Cooper 66), Ryan Manning; Wayne Routledge (Jamal Lowe 20), Liam Cullen.

Subs not used: Lewis Webb, Ben Cabango, Kyle Naughton, Andre Ayew.

Nottingham Forest: Jordan Smith; Carl Jenkinson, Joe Worrall (captain), Tobias Figueiredo, Gaetan Bong (Tyler Blackett 76); Loic Mbe Soh, Fouad Bachirou (Cafu 46); Joe Lolley, Luke Freeman (Miguel Guerrero 46), Anthony Knockaert (Alex Mighten 76); Lyle Taylor.

Subs not used: Brice Samba, Cyrus Christie, Lewis Grabban, Sammy Ameobi, Michael Dawson.

QUOTE OF THE GAME “IT WAS GREAT TO GET BACK ON THE SCORESHEET, I’VE HAVE BEEN WORKING HARD ON FIRSTTIME FINISHING, AND IT WAS NICE TO SEE IT PAY OFF.” LIAM CULLEN 23

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STILETTOS & STUDS

BY JULIE KISSICK

B

e careful what you wish for eh?! I hope everyone is well and still on a high after that superb FA Cup result against Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

Let’s hope there is a winner in this game, unlike the last meeting back in November when the spoils were shared, courtesy of a 1-1 draw.

I was delighted that the game was broadcast on BBC Wales and even more pleased with the final score – 5-1 - no room for doubt there!

Three points could make a real difference to automatic promotion, so we don’t want tonight to be a case of an immovable object meeting an unstoppable force! (You just know it’ll be a 0-0 draw now, don’t you? Sorry!)

And, of course, that does mean we get a home fixture against the big guns in the next round, none other than Manchester City.

Not that they should concern us. We have been there before in this competition, and we gave a very good account of ourselves, going 2-0 up before Pep Guardiola’s side progressed to the semi-finals with a controversial 3-2 win.

There are scores to settle on February 10th. You’ll recall Sergio Aguero’s late goal at the Liberty when we last met in the FA Cup. It was only two years ago in 2019, although in some respects it seems like a lifetime ago - and yet the memory is very clear!

The replays showed Aguero was marginally offside, but there was no VAR at the Liberty and the goal stood.

It was a very gutsy performance and Graham Potter was full of admiration for his courageous side.

It will be fascinating to see Steve Cooper pit his footballing wits against Pep. I cannot wait!

Tonight, though, the focus is on league action and the return of an old foe in the form of Brentford.

Second versus fourth means this is a match to savour as both sides continue their quest for an automatic promotion place.

Before I go, I want to pay tribute to our former captain, Ashley Williams, who announced yesterday that he is hanging up his boots.

The 36-year-old was a hugely influential figure during his time with us, helping us get to the Premier League in 2011, win the League Cup two years later and captaining Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

He was a constant at the heart of our defence, making more than 300 appearances, and many of us were sad to see him leave for Everton in 2016.

I remember former Swansea club secretary, Jackie Rockey, telling me that Williams was synonymous with transfer deadline day for her, after arriving from Stockport County in 2008.

He completed his deal by signing his contract on the bonnet of his car, because there was no time to get his signature anywhere else.

Jackie had to get the paperwork faxed through in double-quick time to ensure that it got there before the cut off.

I’m sure we all wish him the very best in his future career, which I’m sure will involve continuing in football in some way.

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W

rth i Brentford yrru i mewn i Abertawe ar gyfer y gêm heno, bum mis yn unig ers y gemau ail gyfle, dim ond traean o BMW pwerus Thomas Frank sy’n weddill. Y BMW, wrth gwrs, oedd y tri yn y blaen – Saïd Benrahma, Bryan Mbeumo ac Ollie Watkins.

Sgoriodd yr ‘M’ a’r ‘W’ yn yr ail gymal wrth i’r ‘Bees’ gyrraedd y rownd derfynol. Roedd gan yr Elyrch fantais o 1-0 ar ôl y cymal cyntaf diolch i Andre Ayew, ond fe darodd tîm Frank yn ôl i ennill yr ail gymal o 3-1, cyn colli yn y rownd derfynol yn erbyn Fulham. Tra bod Watkins yn arwain yr ymosod yn Aston Villa, lle mae e wedi sgorio saith gôl mewn 17 o gemau, mae Benrahma yn waglaw ond wedi creu dwy gôl yn ei 11 gêm i West Ham. Er bod Brentford wedi colli cryn brofiad wrth i Benrahma a Watkins symud i’r Uwch Gynghrair, mae bygythiad Mbeumo yn dal yn amlwg heb ei ddau gyfaill. Mae e wedi sgorio tair a chreu chwech o goliau mewn 23 o gemau hyd yn hyn. Mae e bellach yn cadw cwmni i Ivan Toney, sydd wedi sgorio 16 gôl mewn 22 o gemau, a Marcus Forss sydd wedi sgorio pum gôl mewn 16 o gemau.

O edrych ar dîm Brentford yn ei gyfanrwydd, diddorol gweld yr wythnos hon fod Brendan Rodgers yn cymharu tîm presennol Thomas Frank gyda thîm yr Elyrch pan wnaeth y Gwyddel yntau eu harwain nhw i’r Uwch Gynghrair yn 2011. 4-3-3 yw system y ddau dîm, wrth gwrs. Sgoriodd Stephen Dobbie, Scott Sinclair a Danny Graham 56 o goliau rhyngddyn nhw allan o 69 yr Elyrch o dan Rodgers y tymor hwnnw.

O ddyblu cyfanswm Brentford yn eu 23 gêm hyd yn hyn, fe ddylen nhw orffen y tymor â 74 o goliau o gynnal y gyfradd bresennol.

Yr adeg hon y tymor diwethaf, roedd yr Elyrch newydd godi i’r safleoedd ail gyfle gyda buddugoliaeth o 1-0 dros Luton diolch i Ayew. Ond fel mae Steve Cooper – y nawfed rheolwr parhaol ers Rodgers – yn hoff o bwysleisio, edrych ymlaen yn unig y dylen ni ei wneud.

Maen nhw mewn sefyllfa lawer cryfach erbyn hyn, saith pwynt islaw Norwich ar y brig ond ar yr un nifer o bwyntiau (46) â Watford. Mae Brentford ddau bwynt islaw’r Elyrch, felly bydd y triphwynt sydd ar gael yn hollbwysig i’r Elyrch heno.

Ac eithrio’r ffaith fod Abertawe wedi ennill a bod Brentford wedi colli yn y gwpan dros y penwythnos, ychydig iawn sy’n gwahanu’r ddau dîm o safbwynt eu perfformiadau diweddar yn y gynghrair. Maen nhw, ill dau, wedi ennill pedair gêm ac wedi cael gêm gyfartal yr un yn eu pum gêm diwetha’. Ond y goliau y naill ben a’r llall sy’n eu gwahanu nhw mewn gwirionedd.

Tra bo’r Elyrch wedi sgorio wyth ac ildio dim ond un, mae Brentford wedi sgorio deg ond wedi ildio pump.

Manion fel hyn yw’r gwahaniaeth rhwng dyrchafiad neu beidio yn aml iawn.

Bydd y ‘Bees’ yn gobeithio rhoi pigiad yn adenydd yr Elyrch heno. Ond bydd Abertawe’n gobeithio na fydd cydran ola’r BMW yn tanio ac, a benthyg ac aralleirio ymadrodd y cyn-reolwr Carlos Carvalhal, fod cydran olaf hwnnw’r BMW yn mynd yn stỳc yng nghanol traffig Llundain ar ei ffordd i’r Liberty.

27

Q&A WITH BEN HAMER Age: 33 Position: Goalkeeper Nationality: English Former Clubs: Reading, 0 App Crawley Town (Loan), 45 Apps Brentford (Loan), 75 Apps Exeter City (Loan), 18 Apps Charlton Atheltic, 114 App Leicester City, 12 Apps Nottingham Forest (Loan), 0 App Bristol City (Loan), 4 App Huddersfield Town, 22 App Derby County (Loan), 25 App

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HE HAS NOT HAD LONG TO SETTLE INTO LIFE IN SWANSEA CITY COLOURS, BUT BEN HAMER IS RELISHING HIS NEW SURROUNDINGS IN THIS LATEST CHAPTER OF A FINE CAREER FOR THE 33-YEAR-OLD GOALKEEPER. HERE, HE TELLS US WHY HE FELT THE TIME WAS RIGHT TO JOIN THE SWANS, HOW THE WORDS OF SOME FAMILIAR FACES STUCK IN HIS MIND WHEN DECIDING ON HIS FUTURE, AND WHAT IT TAKES TO ENSURE PROMOTION SUCCESS IN THE EFL. Ben, it’s been a pretty busy few days for you following your move from Huddersfield. How have things been?

It’s been great, I am really pleased to have joined the club and got the move done.

I was in a situation where I was due to be out of contract at Huddersfield in the summer, and obviously you have had the situation down here where one of the goalkeepers (Steven Benda) has gone down with an injury and is out for the rest of the season.

So, Swansea were in the market for a keeper and it came down to whether to stay at Huddersfield with my contract ending in the summer or make the move somewhere else.

From my point of view, whenever I have looked at Swansea I have always seen a very, very good football club.

Whenever I have been down to the Liberty to play before I have always liked playing there and I have always felt there is a good set-up here.

Once I knew there was a chance to come here, I was keen to go and get it done and I’m happy to be here.

Did you speak to anyone you knew with regards to the move?

Yeah, I knew a few lads who have been at Swansea.

I was with Andy King and Nathan Dyer during my time at Leicester.

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE...

I’m really good mates with Andy, and when he was down here on loan he would regularly tell me how good the set-up was. He said the training ground was brilliant, the stadium was great and the supporters were fantastic.

He also spoke about it being a lovely place to live as well, and he only ever had really good things to say about the place.

The same with Nathan, whenever I spoke to him about Swansea he could not say enough positive things about the place.

I spoke to Andy and Nath again when it came up, and they felt there were few better places to work.

They told me that the weather was great too, but whenever I seem to watch games at the Liberty on the TV it seems to be teeming down with rain.

I’m sure it’s pretty cold and wet in the winter, but I’ve heard it gets better in the spring and the summer so we will take that!

Steve Cooper mentioned the club had looked at you in the summer window, how far down the line did that get?

Yeah, we did have conversations in the summer. I know Freddie had been absolutely brilliant for the club during his time on loan and they were up front with me and explained they were hopeful that he would come back for another season.

It was more a case of, if for whatever reason that did not come off, would it be something I would be keen on.

But, at the time, I had a year left on my contract at Huddersfield and they were looking for me to be their number one after a spell on loan at Derby the previous season.

So, knowing there was the chance to play, it was a harder situation for me. So it was put to bed and I did not think anymore of it, to be honest, as I had to do a job for Huddersfield and try and perform well for them.

The situation has changed since then, and obviously the injury here has moved the goalposts a bit and thankfully the clubs have come to agreement.

Of course, you never wish injury on anyone but sometimes it is things like that which kick things into gear and I am really pleased we were able to get the move done.

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You have no shortage of experience having played in the Premier League and the Champions League, but what do you yourself think you will bring to Swansea City?

The first thing is to do my best to try and get the opportunity to play. I know that is not going to happen right away because I am well aware of what a great job Freddie has done for the club since he joined.

He is an excellent keeper, and I have to try and help push him as much as I can, but I also like to try and be a positive influence in the dressing room.

I like to think I have been that sort of influence at every club I have played for.

I am a little older now and I know the game is getting younger and younger now, there are a lot of young players out there, especially in the Championship.

But I think sometimes a dressing room can do with an older head, I hope I can use my experience to be the sort of positive influence I just mentioned.

You also experienced promotion with Brentford and Charlton, Ben. So, you know what it takes to be successful in the EFL. What do you think will be the key for Swansea over the second half of this season?

The big thing that stands out for me about Swansea this season is the number of clean sheets, and I know from my own career that sides that get promoted are always strong defensively.

I realise that supporters always want to see their side play good, attacking football, something this side definitely does, but you have to have the other side to the game too.

If you have one but not the other, it is not going to work.

It’s massive to not concede many goals, every time I have been promoted I have been playing in sides that have kept more than 20 clean sheets.

It’s such a key quality for a team to have, if you keep those clean sheets and are winning games that is a great habit.

If you keep the ball out of the net, you know there are players of quality to win it at the other end.

If I had to pick one thing from my own experience, that would be it.

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You mentioned Andy King and Nathan Dyer earlier, but you also played under Swansea’s head of recruitment Andy Scott during your time at Brentford, helping them to the League Two title. What was he like to play for and how were your talks with him about this move?

I spoke with Steve (Cooper), Martyn (Margetson) and Andy. I know Andy from my time at Brentford and we had conversations around whether I wanted to come.

I could only see a club going in the right direction.

It was a no-brainer for me.

I got on well with Andy, he was brilliant for me at Brentford, and gave me my first real chance in league football as a young goalkeeper.

He was great for my development, he has now transitioned into a different side of the game but we have kept in contact and it was nice to catch up with him while we were sorting this out.

We had some good conversations, but it was not like he had to sell it to me when you are offering the chance to work with good coaches, particularly someone like Martyn Margetson who is renowned for the work he has done with England and so many other teams.

You had a spell with Bristol City too, at the same time as Korey Smith, so is he someone you know?

Yeah, I know Korey but not particularly well as my spell with Bristol City was a loan for about a month or so.

I don’t have too many memories from my time there because my time there was so short, but I do remember Korey and it is good to have some familiar faces to see in a new dressing room.

He is a good lad, and I know Nathan has been training with the club so it’s good to know a few people as you settle in.

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A

JACK THE LAD

nyone who reads this column regularly - a pretty exclusive club I would imagine - will know I am something of a traditionalist.

Some would say plain old fashioned.

It’s safe to say I have an affection for the past - especially where football is concerned.

I’m not one of those who professes that “things were better in my day.”

In many ways, they certainly weren’t.

There are countless ways that football is far better now than it was back say in the 1970s when I first started watching the game.

For a start, stadiums and pitches are immeasurably better than they were way back when.

But there are aspects of the game that I still feel a pang of nostalgia for - even if things have improved for the better.

The weekend’s snow reminded me of white pitches, green line markings and orange footballs.

Back in the day, I used to get ever so excited if it had been snowing on a Saturday and there was the prospect of a snow-covered pitch on that night’s Match of the Day. We used to get our thrills from simple things back then!

In the days before undersoil heating, if there was snow on the pitch, they would generally

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leave it there to stop the turf underneath from freezing and only brush away the snow a few inches either side of where the line markings were.

This made the pitch look like a n e g at i ve of h ow i t wo u l d normally appear.

Obviously, a white ball would be difficult to pick out against the snow, so the iconic orange ball would be taken out of storage, dusted down and pumped up for play.

There really was something special about watching teams chasing a bright orange ball around a snowy pitch, especially if there was a bit of a blizzard blowing up as well.

I can almost see Motty in his sheepskin coat now!

Getting so excited about an orange ball may seem odd to younger readers now, especially when footballs come in so many colours and patterns these days, but back in the seventies and eighties it was a real novelty and a treat that has sadly all but disappeared from the modern game.

Reminiscing about the orange ball made me think about other quirky little features of the game that have sadly disappeared in the name of progress.

Lost gems such as outfield players taking over in goal; marathon FA Cup ties, the black and white panelled balls they used in the

1970 and 1974 World Cups and European matches; crackly commentaries from places like Zagreb, which sounded like they were coming from the moon; kits without sponsors names splashed all over them and dogs running on the pitch!

Another thing you don’t see often these days are black football boots! And how many players do you see with their shirt tucked into their shorts nowadays?

Well, there’s one modern day player who comes instantly to mind for me.

Now I hope Ryan Bennett doesn’t take this the wrong way, but he’s a real throwback to the past.

I sincerely mean that in a good way.

When Bennett runs out onto the pitch, he looks like he could have stepped right out of the seventies or eighties.

Shirt tucked tidily into his shorts, plain black boots, closely cropped hair - Bennett visually stands out in many ways as well as being an outstanding player.

And I absolutely love him for it.

Fluorescent, multi-coloured boots and elaborate haircuts tend to catch the eye of many fans these days, especially the younger ones who then copy their heroes’ trademark features.

But it’s the fact that Bennett is just the opposite in his appearance which has helped to mark him out from the rest for me.

That, of course, along with his outstanding footballing talent.

Although not an exact carbon copy, Bennett reminds me of a player who will be dear to many Swans fans of a certain age.

Back in the old First Division days of the early 1980s, Ante Rajkovic appeared to absolutely love defending. The hard as nails Bosnian thrived on stopping opposition attacking players from doing their thing.

Bennett appears to be cut from the same cloth. T he former England Under-21 player is what I would call a proper centre half.

But, like Rajkovic before him, Bennett is supremely comfortable on the ball and to label him merely as an old fashioned “stopper” would be a massive insult.

It would be easy - not to mention hugely inaccurate - to trot out all the usual clichés about Bennett.

No-nonsense defender, model-pro, old head . . . the former Norwich, Leicester and Wolves defender may be all of those things, but he is also so much more.

The boy can play.

The other major similarity between Rajkovic and Bennett is their footballing intelligence.

The first thing I noticed about Bennett on his arrival - apart from his black boots and tuckedin shirt - was his organisational skills.

The centre-half was constantly talking to his fellow defenders, helping to mould them into the formidable defensive unit they have become.

When he arrived at the club Bennett said: “Sometimes it can be nice for the younger players when you’re in those games and battles to have someone there who has been through it to just organise things and calm everyone down.

“That is the case throughout the week too, and not just in matches.

You need that when things aren’t going so well, that is when the experience can sometimes play a part.

“There are a few lads here who have got experience, including Korey Smith who I played with before; he is a good head in the changing room too.

I’m obviously not party to what happens on the training ground or behind the dressing room door, but you would imagine that influence continues off the field too.

“We can help everyone to relax, focus and realise that it is normal, there are going to be difficult times but you just have to keep pushing, working towards your goals, and staying positive.”

The likes of Ben Cabango and Marc Guehi certainly seem to have benefited from playing alongside the experienced defender.

Bennett has definitely delivered on all the above fronts and brought some good old fashioned footballing values with him.

C’mon you Swans!

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ADRIAN AKANDE EMBRACING LIFE AT SWANSEA CITY I

t’s fair to say that Adrian Akande has enjoyed a productive start to his Swansea City career.

The exciting young winger penned a two-year scholarship with the Swans in the summer following his departure from Chelsea.

And the South East Londoner has hit the ground running in SA1; enjoying regular opportunities with the age-grade sides and scoring his first under-23s goal in the defeat at Ipswich before Christmas.

The 17-year-old’s efforts were rewarded with a first professional contract in the same month; keeping him at the club until the summer of 2023.

Akande, who previously spent four years at Crystal Palace, continued his momentum with a positive display in the development side’s 0-0 draw with Millwall earlier this month.

“The main thing is that I keep pushing and striving for more. Hopefully now, I can get my numbers up in terms of goals and assists.”

Akande’s fledgling talent was nurtured by the likes of Ashley Cole and Tore Andre Flo – both winners of several major honours at Stamford Bridge – during his threeyear stint in Chelsea’s youth ranks, as well as Joe Cole.

An exciting attacking midfielder boasting bundles of trickery and flair during his playing days, the latter had important words of wisdom for a youngster demonstrating similar traits to himself.

“He encouraged me to always try to find the small pockets of space, be positive and keep going forward,” Akande reflects.

“His main advice to me, though, was to never be afraid to get on the ball. That has served me well in my career.”

Akande’s flourishing ability reportedly attracted interest from Manchester United, before he linked up with the Swans last summer.

And there was one key factor in South Wales becoming his preferred destination.

“A big part of my decision to join the club was the head coach’s willingness to play young players,” he explained.

“He showed that the other day by handing debuts to Cameron (Evans) and Oli (Cooper) in the FA Cup.

The teenager demonstrated plenty of skill and pace during several dangerous runs at the visitors’ defence at Landore, and feels he has quickly settled into life in South Wales.

“There is a clear pathway to the first team.”

“I’m enjoying playing for the under-23s. It’s a step-up from under-18s football because of the physicality and tempo, but I think I’m adapting well,” he said.

The attacking midfielder may be riding the crest of a wave after signing his first professional deal, but knows he must not rest on his laurels.

“Millwall was another good performance under my belt.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a chance to relax because I’m always trying to get better and striving for new things,” he said.

“I feel like I’ve settled in well. It’s a bit different to London but I can just work and there are no distractions, so I’m just enjoying focusing on my football.

Akande is hopeful he can eventually follow in the footsteps of the two academy graduates and force his way into Steve Cooper’s first-team squad.

“But I’ve worked hard to get this pro contract and I’m happy to achieve that goal of mine. Now, it’s time to push on.”

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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.

1980-1981 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO

As the first full season of the new decade started the club was busy building the new seated stand on the East side of the ground, while Yugoslavian signings Dzemal Hadziabdic and Ante Rajkovic would prove to be excellent, successful acquisitions.

Some 10,000 Jacks made the journey to Preston knowing a win for their side would guarantee a place in the top-flight for the first time in the club’s history.

The season began well and the Swans were second at Christmas as supporters dreamt of promotion, only for a run of five-consecutive losses to set the side back.

Just as morale was dropping, Alan Curtis sealed his return from Leeds United, while manager John Toshack gave the likes of Tommy Craig, Wyndham Evans and youngster Dudley Lewis a chance to help turn things around.

Toshack got the response he wanted as the Swans racked up a run of crucial wins, with a 2-2 draw against Luton setting up a final-day promotion cliffhanger.

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(FINISHED 3RD)

A stunning strike from Leighton James after 24 minutes was followed just three minutes later by a second from Craig.

Preston fought back as Alex Bruce pulled one back, only for a late breakaway involving Curtis and James to end with Jeremy Charles thrashing home the vital third goal.

This historic season was completed when t h e We l s h C u p wa s wo n w i t h a t wo - l e g g e d victory over Hereford United that brought European football back to the city after a 15year absence.

1981-1982 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION ONE 1982-1983 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION ONE (FINISHED 6TH)

(FINISHED 21ST)

An historic season beckoned with much excitement and Toshack – realising he needed to strengthen, spent £125,000 on striker Bob Latchford and £45,000 on goalkeeper Dai Davies.

Colin Irwin would soon follow for a club-record fee of £350,000 from Liverpool and the season got off to a memorable start as – on a glorious sunny day – Leeds United were dismantled 5-1 at a jubilant Vetch.

Against all expert opinion the wins kept on coming, including victories over Spurs and Arsenal, and in October - the team created history as a 2-1 win at Stoke City saw them top the league for the first time ever.

Manager Toshack was honoured with an MBE in the New Year’s Honour list, and the side continued its terrific form through to Easter, with a realistic chance of winning the title.

Sadly, the club would not be able to build on that stunning first season in the top division, although there was initial positivity as Sporting Braga were seen off in European Cup Winners’ Cup action at the start of a run that would end in defeat to French giants Paris St Germain.

The league season started well enough, with a draw at Notts County and home wins over Coventry and Norwich, but injuries to the likes of James, Hadziabdic, Charles and Irwin played a part in an alarming slump.

Unfortunately, Liverpool’s greater experience proved vital, and coupled with some indifferent results in the final 10 games, the club would find itself finishing this remarkable season in an incredible sixth place.

Amidst the on-field disappointment was the club’s perilous financial position, which limited opportunities to strengthen the squad and, in the end, there was a sense of inevitability when relegation was confirmed at Old Trafford in the final away game of the season.

The Welsh Cup was retained with a two-legged v i c t o r y ove r C a r d i ff C i t y ( 2 - 1 ) c a p p i n g a n unforgettable campaign.

Another Welsh Cup success, this time against Wrexham, was meagre consolation, but worse would soon follow.

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1983-1984 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION ONE 1984-1985 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO (FINISHED 21ST)

(FINISHED 20TH)

The chaos that had enveloped the club continued.

Struel returned as chief executive while Mel Nurse, Dave Savage and Harry Hyde joined the board.

With numerous creditors at the door, the club ended up selling players to try and ease the financial burden as Leighton and Robbie James were sold.

An early European exit to Magdeburg of East Germany was following by a nightmare start in the league, with only three wins record by the turn of the year.

Some losses were particularly heavy, including a 5 - 0 l o s s at F u l h a m a n d a 6 - 1 r eve r s e at Chelsea.

Chairman Malcolm Struel and vice-chairman Tom Phillips had resigned in the October, with Toshack following a few days later, but there was no change in results.

Curtis left for Southampton and Charles for QPR and, while Toshack did return to the managerial hotseat, he would be sacked in early March.

Relegation inevitably followed – there were just seven wins all season – but the trauma was not over.

Colin Appleton came from Hull City as manager having work minor miracles on a limited budget with the Tigers, and it was hoped he could to the same at the Vetch.

Such hopes were quickly crushed, the side struggled and suffered an ignominious FA Cup exit at the hands of Bognor Regis which sealed Appleton’s fate as he was sacked and replaced

by Les Chappell.

The flamboyant John Bond would be the next full-time manager and he quickly sought to bring in some experience given the youthful nature of his squad.

Derek Parlane, Ray McHale and Paul Price all arrived and slowly results began to improve and provided hope of avoiding a third-straight relegation.

It came down to the final day of the season, with an outstanding display from goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer earning a goalless draw against Bristol City to allow the 10,000 present at the Vetch to breathe a sigh of relief as the Swans stayed up by the skin of their teeth.

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FAN FOCUS DAMIAN MAHONEY ABOUT DAMIAN Name: Damian Mahoney Age: 52 From: Whangarei Heads, New Zealand (previously St Thomas, Swansea

How long have you been supporting the Swans?

Since childhood!

What was the first Swans game you attended/ watched on TV? Swansea v Bradford (3-1) in October 1975 back in the old Division Two. Why did you start supporting the Swans?

My dad took me to my first game and that was that.

I think it was a combination of the noise, the pasties and the half-time Bovril. Trying to balance on top of the leaners on the old East Terrace and still not being able to see what was going on was pretty magical when I was seven.

What is your most memorable Swans moment?

The Preston game when we achieved promotion to the old First Division in 1981. What a day!

Can you tell us about the greatest sacrifice you have made to watch the Swans?

I remember my girlfriend’s 18th birthday fell on a match day and I was supposed to spend the day shopping. I had high hopes for that relationship. On the bright side, we won!

Describe to us your typical pre-match ritual?

Set alarm, bucket loads of coffee, promise faithfully I won’t wake the kids up when we score…..kick-off is generally between 2-4am NZ time.

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Who is your favourite current player, and why?

I a m g o i n g w i t h A n d r e Ayew. I ’ m a l l a b o u t commitment in every game and this lad looks as if he wants to earn his keep every game.

What has been your most disappointing moment watching the club?

O u r re l e g at i o n f ro m t h e P re m i e r L e a g u e. I expected to go down with a fight, but we just went down. Wouldn’t have happened if Tommy Smith was holding the midfield!

What makes Swansea City special to you?

I’m very proud of the history of our club and what we have achieved even in my lifetime. From the railway sleepers on the old East Terrace to the Liberty Stadium and everything in between. The buzz around the city when Tosh came to the frustrations of Tony Petty. Seriously, if I show my NZ friends ‘From a Jack to a King’ once more I’ll be deported.

Who is your favourite Swans player of all time, and why?

It’s a toss up between Bob Latchford and Tommy S m i t h . B ot h we re u n i t s i n t h e i r ow n r i g ht .

Latchford could create a goal from absolutely nothing and muscle his way around the box while, nobody held a midfield like Tommy Smith. When Smith tackled someone, they stayed tackled.

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STYLE OF PLAY WINS FOULS OFTEN DOES NOT DIVE INTO TACKLES SWANS’ LAST 6 HOME v BRENTFORD

SWANS 1-0 BRENTFORD SWANS 0-3 BRENTFORD SWANS 3-0 BRENTFORD

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SWANS 4-1 BRENTFORD SWANS 2-0 BRENTFORD SWANS 2-0 BRENTFORD

MOST HOME P O I N TS CHAMPIONSHIP 20-21

WATFORD 32 NORWICH 28 SWANSEA 25 BOURNEMOUTH 24 READING 24

ROBERTS’ STRENGTHS HOLDING ONTO THE BALL KEY PASSES PASSING

VERY STRONG STRONG STRONG

F

ootball stats expert WhoScored.com take a look at the

With the decision to field a three-man defence and wing-backs

form of Connor Roberts, and analyse why he could prove

paying off for Swansea, Connor Roberts and Jake Bidwell have the

to be a key figure in Swansea City’s clash with Brentford.

means to maintain their good form in the final third against the Bees.

Swansea City romped to a 5-1 win over Championship

The WhoScored.com match forecast suggests it is Very

rivals Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon to book

Likely that Swansea ‘will score from a wingplay situation’

their spot in the next round of the FA Cup, setting up a

and with Roberts coming into the clash on the back of

meeting with Premier League powerhouse Manchester

some solid performances, the Wales international will

City in the process. However, the Swans focus will now be

seek to add to his five assists this season.

all on their clash with promotion rivals Brentford.

Roberts is already enjoying his most prolific campaign

The Bees sit just two points behind Swansea ahead of

to date, with his tally of five assists among the best in

Wednesday’s clash and have a game in hand over Steve

the Championship. Boasting a statistically calculated

Cooper ’s side. Brentford come into the game on a 16-

WhoScored.com strength of ‘key passes’, he has the

game unbeaten league run which has pushed them into

means to really test a Brentford defence that has

contention for an automatic promotion finish, while their

conceded in each of their last three away league matches.

21 points picked up on the road is the third best in the league at the time of writing.

However, their recent form at the Liberty Stadium hasn’t been great, which bodes well for the Swans. Indeed, Swansea have won five of their last six home meetings with the Bees, netting 12 times in the process.

Of course, the Bees are not to be underestimated even with their poor record at Swansea in recent seasons, and leftback Rico Henry could be a key figure for them in midweek.

Henry is set to be the man tasked with ensuring Swansea enjoy little success down the right flank and, boasting a WhoScored.com strength of ‘concentration’, the left-

And, while Brentford have impressed on the road,

back knows how to keep his composure in order to limit

Swansea’s home form is a key reason for their push up

Roberts’ influence down the Swans’ right.

the table. Only two teams have earned more points on home turf than Cooper’s side (25) in the Championship this season and, coupled with their recent meetings with Brentford in south Wales, they ’ll be targeting another three points in midweek.

Yet the Wales international is enjoying arguably his best season to date and will be looking to prolong his good run against the Bees on Wednesday night, in what supporters are hoping will result in another three points in a crunch contest.

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MATCHDAY MASCOTS RUDI MORGAN

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CONNOR ROBERTS

JAKE BIDWELL

MARC GUEHI

RYAN MANNING

WESTACRES

KOREY SMITH

MATT GRIMES

JORDAN MORRIS

WAYNE ROUTLEDGE

CALL 01792 616 624 OR

JAY FULTON

JORDON GARRICK

YAN DHANDA

CONOR HOURIHANE

JAMAL LOWE

ANDRÉ AYEW

LIAM CULLEN

EMAIL L.MERRELLS@SWANSEACITY.COM FOR AVAILABILITY 51

SEASON 2020-21 FIXTURE

52

Match Statistics

DATE

Key

Goal =

Sub = 2 (number denotes player replaced)

Captain =

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

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Smith

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

Sheffield Wednesday H D 1-1

Wed, Nov 25, 7.45pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Bennett

Naughton 2

Bidwell 4

Grimes

Nottingham Forest A W 0-1

Sun, Nov 29, 12pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes Smith 5

1

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Smith

Bennett

Naughton

Bidwell

Grimes

Middlesbrough A L 2-1

Wed, Dec 2, 7pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango 2

Bennett

Guehi

Manning

Luton Town H W 2-0

Sat, Dec 5, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Cabango

Guehi 3

Bidwell

Grimes

A.F.C. Bournemouth H D 0-0

Tue, Dec 8, 7.45pm

Woodman

Roberts

Latibeaudiere

Cabango

Naughton

Bidwell

Grimes

Cardiff City A W 0-2

Sat, Dec 12, 12.30pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Derby County A L 2-0

Wed, Dec 16, 5.30pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton 2

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell 3

Grimes

Barnsley H W 2-0

Sat, Dec 19, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Queens Park Rangers A W 0-2

Sat, Dec 26, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Reading H D 0-0

Wed, Dec 30, 8pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Watford H W 2-1

Sat, Jan 2, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Guehi

Cabango

Bidwell

Manning 1

Grimes

Stevenage A (FA R3) W 0-2

Sat, Jan 9, 3pm

Woodman

Garrick 4

Naughton

Cabango

Evans

Barnsley A W 0-2

Sat, Jan 16, 7.45pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Cabango

Blackburn Rovers A Postponed

Tue, Jan 19, 7pm Woodman

Roberts 5

Latibeaudiere

Bennett

Nottingham Forest H (FA R4) W 5-1

Sat, Jan 23, 3pm

Brentford H

Weds, Jan 27, 7pm

Rotherham United A

Sat, Jan 30, 3pm

Norwich City H

Fri, Feb 5, 8.15pm

Manchester City H (FA R5)

Wed, Feb 10, 7.45pm

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

1

3

Manning

Byers

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Guehi 4

Manning

Hourihane 3

Booked =

Sent off =

Carabao Cup = CC

FA Cup = FA

Correct as of January 25, 2021

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

Benda, Naughton, Bidwell, Grimes 1 , Dhanda 4

Dhanda 2

Cullen 2

Ayew

Fulton 1 Fulton

Fulton Smith

2

1

Smith

Dhanda 2

Lowe 1

Smith

Fulton

Lowe

Smith 5

Fulton 1

Fulton

Dhanda

Fulton

Dhanda

Fulton Fulton Fulton 1

Routledge

Fulton

Smith

Dhanda

Grimes

2

1

4

Ayew

, Cullen, Gyokeres

, Routledge 2, Garrick 5, Cullen, Gyokeres 3

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

Ayew

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

Lowe 4

Ayew

Benda, Latibeaudiere, Cabango, Manning 3, Garrick 4, Palmer 3, Dhanda 1, Cullen 5, Gyokeres

Lowe

Ayew

Benda, Latibeaudiere, Manning, Smith, Routledge, Palmer, Cooper, Cullen, Gyokeres

Lowe

Ayew

Benda, Latibeaudiere, Manning, Smith 1, Routledge, Palmer, Garrick, Cullen, Gyokeres

Smith 2

Lowe 3

Ayew

Benda, Latibeaudiere 1, Manning, Routledge, Palmer 2, Dhanda, Cooper, Garrick, Gyokeres 3

Smith

Lowe

Ayew

Benda, Evans, Routledge, Palmer, Dhanda, Gibbs-White 1, Cooper, Garrick, Gyokeres

Dhanda

Gyokeres

Webb, Guehi, Bidwell 3, Grimes, Smith 1, Williams, Cooper 4, Cullen 2, Lowe

Lowe

Ayew

Hamer, Latibeaudiere, Manning, Routledge, Byers, Dhanda, Cooper, Garrick, Cullen

Routledge 1

Cullen

Webb, Cabango, Naughton, Bidwell 4, Fulton 2, Cooper 3

1

2

2

1

, Garrick 5, Ayew, Lowe 1

53

CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE 20-21 POS TEAM 1

Norwich City

P 25

*Sheffield Wednesday deducted 6 points.

W D L 16

5

F 4

35

A 21

GD PTS 14

53

2

Swansea City

24

13

7

4

29

13

16

46

3

Watford

25

13

7

5

30

18

12

46

4

Brentford

23

12

8

3

37

21

16

44

5

Reading

25

13

5

7

37

28

9

44

6

Bournemouth

25

11

9

5

38

21

17

42

7

Middlesbrough

25

11

6

8

30

21

9

39

8

Stoke City

26

9

10

7

31

28

3

37

9

Blackburn Rovers

25

10

6

9

40

28

12

36

10

Bristol City

24

11

3

10

25

26

-1

36

11

Preston North End

26

11

3

12

31

33

-2

36

12

Barnsley

25

10

4

11

27

32

-5

34

13

Luton Town

25

9

6

10

21

27

-6

33

14

Huddersfield Town

25

9

4

12

28

35

-7

31

15

Cardiff City

24

8

5

11

30

28

2

29

16

Millwall

24

6

11

7

21

24

-3

29

17

Queens Park Rangers

25

6

9

10

23

31

-8

27

18

Coventry City

24

6

8

10

22

34

-12

26

19

Birmingham City

25

6

8

11

18

30

-12

26

20

Nottingham Forest

25

6

7

12

20

29

-9

25

21

Derby County

25

6

7

12

16

25

-9

25

22

Rotherham United

22

5

5

12

23

32

-9

20

23

Sheffield Wednesday *

23

6

7

10

15

23

-8

19

24

Wycombe Wanderers

23

3

6

14

16

35

-19

15

T

UPCOMING FIXTURES ROTHERHAM UNITED (A)

Saturday, Jan 30, 3pm

NORWICH (H)

Friday, Feb 5, 8.15pm

MANCHESTER CITY (H)

Wednesday, Feb 10, 7,45pm

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY (A)

Saturday, Feb 13, 3pm

NOTTINGHAM FOREST (H)

Wednesday, Feb 17, 7,45pm

Correct as of January 25, 2021

NEXT UP AT HOME - NORWICH

he C anaries have taken relegation from the P remier L e ague in their stride and h a v e b e e n a m o n g t h e C h a m p i o n s h i p’ s pacesetters throughout the season to date.

Boss Daniel Farke has retained the services of the likes of Teemu Pukki, Tim Krul, Max Aarons and Todd Cantwell, ensuring the East Anglian club have no shortage of strength and depth.

Their most notable honours are two League Cup victories in 1962 and 1985, whilst they became the first English club to beat Bayern Munich at the Olympic Stadium during their 1993-94 UEFA Cup campaign, with Wales international Jeremy Goss among the goalscorers in that famous success.

54

23

24

SWANS

NORWICH

17 DRAWS 57 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 Jordan Morris Steven Benda Conor Hourihane Wayne Routledge Ben Hamer Liam Cullen Yan Dhanda Joel Latibeaudiere Connor Roberts Jake Bidwell Kyle Naughton Tivonge Rushesha Ollie Cooper Daniel Williams Cameron Evans Jordon Garrick Lewis Webb Ben Cabango

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 18 20 21 22 23 24 26 30 31 37 38 41 42 44

HEAD COACH: THOMAS FRANK 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 14 15 17 18 19 20 20 24 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 34 37 38 39 40

David Raya Rico Henry Charlie Goode Ethan Pinnock Christian Norgaard Sergi Canós Mathias Jensen Emiliano Marcondes Josh Dasilva Marcus Forss Ivan Toney Pontus Jansson Bryan Mbuemo Saman Ghoddos Henrik Dalsgaard Tariqe Fosu-Henry Shandon Baptiste Vitaly Janelt Luke Daniels Mads Sorensen Mads Roerslev Jan Žambůrek Luka Racic Aaron Pressley Alex Gilbert Maxwell Haygarth Lewis Gordon Nathan Shepperd

MATCH OFFICIALS REFEREE: JOHN BROOKS ASSISTANT REFEREES: NICK GREENHALGH AND AKIL HOWSON FOURTH OFFICIAL: JAMES LININGTON

56