Swansea City v Bristol City – 20-21 – Issue 19

Cadwch yn ddiogel Jacks

Issue 19 - Digital Copy

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Swansea City v Bristol City Saturday, February 27 - Kick-off 3pm

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CONTENTS Page 15 - Ollie Cooper Signs New Deal

Page 16 - Meet the Opposition

Page 20 - Match Reports

Page 28 - Q&A with Marc Guehi

Page 38 - A 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 Director: Mark Allen 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, Daffydd Pritchard, Ben Donovan, Chris Wilson-Barney, Andrew Gwilym, Jonathan Davies, Sophie Davis, Adam Evans, Gwyn Rees, Ben Jones, Dylan James, Luke Evans, Rachael Tucker 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/Ffôn: 01792 616400 Web/Gwe: swanseacity.com Email/E-bost: info@swanseacity.com

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Chief Executive’s Notes

JULIAN WINTER G

such as the in-house catering business, and the early stages of starting a former players’ association here at the club.

We come into this fixture just three days after Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over Coventry.

I’d also like to remind supporters that general sale season tickets will go on sale from Monday (March 1).

It was great to see us return to winning ways and maintain our position in the upper echelons of the table.

Many supporters have taken advantage of the huge price decrease that has been on offer to current season ticket holders.

This season is an unprecedented one in terms of the schedule and the amount of midweek fixtures that all teams are facing, so Steve, his staff and all the players deserve great credit for the way we are approaching games.

We have seen great numbers renew ahead of next season and as a club we are extremely grateful for your c ontinued support in what are very difficult times for everyone.

ood afternoon and welcome back to the Liberty Stadium for this afternoon’s Championship game against Bristol City.

I provided a comprehensive update on club affairs via our website this week, particularly on the back of the recent virtual fans’ forum.

I wanted to update supporters on a number of key topics that came up within the forum, but also look ahead to exciting projects

There was some positive news earlier this week that Swansea City L adies have had their ‘Elite’ status reinstated with immediate effect.

to defend their Welsh Premier Women’s League crown.

I’d like to extend a warm welcome to the management, players, staff and directors from Bristol City who have made the trip to SA1 for today’s game.

Today ’s visitors arrive at the Liberty Stadium on the back of a fine win in midweek against Middlesbrough, and have a new manager in the dugout in the shape of Nigel Pearson.

We enjoyed a fine win here just three days ago against Coventry City, so finger s crossed for another positive result this afternoon.

Enjoy the game,

They have been unable to play any matches since November 29, so we look forward to seeing them back in action very soon and hopefully going on

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Head Coach’s Notes

STEVE COOPER G

Good afternoon everyone as we look forward to today’s encounter with Bristol City.

We go into this game on the back of a 1-0 win over Coventry City in midweek.

It’s only been a few days since our last encounter, and that’s pretty much how the fixture list looks from here on in – Saturday, midweek, Saturday.

After the disappointment at Huddersfield, it was important to quickly move on from that and I was pleased with our performance against Coventry.

W ith the season c ongested due to the Covid-19 pandemic, along with games being called off, fixtures come thick and fast.

I fe l t we we re t h e s u p e r i o r team and created the better chances in the game. Freddie Woodman didn’t have a save of note to make, and we showed a lot of defensive resilience late on after Ben Cabango had given us the lead.

That leaves little time for recovery and preparation in between matches, but we won’t use that as an excuse because it’s the same for everyone, and we work hard on ensuring we have a team that is capable of winning each game.

It’s a challenge, that’s for sure, but we’re up for it and everyone is fighting for the same cause.

That’s important during these times, because everyone will play their part from now until the end of the season.

We have 16 games left in the season, but our focus always remains on the most important one – that’s always the next game.

We will continue to focus on ourselves, though, and we know we must be at our best if we want to get the result we strive to achieve.

Our form at the L iber ty this season has been really pleasing – we’ ve won 10, drawn five and lost just once on our home soil.

Of course, we would love to be playing in front of you all week in, week out, and sharing these results at the Liberty.

B u t , f o r n o w, w e h o p e o u r performances and results are putting a smile on your faces during these testing times.

Enjoy the game.

Bristol City arrive here with a new manager in Nigel Pearson, and they won 3-1 at Middlesbrough earlier in the week so I’m sure they ’re full of confidence.

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MATT GRIMES Captain’s Notes

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Coventry certainly didn’t make it e asy for us and they ’re a good side, but I feel we dealt with them comfortably.

I’ve said before that there are by no means any easy games in the Championship and we are just approaching one game at a time.

We go into the game on the back of a 1-0 victory in a close encounter against Coventry City at the Liberty on Wednesday evening.

It also marked our 17th clean sheet of the season, which is something we are incredibly proud of and have worked hard on as a collective.

This afternoon’s game will be no different, it is going to be a tough challenge but we’ll e n s u r e we a r e a s p r e p a r e d as we c an be and will have the right mindset going into the match.

ello and welcome to everyone joining us from around the world for this afternoon’s Championship fixture against Bristol City at the Liberty.

It was brilliant for Ben Cabango to get his fourth goal of the season, and it was yet another goal scored from a set piece. A pinpoint delivery from Conor Hourihane and a great header from Ben proved the perfect combination to give us the second-half lead and three important points.

We went into the game knowing we had to get back to winning ways and put in a good performance following last Saturday’s loss, and we managed to do that.

The defensive record is testament to a big team effort, and we put emphasis on that as a squad.

Enjoy the game today!

This evening we face a Bristol City side who will be full of confidence following a midweek win at Middlesbrough and the arrival of a new manager in the shape of Nigel Pearson.

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Ministry

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Ministry

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nother Saturday at the Liberty, and hopefully another week closer to a return for us fans. As the lockdown has gone on, I have found myself pining more for my seat in the West Stand.

The strong performances make it even harder to sit and watch from home, but credit to Steve Cooper and the players for their efforts in what must sometimes feel like a training exercise (in atmosphere, if not intensity).

Like Swansea’s defence on Wednesday night, the trust board is really clicking at the moment with great levels of involvement both in the trust’s activities and with the club. In the last few weeks, we’ve had a number of productive discussions with chief executive Julian Winter and head of commercial, Rebecca Edwards-Symmons; we have also continued to progress with trust initiatives at our monthly board meetings and sub-group forums.

As I’ve mentioned previously, a huge part of my work with the trust has been on modernising how we communicate with fans and members, and the frequency with which we do that.

It’s been great to engage with so many of you through our social media channels – I’ve enjoyed reading your pre-match score predictions on Instagram, some of which have been spot on. It’s clear that the optimism runs pretty deep right now amongst the Jack Army. If you’d like to get involved, you can follow us via @SwansTrust.

This increased engagement feels especially important when we aren’t able to meet with you all face-to-face at the Pod - a position I look forward to

taking up with some of my fellow board members as soon as it’s safe to do so. Rest assured, I’ll still want those score predictions.

We recognise that social media isn’t for everyone, however, and you can always reach us by email if you have any questions - communications@ swanstrust.co.uk. We are always open to hearing your thoughts on what more we can do, so keep those suggestions and comments coming in for us.

Looking backwards to look forwards…

2021 is a year of milestones for the club and the Supporters’ Trust – 10 years ago we were promoted to the Premier League. 20 years ago, in July, the Swansea City Supporters’ Trust was officially formed. This is a significant milestone, and one we are looking to celebrate throughout the 2021/2022 season – preparations for this are well under way and you will hear more about this throughout the summer.

On the pitch, it was great to see us get back to winning ways against Coventry. It’s fair to say the boys are flying, especially at home, and long may that continue. Ben Cabango has been superb of late, and he is good for his four goals this season – that’s also testament to our great improvement in set pieces.

Bristol City are a team on the up, and another with a new manager. Let’s hope we can do what we did when we last played at home versus a new manager (Watford) – we’ll take a 2-0 win please boys.

Enjoy the game.

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OLLIE COOPER SIGNS NEW CONTRACT WITH SWANS

llie Cooper is “over the moon” after putting pen to paper on a new contract at Swansea City, and hopes to make it the foundation for regular firstteam opportunities.

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“Coming on against Forest and scoring is a feeling you cannot replicate, and the only way you get to experience it is by getting out there on the pitch.

The 21-year-old midfielder has signed a deal through to the summer of 2023, with an option for an additional 12 months.

“That’s all I want to do, is be out there on that pitch, getting minutes under my belt as a sub, or starting. That’s what I want.

He has made his first-team breakthrough this term, featuring as a substitute in the FA Cup wins over Stevenage and Nottingham Forest, and scoring his first senior goal in the latter.

“I am learning off an exceptional group of players in the squad, they all offer something to learn from and they have all been so helpful.

He is the latest academy product to extend his time with the Swans – following in the footsteps of the likes of Liam Cullen, Brandon Cooper, Tivonge Rushesa and Lewis Webb – and the ambitious playmaker is clear in what he wants to achieve in the months and years ahead.

“I am over the moon, this is what I have been working towards, and knowing I have got that security for the next couple of years is nice,” he said.

“It’s a great feeling for me. There are a few boys I have played with over the years who have also signed new deals recently, and it shows that work is paying off.

“It’s all about getting on the pitch for me now, hopefully getting a Championship appearance, and looking for more and more.”

And Cooper also had a word of thanks for head coach Steve Cooper, who brought him into the first-team squad for the 2020-21 campaign.

“He is a great coach, he has spoken to me a few times individually, and it is nice that he takes the time to do that,” he added.

“He tells me that he is enjoying what I am doing, and he feels I have got a chance, which is what you want to hear.”

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BRISTOL CITY

FACT FILE THE GAFFER

OWNER

Stephen Lansdown

NICKNAME

The Robins

BristolCityFC

Ashton Gate

27,000

STADIUM OPENED 1887

He started his managerial career with Carlisle United and spells with Leicester and Hull followed, before he returned to the Foxes and helped them reach the Premier League via the play-offs and escape the drop the following campaign. He has since managed Derby, OH Leuven and Watford.

The former Chelsea man put pen to paper on a four-year deal after a successful loan spell during the 2019-2020 campaign.

Kalas broke the club transfer record with the move and was named club captain in September of last year. The Czech Republic international, who has 22 caps for his country, helped Fulham to promotion after spending time on loan in Hammersmith during the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 seasons. Kalas has asserted himself as a popular and respected figure at Ashton Gate.

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1894

@BristolCity @BristolCityFC

The 57-year-old will take charge of Bristol City for the first time this afternoon. A former defender, Pearson served Shrewsbury Town, Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough across a 17year playing career.

CLUB CAPTAIN

FOUNDED

TWITTER INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK

TOMÁŠ KALAS NIGEL PEARSON

CLUB DETAILS SOCIAL MEDIA FACILITIES

CAPACITY

STADIUM MEET THE OPPOSITION This is City’s sixth consecutive season in the second tier of English football, after winning League One in 2015. The closest the club have come to Premier League status was in 2008, when they lost the Championship play-off final to Hull City thanks to Dean Windass’ goal.

City have only spent three years in League One since 2007, becoming something of a fixture in the Championship. Their highest finish in the last 10 years came in 2018-2019 when they secured eighth place.

BRISTOL CITY’S FORM Boosted by a big win in midweek. The Robins had lost seven games in a row in all competitions, with Dean Holden leaving his post amidst the downturn.

But they responded with an impressive 3-1 win at Middlesbrough in midweek, with new boss Nigel Pearson watching on from the stands. Incredibly, Bristol City have drawn just three games all season.

THE KEY MEN Two-time club Player of the Year Famara Diedhiou always poses a threat in the number nine role. Even when the Robins aren’t on song, the 28-year-old’s prowess in front of goal can turn a game and he has found the net 10 times already this term.

Bermudian Nahki Wells has eight goals this campaign, and the former Burnley man has been in inspired form in recent weeks. Like Diedhiou, Wells was on target in the impressive midweek win at Middlesbrough.

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ONES TO WATCH

JAMIE PATERSON

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Paterson is a versatile part of the Robins’ squad where he can line up on the wing or can operate a s a f o r w a r d , t o o. T h e Englishman began his career with Walsall, before moving to Nottingham Forest in 2013. The 29-year-old had a spell with Huddersfield Town before joining the Ashton Gate side. He also had a loan spell at Derby during the 2019-20 season.

POSITION

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AGE

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27 MF

The Czech centre-half signed permanently for the Robins in July 2019 after spending the previous season on loan at Ashton Gate from Chelsea. Kalas signed for the P remier L eague side back in 2010 before spending the majority of his time at Stamford Bridge out on loan. He helped Fulham win promotion to the Premier League in 2018. He was appointed Bristol City captain at the beginning of the season.

TOMÁŠ KALAS

NATION

AGE

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NAHKI WELLS Wells is no stranger t o finding the back of the net and has done so wherever his footballing endeavours have taken him. He netted 53 times over three-anda-half seasons at Bradford C i t y, h e l p i n g t h e m t o promotion and the League Cup final in 2013. The Bermuda international has experience in every division, representing Burnley before switching to the Robins in January of 2020.

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21 FW

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The exciting forward penned his first professional contract with the Robins in January 2018, making his senior City debut on the final day of that campaign after spending time away from Ashton Gate on loan at Bath City. The 21-year-old crossed the Severn Bridge to join Newport County on loan in 2018, where he became a regular feature for the League Two side, and is now a fixture in the Robins’ squad.

T he striker bec ame the Robins’ record signing back in 2017 when he joined from French side Angers SC O. His first season in Ligue 1 had seen him help Angers reach the Coupe de France final for the first time. The Senegal international has been the Robins’ top scorer for the last two seasons, and this season he tops the club’s goalscoring charts again with 10 goals so far.

ANTOINE SEMENYO

FAMARA DIÉDHIOU 19

SWANSEA CITY 1 COVENTRY CITY 0

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MATCH DETAILS DATE: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 VENUE: LIBERTY STADIUM REFEREE: ANDY WOOLMER

MATCH REPORT B

en Cabango’s fourth goal of the season helped Swansea City bounce back from defeat at Huddersfield with victory over Coventry City at the Liberty Stadium.

The Wales international nodded home Conor Hourihane’s corner in the 53rd minute as the Swans picked themselves up from the 4-1 loss at Huddersfield and replied with a 17th win and 17th clean sheet of the Championship campaign.

In a closely-fought encounter in SA1, Cabango’s goal meant the Swans continued to hold their own among the pack pushing for the top spots.

Victory means the Swans sit eight points behind leaders Norwich City and one behind secondplaced Brentford, with two games in hand.

The best chance of the first half went the Swans’ way, with Yan Dhanda threading a pass that cut through the Coventry defence for Connor Roberts. The wing-back picked out Jamal Lowe with a fine low cross, but the striker could only sidefoot wide when well placed.

Maxime Biamou spurned Coventry ’s clearest sight of goal when he volleyed wide, and his failure to finish was punished by Cabango’s leap and header eight minutes after the break.

Lowe steered wide after a driving run through from inside his own half, but it did not affect the final outcome as the hosts claimed the spoils.

LINEUPS Swans: Freddie Woodman; Kyle Naughton (Joel Latibeaudiere, 70), Ben Cabango, Marc Guehi; Connor Roberts, Yan Dhanda (Korey Smith, 66), Matt Grimes (captain), Conor Hourihane (Jay Fulton, 66), Jake Bidwell; Andre Ayew, Jamal Lowe.

Subs not used: Ben Hamer, Ryan Manning, Morgan Whittaker, Paul Arriola, Ollie Cooper, Kieron Freeman.

Coventry City: Ben Wilson; Leo Ostigard, Kyle McFadzean, Dominic Hyam; Julian Dacosta (Fankaty Dabo, 46), Gustavo Hamer (Ben Sheaf, 65), Liam Kelly (captain, Matty James 65), Sam McCallum; Callum O’Hare (Amadou Bakayoko, 83); Tyler Walker, Maxime Biamou (Viktor Gyokeres, 65).

Subs not used: Marko Marosi, Michael Rose, Jamie Allen, Jordan Shipley.

QUOTE OF THE GAME “I THOUGHT WE DESERVED IT. I THOUGHT WE WERE THE TEAM WHO CREATED THE REAL CHANCES IN THE GAME.” STEVE COOPER 21

2018 GlobalData UK Market Analyzer (released Aug 2019)

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STILETTOS & STUDS

BY JULIE KISSICK

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nother Saturday, a second home game of the week, and we seem to be a step closer to some sort of normality appearing on the horizon.

We don’t know whether coming back will be to us or to Seattle Sounders, but let’s hope his playing days return soon and he gets the break he deserves.

In Wales, we are waiting for the next three-week review to find out what restrictions are likely to be lifted and although any major changes will be too late for this season, let’s hope progress continues and we can return to the Liberty in the not too distant future.

Today’s visitors, Bristol City, haven’t had an easy time of it recently, ending their six straight Championship defeats with a 3- 1 win over Middlesbrough in midweek.

We have to retain a stoical attitude and hope that things will improve on the Covid front, and be positive and hopeful too for our American loan signing after his horrible injury last weekend.

What sickening news for Jordan Morris. Football is a cruel game sometimes, isn’t it?

Imagine going from the exhilaration of getting to fulfil an ambition and play in Europe, to the devastation of being carried off the pitch on a stretcher, and having to return to your home side - a plane journey away.

The new man in the dug-out, Nigel Pearson, was watching from the stands at the Riverside Stadium as his side put three past Neil Warnock’s men in the first half.

The away side conceded one in the 80th minute, but they produced a very respectable result, considering the poor run of form they’d been plagued with until then.

Pearson, a seasoned manager, takes full charge for the first time today and will be looking for his new team to continue the bounce back they showed on Tuesday evening.

He returned home for what will be his second ACL operation.

We know too that the so-called ‘new manager bounce’ is a thing and the former Leicester City and Watford manager will be hoping it works in his favour in his first full game in charge today.

What a cruel blow for the United States international who, according to Steve Cooper, was getting up to speed after arriving in south Wales last month from an off-season.

The 57-year-old has been appointed in the manager’s role until the end of the season, something Bristol City fans seemed to give their approval of on social media on Monday when the news broke.

He said: “It is really unfortunate in many ways. One thing I will say about Jordan is he is obviously a good player, an excellent professional.

The men in charge at Ashton Gate have held the head coach title since 2013, so Pearson will be keen to show that the distinction means something as he looks to navigate his new side in a different direction - up the Championship table.

“He is a really good person, and really commits to his profession. I know he will commit to his recovery 100 per cent and come back strong.”

Good luck Nige, just not today!

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ERTHYGLAU CYMRAEG

BY DAFYDD PRITCHARD, BBC WALES

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ae wedi bod yn dymor anhygoel i amddiffyn Abertawe. Hyd yn oed ar ôl ildio pedair gôl yn Huddersfield ddydd Sadwrn dwethaf, dim ond 19 gôl mae nhw wedi ildio mewn 30 gêm.

Yn ogystal a hynny, mae’r Elyrch wedi cadw 17 llechen lân – ar ôl un arall yn erbyn Coventry nos Fercher.

Nawr, mae’r golwr Freddie Woodman yn gobeithio torri record y Bencampwriaeth.

Mae’r chwaraewr ar fenthyg o Newcastle United yn barod wedi cadw un llechen lân yn fwy na David Raya, golwr Brentford a gadwodd y nifer fwyaf yn y Bencampwriaeth tymor dwethaf efo 16.

Yn y tymor cyn hynny, cadwodd Dean Henderson o Sheffield United 21 llechen lân, roedd gan Sam Johnstone o West Brom 20 yn ystod y tymor 201718 a 20 gan David Stockdale o Brighton yn 2016-17.

Yn y ddau dymor cyn rheina, cyn-golwr Abertawe Dimi Konstantopoulos oedd ar frig y rhestr gyda 22 ac 20 llechen lân i Middlesbrough.

Y record ar gyfer y Bencampwriaeth ar ôl i’r gystadleuaeth gael ei hail-lawnsio yn 2004 yw 25, gan Paddy Kenny i Queens Park Rangers.

Mae Woodman wyth llechen lân i ffwrdd o’r record ar hyn o bryd ac mae gan Abertawe 16 gêm yn weddill y tymor yma, gan gynnwys yr nesaf yn erbyn Bristol City.

Felly, os all yr Elyrch gadw llechen lân yn hanner eu gemau, bydd Woodman yn hafal â record Kenny. Un yn fwy, a bydd y record yn nwylo golwr Abertawe.

Ac os all amddiffyn yr Elyrch gadw i fod mor gadarn a hynny, mae’n debyg bydd y freuddwyd o ddyrchafiad i’r Uwch Gynghrair dal yn fyw hefyd.

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Q&A WITH MARC GUÉHI

Age: 20 Position: Centre-Back Nationality: English Clubs: Chelsea 0 Apps Swansea City (Loan) 44 Apps

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MARC GUEHI HAS BEEN IN IMPRESSIVE FORM FOR SWANSEA CITY THIS SEASON AND IS IN HIS SECOND LOAN SPELL WITH THE CLUB. HERE HE TALKS ABOUT HIS FORMATIVE YEARS GROWING UP IN LONDON, THE ROLE H I S FA I T H P L AY S IN HIS LIFE AND IN FOOTBALL, HIS CLOSEKNIT FAMILY UNIT AND PLAYING IN FRONT OF NO SUPPORTERS…

You’ve been at Swansea just over a year now on loan – was it an easy decision to come here initially?

I think it was the right decision. I’d come to a point in my development where the next stage was to go and play men’s football, and I thought the best club for me at the time was Swansea.

Having the gaffer here and knowing a few of the boys that were already here such as Conor (Gallagher) and Rhian (Brewster), as well as the experienc ed player s like A ndre ( Ayew) and Wayne (Routledge). Swansea was always the best club for me and so far it has been an amazing experience.

You hear stories about players who don’t go out on loan and you may have played with some in the youth system who maybe haven’t kicked on as much because of that. But it seems like you were at the right stage to go out and play games?

For me, it was about making the right decision and the right decision at that time was to go out on loan. At the time I could have felt as though I needed more development games, but for me the right decision was to go out on loan, to test myself and gain more experience by playing more games.

To play in games that mean something with added pressure, something on the line, that is what every young player aspires to. It didn’t matter if it was L eague Two, L eague One or the Championship, as long as I was getting the games. The physicality was certainly something I noticed straight away and had to adapt to really quickly.

Marc, you’ve been producing some fine individual performances this season – are you pleased with how you’re playing?

I don’t think I’m doing too bad at the moment.

But I’m always looking to improve, that ’s something that will always be there and I don’t look too much into form and things like that.

But I’m always making sure I’m improving and doing everything I can to help the team move forward – that’s my main focus at the moment.

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE...

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Some people think that footballers are older than they are bec ause of the level they ’re playing at, and it is hard to sometimes remember that you’re only 20 yourself and living away from home for the first time. How have you found that experience?

Away from the pitch, the whole experience has been good. I’ve had my family with me the whole time, obviously not in person lately because of the lockdown, but they are always with me on calls and via FaceTime, and when they were able to visit before lockdown they have come to Swansea to help me.

But even just around the training ground I ’ ve h a d t o c o m e o u t of m y s h e l l a l i tt l e b i t as a person and try to get to know each a n d eve r y p e r s o n a n d l ett i n g p e o p l e g et t o k n ow m e as we l l . A s a p er s on I think I have g row n s i n c e I ’ ve b e e n h e re a n d I h o p e t h at c onti n u e s i n th e fut ure.

I grew up in a household where we had to clean and do things ourselves, and our parents taught us from a very young age to do that . Not so much cooking though, that is something that I’m still learning at the moment and still trying to get better at, such as asking my mum for recipes but things such as cleaning and going to get food from the supermarket and making sure everything is right for the house then I think I’ve been good. But my family have been amazing and helped me a lot.

I’m quite a quiet guy anyway, the London life can be a bit much for me! So being here in Swansea is amazing, there are nice beaches and I have time to think and relax.

Family is a big part of your life, and you came to the UK from the Ivory Coast at a young age. Can you remember much from the move and those early years in London?

We are all very close. I’ ve got three younger sisters and we all get on well. I came here at the age of one so I don’t remember much at all. But growing up in London was fairly tough for my parents, but it never seemed like that for us as children. There was always food on the table and a house for me to stay in. Even though it was tough for my parents, they have

30

both given me the opportunity to do what I am doing today. I’ ve always felt that nothing was tough for me because of what they have done so full credit to them.

Just the fact that they left the Ivory Coast in the first place to come to England – a country where it wasn’t their first language, and helping me and my sister s grow as people and keeping us away from certain things. My life could very easily have gone in a different direction but I’m grateful to them for all the love and support they’ve given me.

I’m thankful to G od and to my parent s and those who I’ve met through school such as my teachers, and I’ve also had cousins who have been great role models for me too. I’ ve been in an environment that is very gracious, very humbling – not everyone has that so I’m one of the lucky ones to have had those people around me. It’s amazing.

You mention God there, and I’m aware that religion plays a big part in your life with your father being a minister? Does your faith help you in football, too?

As a young lad growing up and with my d a d b e i n g a m i n i st e r, I ’ ve g row n u p l ov i n g G od and when I have had the chanc e I still go to church with my family and my faith i s d e f i n i t e l y a b i g p a r t o f m y l i f e. F a i t h i s everything that I’m involved with really – even in football where I’m trying to be a role model and show God’s graciousness and God’s glory through my life.

How do you switch off from football? Do you watch games at home?

Whenever there is a game on I’m there!

It’s another opportunity to learn and to g e t b e t t e r a n d s e e w h e r e t h e n e x t l e ve l i s f o r y o u r s e l f. B u t I d o l i k e t o s w i t c h o f f a s well and watch a series or spend time with family when they are allowed to visit . B efore lockdown they c ame to see me a lot and they r e a l l y e n j o y e d c o m i n g h e r e, e s p e c i a l l y m y sisters with the beaches!

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE...

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You came through the ranks at Chelsea and were fortunate to be around some of the most decorated players that English football has seen – you must have learned a lot?

The opportunities that I did get to train with the first team, I certainly learned a lot. I had the chance to train with John Terry a few times when he was still playing, and I learned a lot from different players too, many who also came from different walks of life. It was a humbling experience. John was someone who I did really pay attention to because he was a very decorated player, captained England and Chelsea and someone who had an amazing career. He’s a player who I’ve always looked up to as a young defender and definitely someone I’ve looked to try and model my game around.

You’re yet to get off the mark this season despite getting yourself in some good positions further up the pitch – are goals something that you’d like to add to your game?

I feel as though all of us defenders are encouraged when we have the opportunity to create more of an overload to help the lads up front. But goals are a huge part of the game and a huge part of who I want to be – a player who doesn’t just defend, but someone who does contribute to the team in different ways. Hopefully I can keep working hard and get a goal for the team.

A lot of young players who have been here in the past and are here at the moment have cited the impact of Steve Cooper and his staff in their development. I’m sure he’s had an impact on you too?

From working with him before in the England youth teams, he’s been great with me and all the staff too. This transition not just for me but for him as well into men’s football has been amazing so I just hope it carries on and I hope to keep getting more opportunities and develop under him. Swansea are trying to bring young players through and giving them a chance to develop and shine.

Sometimes you have those days in football, but you have to take it on the chin and move on. It’s always important to learn from those games though and make sure we’re stronger for it in the coming games.

Every game is a tough game in this division, but every game is also an opportunity to show what we can do. We will be looking at Bristol City and analysing what their strengths and weaknesses are, but the focus really is just on ourselves and what we can bring to the game and get the best out of it.

You were able to play a few games in front of fans when you first joined on loan, but sadly the bulk of your time here has been played behind closed doors. How have you found that?

It’s definitely been strange. I was fortunate enough to experience games where supporters were there when I first joined the club, and it was an amazing feeling to play in front of them.

Since then it has been difficult, especially winning games and doing so well and the fans not being involved. Hopefully we can get them back soon, but every game we play is for them and we are giving everything for them whether they are watching at home with their families.

It’s the first thing we think about before we go out onto the pitch, how this past year has affected everyone. We are fortunate that it hasn’t affected us in the sense that we are still able to go to training and play games, whereas other people might be struggling for work and having lost loved ones too.

If we can play our part by giving everything on the pitch for the Swansea fans watching then it’s everything to them. It’s an amazing feeling being able to give to those that this pandemic has taken away from.

We are talking now before the midweek game against Coventry, but the relentless schedule means it’s another game now against Bristol City and I’m sure the whole squad is looking to bounce back from the rare defeat against Huddersfield?

33

F

JACK THE LAD ollowing last Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Huddersfield, I was in need of some cheering up.

For a start, we lost our exciting new American signing Jordan Morris to injury for the rest of the season.

I’m sure all Swans will join me in wishing Jordan a speedy recovery.

You may not have been here long Jordan, but the Jack Army is right behind you on your road to recovery.

It was a day to forget all round as the Swans conceded four goals in the league for the first time since Valentine’s Day last year when we drew 4-4 at Hull City.

Since then, certainly since the start of this season, the Swans’ success has been built on the foundations of one of British football’s meanest defences.

So to concede four in one match came as a considerable shock to the system.

There was only one thing for it.

In order to put the heavy defeat out of my mind, I started to think about some of the Swans’ highscoring victories!

I t h i n k t h i s m ay h ave b e e n sparked in part by today’s visit of Bristol City.

Our home match against our rivals from across the Severn Bridge in September 2005 was one of those occasions when the Liberty Stadium truly started to feel like home.

34

The Swans had only played their first home league match at our new home just over a month beforehand and the shiny stadium was still feeling very new and unfamiliar.

The Vetch and all its wonderful history and unforgettable memories were still very fresh in the memory.

It may have seen better days structurally, but it was still the place I had watched the Swans beat Leeds 5-1 on the opening day of the 1981-82 First Division season, witnessed the warmth of Tommy Smith’s welcome for Osvaldo Ardiles to British football in 1978, the New Year ’s Day victory over Cardiff City in 1980, the great escape against Hull in 2003 . . . I could go on and on!

The Liberty was yet to establish those kind of unforgettable occasions despite having hosted a couple of league wins over Tranmere Rovers and Barnsley.

But then came the match against Bristol City.

It wasn’t just that the Swans won 7-1, some of the goals scored were of the highest quality.

The second of Kevin McLeod’s hat-trick was an absolute cracker, while Bayo Akinfenwa’s clinical strike, Lee Trundle’s well taken second goal and Leon Britton’s run and finish will all live long in the memory.

Bristol’s consolation goal wasn’t bad either and it was scored by future Swan David Cotterill.

The thumping 7-1 victory was something we could talk about as a genuine Liberty Stadium occasion, which would linger in the memories of the 13,662 who were there.

Of c ourse, there have been a flood of special memories generated at the Liberty Stadium since then - occasions that will match some of the very best experienced at the Vetch.

Of course, the 7-1 scoreline against City isn’t the biggest win we have enjoyed at the Liberty Stadium.

The Swans went one better when they welcomed Notts County to the Liberty for an FA Cup fourth round replay in 2018.

Man-of-the match Nathan Dyer and Tammy Abraham both scored twice while Kyle Naughton, Wayne Routledge, Tom Carroll and Daniel James also got on the scoresheet as the Swans ran out 8-1 winners to set up a fifth-round tie against Sheffield Wednesday.

One thing the Liberty can definitely hosted over the Vetch in my own personal experience is that it has boasted the biggest Swans win I have ever witnessed.

That’s not to say the Swans never handed out any hidings at the Vetch, it was just that I had a nasty habit of not being present when they did!

The first hammering I missed out on came way back in 1978, when a particularly nasty stomach bug meant I wasn’t able to attend the Swans’ home game on April 1.

I certainly felt the fool when the news filtered through to my sick bed that the Swans had won 8-0!

Gutted - almost literally - was the word when I found out that my two favourite players of the time - Alan Curtis and Robbie James - had both bagged hat-tricks, with recently appointed playermanager John Toshack and Pat Lally grabbing the other goals.

If missing the Swans enjoying an 8-0 rout wasn’t bad enough, four years later I missed the biggest thrashing of all.

I c an’ t even remember why I wasn’t at the European Cup Winners’ Cup match on September 15, 1982.

Perhaps it was because the tie was a midweek match, which was always a logistical challenge when you were a schoolboy dependant on a service bus from the Amman Valley getting you to and from the Vetch in time.

Especially as the last bus home used to leave the Quadrant shortly after the full-time whistle.

Whatever the reason, I wasn’t there to witness the Swans rack up their all-time record victory against Sliema Wanderers.

To be fair, those who were there are part of a pretty elite club as the match attracted a crowd of just 5,130 - half the Vetch attendance which had watched the Swans beat Sporting Braga of Portugal 3-0 in the preliminary round first leg the previous month.

However, everyone who did make it to the Sliema match were rewarded with a slice of history as the Swans hammered our visitors from Malta 12-0.

Ian Walsh led the way with a hat-trick, Jimmy Loveridge and Jeremy Charles added a brace each, while Colin Irwin, Ante Rajkovic, Nigel Stevenson, Bob Latchford and Dzemal Hadziabdic also got on the score sheet.

A fortnight later, the Swans completed the job in Malta with a 5-0 win thanks to two goals each from Curtis and Darren Gale, with Toshack also netting to claim a 17-0 aggregate win.

Hopefully that little wander down memory lane will have raised your spirits in the same way it raised mine - apart from the fact it reminded me I missed two of the Swans’ biggest ever wins!

Hopefully it won’t put too much pressure on the team to repeat the dose against City today.

A 1-0 win will do nicely, thank you very much!

C’mon you Swans!

35

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31/07/2018 13:53:55

SWANS ACADEMY

BY MARK ALLEN

G

ood afternoon everyone. A s we continue our greatly disrupted under-18s and under23s games programmes we are faced with an awkward balance of games versus adequate recovery time in order to avoid unnecessary injuries due to fatigue.

We travelled to Sheffield United on the back of last weekend’s game at Cardiff and made several changes to support the recovery and injury support plan, with numerous players needing minutes to integrate them back into the programme.

All of that said and understood, it was still a very disappointing performance and irrespective of the situation I expect players to compete more than we sadly did on the day.

Sometimes these results are the springboard for players to respond and I expect to see that when we welcome QPR U18s to Landore this morning.

Continuing on from updating on the coaching and recruitment functions, today is the opportunity to tell you a little more on the very important and critical part operations play in the performance of the academy.

Quite simply, operations is the glue that holds the academy firm and allows the wheels to be oiled, thus allowing all the other areas to function. This function is headed by Rebecca Storer.

T he operations department at the ac ademy encompasses everything off the pitch, whether that be facilities, utilities, education, player care, catering . . . . the list goes on.

The last 18 months have presented many challenges to the operations department. The restrictions that have been imposed both by government and the league have been extremely rigorous, and the way the academy operates has had to change. The restrictions have resulted in us only being able to have the U23s and U18s who are classed as ‘elite athletes’ and essential staff at the academy.

We have also had to action the following in line with Covid-19 protocols: a takeaway food provision for players and staff due to canteen closure, removal of access to changing rooms, delivery of life skills sessions via online platforms and the creation of an online training programme for U9 to U16 players.

A special mention must be given to the host families for their commitment to our players. In times where seeing members of each other ’s families has been prohibited, the hosts have welcomed our players to Swansea with open arms to train, play and be part of their families.

Their efforts do not go unnoticed, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank them again for their continued support.

Looking ahead to next season, we have numerous plans in motion to improve our operational provisions.

Our player care manager is working on a new and exciting life skills programme which will fo c u s o n e n h a n c i n g s k i l l s s u c h a s c r i t i c a l thinking, problem solving, self-awareness and communication.

Our head of education is looking to bolster our education programme for all ages - providing the U18s with the ability to choose to complete various A-levels as well as the option of the BTEC and NVQ sporting qualifications, to support our U23s with vocational course opportunities, and introduce educational support mechanisms for our U9 to U16 players.

Enjoy the match,

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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.

1998-1999 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION THREE (FINISHED 7TH)

But it was the third-round draw that caught the imagination of the football public in the city, as the Swans were handed an away draw against Premier League West Ham United.

The display on the day by the team surprised everyone, the side played with passion and no small amount of skill, and midway through the secondhalf deservedly took the lead with a Smith header.

With just two minutes left to play of a pulsating contest, a rare mistake by goalkeeper Freestone saw the hosts score an equaliser through Julian Dicks, and so a replay was required. It would be a game to go down in Swans’ folklore.

Thomas’ strike was enough to see the Swans progress into the next round, despite being under constant pressure for practically all the second half against a Hammers side including the likes of Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand.

Alan Cork brought in tall central defender Jason Smith from Tiverton Town, while experienced midfielder Martin Thomas joined from Fulham, but the manager would not get to see them play.

Before a ball had been kicked in anger, Cork was relieved of his duties, and was replaced by the former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder John Hollins.

The Swans initially struggled, although there was a positive in the emergence of youth-team product Stuart Roberts, who was catching the eye with his performances on the wing.

There was a fine 3-0 win over Division Two side Millwall in the first round of the FA Cup, with Jason Price, Thomas and Julian Alsop on the scoresheet, and it sparked an increase in confidence.

They continued the cup run with a win over Stoke, thanks to a Richard Appleby goal, and were steadily climbing their way up the league table.

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This result saw the Swans become the first team from the bottom division of the Football League to defeat a Premier League side since the division’s renaming in 1992, and the reward was another home tie against another Premier League side in Derby County.

Another terrific contest saw the side eventually lose to a goal three minutes from time, but the confidence gained from the cup run saw the side make a late run to get into the end of season play- offs.

The first leg at home to Scunthorpe United saw the team take a slender 1-0 lead into the second leg, but an early goal for the hosts in the return fixture brought the tie level and, with no more goals scored in the 90 minutes, the game went into extra-time.

Scunthope scored first, but a Tony Bird goal put the Swans in front on away goals, until a cross into their box just four minutes later saw hesitancy in the defence, and Gareth Sheldon took advantage to win the game for the hosts.

1999-2000 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION THREE (FINISHED 1ST)

Boyd had a dream start to his time at the club; scoring two goals on his Swans debut at home to Rotherham United, and exciting the home crowd with his flamboyant style.

The strength of the defence would see the side create a record of not conceding a goal in eight consecutive league games, and it was this that kept the side in the top three places in the division by the New Year.

Consistency was a key factor – the Swans lost just two of their first 23 league games – and, in the final home game of the season, a 3-0 win over Exeter City saw the club guarantee promotion.

With the Swans top of the league, the final fixture of this exciting season was away at Rotherham United, the team that sat in second place, just one point behind the Swans. A mouthwatering title decider awaited.

The game in Yorkshire would decide who would g o u p a s c h a m p i o n s , a n d t h e S w a n s we r e cheered on by a packed away end. The game was played at a frantic pace, with genuine goal scoring chances limited, and the sides went in at the break all square.

The second half continued in the same vein as the first until, with the game entering its final few minutes, the Swans were awarded a penalty that Bound converted.

This saw a pitch invasion by the home section, and the referee took the players off the pitch, waiting for the police to clear the playing area for the final few minutes to be completed.

Despite that disappointment, Hollins began his second season at the club confident his side could go one better than last season and win promotion.

Early results were mixed, with the side experiencing problems in front of goal, though the defence appeared solid with Bound leading by example and Freestone showing why he was rated amongst the best stoppers in the lower divisions.

Looking to make the Swans a more effective attacking unit, Hollins shocked everyone with the capture of Jamaican International Walter Boyd.

W h e n t h e g a m e r e s u m e d R ot h e r h a m we r e awarded a penalty that they also scored, and seconds later the referee blew his whistle to end the game. Swansea were champions and collected the trophy and their medals in front of an ecstatic away support.

However, the day was to prove to be one forever tinged with sadness as news filtered through of the tragic death of Swansea supporter Terry Coles, who was crushed by a police horse outside the ground before the game.

All talk of celebration was cancelled as a mark of respect, and the events of the season were put into perspective by the tragedy.

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DAN WILLIAMS EXTENDS HIS CONTRACT WITH THE SWANS

S

wansea City has taken up an option to extend the contract of midfielder Dan Williams until the summer of 2022.

Williams stepped up to train with the first team following lockdown last year, and has been part of Steve Cooper’s squad since.

The 19-year-old was due to be out of contract at the end of June this year, but the club have exercised the option to extend his deal.

Williams first joined the club at under-eight level, and signed his first pro deal in the summer of 2019.

SWANS LADIES ARE GIVEN THE GREEN LIGHT

S

wansea City Ladies, along with all JD Cymru Premier and Welsh Premier Women’s League teams, have had their ‘Elite’ status reinstated with immediate effect.

The Swans - the defending league champions - have not played since November ’s narrow victory over title rivals C a r d i ff M e t a t L l a n d a r c y.

Despite the country still being in tier 4 of the Welsh Government Control Plan, clubs in Wales’ two toptier leagues have been given the green light to prepare for the resumption of fixtures under the FAW’s strict Return to Play COVID-19 protocols.

Confirmation of the rescheduled fixtures will be announced in due course.

41

JOHN HEYCOCK NAMED BACK A JACK WINNER FOR FEBRUARY

S

wansea City was onc e again inundated with nominations for our latest Back a Jack award – back by Peter Lynn & Partners, and John Heycock has been named the winner for February.

A Swans supporter who is known as a bit of a local legend in Port Talbot, John was nominated by his cousin David for his amazing work within the community, and we are proud to recognize his fantastic efforts.

“In the early 1990s John and his wife returned to New Zealand, but his love affair with the Swans continued and he would get up at 4am to either listen or watch his club in the lower divisions,” said David.

“In 2005 John was coaching a junior team in North Otago, where he worked as a policeman, and he decided to bring his team over to Wales to witness the last league game at the Vetch Field.

42

“He even arranged with the commercial department for his youngsters to perform the Haka in front of the North Bank.”

The pull of Swansea City was so strong that John, his wife and fours sons returned t o Wale s in 2005 as the club moved t o the Liberty Stadium.

Since then, John has been an influential part of the P or t Talbot and E xiled J acks official supporter groups, ensuring he regularly attends both home and away fixtures.

I n t h e p a s t ye a r J o h n - w h o a l s o p l a ys fo r Margam United Football Club - arranged for senior players of his team to check in on vulnerable loc al resident s and to help pick up shopping for them. He also made and delivered food parcels to families within the Port Talbot community.

However, that was not enough for John, who with the support of local food outlets - delivered sandwiches and cakes to thank front-line staff at the local hospital and Covid testing station in Margam.

John has worked tirelessly to raise funds for the project and earlier this week he was surprised with a video message from Lee Trundle, one of his heroes, telling him he had been nominated and won the Back a Jack competition.

L ast E aster he also organised a c ollec tion amongst the senior players of Margam United and members of the P ort Talbot and Exiled Swans groups to buy E aster eggs for loc al disadvantaged children.

Club ambassador Trundle told John the club had arranged for a full drinks hamper and take away food to be delivered to his home for him to enjoy watching the Swans take on Bristol City this weekend.

John has been inspired by Bootle Inclusion in Liverpool, who have set up inclusion football for disadvant aged children and those with disabilities.

Thank you, John, for your amazing work in the community and dedication to using football as a power for the greater good. We are proud you are a Jack.

After seeing the incredible work done by the volunteers at Bootle, John was determined to set up a similar venture for the Port Talbot and district area.

Nominations are now open for our March award, with a deadline of March 20. If you wish to nominate someone doing work within their local community, or has undertaken an act of kindness you feel deserves recognition, then please get in touch with us, giving their name and reason for your nomination at support@swanseacity.com.

He began the project last summer and from a slow start they now have more than five coaches helping disadvantaged children enjoy the beautiful game in a safe environment.

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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.

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44

COMMUNITY TRUST WELCOME DAI GREENE TO ONLINE KICKS CLUB

S

wansea City AFC Community Trust is thrilled to announce former World and European hurdling champion Dai Greene as our special guest at the Online Kicks Club on the evening of Monday, March 1.

The Premier League Kicks initiative uses the power of football and value of sports participation to help youngsters in some of the most high-need areas across Wales and England.

Llanelli-born Greene - a gold medalist in the 400m hurdles at the World Championships and Diamond League in 2011 - joins us to discuss all the highlights from his illustrious athletics career.

These also include his victory in the same discipline at the 2010 European Championships, while he represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

The 34-year-old will also be running a fitness class for our participants - all of whom will receive a signed electronic photo of Greene, while also being in with a chance of winning a signed shirt - before answering their questions to conclude the session.

This will be the 15th workshop of the online programme – devised after loc al lockdown restrictions led to the cancellation of several outside football sessions.

Well over 70 young participants joined us last week at a hugely successful evening with Swans defender Marc Guehi.

To register your place at Monday’s session, visit: https://form.jotform.com/202862855617362 For more information, please contact: craig@scfccommunitytrust.co.uk

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52

Match Statistics

Key

Goal =

Sub = 2 (number denotes player replaced)

Captain =

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

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

Nottingham Forest H (FA R4) W 5-1

Sat, Jan 23, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts 5

Latibeaudiere

Brentford H D 1-1

Weds, Jan 27, 7pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Rotherham United A W 1-3

Sat, Jan 30, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Norwich City H W 2-0

Fri, Feb 5, 8.15pm

Woodman

Manchester City H (FA R5) L 1-3

Wed, Feb 10, 5.30pm

Woodman

Sheffield Wednesday A

Sat, Feb 13, 3pm

Nottingham Forest H W 1-0

Wed, Feb 17, 7pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton 1

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Huddersfield Town A L 4-1

Sat, Feb 20, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton 3

Bennett 1

Guehi

Bidwell 5

Grimes

Coventry City H W 1-0

Wed, Feb 24, 7pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Naughton 3

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Bristol City H

Sat, Feb 27, 3pm

Stoke City A

Wed, Mar 3, 8.15pm

Middlesbrough H

Sat, Mar 6, 3pm

Blackburn Rovers A

Tue, March 9, 6pm

Luton Town A

Sat, Mar 13, 12.15pm

A.F.C. Bournemouth A

Tues, Mar 16, 7.45pm

Cardiff City H

Sat, Mar 20, 5.30pm

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

Bennett

Guehi 4

Manning

Hourihane 3

Cabango

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Cabango

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Roberts

Naughton

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Roberts 3

Latibeaudiere

Cabango

Guehi

Manning 4

Grimes

Booked =

Sent off =

Carabao Cup = CC

FA Cup = FA

Correct as of February 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

2

1

Smith 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

Fulton

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

1

2

1

Lowe

Ayew

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

Routledge 1

Cullen

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

Hourihane

Lowe 1

Ayew

Hamer, Bennett, Latibeaudiere, Manning 1, Williams, Dhanda, Cooper, Garrick, Morris

Dhanda 1

Hourihane

Lowe 2

Ayew

Hamer, Latibeaudiere, Evans, Manning, Williams, Fulton 1

Fulton

Hourihane

Lowe 1

Ayew

Hamer, Latibeaudiere, Cabango, Manning, Freeman, Dhanda, Cooper, Morris 1, Whittaker.

Fulton

Dhanda

5

Lowe 1

Morris 2

Webb, Naughton, Freeman 3, Bennett, Bidwell 4, Hourihane 5, Arriola 1, Whittaker 2

Fulton

Hourihane 3

Lowe 2

Ayew

Hamer, Cabango, Latibeaudiere, Manning, Smith 3, Dhanda, Arriola 2, Morris 1, Whittaker.

Fulton 4

Hourihane

Lowe 1

Ayew

Hamer, Cabango 1, Latibeaudiere, Manning 5, Smith, Dhanda 4, Arriola, Morris 2, Whittaker 3.

Dhanda 1

Hourihane 2

Lowe

Ayew

Hamer, Latibeaudiere 3, Manning, Freeman, Smith 1, Fulton 2, Arriola, Cooper, Whittaker.

2

, Garrick 5, Ayew, Lowe 1

, Cooper, Garrick, Morris 2

53

CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE 20-21 POS TEAM

P

*Sheffield Wednesday deducted 6 points.

W D L

F

A

GD PTS

1

Norwich City

32

20

7

5

45

25

20

67

2

Brentford

32

17

9

6

59

34

25

60

3

Watford

32

17

9

6

43

23

20

60

4

Swansea City

30

17

8

5

38

19

19

59

5

Reading

32

15

6

11

44

37

7

51

6

Cardiff City

32

14

7

11

48

34

14

49

7

Bournemouth

32

13

10

9

46

32

14

49

8

Barnsley

31

14

6

11

36

35

1

48

9

Middlesbrough

32

13

7

12

37

34

3

46

10

Stoke City

32

11

12

9

37

35

2

45

11

Millwall

32

9

16

7

31

28

3

43

12

Bristol City

32

13

3

16

32

43

-11

42

13

Queens Park Rangers

30

10

10

10

30

34

-4

40

14

Preston North End

32

12

4

16

34

42

-8

40

15

Blackburn Rovers

31

11

6

14

45

37

8

39

16

Nottingham Forest

32

10

9

13

27

31

-4

39

17

Luton Town

31

10

8

13

24

35

-11

38

18

Derby County

31

10

7

14

24

32

-8

37

19

Huddersfield Town

32

10

6

16

38

47

-9

36

20

Coventry City

32

8

10

14

29

43

-14

34

21

Birmingham City

32

7

10

15

23

40

-17

31

22

Rotherham United

30

8

5

17

33

41

-8

29

23

Sheffield Wednesday *

31

9

7

15

21

35

-14

28

24

Wycombe Wanderers

31

5

8

18

23

51

-28

23

H

UPCOMING FIXTURES STOKE CITY (A)

Wednesday, Mar 3, 8.15pm

MIDDLESBROUGH (H)

Saturday, Mar 6, 3pm

BLACKBURN ROVERS (A) Tuesday, Mar 9, 6pm

LUTON TOWN (A)

Saturday, Mar 13, 12.15pm

AFC BOURNEMOUTH (A)

Tuesday, Mar 16, 7.45pm

Correct as of February 25, 2021

NEXT UP AT HOME - MIDDLESBROUGH

aving spent all bar one season between 1995 and 2009 in the Premier League - with a best finish of seventh in 2005 - Middlesbrough have been in the Championship for 11 of the 12 campaigns since.

They reached the play-offs in 2018 - having been relegated from the Premier League after a oneseason return to the top-flight in 2017, but missed out in each of the last two seasons.

Boro famously reached the UEFA Cup final in 2006 while, in that successful 2004-05 season, they secured League Cup glory by beating Bolton in Cardiff.

The Riverside club also reached an FA Cup final during that time, but fell short against Chelsea in 1997, losing 2-0.

54

18 SWANS

20 MIDDLESBROUGH

11 DRAWS 49 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 Morgan Whittaker Ben Hamer Paul Arriola Liam Cullen Yan Dhanda Joel Latibeaudiere Connor Roberts Jake Bidwell Kyle Naughton Tivonge Rushesha Ollie Cooper Kieron Freeman Brandon Cooper Daniel Williams Lewis Webb Ben Cabango

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 30 31 34 36 37 42 44

MANAGER: NIGEL PEARSON 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 14 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 30 31 32 33 34 35 42 43 45

Dan Bentley Jack Hunt Jay Dasilva Ádám Nagy Alfie Mawson Nathan Baker Chris Martin Famara Diédhiou Jamie Paterson Callum O’Dowda Max O’Leary Andi Weimann Henri Lansbury Antoine Semenyo Adrian Mariappa Joe Williams Nahki Wells Tomáš Kalas Taylor Moore Zac Smith Tommy Rowe Zak Vyner Sam Pearson Tyreeq Bakinson Hakeeb Adelakun James Morton Sam Bell Ryley Towler Owura Edwards Han-Noah Massengo Steven Sessegnon Kasey Palmer

MATCH OFFICIALS REFEREE: KEITH STROUD ASSISTANT REFEREES: JONATHAN HUNT AND SAM LEWIS FOURTH OFFICIAL: SCOTT TALLIS