Swansea City v Cardiff City – 20-21 – Issue 21

Cadwch yn ddiogel Jacks

Issue 21 -Digital Copy

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Swansea City v Cardiff City Saturday, March 20 - Kick-off 5.30pm

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CONTENTS Page 6 - Clubs Pledge for Anti-Racism

Page 16 - Meet the Opposition

Page 21 - Match Reports

Page 28 - Q&A with Wayne Routledge

Page 40 - U23s Report

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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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, Alan Tate, 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, 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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A joint pledge by supporter groups from both Swansea City and Cardiff City in the fight against racism and discrimination: It saddens both clubs – and our respective supporters – that we are still fighting this battle in 2021. Both Swansea City and Cardiff City condemn discrimination and abuse of all kinds.

No one should be subjected to abuse for their ethnicity, gender or sexuality and what we have witnessed recently, and historically, is wholly unacceptable.

Our clubs pride themselves on working with their respective communities and supporters, as well as with the EFL and FA, on all anti-racism and anti-discriminatory campaigns.

We want to ensure that racism and discrimination is not tolerated anywhere within the game, as well as our respective clubs.

Our supporter groups are working continuously to ensure our stadiums are places where everyone feels welcome.

Racism and discrimination has no place in society, let alone in football.

We believe the game we all love has the power to influence, the power to make a difference and, more importantly, the power to change.

Rivals on the pitch. United against racism.

It’s time for change.

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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 Cardiff City.

We have sold just over 9,650 season tickets for next season - an increase of 2,600 from the same stage last year, which is hugely encouraging.

We are all aware of just how unique this season is in terms of the schedule, with this game being our 10th in just 31 days.

I’d also like to praise both clubs and their respective supporter groups for the part they have played in the anti-racism and anti-discrimination campaign surrounding this fixture.

With three away games on the spin recently, it is testament to Steve, his staff and the players that we have continued to pick up results to keep us in the upper echelons of the table ahead of the final international break of the season.

I’m sure both sets of supporters would have looked out for this fixture when the schedule was announced back in pre-season, and we are all acutely aware just how much supporters are missed inside stadiums on occasions such as this.

But it is hugely encouraging to see season ticket sales continuing to rise as we look forward to what will hopefully be a positive end to the current campaign before looking towards 2021-22.

Our strategic pricing of season tickets certainly seems to have resonated with our fans and it is great to see many of you taking up a season ticket for the very first time.

The campaign is being backed by Kick It Out, for whom tonight’s game is an allocated fixture, with both sets of players and officials warming up in special t-shirts ahead of kick-off.

Supporter groups have also signed a pledge in the fight against racism and discrimination as we continue to tackle these prejudices that are a stain on society and indeed the game of football which we all love.

We are also showing our support for Cardiff City’s Sol Bamba this afternoon, with a message of support for the defender on the back the t-shirts as he continues his ongoing battle with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

We all wish you well, Sol.

I’m pleased to say that as a club we will be taking part in a Covid-19 remembrance day on Tuesday (March 23) as we light the Liberty Stadium up in yellow to remember the 5,000-plus lives that have been lost in Wales during the pandemic.

Meanwhile, it was fantastic to see Ben Cabango sign a new contract with the club this week. Ben has been superb since he came into the first-team last season and is a player that we hope will continue to progress and perform well for us moving forward.

Finally, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to the management, players, staff and directors from Cardiff who have made the short trip along the M4 for the game.

A s always, we hope you are watching on from home and from further afield and you’re proud of what we are looking to achieve as a club both on and off the pitch.

Enjoy the game.

Our recent game here against Middlesbrough was a day shy of one year without supporters at the Liberty Stadium – a timely reminder of what a challenging year it has been for all of us.

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Head Coach’s Notes

STEVE COOPER G

ood evening everyone as we return to action at the Liberty for our Championship test against Cardiff City.

After three consecutive games on the road, it’s great for us to be back on home soil. Even though we can’t play in front of you in person, we know you’ll be making so much noise and supporting passionately from your homes.

Playing Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday is a big ask of the players, but I’ve seen a really determined group effort by all staff and players in helping us combat the relentless and demanding schedule. We don’t make any excuses – that’s not the culture here – and we’re looking to be the best we can no matter what is thrown at us.

We picked up a point at Blackburn before earning a hard-fought victory at Luton Town, which was a really good result considering they’d only

lost four times at Kenilworth Road this season. We didn’t hit our levels at Bournemouth in midweek, and we got what we deserved in the end.

Now we take on Cardiff in SA1 in the south Wales derby.

Having won the first meeting in Cardiff earlier in the season, we know we can become the first team to complete the derby double if we follow that up with another victory today.

Creating history, of course, is important and I’m sure you’re desperate for us to do the derby double. And, as ever, you have been at the forefront of our minds going into the game because we know how much this means to us all – fans, players, staff, club and city.

a great moment, but the big thing missing was the sight and sound of the Jack Army behind the goal.

The squad and staff met in a circle on the pitch after the game and we talked about how much that victory meant to us all, and the joy it gave to the supporters who were watching from their homes around the world.

Our focus since leaving Bournemouth late on Tuesday night has been solely on this game. The derby has a special place in the hearts of our fans, but it’s also important that we bounce back from Tuesday night.

A good sign of the squad’s character has been the ability to react to defeats this season, and we’ll look to do that once again.

Enjoy the game.

It’s a big shame that we can’t play this game in front of you. Our victory in Cardiff earlier in the season was

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MATT GRIMES Captain’s Notes

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ood evening and welcome to everyone joining us from around the world for tonight’s South Wales derby at the Liberty Stadium.

In the busy schedule of the Championship, we have had four league fixtures since writing my last programme notes.

Our last home game provided a dramatic victory, with Andre Ayew netting his second injurytime penalty in less than 72 hours to secure a 2-1 victory over Middlesbrough.

It wasn’t a fluid game and we always knew it would be a tough test, but all the boys battled hard to get the win.

It was a reflection of the togetherness and team spirit of the group, showing the desire to win right up until the final whistle.

Next, we faced a trip to Ewood Park for our rescheduled game against Blackburn Rovers.

We weren’t at our best but we ended up a point better off from one of our games in hand. It’s a tough place to go, so we took the

positives from it and moved on to our second of three away games within the space of a week.

An early goal from Conor Hourihane was enough to secure the three points in what proved to be another tough fixture at Luton.

It was a lovely goal with Yan Dhanda and Conor linking up and was a huge three points on the road.

It also marked the 18th clean sheet of the season, which is something we have achieved through sticking together and working on it as a unit.

H o w e v e r, w e w e r e v e r y disappointed with our last performance and result against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. We didn’t do enough in either box, and we did not meet the standards we have set ourselves this season.

South Wales derbies are always fixtures that we look out for in the calendar, and we’ve come to know them for the incredible atmospheres they present.

It’s a huge shame the Jack Army won’t be able to be here in person, but we know they’ll be with us all the way and supporting in their numbers from home.

We’re fully aware that there is a chance to make history, with no team ever completing the league double in the fixture, but we’ll remain focussed on ourselves and ensure we go into the game as ready as we can be.

Thanks for your support as always, and we hope you enjoy the game this evening.

Enjoy the game today!

We are determined to bounce back and put things right, and it would be the perfect occasion to do so in the South Wales derby.

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Ministry

Group

Ministry

Graphics

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H

istory is being made today. In years to come we supporters will talk about how two bitter rivals, competing to reach the hallowed turf of the Premier League, put aside our differences and united in one bitter struggle.

Today, we should be celebrating the amazing season that our Swans are having; the fact that the club is in a stable and healthy position and, the fact that we are competing for automatic promotion.

We should be extolling the benefits of your S u p p o r t e r s Tr u s t a n d h ow we a r e g r ow i n g stronger by the month. Membership levels are steadily increasing; prize draws are proving to be popular; we are working closely with the club on key decisions that affect the supporters and we have our 20th anniversary celebrations on the horizon.

Above all we should be looking forward to doing battle with our biggest rivals and seeking to become the first club in the south Wales derby to complete the double over their neighbours in a league campaign.

H o w e v e r, f o l l o w i n g r e c e n t a b h o r r e n t discriminatory behaviour towards our players and community we put the battle armour to one side and join forces with the old enemy in the fight against anti-social behaviour. The supporter groups from both Swansea City and Cardiff City are pleased to unite with the two clubs and we wholeheartedly support the message, actions and following pledge in the ongoing societal struggle:

A joint pledge by supporter groups from both Swansea City and Cardiff City in the fight against racism and discrimination It saddens both clubs – and our respective supporters – that we are still fighting this battle in 2021, with Swansea City and Cardiff City condemning discrimination and abuse of all kinds.

No one should be subjected to abuse for their ethnicity, gender or sexuality and what we have witnessed recently, and historically, is wholly unacceptable.

Our clubs pride themselves on working with their respective communities and supporters, as well as with the EFL and FA, on all anti-racism and antidiscriminatory campaigns.

We want to ensure that racism and discrimination is not tolerated anywhere within the game, as well as our respective clubs.

Our supporter groups are working continuously to ensure our stadiums are places where everyone feels welcome.

Racism and discrimination have no place in society, let alone in football.

We believe the game we all love has the power to influence, the power to make a difference and, more importantly, the power to change.

Rivals on the pitch. United against racism.

It’s time for change.

Enough said. #YJB

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CARDIFF CITY

FACT FILE OWNER

NICKNAME

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK

Vincent Tan

@CardiffCityFC

STADIUM

Cardiff City Stadium

The Bluebirds

2009

33,316

OPENED

THE GAFFER

As a player, he featured for the Republic at the 1988 European Championship and 1990 World Cup, while turning out for Barnsley, Manchester City, Celtic, Lyon and Millwall at club level.

Morrison has found a home at Cardiff, having also played for Swindon and Reading and taken in loan spells at Southend and Huddersfield. The 6ft 4in centre-back has made over 270 appearances for the Bluebirds since joining from Reading for £3 million in 2014. A pivotal figure, he was named Cardiff’s player of the year in 2017-18 after captaining them to Premier League promotion. A commanding figure in the air, Morrison has scored five times this season.

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1899

@CardiffCityFC

The hugely experienced McCarthy is now in his 29th year of management. After guiding Sunderland to the Premier League as Championship winners in 2004-05, he repeated the feat with Wolves four years later. McCarthy started his managerial career with Millwall and has also taken charge at Ipswich and Cypriot side APOEL, on top of two separate spells with the Republic of Ireland.

CLUB CAPTAIN

FOUNDED

@cardiffcityfc

SEAN MORRISON MICK M CCARTHY

CLUB DETAILS SOCIAL MEDIA FACILITIES

CAPACITY

STADIUM MEET THE OPPOSITION

Founded in 1899 as Riverside AFC, Cardiff enjoyed top-flight spells in the 1920s, 1950s and 1960s.

They have spent 15 of the last 18 seasons in the second tier of English football, reaching the FA Cup final in 2008 and League Cup final four years later. Cardiff find themselves in their second season back in the Championship after relegation from the Premier League in 2018-19. The Bluebirds are the only team outside of England to have won the FA Cup, lifting the trophy in 1927.

CARDIFF CITY’S FORM

The Bluebirds kick-started their hopes of a play-off push with an 11-match unbeaten streak following McCarthy’s appointment in January. Victories at Bristol City and Bournemouth along the way were huge boosts in their pursuit of a top-six finish. They suffered their first loss under McCarthy in the last-gasp 2-1 defeat at home to Watford last weekend. But they arrive at the Liberty having collected more points on their travels than at home this season.

THE KEY MEN

Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo has proved a useful loan signing, with 12 goal involvements so far. His five goals put him alongside Sean Morrison as the second-joint top scorer this term.

Curacao international Leandro Bacuna has been a regular in midfield, with the former Aston Villa and Reading man only failing to feature in the league on a few occasions. His brother Juninho features in the Championship for Huddersfield Town.

Ever present Curtis Nelson has been a steady figure for the Bluebirds this term. Formerly of Plymouth Argyle and Oxford United, he is a commanding figure at centre-back.

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ONES TO WATCH

WILL VAULKS

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The Welsh international joined the Bluebirds on a three-year contract in the summer of 2019. He began his professional career at Tranmere Rovers before racking up over a century of appearances for Scottish Premiership side Falkirk.

He also played over 100 times during a three-year stint at Rotherham. His long throw offers Cardiff a dangerous weapon in the final third of the pitch.

POSITION

DF

NATION

AGE

31 MF

Flint began his career at Swindon before enjoying a five-year spell at Bristol City.

The Derbyshire-born centreback helped the Robins secure the League One title and EFL Trophy in 2014-15; his performances earning him the club’s player of the year award. Standing at 6ft 5in, his height provides a great threat for the Bluebirds at both ends of the field.

ADEN FLINT

POSITION

NATION

AGE

27

HARRY WILSON The Welshman, on loan from Liverpool, is the chief provider for the Bluebirds, having already hit double figures for assists. Dangerous at setpieces, Wrexham-born Wilson’s deliveries provide ammunition for the likes of Moore, Morrison and Flint. He has previously spent time on loan at Crewe, Hull, Derby and Bournemouth.

In 2013, he became the youngest player to represent Wales at senior level, aged 16 years and 207 days old.

POSITION

MF

NATION

AGE

POSITION

27 MF

NATION

AGE

POSITION

23 FW

NATION

AGE

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An academy graduate, Ralls has gone on to establish himself as an integral part of the team; racking up over 250 appearances along the way. Making his debut in the 2011-12 season, he gained extensive experience at senior level with Yeovil Town two years later. Upon his return, Ralls has become a pivotal player in the starting XI; playing over 25 times in each of the last seven seasons.

The Wales international has been a towering figure for Cardiff this season, and is leading the way in terms of goals. The Bluebirds missed his influence as he spent a month recovering from an injury sustained in the 2-0 defeat by the Swans in December. But Moore is now firing on all cylinders and well on course to reach 20 league goals before the end of the campaign.

JOE RALLS

KIEFFER MOORE 19

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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SWANSEA CITY 2 MIDDLESBROUGH 1 MATCH DETAILS DATE: SATURDAY, MARCH 6 VENUE: LIBERTY STADIUM REFEREE: GAVIN WARD

MATCH REPORT A

ndre Ayew struck a last-gasp winner from the penalty spot for the second game running as Swansea City claimed a dramatic win over Middlesbrough at the Liberty Stadium.

As had been the case at Stoke, the Ghanaian kept his nerve to seal victory after Jake Bidwell had been fouled in the area. Ayew had earlier given the Swans the lead, only for Sam Morsy to equalise in the first minute of stoppage time.

It proved to be a hard-fought encounter, and it required a defensive mix-up to help the hosts take a 40th-minute lead as Ayew volleyed in at the near post after Jonny Howson and Yannick Bolasie had collided attempted to head clear.

Middlesbrough, who had a Marc Bola strike ruled out early in the second half, continued to push, and were level in the 91st minute when Morsy’s deflected volley finished off a counter attack. But the Swans would not be denied, with George Saville bringing down Bidwell, and Ayew delivering from the spot.

LINEUPS Swans: Freddie Woodman; Connor Roberts, Kyle Naughton, Ben Cabango, Marc Guehi, Ryan Manning (Jake Bidwell 73); Korey Smith (Jamal Lowe 67), Jay Fulton, Matt Grimes (captain), Conor Hourihane; Andre Ayew.

Subs not used: Ben Hamer, Joel Latibeaudiere, Ryan Bennett, Yan Dhanda, Ollie Cooper, Morgan Whittaker, Paul Arriola.

Middlesbrough: Marcus Bettinelli; Dael Fry, Grant Hall, Paddy McNair; Anfernee Dijksteel (Djed Spence 16) (Nathaniel Mendez-Laing 78), Sam Morsy, Jonny Howson (captain), Marc Bola (Marvin Johnson 77); George Saville; Yannick Bolasie (Neeskens Kebano 66), Duncan Watmore (Chuba Akpom 46).

Subs not used: Jordan Archer, Darnell Fisher.

QUOTE OF THE GAME “THIS WIN WAS FOR THE JACK ARMY, BECAUSE THEY HAVE SEEN A TEAM THERE THAT IS ABSOLUTELY FIGHTING LIKE MAD FOR THEM.” STEVE COOPER

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BLACKBURN ROVERS 1 SWANSEA CITY 1 MATCH DETAILS DATE: TUESDAY, MARCH 9 VENUE: EWOOD PARK REFEREE: ROBERT JONES

MATCH REPORT S

wansea City moved level on points with the automatic promotion places as Andre Ayew ’s fourth penalty in four games secured a hard-earned point at Blackburn.

The visitors fell behind in the 37th minute as Bradley Dack’s low shot went through Freddie Woodman’s legs to find the net.

However, Swansea were level just four minutes later as Jay Fulton was fouled in the penalty area, and Ayew again scored from the spot to take his goal tally for the season to 14.

In the second half, Brereton lofted wide after beating Woodman, while a flurry of late setpieces came to nothing for the Swans.

The point moved Cooper ’s men onto 66 points; level with second-placed Watford with a game in hand.

LINEUPS Blackburn: Thomas Kaminski: Joe RankinCostello (Ryan Nyambe 76), Darragh Lenihan (captain), Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Barry Douglas; Bradley Dack (Joe Rothwell 87), Tom Trybull (Lewis Travis 87), John Buckley; Ben Brereton, Tyrhys Dolan, Sam Gallagher (Harvey Elliott 70).

Subs not used: Aynsley Pears, Stewart Downing, Amari’i Bell, Bradley Johnson, Corry Evans.

Swans: Freddie Woodman; Kyle Naughton, Ben Cabango, Marc Guehi (Joel Latibeaudiere 46); Connor Roberts, Jay Fulton (Yan Dhanda 65), Matt Grimes (captain), Conor Hourihane (Korey Smith 65), Jake Bidwell; Andre Ayew, Jamal Lowe (Wayne Routledge 81).

Subs not used: Ben Hamer, Ryan Bennett, Ryan Manning, Morgan Whittaker, Ollie Cooper.

QUOTE OF THE GAME “IT WAS NOT THE PERFORMANCE WE WANTED, IT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE.” STEVE COOPER

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LUTON TOWN 0 SWANSEA CITY 1 MATCH DETAILS DATE: SATURDAY, MARCH 13 VENUE: KENILWORTH ROAD REFEREE: DARREN BOND

MATCH REPORT S

wansea City temporarily climbed into the automatic promotion spots as Conor Hourihane’s early goal secured all three points at Luton.

The Republic of Ireland international slotted home after excellent work by Yan Dhanda in just the third minute, taking his tally to five goals since arriving from A ston Villa.

And the Swans saw out an 18th clean sheet of the season to move above Watford, until the Hornets win over Cardiff later in the day.

E a r l y i n t h e s e c o n d h a l f, H o u r i h a n e f i r e d straight after the keeper after good Swansea b u i l d - u p o n t h e r i g h t , w h i l e A d e b a yo s e n t two weak headers into the grateful gloves of Woodman as the visitors racked up a 20th win of the Championship season.

LINEUPS Luton Town: Simon Sluga; Matty Pearson (captain, Kazenga Lualua, 83), Kai Naismith, Dan Potts (Martin Cranie, 45); James Bree, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jordan Clark; Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu; Harry Cornick (James Collins, 70), Elijah Adebayo.

Subs not used: James Shea, Luke Berry, Glen Rea, Sam Nombe, Joe Morrell, Tom Ince.

Swans: Freddie Woodman; Kyle Naughton, Ryan Bennett, Joel Latibeaudiere; Connor Roberts, Korey Smith, Matt Grimes (captain), Conor Hourihane (Jay Fulton, 65), Ryan Manning; Yan Dhanda (Jamal Lowe, 65); Andre Ayew.

Subs not used: Ben Hamer, Wayne Routledge, Morgan Whittaker, Jake Bidwell, Kieron Freeman, Brandon Cooper, Ben Cabango.

QUOTE OF THE GAME “THE BOYS ARE GIVING EVERYTHING FOR THEMSELVES AND THE FOOTBALL CLUB, I WON’T LET ANYTHING DISTRACT FROM THAT.”

STEVE COOPER

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BOURNEMOUTH 3 SWANSEA CITY 0 MATCH DETAILS DATE: TUESDAY, MARCH 16 VENUE: VITALITY STADIUM REFEREE: JAMES LININGTON

MATCH REPORT S

w a n s e a C i t y s u ff e r e d a f i r s t d e f e a t i n f i v e g a m e s a s t w o f i r s t- h a l f g o a l s s e t Bournemouth on the way to taking the three points at the Vitality Stadium.

The home side took an early lead through Phil Billing’s spectacular volley, and extended their advantage via a Joel Latibeaudiere own goal just before the break.

Morgan Whittaker went closest to a goal for the Swans, while Ryan Manning saw his deflected cross saved, but there was no way back for Steve Cooper’s side.

And Arnaut Danjuma put the seal on the win for the hosts as he lashed home a left-footed effort during the closing stages.

LINEUPS

Bournemouth: Asmir Begovic; Jack Stacey, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Steve Cook (captain), Diego Rico; Jack Wilshere (Ben Pearson 71), Jefferson Lerma; Junior Stanislas (Rodrigo Riquelme 39), Philip Billing, Arnaut Danjuma (Chris Mepham 91); Dominic Solanke.

Subs not used: Mark Travers, Shane Long, Sam Surridge, Ben Pearson, Gavin Kilkenny, Jaidon Anthony, Jordan Zemura.

Swans: Freddie Woodman; Kyle Naughton, Ryan Bennett, Joel Latibeaudiere (Morgan Whittaker 46); Connor Roberts, Korey Smith (Yan Dhanda 68), Matt Grimes (captain), Ryan Manning; Conor Hourihane (Wayne Routledge 80); Andre Ayew, Jamal Lowe.

Subs not used: Ben Hamer, Jay Fulton, Jake Bidwell, Ben Cabango, Kieron Freeman, Ollie Cooper.

QUOTE OF THE GAME “WE DIDN’T DEFEND WELL IN OUR BOX, OR DO ENOUGH WITH THE BALL TO REALLY CREATE. WHEN THAT HAPPENS YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE.” STEVE COOPER 27

Q&A WITH WAYNE ROUTLEDGE Age: 36 Position: Winger Nationality: English Clubs: Crystal Palace, 123 Apps 10 Goals, Tottenham Hotspur, 5 Apps, Porsmouth (Loan), 13 Apps, Fulham (Loan), 28 Apps 1 Goal, Aston Villa, 8 Apps, Cardiff City (Loan), 9 Apps 2 Goals, QPR, 49 Apps 7 Goals, Newcastle United, 36 Apps 3 Goals, QPR (Loan), 20 Apps 5 Goals, Swansea City, 294 Apps 33 Goals

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WAYNE ROUTLEDGE IS CLOSING IN ON A DECADE OF SERVICE AT SWANSEA CITY AND, AS SUCH, IS WELLPLACED TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THE SOUTH WALES DERBY MEANS TO THE CLUB AND CITY. HERE, HE SHARES SOME OF HIS MEMORIES OF DERBY HIGHS AND LOWS, AND WHAT COMES NEXT. Wayne, fair to say that when we first sat down for your interview after joining in August 2011, we didn’t contemplate the possibility that 10 years later we’d be reflecting on a decade at Swansea City.

Haha, given what had gone on in my career prior to arriving here, I think that’s a fair assumption.

I’d been around a lot of clubs, not really settled anywhere – then I found Swansea City.

You are only a few appearances short of 300 for this club. You’re in the club’s top 35 players in terms of appearances – more than your former team-mate, captain and gaffer Garry Monk. What does that mean to you Wayne?

If I’m being honest, that really surprises me. It means a heck of a lot to me though. Seeing my name above players who have done a lot for this club, and are regarded highly by the supporters, is something I feel proud of. In terms of modern football, where players don’t tend to stay around at a club for long, it’s a big achievement.

It would cap it all off if there was to be an even bigger achievement at the end of this season though!

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE...

There has been a fair amount of success during your dec ade here. Rec ord P remier L e ague positions and points tallies, famous wins against big clubs, League Cup success and a Europa League adventure. It’s been some ride.

It’s still going though! I say this to the boys a lot - you don’t realise when you’re in the moment what you’ve done, what you’re doing and what you can do.

When you’re in the middle of a great time, you don’t tend to realise it. You live in the moment.

I’m still doing it to a certain extent, but I look back at the League Cup success and the Europa League campaign and I definitely didn’t realise at the time what we had achieved. One week we’re playing the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, then we’re playing Valencia and Napoli.

You always think ‘what if?’ But sometimes you have to realise what’s in front of you.

We’ll talk more about that later. After all, it is derby day! You’ve played in six derbies – what does the build up to a derby game comprise of? Is it different to other games, given the attention it attracts from the media and fans?

It is a different week, that’s for sure. This year, with the pandemic, it is slightly different but it doesn’t take the gloss off derby day. It’s consuming and draining, and you can’t get away from it. The media are all over it, social media is buzzing, but you have to maintain your focus and prepare yourself properly.

You’ve won three of the six derbies you’ve played in. What does it feel like to win?

It’s a bit of euphoria, followed by realisation.

When you come away from ground you are still on a high, but the mental side kicks in. A lot of people don’t realise how mentally draining it is. The build up lasts a while, you get into a certain place, adrenaline kicks in and the game comes and goes.

But it’s physically and mentally consuming.

Sometimes you feed off the adrenaline of the fans, but obviously that is not possible because of the current situation.

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To make that winning feeling even better, I guess, is to score in the game too. You struck the opener in a fully-charged 3-0 win over Cardiff in what was Garry Monk’s first game in charge.

The build-up to that game was very, very consuming!

We weren’t having the best of times, but that was the best possible game we could have asked for at that point. We needed that focus and pressure, and we needed to produce a performance and result.

Scoring in that goal was a magical moment. The pass from Pablo Hernandez was unbelievable. You have to realise, you can make that run 10 or 15 times a game but you don’t get the pass made, but you have to give someone like Pablo the belief that he can do it. He was such a gifted player and he just glided the pass effortlessly and it was perfectly in my path. I picked my spot and found the corner, and then celebrated!

Everything clicked after that. Nathan Dyer scores a diving header then Wilfried Bony powers in another header. We walk off the pitch, we’ve won, and life’s good again!

That was a great day, but the one we played last season at the Liberty was one of the most dominating derby games I’ve been part of. Coming off the pitch that day was really satisfying because we dominated that game.

The first derby you played in as a Swan ended in defeat. How does a derby loss affect you?

The other end of the scale is losing a derby. It’s easy to say that it’s just another game, but you feel that defeat more than any. It hurts your pride. That particular loss to Cardiff was such a strange game. Michu got injured, Michel Vorm was sent off and Angel Rangel ends up in goal. Steven Caulker goes and scores the winning goal. It was a tough day to take, but you have to learn from it and become stronger from it.

I say first as a Swan, because you’re among the few who has played for both clubs. Of course, you spent a short time on loan at Cardiff while at Aston Villa.

It ended 2-2, and one of the memories that sticks in the mind from that game was Fede Bessone going full Ospreys mode and rugby tackling you.

I was only there for a short period. The only thing I actually remember from that game was Fede’s tackle.

I knocked it past him and was looking up to start another attack. All of a sudden I was on the floor. It was quite funny!

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Fast forward to modern times, the win earlier in the season at the Cardiff City Stadium means we have an opportunity to become the first team to do the double in this derby. What importance does that have to the players?

Any time you have a chance to make a bit of history, it means a heck of a lot. When you are younger and in the moment, perhaps you don’t realise it so much.

But this group of players know what it would mean to the club, the fans and the city.

To be honest, I’m someone who doesn’t tend to look back too much, but last season’s game at their place is one I still look back on as a missed opportunity. I feel I could have won the game. Connor put a long throw in and a defender got a touch to it. The ball bounced towards me and I was about 10 yards out, but I put it over the bar - I should have scored. I do look back at that game and think it could have created history. The derby double would have been done and we could have moved on from it.

We have a relatively young squad, and Steve Cooper often talks about how much he enjoys having you as part of his team – for what you can do on the pitch, and off it as a mentor with the young lads. Do you enjoy that mix?

I have learned a lot this year in terms of what goes on behind the scenes instead of just turning up.

The thought process behind training, games – a breakdown of both - individual assessment, the mental and physical sides of a player. To be honest, the gaffer and the coaching staff have shown me just how much work goes into getting it right for a game. The preparation, the research, strategically, physically and mentally is mind-blowing.

I am not just looking at it anymore as there’s a game on Saturday, I must be ready. When you get older you can pick up on different characteristics.

Maybe someone is a bit chirpier, or a bit quieter, and there’s a reason for that. We have players who are still learning, and they are getting there. I can help, and I’m happy to help. I didn’t really have that – Julian Gray was the closest person I had to that in my career during my time at Crystal Palace.

The lads here have grown up with me and are comfortable enough to speak to me about a range of things. It’s a really nice feeling because they trust me and know I will tell them honestly what I think.

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE...

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You are utilised more as a striker these days, given the system change doesn’t see us play with out-andout wingers. It’s a very different role to that when you started your career at Crystal Palace. Is it easy to adapt to a new role?

When I was a kid, I was actually a striker! The coaches must have seen something in me at Palace and thought I would be best utilised on the wing. As a winger, you are getting out wide to make things happen. Most of the time your back is towards goal and you’re trying to link play. The thought process and movement is different.

A forward is a forward – you can’t be labelled as one position. You have to be more rounded, and I really enjoy the responsibilities I have in that role.

We’ve seen a number of players evolve in the latter stages of their career. Is it down to the maturity and more understanding in your game?

It’s a breakdown of maturity, being less selfish, understanding of the game, understanding your body is different and you can’t run about for 90 minutes like a lunatic! It’s funny because usually players drop deeper in their career, but I seemed to have moved forward!

The way I see it, the more you learn, the more you adapt, the more longevity you have. If you learn every day, you’ll be some player. Look at someone like Cristiano Ronaldo – he had a lot of talent, but he’s still worked harder than anyone to be the player he is. When everyone’s working hard, he’s working hard. When everyone’s resting, he’s still working hard.

The league is entering the final 10 games of the season.

Last season, thanks to your late, late goal at Reading, we got into the play-offs in the last minute. This season looks set to go down to the wire too, with so many clubs chasing the Premier League dream. What would it mean to get this club back to the Premier League?

It would mean so much. This team, this club and this city has been so good for me and my family. It has been a perfect fit - I can’t sum it up any better than that. But there’s a lot to happen before the end of the season, and we can’t look much further than the game in front of us.

What happens beyond this season? Your contract is due to expire this summer. Are you looking to play on, or are there other options?

To be continued! Let’s see where the cards lay after the remaining games are played.

As they say, watch this space.

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SOUTH WALES DERBY CLASSICS As Swansea City and Cardiff City lock horns in the latest edition of the South Wales derby, we take a look back at four classic encounters from the history of the fixture.

SWANS 1-0 CARDIFF CITY

CARDIFF CITY 0-1 SWANS

League Cup - September 23, 2008

Championship - November 7, 2010

Having beaten Hull City after extra-time in round two of the League Cup, Roberto Martinez’s side were drawn against their fiercest rivals in the third round for the first meeting between the sides outside of the Welsh Cup in nine years.

Marvin Emnes was the derby day hero as the Dutchman fired in the winner to give Swansea City victory at Cardiff City Stadium.

Jordi Gomez netted the only goal of the game as the Swans ended Cardiff City’s unbeaten start to the new season.

Stephen McPhail fouled Mark Gower and the Spaniard’s free-kick deflected off the bottom of the wall and found its way past Peter Enckelman.

Cardiff thought they had equalised through Ross McCormack after being put through by Miguel Comminges, but the flag was up, and the visitors’ misery was compounded when McPhail was sent off after a challenge on Gomez.

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The on-loan Middlesbrough forward held off Gabor Gyepes to turn and fire the ball low into the Cardiff net with 15 minutes remaining.

Brendan Rodgers’ side had a firm grip on the game for much of the contest, and could easily have won by a greater margin had Scott Sinclair and Nathan Dyer converted good chances.

Craig Bellamy spurned Cardiff’s best pair of chances as the Swans closed to within three points of their rivals in the promotion chase.

CARDIFF CITY 2-2 SWANS

SWANS 3-0 CARDIFF CITY

Championship - April 5, 2009

Premier League - February 8, 2014

Joe Allen produced a wonderful goal but it was not enough to help Swansea City claim three points on their final visit to Ninian Park.

The Swans were seeking revenge after defeat in Cardiff earlier in the season, while the stakes were heightened as Garry Monk took charge of the club for the first time against their old rivals.

Roberto Martinez’s side had surged into an 11th minute lead as outstanding play between Nathan Dyer and Jason Scotland ended with the former racing in on goal for the opener.

The visitors led at the break but were pegged back nine minutes after the restart when Michael Chopra netted from a Jay Bothroyd pull-back.

The scores remained level until, with two minutes to go, Allen showed great poise to work room for a shot that he dispatched into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

It looked like being the winner until referee Mike Dean awarded a controversial penalty – adjudging Ashley Williams had fouled Ross McCormack – which the Cardiff striker converted in a frantic finish to a thrilling game.

The first half provided plenty of typically frenetic derby action and ended goalless, but as soon as the second half kicked off the Swans took control.

It took only two minutes for the deadlock to be broken as Wayne Routledge latched onto half-time substitute Pablo Hernandez’s wonderful through ball and curled an effort into the far corner and out of the reach of the keeper.

The visitors hit the bar but that would be as close as they came as Swansea eased to an ultimately comfortable victory.

Routledge was involved again as his cross found an unmarked Nathan Dyer, who couldn’t miss to double the Swans’ advantage.

Wilfried Bony got in on the act minutes later as he powered in Hernandez’s pin-point corner to finish off the perfect day for the Swans and new boss Monk.

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A

JACK THE LAD

few weeks ago I asked my Spurs-supporting friend whether he would be watching them on TV that night.

“Nah, it’s only Fulham,” was his reply.

‘Hang on’, I thought to myself, ‘why does it matter to him who they’re playing?’

The implication was that Fulham weren’t worthy opposition for his heroes and they would win easily.

All the more reason to watch the game then!

Although I love football in general, where the Swans are concerned, they are my number one priority.

I watch their games because in an ideal world I want to see them play well and I want them to win.

My indifference to the opposition is even more heightened if it’s a league game. It’s the same three points the Swans get whoever they beat.

I’m generally not that bothered who they are playing.

Obviously, some games may be considered more important than others, like promotion or relegation six pointers, knock-out cup ties or cup finals, but who the Swans play is generally an irrelevance to me. I just want to see them win!

Obviously, that isn’ t always possible, as much as I would love it

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to be. So if the Swans are playing a team they are likely to beat, all the more reason to watch it in my eyes!

Of course, the better the team the Swans beat, generally the more pleasure I will gain from the victory.

There’s nothing I like more than to see the Swans beating a starstudded team they have been tipped to lose against.

And, of course, as a football fan I want to see the very best players in action.

But as much as I want to see them play, I don’t want to see them play well against the Swans... unless we win anyway!

When I go to games I’m not there to fawn over the opposition, I’m there to see the Swans play and hopefully win.

‘You’re only here to watch the Swans’ is a song we sing to taunt opposition fans when they travel to the Liberty in large numbers, but it could well have been written for me.

I’m a Swans fan first and foremost.

As far as I’m concerned when I watch a game involving them, I am there to watch and support the Swans.

While not entirely an irrelevance, the team they are playing is very much secondary in my thoughts.

However, there is one fixture where the opponent does mean that bit more... and it’s coming up this weekend!

Wherever we are in the league, whatever the cup competition, it really does matter to me when the Swans play Cardiff.

It’s not that I have any great desire to see Cardiff play . . . I just really want us to beat them – whatever is at stake!

There’s no malice in this desire and I really don’t want to dredge up the bad old days of the past and turn this into some kind of feud or battle between ourselves and Cardiff.

Those days are in the past and that is where they should stay. But I think there is room for a healthy and competitive football rivalry between Wales’ two biggest cities.

I just want us to beat them on the pitch and always be above them in the table – wherever the two clubs are in the league structure.

Whether it was the lower league battles down in League Two back in the 90s, some of which didn’t even have away fans due to the off-field trouble, or the Premier League glamour games watched by millions around the world... every match against Cardiff means something extra.

I suppose it ’s similar to the kind of rivalry people have with older siblings – especially ones that THINK they are bigger and better than you!

My earliest memories of the derby come from 1980 – in fact the very first day of 1980.

And what a way it was to welcome in the new decade!

Swansea and Cardiff hadn’t met in the league for 15 years, so there was massive anticipation as the clubs met in the old Second Division at a rocking Vetch on January 1.

The Swans enjoyed a memorable victory played out in an electric atmosphere, which was made all the sweeter by the fact the Swans goals in the 2-1 win were scored by former Cardiff players John Toshack and David Giles.

Unfortunately, a wonderful occasion was marred by violence off the pitch – a feature which would sadly become synonymous with the fixture over the following decades.

Derby matches bookended 1980, with the teams also meeting on December 27, this time at Ninian Park.

The match will go down as one of the most entertaining between the clubs. Goals from Neil Robinson,

Alan Curtis and Leighton James had put the Swans into what seemed like an unassailable lead.

But the home side hit back and equalised in the very last minute in the shape of a thunderbolt from John Buchanan.

There have been so many sweet and bitter moments since that day, far too many to list here.

However, I think it’s definitely worth casting our minds back a few short months to the Swans’ 2-0 win at the Cardiff City Stadium earlier this season.

Whatever Jamal Lowe goes on to do in the game, he will always be guaranteed a special place in the hearts of Swans fans!

Of course, balanced with the absolute delight of beating Cardiff is the jeopardy of utter misery of losing to them.

number of Cardiff supporters.

The days immediately after a derby can either be joyous or an absolute nightmare.

Saturday evening is certainly going to be quite a tense one - a s we l l a s b e i n g a S w a n s fan, I’m also a big Welsh rugby supporter.

So, with the Swans once again going for that elusive first ever south Wales derby double and the Welsh rugby team going for a Grand Slam against France in the rugby, there’s a lot to play for in both codes.

I’m really hoping I won’ t be left feeling blue at the end of the night.

C’mon you Swans!

Especially, if like me, your work brings you into contact with a

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G

ood evening everyone. With the huge disruption this year to the younger games programme, we have taken the opportunity to utilise what is left of the under-18 and under-23 season to play under-15 and under-16 players up the age groups to give them some valuable game time.

It is vitally important for these young players that they get some football after missing out for so long this season, and irrespective of results it’s been an ideal opportunity for both Byron Anthony and Kris O’Leary to settle in and prepare for next season.

Due to the stop-start nature of this academy season, all focus has now turned to planning for pre-season and assembling both U18 and U23 squads for next season.

We are hoping, as a result of the last update

by Welsh Government, to see the return of the younger age groups from foundation to under 15 level towards the end of March. I know this has been a frustrating time for all staff and players, but hopefully the light is now finally beginning to shine in what has been a very long tunnel.

I am looking forward to working more closely with parents next season as we strive to make the academy an even more welcoming environment as we collectively share in the development and growth of players.

Recruitment is very much under way for next year and in the coming weeks I intend to share where we are on this, but the signs so far are encouraging with some very promising talent showing great interest in coming here and joining home grown talent like Ben Lloyd and Joel Cotterill, who both have tasted U23s football as U16s and have trained at Fairwood with the first-team squad.

Whilst recruitment will continue over the coming months, we hope to have most things wrapped up by the end of April for the U18 and U23 squads.

The next few weeks will see a number of our boys away on international duty at the U17, 18, 19 and 21 age groups. Some are just camps whilst a few of the age groups have arranged games in this country. This is a welcome break for the lads and is always a great honour to gain international recognition and we are delighted and proud of all of them.

We hope that we can utilise the break to get some of the injured boys back to finish the season as some are close to retuning to play.

All that remains is for me to wish Steve and the squad the best of luck today.

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DATE: FRIDAY, MARCH 12 VENUE: UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON Swans U23s: Jamie Searle;

WATFORD U23s 2 SWANS U23s 0 MATCH REPORT S

wansea City Under-23s suffered their first defeat in five games after they were beaten by Watford in Professional Development League South.

First-half goals from Maurizio Pochettino and Phoenix Patterson settled the contest in favour of the hosts, whose squad boasted several professionals with senior experience under their belts.

The Hornets were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time when Bayli Spencer Adams was dismissed for a rash challenge on substitute Ben Lloyd.

Kris O’Leary made two changes to the side that drew with Ipswich Town at L andore in their previous outing.

J amie S e arle replac ed Josh G ould in go al, while Scott Butler came into the heart of defence with Brandon Cooper returning to the first-team environment.

The Swans fell behind in the eighth minute in Hertfordshire after failing to deal with a corner and enabling Pochettino – son of Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio – to open the scoring.

Another set-piece did the damage just before halftime, with Patterson doubling the lead following a well-worked free-kick.

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Harry Jones, Jake Thomas, Scott Butler, Cian Williams; Daniel Williams, Ryan Bevan, Cameron Congreve (Ben Lloyd, 80); Morgan Clarke (Jordi Govea, 50), Ali AlHamadi, Rio Campbell.

Subs not used: Josh Hutchings, Ryan Bassett, Jacob Edwards.

To their credit, the youthful Swans continued to dig in as they sought a route back into the game.

But while they enjoyed plenty of possession, the visitors were unable to turn that into opportunities to threaten the Watford goal.

The hosts had to play out the dying moments of the game after Spencer Adams was shown a straight red card in the first minute of stoppage time for a rash challenge on Lloyd.

QUOTE OF THE GAME “IF THE PLAYERS BELIEVE IN WHAT THEY’RE DOING A LITTLE BIT MORE GOING FORWARD, WE’LL BE FINE.” KRIS O’LEARY

DATE: TUESDAY, MARCH 16 Swans U23s: Tyler Evans; Jacob

QPR U18s 3 SWANS U18s 2 S

wansea City Under-18s suffered stoppage-time heartbreak against Queens Park Rangers in Professional Development League South.

The young Swans twice came from behind at Heston Sports Ground, with strikes from Rio Campbell and Cameron Congreve appearing to secure a share of the spoils.

But there was to be a late twist as the hosts snatched all three points with a free-kick deep into stoppage time.

Edwards, Scott Butler (Panashe Makokowe, 60), Cian Williams, Sebastian Dabrowski; Adnaan Moti, Cameron Congreve, Ben Lloyd; Morgan Clarke (Aaron Hillier, 65), Iwan Morgan (Geoff Bony, 70), Rio Campbell.

Subs not used: Josh Hutchings, Dan Watts.

“OVERALL, IT WAS A MUCH-IMPROVED PERFORMANCE – INDIVIDUALLY AND COLLECTIVELY,” “WE WERE A LOT BETTER WITH THE BALL; I THOUGHT WE WERE MORE PENETRATIVE WITH IT, AND WE DEFENDED REALLY WELL FROM THE FRONT.” BYRON ANTHONY

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DATE: SUNDAY, MARCH 14 VENUE: LLANDARCY ACAMDEMY OF SPORT

SWANS LADIES 5 ABERYSTWYTH TOWN LADIES 0 MATCH REPORT S

Swans Ladies: Claire Skinner, Ellie Lake, Alicia Powe (captain), Shaunna Jenkins, Ria Hughes, Tija Richardson, Chloe Chivers, Laura Davies (Jess Williams 66), Nieve Jenkins (Kelly Adams 49), Katy Hosford, Stacey John-Davis.

Chivers, in search for a brace, struck a volley from the edge of the penalty area, however, she was unable to get her shot on target.

tacey John-Davis scored four goals as Swansea City Ladies resumed their Welsh Premier Women’s League title defence with a five-star win over Aberystwyth at Llandarcy.

The match took a while to generate any clear-cut chances but the deadlock was broken by a composed finished from Chloe Chivers.

Colin Staples’ side took firm control in the second half with a quartet of goals from John-Davis, ensuring the champions added another three points to their tally.

The victory ensures Swansea maintain their one hundred percent record this campaign.

The Swans had their noses in front in the early stages after Katy Hosford split the Aberystwyth defence open with an accurate through ball to put Chivers in on goal, and she finished calmly.

John-Davis had a golden chance to double the lead from close-range, but Ffion Ashman reacted quickly to parry her effort away to safety.

Hosford tried to get a goal of her own as she tested Ashman with a curling effort from outside of the area, but the keeper was equal to the winger’s effort.

However, John-Davis doubled Swansea’s lead early in the second half after Chivers kept the ball in play and found the striker in the middle, who then fired it into the top corner from six yards out.

Swansea, who were firmly in control in the second half, produced a dangerous counter-attack which presented Kelly Adams with a half chance to head home, but she couldn’t turn the cross from Ellie Lake into the back of the net.

Chivers looked a significant threat throughout the whole match and very nearly added her second of the afternoon; she found herself on the end of Hosford’s drilled cross, however, she was denied by a fine reaction save from Ashman.

Straight after, Chivers let a ferocious strike off on the edge of the area, but the woodwork came to Aberystwyth’s rescue.

The three points were safely sealed with just short of 10 minutes remaining after a solo run from Ria Hughes allowed her to roll a ball across the face of goal, which was firmly met by John-Davis to bag her second goal.

The striker then secured her hat-trick as she remained calm in the closing stages to caress the ball past Ashman in a one-on-one situation.

A five-star showing was rounded off with a fifth goal for the Swans and a fourth for John-Davis, with Lake feeding the striker into the heart of the box for her to nestle the ball into the far bottom corner.

Jess Williams came agonisingly close to adding to the Swans’ comprehensive lead, but her header was denied by the crossbar.

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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.

2003-2004 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION THREE (FINISHED 10TH)

But the cup run had a detrimental effect on league performances, and slowly the side slipped down the league and Flynn and his assistant Kevin Reeves left the club.

The board wasted no time finding a replacement for F lynn, opting for another former Wales international in Kenny Jackett.

Further positive news arrived with confirmation that the proposed Morfa Stadium project had been given the green light by the council, with a view to being ready for the beginning of the 2005-2006 season.

2004-2005 FOOTBALL LEAGUE TWO The past couple of seasons had been a nightmare for all connected with the club amidst talk of transfer embargoes and the very real prospect of falling out of the Football League.

But, having pulled off the great escape, it was hoped that, with the experience of Brian Flynn at the helm, some stability could be brought into the club.

The manager did sign Brad Maylett to the club on a full-time basis, and persuaded a certain Lee Trundle to sign from former club Wrexham.

The opening game of the campaign saw the Swans defeat Bury 4-2 at home, with Maylett scoring a hat trick, a feat that Trundle equalled away at Cheltenham Town in the club’s next game.

The team were in impressive form up until the New Year, with the side never out of the top six, and Trundle capturing all the headlines with his goals and showmanship.

With goals, entertainment and a winning team, crowds swelled to levels not seen for many years.

The FA Cup saw the club reach the fifth round for the first time in nearly 25 years, after taking the scalps of Rushden, Stevenage, Macclesfield and Preston, before going out controversially against Tranmere Rovers.

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(FINISHED 3RD)

The final season at the Vetch Field saw a host of celebrations planned, while the Supporters Trust had commissioned a bronze statue of Swansea City’s favourite son Ivor Allchurch to be placed outside the new stadium.

Now that everything was in place, it was hoped that the team could give the old stadium a send-off to be proud of, and make a concerted push for promotion.

The opening game of the season began full of anticipation, with several new players making their debuts, but the side disappointed, and opponents Northampton Town won the game 2-0 with some ease.

But if this was a wake-up call for the side it worked, and the team soon began to gel into a cohesive unit. By Christmas the team were well and truly in the promotion picture.

Trundle continued to mesmerise defences, while the midfield saw Roberto Martinez dictating games with his thoughtful play, and wide men Andy Robinson and Adrian Forbes contributing to tease defences and score vital goals between them.

By the time the final league game at the Vetch came around the team stood in fourth place in the league, just outside the automatic promotion positions.

A 1-0 defeat of Shrewsbury Town, courtesy of Forbes’ first-half strike, meant that the side travelled to Bury on the final day of the season still hopeful of automatic promotion.

Over 5,000 supporters made the long trek north and the atmosphere at Gigg Lane felt like a home game for the Swans.

The travelling masses were soon celebrating when Forbes scored after just 26 seconds, with the goal signalling a pitch invasion.

One further friendly against Premier League opposition – in the form of Blackburn Rovers - completed the build up to the inaugural league season at the White Rock Stadium - as it was then called before Tranmere Rovers became the first league side to visit for a competitive fixture.

On a sunny August afternoon the Swans began a new chapter in the club’s history with a 1-0 win courtesy of a goal from new signing Adebayo Akinfenwa.

This gave the side a perfect start to the season and, along with a 7-1 demolition of Bristol City, the team went eight games before they tasted defeat.

The New Year saw the side up with the pacesetters, and there were hopes of a second consecutive promotion amongst the supporters.

Trundle was joined up front by new signing Leon Knight, a diminutive striker who capped his debut against MK Dons with a hat-trick.

The next 90 minutes was full of drama, with the visitors creating chances that went begging, and the home side pushing for an equaliser in the final minutes.

At the final whistle the news reached the players and supporters that results elsewhere meant that Swansea had been promoted.

Another pitch invasion followed, as well as the infamous arrest of goalkeeper Willy Gueret, with his team-mates having to wait outside the local police station on the coach before heading back to South Wales.

Just a few days later supporters made their way to the Vetch for an emotional final farewell, watching the Swans defeat Wrexham 2-1 in the final of the FAW Premier Cup, with the final-ever goal scorer at the famous ground being Andy Robinson.

The final whistle sounded on one last Swansea victory – and pitch invasion – at the only home the club had ever known.

The Football League Trophy was won at the Millennium Stadium thanks to 2-1 over Carlisle United, with a stunning volley from Trundle followed by another goal for Akinfenwa, while the FAW Premier Cup was retained by defeating Wrexham. The extra cup involvement seemed to disrupt the league form, and the season’s end saw the club have to settle for a place in the end-of-season play-offs.

(FINISHED 6TH)

A two-legged semi-final win over Brentford saw the club book a place at the Millennium Stadium for the second time that season. They faced Barnsley and, despite going a goal down early on, a stunning equaliser from Rory Fallon and a goal just before the break from Andy Robinson saw the side go in 2-1 to the good.

With the brand-new stadium ready, the first opponents to play there were Premier League side Fulham in a testimonial for one of the club’s greatest servants, Alan Curtis.

However, despite dominating possession and chances in the second period, the game went into extra-time then onto a penalty shootout, where the Swans cruelly lost 4-3 as Alan Tate and Akinfenwa missed from the spot.

2005-2006 FOOTBALL LEAGUE ONE

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MATCHDAY MASCOTS ELI JAMES FISHER AGE 8 FROM SWANSEA

HARRY RICHARDS AGE 8 FROM SWANSEA

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49

MAIN PARTNERS

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WESTACRES

OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS

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PLAYER SPONSORS 20-21 FREDDIE WOODMAN

STEVEN BENDA

BEN HAMER

RYAN BENNETT

BEN CABANGO

MARC GUEHI

JOEL LATIBEAUDIERE

KYLE NAUGHTON

CONNOR ROBERTS

JAKE BIDWELL

RYAN MANNING

KIERON FREEMAN

WESTACRES

KOREY SMITH

MATT GRIMES

MORGAN WHITTAKER

JAY FULTON

WAYNE ROUTLEDGE

CALL 01792 616 624 OR

JAMAL LOWE

YAN DHANDA

PAUL ARRIOLA

CONOR HOURIHANE

ANDRÉ AYEW

LIAM CULLEN

EMAIL L.MERRELLS@SWANSEACITY.COM FOR AVAILABILITY 51

SEASON 2020-21 FIXTURE

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

1

3

Manning

Byers

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Bennett

Guehi 4

Manning

Hourihane 3

Cabango

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Cabango

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Norwich City H W 2-0

Fri, Feb 5, 8.15pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Manchester City H (FA R5) L 1-3

Wed, Feb 10, 5.30pm

Woodman

Roberts 3

Latibeaudiere

Cabango

Guehi

Manning 4

Grimes

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 1

Sat, Feb 27, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Latibeaudiere 3

Cabango

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Stoke City A W 1-2

Wed, Mar 3, 8.15pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Cabango

Guehi

Manning

Middlesbrough H W 2-1

Sat, Mar 6, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Cabango

Guehi

Manning

Blackburn Rovers A D 1-1

Tue, March 9, 6pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Cabango

Guehi 1

Bidwell

Grimes

Luton Town A W 0-1

Sat, Mar 13, 12.15pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Bennett

Latibeadiere

Manning

Grimes

A.F.C. Bournemouth A L 3-0

Tues, Mar 16, 7.45pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Bennett

Latibeadiere 1

Manning

Grimes

Cardiff City H

Sat, Mar 20, 5.30pm

Birmingham City A

Fri, Apr 2, 8pm

Preston North End H

Mon, Apr 5, 3pm

Millwall A

Sat, Apr 10, 12.30pm

Sheffield Wednesday A

Tues, Apr 13, 6pm

Wycombe Wanderers H

Sat, Apr 17, 3pm

Queens Park Rangers H

Tues, Apr 20, 7pm

Reading A

Sat, Apr 24, 3pm

Derby County H

Sat, May 1, 3pm

Watford A

Sat, May 8, 3pm

Grimes 2

Grimes

Booked =

Sent off =

Carabao Cup = CC

FA Cup = FA

Correct as of March 18, 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, O.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, O.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, O.Cooper, Garrick, Gyokeres 3

Smith

Lowe

Ayew

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

Dhanda

Gyokeres

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

1

2

1

Lowe

Ayew

Hamer, Latibeaudiere, Manning, Routledge, Byers, Dhanda, O.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, O.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, O.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, O.Cooper, Whittaker

Dhanda 1

Hourihane 2

Lowe

Ayew

Hamer, Naughton, B.Cooper, Manning, Smith, Fulton 1, Arriola 2, O.Cooper, Whittaker 3

Fulton

Smith

Lowe 1

Ayew

Hamer, Latibeaudiere, Bidwell, Freeman, Hourihane 1, Dhanda, Arriola, O.Cooper, Whittaker

Fulton

Smith 1

Hourihane

Ayew

Hamer, Latibeaudiere, Bidwell 2, Bennett, Dhanda, Arriola, O.Cooper, Arriola, Lowe 1, Whittaker

Fulton 2

Hourihane 3

Smith

Hourihane

Smith 2

Hourihane 3

2

2

, Garrick 5, Ayew, Lowe 1

, O.Cooper, Garrick, Morris 2

Lowe 4

Ayew

Hamer, Bennett, Latibeaudiere 1, Manning, Smith 3, Dhanda 2, O.Cooper, Routledge 4, Whittaker

Dhanda 1

Ayew

Hamer, Cabango, Bidwell, Freeman, Fulton 2, O.Cooper, Routledge, Lowe 1, Whittaker

Lowe

Ayew

Hamer, Cabango, Bidwell, Freeman, Fulton, Dhanda 2, O.Cooper, Routledge 3, Whittaker 1

53

CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE 20-21 POS TEAM

P

*Sheffield Wednesday deducted 6 points.

W D L

F

A

GD PTS

1

Norwich City

37

25

7

5

55

26

29

82

2

Watford

37

21

9

7

52

26

26

72

3

Swansea City

36

20

9

7

45

28

17

69

4

Brentford

36

19

10

7

64

38

26

67

5

Barnsley

37

19

7

11

48

40

8

64

6

Reading

37

18

7

12

51

40

11

61

7

Bournemouth

37

16

11

10

55

37

18

59

8

Middlesbrough

37

16

8

13

46

38

8

56

9

Cardiff City

37

15

10

12

54

37

17

55

10

Millwall

37

11

16

10

37

36

1

49

11

Stoke City

37

12

13

12

41

42

-1

49

12

Queens Park Rangers

36

13

10

13

38

42

-4

49

13

Bristol City

37

15

4

18

39

48

-9

49

14

Luton Town

36

13

8

15

30

41

-11

47

15

Blackburn Rovers

37

12

9

16

49

41

8

45

16

Preston North End

37

13

5

19

39

48

-9

44

17

Huddersfield Town

37

11

9

17

41

52

-11

42

18

Nottingham Forest

37

10

11

16

29

37

-8

41

19

Derby County

37

10

10

17

27

41

-14

40

20

Coventry City

36

9

11

16

32

48

-16

38

21

Birmingham City

37

9

11

17

28

47

-19

38

22

Rotherham United

33

9

5

19

36

47

-11

32

23

Sheffield Wednesday*

36

9

8

19

26

46

-20

29

24

Wycombe Wanderers

37

6

8

23

25

61

-36

26

UPCOMING FIXTURES BIRMINGHAM CITY (A) Friday, Apr 2, 8pm

PRESTON NORTH END (H)

Monday, Apr 5, 3pm

MILLWALL (A)

Saturday, Apr 10, 12.30pm

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY (A)

Tuesday, Apr 13, 6pm

WYMCOMBE WANDERERS (H) Saturday, Apr 17, 3pm

Correct as of March 18, 2021

NEXT UP AT HOME - PRESTON NORTH END

P

reston have firmly established themselves in the second tier since their promotion from League One at the end of the 201415 season.

T h e y a r e o n e o f fe w s i d e s w h o h a ve t w i c e lifted the FA Cup, once in 1889 and again in 1938 – with the latter being the first FA Cup final to be broadcast on live television.

26

They were also the First Division champions during the maiden year of the Football League in 1888-89, and followed that up by retaining the title the following season.

SWANS 54

20 PRESTON

18 DRAWS 64 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: MICK McCARTHY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 19 21 22 23 27 28 29 30 32 33 38 40

Dillon Phillips Jordi Osei-Tutu Joe Bennett Sean Morrison Aden Flint Will Vaulks Leandro Bacuna Joe Ralls Kieffer Moore Josh Murphy Alex Smithies Isaac Vassell Jonathan Williams Curtis Nelson Lee Tomlin Max Watters Marlon Pack Sol Bamba Harry Wilson Sheyi Ojo Thomas Sang Mark Harris Ciaron Brown Joel Bagan Junior Hoilett Perry Ng Rubin Colwill

MATCH OFFICIALS REFEREE: PAUL TIERNEY ASSISTANT REFEREES: SIMON LONG AND JAMES MAINWARING FOURTH OFFICIAL: MICHAEL SALISBURY