Swansea City v Reading - 20-21 Season - Issue 11

Cadwch yn ddiogel Jacks

Issue 11 - Digital Copy

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Swansea City v Reading Wednesday, December 30 - Kick-off 8pm

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CONTENTS Page 15 - Festive Fixtures

Page 20 - Meet the Opposition

Page 24 - Match Reports

Page 30 - Q&A with Ben Cabango

Page 44 - Century of Football League

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

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

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SWANSEA UNIVERSITY OFFERS MANY POSTGRADUATE COURSES. If you’re thinking of re-training or studying for a new career, take a look at the fees and funding options that are available.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

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MAE PRIFYSGOL ABERTAWE’N CYNNIG LLAWER O GYRSIAU ÔL-RADDEDIG. Os ydych chi’n ystyried ail-hyfforddi neu astudio ar gyfer gyrfa newydd, edrychwch ar y ffioedd a’r opsiynau ariannu sydd ar gael.

CLICIWCH YMA AM RAGOR O WYBODAETH

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WATCH ALL THE

CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES VISIT SWANSEACITY.COM

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

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

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

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Chief Executive’s Notes

JULIAN WINTER G

ood evening to you all as we look forward to tonight ’s game against Reading.

I’m sure you’ve all enjoyed the festive period – made even better by our victory at QPR on Boxing Day. It’s been a tough year for everyone around the world, with the coronavirus pandemic providing so many challenges.

For us as a club, it was important for us to identify ways to support our fans off the pitch, and give reason to cheer on the pitch too.

Our results recently have certainly done that, but we were also delighted as a club to serve our community during the festive period via a number of events.

T h e f i r s t- t e a m s q u a d h a v e purchased a number of presents which will be distributed among some of the most vulnerable families in our city and community.

The squad have also agreed to fund the breakfast club for Dylan Thomas Community School throughout the whole of 2021.

Connor Roberts has also donated reindeer toys and selection boxes that will be distributed to the Blaen-y-Maes Drop In Centre - a not-for-profit community organisation that provides support to the surrounding area.

The club also supported the Everyone Deserves a Christmas initiative, which helped deliver over 1,000 hampers to families who are struggling during this festive period.

As 2020 comes to a close, we also say farewell to academy manager Nigel Rees.

Nigel has served the club with distinction for the past 12 years and has been part of a really successful academy that has provided the first team with countless players.

On top of that, the academy were rewarded with silverware in 201617 when the under-23s won the Premier League 2 Division 2 title and lifted the Premier League Cup. The under-19s, meanwhile, took their winning streak in the FAW Youth Cup to a record ten in a row during Nigel’s time with the academy.

While we are sad to see Nigel go, we thank him for his service to the Swans and wish him well in his next chapter.

The search for Nigel’s successor has reached the second stage of interview, which are set to take place in the new year, We have been really encouraged by the quality of candidates and are looking forward to moving closer to reaching a decision.

Our final game of the year also sees us play on a new pitch.

Following concerns surrounding the pitch, which had become increasingly difficult to maintain to the normal standard, the owner ship group made the decision to replace it with a high quality, hybrid turf pitch. That meant work started immediately after the final whistle following our win over Barnsley before Christmas to ensure it was ready for tonight’s game.

Happy New Year to you all!

Enjoy the game.

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Ministry

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Ministry

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Head Coach’s Notes

STEVE COOPER G

ood evening to all Swansea City supporters ahead of our Championship game with Reading at the Liberty Stadium.

It proved a very tight game in the first half, and Andre Ayew’s goal ensured we went into the break in front.

I hope you’ve all had a fantastic Christmas and spent some quality time with your loved ones during the festive period.

We had to manage the game in the second half, and I felt we did that well. We knew there would be space to exploit, and our second goal was brilliant. Jamal Lowe did well to identify the space and it was a great run and finish following an exceptional pass from Matt Grimes.

A s we all know, it ’s been a difficult year due to the covid-19 pandemic, and as a football club we’ve tried as hard as we can to help our fans come through it.

Aft er be ating B arnsley just before Christmas, we travelled to QPR on Boxing Day knowing three points would be the perfect present for Jacks all around the world, and the lads were determined to come back home from West London with a performance and result that would do you proud.

So to pick up the victory and another clean sheet was a very pleasing outcome for us.

I was really happy for our goalscorers because Andre said afterwards he was due a goal, while for Jamal it was the first time he’d scored in consecutive games this season.

It was also great to c ollec t another clean sheet, which is testament to the way the whole team is working. Whether it’s the lads up front or Freddie Woodman in goal, everyone has a defensive responsibility and everyone in the squad chips in.

The busy nature of the fixture list meant our focus quickly changed from QPR to Reading.

Reading returned to winning ways against Luton last time out, and we’re expecting a really tough challenge.

A s ever, we plac e the main focus on ourselves, and it would be great to sign off 2020 on a winning note.

But we’ll need to be at our best as we look forward to playing on the new surface for the first time since it was re-laid after the Barnsley fixture.

The club made a very positive decision to replace the surface, and an incredible amount of work has gone into ensuring it is ready for tonight’s game.

Enjoy the game.

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MATT GRIMES Captain’s Notes

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

Firstly, I hope that all Swans supporters and their families were able to celebrate Christmas safely in these difficult times.

We have picked up six points out of a possible six since my last programme notes and I hope the wins have put smiles on the faces of the Jack Army over the Christmas period.

Following our defeat at Pride Park we went into the Barnsley home fixture looking to put things right and were able to do that with a 2-0 victory and clean sheet at the Liberty.

It wasn’t an easy game and we had to battle, particularly with the weather conditions, but it was an all-round team effort that helped us get the win.

We controlled the game and were strong defensively with everyone playing their part in both attack and defence.

T h e w i n t o o k o u r u n b e at e n home record to seven matches which is a record we are proud of, but it would be even sweeter if the Jack Army were there in the stands.

It proved a professional performance and was also our 12th clean sheet of the season from 21 games, a record that the whole squad has contributed to.

The win gave us confidence going into our Boxing Day match against Queens P ark R a n g e r s a n d we wa n t e d t o give the Jack Army a Christmas present of three points after what has been such a tough year for everyone.

We face Reading this evening in our last match of 2020 and we approach the match looking to end the year with three points.

It was a brilliant day and it was great to see Andre and Jamal get their eighth and sixth goals of the s e as on re spec tively.

They are both in form and are getting the rewards they deserve, but, similarly to the Barnsley performance, it was a full team effort that got us the three points.

There’s no room for complacency and we know the threats Reading possess, but we will focus on ourselves and what we can control.

As 2020 comes to close I would like to thank the Jack Army for your magnificent support this ye ar, we have all been overwhelmed with the support you have shown during this unprecedented year.

Enjoy the match this evening!

The first half was tight but we dug deep to get the opener in the final minutes of the first half and doubled our lead 10 minutes into the second half.

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oday, Terry Sinnett writes: We hope you have all had a good Christmas, despite these ever so difficult times. The Jack Army were given an early Christmas present with the team’s fantastic win against the old enemy, Cardiff City.

A tonic that lifted everyone’s spirits. By far the team’s best performance of the season, and it could not have come at a better time.

As so often happens, the next game against Derby was like the morning after the night before. A poor performance and a defeat but thankfully we got the show back on the road with a comfortable win against Barnsley.

At the end of the game, we saw the pitch being ripped up as its deterioration was becoming counterproductive to the style of football the team want to play. We will all hope that the replacement pitch, making its debut today, will provide us with the surface we need to play the ‘Swansea Way’.

During our December board meeting we were pleased that Swans CEO Julian Winter joined us.

It was good to hear updates on several matters that have been discussed between us. T he difficulties caused by Covid to the club, as all other businesses, cannot be underestimated. It is pleasing that the staff working behind of the scenes of the football club have been able to operate as near a normal service as possible, and we thank them all. It is planned that Julian and other senior managers at the club will join us at future meetings.

We also held the draw for our special Christmas Prize Draw and the winners will be receiving their goodies soon. Don’t forget, this is a new monthly event but to take part, you must be a member of the Supporters Trust. There are prizes for both Adult and Junior members, and they will vary month to month.

Tomorrow will see the end of our special offer of 50% discount off normal membership rates, so take advantage now. Membership continues to grow, and we currently have 40% more members than at the end of last season. You and family members can join here www.swanstrust.co.uk Plans are well under way for the Trust’s AGM which will take place on Monday, 18th January.

It will be a new experience for everyone as it will be held virtually. We hope as many members as possible can and will take part. As usual, minutes of the meeting will be posted to our website as soon as possible afterwards.

For our next home game against Watford our newest Trust Board Member, Adam Lewis, will write these notes. Adam was co-opted onto the board in September bringing a new range of skills to the leadership team.

Todays opponents Reading will always invoke memories of our momentous play-off victory at Wembley in 2011 and the 5-goal thriller last season. Let’s hope for a similar victory today.

The Trust Board wish all the Jack Army a very Happy New Year, 2021 Enjoy the game #YJB

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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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AS WE MARK THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR PERIOD, WE TAKE A LOOK BACK AT SOME OF THE SWANS’ FANTASTIC FESTIVE FIXTURES THROUGHOUT THE YEARS

SWANSEA CITY 2 WIGAN ATHLETIC 2 Championship – December 29, 2018

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h e S w a n s fo u n d t h e m s e l ve s 2 - 0 d ow n within the first 40 minutes but fought back to share the points at the Liberty.

Key substitutions at half-time by Graham Potter changed the complexion of the game, and the Swans were able to claw back an equaliser with not long left on the clock.

Wigan were in control at the half and led through Joe Garner’s penalty after 10 minutes, before

the striker nodded home in the 34th minute to double the visitors’ advantage.

It took a big slice of luck for the Swans to get on the scoresheet as Matt Grimes’ corner deflected off Dan Burn into the back of his own net.

Another corner led to another goal, and the comeback was complete. It came in the 81st minute when Mike van der Hoorn headed in Bersant Celina’s corner to ensure a point for either side.

A goal down as the game neared its end, it looked like 2017 was going to end on a sad note but up stepped Ayew and co to score late – not once, but twice – meaning it was a happy trip back to SA1.

Watford found the back of the net after 11 minutes, as winger André Carrillo nodded home the simplest of headers on the rebound following Richarlison’s initial shot.

WATFORD 1 SWANSEA CITY 2 Premier League – December 30, 2017

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wo l at e s t r i ke s f r o m J o r d a n Aye w a n d Luciano Narsingh left Watford and Vicarage Road stunned in C arlos C arvahal’s first game in charge of the Swans.

The Swans sent the travelling fans wild in the 86th minute as Oli McBurnie turned provider, finding his fellow striker Ayew to volley in the equaliser.

The away fans had barely stopped celebrating before they were up on their feet again as Narsingh hit the winner three minutes later, taking the three points back down the M4.

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li Al-Hamadi was the star guest as Swansea City AFC Community Trust raised awareness of County Lines in the latest edition of their virtual Premier League Kicks programme.

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

This was the seventh workshop of a 10-week online programme – devised after local lockdown restrictions led to the cancellation of several outside football sessions.

Al-Hamadi and the Kicks participants were once again joined by Alastair Smith – senior Fearless outreach worker across South Wales in association with the Crimestoppers Trust.

Smith delivered a workshop on County Lines – the term used to describe gangs and organised criminal networks involved in exporting illegal drugs into one or more importing areas using dedicated mobile phone lines.

He also highlighted the dangers of getting involved with drugs and the devastating consequences doing so can have.

Swans under-23s forward Al-Hamadi then talked about his experiences of growing up in Toxteth – an area with one of the highest crime rates across the English capital – and how football prevented him from potentially going down a different path.

The 18-year-old also answered questions from the participants on his life and career, as well as offering his advice to any young people contemplating involvement with drugs.

“During these uncertain times, it’s so important that we continue to inform people and spread awareness of these issues,” he said.

“LUCKILY, I HAD A GOOD UPBRINGING AND FAMILY AROUND ME FOR SUPPORT. I ALSO HAD FOOTBALL, WHICH WAS REALLY HELPFUL. “I CAN’T THINK OF ANY ADVANTAGE OF GETTING INVOLVED WITH DRUGS. “PEOPLE MAY SAY IT MAKES YOU FEEL BETTER OR HELPS YOU RELAX, BUT YOU SHOULD NEVER DEPEND ON ANYTHING EXTERNAL LIKE THAT BECAUSE IT WILL ALWAYS RUN OUT. “YOU’RE JUST GOING TO LIMIT YOUR POTENTIAL AND DAMAGE YOUR HEALTH BY DOING THESE THINGS, SO IT’S A NO-BRAINER.” Smith added: “These gangs will exploit vulnerable adults and children – some as young as 10.

“Forcing them to move, store or sell drugs, they will often use coercion, intimidation, violence and weapons.

“We would encourage you or anyone you know that is affected by the issues mentioned during the session to visit our website for further information and support.”

To visit the Fearless website go to www.fearless.org Our virtual Kicks club resumes in the New Year.

To register your place visit form.jotform.com/SwansTrust/KicksClub For more information, please contact jamiethomas@scfccommunitytrust.co.uk

“Growing up in an area where you’re surrounded by these kinds of things, I’ve always been aware of them.

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STILETTOS & STUDS

BY JULIE KISSICK

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’m writing this in advance of Christmas, which for all of us will be markedly different this year. By the time you read it of course, it’ll be the last but one day of 2020, one of the most challenging years for all of us.

I do hope everyone managed to enjoy the festive period and I’m sure like me, you are looking forward to the longer days and hoping for happier times in 2021.

Football has offered us a very welcome distraction this year and so far, as Swans fans, this has been a gift of a season.

We’re in a great position in the league and the possibility of a shot at promotion and a return to the top-flight brings a positive focus as we enter what is going to be another uncertain few months.

We’ve learned this year more than any other about the importance of making memories and one of the best things about the Christmas period is seeing the players visit the local hospitals, go into schools and generally spread some festive cheer and put smiles on the faces they come into contact with.

Like everything else, this year was different, and visits weren’t able to go ahead, but instead captain Matt Grimes and veteran Wayne Routledge organised the purchase of gifts from the first-team squad.

They were distributed among families in need in the Swansea Bay University Health Board. That was a lovely gesture and one that would no doubt have meant a great deal to the recipients of the presents.

It isn’t the first time Routs et al have been the bearers of gifts or the bringers of smiles. You may recall that back in 2013 when the world was a very different place and the likes of Angel Rangel and Michu were on our books, the players and coaching staff made a ‘Christmas video’.

Someone from the media team obviously thought it was a good idea to get them to ‘sing’ along to Shakin’ Stevens’ Merry Christmas Everyone.

If you aren’t one of the 34,000 plus people to have watched it, you really must. The video is interspersed with clips of the players in training, delivering gifts etc but even seven years on, the comedic value of the ‘singing’ remains high.

Angel and Routledge sport Santa hats, Alan Curtis is bedecked in silver tinsel trying not to look as though he’d rather be a million miles away as he attempts the opening few lines, and, perhaps the funniest, Michael Laudrup is standing next to a Christmas tree mouthing the words “Merry Christmas” a couple of times as Shaky sings them.

The saving grace for Laudrup was that whoever edited the video included him scoring an absolute worldy in training. Credibility restored.

Surprisingly, what it also demonstrated was that Neil Taylor has a decent pair of lungs on him and can sing in tune. Unsurprisingly, the then Spanish contingent had absolutely no clue about the words!

If you want something to make you smile, you can still find it on YouTube - www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlysQGbz6c - it really is the gift that keeps on giving!

Here’s to 2021 Jacks.

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READING

FACT FILE OWNER

Dai Yongge and Dai Xiuli

NICKNAME

The Royals

@ReadingFC @readingfc @ReadingFC

STADIUM OPENED CAPACITY Madejski Stadium

1998

THE GAFFER Ex-Atletico Madrid forward Paunovic was announced as Reading manager in August of this year. He has previously had stints at the helm of Chicago Fire, Serbia Under-18s, Under-19s and Under-20s, the latter of whom he went on to win their World Cup in 2015.

As a player, the Serbian enjoyed spells in the top tiers of Spain, Russia, Germany and the United States with Rubin Kazan, Hannover 96, Partizan, Getafe, Almeria, Philadelphia Union and Atletico.

CLUB CAPTAIN In August 2016, Moore left Premier League champions Leicester City in search of a new challenge. He had worn the captain’s armband for the Foxes’ youth team before getting his first senior call-up against Crystal Palace in 2012.

After helping the club avoid relegation to League One, the centrehalf earned the Royals’ player of the season award for 2017-18.

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FOUNDED

1871

TWITTER INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK

LIAM MOORE VELJKO PAUNOVIĆ

CLUB DETAILS SOCIAL MEDIA FACILITIES

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STADIUM MEET THE OPPOSITION The Royals have been absent from the Premier League 2013, coming closest to returning when they lost to Huddersfield Town on penalties in the 2017 Championship play-off final.

The Berkshire-based club have struggled to challenge for a play-off spot since; finishing 20th in both the 2017-18 and 2018-19 campaigns. However, having started brightly under new boss Veljko Paunovic, the Reading faithful will hope this squad can emulate the success of the 2011-12 promotion-winning side.

READING’S FORM At the time of writing, Reading are sixth in the Championship, with 11 wins, three losses and seven draws since the start of the new campaign. The Royals have lost three of their last six fixtures, having tailed off after a magnificent start saw them hold a clear lead over the pack. Their form away from home has been up and down, with one win, one loss and two draws in their last four, however they have managed at least one goal in every one of those fixtures.

THE KEY MEN Midfielder Ovie Ejaria has proven to be crucial for Reading since he signed permanently - following a fine loan spell - in August. The former Liverpool man has made 22 key passes this season and has bagged two goals for himself, marking himself out as their creative fulcrum.

Portuguese forward Lucas João has made a terrific start to the season with 11 goals to his name.

João signed for Reading in 2019, just three days after scoring against them for Sheffield Wednesday

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JOSH LAURENT

ONES TO WATCH

Laurent has started every game for the Royals this season. The former Queens Park Rangers man is a solid all-round midfielder, and can also be utilised at centre-back.

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This season, Laurent has exemplified his diverse ability with defensive prowess and potency going forward. With 23 interceptions and 15 clearances this term, Laurent has made it difficult for teams to penetrate Reading’s defence while offering quality on the ball.

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Richards swapped London for Berkshire at under-16 level, after being released

by Fulham. The Englishman excelled during his first year and has proved to be a solid signing who can operate in multiple positions. He made his first senior start in a 2-0 victory over Gillingham in the Carabao Cup in 2017. The former Cottager has started all 19 games for the Royals this season, proving to be a threat going forward with 13 successful crosses and 11 key passes already.

OMAR RICHARDS

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YAKOU MEITE Meite made the switch to Reading from French powerhouse Paris SaintGermain in the summer of 2016. After a loan spell with Sochaux in 2018-2019, Meite returned to prove his worth, netting important goals against Norwich, Brentford and Wigan in the Royals’ battle for survival. With six goals in 12 games this season, Meite has proved to be a menace in attack, especially when coupled with João.

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Ejaria signed for the Royals in the summer following two successful initial loan spells in Berkshire. The Liverpool academy graduate, who previously spent half a season on loan with Steven Gerrard at Rangers, already boasts experience in the Europa League, Premier League and Scottish Premiership. He was part of the England Under-20s side that won the 2017 World Cup in South Korea.

OVIE EJARIA

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Twice capped by Portugal, João is no stranger to Championship football having played for Sheffield Wednesday prior to his arrival at Reading in August 2019.

After scoring on his Royals debut against Hull at the beginning of last season, the 27-year-old has really made a name for himself in Berkshire. With 11 goals to his name at the time of writing, Joao will be eager to build on that tally in 2021.

LUCAS JOAO 23

SWANSEA CITY 2 BARNSLEY 0

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MATCH DETAILS DATE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 VENUE: LIBERTY STADIUM REFEREE: ANDY DAVIES

MATCH REPORT J

amal Lowe was on the scoresheet again as Swansea City made it seven games unbeaten at the Liberty Stadium to climb to third in the Championship table.

Lowe showed great anticipation to net his fifth goal of the season from close range, and was a menace throughout against a Barnsley side that had headed to SA1 on the back of three straight victories.

The three points were secured when Victor Adeboyejo headed into his own net after the break to give the hosts an ideal early Christmas present, with an 11th clean sheet of the season thrown in for good measure.

Head coach Steve Cooper had made two changes, with Ben Cabango in for rib injury victim Kyle Naughton, and Yan Dhanda replacing Korey Smith in midfield.

The Swans were looking to bounce back from their midweek disappointment at Derby and they made a dream start by opening the scoring after just 72 seconds.

Barnsley failed to clear a free-kick, and Lowe was on the move to get to Cabango’s flick-on and slot the ball beyond Jack Walton in the Tykes’ goal.

Dhanda was taken out by Walton after beating the keeper to a long ball, but the referee dished out just a yellow card as the Swans led at the break.

The visitors changed their entire front three as they looked to change the pattern of the contest but it was one of that trio – Abeboyejo – who would put through his own net from a Matt Grimes corner to double Swansea’s advantage with 24 minutes to play.

LINEUPS Swans: Freddie Woodman; Ben Cabango, Ryan Bennett, Marc Guehi; Connor Roberts, Jay Fulton, Matt Grimes (captain), Jake Bidwell; Yan Dhanda; Jamal Lowe, Andre Ayew.

Subs not used: Steven Benda, Ryan Manning, Korey Smith, Viktor Gyokeres, Wayne Routledge, Liam Cullen, Joel Latibeaudiere, Oli Cooper, Kasey Palmer.

Barnsley: Jack Walton; Michael Sollbauer, Michal Helik, Mads Andersen; Callum Brittain, Matty James (Romal Palmer 71), Alex Mowatt (captain) (Herbie Kane 82), Clarke Oduor; Conor Chaplin (Luke Thomas 56), Cauley Woodrow (Victor adeboyejo 56), Dominik Frieser (George Miller 57).

Subs not used: Brad Collins, Patrick Schmidt, Jasper Moon.

QUOTE OF THE GAME “I THOUGHT WE WOULD GET THE RIGHT REACTION BECAUSE I SAW FIRE IN THE BELLIES AT THE TRAINING GROUND IN THE MEETINGS WE HAD WITH THE PLAYERS AND IN THE WORK WE DO ON THE PITCH TO PREPARE.” STEVE COOPER 25

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LINEUPS

MATCH DETAILS DATE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26 VENUE: KIYAN PRINCE FOUNDATION STADIUM REFEREE: STEPHEN MARTIN

QUEENS PARK RANGERS 0 SWANSEA CITY 2 MATCH REPORT LINEUPS A Day.

ndre Ayew and Jamal Lowe were on target as Swansea City beat Queens Park Rangers to move up to second in the Championship table on Boxing

The front two found the net either side of half-time to lift the Swans above Bournemouth and climb into the automatic promotion places.

After defending well for most of the first half, Steve Cooper’s side hit the front just before the break through Ayew’s eighth goal of the season – his first in five matches. And the in-form Lowe netted his fourth goal in as many games nine minutes into the second half to give the Swans their first away win on Boxing Day since a 3-1 success against Crewe Alexandra in 2006.

It also gave them their 11th victory of the season - taking them onto 39 points - as well as a fifth clean sheet in six games and 12th overall.

Queens Park Rangers: Seny Dieng, Todd Kane (Albert Adomah, 77), Rob Dickie, Yoann Barbet, Niko Hamalainen (Bright Osayi-Samuel, 66), Geoff Cameron (captain), Dominic Ball, Tom Carroll (Chris Willock, 77), Ilias Chair, Macauley Bonne (Charlie Kelman, 66), Lyndon Dykes.

Subs not used: Liam Kelly, Conor Masterson, Faysal Bettache, George Thomas, Stephen Duke-McKenna.

Swans: Freddie Woodman; Ben Cabango, Ryan Bennett, Marc Guehi; Connor Roberts, Jay Fulton, Matt Grimes (captain), Jake Bidwell; Yan Dhanda (Korey Smith, 65); Andre Ayew, Jamal Lowe.

Subs not used: Steven Benda, Ryan Manning, Joel Latibeaudiere, Kasey Palmer, Oli Cooper, Wayne Routledge, Jordon Garrick, Viktor Gyokeres.

QUOTE OF THE GAME "IT WAS A REALLY PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE, I THOUGHT WE WERE GOOD FOR THE WIN AND 2-0 AWAY FROM HOME IS ALWAYS A GREAT RESULT."

STEVE COOPER

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YEAR IN REVIEW

AS 2020 DRAWS TO A CLOSE WE TAKE A LOOK BACK AT EVENTS OF THE LAST 12 MONTHS AT SWANSEA CITY

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pril marked the first month of 2020 where the first team, under-23s and under-18s were not in action.

H o w e v e r, t h e L a d i e s t e a m remained in action until midApril.

Ian Owen’s side had two further games, securing two goalless draws against Briton Ferry and Port Talbot.

H oweve r, t h e i r s e a s o n wa s soon suspended, with an extension to that period

APRIL 2020 28

announced before the end of the month and no football possible before May 19, even at that stage such a possibility appeared overly optimistic.

Amid growing concerns about the repercussions of the pandemic, the Swans teamed up with charity auction group Superstars to aid the local community during a difficult time.

The programme was designed to give Swans fans the opportunity to secure

memorabilia and help raise funds to support those in need of help.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e L i b e r t y Stadium was made available to NHS Wales as a venue to train n ew a n d r et u r n i n g m e d i c a l staff amidst the ongoing pandemic.

And any prospect of a quick return to action for the first team was quickly quashed when the EFL confirmed the season would be indefinitely suspended.

MAY 2020

M

ay would bring some good news for supporters eventually, but it began with the curtailing of the academy season on March 1 with the football authorities outlining that the 2019-20 season wo u l d n o t b e c o m p l e t e d at age-grade level.

Having made the Liberty Stadium available as an NHS Wales training venue, the

club also allowed the Nor th c ar p ar t t o be adapt ed int o a d r i ve - i n C ov i d - 1 9 t e s t i n g centre.

The centre took just two days to set up and had the capacity to test 360 people daily.

On May 19 the Welsh Premier Women’s League season was curtailed with the Swans being crowned 2019-20 champions. Ian Owen’s side had been four points clear of C ardiff Met in sec ond when the league was first halted in March.

JUNE 2020

As July drew closer, the Swans lost 1-0 at home to Luton Town, suffering a setback in their push for a play-off spot.

arly in June, the order a n d d at e fo r Swa n s e a’ s remaining fixt ures were confirmed and they restarted the season with a bang at Middlesbrough.

Jordon Garrick saw red with eight minutes remaining, while Conor Gallagher came the closest for the home side in the dying embers of the game, firing a shot wide of the post.

Goals from Liverpool loanee Rhian Brewster and star striker Andre Ayew provided the Swans with all three points as they set their sights on a play-off spot.

But, in the end, James Collins’ header gave the Hatters the points.

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But the first team were able to start gearing up for a return as training resumed at Fairwood after 10 weeks of the players doing their physical work via tailored individual programmes.

As the month drew to a close, football fans across the country were finally greeted with some good news as the EFL announced that a provisional date had been agreed for the resumption of Championship football. T he weekend of June 20 was one football fans could now circle in their diaries.

Steve Cooper questioned the mentality of his players after that loss, but they responded when they travelled to Millwall on the final day of June, where they ground out a hard-earned 1-1 draw.

In-form Brewster netted a magnificent free-kick from the edge of the area – via the crossbar and the back of Lions keeper Bartosz Bialkowski to ensure the Swans wouldn’t go home empty handed after Mason B ennett had put the home side ahead.

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Q&A WITH BEN CABANGO Age: 20 Position: Defender Nationality: Welsh Former Clubs: The New Saints (Loan), 22 Apps 1 Goal

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THE LAST TIME BEN CABANGO SAT DOWN WITH JACK MAGAZINE HE HAD JUST MADE HIS LEAGUE DEBUT FOR SWANSEA CITY LAST OCTOBER. WIND FORWARD 14 MONTHS AND THE 20-YEAR-OLD IS FIRMLY ESTABLISHED IN THE SWANSEA FIRST TEAM, HAS EXPERIENCED PLAY-OFF FOOTBALL, MADE HIS MARK IN ONE OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP’S BEST DEFENCES AND WON HIS FIRST WALES CAP INTO THE BARGAIN. HERE, HE REFLECTS ON A STRANGE, WHIRLWIND YEAR. Ben, as we sit here you’ve just come off the back of victory in the South Wales derby, you’re part of one of the best defences in English football, the team are in the upper reaches of the table and you are a fully-fledged Wales international. Life must feel pretty good?

It does, it has been a big year for me and I am doing things I have always wanted to do. I have always wanted to be in the first team at this club, I have always wanted to be successful and play in big games, I have dreamed of playing for my country.

To now be doing these things means a lot to me. I don’t take it for granted, though. If I don’t keep going and keep pushing those things will stop happening.

What is different about you now, compared to when we last did one of these interviews. How have you developed on and off the pitch?

I feel a lot different on the pitch because I feel I really know my role now. I am more vocal, more confident in what I do, although I still think my communication is something I need to improve on if I want to become more of a leader.

I know my responsibilities better, I understand what is needed. But, let’s be honest, I have got a very long way still to go. I know there is an awful lot more for me to do.

I am still hard-working and I want to improve every game, and it is only through doing those things that I will end up being the player I want to be. I am nowhere near there yet, but I feel I am getting better even if that process is a long way from being anywhere near where I want it to end.

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE...

You mentioned being more vocal. We saw yourself and Korey Smith having a pretty forthright exchange after conceding against Sheffield Wednesday. Obviously, all teams need that sort of honesty between people, but would you have said anything in that situation 12 months ago?

Yeah, we did have a little argument in that game, but I think those things are really important in a team. Korey and I get on really well and it’s because of that we can say what we want to or feel we need to.

There are no hard feelings, those things have to be said if we are going to be honest and get better.

I am definitely more confident to have those sorts of discussions with people than I would have been.

And that honesty is reflected in the team’s defensive record?

It definitely is, it’s that honesty and communication that is key. We have to demand high standards of each other. Just look at Joel (Latibeaudiere), he had not played and then came into the side against Bournemouth and was just quality.

That reflects on what a good player he is, but it also shows that we are about as a unit. No-one is out of place because we are one squad and one team.

It feels like whoever plays in whatever role, we are a solid group. We have a great base to work off and we have to keep things going because, if we are solid defensively, we have the attacking quality to win games.

Supporters will be aware of the work Martyn Margetson does with you all on the training ground around defending set-plays. Can you give us an insight into what he has been like to work with, and the difference he has helped to make?

The first day he came in we had a meeting and the message was that it was an area where we had to put things right, because the statistics told you the story, they were not the best.

There was a drastic change and we really brought into it, he has brought strategies in that have made us very confident in what we do. It is also about 100 per cent concentration.

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I can tell you, the analysis sessions can be pretty uncomfortable if you have switched off, or you’ve turned your back when standing in the wall. That stuff gets highlighted, there’s no hiding place.

There was one drill where we would finish a session defending a number of set-pieces from various positions, all factored in to represent what you normally face in a Championship game.

The aim was simple, don’t concede from any of them.

If you concede we will go back to the start, there’s no nonsense. I feel like the mindset has changed. We have to be ready to fight together.

You talk about togetherness. Everyone saw that huddle on the pitch after the Cardiff game, the spirit between you all as a group. What was said in there by the gaffer?

You used the word there; togetherness. That’s what it was about. These are very tough times for people.

We are lucky in that we are still able to go about our business and play games, but that is not the case for so many people.

He wanted to emphasise just how much that result would mean to people at a time when they can’t come to games and they may be struggling with any number of things in life because of just what a big impact the pandemic has had.

He always reminds us of who we are doing this for, and all the lads absolutely agree with that. We want to do our best to give the fans something to cheer, and it was nice to go on social media after the game and see the joy that result brought.

I have some friends who are Cardiff fans – my family live near there - and they had been giving me a bit of stick. Thankfully it was a bit quieter from them after the game.

They should give you a break given your now a Wales international. How much did that mean to you?

Since I was young I have dreamed of playing for Wales. It came on the back of last season and I need to build on it.

I was delighted to get the opportunity, it means a lot to me, I am proud to play for my country. I haven’t played in a competitive game yet and that’s something I am striving towards.

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But your first cap is always special and, getting the call on the bench in Helsinki, meant I did not have much time to think. It was more the realisation it was actually happening.

I went on and the ball was constantly getting fired into the box, so it was about getting the job done and ensuring that first cap ended in a win.

It’s been great, to train and play with guys like Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey is very special. I grew up watching them, but I take a lot from that.

But I have to keep working hard, because nothing else will happen for you if you don’t work hard.

People ask me about the Euros, but the squad is not picked now. There’s a long way to go and a lot of work to do for Swansea first You talk about being the player you want to be. Who is that player? What do you want to accomplish?

I want to be the best player I can be, playing at the highest level I possibly can. Those are things I am hoping I can achieve with Swansea as so many people at the club have helped me get where I am now.

I would love nothing more than to help us get promoted to the Premier League and be part of that.

I would love to play in a major tournament for Wales, to win trophies, to have success.

But it’s one thing to say it, it’s something else to actually do it. That’s why I prefer to focus on working hard every day and improving.

That’s the only way I will end up being the player and person I want to be.

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2018 GlobalData UK Market Analyzer (released Aug 2019)

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YOUNG SWANS ENJOY INCLUSION SESSION

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wansea City was delighted to be able to attend a recent training session for the Margam YC Stags inclusion football team.

C a t h e r i n e T h o m a s , t h e c l u b’ s h e a d o f f a n engagement, was invited along to attend the weekend session near Port Talbot.

Margam YC Stags and the Ray Davies Foundation seek to fulfil the vision for a completely inclusive football club for all people in Port Talbot and the surrounding areas.

John Heycock has set up the projects following his affiliation with the successful Bootle Bucks Inclusion FC in Liverpool.

“I realised that there were virtually no facilities for disabled or challenged young people and adult s to bec ome involved with grassroot s football in the Port Talbot area, or to engage with local clubs in any organised sporting formats,” he said.

Heycock has high ambitions for the Margam YC Stags and the Ray Davies Foundation and, in the New Year, he and fellow volunteers will embark on various fundraising activities.

Heycock and 11 others will be running from Bootle Bucks Inclusion FC to Margam YC Stags over a 48-hour period. The runners are made up from the Margam YC seniors and friends at Bootle Bucks Inclusion FC. A Go Fund Me page has been set up and the Jack Army can show their support by donating a t w w w. j u s t g i v i n g . c o m /c r o w d f u n d i n g / raydaviesfoundation.

“It was great to see the coaches and the children in their session,” said Thomas.

“What John and the other volunteers are have achieved so far is incredible and what they are doing in the community is something really special.”

“After much discussion and observation of Bootle Bucks Inclusion FC, I decided to do something about it.”

Thomas handed out goodie bags on behalf of Swansea City, but was upstaged when Father Christmas himself attended with his own gifts!

The objectives are to provide a relaxing, fun environment for all boys and girls to receive football coaching. It is hoped involvement within the club will enhance friendships for the children and their parents, and promote self-confidence.

For fur ther information on this scheme, or if you wish to get involved please email us at accessibility@swanseacity.com.

If you have an inclusion football team that you wish to speak to the club about, please email us on accessibility@swanseacity.com.

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JACK THE LAD

hen Swansea City walked off the Liberty Stadium pitch following the 0-0 draw against Barnsley on December 29, 2019, no-one could have predicted what the approaching new decade would bring.

The previous decade hadn’t been too shabby.

Almost exactly 10 years earlier, their predecessors had walked off the same pitch to round off the Noughties with another 0-0 draw, this time against Crystal Palace in the Championship.

During the subsequent decade, the club won promotion to the Premier League, a competition in which they reached the very pinnacle and where they spent seven unforgettable seasons.

During that time, they returned to Wembley to win the Capital One Cup, earning them a place in the Europa League where they would produce one of the most memorable performances in the club’s history away to Valencia.

So when the Swans once again signed off another decade 12 months ago with that goalless home draw, the omens were looking promising for what the 2020s would bring.

I think it’s fair to say that no one could have predicted what was awaiting for us all during the first year of the new decade.

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It’s going to be impossible to look back at the past 12 months on the field without mentioning the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic, but I’m going to try and concentrate on the positives of what happened on the pitch even if that was destined to look a little worse for wear as the year drew to a close.

Everything started in relatively promising fashion on January 2 as the Swans kicked off the new year with a 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic.

Yan Dhanda scored the winner after 14 minutes as the Swans moved up to sixth in the table, but any enduring New Year celebrations were well and truly ended a few days later when we suffered a 5-1 FA Cup defeat at QPR. There was an immediate opportunity to put that crushing defeat behind us as the Swans travelled to Cardiff bidding to be the first club to register a double in the 108-year history of the South Wales derby.

While history proved to be just beyond our grasp, the Swans picked up a hard earned-point following a goalless draw.

The Swans continued to experience mixed results over the next few games as they tried to stay in touch with the play-off places.

Their inconsistency was summed up in one remarkable match as they travelled to play injury-hit Hull City on Valentine’s Day. Hull shocked the Swans by taking the lead after just six minutes of a match which would see the home side lead three times in all.

But the Swans fought back each time through Wayne Routledge, Kyle Naughton and Jordon Garrick.

And when Rhian Brewster put the Swans 4-3 ahead in the 84th minute, it looked like the visitors would be making the long journey home with all three points.

But the match had one more twist deep into injury time as the Swans’ play-off hopes took a damaging dent through Tom Eaves’ equaliser.

Steve Cooper said after the match: “There’s a problem putting a complete performance together at the moment.

“We have had to work hard for our goals and they haven’t. That’s the massive frustration.”

A win, a defeat and a draw in the next three games against Huddersfield, Fulham and Blackburn, meant that frustration continued as the Swans battled to keep up their play-off challenge.

But those efforts would soon grind to a complete halt, along with every football team in the country.

Few would have predicted that the Swans’ next match - a 0-0 draw against league leaders West Bromwich Albion at the Liberty on March 7 - would be their last for almost three-and-a-half months.

I thought I had seen pretty much everything in more than 40 years of following the Swans, but I had never experienced a league season being halted with nine matches still to play.

A s we were all plunged into lockdown, we had to look elsewhere for our football fix.

Personally, I headed back to the 1970s and trawled YouTube for editions of the Big Match and Match of the Day. It was almost like watching live football again as I’d long forgotten the results of many of the matches B ut on J une 20, 2020, the Swans returned to action against Middlesbrough in what was a suitably surreal experience.

Sitting in my garden on a swelteringly hot June afternoon watching the Swans play in the far North-East of England on my tablet just didn’t seem right.

But thanks to a 3-0 win and hugely entertaining SwansTV commentary from Anthony O’C o n n e l l , A l a n C u r t i s a n d Wyndham Evans, for that afternoon, at least, all seemed well with the world, despite what was going on all around us.

And the Swans seemed determined to keep us distracted over the next few weeks as they mounted a thrilling playoff challenge which came to a head on a wonderfully mad midsummer evening in Reading.

That remarkable match at the Madejski Stadium and the events at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground are now more than familiar to all of us, but no easier to believe they really happened.

Once again, when I thought I had seen pretty much everything there was to see in football, the grand old game said: “hold my beer” and produced a wonderfully exciting, entertaining, nail-biting, stomach-churning and ultimately exhilarating 90 minutes, which saw the Swans qualifying for the play-offs against all the odds.

We may not have made it to Wembley again, but what a way to bring the curtain down on the most remarkable season any of us will have experienced.

And since football resumed again in September following a shorter than usual summer break, the Swans have seemed determined to keep our minds off what ’s happening in the world - even if we still can’t be at the games.

Nicely positioned amongst the Championship front runners with a hugely satisfying derby win under our belts, the first few months of the 2020-21 season have continued in the same entertaining vein on the pitch.

Considering what the past 12 months have had in store for us, I’m not even going to begin to predict what the next 12 hold.

But let’s hope the Swans continue to keep us distracted and entertained as they have done over the past year.

C’mon you Swans!

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EX-SWAN FALLON JOINS YOUTH SETUP

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ory Fallon is relishing his new role coaching within Swansea City’s academy set-up. The former Swans striker returned to the club earlier this year to join the under-16 and under-15 set-ups, but he and his young players have had to bide their time due to restrictions caused by the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

However, the New Zealand international – who featured for his country at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa – has been able to get down to the task at hand in recent weeks, and is delighted to be back in South Wales.

“It’s been great to be back. It was meant to start a lot earlier, I have only been in two weeks because of the Covid situation,” he said.

“We were obviously meant to start at the beginning of the season, but we have had the lads in the last couple of weeks and that has been good.

“They obviously have their Christmas break now and we will hope we can be back after that. It has been very difficult for everyone, not just the lads playing, but people in all walks of life. It’s been an unprecedented year.

“Long-term the aim will be to try and help these players to try and make it to the first team, that has to be the goal.

“If you look you can see this is a club that has had great success (in getting young players through to the first team) and I want to help with that.”

The 38-year-old only hung up his boots in 2018, bringing the curtain down on nearly two decades in British football.

Fallon did not initially have any plans to follow in the footsteps of father Kevin, an accomplished coach who continues to pass down his years of wisdom at the age of 72.

But the football bug soon bit again.

“Straight after playing it was not something I was planning. I had played for so long I just felt I needed a break,” he said.

“I almost felt like I couldn’t look at another football, and I think having a couple of years out did me a lot of good.

“I started to get itchy feet. I had completely stopped watching football even, and I realised just how much I missed it.

“I went to work for the Plymouth academy from there, and just getting back out there with the lads was great.

“Because for a lot of footballers the biggest thing you miss is that buzz of being around a group and part of a team.”

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TRIO PEN PRO DEALS

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trio of Swansea City’s academy players have put pen to paper on their first professional deals with the club.

Right-back Jones, also 17, arrived from Arsenal on scholarship terms in the summer, and has himself signed on until 2023.

Adrian Akande, Harry Jones and Josh Thomas have all signed on, having all enjoyed excellent starts to the 2020-21 season.

Forward Thomas, 18, has been in fine form this campaign, most notably netting a hat-trick in the under-23s’ victory over Nottingham Forest.

W inger A kande, 17, joined the Swans from Chelsea over the summer – initially on a scholarship deal – but has signed a pro deal through to the summer of 2023.

He first joined the club in 2015 and the Bridgendborn striker ’s deal runs until 2022, with the option for a further year.

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FAN FOCUS JAMIE LEWIS ABOUT JAMIE Name: Jamie Lewis From: Hendy

How long have you been supporting the Swans?

Twenty six years!

What was the first Swans game you attended/ watched on TV? August 1992 v Mansfield Town – we won 4-0 too!

Why did you start supporting the Swans?

My first visit to the Vetch was on a day out with the lads and I instantly fell in love with the club.

What is your most memorable Swans moment?

So many to choose from, but that last game against Hull to secure our league survival tops the lot!

Our promotions throughout the years on our way to the Premier League were incredible too!

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What is your favourite Swans kit from over the years?

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

Everything gets sacrificed for a Swans game but I once rearranged my holiday abroad so I didn’t miss the start of our first season back in the Championship after losing our survival battle in the Premier League.

Describe to us your typical pre-match ritual?

My typical Saturday (now that I’m older) would be a chilled-out morning watching Soccer AM. I’ll then head out with my nine-year-old son for some lunch and head down to the Liberty to sit outside watching the players and fans arriving, before heading in ourselves. During these COVID times, I log onto SwansTV and get our picture uploaded to #JacksAtHome on Twitter.

Would have to be the Travel House kit, which I still have. I have fond memories of seeing the likes of Roberto Martinez, Leon Britton, James Thomas and Lee Trundle wearing those kits!

What has been your most disappointing moment watching the club?

Would have to be that game we needed to win to secure P remier L eague survival and unfortunately lost 1-0 to Southampton.

What makes Swansea City special to you?

Everything about this club is special to me.

The players, the fans, the banter, the chanting, singing etc. Nothing beats a Saturday afternoon down the Liberty. I’ve made so many friends in the upper East stand (the noisy end).

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

Would have to be Roberto Martinez - his playing days to actually managing the club proves that old saying “once a Jack, always a Jack” is true.

Who is your favourite current player, and why?

If I had to pick one, it would be Andre Ayew.

Having been at the club for a number of years, he has continued to perform on a consistent basis. His work rate and technic al skill are always something to admire. I’m also an admirer of Connor Roberts, Matt Grimes and Morgan G i b b s -W h i t e, w h i l e K a s ey P a l m e r h a s a l s o impressed me.

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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.

1971-72 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION THREE (FINISHED 14TH)

1970-71 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION THREE (FINISHED 11TH)

The close season was quiet with only Peter Jones arriving from Burnley on a free transfer, and a boy from the Rhondda – a certain Alan Curtis - signing on amateur forms.

The summer saw the arrival of Len Hill from Newport County and Barrie Hole from Aston Villa.

Hole had been a long-time target for the club once his decision to return back to his native city was confirmed, and it took a club record fee of £20,000 to secure his services.

However, of more significance to the club was the retirement of Mel Nurse, who said he wanted to concentrate on his business ventures.

Following promotion, the side struggled in its opening dozen fixtures, and were anchored at the wrong end of the table. With the team struggling, talks between management and Nurse saw the player returning to the side on a short-term basis.

Gradually the Swans climbed the table, with an unbeaten run that saw the team equal the club record of 19 unbeaten league games, and just fall short of a promotion push.

The end of the season saw both Nurse and Len Allchurch confirm their retirements from the game.

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The season started off in fine form, with the team in the top half of the division, and goalkeeper Millington equalling the club record by keeping a clean sheet in five consecutive games.

Come January the side lay in fifth place in the league, with a good chance of pushing for promotion, but a lengthy injury list that included Herbie Williams, Millington, Hole and Brian Evans finally caught up with the side.

Mid-January saw Wales International Ronnie Rees join the club for another record transfer fee of £26,000, but the apathy amongst supporters was evident.

1972-73 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION THREE (FINISHED 23RD)

Long-serving winger Evans made clear his intention to leave the club before the start of the new season, while Hole had decided to hang up his boots to put all his energies into his family newsagent business.

The opening games of the season were dire for the club, with the team at the bottom of the division and spectators voting with their feet.

Manager Roy Bentley lost his job amid decline on the pitch and boardroom issues off it, with Roy Saunders becoming caretaker boss for a short spell before former Manchester United goalkeeper Harry Gregg was appointed.

The United legend – a survivor of the Munich Air Disaster - was a hard, uncompromising player, and he encouraged his teams to play in that style, a style that was alien to the supporters and players alike.

It was now that manager Gregg used his connections at his former club Manchester United, bringing in goalkeeper Jimmy Rimmer on a short-term loan.

This had a galvanising effect on the side and the team only lost two games during Rimmer’s stay, and were in seventh place in the division when he returned to his parent club.

Swansea’s form fell away from there, and the season also holds an unwanted record after – on a wet and windy night in September 1973 - only 1,301 people came through the turnstiles to watch a 1-1 draw against Northampton Town, the lowest-ever gate to watch the club in a home league fixture.

1974-75 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR (FINISHED 22ND)

The team crashed out of the FA Cup to non-league Margate and a decent run of form in the spring was far too late to prevent relegation back to the bottom tier.

But a pointer to brighter days ahead arrived when youngsters Robbie James and Curtis made their debuts against Charlton Athletic on the final day of the campaign.

1973-74 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR (FINISHED 14TH)

The financial plight at the club was well-known to everyone.

There was no money to bring in any new players, while an overdraft of £150,000 was ever expanding. Amidst the turmoil, chairman Malcom Struel began negotiations with the council to try and help the club in any way possible.

The results on the pitch didn’t help matters, although there was some notable history when 15-year-old Nigel Dalling became the youngest player to represent the club in a league game when he came off the bench against Southport on Friday, December 6.

The club started the season at a low ebb as Evans and David Gwyther left for Hereford and Halifax respectively, although Dave Bruton, Danny Bartley, Pat Lally and Paul Bevan did arrive to strengthen the squad.

The season opened with a 2-0 win over Chester City as Herbie Williams made his 500th appearance, receiving a silver salver in recognition of the achievement.

But the optimism was short-lived and by October, the side once again found itself at the bottom of the division.

Then just as Christmas arrived, the news came through that the council had agreed in principle to buy the Vetch Field for £50,000, and provide a grant of £150,000 to safeguard the immediate future of the club.

However, on the pitch the side sank deeper and deeper into trouble, with manager Gregg resigning to take over at Crewe Alexandra in January.

Harry Griffiths stepped in as caretaker manager for the rest of the season, but the damage had been done. For the first and only time in the club’s history, Swansea would face the indignity of having to apply for re-election back to the Fourth Division.

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Match Statistics

Key

Goal =

Sub = 2 (number denotes player replaced)

Captain =

FIXTURE

DATE

TEAM

Newport County (CC R2) A L 2-0

Sat, Sep 5, 3pm

Woodman

Routledge 3

Naughton

Rodon

Fulton

Bidwell 1

Grimes

Preston North End A W 0-1

Sat, Sep 12, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Rodon

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Birmingham City H D 0-0

Sat, Sep 19, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Rodon

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Waycombe Wanderers A W 0-2

Sat, Sep 26, 12.30pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Rodon

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Millwall H W 2-1

Sat, Oct 3, 3pm

Benda

Roberts

Cabango

Rodon

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Huddersfield Town H L 1-2

Sat, Oct 17, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Naughton 3

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Coventry City A D 1-1

Tue, Oct 20, 7.45pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Bristol City A D 1-1

Sat, Oct 24, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Stoke City H W 2-0

Tue, Oct 27, 7.45pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Bennett 3

Guehi

Manning 1

Grimes

Blackburn Rovers H W 2-0

Sat, Oct 31, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Naughton

Guehi

Bidwell

Smith

Brentford A D 1-1

Tue, Nov 3, 7pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Norwich City A L 1-0

Sat, Nov 7, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Rotherham United H W 1-0

Sat, Nov 21, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Bennett

Naughton

Bidwell

Grimes

Sheffield Wednesday H D 1-1

Wed, Nov 25, 7.45pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Bennett

Naughton 2

Bidwell 4

Grimes Grimes

1

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Smith

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Smith

Nottingham Forest A W 0-1

Sun, Nov 29, 12pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Middlesbrough A L 2-1

Wed, Dec 2, 7pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango 2

Bennett

Guehi

Manning

Smith 5

Luton Town H W 2-0

Sat, Dec 5, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Cabango

Guehi 3

Bidwell

Grimes

A.F.C. Bournemouth H 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

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Queens Park Rangers A W 0-2

Sat, Dec 26, 3pm

Reading H

Wed, Dec 30, 8pm

Watford H

Sat, Jan 2, 3pm

Stevenage A (FA R3)

Sat, Jan 9, 3pm

Barnsley A

Sat, Jan 16, 7.45pm

Blackburn Rovers A

Tue, Jan 19, 7.45pm

Brentford H

Sat, Jan 23, 3pm

Rotherham United A

Sat, Jan 30, 3pm

Norwich City H

Sat, Feb 6, 3pm

Sheffield Wednesday A

Sat, Feb 13, 3pm

Nottingham Forest H

Wed, Feb 17, 7.45pm

Huddersfield Town A

Sat, Feb 20, 3pm

Coventry City H

Wed, Feb 24, 7.45pm

Bristol City H

Sat, Feb 27, 3pm

Stoke City A

Wed, Mar 3, 8pm

Middlesbrough H

Sat, Mar 6, 3pm

Luton Town A

Sat, Mar 13, 3pm

A.F.C. Bournemouth A

Tues, Mar 16, 7.45pm

Cardiff City H

Sat, Mar 20, 3pm

Birmingham City A

Fri, Apr 2, 3pm

Preston North End H

Mon, Apr 5, 3pm

Millwall A

Sat, Apr 10, 3pm

Wycombe Wanderers H

Sat, Apr 17, 3pm

Queens Park Rangers H

Tues, Apr 20, 7.45pm

Reading A

Sat, Apr 24, 3pm

Derby County H

Sat, May 1, 3pm

Watford A

Sat, May 8, 3pm

Booked =

Sent off =

Carabao Cup = CC

FA Cup = FA

Correct as of December 29, 2020

SUBSTITUTES Smith 2

Gibbs-White

Smith

Gibbs-White

Smith

Gibbs-White

Lowe 1

Smith

Gibbs-White 1

Lowe

Smith

Gibbs-White 2

Smith Smith

1

Lowe

Ayew

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

Lowe 2

Ayew

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

Ayew

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

Ayew

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

Lowe 1

Ayew

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

Gyokeres 1

Lowe 2

Ayew

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

Gyokeres 1

Lowe 2

Ayew

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

Smith

Fulton

Lowe

Ayew

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

Fulton

Dhanda 2

Lowe

Ayew

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

Fulton

Dhanda

Lowe

Ayew

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

Dhanda 2

Lowe 3

Ayew

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

Palmer 3

Lowe

Ayew

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

Fulton

Dhanda 2

Lowe 3

Cullen 1

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

Smith

Dhanda

Lowe 3

Cullen 1

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

Smith

Fulton

Lowe 1

Ayew

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

Palmer 4

Lowe 3

Ayew

Dhanda 2

Cullen 2

Ayew

Fulton 1 Fulton

Fulton Smith

2

1

Smith

Dhanda 2

Lowe 1

Smith

Fulton

Lowe

Smith 5

Fulton 1

Fulton

Dhanda

Fulton

Dhanda

1

2

1

Ayew

, Cullen, Gyokeres

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

, Routledge 2, Garrick 5, Cullen, Gyokeres 3

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

1

53

CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE 20-21 POS TEAM 1

Norwich City

P 21

*Sheffield Wednesday deducted 6 points.

W D L 13

4

F 4

29

A 19

GD PTS 10

43

2

Swansea City

21

11

6

4

25

12

13

39

3

Bournemouth

20

10

8

2

35

16

19

38

4

Brentford

21

10

8

3

34

20

14

38

5

Watford

21

10

7

4

24

15

9

37

6

Reading

21

11

3

7

32

27

5

36

7

Stoke City

21

9

7

5

25

20

5

34

8

Middlesbrough

20

9

6

5

24

15

9

33

9

Bristol City

21

10

3

8

22

22

0

33

10

Barnsley

21

9

4

8

25

27

-2

31

11

Blackburn Rovers

21

8

5

8

35

25

10

29

12

Cardiff City

21

8

5

8

28

23

5

29

13

Preston North End

21

9

2

10

28

30

-2

29

14

Huddersfield Town

21

8

4

9

25

29

-4

28

15

Luton Town

21

7

6

8

18

23

-5

27

16

Millwall

20

5

10

5

17

18

-1

25

17

Birmingham City

21

5

8

8

17

23

-6

23

18

Coventry City

21

5

8

8

20

28

-8

23

19

Queens Park Rangers

21

4

8

9

19

29

-10

20

20

Nottingham Forest

21

4

6

11

14

25

-11

18

21

Rotherham United

19

4

4

11

18

27

-9

16

22

Derby County

20

3

7

10

10

23

-13

16

23

Sheffield Wednesday*

21

4

7

10

12

22

-10

13

24

Wycombe Wanderers

21

2

6

13

13

31

-18

12

T

UPCOMING FIXTURES WATFORD (H)

Saturday, Jan 2, 3pm

STEVENAGE F.A CUP THIRD ROUND (A) Saturday, Jan 9, 3pm

BARNSLEY (A)

Saturday, Jan 16, 7.45pm

BLACKBURN ROVERS (A)

Tuesday, Jan 19, 7.45pm

BRENTFORD (H)

Saturday, Jan 23, 3pm

Correct as of December 29, 2020

NEXT UP AT HOME - WATFORD

he Hornets are back in the Championship for the fir st time sinc e 2015, following relegation from the Premier L eague last season.

Retaining a strong squad, they have lived u p t o t h e i r b i l l i n g a s o n e of t h e p ro m ot i o n favourites by being among the frontrunners from the off.

22

Twic e FA C up runners -up (1984 and 2018), Watford have enjoyed four separate spells in the top division, starting in the early 1980s under the guidance of Graham Taylor.

SWANS 54

17 WATFORD

10 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 Morgan Gibbs-White Steven Benda Viktor Gyökeres Wayne Routledge Liam Cullen Yan Dhanda Joel Latibeaudiere Connor Roberts Jake Bidwell Kyle Naughton George Byers Tivonge Rushesha Oli Cooper Daniel Williams Cameron Evans Jordon Garrick Lewis Webb Ben Cabango Kasey Palmer

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

MANAGER: VELJKO PAUNOVIĆ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 14 15 17 18 20 22 24 28 29 30 33 34 40 47

Sam Walker Tomás Esteves Omar Richards Michael Morrison Tom McIntyre Liam Moore Michael Olise Andy Rinomhota Sam Baldock John Swift Yakou Méïté Ovie Ejaria Lewis Gibson Andy Yiadom Lucas João Felipe Araruna Luke Southwood Sone Aluko Josh Laurent Thomas Holmes Alfa Semedo Rafael Cabral Dejan Tetek Jökull Andrésson George Pușcaș

MATCH OFFICIALS REFEREE: DAVID WEBB ASSISTANT REFEREES: CRAIG TAYLOR AND RICHARD WILD FOURTH OFFICIAL: LEE SWABEY

56