Swansea City v Rotherham United - 20-21 Season - Issue 6

Cadwch yn ddiogel Jacks

Issue 6 - Digital Copy

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Swansea City v Rotherham United Saturday, November 21 - Kick-off 3pm

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CONTENTS Page 7 - Julian Winter’s Notes

Page 14 - Meet the Opposition

Page 18 - Match Reports

Page 28 - Q&A with Ryan Manning

Page 44 - A Century of League Football

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

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Chief Executive’s Notes

JULIAN WINTER G

ood afternoon and welcome to all Swansea City supporters around the world.

I’m sure you’re all looking forward to this afternoon’s game following a break due to the international fixtures.

We g e t g o i n g a g a i n w i t h a home double-header against Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday following two trips on the road before the break.

I felt our performances against Brentford and Norwich City were worthy of two victories, and we were very unfortunate to only pick up one point.

However, I’m sure you, like myself, are encouraged and excited by the way Steve Cooper has got the team playing. The congested fixture schedule means everyone available to him will play their part, and we have certainly seen that in the last few games.

Programme deadlines mean I ’ m w r i t i n g t h i s b e fo r e t h e international window has ended, so I hope all our players are available to feature against Rotherham this afternoon.

It’s always a proud moment for our football club to see our players represent their nations. We had Connor Roberts (Wales), Andre Ayew (Ghana) and Ryan Manning (Republic of Ireland) called up at senior level, while at under-21 level we had representation via Oli Cooper, Liam Cullen, Joe L ewis, L ewis Webb ( Wales), Marc Guehi (England) and Viktor Gyokeres (Sweden).

Connor was on home soil during Wales’ friendly draw with USA, a n d t h at w a s a l s o a p r o u d moment for us as a club to host an international match at the Liberty. Despite no fans being at the game, there was an incredible amount of work put in behind the scenes to ensure we could stage the match at the Liberty, and that’s credit to the staff here.

During the break, we were sad to hear that Nigel Rees will be leaving his post as academy manager.

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.

F i n a l l y, I m u s t m e n t i o n Swa n s e a C i t y L a d i e s ’ b rave effort in the Champions League first qualifyinground tie against Apollon L adies in Cyprus.

Despite a 3-0 defeat, the team gave everything they had and were a credit to Swansea City as they wore the badge with pride.

Back on domestic duties, our Welsh Premier Women’s League defending champions have made a great start to the season, winning all three games including a 7-1 win over B riton Ferry L lansawel last weekend. Keep up the good work!

Enjoy the game this afternoon.

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

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Ministry

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Ministry

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Head Coach’s Notes

STEVE COOPER G

ood afternoon everyone as we return to Championship action at the Liberty Stadium.

to make all season, but we came away very frustrated after going down to a late goal.

The games have come thick and fast in the division, even more so because of the congested programme due to Covid-19, but it’s great to be out on the Liberty pitch once again following the international break.

We need to be clinical in front of goal because in this division you can play well and lose but you can also play poorly and win. When you get a chance and take it, it can make all the difference.

With the nature of the league’s fixtures, we are often playing back-to-back home games followed by consecutive away fixtures - that has been the case since the start of October. But it’s a challenge we embrace.

We went into the break having travelled to Brentford and Norwich City, and we were happy with our performances but not the results.

We were very positive at Carrow Road and their keeper probably made the most saves he’s had

We have put that result in East Anglia behind us though, and our focus has been on today’s game.

Some of the squad returned late in the week due to their international commitments, but we haven’t let that disturb our preparations. It’s something we were prepared for.

Representing your nation is a great honour, and we had Connor Roberts in action for Wales while Andre Ayew captained and scored for Ghana in their victory over Sudan. Ryan Manning was added to the Republic of Ireland squad

while Oli Cooper, Liam Cullen, Joe Lewis and Lewis Webb were away with Wales Under-21s.

Marc Guehi linked up again with England Under-21s and Viktor G yokeres was on duty with Sweden Under-21s.

I was at the Liberty for the Wales v USA friendly where Connor played the full game, and it was great to see international football being played at our stadium.

Now domestic action is back on the agenda, and, as ever, we will do everything we can to pick up three points.

Even though you can’t be at the Liberty to show your support, I assure you your backing never goes unnoticed by the squad and staff. It always provides an extra motivation for us when we walk onto the pitch.

Enjoy the game.

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MATT GRIMES Captain’s Notes

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ood afternoon and welcome to all the Swansea City fans joining us from around the world for this afternoon’s game against Rotherham.

We head into this game on the back of the international break knowing that a key period of the season lies ahead of us.

It was a brief respite for many of us – although it’s always good to see our players performing for their countries on the international stage – and a welcome one given the schedule before and after this short halt in the Championship campaign.

The games will continue to come thick and fast and there are a lot of points at stake between now and the end of the Christmas schedule.

The festive fixtures are always seen as a key part of any season, and I think that is more so the case this year given the busy lead-up to Christmas with nine games in 28 days.

It ’s a bit of a step into the unknown because no-one has been through a season like this before, and it presents numerous challenges for players and staff.

But we know we have a great team around us, and we believe in the structure and support we have in place to make sure we can keep performing to our best during these busy periods.

It’s a time where everyone has to be ready to contribute because no-one will be able to play every game, and it is going to take a real squad effort if we are to give ourselves the best chance of having a successful season.

It’s great to resume the season at home, particularly given our last two home games saw two wins, two clean sheets and six points.

We would gladly snap your arm off if we were offered the same again with this double-header, but we know we have two tough games ahead.

Rotherham have proved what a competitive proposition they are, and they are a difficult side to beat.

I also faced them during my time on loan at Northampton and we know what to expect, and the challenge for us is to make sure we impose the way we play and try to continue a string of good performances.

While there will sadly again be no fans in attendance, we are so very grateful for the support the Jack Army have continued to give us in these difficult times.

A s players we thrive off the crowd, and there have been so many moments we would have loved to share with you in person.

But we hope we can continue to do you proud and put some smiles on faces until we can be together again.

Enjoy the game!

A number of us will remember the two hard-fought meetings we had against Paul Warne’s side a couple of seasons ago, where they never stopped battling as the teams took a win apiece.

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upporters Trust member Ceri Stone looks back on the impact of two Jacks that have reinforced his love for the game.

Tuesday, October 27 was a day that will live happily in the memory. It is the day that reinforced how much I love this glorious club and our beautiful game.

I am wary to admit that since football had resumed following the first Covid-19 lockdown, I was losing some love for the game. I have been obsessed with football since I could walk, but in recent months that passion had waned.

The Premier League’s obsession with power and wealth leaves a sour taste in the mouth. The introduction of pay-per-view matches and the efforts of a few clubs to take complete control of our game rankles. The lack of support for the EFL, in my view, is misguided at best and no doubt there are some clubs who will be left in a perilous state as a result.

This shows a disregard for the grass roots of our sport and for the people who are the backbone of the whole industry - us fans. Above all I really miss watching live football.

Late in October, two things happened that reaffirmed my faith.

During an impressive victory over Stoke City, Kasey Palmer stood up for a team-mate and put in a robust challenge on James McClean. It was the type of tackle that would have raised the roof had the Liberty been full. It was as important to the game as his late, and very brave, goal that followed. Kasey showed a passion that we need in these turbulent times and by fighting for his team he lifted supporters off their armchairs.

This was another sign that we have assembled a young and hungry squad who are prepared to fight for each other. T hey are exciting to watch and are c apable of going a long way this season, setting high standards both on and off the pitch.

Earlier that day I stumbled upon a tweet from B ritney D evillier s , the girlfriend of Morgan Gibbs -W hite. T hey reached out to the loc al community and offered food parcels to anyone who was struggling during lockdown two. That tweet was a touch of class. It demonstrated t h a t f o o t b a l l i s s t i l l o n e b i g f a m i l y. M o r e importantly, Morgan and Britney are part of our family and they are true Jacks.

It makes you proud to be a Swan. Performances have been positive on the pitch, the players have demonstrated class off it and our Supporters Trust continues to grow.

Membership has grown by more than 35 per cent compared to the 2019-2020 season and there couldn’t be a better time to join and be a part of the success of our club. Membership is still half price until December 31 and 2021 is a time to celebrate as we reach our 20th anniversary.

To become a member just visitwww.swanstrust.co.uk and join now to share the passion of representing the Jack Army. The kind of passion that can only be experienced at a rocking Liberty Stadium.

A good Kasey Palmer tackle will do that for you.

Faith restored. YJB. Enjoy the game today.

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ROTHERHAM FACT FILE THE GAFFER

OWNER

Tony Stewart OBE

NICKNAME

The Millers

TWITTER INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK STADIUM OPENED CAPACITY Aesseal New York Stadium

2012

Warne is now in his fourth full season with Rotherham and already has two promotions to his name. The former midfielder made over 250 appearances across two spells with the Millers during his playing days, while he also turned out for the likes of Wigan, Oldham and Yeovil.

He joined Rotherham’s coaching staff following his retirement in 2012 and was appointed permanent manager of the South Yorkshire club just under five years later, having previously served as assistant to former Swans boss Kenny Jackett.

CLUB CAPTAIN

Wood has racked up over 150 appearances for the Millers since his arrival from Charlton Athletic in June 2014. The 35-year-old defender has played five of Rotherham’s 11 Championship games this season, scoring in the victory over Preston North End last time out.

Wood began his career with spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Coventry – racking up a combined total of 318 appearances – while he had loan stints at Crawley, Fleetwood and Chesterfield in his earlier Rotherham days.

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FOUNDED

1925

@OfficialRUFC @officialrufc @officialrufc

RICHARD WOOD PAUL WARNE

CLUB DETAILS SOCIAL MEDIA FACILITIES

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STADIUM MEET THE OPPOSITION

Rotherham are back in the Championship after a year away and will be looking to consolidate their second-tier status this time around.

The Millers sealed their return after finishing second at the end of the curtailed League One season; a run of just two defeats in 16 games helping secure automatic promotion. Rotherham have never played in the top level of English football during their 95-year history.

Their finest hour came during the 1960-61 season when, as a Second Division club, they reached the inaugural League Cup final.

ROTHERHAM’S FORM

Rotherham got back on track with a 2-1 victory over Preston last time out.

Warne’s men had lost three of their previous four games, while recording just one win in nine.

The opening-day win at Wycombe provided the Millers with their only success on the road so far this season, while they have conceded four goals without reply in their last two away from the New York Stadium.

THE KEY MEN

Well-travelled goalkeeper Jamal Blackman has been a regular feature between the sticks for the Millers this season.

The on-loan Chelsea stopper boasts plenty of EFL experience, having turned out for the likes of Wycombe, Sheffield United and Bristol Rovers.

Michael Ihiekwe and Wes Harding have been ever-presents in the Rotherham defence, while Ben Wiles and Jamie Lindsay have regularly featured in midfield.

Freddie Ladapo top-scored with 17 goals in all competitions last season, but has just one to his name so far this term.

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ONES TO WATCH

MATT CROOKS

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Now in his third season at the New York Stadium, Crooks brings plenty of EFL experience to the Rotherham ranks. The holding midfielder spent time in Manchester United’s youth set-up before beginning his senior career at Huddersfield. He has also turned out for Hartlepool, Accrington, Scunthorpe and Northampton in the EFL , as well as enjoying a brief stint with Scottish giants Rangers. Crooks scored the winner in the 2-1 victory over Preston last time out.

POSITION

DF

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AGE

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28 MF

An ever-present for Rotherham this season, Ihiekwe recently made his 100th appearance for the Millers in all competitions.

The Liverpool-born defender, who spent time in the Reds’ academy ranks, began his senior career at Wolves, but failed to make a competitive appearance for the Molineux club. After a spell on loan at Cheltenham, Ihiekwe went on to play 130 times during a three-year stint with Tranmere, before joining Rotherham in the summer of 2017.

MICHAEL IHIEKWE

NATION

AGE

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FREDDIE LADAPO Ladapo became Rotherham’s record signing when he arrived from Plymouth in the summer of 2019. He top-scored during his maiden season in South Yorkshire, netting 17 goals in all competitions. After impressing with non-league Grays Athletic and Margate, Ladapo joined Crystal Palace in 2016, but made just two senior appearances at Selhurst Park. Although, he did boost his EFL experience with loan spells at Oldham and Shrewsbury, before moving to Southend in January 2018.

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NATION

AGE

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23 MF

Barlaser completed a permanent move to Rotherham last month following an impressive loan spell in South Yorkshire last season. The former Newcastle United midfielder subsequently ended his 14-year association with the Magpies, for whom he made three senior appearances.

Barlaser played 27 times for Rotherham in League One last season, and was directly involved in seven goals – five of which were assists. At youth level, he represented England and Turkey, for whom he qualifies through his father.

DANIEL BARLASER

NATION

AGE

POSITION

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NATION

AGE

21

Emerging Leicester striker Hirst joined Rotherham in September on a season-long loan deal. The highly-rated youngster scored nine times for the Foxes’ under23s in Premier League 2 last term, while Brendan Rodgers handed him a couple of senior appearances towards the end of the campaign. The son of former Sheffield Wednesday favourite David, Hirst began his career with the Owls before spending the 2018-19 season with Belgian side OH Leuven. He was part of the victorious England Under-20s side at the 2017 Toulon Tournament.

GEORGE HIRST

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SWANSEA CITY 2 BLACKBURN ROVERS 0

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MATCH DETAILS

LINEUPS

DATE: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 VENUE: LIBERTY STADIUM REFEREE: DEAN WHITESTONE

Swans: Freddie Woodman; Kyle Naughton, Ben Cabango, Marc Guehi; Connor Roberts, Korey Smith, Jay Fulton, Yan Dhanda (Kasey Palmer, 75), Jake Bidwell; Jamal Lowe (Viktor Gyokeres, 66), Andre Ayew (capt).

MATCH REPORT G

Subs not used: Steven Benda, Ryan Bennett, Ryan Manning, Matt Grimes, Wayne Routledge.

oals from Ben Cabango and Andre Ayew gave Swansea City their second 2-0 victory in four days as they put Blackburn Rovers to the sword at the Liberty Stadium.

A headed goal in each half did the trick as Steve Cooper’s side made it six points from six and moved back up to second in the Championship table.

The head coach had rested midfielder and captain Matt Grimes, ending the player’s run of having played every minute of the Swans’ 89 previous league games.

Cabango had been one of those brought back in to the starting team and, after an opening where both sides had chances, he was the first man on the scoresheet.

Connor Roberts produced an excellent delivery from a corner and Cabango held off Darragh Lenihan to power home.

The hosts survived a let-off in first-half stoppage time as Freddie Woodman saved from Adam Armstrong after a weak backpass from Kyle Naughton.

Aiming to avoid a fourth defeat in five games, Blackburn went in search of an equaliser in the early stages of the second half, and Woodman was called into action to deny Armstrong and Ben Brereton.

But, after weathering the storm, the Swans sealed the win in the 61st minute as Ayew arrived to head home his fourth goal of the season from Yan Dhanda’s delicious cross.

Blackburn Rovers: Aynsley Pears; Ryan Nyambe, Darragh Lenihan (capt), Derrick Williams, Joe Rankin-Costello; Lewis Holtby, Corry Evans (Tyrhys Dolan, 60), Tom Trybull; Harvey Elliott, Adam Armstrong (Jacob Davenport, 79), Ben Brereton (Sam Gallagher, 60).

Subs not used: Antonis Stergiakis, Harry Chapman, John Buckley, Scott Wharton.

QUOTE OF THE GAME “YOU CAN’T ASK FOR MORE THAN THAT THREE POINTS, A CLEAN SHEET AND A GOAL. THAT’S MY SECOND GOAL OF THE SEASON AND HOPEFULLY I CAN GET A FEW MORE. THAT’S SOMETHING I WANTED TO IMPROVE ON FROM LAST SEASON” BEN CABANGO 19

BRENTFORD 1 SWANSEA CITY 1

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MATCH DETAILS

LINEUPS

DATE: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3 VENUE: BRENTFORD COMMUNITY STADIUM REFEREE: STEPHEN MARTIN

Brentford: David Raya, Henrik Dalsgaard, Ethan Pinnock, Charlie Goode, Rico Henry; Mathias Jensen, Josh Dasilva, Emiliano Marcondes (Vitaly Janelt 69’), Bryan Mbuemo (Marcus Forss 84’), Ivan Toney, Sam Ghoddos (Sergi Canos 62’).

MATCH REPORT S

Subs not used: Luke Daniels, Dominic Thompson, Tariqe Fosu, Fin Stevens.

wansea City maint ained their unbeaten away rec ord as A ndre Ayew ’s goal s aw them claim a deserved point at Brentford.

The visitors had the better of the opening h a l f a n h o u r, b u t f e l l b e h i n d i n t h e 3 6 t h m i n u t e w h e n I v a n To n e y f i n i s h e d a s h a r p c ount e r for th e ho st s .

B ut th e Swan s we re un b owe d, a nd got their rewards when Ayew t urne d in a Matt G rime s c ro ss w ith 1 3 m i n ut e s t o go.

Despite losing Ben Cabango with a hamstring injur y in the warm-up, the Swans s t a r t e d c o n f i d e n t l y, w i t h A y e w a n d K y l e N a u g ht o n fo rc i n g s ave s f ro m D av i d R aya i n t h e B re nt ford g o al .

B u t t h ey fe l l b e h i n d w h e n a l o o s e m i d f i e l d pass was picked off and the home side attacked in numbers; Mathias Jensen e v e n t u a l l y p u l l i n g t h e b a l l b a c k f o r To n e y t o s c o re hi s 1 0th g o al of the s e a s on.

H o w e v e r, S w a n s e a h a n d l e d t h e s e t b a c k well, and continued to have the better of l o n g pe r i o d s of the c ont e st .

Jamal Lowe and Viktor Gyokeres went c l o s e t o a l evel l e r, b ut i t was Ayew who got the goal as Grimes beat his man and cutback right-footed from the byline for the G h a n a i a n t o t urn hom e.

Swans: Freddie Woodman, Kyle Naughton, Ryan Bennett, Marc Guehi; Connor Roberts, Korey Smith, Jay Fulton (Matt Grimes 60’), Jake Bidwell; Yan Dhanda (Kasey Palmer 60’) Andre Ayew, Jamal Lowe (Viktor Gyokeres 69’).

Subs not used: Steven Benda, Ryan Manning, Joel Latibeaudiere, Wayne Routledge.

QUOTE OF THE GAME “I THOUGHT WE WERE MUCH THE BETTER TEAM. IF YOU THINK ABOUT IT, FREDDIE HAS NOT HAD A SAVE TO MAKE AND THE GOAL WAS SOMETHING HE COULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT. BUT I WAS PLEASED THAT, AFTER GOING 1-0 DOWN, WE DID NOT LET IT AFFECT US. IF ANYTHING IT SPURRED US ON, AND WE WERE EXCELLENT FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE GAME.” STEVE COOPER 21

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MATCH DETAILS

NORWICH CITY 1 SWANSEA CITY 0 MATCH REPORT S wansea City saw their unbeaten away run come to an end as Marco Stiepermann struck a late winner for Norwich City at Carrow Road.

The German midfielder scored the only goal with just six minutes to go, finding the net via the inside of the post, to settle an even contest between two of the division’s form sides.

A victory would have sent the Swans top of the table ahead of the international break, and they will feel they had the chances to claim all three points.

They came agonisingly close to an opener with Andre Ayew hitting the post in the first half, while Jamal Lowe forced three excellent saves from Norwich keeper Tim Krul.

The visitors also had strong penalty appeals dismissed when Jake Bidwell was felled in the box in the second half.

Two superb blocks at the other end by Connor Roberts looked to have the Swans on course for another clean sheet, but it was not to be.

DATE: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 VENUE: CARROW ROAD REFEREE: DARREN ENGLAND

LINEUPS Norwich City: Tim Krul; Max Aarons, Grant Hanley (captain), Christoph Zimmerman, Jacob Sorensen (Bali Mumba 68); Oliver Skipp, Kenny McLean; Emi Buendia (Alex Tettey 90), Marco Stiepermann, Przemyslaw Placheta (Josh Martin 69); Teemu Pukki.

Subs not used: Michael McGovern, Mario Vrancic, Jordan Hugill, Adam Idah.

Swans: Freddie Woodman; Kyle Naughton (Matt Grimes 46), Ryan Bennett, Marc Guehi; Connor Roberts, Korey Smith, Jay Fulton (Yan Dhanda 86), Jake Bidwell; Kasey Palmer (Viktor Gyokeres 59); Andre Ayew (captain), Jamal Lowe.

Subs not used: Steven Benda, Ryan Manning, Wayne Routledge, Joel Latibeaudiere.

QUOTE OF THE GAME “IT’S TOUGH TO TAKE, WE CREATED MORE THAN ENOUGH CHANCES TO WIN THE GAME. WE HAVE TO LOOK AT OURSELVES, AND IT IS A BIT RAW BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF IT WITH THE GOAL COMING SO LATE.”

STEVE COOPER 23

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STILETTOS & STUDS

BY JULIE KISSICK

W

elcome back to Championship football! Another international break is over and the business of, dare I say it, promotion, is back on the table.

I said it, and to be honest, we all need to find pockets of positivity to focus on in 2020, don’t we?

I hope everyone is doing okay in light of everything else happening in the world. Life does seem completely crazy much of the time, and I for one am very grateful for the distraction football offers.

So, we’re good to go again, albeit at the time of writing this, there is some concern over the fitness of our talisman Andre Ayew, who returned early from international duty.

After scoring twice for Ghana he was injured in training and was back in Swansea this week for treatment on a muscle strain, having been ruled out of his country’s trip to Sudan.

Fingers crossed it’s nothing serious. There is no underestimating the role he has played for us again this season – he’s scored five goals already - but that goal against Brentford with 14 minutes on the clock was particularly sweet.

Let’s hope he’s back and firing on all cylinders today, although no doubt our visitors, Rotherham United, will be hoping otherwise.

The Millers have more than their fair share of injury woes currently. Before the international break they started to add up, including to a number of manager Paul Warne’s key players, with loan keeper Jamal Blackman being one. He was asked to return to his parent club, Chelsea, for treatment on an ankle which had been causing him pain.

Winger Kieran Sadlier was ruled out until the New Year, also with an ankle injury. He suffered the damage during his side’s most recent match – a 2-1 win over Preston North End. Currently 19th in the Championship, boss Warne’s injury list has increased steadily, the like of which he says he has never encountered before, either as a player or manager.

Warne is one of the longest-serving managers in the EFL, having taken over the helm at the Millers in November 2016. He’ll celebrate his fourth anniversary next weekend.

Warne replaced one of our former managers, Kenny Jackett.

Jackett’s reign was short lived though, despite signing a three-year deal, he resigned after just 39 days in post.

Warne and Rotherham have a rich history. He was already a member of Rotherham’s coaching staff when Jackett left, having also enjoyed two spells with the Millers as a player, 1998-2005 and 20092012, when he retired from football.

He won two promotions with them and scored 34 goals over 292 games.

Interestingly, he didn’t start his professional career until he was 23 when he joined Wigan Athletic and he once played for a club called Diss Town – winning the FA Vase with them in 1994.

Football attracts some fascinating characters with great stories to tell – another of the reasons we love the beautiful game.

Let’s hope we add to our own tale of success today by putting three more points on the board.

Stay safe folks.

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ERTHYGLAU CYMRAEG

BY OWAIN LLYR, BBC WALES

M

ae hi wedi bod yn bleser gwylio Abertawe yn chwarae hyd-yn-hyn y tymor yma. Mae’r steil o bêl-droed yn fy atgoffa i o gyfnod Roberto Martinez wrth y llyw. Digon o basio sydyn, a’r tîm yn cadw’r meddiant am gyfnodau hir.

Rhwng popeth felly mae yna dipyn mwy o ddyfnder yn perthyn i garfan Yr Elyrch y tymor hwn, a ninnau chwarter ffordd drwy dymor Y Bencampwriaeth mae yna ddigon o resymau i fod yn obeithiol.

Fel y tymor diwethaf beth sydd wedi creu’r argraff fwyaf arna i ydi safon y chwaraewyr y mae Steve Cooper wedi eu denu i’r clwb. Mae o wedi gwneud yn wych i gael Freddie Woodman a Marc Guehi yn ôl ar fenthyg y tymor yma. Ond y ddau sydd wedi dal fy llygaid i ydi Ryan Bennett a Korey Smith.

Doedd hi byth yn mynd i fod yn hawdd dod o hyd i rywun i gymryd lle Joe Rodon yng nghanol yr amddiffyn, ond yn Bennett mae Abertawe wedi cael bargen. Mae’n chwaraewr hynod o brofiadol ac yn arweinydd naturiol. A rhywsut neu’i gilydd fe lwyddodd Yr Elyrch i berswadio Wolves i adael iddo fynd am ddim!

Cyn gorffen mi fuaswn yn hoffi dweud gair am Nigel Rees yn dilyn y cyhoeddiad ei fod yn gadael y clwb. Mae Nigel wedi bod yn gweithio i’r Elyrch ers deuddeng mlynedd, ac am y chwe blynedd a hanner diwethaf bu’n rheolwr ar yr academi.

Yn ystod y cyfnod yna mae ei gyfraniad i’r clwb wedi bod yn un hollbwysig. Mae’r timau o dan 23 ac 19 wedi profi lot fawr o lwyddiant gyda Nigel wrth y llyw ac y mae yna nifer o chwaraewyr yr academi wedi mynd yn eu blaenau i chwarae i’r tîm cyntaf. Dyna i chi Connor Roberts, Ben Cabango, Joe Rodon, Ben Davies, Oli McBurnie, a Daniel James.

Mae Smith yn un arall gafodd ei arwyddo yn rhad ac am ddim. Ar ôl gweld ei berfformiadau yng nghanol y cae y tymor yma dwi’n methu â deall pam nad oedd Bristol City wedi cynnig cytundeb newydd iddo er mwyn ei gadw’n Ashton Gate.

Mae Nigel hefyd wedi gwneud sawl cyfweliad efo fi ar Radio Cymru dros y blynyddoedd, a dwi’n hynod o ddiolchgar iddo am yr amser mae o wedi ei roi i mi. Hoffwn ddymuno pob lwc iddo yn y dyfodol.

27

Q&A WITH RYAN MANNING

Age: 24 Position: Defender/Midfielder Nationality: Republic Ireland Former Clubs: Mervue United, 26 Apps, 9 Goals Galway United, 21 Apps, 4 Goals Queens Park Rangers, 87 Apps, 7 Goals Rotherham United (Loan), 18 Apps, 4 Goals

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IT’S BEEN A WHIRLWIND FEW WEEKS FOR RYAN MANNING AS HE SETTLES INTO LIFE AT SWANSEA CITY. HERE, THE IRISHMAN REVEALS HOW HIS JOURNEY TO SIGN FOR THE SWANS BEGAN IN FINLAND, TA L KS A B O U T S P E N D I N G AN AFTERNOON WATCHING T H E R AC E S W I T H H A R R Y REDKNAPP AND WHY HE FEELS HE NEEDS TO MAKE AMENDS TO THE JACK ARMY.

You played with Jake Bidwell and Angel Rangel at QPR, did you have any conversations with them about Swansea?

Yeah, I spoke to Angel especially. He always had good things to say about the club, but he also spoke about how good it is to live down here; the city, the beaches, the people. He still has a home down here too, and the way he settled into the club tells you so much about life down here.

On the field I’d obviously known the club’s story, for most of my life watching football they have been in the Premier League, and I don’t think there’s any doubt this is a Premier League calibre club.

You’ve got a great stadium, the facilities at the training ground are outstanding. The day I arrived I was so impressed by what I found. There’s everything you could ever need to be your best as a football player.

How good was it to make your debut against Stoke City, particularly given you hadn’t been able to play much at QPR before the move?

Ryan, you had a pretty hectic ending to the transfer window, but how are you feeling after having a few weeks to get used to your new club and new surroundings?

It was definitely good to get some game time. I played in the League Cup and scored for QPR at the outset of the season and I was really looking forward to the league campaign.

It’s been a hectic few weeks. Just prior to signing for Swansea I had been on international duty in Finland, so it was a case of flying from there back to London, then the next day I was flying down the M4 to Swansea.

Obviously, with my contract situation things got delayed a bit for me in terms of playing and I was delighted to get out there and get some minutes under my belt.

Add in that we went into a lockdown just a few days after I signed and it was all a bit surreal, but I have settled in well. There’s a really good bunch of guys here in the squad, and some really good people on the staff so that always makes it that bit easier.

I’ve managed to get sorted with a house, I got moved in as quick as I could, we’ve got a place in Bishopston.

Obviously with lockdown me and my missus haven’t seen any family but we are enjoying our time so far.

To have a win and a clean sheet on debut is the perfect start. The system we play, and the way we work in the week allowed me to have a good understanding of things going into the game.

We want to impose our game no matter who we play, which means it’s a big help and hopefully means we can get even better as the season goes on.

When were you first aware that moving to Swansea City was a possibility?

You were born in Galway, Ryan. That’s an area with a proud sporting heritage in football, rugby, hurling and Gaelic football to name but a few sports. Was it always football you excelled at, or could you have played other sports?

Just as the season was starting I became aware of interest. Things progressed from there, I met Andy (Scott) the head of recruitment, and then I spoke to the gaffer. From there I went away on international duty and it was a case of waiting by the phone just to see what was happening. There are a lot of things to sort and get done before the green light, but thankfully it got done and I am a Swansea player.

In my mind football was always the number one. I did play hurling and Gaelic football growing up, but I had to leave the hurling behind as it got a bit more dangerous as I got older! I played Gaelic football until I moved to England when I was 18, and I don’t think QPR would have been very happy if I had carried on playing that somewhere else. So it was football first for me, but I did dabble in and enjoy other sports.

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Who would have been your footballing heroes as a young lad?

I am a Manchester United fan, and I was a really big fan when I was a bit younger. That team with Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, that won the Champions League in 2008 and got to two more finals. In that period, I loved them as a team. It was also the time that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were really coming into their own, in that sense it was one of the greatest times to be watching football. But it was that United team for me.

So how did things develop for you on the football side of things?

I started playing junior football with Clegmore/ Claregalway FC when I was about five or six, and I was there until I was about 13. I went to Mervue United and from there it felt like I really kicked on. I started to get into the age-grade international squads and I made my League of Ireland debut not long after turning 16. I had a good season there, and then Galway United formed the season after that and I helped them get promoted to the first division. I then went away with the Republic of Ireland Under-19s in a European Championship qualifier, there were a lot of scouts there and that’s how the move to England came about. Within five or six months I had moved over.

I am grateful to so many people who helped me at youth levels. I worked with a fair few coaches that did a lot for me. Justin Neary and Ollie Neary were great, and I don’t want to try and name everyone incase I miss someone out. But at Mervue all the coaches and managers at all levels had their coaching badges and the skills to give you the fundamentals and grounding, even if you hadn’t been in an academy somewhere.

Going to Galway was the next natural step for me from there and another step in my development.

So you made the move to QPR in January 2015, but at one stage it had looked like you were set to sign for Tottenham. What happened?

Yeah, it got a little bit complicated in the end. I was originally supposed to go to Tottenham, I thought I was going over to sign for them. But then I needed surgery on my foot and I had to delay coming over.

I was out for about a month and during that time the scout who had spotted me and wanted to sign me, he left Spurs to go to QPR and he asked me if I was open to going to them instead.

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Harry Redknapp was the manager at the time and he rang me up and invited my father and I down to the training ground to meet him.

That convinced me it was the right move. I did not want to get swallowed up in an academy system, I wanted to be in with a real chance of playing, and if you look at it now I think we made the right decision.

How was that meeting with Harry Redknapp?

He was great, he is a real people person. He was a top man to us. We must have sat in his office for four or five hours, we were chatting and he had the horse racing on the TV. He was telling us which horses he thought would win. He was telling us about coming out to Galway to watch the races out there. He was a real down-to-earth guy. We got on well with him, he was eager to get me over and get me involved. I came over and signed, I was really excited, and about a week later he got sacked! But that time speaking to him in his office was probably key in me signing for QPR and it was great to meet him and he had big plans for me.

What was the move from the West of Ireland to West London like? It must have been an eye-opener as a young man?

It certainly was. The first thing was figuring out the tube to make sure I was getting trains to the right places. It was quite a change and a bit of a nightmare at times. It was obviously going to be a big change, I was moving away from home for the first time, but add in going somewhere so busy and it’s an even greater challenge.

One thing that helped was the club moved me into digs with a family, and they helped me to understand the city and life there. It wasn’t like I came over and just sat in a flat on my own. That let me settle, and it’s a great place as there is everything you could ever need there.

You mentioned Harry Redknapp leaving the club, there was then a long spell without much stability in terms of managers. Was that hard for you?

As a young boy breaking through you definitely needed that consistency of one manager. I was an under-23 player at the time and you know you have got limited opportunities to train with the first team and try and catch his eye. What happens when things are changing all the time, and managers are under pressure, is those opportunities become fewer because managers cannot really think about given youth a chance if they’re worried about where the next result is coming from or whether they are going to still be in the job in a few weeks. It makes it harder and harder. I did a couple of years of being bounced around, and then Ian Holloway came in.

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And he was the man who gave you your chance with the first team?

Yeah, he took a punt on me. We had lost six on the bounce, but he came to me and said he would play me against Wolves. It was brave of him and I appreciated that he put faith in me in that situation.

He threw me in out of nowhere, we won that one and all of a sudden we went on a winning run. So, if you wanted to pick an ideal debut where everything goes well and goes to plan, that was definitely one of them. I was lucky he took that punt on me.

I will always be grateful, because no-one can do it without someone having belief and confidence in you. A lot of people had helped me get to that point at QPR, all the different coaches I worked under tried to prepare me for a first-team chance. But ultimately it was Holloway and Mark Birchall who gave me the chance.

When he left at the end of the 2017-18 season, you then had a spell on loan at Rotherham. How did you approach that given you had been playing regularly at QPR once given your chance?

It was one of those where you are disappointed to go on loan, because you feel it’s a sign you are not in the manager’s plans. That you are not wanted, in a way.

But I just decided I would try and show them they were wrong. I wanted regular football, it was in the Championship so it was not a step down. It allowed me to make a mark, and in the end they brought me back.

Swansea fans will remember the fact you were at Rotherham (Manning scored two late penalties in a 2-1 win for the Millers in November 2018), and that same season you also played for QPR in a 4-0 win over them.

I know, I have got a lot of making up to do to the Swansea fans! I came on at half-time in the game for Rotherham and Swansea were absolutely battering us. It was 1-0, but it could have been a lot more.

I’ve no idea how there was only a goal in it and, somehow, we got two of the softest penalties I have ever seen given and I managed to score them both and Rotherham nicked it.

We were sitting there at half-time wondering what had happened! Like I say, there’s a bit of making up to do with the Swansea fans, but I promise I’ll be doing my best to make sure the results are in our favour!

You left QPR after a season where Mark Warburton looked to be getting the club back on track with an exciting brand of football.

Last season I think QPR were one of the most entertaining teams to watch, and Sky were willing to put us on TV at every opportunity because there was a chance a game could finish 6-4! We played a good brand of football, and we had some exciting players like Eberechi Eze, Jordan Hugill and Nahki Wells. We were scoring goals and a good watch for fans. That came from the manager’s philosophy, the view there is always a pass somewhere to be played, there’s no need to go long too often. He gave me the freedom to go on and get a good return of goals and assists from left-back or left wing-back. I really enjoyed that style, and it’s similar here. The passing style and the desire to dominate the football suits me.

Back to yourself, you’ve got a number of age-grade caps and been named in senior Republic of Ireland squads. Do you hope doing well here at Swansea can help you fulfil your ambitions at international level?

This move was a big decision for me because I wanted to be somewhere that reflected my own ambitions. Swansea are a Premier League club, they want to get back to the Premier League and that’s where everybody wants to be. Everything is in place here, and that can help me in terms of the international front. I’ve been in squads and hopefully putting together a good campaign – ideally ending with promotion – will give me the chance to make my debut and fulfil that ambition to play for my country.

The QPR game was my first one after John Eustace had taken over. We’d had a difficult time and we went out there just trying to get some sort of results. All of a sudden, you get 10 minutes in and we are 2-0 up, and it’s 3-0 after about 20 minutes.

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I’M PROUD TO HAVE SERVED SWANSEA CITY

A

c ademy manager Nigel R e e s is t o le ave S w a n s e a C i t y a ft e r a 1 2 - y e a r s p e l l a t t he c l u b.

Rees has spent the last six-and-a-half years as the head figure of the club’s successful academy, which has produced a long line of players for the first team of both the Swans and Wales.

The 56-year-old, from Ynysmeudwy, initially started working at the academy in a part-time capacity as he helped coach in the club’s development centres.

After stepping up to become the academy’s operations manager and turning full-time in 2013, he took up the role of academy manager in January 2014.

During that time, significant progress has been made within the academy in terms of player development, coaching and facilities, with the club’s Landore site exclusively used by the academy.

Silverware came via a hugely successful 2016-17 campaign, which saw the under-23s win the Premier League 2 Division 2 title and lift the Premier League Cup. More trophies arrived in the FAW Youth Cup, which saw the under-19s win 10 titles in a row from 2010.

Rees’ time with the academy has also coincided with a number of players progressing into the Swans’ firstteam, with graduates including the likes of current

stars Connor Roberts, Ben Cabango, Jay Fulton, George Byers, Liam Cullen, Jordon Garrick and Steven Benda while Joe Rodon, Ben Davies (both Tottenham Hotspur), Oli McBurnie (Sheffield United) and Daniel James (Manchester United) were also developed in the system.

Rees is set to depart his role next month to seek new opportunities and challenges, while t h e c l u b i s n ow wo r k i n g h a r d o n f i n d i n g a suitable applicant to continue taking the academy forward.

“I get goosebumps every time I see lads who grew in our academy go on to play for Swansea City,” said Rees.

“We’ve helped produce players for the first-team – some for us, some going on to other teams – and we also nurture them from a personal level to be good people. And when I say we, I’m talking about all the coaches that work in the academy, the player himself and the parents too. It’s a collective effort. “ The culture here is absolutely key. Everyone has to buy into the ethos and that leads to producing players and people who are proud to wear our badge.”

Everyone at Swansea City thanks Nigel for his service, and wishes him well in his career.

35

M

JACK THE LAD

any people feel that the absence of crowds has contributed to some surprising results and league leaders already this season – especially in the Premier League.

Champions Liverpool conceding s even go als t o A st on V illa, Manchester United shipping six at home to Spurs and Southampton topping the table for the first time in 32 years are just a few of the eyebrow-raising events so far this term.

But, of course, topsy-turvy form or unpredictable results are nothing new. They are what makes football so fascinating.

And today’s fixture is one that has a rich history of producing some unexpected results and exciting, high-scoring matches.

Of course, we don’t have to look too far back for one of the goalladen thrillers.

As the 2018-19 season drew to a close, the Swans welcomed Rotherham to the Liberty.

The visitors went into a 2-1 first-half lead thanks to goals from Michael Ihiekwe and Matt Crooks, with Oli McBurnie replying for the hosts.

But the Swans improved considerably after the break, levelling through Barrie McKay before going ahead through what the visitors claimed was a controversial third goal.

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Rotherham felt Kyle Naughton handled George Byers’ shot to make it 3-2, before McBurnie s c o r e d a g a i n , o n l y fo r W i l l Vaulks’ strike to make it 4-3.

In truth, the game was just the latest in a number of highscoring matches between the two teams over the years.

Shortly after I started supporting the Swans in 1978 there was a classic eight-goal thriller between the two clubs at the Vetch in September of that year.

The visitors built what looked like being an unassailable 4-1 lead with just 20 minutes remaining, thanks mainly to former player Dai Gwyther smashing a hat-trick in just 16 minutes . . . proof, if it were needed, that the “former player scoring against the Swans curse” goes back a long way!

But the Swans were given a glimmer of hope when Alan Curtis scored with a flying header to add to Jeremy Charles’ first-half goal.

Charles was on target again in the 78th minute when he headed in Danny Bartley’s freekick to make it 4-3.

With the match entering its final minute, Curtis popped up again to fire home the equaliser and earn an unlikely point for the Swans.

Remarkably that was one of three eight-goal thrillers witnessed by the Vetch Field faithful during a remarkable goal-filled season, and just four days later the Swans beat Tranmere 4-3 at home.

B u t w h at w a s p o s s i b l y t h e most unpredictable set of results involving the Swans and Rotherham came during the 1990-91 season – particularly during the month of January.

This wasn’t the most illustrious of seasons for the Swans. It hadn’t started particularly well, but form had started to improve in the lead up to Christmas.

And that form continued in spectacular fashion as Rotherham turned up at the Vetch on January 1, 1991.

The Swans celebrated the New Year in style as they chalked up their best win of the season by hammering home five unanswered goals.

On the scoresheet that day, Andy Legg led the way with a brace, w h i l e Te r r y C o n n o r, J i m m y Gilligan and David D’Auria, all weighed in with goals in front of a crowd of 5,936.

With the two sides scheduled to meet again just four days later in the third round of the FA Cup, once more at the Vetch, Swans fans were hopeful of a repeat performance, especially as the home side put out pretty much the same team.

The tie attracted an extra 500 fans following the New Year’s Day romp, but the magic of the cup was very much absent as the teams played out a goalless 90 minutes to set up a replay.

Despite the disappointment of being held to a 0-0 draw in the first match, the Swans must have travelled to Millmoor for the replay reasonably confident they could progress to the next round, with the New Year’s Day victory still fresh in the memory.

How wrong could they have been?

The replay saw the home team cruise to a 4-0 victory in front of a crowd of 4,233.

So, in the space of just 21 days, the Swans had gone from being 5-0 victors against the Millers to suffering a 4-0 reversal . . . with a 0-0 draw in between!

But the strange results didn’t end there that season. As the season drew to a close, the Swans suffered a humiliating 6-1 defeat to Wigan in front of just 2,869 at the Vetch. The only consolation being a goal from Jimmy Gilligan.

What was their next match?

Ye s , yo u g u e s s e d i t , Rotherham away.

In light of the outc ome the last time they had travelled to South Yorkshire, the Swans must have been apprehensive, especially having just shipped six goals at home.

Following that 4-0 reversal in the cup, the Swans had gone on a record-breaking run of nine defeats in a row, which had seen manager Terry Yorath being replaced by Frank Burrows.

Now they were heading back to the scene of their FA Cup mauling. But lo and behold, t h ey p r o d u c e d o n e of t h e i r best performances of the season to win 3-2 thanks to two goals by Simon Davey and a n ot h e r f ro m D ave P e n n ey, who had joined on loan from Oxford United.

The result helped secure the Swans place in Division Three for the following season.

So going by the rollercoaster events of 1991, added to some of the other results this fixture has produced over the years, including a hat-trick of 3-3 draws, who knows what this Saturday’s match might bring?

C’mon you Swans!

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SWANS ACADEMY

BY NIGEL REES

G

ood afternoon everybody/prynhawn da pawb. It has been a very positive week with all age groups from under-9 to under-16 returning to train at the academy.

Our Covid operational plan is very thorough and ensures that all players will be in a safe environment. When our players return the key phrase for us all at the academy will be patience. As I stated previously, these young players will not have been involved in a scheduled training and games programme since February and we will need to ensure they can deal with their own frustrations in terms of their development.

The under-23s continue to work hard and recently played Nottingham Forest at Landore. The squad, which included 10 under-18 players, was one of the youngest we have fielded this season. The performance was excellent with the lads winning the game 4-2. Josh Thomas scored a hattrick but this was a team performance, and the lads should be very proud of their achievements in the current climate.

Our next fixture is home to Charlton Athletic.

The under-18 squad recently drew 1-1 against Coventry City, and face a trip to Colchester next. Owing to the current lockdown restrictions, our operations team are working hard to adapt to the changes and a big thank you to Ben Greenwood, Rebecca Gigg and Jordan Hughes for all their help in supporting the continuation of the fixtures at this very difficult time.

The academy has been working in partnership with Swansea University for a number of seasons, and that has steadily grown throughout this period. I’m extremely pleased with the progress and relationships that have been developed during this period.

As you may be aware, I’ll be leaving my position as academy manager on December 31 of this year. I would just like to take this opportunity to say that I have thoroughly loved every minute of my time at the club and academy and that it has been a wonderful journey from a centre of excellence to a thriving elite environment.

I have been very fortunate throughout my journey to have had the support of some outstanding and committed staff and the support of a Board that places a huge emphasis

38

on the development of young talent. I’d like to thank all the staff during the time I have spent at the academy for their support and patience and, as in any success story, it is the collective effort that gets any organisation to its destination and not just one person.

Our facilities are testament to this, and we are all aware that Landore is one of the most envied training environments within the academy structure.

It seems like only yesterday that I started at the academy. It has been a privilege to work for a club that I have followed all my life, being given the opportunity to work at such a forward-thinking club was such an amazing opportunity. I remember when I was offered the position, I was sat at my office desk finishing the school timetable when the then chairman Huw Jenkins phoned and asked me if I would like to join the club and, if so, when could I start? My answer was “I am on my way to the car and I will be down to start today!”

From that point, every day was an exciting opportunity and every day offered a different challenge.

The role has allowed me to share the success of the players who have made the transition into senior football, with the added pride and pleasure when they play for our first team. Watching the players grow into rounded and positive individuals who represent the club so proudly is an emotion that cannot be replaced and one that will stay with me forever.

In addition, watching the players play for their country is an extra bonus to the collective pride we all feel at the academy.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the parents who have supported the academy during this whole process. It is a great experience for the players to be part of the academy, but it’s not without a great deal of sacrifice from players and parents and this is something that we must all always remember and be very conscious of.

Enjoy the game.

DATE: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9 VENUE: LANDORE TRAINING CENTRE Swans U23s: Jamie Searle,

SWANS U23S 4 NOTTINGHAM FOREST U23S 2 MATCH REPORT J

Jacob Jones, Declan John, Erick Kenko, Kai Ludvigsen, Scott Butler, Bradley Gibbings, Ryan Bevan, Josh Thomas, Morgan Clarke, Matthew Blake (capt).

Substitutes: Tyler Evans, Adrian Akande, Rio Campbell, Adnaan Moti, Panashe Makokowe.

But the Swans restored their two-goal advantage just after the restart with Thomas completing his hat-trick after the ball had rebounded kindly for the striker.

osh Thomas scored a hat-trick as Swansea City Under-23s beat high-flying Nottingham Forest 4-2 at Landore.

Kai Ludvigsen was also on target with his first goal at this level as Jon Grey’s side got back to winning ways in the Professional Development League.

Grey made three changes to the side beaten at Barnsley.

Matthew Blake returned to captain the young Swans and Erick Kenko was handed an opportunity in the middle of the park, while Declan John got some valuable minutes under his belt.

Ludvigsen then got in on the act in the 55th minute, turning home Blake’s inviting corner from close range.

Forest pulled a goal back through Alex GibsonHammond, but it was no more than a consolation as the Swans registered a well-deserved victory.

“I was very impressed with the way we played,” said under-23s coach Grey.

“Last week, I was quite critical of the boys for not getting on the ball and playing like Swansea City.

“But this was the total opposite. They wanted to get on the ball all through the game against a good team that hadn’t lost all season.

The hosts took the lead in the 27th minute, with Thomas applying the finishing touch to a fantastic one-touch move, for his first under-23s goal in over a year.

“Declan deserves a special mention. It was his first game in a while but, to be fair to him, he demonstrated a first-class attitude and helped the boys throughout the game.

He added a second eight minutes later, latching onto Ludvigsen’s clever pass before slotting past Forest keeper Jordan Wright.

“There were also some really good performances from the younger lads. Obviously, Josh got his hattrick and both centre-halves were excellent, as was Erick in midfield – he covered a lot of ground and probably had his best game at this level in a Swansea shirt.

The visitors, who arrived in South Wales with seven wins from seven this season, reduced the deficit shortly afterwards courtesy of Ateef Konate’s brilliant free-kick.

“It was a fantastic effort from the boys. I couldn’t have asked for much more from them.”

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DATE: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 VENUE: LLANDARCY ACADEMY OF SPORT Swans Ladies:

SWANS LADIES 7 BRITON FERRY LADIES 1 MATCH REPORT S

Gemma Border, Alicia Powe (captain) (Nieve Jenkins 67), Ellie Lake, Jess Williams, Ria Hughes, Tija Richardson (Jemma Parfitt 77), Chloe Chivers (Brooke Llewellyn 71), Emma Beynon, Katy Hosford, Laura Davies, Stacey John-Davis.

Substitutes: Pheobe Ware, Kate Searle.

The Swans doubled their lead just before the break after a series of ricochets presented Richardson with the chance to fire home.

wansea City Ladies produced a magnificent seven as they thrashed Briton Ferry at Llandarcy to make it three wins out of three in the Welsh Premier Women’s League this season.

The hosts took control in the first half and went into half-time with a two goal cushion courtesy of goals from Stacey John-Davis and Tija Richardson.

They built on those foundations to add a further five goals with John-Davis and Richardson ending the afternoon with hat-tricks.

Emma Beynon finished off a top performance as she found the back of the net from close range in the closing stages.

It was an ideal return to domestic action for the Swans and they could have led inside two minutes as John-Davis was presented with a golden chance after she spun away from a defender, but she couldn’t get her shot on target.

Soon after Chloe Chivers found Ria Hughes with a switch of play, but Briton Ferry keeper Courtney Young was able to parry the full back’s volley to safety.

But the early pressure soon paid off after some intricate passing in the middle of the park allowed Laura Davies to slip in John-Davis, who placed the ball into the far corner of the net.

Moments after the whistle was blown to start the second half, a delightful corner delivery from Katy Hosford was greeted with a powerful header from Richardson, which left Young with no chance to make it 3-0.

A sublime performance by Richardson was soon rewarded as she completed her treble. The defensive midfielder met another corner with an accurate header, with Chivers this time providing the assist.

Briton Ferry responded as Megan Kearle pulled one back after being played in behind the Swans defence by Sophie Topper.

But normal service was resumed with 70 minutes on the clock after Young tipped Hosford’s powerful shot onto the crossbar, with John-Davis pouncing to tap home the fifth Swansea goal of the afternoon.

John-Davis joined Richardson by bagging a hat-trick of her own; a simple short drilled pass across the face of goal from Hughes allowed John-Davis to slide in and turn the ball into the back of the net.

The finishing touch was applied by Beynon as she was at the back post to turn it home after Hosford was unable to get her head onto John-Davis’ dinked delivery into the box.

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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.

OFFICIAL TRADE & HARDWARE RETAIL PARTNER

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COMMUNITY TRUST SUPPORTS YOU VS TRAIN CAMPAIGN S wansea City AFC Community Trust has selected today’s game against Rotherham United as their matchday focus for this year’s You vs Train campaign.

Emily Coughlin, Network Rail’s Community Safety Manager for Wales and the Western Region, added: “The dangers on and around the railway tracks are very real.

Partnered with the EFL Trust and Network Rail, the campaign aims to raise awareness among young people of the dangers on the railway.

“Each year, we continue to see far too many people risking their lives by trespassing on the railway, resulting in thousands of delay minutes, serious injuries and, in some cases, loss of life.

Every year, hundreds of people unintentionally take on the railway and lose – whether it is through being hit by an unexpected train, or by electrocution through the lethal current within the rails and power lines.

To mark the campaign, the Trust released a video last month with Jordon Garrick, Cameron Evans and Katy Hosford providing messages of support. This will appear on our SwansTV Live stream for today’s game.

“Network Rail have partnered with Swansea City Community Trust to reach young people and share these vitally important messages as part of the You vs Train project.

“Everyone loses when you step on the track.”

If any schools are interested in having the Trust deliver workshops surrounding the You vs Train campaign, please email graham@scfccommunitytrust.co.uk

Additionally, we have been delivering virtual classroom workshops and assemblies to partner schools across Wales during the past couple of weeks, while also running a poster competition for our Junior Jacks.

The winning poster was submitted by Dafydd Jones, who will receive a Swansea City shirt while his entry appears in today’s programme.

Graham Smith, Secondary Education Lead at the Community Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the You vs Train campaign this season.

“The message that everyone loses when you step on the tracks is so important for young people across the Swansea area to hear. “ We’re creating a positive impact delivering assemblies, workshops and events in schools and youth work settings that help keep our participants safe on the railways.”

Daffyd Jones’ winning entry

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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.

1946-1947 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO (FINISHED 21ST)

1945-1946 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO (FINISHED 17TH)

The war raged on for six long and bloody years. Players all over the country sadly lost their lives during the conflict, while those fortunate enough to survive the conflict lost a large proportion of their careers due to the hostilities.

With the football authorities realising the clubs - though desperate for income - needed to rebuild their playing staff, the proposal was made that two regional leagues would be formed from sides who were in the first and second divisions before the war.

With the leagues split into geographical areas, this meant the Swans would play in a league with teams like Arsenal, Aston Villa and Southampton. This season would forever be known as the Victory season, with crowds flocking to matches all over the country.

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After eight years without competitive league action, the first proper season of the post-war era kicked off with a home defeat against West Bromwich Albion.

Although Ford continued his fine goal scoring fo r m , t h e d e fe n c e we r e l e tt i n g i n g o a l s at an alarming rate. This was emphasised by a humiliating 6-1 defeat at home to Bradford P a r k Av e n u e , a n d t h i s p r o m p t e d m a n a g e r Haydn Green to dip into the Irish market, bringing in Norman Lockhart and Sammy McCrory to the club.

The form of both these players on the pitch eventually encouraged the manager to return to Ireland again to bring full-back Jim Feeney to the Vetch Field.

After six long years of rationing and austerity, the general population had a considerable appetite for any form of recreation and entertainment that restored some sense of normality.

However, though the football was attractive, the side was losing on a regular basis and the board reac ted to the on-pitch problems by deciding to cash in on star player Ford, selling him to Aston Villa for a record ÂŁ10,000.

The games were high scoring for the most part, with a young Trevor Ford making a name for himself with his aggressive style of football, and goal scoring exploits that saw him score 40 times across this season.

The financial position at the club was improved w i t h t h e s a l e, b u t w h e n t h e s e a s o n e n d e d both the Swans and Newpor t C ounty found themselves relegated to Division Three (South).

1947-1948 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION THREE (FINISHED FIFTH)

After hitting the top spot in October, the side retained the lead all season, finally winning promotion against Newport County with five games of the season remaining, and clinching the title in the following game at Brighton.

The penultimate game, a 2-0 win at home against Bristol City, also meant that for the first time the club would go a full season unbeaten at home, winning 20 games and drawing one.

Pre-season saw the manager once again bring in recruits from Ireland, this time signing winger Jim O’Driscoll, while local product Tom Kiley was impressing in the reserve side.

1949-1950 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO (FINISHED EIGHTH)

Early results were disappointing as the Swans adapted to a new division, and Green resigned in September to be replaced by Billy McCandless.

The new manager was well known in South Wales, after gaining promotion with both Cardiff City and Newport County, and all at the Vetch Field were hoping he could complete the hat-trick with the west Wales club.

Form picked up as the season progressed, Swansea eventually finishing a creditable fifth in the league, and - towards the end of the season - the manager made a major signing when he spent a club record £11,000 on Welsh International Billy Lucas from Swindon Town.

1948-1949 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION THREE (FINISHED CHAMPIONS)

Optimism was high amongst supporters after the previous season’s title-winning effort, and the team responded in its opening fixture with a fine 2-1 win over Preston North End. In fact, the Swans found themselves fourth in the division after the opening 10 games, but the early season form could not be maintained. By the turn of the year the side had dropped down to below mid-table in the league before recovering somewhat over the final months.

The FA Cup gave the supporters some relief from the grind of league games, and after beating Birmingham City 3-0 at home in the third round, the side were given a glamour tie away at First Division Arsenal.

Over the course of the off-season the manager again showed that he wasn’t afraid to dip into the transfer market as he signed centre-forward Stan Richards from Cardiff City.

The game would see the visitors put up a brave fight before losing 2-1, but it was a youngster playing for the Swans that day who was the talk of the watching press men that afternoon.

The player was Ivor Allchurch.

This proved an inspired signing, with the player scoring nine times in the opening 10 fixtures, helping the club to lead the division in the opening months of the campaign.

The league season saw the side finish in a highlycreditable eighth place, but success came in the Welsh Cup, with the side defeating Wrexham 4-1 in the final at Ninnian Park to win the trophy for the third time.

An area of particular strength was the half-back line, with Roy Paul, Billy Lucas and Francis Burns dominating in most games.

Conscription was introduced to all able men of a certain age, and the results of this shortened season were expunged from the records.

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OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS

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PLAYER SPONSORS 20-21 FREDDIE WOODMAN

STEVEN BENDA

RYAN BENNETT

BEN CABANGO

MARC GUEHI

JOEL LATIBEAUDIERE

KYLE NAUGHTON

CONNOR ROBERTS

JAKE BIDWELL

RYAN MANNING

MATT GRIMES

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WESTACRES

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EMAIL L.MERRELLS@SWANSEACITY.COM FOR AVAILABILITY 51

SEASON 2020-21

52

Match Statistics

Key

Goal =

Captain =

Sub = 2 (number denotes player replaced)

FIXTURE

DATE

TEAM

Newport County (CC R2) A L 2-0

Sat, Sep 5, 3pm

Woodman

Routledge 3

Naughton

Rodon

Fulton

Bidwell 1

Preston North End A W 0-1

Sat, Sep 12, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Rodon

Guehi

Bidwell

Birmingham City H D 0-0

Sat, Sep 19, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Rodon

Guehi

Bidwell

Waycombe Wanderers A W 0-2

Sat, Sep 26, 12.30pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Rodon

Guehi

Bidwell

Millwall H W 2-1

Sat, Oct 3, 3pm

Benda

Roberts

Cabango

Rodon

Guehi

Bidwell

Huddersfield Town H L 1-2

Sat, Oct 17, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Naughton 3

Guehi

Bidwell

Coventry City A D 1-1

Tue, Oct 20, 7.45pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Bristol City A D 1-1

Sat, Oct 24, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Stoke City H W 2-0

Tue, Oct 27, 7.45pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Bennett 3

Guehi

Manning 1

Blackburn Rovers H W 2-0

Sat, Oct 31, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Naughton

Guehi

Bidwell

Brentford A D 1-1

Tue, Nov 3, 7pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Norwich City A L 1-0

Sat, Nov 7, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Naughton

Bennett

Guehi

Bidwell

Rotherham United H

Sat, Nov 21, 3pm

Sheffield Wednesday H

Wed, Nov 25, 7.45pm

Nottingham Forest A

Sun, Nov 29, 12pm

Middlesbrough A

Wed, Dec 2, 7pm

Luton Town H

Sat, Dec 5, 3pm

A.F.C. Bournemouth H

Tue, Dec 8, 7.45pm

Cardiff City A

Sat, Dec 12, 3pm

Derby County A

Wed, Dec 16, 7.45pm

Barnsley H

Sat, Dec 19, 3pm

Queens Park Rangers A

Sat, Dec 26, 3pm

Reading H

Tue, Dec 29, 5pm

Watford H

Sat, Jan 2, 3pm

Barnsley A

Sat, Jan 16, 3pm

Blackburn Rovers A

Tue, Jan 19, 7.45pm

Brentford H

Sat, Jan 23, 3pm

Rotherham United A

Sat, Jan 30, 3pm

Norwich City H

Sat, Feb 6, 3pm

Sheffield Wednesday A

Sat, Feb 13, 3pm

Nottingham Forest H

Wed, Feb 17, 7.45pm

Huddersfield Town A

Sat, Feb 20, 3pm

Coventry City H

Wed, Feb 24, 7.45pm

Bristol City H

Sat, Feb 27, 3pm

Stoke City A

Wed, Mar 3, 8pm

Middlesbrough H

Sat, Mar 6, 3pm

Luton Town A

Sat, Mar 13, 3pm

A.F.C. Bournemouth A

Tues, Mar 16, 7.45pm

Cardiff City H

Sat, Mar 20, 3pm

Birmingham City A

Fri, Apr 2, 3pm

Preston North End H

Mon, Apr 5, 3pm

Millwall A

Sat, Apr 10, 3pm

Wycombe Wanderers H

Sat, Apr 17, 3pm

Queens Park Rangers H

Tues, Apr 20, 7.45pm

Reading A

Sat, Apr 24, 3pm

Derby County H

Sat, May 1, 3pm

Watford A

Sat, May 8, 3pm

1

Booked =

Sent off =

Carabao Cup = CC

FA Cup = FA

Correct as of November 19, 2020

SUBSTITUTES Grimes

Smith 2

Gibbs-White

Grimes

Smith

Gibbs-White

Grimes

Smith

Grimes Grimes

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

Lowe

Ayew

Lowe 2

Ayew

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

Gibbs-White

Lowe 1

Ayew

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

Smith

Gibbs-White 1

Lowe

Ayew

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

Smith

Gibbs-White 2

Lowe 1

Ayew

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

Grimes

Smith

Gyokeres 1

Lowe 2

Ayew

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

Grimes

Smith

Gyokeres 1

Lowe 2

Ayew

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

Grimes

Smith

Fulton

Lowe

Ayew

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

Grimes

Fulton

Dhanda 2

Lowe

Ayew

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

Smith

Fulton

Dhanda

Lowe

Ayew

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

Smith

Fulton 1

Smith

Fulton

2

1

2

1

, Cullen, Gyokeres

Dhanda 2

Lowe 3

Ayew

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

Palmer 3

Lowe

Ayew

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

53

CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE 20-21 POS TEAM

P

*Sheffield Wednesday deducted 6 points.

W D L

F

A

GD PTS

1

Reading

11

7

1

3

17

12

5

22

2

Watford

11

6

3

2

14

9

5

21

3

Norwich City

11

6

3

2

13

8

5

21

4

Bournemouth

11

5

5

1

15

9

6

20

5

Bristol City

11

6

2

3

15

11

4

20

6

Swansea City

11

5

4

2

13

7

6

19

7

Middlesbrough

11

4

6

1

9

5

4

18

8

Stoke City

11

5

3

3

15

12

3

18

9

Millwall

11

4

5

2

10

8

2

17

10

Luton Town

11

5

2

4

9

11

-2

17

11

Brentford

11

4

4

3

17

12

5

16

12

Blackburn Rovers

11

4

2

5

21

14

7

14

13

Huddersfield Town

11

4

2

5

12

13

-1

14

14

Preston North End

11

4

1

6

15

14

1

13

15

Cardiff City

11

3

4

4

12

11

1

13

16

Barnsley

11

3

4

4

12

13

-1

13

17

Birmingham City

11

3

4

4

9

11

-2

13

18

Queens Park Rangers

11

3

4

4

11

15

-4

13

19

Rotherham United

11

3

3

5

10

12

-2

12

20

Nottingham Forest

11

3

3

5

9

12

-3

12

21

Coventry City

11

2

2

7

12

23

-11

8

22

Wycombe Wanderers

11

2

1

8

6

19

-13

7

23

Sheffield Wednesday *

11

3

3

5

6

10

-4

6

24

Derby County

11

1

3

7

5

16

-11

6

UPCOMING FIXTURES SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY (H)

Wednesday, Nov 25, 7.45pm

NOTTINGHAM FOREST (A)

Sunday, Nov 29, 12pm

MIDDLESBROUGH (A)

Wednesday, Dec 2, 7pm

LUTON TOWN (H)

Saturday, Dec 5, 3pm

BOURNEMOUTH (H)

Tuesday, Dec 8, 7.45pm

Correct as of November 19, 2020

NEXT UP AT HOME - SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY

S

heffield Wednesday were in the process of getting back on track before the international break, with four points from two games.

But an initial run of four consecutive defeats culminated in the departure of former Swan Garry Monk who has been replaced by Welshman Tony Pulis over the international break, with the 62-yearold taking a wealth of experience to Yorkshire.

Away form is a cause for concern for the Owls, who have lost four of their last five on the road – scoring just once during that span.

Aiming to improve on last season’s 16th-place finish, they will arrive at the Liberty looking for their first win in SA1 since August 1983.

54

8 SWANS

13 SHEFFIELD WEDS

12 DRAWS 33 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: PAUL WARNE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 31 34 35

Viktor Johansson Billy Jones Joe Mattock Shaun MacDonald Adam Thompson Richard Wood Kyle Vassell Ben Wiles George Hirst Freddie Ladapo Chiedozie Ogbene Lewis Price Mickel Miller Clark Robertson Jamie Lindsay Kieran Sadlier Trevor Clarke Wes Harding Michael Ihiekwe Angus MacDonald Matthew Olosunde Michael Smith Matt Crooks Daniel Barlaser Jamal Blackman Florian Jozefzoon Josh Vickers Jacob Gratton Jake Hull

MATCH OFFICIALS REFEREE: MATTHEW DONOHUE ASSISTANT REFEREES: MARK RUSSELL AND MARK POTTAGE FOURTH OFFICIAL: JAMES DURKIN

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