Swansea City v Watford – 20-21 – Issue 12

Cadwch yn ddiogel Jacks

Issue 12 - Digital Copy

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Swansea City v Watford Saturday, January 2 - Kick-off 3pm

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CONTENTS Page 15 - Festive Fixtures

Page 18 - Meet the Opposition

Page 22 - Match Report

Page 28 - Q&A with Jake Bidwell

Page 42 - 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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STUDY AT SWANSEA UNIVERSITY

ASTUDIWCH YM MHRIFYSGOL ABERTAWE

WHERE BRIGHT FUTURES BEGIN

DRWS I DDYFODOL DISGLAIR

DISCOVER MORE

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DYSGWCH FWY

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TEACHING EXCELLENCE & STUDENT OUTCOMES FRAMEWORK

FFRAMWAITH RHAGORIAETH & DEILLIANNAU MYFYRWYR

(The highest award for Teaching Excellence at UK universities)

(Y dyfarniad uchaf am Ragoriaeth Addysgu ym mhrifysgolion y DU)

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, 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 H

appy New Year to all Swansea City fans around the world.

I think we all move into 2021 hoping there are better times ahead given the severely challenging nine months we have faced.

As a club we are fully aware of our responsibilities towards the community and are doing what we can to help our fans come through this testing time.

But Steve, his staff and the squad have put in consistent performances which have raised our spirits.

We have the best defensive record in the top four divisions of English football, and that’s something we can be very proud of.

O f c our s e, Swans e a C ity is renowned for playing free-flowing football, and we’ve all enjoyed the team doing just that.

On the pitch, the team have given supporters a lot to be encouraged about as we entered 2021 in third place.

Our last result – a 0-0 draw against Reading – saw us play on the newly-laid surface for the first time.

The Championship, as ever, is proving to be a very competitive division with unpredictable results in every round of matches.

We must thank Hewitt Sportsturf for their efforts and expertise in ensuring the pitch was laid in time for that game.

The pitch looked perfect, and it made for an entertaining game in front of the Sky cameras.

That night we also received the fantastic news that our honorary president Alan Curtis was to receive an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

The recognition is fully deserved, and we are very proud of Alan because he has served Swansea City and Welsh football with distinction.

Here’s to happier times in 2021.

Enjoy the game.

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Head Coach’s Notes

STEVE COOPER G

ood afternoon and Happy New Year everyone as we kick off 2021 with a home fixture against Watford.

After a 0-0 draw against Reading last time out, we now face Watford in the first game of 2021.

I am not one for looking back too much, but, with everything that occurred last year surrounding the covid-19 pandemic, looking forward is definitely something we are doing as a football club.

We are expecting another tough challenge against a team that has come down from the Premier League but still boasts a strong squad.

I’m sure everyone will have their own views on how 2020 went for us as a football club, but we will look forward, aiming to improve on the good work we have put in so far.

It’s been a good start, but that’s all it is so far. This game today represents the halfway point in the league, so there is still a huge amount of football to be played.

Our approach here is always to concentrate on what is in front of us. The schedule in the Championship is challenging and demanding, and your position in the table can change multiple times inside 90 minutes, so focusing on the next game is always the priority.

We’ ve not had much time in terms of preparation, but this is the type of challenge that we face in this busy schedule.

U l t i m at e l y, w e g o o u t o n t o the pitch to do you proud and hopefully we’ve done that so far this season.

The last nine months have been difficult for us all, but your support continues to give our squad extra motivation every time they step onto the pitch.

Despite the challenging circumstances, your backing has been inspirational, and we want you to know you’re always in our thoughts in each game.

encourage you in the meantime to stay safe and look after each other.

I have to sign off my notes by congratulating Alan Curtis on receiving an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’ Honours list.

I’ve known Alan for a long time, and his MBE for services to Welsh football is thoroughly deserved. He has served Swansea City so well in many capacities over the years, while he played for Wales and was part of the coaching set up there too.

Along with Leon Britton and Trevor Birch, he played a big part in my appointment here, so I am always indebted to him for that.

We are all very proud of Alan, and I’m sure you’ll join me in congratulating him.

Enjoy the game.

We really look forward to the time when we can welcome you back to the Liberty Stadium when it’s safe to do so. But we

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MATT GRIMES Captain’s Notes

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ood afternoon and welcome to everyone joining us from around the world for our first match of 2021 against Watford at the Liberty.

I feel like we’re playing well at home. We’ ve got a lot of clean sheets this season and it’s a good foundation to build on. We’ve just got to take the positives into the next game.

We go into today’s match off the back of a 0-0 draw against Reading at the Liberty on Wednesday evening.

The Reading fixture marked our last match of 2020 and we have had a chance to reflect on the year as a whole.

I thought we dominated the game and created some very good chances, so we were a little bit frustrated because we played well and, on another day, I think we would have won the match comfortably.

It was a difficult year for all of us off the pitch but, football-wise, I think it’s been a fantastic year for us; we’ve come on leaps and bounds and we look to be in a really good position going into the New Year.

We created the chances, the lads did all they could to put the ball in the net and Rafael Cabral pulled off a couple of world-class saves. Sometimes, you just have one of those days.

Fingers crossed, we’ll be back in front of crowds in 2021; that’s what everyone wants.

But we’re full of confidence, playing well and we’re unbeaten at home for a little while, so we’ll be ready to go.

It will be good to see Ben Wilmot again following his loan spell with us last season. He was a very good player for us last year and scored that goal against Cardiff, so he’ll have fond memories of coming to the Liberty.

But hopefully, we can make sure he doesn’ t come away from this game with more reasons to remember the Liberty too fondly!

Enjoy the game today!

This afternoon’s match will be another different game; they’ve got some very good players with Premier League quality. We’ll have to be on top of our game if we’re going to get anything from it.

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dam Lewis looks back at his time so far with the Supporters Trust , and reflects on the strides made in terms of internal communication.

account (follow us @SwansTrust), and have been looking at ways to build awareness and engagement among some of our younger fans, where we would like to see an increase in membership.

Happy New Year and welcome to what we all hope will be a much brighter 2021. I’m sure when most of us were making our New Year’s resolutions this time last year, we couldn’t have imagined what would unfold in the following 12 months.

Being the new kid on the block is always nervewracking, but the board’s receptiveness to new ideas and candid feedback has been fantastic. We have had some great discussions this year and already started to see the fruits of our labour through increased membership and engagement with supporters; we continue in earnest to work on new and better ways to serve our members in 2021 and beyond.

In 2020 I committed to eat less meat, read 20 books and get more involved in activities/groups that I was passionate about. I’m happy to say that in such a difficult year, I at least managed to keep these three resolutions.

The most significant of these was achieved in August when I was co-opted onto the board of the Supporters Trust for the 2020-21 season. A seasonticket holder since my early teens, I have long been invested in the fortunes of our beloved club. When the opportunity came up to work alongside a group of fellow supporters with the goal of advancing the club and the influence of its fans, I jumped at it.

In addition to the annual elections for board members, the trust has recognised the need for diverse skillsets that can be called upon as needed to help meet new targets and deliver new initiatives for members. That’s where I come in as a co-opted member.

What have I been up to?

One of my key goals in this first year with the trust is to support the increased flow of communications between the trust, its members and the wider fan base. I have taken control of the trust’s Instagram

I’ll be back in future programmes to talk more about being a co-opted member - please reach out to me personally or via our SwansTrust social media accounts with questions.

On the pitch, things continue to look positive. Steve Cooper has built a balanced squad capable of going toe-to-toe with the best in the league on a weekly basis, and we don’t look out of place sitting up there near the top of the league. It has been especially pleasing to see the toughness and grit of our defence.

Watford are a club going through a tumultuous time of late, but a club with a new manager is always dangerous. However, with our quality and strength in depth, I’m hopeful that we will start the year with a positive performance.

Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2021. And, if you’re struggling for a resolution this year, why not join the Swans Trust and get it ticked off early?

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 3 LEEDS UNITED 2 League One – December 29, 2007

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n a battle between two sides jostling for promotion, it would be the Swans who emerged victorious in this thriller in South Wales.

It would be the ten men of Swansea who netted again just before the half-time whistle through striker Jason Scotland’s effort – his tenth of the season.

Andy Robinson opened the scoring through a freekick, only for Jermaine Beckford to peg Roberto Martínez’s side back three minutes later. Garry Monk’s header then restored the home side’s lead before a reckless challenge from Freddie Bodde saw him receive his marching orders in the 38th minute.

Alan Thompson’s free-kick reduced the deficit at the beginning of the second period but that would be the last of the goalscoring as the Swans held on for a memorable win.

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he Swans spread some Christmas joy as they hit Carlisle United for five, making it the third time scoring five goals or more at the Liberty since its opening.

Three goals within the first half an hour from Dennis Lawrence, Rory Fallon and Andy Robinson had the Swans comfortable at the break.

SWANSEA CITY 5 CARLISLE UNITED 0 League One – December 16, 2006

Darren Pratley added the fourth a minute before the hour and Fallon scored his second three minutes later to record the biggest win of the Swans’ season.

It was the first time the Liberty Stadium had seen a Swansea win in the festive period, and it would be one to remember in SA1 for years to come.

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STILETTOS & STUDS

BY JULIE KISSICK

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oodbye 2020. What a year it was. I hope 2021 will be kinder to us all. Fortunately for us fans, there were far more positives on the pitch than there were off it and as we start life in 2021 facing Watford, there is a lot for us to be proud of.

The Brentford tie had it all over the two legs, and the emotions we experienced in July (how bizarre is that?) ultimately ended with a feeling of disappointment and sense of wonder at what could have been.

In my first column of 2020 ahead of the Charlton game, I wrote: “We’re sitting just below the play-off spots and while I would dearly love us to be inside the top six come the end of the season, nothing in this league is guaranteed.”

There was no time to dwell though, because while we didn’t get the trip to Wembley, the new season was upon us in no time.

Little did any of us know what lay ahead, but on reflection, football-wise, we had a really good year.

The big anticipation in January was the derby at the Cardiff City Stadium. It wasn’t a classic, ending in a 0-0 draw, but 11 months and a new season on, the 2-0 win there just last month has been one of the highlights of this season so far.

As a year, 2020 gave us a bit of everything, from a reasonable first few months before lockdown to the roller-coaster when football resumed, the quest to make the play-offs and then the new season, which has given us little to complain about so far.

The lack of the live matchday experience has been one of the downs of the year. Who knows if we’ll get to see a ball kicked in the Liberty Stadium in the 2020-21 season? Watching remotely alongside the likes of Alan Curtis, Lee Trundle, Wyndham Evans and Kristian O’Leary is entertaining and informative but it can’t replace the Liberty.

How grateful will we be for that stadium when we return? We’ll never complain about the ‘lack of atmosphere’ or the fact that it isn’t the Vetch again!

Our visits to CCS bookended the year and the results are representative of the way the year began and ended. No-one who has supported this club for any length of time will fail to appreciate the importance of winning a derby game and let’s hope the recent result is an indicator of what to expect from the remainder of the season.

It was a year like no other, but the disruption in March actually helped us in many ways, and the boys produced a great run after lockdown and the play-offs were just what we needed to lift our spirits and provide a welcome distraction from events off the pitch.

I ended my column this time last year with a nod to Steve Cooper, who at that time was a relative newbie. Twelve months on and he’s an established Championship manager who led our side to some memorable victories in 2020.

It seems fitting at the start of a new year to say ‘thank you’ to Steve, his staff and players, in recognition of all their hard work in the most difficult circumstances of last year.

Let’s hope we can go at least one better at the end of this season, but above all, we hope for good health for everyone involved with our beloved club.

Here’s to a happy, healthy 2021 Jacks!

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WATFORD

FACT FILE OWNER

Gino Pozzo

NICKNAME

The Hornets

FOUNDED

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TWITTER INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK @WatfordFC @watfordfc @watfordfcofficial

STADIUM OPENED CAPACITY Vicarage Road

1922

THE GAFFER Xisco Munoz was appointed Watford boss earlier this month as Vladimir Ivic’s brief five-month spell in charge was brought to an end by the Vicarage Road hierarchy.

The 40-year-old former Valencia, Real Betis, Levante and Dinamo Tbilisi winger retired from playing in 2016 and held a number of assistant manager roles before taking charge of Tbilisi earlier this year, and now finds himself trying to return the Hornets to the Premier League.

CLUB CAPTAIN Troy Deeney is the man with the armband, and has been skipper since the beginning of the 2014-15 campaign where his 21 goals helped guide the Hornets to Championship promotion. Deeney has donned the Watford jersey 395 times in league action, in turn netting 129 goals, the most famous of which was the injury-time winner against Leicester City in the Championship play-off semi-final in 2015. He has previously played for Walsall and Halesowen Town in his senior career.

TROY DEENEY XISCO MUÑOZ

CLUB DETAILS SOCIAL MEDIA FACILITIES

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STADIUM MEET THE OPPOSITION Watford fell back down to the second tier of football after five Premier League seasons as a result of their 19th placed finish last term, missing out on survival by a point. Their best season in the top-flight was under Javi Gracia in 2018-19 where the Hornets finished 11th and reached the FA Cup Final, ultimately losing heavily to Manchester City. They enjoyed their finest period under Graham Taylor in the late 1970s and early 1980s, climbing from the bottom tier to the top and reaching the 1984 FA Cup final.

WATFORD’S FORM The Hornets have been among the Championship pacesetters from the very off, as predicted by many having retained a strong, experienced squad following relegation.

At the time of writing they have lost just two of their last 10 league games, with those defeats coming against Cardiff and Huddersfield. They beat leaders Norwich in Munoz’s first game at the helm.

THE KEY MEN Ex-Manchester United and England goalkeeper Ben Foster returned to the club in 2018 and has been an ever-present between the sticks since. Young forward João Pedro has hit the ground running whilst Senegalese winger Ismaila Sarr has underlined the threat he poses with the sort of form that saw him torment Liverpool’s defence in a 3-0 win last season. Defender Ben Wilmot returns to the Liberty after his season long loan with the Swans, during which he wrote his name into club folklore with his winner in the South Wales Derby.

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ONES TO WATCH

BEN WILMOT

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The English defender joined Watford from Stevenage in 2018 and made his debut for the Golden Boys in a 2-0 win away at Reading in the Carabao Cup in August of that same year.

After a spell away with Serie A’s Udinese in the second half of the 2018-19 season, he joined the Swans on loan at the beginning of the following term and instantly wrote himself into Swansea folklore as his goal sealed a 1-0 win against Cardiff.

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Foster initially joined Watford on loan from Manchester United in 2005-06. And he extended his stay after helping them clinch promotion to the Premier League.

After winning the club’s player of the year award in 2006-07, Foster then returned to Old Trafford before spells with West Brom and Birmingham.

But he would eventually end up back with the Hornets from 2018.

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JOĂƒO PEDRO The exciting youngster initially agreed to join the Hornets back in 2018 after impressing for Fluminense at youth level.

Pedro made his Watford debut in the FA Cup against Tranmere Rovers in January of this year.

He marked his 19th birthday with his first goal; the winner against Luton Town.

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Frenchman Capoue has been at the heart of the Watford midfield since his arrival from Tottenham in 2015.

The midfielder made a name for himself with his fine displays for Toulouse, which eventually earned him a move to the Premier League with Spurs.

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Watford broke their transfer record when they signed sought-after Senegalese international Sarr in August 2019 from Rennes, where he scored 18 goals and starred against Arsenal in the Europa League.

Injuries and strong competition limited his chances at White Hart Lane, but he has flourished at Vicarage Road.

During his debut season with the Hornets he scored six times, with two of them coming in an outstanding display against Premier League champions-elect Liverpool.

ÉTIENNE CAPOUE

ISMAILA SARR 21

SWANSEA CITY 0 READING 0

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MATCH DETAILS DATE: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30 VENUE: LIBERTY STADIUM REFEREE: DAVID WEBB

MATCH REPORT S

wansea City ended 2020 third in the Championship table as Steve Cooper’s side were unable to make the most of their chances in a goalless draw against Reading.

The Swans enjoyed by far the better of the contest, and carved out a number of clear opportunities, only to find Rafael Cabral in inspired form in the Royals’ goal.

The Brazilian saved from Andre Ayew on three separate occasions, and also denied Jake Bidwell and Joel Latibeaudiere, while Marc Guehi fired over the bar from close range.

His efforts ensured the Swans could not find the goal that would have moved them back up to second at the end of a calendar year where they have been among the Championship’s best performers.

Reading had chances of their own but could not get through Swansea’s defence as the home side kept a 13th clean sheet of the season.

Defender Tom McIntyre went closest for the visitors, twice forcing sharp saves from Freddie Woodman via a volley and a near-post header either side of the break.

LINEUPS Swans: Freddie Woodman; Ben Cabango, Ryan Bennett (Joel Latibeaudiere 53), Marc Guehi; Connor Roberts, Korey Smith (Kasey Palmer 73), Jay Fulton, Matt Grimes (captain), Jake Bidwell; Andre Ayew, Jamal Lowe (Viktor Gyokeres 87).

Subs not used: Steven Benda, Ryan Manning, Wayne Routledge, Yan Dhanda, Oli Cooper, Jordon Garrick.

Reading: Rafael Cabral, Tomas Esteves, Tom Holmes, Michael Morrison (captain), Tom McIntyre; Andy Rinomhota, Josh Laurent; Michael Olise, Alfa Semedo (Sone Aluko 59), Ovie Ejaria (Omar Richards 73); Sam Baldock (John Swift 67).

Subs not used: Luke Southwood, Nahum MelvinLambert, Tennai Watson, Ryan East, Jeriel Dorsett.

QUOTE OF THE GAME “WE ARE FRUSTRATED. THERE WERE A LOT OF POSITIVES IN THE PERFORMANCE, WE CREATED CHANCES BUT THEIR KEEPER HAS HAD A GREAT GAME AND MADE SOME GOOD SAVES.” STEVE COOPER 23

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SWANS SQUAD PROVIDE CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR LOCAL SCHOOL

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wansea City’s first-team squad have provided some early Christmas cheer for Dylan Thomas Community School by funding its breakfast club for pupils throughout the whole of 2021.

Villiers and Rebecca Symmons, Swansea City’s head of commercial, who informed me the players, their partners and the club itself wished to support our school breakfast club.

Dylan Thomas Community School, based in Cockett, have one of the highest percentages of pupils entitled to free school meals in South Wales.

“As a school with a high percentage of pupils entitled to free school meals, we believe that it is our moral responsibility to help our pupils and families, particularly in these incredibly challenging times, and one of the ways in which we do so is by providing a free breakfast club to all children every day.

The Swans stepped into help following an original initiative by midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and his girlfriend Britney De Villiers.

They put out a plea on social media for any families in the Swansea area struggling during these difficult times to get in touch, with the aim of providing food vouchers so no-one goes without this Christmas.

Paul Davies, headteacher at Dylan Thomas Community School, contacted Britney and the club having outlined the challenges they faced in a response to a recent article in the South Wales Evening Post.

Morgan went on to raise these issues with Swansea captain Matt Grimes, and they agreed the first-team squad should help the school continue to feed its pupils.

Subsequently all first-team players and their wives, girlfriends and partners have made a contribution, with the amount donated enough to ensure the breakfast club will be able to run throughout 2021.

“I am delighted and fully welcome the kind and generous support of the Swansea City players, their partners and the club itself,” said Mr Davies.

“After responding to a recent article in the Evening Post regarding supporting disadvantaged pupils in Swansea, I was delighted to receive a response from Britney De

“We are a school renowned for the excellent levels of support and care we provide our pupils and their families and consider ourselves a true community school in all we do.

“The money required to run our breakfast club comes out of our own budget, and any fundraising we can access to keep it running. It is an incredibly popular provision and we often have as many as 80 pupils attend each morning.

“To be told that Swansea City has helped fund the running of this facility for at least the next 12 months is a real weight off my mind and secures the ongoing running of it.

“I cannot thank them enough for their kindness and knowing how much our pupils and staff idolise the team, it will mean even more.

“This is a much welcome early Christmas gift for us all and goes to show the tremendous community spirit that we have in Swansea in these incredibly challenging times, and for this I am truly humbled.”

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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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teve Cooper’s side st ar t ed J uly with a 2-1 victory against Sheffield We dne s day. In- form striker Rhian Brewster netted his seventh goal of the season, whilst Andre Ayew secured his 16th of the season from the penalty spot.

The push for promotion continued, this time with an away win against Birmingham City. Rhian Brewster, Jay Fulton and Ben Cabango were on the scoresheet in a 3-1 scoreline.

However, the Swans suffered a set-back in their next fixture against Leeds United, after a

JULY 2020 26

last gasp winner from Pablo Hernandez gave the visitors a 1-0 win.

Forest by the same scoreline against Stoke ensured Swansea finished sixth.

In the condensed schedule the games came thick and fast .

The spoils were shared in a 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest, before a 1-0 win over Bristol City – c our tesy of a C onnor Roberts goal – kept the Swans in the play-off hunt going into the final game.

That set up a two-legged p l a y - o ff s e m i - f i n a l a g a i n s t B r e n t fo r d , a n d h o p e s we r e raised when Ayew smashed home the winner in the first leg at the Liberty.

As no-one will need reminding, g o a l s f r o m B r e w s t e r, L i a m Cullen and a Wayne Routledge brace secured a remarkable 4-1 win, while a defe at for

Unfortunately, the closure of July saw the Swans fall to a 3-1 defeat in the second leg against Brentford, meaning there would be no promotion this time round.

AUGUST 2020

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wans stalwart Routledge extended his stay at the Liberty for another year, as the 35-year-old penned a new contract that ensured he would bring up a dec ade in Swansea colours.

Star man Ayew was unsurprisingly named the Supporter ’s Player of the S e a s o n , a ft e r f i n i s h i n g t h e season with 18 goals and seven assists, while head

SEPTEMBER 2020

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he new season started with a disappointing Carabao Cup exit at Newport County, but the Swans were quickly back to winning ways once the new Championship season started.

coach Steve Cooper would bring in a handful of strong signings ahead of the 202021 campaign.

Woodman – signed on for a second loan spell in SA1 after a strong end to the previous campaign.

Midfielder Korey Smith a r r i ve d aft e r s i x ye a r s w i t h B r i s t o l C i t y, w h i l e F r e d d i e Woodman renewed his place in the Swansea City squad when he completed a second loan move from Newcastle United.

There was another switch to SA1 as Wigan Athletic winger Jamal Lowe signed for the Swans on a threeyear deal. The 26-year-old featured in every game for Wigan in the 2019-2020 season, appearing in both games against the Swans and scoring six goals.

Morgan Gibbs-White swapped Molineux for the L iber ty, as the midfielder put pen to paper on a season-long loan deal, while Marc Guehi – like

The Swans secured all three points as Gibbs-White made it a debut to remember as he nett e d the only go al of the game against Preston North End. A goalless draw against Birmingham followed, before Cooper’s side extended their unbe aten st ar t with a convincing 2-0 victory against W y c o m b e Wa n d e r e r s , w i t h goals from Lowe and Ayew.

Elsewhere, Swans Ladies got t h e i r t i t l e d e f e n c e o ff t o a terrific start, beating Cardiff C i t y Wo m e n 3 - 0 away f r o m home. Stacey John Davis, Shaunna Jenkins and Chloe Chivers ensured the victory with their goals.

The month also saw the exit of Bersant Celina, who joined French side Dijon for an undisclosed fee after two years in Swansea colours.

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Q&A WITH JAKE BIDWELL Age: 27 Position: Defender Nationality: English Former Clubs: Everton, 1 App Brentford, 211 Apps, 3 Goals QPR, 130 Apps, 4 Goals

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HE HAS SCORED HIS FIRST GOAL FOR THE CLUB AND, AT THE TIME OF WRITING, NO-ONE HAS MORE ASSISTS FOR SWANSEA CITY THIS SEASON THAN JAKE BIDWELL. BUT YOU WON’T FIND THE WING-BACK GETTING CARRIED AWAY AS HE REFLECTS ON A CAREER THAT STARTED WITH JOINING EVERTON’S ACADEMY AS A GOALKEEPER, REVEALS THE LESSONS HE LEARNED FROM THE SENIOR FIGURES IN THE GOODISON PARK CHANGING ROOM, AND TALKS ABOUT WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE CONNOR ROBERTS’ NEIGHBOUR. Jake, it’s been an excellent season for you so far, both on a team level and a personal level. You’ve opened your Swans account, yourself and Connor are leading the assists chart. You must be pretty happy all things considered?

I don’t necessarily know all the numbers but it definitely feels like I am playing a part in something that is going well.

But there are no prizes for that at the moment.

We are pushing to keep improving, but I feel I am playing my part.

I have enjoyed playing at wing-back. I played there for QPR for a while, but it was a different style.

We were more of back five, whereas this season Connor and I find ourselves high up the pitch quite often.

It ’s the same formation, but the mindset is completely different. There’s an emphasis to join in the attacks, and we are seeing rewards for that.

Hopefully that continues.

It’s hard work getting up and down, you are asked to join the attacks a lot more but you want that responsibility. I am really enjoying it and I just hope it continues like that.

Yourself and Connor Roberts have had a major impact.

You’ve either scored or assisted more than half of Swansea’s goals this season. What do you think has clicked?

I think it’s a few of the things we just touched on. There is that responsibility to get up there and join the attacks and make things happen. The gaffer has given us the freedom to make things happen.

You have to have threats from midfield and wing-back to make the system work, and we are thriving on the responsibility. But you cannot get carried away, no-one is handing prizes out for anything when the season has not even reached halfway.

Connor and yourself have similar roles on the pitch, and you live in a similar area off the pitch. I think I’m right in saying you are neighbours?

Yeah, we are. We live next door to each other so I can hear him sawing away when he is doing all his woodwork stuff!

He is good as gold, to be fair. He has his three dogs and his girlfriend so he keeps himself busy on top of that with the woodwork. I don’t think he is ever bored, that’s for sure.

His garage is next to my living room, so there will be nights I sit down and put the TV on to chill out and the next thing I can hear the saw going and it sounds like he’s going to saw through my wall.

He makes some really good stuff, to be fair to him. I think he is fully booked up at the moment because of the standard of the stuff he does.

It’s really impressive and he’s a great lad.

The way he plays the game reflects who he is off the pitch. He is full of energy, he is positive and we always have a good laugh.

What you see on the pitch, is what you see off it.

Going back to yourself Jake, not many people will know that your first big break in football came as a goalkeeper when you were signed by the Everton academy?

Yeah, we are from Southport and it’s obviously a big football area. From as young as I can remember I played football with my brother, it would be in the house or outside. We would break stuff and it would send our mother mad.

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE...

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I then joined the local club juniors, but we just played whenever and wherever we could. I was an outfield player to start but when I got to 11 our goalkeeper went to Australia for six weeks to see some family.

I had to go in goal while he was away and during that time I was scouted and picked up by Everton. The trial went well, I signed on and spent two years there as a keeper.

But, as time went on, I was not really enjoying it anymore and I wanted to be back as an outfield player.

So, I left, but ended up being back six months later as an outfield player. I sort of fell into being a goalkeeper and then fell out again You went on to become Everton’s youngest player in European competition when you played against BATE Borisov in 2009, and you were around a highlyrespected manager and squad. What did you take from that experience?

With the Borisov game, at the time you think that’s just the next step on your road. I didn’t really stop to think about the record or things like that, it’s more a case of when I look back now I am more aware of it.

It ended up being my only appearance for Everton, but I am very proud of that because that is one more than an awful lot of people have.

Would I have liked more? Of course, I would have, but I am still proud of it. There are people out there who would give their right arm to play for Everton, and I was able to do it.

I learnt a lot there too, you pick up things from being around a group of players like that. They were really good professionals. Guys like Leighton Baines, Sylvain Distin, Phil Jagielka, Mikel Arteta and Phil Neville, they set such high standards in everything.

It did not matter if it was on the pitch, in the gym, meeting the fans. They always did their best job.

I can remember Phil Neville, who was getting towards the end of his career at the time, always doing his extra bits to keep himself in the best possible shape. It instils a work ethic in you that I still carry in my career now.

They knew that it would not just happen for them on a matchday, it had to be about good habits, about the right approach and mentality.

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Do you see parallels between the approach there and what you see at Swansea now?

I do see some in terms of the standards the gaffer and his staff set. He is early in his journey as a manager but he really does set very high standards every time we go out on a pitch.

In some ways he is a little more relaxed. For example, we don’t have a fines system because it is selfgoverned and the squad is disciplined enough for that not to be needed.

But when we are out on the grass and he is coaching, he demands the highest standards and there is absolutely no room for negotiation on that.

That’s how we improve, how we have improved and hopefully we can continue to do that.

It’s more of a football discipline if you like, and it suits us as a group. Those standards he demands are the standards we want to be playing at.

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A

JACK THE LAD

s a Neath League centreh a l f a n d g o a l k e e p e r, I was on the wrong end of several double-figure drubbings.

So efficient have the Swans become at the back that the club is developing a reputation as one of the meanest in the EFL.

I may rarely have been part of a good defensive performance, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate watching one.

That may well be true on the pitch.

My experiences on the parks pitches of South West Wales mean I probably enjoy a gritty, well-organised defensive display more than most.

So watching the likes of Marc Guehi, Ben Cabango and Ryan Bennett - who all seem to really e n j oy d efe n d i n g a s we l l a s being exceptionally good at it - protecting Freddie Woodman and chalking up clean sheet after clean sheet in the league this season is hugely enjoyable.

Don’t get me wrong, as a Swans fan I love the brand of attractive, att acking play the club has always been famous for.

And just because we are particularly tight at the back doesn’t mean the likes of Andre Ayew and Jamal Lowe haven’t been providing us with some magic moments at the other end of the pitch.

But for someone who was so often involved in chaotic calamities at the back, seeing the art of defending practised to such a high standard is particularly satisfying.

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But off it, the club has been anything but mean. The efforts to support the community this Christmas have made me as proud of the Swans as their exploits on the field.

Fittingly during the season of goodwill, the club, its players, sponsors and supporters have been anything but mean.

This Christmas, more than any festive season in recent years, posed huge challenges to many families and individuals throughout the Swansea area and beyond.

The way the club stepped up to the plate to support those facing difficult times has been genuinely heart-warming.

T he club has been involved in the Everyone D eserves a Christmas campaign alongside local MP Carolyn Harris, Mecca Bingo, the club’s Community Trust and the Ospreys.

The campaign delivered more than 1,000 hampers throughout the city and surrounding areas to families who are struggling this festive season.

This was just one of a number of initiatives the club has been involved with.

Leading the way have been the players. Whether collectively or individually and despite a phenomenally hectic playing schedule over the past month, they have supported a number of deserving causes.

Led by skipper Matt Grimes and club stalwart Wayne Routledge, the first team squad grouped together to buy a number of presents which will be distributed among vulnerable families in the Swansea Bay University Health Board area.

The squad have also put their h a n d s i n t h e i r p o c ket s a n d committed to funding the breakfast club at Dylan Thomas Community School in Cockett, which has one of the highest percentages of pupils entitled to free school meals in South Wales.

The initiative follows an original idea by Wolves loan signing Morgan Gibbs-White and his girlfriend Britney De Villiers.

The kind-hearted couple put out a plea on social media for any families in the Swansea area struggling during these difficult times to get in touch, with the aim of providing food vouchers.

When the head of Dylan Thomas Community School got in touch asking for help, Gibbs-White spoke to his skipper Grimes and it was decided the first-team squad would once again step in.

As a result, all first-team players and their wives, girlfriends and partners have made a contribution, which ensured the club will be able to run throughout 2021.

Headmaster Paul Davies said: “To be told that Swansea City has helped fund the running of this facility for at least the next 12 months is a real weight off my mind and secures the ongoing running of it.

“I cannot thank them enough for their kindness and knowing how much our pupils and staff idolise the team, it will mean even more.”

It certainly will.

Welsh international C onnor Roberts has also donated reindeer cuddly toys and selection boxes to the BlaenY-Maes Drop-In Centre which provides food bags and vouchers throughout the area.

Meanwhile, Ayew recently spoke of the support he provides to family, friends and the community in general in his native Ghana.

Then there was former Swans and Wales skipper A shley Williams, who set up his own Wills World charity during his time here at the Liberty.

Of course, Swans players have history for showing they don’t just deliver for the fans and the wider community on a Saturday afternoon or a Tuesday and Wednesday night.

Today ’s players are carrying on the club’s charitable traditions off the field, even if they are building a reputation for being more than miserly on it.

Former Swans star Angel Rangel hit the headlines many times thanks to his caring nature and charitable works.

A strong defence is always a good indic ator of the spirit within a team. And a charitable and supportive culture within a club is a good indicator of its c ommitment to fans and the wider community.

Probably the most notable of his actions came about when he and his wife overheard a café owner say he was going to throw out a stock of near outof-date sandwiches.

The Rangels toured Swansea looking for homeless people in need of a meal before answering Twitter suggestions to visit a homeless shelter where they distributed the food to grateful recipients.

The club has certainly delivered off the pitch over the Christmas period, let’s hope they continue to deliver on the pitch during the New Ye a r, s t a r t i n g w i t h t h r e e points and another clean sheet against Watford today!

C’mon you Swans!

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SWANS GREAT ALAN CURTIS TO RECEIVE MBE

S

And Curtis was proud to receive an accolade that all connected with Swansea City will surely agree is richly deserved.

Curtis, who now holds the role of honorary club president following his retirement from coaching in May 2019, represented the Swans during three separate spells during his playing career.

“I am really proud to accept the honour. I knew about it a month ago and the difficulty has been to keep it a secret.

wansea City great Alan Curtis has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

The 66-year-old has been recognised for services to Welsh football in a playing and coaching career that has spanned over four decades.

He scored 110 goals in over 400 appearances, and also won 35 caps for Wales, netting six times.

After hanging up his boots, Curtis also held roles as caretaker manager, assistant manager, first-team coach, loan player manager, head of youth development, youth coach, community officer and matchday host for Swansea City.

“It’s a great honour, I am totally surprised and taken aback by it, to be honest with you,” he said.

“But there is an overwhelming sense of pride. It’s a terrific honour.

“I am just so grateful to have had the career I had, and to go that length of time means you can only thank all the players, staff and supporters, as well as your family.

“My only wish is that my parents were still alive, as I am sure they would have been bursting with pride.

“But it has been a great journey and a real privilege.”

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COOPER PROUD OF CURT ANNOUNCEMENT

S

teve Cooper says everyone at Swansea City is delighted to see Alan Curtis’ “massive” contribution to Welsh football rewarded with an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.

The 66-year-old, the club’s honorary president, has been recognised for his services to Welsh football after a career in the game that has lasted more than four decades.

He also played a part in Cooper’s own appointment as head coach in June 2019, and the Swans boss had nothing but the warmest congratulations for the Swansea City great on his achievement.

“It’s amazing. The initial feeling from the football club is one of great pride, and congratulations to him,” he said.

“It’s great for him because it is real recognition of his services to Welsh football. He has worked with the

national team, and with Swansea. Everyone in Welsh football knows who Alan Curtis is.

“I have known him for a long while now, but have got to know him particularly well since I have been here.

“We speak regularly, we speak at length about his views on the game. He is always honest with me and he is a really good bloke.

“He is a people person, and he has made a massive contribution to Welsh football as a player and a coach.

“On behalf of the current team and the staff, I just want to congratulate him and we look forward to the day where he can officially receive his MBE. “I will always be indebted to him, Leon (Britton) and Trevor (Birch) for listening to me and giving me the chance to manage this club.”

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LEWIS WEBB SIGNS NEW SWANSEA CITY CONTRACT

S

wansea City goalkeeper Lewis Webb has signed a new contract through to the summer of 2024, with the option for a further 12 months.

The Wales Under-21 international had been due to see his original deal run out next summer, but his long-term future at the club has now been secured.

The 19-year-old joined the club in the summer of 2019 from Merthyr Town on scholarship terms, and made an impression for the under-18 and under-23 sides.

“We have been really pleased with Lewis’ development during his time in the first-team set-up,” said head coach Steve Cooper.

He was handed a first pro deal in the summer of 2019, and has been working with the first-team set-up since the tail-end of the 2019-20 campaign.

“IT’S REALLY GOOD NEWS TO SEE HIM SIGN HIS NEW CONTRACT AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO WORK WITH HIM.”

Webb was on the bench for the home win over Millwall in October, and has been a regular part of the matchday and travelling parties throughout the 2020-21 season.

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FAN FOCUS SIMON BROWN ABOUT SIMON Name: Simon Brown Age: 40 From: Pentrechwyth, Swansea

How long have you been supporting the Swans?

Why did you start supporting the Swans?

Twenty eight years, season ticket holder, travel home and away.

There was an initiative where under 16s had free admission to the Vetch Field to help increase crowds, four of us from school went on a Friday night to try it out v Brighton, it very quickly become a way of a life.

What was the first Swans game you attended/ watched on TV? Friday, November 20 1992 v Brighton at home (lost 1-0), still got the programme!

What is your most memorable Swans moment?

Very difficult question, if I had the choice to go back and relive a game, it would be the 4-2 win v Hull in 2003 to preserve our league status. The pouring rain, electric atmosphere, local boy hat-trick, celebrations on the pitch at the end, this was a key turning point in our history and the start of something very special, it could have been all so different! Bury away to win promotion was also very special, the famous wins at Wembley go without saying.

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

It was the Hull game in 2003, I was a young deputy manager in Pizza Hut at the time, I requested annual leave for this weekend and got declined. I told my line manager, that’s fine, but at midday on the Saturday, I would be leaving work to go to the game, if they choose to sack me, I would have no issues and get another job. We know what happened on the pitch, I also kept my job, it turned out all good!

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Describe to us your typical pre-match ritual?

My dad comes over, we watch the midday game with my son Jack and all head down together, meet our friends, get the chips and coffee in and let the action unfold. Away games, we usually stay away on the Friday, greet the players on arrival on the Saturday, so Jack (my son) can get back to play football on Sunday.

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

Gylfi Sigurdsson. Every free kick, there was more chance he would score than miss, his passing, goals, corner delivery, link up play, he made things happen, had the ability to change the game at any moment, he was on a different level, pure class & quality as a player. A special mention must go to Roger Freestone, L eon Britton & Lee Trundle.

Who is your favourite current player, and why?

A ndre Ayew. C ommitment , p assion, effor t , leadership, quality, plenty of goals & assists, role model, enough said!

What is your favourite Swans kit from over the years?

My first one, the 1992-93 season, loved it , sponsored by Action. I also really liked the 2011-12 kit when we arrived at the Premier League for the first time.

What has been your most disappointing moment watching the club?

It would actually be the Christmas period 2016, a 4-1 defeat at home to West Ham on Boxing Day followed by a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth o n N e w Ye a r ’ s E v e , v e r y d e p r e s s i n g a n d embarrassing. it ruined my Christmas and New Year.

What makes Swansea City special to you?

The city, the people, the passion, the pride, the memories and being part of the Jack Army, my blood is black & white, Swansea ‘til I die!

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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.

1976-1977 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR (FINISHED 5TH)

1975-1976 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR (FINISHED 11TH)

The Swans were successful in their application to remain in the Football League, with manager Harry Griffiths bringing in George Smith, Geoff Bray and Paul Harries on free transfers with no money available to strengthen.

After the traumas of the previous few seasons, it was a solid if unspec t acular st ar t to the season. One league game at the end of November is wor thy of note, however, with Stockport County including superstar George Best in their line-up.

With the experienced Griffiths in charge, there was quiet optimism around the club, something that had been absent for some time.

The average attendance remained low at just under 3,000 a game, but it was hoped a crop of youngsters including Alan Curtis, Robbie J ame s and Nigel S t evens on would provide foundations for a better future.

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The close season saw significant arrivals as Eddie May, Pat Lally and Jeremy Charles signed for the Swans. Jeremy was part of a football dynasty being the son of Mel, and the nephew of the great John.

A strong League Cup run provided an early-season boost, Charles netting twice in a win over Newport County, with further wins over Chester City and Torquay United following before an exit, after a replay, against top-flight Bolton Wanderers.

However, that defeat to the Trotters started a difficult run of league form and it took a frank exchange of opinions between the manager and the players to have the desired effect.

By the end of January the side were in sixth place in the league, and right back in the promotion hunt. The run into the end of the season saw the side scoring plenty of goals, and playing stylish football. With just two games of the season left to play the side was in the final automatic place, but inexplicably lost 4-1 at home to Watford on the penultimate weekend to cost them promotion.

1977-1978 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION FOUR (FINISHED 3RD)

The disappointment of last season was soon forgotten with the bookmakers having the Swans as promotion favourites.

This would lead to the appointment of Liverpool great John Toshack as player-manager, a move that would reap rich dividends in the coming years.

The manager went out to boost his defence with the signing of goalkeeper Keith Barber from Luton Town, and added to his attacking options by bringing in Kevin Moore from Blackpool.

His first game in charge saw an exciting 3-3 draw at the Vetch Field against leaders Watford, and the run in to the end of the season saw the side continue its excellent form, including a record 8-0 victory 8-0 against Hartlepool United on April Fool’s Day.

Early season league form was impressive, with the side in the top six and Curtis relishing his role as an out and out striker.

However, a difficult run followed and Griffiths offered his resignation in late October, but it showed the measure of the man that he carried on at the club in an acting managerial capacity until the board found another man to take over.

Such was the upturn in form that Griffiths was reinstated as manager as the Swans got back in the promotion hunt, only for him to resign again at the end of January as he voiced a desire to work with the club’s youth team.

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE...

Then, with just two games of the season left to play, former manager Griffiths collapsed and died while working at the club.

The game against Scunthorpe United that night was played in a strange atmosphere, and the team responded in the only way it could, with a 3-1 win.

Four days later the final fixture of the season saw the Swans entertain Halifax Town, and though the away side held out for over an hour, goals from Toshack and Curtis were enough to give the side victory to guarantee promotion to Division Three.

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A CENTURY OF LEAGUE FOOTBALL 1978-1979 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION THREE 1979-1980 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO (FINISHED 3RD)

Excitement was evident amongst the supporters with an increase in season ticket sales as the likes of Alan Waddle, Geoff Crudgington and legendary hard man Tommy Smith joined.

The league form was impressive with the team unbeaten in its opening seven fixtures, but it was the draw for the second round of the League Cup that caught the public’s imagination as Swansea were handed a home tie against Tottenham Hotspur and their two World Cup winning stars Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa.

A crowd of over 24,000 saw the Swans storm into a 2-0 lead at the Vetch, but the visitors responded and a thrilling tie saw the game finish 2-2. The replay back in London has gone down in Swansea folklore, with a Toshack-inspired display seeing the side triumph 3-1 against all the odds.

There were soon more new arrivals too. Ian Callaghan came from Liverpool while a club-record £70,000 was spent on Wales international Leighton Phillips.

The Swans remained in the promotion hunt right to the end and a final game with Chesterfield at the Vetch. Over 22,000 soaked up the drama as the Swans came from behind.

Waddle brought the hosts level, before an iconic Toshack header – after the manager had brought himself off the bench – sealed the 2-1 win required to seal a return to the Second Division.

(FINISHED 12TH)

After more than a decade of gloom the prospect of playing at Second Division level caught the fans imagination, with season ticket sales rocketing.

However, before the season began there was genuine cause for disappointment as Curtis joined First Division Leeds United for a club record £350,000.

The money from the sale was used to strengthen the squad, with a club-record £150,000 paid to Aston Villa for Tommy Craig, and £100,000 to Middlesbrough for Welsh International John Mahoney.

This was a season of consolidation and the FA Cup proved to be the highlight of the season. The third round saw the club paired with Terry Venables’ Crystal Palace, a team of exciting youngsters known as the team of the Eighties.

An absorbing cup tie at home saw the side gain a 2-2 draw with their First Division opponents, and just three days later in London the replay saw the teams share six goals, meaning a toss of a coin saw the Swans head to Ninian Park for the third game.

In front of over 20,000 spectators the Swans won an absorbing cup tie 2-1 with goals from James and David Giles.

The draw was kind in the next round with another home tie against Reading seeing a 4-1 win, but the dreams of Wembley ended in the fifth round, away at eventual winners West Ham United.

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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

Queens Park Rangers A W 0-2

Sat, Dec 26, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Bennett

Reading H D 0-0

Wed, Dec 30, 8pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Bennett

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, 7pm

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

Guehi

Bidwell

Grimes

Guehi

Bidwell

Smith 2

Booked =

Sent off =

Carabao Cup = CC

FA Cup = FA

Correct as of December 30, 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

Fulton

Grimes

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

Lowe 3

Ayew

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

1

53

CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE 20-21 POS TEAM

P

*Sheffield Wednesday deducted 6 points.

W D L

F

A

GD PTS

1

Norwich City

22

13

5

4

30

20

10

44

2

Brentford

22

11

8

3

36

21

15

41

3

Swansea City

22

11

7

4

25

12

13

40

4

Bournemouth

21

10

8

3

36

18

18

38

5

Watford

21

10

7

4

24

15

9

37

6

Reading

22

11

4

7

32

27

5

37

7

Stoke City

22

9

8

5

26

21

5

35

8

Barnsley

22

10

4

8

27

28

-1

34

9

Middlesbrough

21

9

6

6

25

17

8

33

10

Bristol City

22

10

3

9

23

24

-1

33

11

Preston North End

22

10

2

10

30

30

0

32

12

Huddersfield Town

22

9

4

9

27

30

-3

31

13

Luton Town

22

8

6

8

20

24

-4

30

14

Blackburn Rovers

22

8

5

9

36

27

9

29

15

Cardiff City

22

8

5

9

29

25

4

29

16

Millwall

20

5

10

5

17

18

-1

25

17

Coventry City

22

5

8

9

20

30

-10

23

18

Birmingham City

22

5

8

9

17

27

-10

23

19

Queens Park Rangers

22

4

9

9

20

30

-10

21

20

Derby County

21

4

7

10

14

23

-9

19

21

Nottingham Forest

22

4

7

11

15

26

-11

19

22

Sheffield Wednesday*

22

5

7

10

14

23

-9

16

23

Rotherham United

20

4

4

12

19

29

-10

16

24

Wycombe Wanderers

22

3

6

13

15

32

-17

15

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

BARNSLEY (A)

Saturday, Jan 16, 7.45pm

BLACKBURN ROVERS (A) Tuesday, Jan 19, 7pm

BRENTFORD (H)

Saturday, Jan 23, 3pm

ROTHERHAM UNITED (A)

Saturday, Jan 30, 3pm

Correct as of December 30, 2020

NEXT UP AT HOME - BRENTFORD

T

here is a familiar foe next up for the Swans in SA1 as they host B rentford, a side they have played eight times sinc e the start of December 2018.

B oth sides reached the play-offs last term, with Thomas Frank’s Bees edging a thrilling pair of semi-final ties 3-2 on aggregate.

The Bees are in their seventh season in t h e s e c o n d t i e r, h av i n g s e c u re d a u t o m at i c promotion from League One under Mark Warburton in 2014.

34 SWANS

54

32 BRENTFORD

23 DRAWS 89 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

HEAD COACH: XISCO MUÑOZ 1 3 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 31 32 35 44 47 49 52

Ben Foster Jeremy Ngakia William Troost-Ekong Ben Wilmot Tom Cleverley Troy Deeney João Pedro Adam Masina Ken Sema Nathaniel Chalobah Craig Cathcart James Garner Glenn Murray Andre Gray Will Hughes Domingos Quina Kiko Femenía Isaac Success Ismaïla Sarr Tom Dele-Bashiru Stipe Perica Daniel Bachmann Christian Kabasele Étienne Capoue Francisco Sierralta Marc Navarro Adam Parkes Joseph Hungbo Toby Stevenson Kane Crichlow Daniel Phillips

MATCH OFFICIALS REFEREE: DARREN BOND ASSISTANT REFEREES: DANIEL LEACH AND MARK POTTAGE FOURTH OFFICIAL: JOHN BUSBY

56