Swansea City v Barnsley – Championship – 21-22 – Issue 23

SEASON 2021-2022

VERSUS

BARNSLEY

Friday, April 15, 2022 - Kick-off 3pm

ISSUE 23

JOMA-SPORT.COM PAGE 2

CONTENTS Page 15 - Swansea City AFC Foundation

Page 18 - Meet the Opposition

Page 23 - Match Highlights

Page 32 - Q&A with Joel Piroe

Page 40 - History Makers

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.

STUDY STUDY AT AT ASTUDIWCH YM SWANSEA MHRIFYSGOL SWANSEA UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY ABERTAWE WHERE BRIGHT FUTURES BEGIN

WHERE BRIGHT FUTURES BEGIN DISCOVER MORE DISCOVER

MORE >

DRWS I DDYFODOL DISGLAIR DYSGWCH FWY

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TEACHING EXCELLENCE & STUDENT OUTCOMES FRAMEWORK

FFRAMWAITH RHAGORIAETH TEACHING EXCELLENCE & &STUDENT DEILLIANNAU MYFYRWYR OUTCOMES FRAMEWORK

(The highest award for Teaching Excellence at UK universities)

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

(The highest award for Teaching Excellence at UK universities)

Chief Executive Julian Winter Board Of Directors Directors: Romie Chaudhari, Bobby Hernreich, Huw Jenkins, Jason Levien, Martin Morgan, Gareth Davies, Julian Winter, Jake Silverstein, Terry Sinnett, Sam Porter Honorary Club President: Alan Curtis; Associate Directors: David Morgan, Sian Davies Team Management Head Coach: Russell Martin Behind the Team Technical Development Coach: Matt Gill Goalkeeping Coach: Dean Thornton Head of Physical Performance: Matt Willmott Head of Medicine: Dr Jez McCluskey First-Team Performance Analyst: Ben Parker Sporting Director: Mark Allen Staff: Ritson Lloyd, Ailsa Jones, Matthew Murray, Adele Callaghan, Daniel Morris, Lee Watkins, Chris Watkins, Daniel Nisbet, Michael Eames, Shaun Baggridge, Huw Lake, Steffan Popham, Bethany Chaddock

Senior Management Group Andrew Davies (Head of Operations, Facilities & Development); Gareth Davies (CFO); Mark Allen (Sporting Director); Rebecca Edwards-Symmons (Head of Commercial) Club Staff Club Secretary: Ben Greenwood Football Operations & Administration Manager: Rebecca Gigg Head of Retail: Andrea Morris Head of Hospitality & Customer Services: Catherine Thomas Head of Safeguarding: Rebeca Storer HR Manager: Nicola Butt Senior Commercial Sponsorship Manager: Lee Merrells Head of Marketing: Katie Hughes Head of Media & Communications: Ben Donovan Ticket Office Manager: Lewis Bullen Operations & Events Manager: Matthew Daniel Facilities Manager: Gordon David Grounds Manager: Evan Davies Disability Access Officer: Catherine Thomas Swansea City AFC Foundation Manager: Helen Elton Club Ambassador: Lee Trundle

Programme Production Contributors: Ben Donovan, Andrew Gwilym, Sophie Davis, Hayley Ford, Sam Penfold, Adam Evans, Dom Hynes, Julie Kissick, Alun Rhys Chivers, Gwyn Rees Designers: Callum Rothwell, Jordan Morcom, Lewis Ward Photography: Athena Picture Agency, Natalie Davis, Alamy Swansea City AFC Swansea.com Stadium, Landore, Swansea, SA1 2FA CP-D Dinas Abertawe Stadiwm Swansea.com, Landore, Abertawe, SA1 2FA Telephone/Ffôn: 01792 616400 Web/Gwe: swanseacity.com Email/E-bost: info@swanseacity.com

OUR FORTRESS, YOUR HOME. Season Ticket 2022-23 on General Sale Visit swanseacity.com

PAGE 6

A MESSAGE FROM

JULIAN WINTER G

T heir latest silverware was confirmed after Cardiff City Women held title challengers Cardiff Met to a draw at the Cardiff City Stadium.

We have just six games left of the season, with four of those fixtures coming here in SA1.

There has been a new format to contend with this season, while Swans Ladies also suffered a first league defeat in over three years.

ood afternoon and welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for today’s Championship fixture against Barnsley.

With three wins in a row, there is a real buzz and excitement around the club and we are all looking forward to finishing the campaign strongly and building on strong foundations for the summer and the start of the 2022-23 season.

As a club, we are delighted that Kyle Naughton has agreed terms on a new one-year contract with the club.

Kyle has been outstanding this season and a great professional within the squad, recently making his 250th appearance for Swansea City, and we are extremely pleased that he will be with us again for the 2022-23 season.

I’d like to give a special mention to Swansea City Ladies who became Genero Adran Premier champions for the third consecutive season last weekend.

But despite this, they dropped just seven points in 19 games and congratulations go to Chris Church, Ian Owen and the players for a magnificent achievement.

This week we have gone out to supporters asking them to vote for their player of the season ahead of the player awards dinner on May 3.

The dinner will be a celebration of the highlights from this season for our first team, Swansea City Ladies and also the academy.

Tickets are still available for the night and more information can be found HERE. We are also pleased to announce that Sellebrity Soccer will host a fundraising football match at the Swansea.com Stadium next month in memory of Swansea City fan Nev Wilshire.

Nev, who sadly passed away in December 2021, was a huge Swans fan and his passion to the game extended to playing for local clubs including Pontardawe, Port Talbot and Carmarthen.

He is best remembered for the larger than life personality that caught the attention of viewers of reality TV show ‘The Call Centre’.

Nev had also previously played in matches for Sellebrity Soccer, and therefore the match this year will be held in his memory.

Nev was also a keen supporter of Maggie’s, and therefore funds raised from this match will be donated to the cancer charity The match will take on Sunday, May 29, with kick-off set for 3pm and tickets can be purchased HERE. F inally, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to the directors, management, players, staff and from Barnsley who have made the trip to Wales for today’s game.

Enjoy the game - and Happy Easter!

Julian

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A MESSAGE FROM

RUSSELL MARTIN G

ood afternoon and welc ome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for our Championship game against Barnsley.

It can’t be understated what the previous week took out of the players both physically and emotionally, but to cap it off with a third win in the space of a week was incredible.

We are now entering the final six games of the season, with four of those – including today – being here on home soil.

We started the game brilliantly and could have been more than two goals ahead, and then a little bit of tiredness crept into our game which is understandable, but the players deserve so much credit for what they are doing right now.

I’d like to start my programme notes this week by saying how pleased we are that Kyle Naughton has agreed terms on a new deal at the club.

We all love working with Naughts, he has no ego, he is unassuming and just a brilliant person. The fact he wants to stay and the club have recognised how important he is, it’s really positive for us.

A lot of people questioned the position he was playing in the team early on, but we knew how important he would be and he will be a big part of what we are doing next year.

I was absolutely delighted with the win against Derby last Saturday for many reasons.

They’ve been through some tough times this season, but they’ve grown and stuck together and shown how much they believe in what we’re doing.

We are in a really good moment and it was really pleasing to get that third win in a week – something which we hadn’t done this season.

We were disappointed not to keep a clean sheet, which would have been our fourth in a row, but only two teams have had more shutouts than us so far this season.

We have had very few shots on target against us over the last number of games, and first and foremost I put that down to the bravery the players have shown on the ball.

It takes away energy from opponents with what they do on the ball, with the courage they show, and they are so important for us in terms of how we build play.

It’s also down to their willingness and desire to defend and close down the distances to players.

One of the reasons we were brought in here was to improve the players and playing the way that we do is a huge part of it.

Like last Saturday, we welcome a Barnsley side to SA1 who are fighting for their lives to stay in the division.

We know we will have to be at our best once again this afternoon and hopefully we can kick-off your bank holiday weekend with three points.

Enjoy the game, Russ

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A MESSAGE FROM

MATT GRIMES G

ood afternoon and welcome to everyone joining us from around the world for this afternoon’s Championship fixture against Barnsley at the Swansea. com Stadium.

I'd like to start by saying how delighted we are that Kyle Naughton has agreed terms on a new contract with the club.

Naughts is really popular member of the squad, and he's held in such high regard by all of us. He's had a brilliant season and it's great that he will be with us again next year.

We were delighted to win our third game in the space of a week in our last game at home against Derby County.

We were determined to continue momentum following wins over Cardiff and Millwall but knew

Derby would be fighting for their lives in the relegation fight. It was a tough week both emotionally and physically but we stuck together and were able to reap the rewards.

season strongly. We’ve played with courage and conviction and need to ensure that we approach every one of the remaining games with the same mentality.

We started the game well but Derby showed their intent on getting back in the game and made life difficult for us but we dug deep and defended well to get the win.

We s a w l a s t S a t u r d a y t h a t facing any team battling in the relegation battle is tough so we know that this afternoon’s game against Barnsley will be another tough test for us.

Joel scored his first brace for the club to take his tally to 20 for the season and we’re all so happy for him. He’s a brilliant player and a fantastic lad and it’s just the start for him. To score 20 goals in this league is a fantastic achievement and the fact that he’s achieved that in his first season in British football is amazing.

The Derby win ended a superb week for us but the aim for us now is to keep building on our last three wins and to finish the

We’re all focused on the remaining games and feel ready for whatever comes our way.

We’ve had a great week at the training ground but need to make sure we transfer that on the pitch come 3pm.

Enjoy the game today and Happy Easter!

Matt

PAGE 11

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A MESSAGE FR M

CERI MORGAN T

here are many games that will long have a place in the mind of Swansea City fans. One that might not be as memorable to some as it should be took place on the May 22, 2021.

We welcomed Barnsley in the second leg of the Championship play-off semi-final. Notably, this was the first game which welcomed back the Jack Army since the start of the pandemic, albeit at a reduced capacity. It was amazing for those lucky enough to be able to watch our beloved team live and in person once again and to think this would have been the first time some players got to see and hear our amazing fans.

We welcome Barnsley today fo l l ow i n g w h at h a s b e e n a really good period for us lately.

It goes without saying that the historic ‘double’ over our rivals from the east was unbelievable.

The passion that was shown by the players post-match as well as Russell celebrating with the fans was amazing. We kept this momentum going over the next two games with a hard-fought victory against Millwall and a 2-1 win against Derby last Saturday.

Joel Piroe hit the 20-goal mark for the season so far, too congratulations, Joel! Another player I would like to congratulate over the last three games is Joel Latibeaudiere who has been a vital part of our defence.

The struggles that last Saturday’s opponents are facing off the field are well documented. What a tough time it has been, not just for the players, but also the worry and stress it causes for the Derby County fanbase. Business within the world of football is so fluid, one day a team can be in a great position financially and within the blink of an eye their world gets turned upside down.

I was recently appointed to the Swansea City Supporters’ Trust board as a co-opted member until the end of this current term.

It’s well-known at the moment that there are different views and feelings amongst certain members of the Trust, but I join believing I can contribute and play a valid part in what we all want; the ongoing success and preservation of our amazing club.

I wholeheartedly share the view that the Trust plays an integral part in ensuring the ongoing success and existence of Swansea City Football Club. We are in a very fortunate position where we have representation on the board of directors with our supporters’ director, Terry Sinnett, and the fact that we have a model that is envied by other clubs nationwide.

This is the reason I put myself forward to join the Trust. To ensure the club we all love continues well in to the future.

I look forward to meeting and engaging with our members, as well as anyone who is interested in becoming a member of the Trust.

Details on how to join can be found on our website: swanstrust.co.uk/ join-the-trust/.

That being said, let’s hope we carry our momentum into today’s game and for another three points.

Have a great day and enjoy the game.

YJB

PAGE 13

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wansea City AFC Foundation is pleased to announce that a permanent position on the Foundation's Board of Trustees has been awarded to the Swansea City Supporters’ Trust.

This allows both organisations to work more closely on various initiatives and projects that are in line with some of their core principles.

There are aspects that the Trust and Foundation believe they can impact through a joint approach, particularly inclusion, education and youth engagement, and this new and permanent position on the Foundation board will allow the collaboration to become more structured.

The very first Supporters’ Trust representative on the Foundation Board will be associate director Sian Davies.

Helen Elton, head of community said: “I have had a number of productive meetings with the Trust, and I am delighted to have a representative join our Board.

Strategically, I believe it strengthens relationships across the club and gives us a more unified approach to community matters. And on a personal note, I think Sian will be a real asset to our board.”

Sian Davies, associate director added: "I am delighted to be given the opportunity to be the first official representative

of the Swans Trust on the Board of the Foundation. I am excited about the future as I believe both organisations have a number of similar aims and objectives and bringing the working relationship of the Foundation and the Trust closer together can only benefit both organisations and the communities we serve."

Both the Supporters’ Trust and the Foundation will provide more updates to members and supporters of the supporterfocused initiatives that both organisations will be working on going forward.

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wansea City is pleased to announce that Sellebrity Soccer will host a fundraising football match at the Swansea.com Stadium next month in memory of Swans fan Nev Wilshire.

Nev, who sadly passed away in December 2021, was a huge Swansea City fan and his passion to the game extended to playing for local clubs including Pontardawe, Port Talbot and Carmarthen.

He is best remembered for the larger than life personality that caught the attention of viewers of reality TV show ‘The Call Centre’.

Nev had also previously played in matches for Sellebrity Soccer, and therefore the match this year will be held in his memory.

Nev was also a keen supporter of Maggie’s, and therefore funds

raised from this match will be donated to the cancer charity.

office. They are priced at £12 each, with a £3 booking fee payable per ticket.

The match will take on Sunday, May 29, with kick-off set for 3pm.

To purchase tickets click here or call the ticket office on 01792 616400 and selecting option 1.

Tickets can be purchased through the Swansea.com Stadium ticket

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BARNSLEY

BARNSLEY BARNSLEY BARNSLEY BARNSLEY BARNSLEY OWNER

NICKNAME

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Chien Lee

The Tykes

1887

STADIUM

OPENED

CAPACITY

Oakwell

1888

23,287

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INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

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THE GAFFER

Following the departure of Markus Schopp, Poya Asbaghi was appointed Barnsley boss last November.

The Iran-born coach began his career in the Swedish third tier, where his impressive record led to stints with Gefle IF and topflight IFK Goteborg.

POYA ASBAGHI

Asbaghi guided them to Europa League qualification and Swedish Cup success over Malmo before moving on to the Sweden Under-21 job and, now, Barnsley.

CLUB CAPTAIN

Barnsley skipper Cauley Woodrow joined the club on loan from Fulham in 2018 and made the move permanent the following January.

He has been a key figure ever since, proving a reliable goalscorer but also a forward with great energy and work rate.

BARNSLEY He began his career at Luton before joining Premier League Fulham.

Woodrow featured for the Cottagers in the top-flight, but had loan spells with Southend, Burton and Bristol City before finding a home with the Tykes and helping them win promotion to the Championship.

CAULEY WOODROW

PAGE 18

Woodrow has been sidelined by injury since December, but is nearing a return to action.

Y

Y

OAKWELL MEET THE OPPOSITION

Y

Y

HOW’S THEIR FORM?

D Barnsley have been something of a mainstay in the Championship since their promotion from League One in 2006.

The Tykes have since been relegated back to the third tier twice, only to quickly gain promotion again.

W

L

D

L

Improving. Barnsley had won just two games all season prior to February 12, but four victories and three draws since have given them an outside chance of an unlikely escape from the drop.

The Yorkshire club enjoyed a superb campaign last term and managed to secure a place in the play- offs, finishing 5th, before being eliminated by the Swans over two legs.

The Tykes had at one stage appeared to be all-but certain to be playing in League One next season, but their fine recent run has left them eight points behind Reading with six games – one more than the Royals – remaining.

The club’s greatest success came in 1912, when they beat West Brom 1-0 to win the FA Cup. Barnsley have also recently won the Football League Trophy in 2016 with a 3-2 win over Oxford United.

However, their away form has been miserable, with the Yorkshire side picking up just seven points on their travels. That gives them the worst away record in the division.

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ONES TO WATCH

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MADS ANDERSEN

ONES TO WATCH

ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH

POSITION

CB

NATION

AGE

SHIRT NO.

24 6

ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH

ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH ONES TO

ONES TO WATCH WATCH ONES TO WATCH

ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH

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ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH PAGE 20

T

he Danish defender has been skippering the side with club captain Cauley Woodrow having spent a long spell on the sidelines due to injury, although the forward is now nearing a return to action.

Andersen, 24, has made over 100 appearances since joining Barnsley in 2019, having come through the youth ranks at Danish top-flight side Brondby.

He had stints with Kage and Horsens – the former on loan - in his homeland before his move to south Yorkshire.

He has been a regular and reliable performer for the Tykes ever since.

CALLUM STYLES POSITION

CM

NATION

AGE

CARLTON MORRIS SHIRT NO.

21 4

B

urnley academy product Styles joined the Tykes from Bury in 2018 with the Yorkshire club playing their football in League One. He made his debut in March 2019 with the Reds well on the way to promotion, and he would play a key part in them retaining Championship status the following season as he netted a vital goal at Brentford on the final day of the season.

Flourished in a wing-back role as Barnsley reached the play-offs last term, and has remained a key figure this term as they battle the drop.

His form recently saw him capped by Hungary during the March international window, with Styles eligible to represent the Magyars and Ukraine through his grandparents.

POSITION

ST

NATION

AGE

SHIRT NO.

26 14

T

he rangy forward joined Barnsley in January 2021, bringing to an end a long stint on the books at Norwich, where he came through the academy ranks.

He made just one league appearance for the Canaries and had a number of loan spells away from Carrow Road.

The former England age-grade international had stints with Oxford United, York City, Hamilton Academical, Rotherham United, Shrewsbury Town and MK Dons – where he worked under Russell Martin – before his move to Oakwell.

He netted seven goals in half a season as the Tykes reached the play-offs, and has another nine to his name this term.

PAGE 21

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WATCH HIGHLIGHTS

SWANSEA CITY 2 DERBY COUNTY 1 JOEL PIROE’S FIRST SWANSEA CITY BRACE SEALED VICTORY OVER DERBY COUNTY AS RUSSELL MARTIN'S SIDE RECORDED THEIR THIRD WIN IN A WEEK AT THE SWANSEA.COM STADIUM.

TEAM LINEUPS Swans: Andy Fisher; Ben Cabango, Kyle Naughton, Joel Latibeaudiere; Cyrus Christie, Jay Fulton, Matt Grimes (captain), Hannes Wolf; Joel Piroe (Korey Smith 76), Jamie Paterson (Olivier Ntcham 60); Michael Obafemi (Kyle Joseph 90).

Subs not used: Ben Hamer, Ryan Manning, Nathanael Ogbeta, Cameron Congreve.

Derby County: Ryan Allsop; Nathan Byrne, Eiran Cashin, Curtis Davies, Lee Buchanan (Festy Ebosele 45); Krystian Bielik, Luke Thompson (Bartosz Cybulski 84); Malcolm Ebiowei, Ravel Morrison, Tom Lawrence (captain); Luke Plange (Jason Knight 73).

Subs not used: Kelle Roos, Craig Forsyth, Richard Stearman, Carlos Richards.

Referee: Tim Robinson Attendance: 18,374

PAGE 23

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WOLF UNLEASHING BEAST MODE WITH FINE FORM

R

ussell Mar tin believes Swansea City ’s Wolf is unleashing his beast mode after a series of fine performances from loan signing Hannes.

The attacking midfielder joined the Swans from Borussia Monchengladbach in January, looking to get game time under his belt and rediscover his best form after injuries.

He has certainly hit those targets having nailed down a regular spot at wing-back, and he has recorded a goal and two assists in his last three appearances.

The most recent of those came via a clever and perfectly-weighted cross that allowed Joel Piroe to fire the Swans into the lead against Derby County at the weekend.

And the Austrian has offered a consistent and persistent threat on the left flank during Swansea’s best run of results this term.

“He was a beast,” said head coach Martin in assessing Wolf’s display against the Rams.

he’s just got better and better and better. Hopefully he can continue that until the end of the season.

“I singled him out in the dressing room – I don’t often do that because it’s all about the team – but I thought he was excellent.

“He’s really comfortable in both roles – he was brought in to play inside the pitch. Obviously we were without a left-back at one point and he’s stepped in and done it brilliantly.

“He was awesome and outstanding physically and athletically against a tricky opponent.

“He was a threat going forward but the amount of work he did defensively for the team was just incredible.

“I think he’s enjoying his football again. He’s enjoying being here and the fans have taken to him brilliantly, so have the players.

“He’s really hardworking and serious about his profession. We’ve really enjoyed having him here.

“It’s not a position he’s enjoyed playing before but he’s loved it here and we’ ve had chats about that.

“He played inside against Millwall on Tuesday and I thought he played really well. Against Derby, he was great so hopefully whichever position he plays, he’s happy and he’s enjoying it and he can keep up that form until the end of the season.”

“He came here to try and kick start and get going again after a tough period with injuries and

PAGE 25

ASTUDIA YM MHRIFYSGOL ABERTAWE DRWS I DDYFODOL DISGLAIR DYSGWCH FWY

FFRAMWAITH RHAGORIAETH & DEILLIANNAU MYFYRWYR (Y dyfarniad uchaf am Ragoriaeth Addysgu ym mhrifysgolion y DU)

WELSH COLUMN BY ALUN RHYS CHIVERS, GOLWG

D

oes dim angen meddwl yn ôl yn rhy bell ar gyfer ymweliad diwethaf Barnsley â’r stadiwm hon, ac mae’n siŵr y bydd pawb yn cofio’r achlysur am flynyddoedd i ddod. Roedd yr Elyrch newydd guro Barnsley o 1-0 ar eu tomen eu hunain diolch i gôl Andre Ayew, ac yn llygadu lle yn rownd derfynol y gemau ail gyfle am yr ail dymor yn olynol.

38 munud gymerodd hi i’r Elyrch ddyblu eu mantais i 2-0 dros y ddau gymal, gyda’r capten Matt Grimes yn taro chwip o ergyd o ymyl y cwrt cosbi. Roedd ganddyn nhw funudau digon nerfus yn niwedd yr ornest ar ôl i Cauley Woodrow grafu gôl yn ôl i’r ymwelwyr ar ôl 70 munud. Ond ar ôl trechu tîm Valerien Ismael, gornest yn erbyn Brentford yn Wembley oedd y wobr am ymdrechion tîm Steve Cooper. Prin y byddai neb wedi dyfalu bryd hynny mai hon fyddai gêm ola’r rheolwr wrth y llyw, ac fe fyddai dyrchafiad wedi bod yn wobr deilwng am ddau dymor llwyddiannus o dan y Cymro o Bontypridd.

Gyda chwe gêm yn weddill o’r tymor hwn, mae’r Elyrch yn ddi-guro mewn pum gêm ond mae’n deg dweud bod unrhyw obaith o gyrraedd y gemau ail gyfle’n prysur ddiflannu, gydag wyth pwynt yn gwahanu tîm Russell Martin, sy’n bedwerydd ar ddeg, a’r safleoedd ail gyfle. Byddai’n cymryd ymdrech arwrol erbyn hyn i gyflawni hynny, ac mae gorffen yn hanner

ucha’r tabl yn darged llawer mwy realistig ac yn rhywbeth sydd wedi edrych yn annhebygol ar adegau yn ystod y tymor diolch i ganlyniadau anghyson.

Un gwahaniaeth mawr yn y canlyniadau’n ddiweddar, serch hynny, yw fod Joel Piroe a Michael Obafemi wedi bod yn darganfod y rhwyd yn hawdd, gyda phedair gôl yr un yn y pum gêm ddiwethaf, a Piroe bellach wedi cyrraedd y garreg filltir o 20 o goliau yn ystod y tymor.

Pe bai’r rhediad diweddar hwn o fuddugoliaethau wedi dechrau’n gynt yn y tymor, gallai’r Elyrch fod wedi bod mewn sefyllfa dipyn gwell wrth wynebu’r gemau olaf hyn. Mae’n rhaid mynd yn ôl mor bell â 1974 ar gyfer buddugoliaeth ddiwethaf Barnsley yn Abertawe, gyda Bobby Doyle, Brian Mahoney a Paul O’Riley yn sgorio i’r ymwelwyr, felly bydd Abertawe’n ddigon hyderus o barhau â’u rhediad da heddiw.

Ar Ddydd Gwener y Groglith y llynedd, roedd yr Elyrch oddi cartref yn Birmingham.

Ond fe gollon nhw o 1-0, a’r canlyniad yn golygu bod rhaid iddyn nhw fodloni ar le yn y gemau ail gyfle yn hytrach na dyrchafiad awtomatig, gan eu bod nhw naw pwynt y tu ôl i Watford erbyn hynny. Y tro hwn, mae’n frwydr i gyrraedd y gemau ail gyfle.

Olivier Ntcham a Jamie Paterson sgoriodd yn y fuddugoliaeth o 2-0 yn Barnsley fis Tachwedd. Y dwbl amadani heddiw?

PAGE 27

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STILETTOS AND STUDS BY JULIE KISSICK

A

nother home game, another relegationbattling side to welcome to the Swansea.com Stadium this Good Friday.

Some would say the fixtures are being kind to us as four of our final six games are at home.

But there are no ‘easy’ games at this stage in the season, especially when we face another two sides battling for Championship survival - today’s visitors Barnsley who are currently 22nd and next, we travel to 21stplaced Reading, who sit one spot above the relegation zone.

Then, back home for Middlesbrough who are currently eighth and the big tests of second-placed Bournemouth at home and fourth-placed Nottingham Forest away, before the final home game of the season against Queens Park Rangers, who occupy 11th place as things stand.

Russell Martin has been keen to point out that he wants his side to finish strong and lay down a marker to start next season by building on what can be achieved in these last few games.

“I want us to go on and finish the season as strongly as possible so we can show what we can maybe achieve next season,” said the gaffer before the win at Millwall.

And of course, next season is going to look like nothing we’ve ever seen before. The English Football League has had to adjust the schedule to accommodate the Qatar World Cup, which takes place over five weeks in November and December.

That means there is going to be an early start to the new campaign as the Championship

and League One and League Two seasons begin on the weekend of July 30.

That’s 12 weeks on from the end of this season and there will also be a pause in Championship proceedings for five weeks in November and December before it resumes following the end of the group stages of the World Cup. So, another season of disruption but, unlike that brought about by the pandemic or inclement weather, at least there is no uncertainty about the duration of this one and there is a chance to plan around it.

The uncertainty of life, inside and outside of football, was the focus of an interview Barnsley head coach Poya Asbaghi did with The Guardian last month. He is a man who has experienced and escaped some exceptionally challenging times and he now finds himself in a relegation fight, a situation that requires perspective, he told the newspaper.

He was only a year old when his family fled Iran to avoid political persecution in the 1980s. They settled in Sweden and he went on to study economics before becoming a football coach including for one of Sweden’s biggest clubs, IFK Gothenburg.

“Sometimes when you lose a game, those of us who work in football and also the fans think it is the end of the world because we put so much passion and hard work into it,” Asbaghi said.

“But those experiences … give you a little bit more of a balanced perspective on life.”

Thought-provoking words, particularly given the time of year.

Happy Easter all.

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PAGE 32

JOEL PIROE HAS BECOME THE FIRST SWANSEA CITY PLAYER TO SCORE 20 GOALS IN A SEASON SINCE OLI MCBURNIE IN 2019, AND THE DUTCHMAN IS NOT DONE YET, AS HE REVEALS THE INFLUENCE OF RUUD VAN NISTELROOY HAS HAD ON HIS CAREER, AND WHY HE HAD EVERY CONFIDENCE HIS MOVE TO SA1 WOULD BE A SUCCESS. CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE....

Joel, we’ve been on a good run of form recently with four wins from the last five. What’s the feeling been like in the camp?

You mentioned after Millwall that 20 goals was your target for the season. Now you have reached that number, what’s next?

The feeling is good for sure, this last week has been amazing to tell you the truth. We have been playing pretty well, and we have been starting games well and getting on the front foot.

To keep performing well and to keep winning games and we have to see where it will take us in the end. But the team comes first. I love scoring goals, but I think it is better to be winning games.

We are obviously pleased to have put together three wins in a week.

To back up beating Cardiff with two more wins made it a perfect week.

I just want to finish as well as possible. Now I have reached 20, I don’t want to stop scoring. I want to win as many games as possible.

The games against Millwall and Derby were against sides who are battling for promotion or fighting relegation. Does it say a lot about your attitude as a squad that you’ve been able to produce and show the intensity to beat teams in those situations?

Did you ever expect you would reach 20 goals in your first season?

You know when you face teams in those positions that they are going to push and they are going to take risks. It is always the same when you are fighting for something, and we have to be able to do the same ourselves.

They were tough games, but they were games where I think we played very well and the challenge for us is to continue to back up these performances and results.

I knew I was capable of doing it, I believed in myself. I knew I could score goals I just needed the chance to play a lot of games.

I think I’ve showed what I can do now, and the team is showing what we can do.

I hope we can finish the season well. We’ ve shown that the game plan works and that we’ve got the courage and technique to do it.

We just need to keep matching the intensity and get good results.

PAGE 33

You scored three goals in four days against Millwall and Derby, and they were all first-time finishes. You must have ice in your veins?

Thank you for that, it’s nice for people say these things but I just try to make the right decision in the moment.

I try to recognise how much space I have before I get the ball. If you know that you have a lot of space, you can just pick a corner and make sure the technique is right.

If you see the goalkeeper is moving to the near post, you can try to hit it in the long one and vice versa if it is the other way around.

We have seen you play as a number nine, but you have played in a deeper role recently with Michael Obafemi in the team. How have you found that?

Sometimes, especially at the start of the season, it was a bit frustrating because we had a lot of possession but I didn’t really get to touch the ball that often.

I like to get more involved and I like to be on the ball.

But, also, when you play a little deeper, it’s a little bit harder to get into the positions to score goals.

As a striker you always want to score goals as many as possible. I think I have adapted well to it.

Yourself and Michael seem to have struck up a good bond on and off the field. What’s your relationship like? We could see you having some fun together on social media last week.

We have a very good bond together. He is a good guy, he likes to laugh a lot and is always smiling.

We like each other on and off the pitch and he brings a good dynamic to the team.

What’s the aim for you moving forward with Swansea?

Of course, I am really enjoying my time here and I hope to We hope to finish as strong as possible to show the fans that we can repay the trust they have shown in us, we are really fighting for them.

PAGE 34

What were your expectations when you made the move to Swansea last summer?

I knew in the previous seasons they had played the play-offs. I was hoping to score as many goals as possible and help the team.

Just as the club would have done their research on me, I also did my research on the club and I could see it was a team that plays good football and I felt we could be a good fit together.

I knew how this club has played in the past and I wanted to adapt as quickly as possible because I liked what I saw.

I didn’t really know how many games I would play, I was hoping to play at least 20 to 25 games and to develop, get into the English style of football.

What about life in Wales, how have you found that?

It’s very nice. The people are very kind – they always try to help you. They really make life easy for you.

We mentioned earlier your first-time finishing. You seem to always strike the ball very cleanly, is that something that has always come naturally to you?

Yes, I think it always came easily to me. When you receive a ball like the one against Derby, where it is rolling really slow to me, as a striker you have to be able to hit that clean.

You have spoken previously of the fact you were coached by Ruud van Nistelrooy at PSV Eindhoven, and he is one of the great Dutch strikers. But, being left footed, is there a bit of an influence of Robin van Persie in how you finish?

They are both great strikers, so to be compared with them is very nice. My childhood hero as a striker was Ronaldo, the real Ronaldo, R9.

But as a Dutch striker it would definitely be Ruud van Nistelrooy.

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE....

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F

ollowing the conclusion of our series of ‘History Makers’ features recalling Swansea City’s historic 1980-81 season, club historian Gwyn Rees profiles one of the stand-out stars of that era; the legendary Alan Curtis MBE. Though he is a son of the Rhondda, Alan Curtis MBE is a true Swansea City legend, not just because of his on-field exploits, but because of the many and varied off-field duties he has performed in his usual professional and courteous manner.

Curtis’ playing career began at the Vetch Field in 1972, when after impressing in both Combination and Welsh league sides, he was handed his full league debut away at Southend United.

This proved a masterstroke for both player and team, with Curtis finding the net regularly, and with new manager John Toshack Swansea rose through the divisions at a record-breaking speed.

The forward’s best goal scoring season came in 1977-78 when he plundered an amazing 34 goals, but scouts at clubs around the country had been keeping an eye on his progress and it was with a certain reluctance that Curtis left for First Division Leeds United in a then clubrecord sale worth £400,000 prior to the start of the 1979-80 season.

He arrived at Leeds United as a full Wales international, having made his senior debut against England the previous March.

He came into a side that was struggling both on and off the field, and came up against defenders who showed no mercy to a teenage player whose silky skills were to be blunted at all costs.

He scored on his debut for the Yorkshire side, but a collision with England goalkeeper Peter Shilton a short time later resulted in serious knee ligament damage, and the injury kept him sidelined for most of the season.

Playing mainly as a wide man, Curtis showed bravery along with his undoubted ability, and was selected by his country at youth, under-21 and under-23 levels while performing in the lower divisions at the club.

On his return to full fitness Curtis struggled to regain a regular first- team spot, and when the opportunity came to return to the Vetch Field in a cut price £175,000 deal the player jumped at the chance.

It was when manager Harry Griffiths took over at the Vetch Field that Curtis’ career really took off. Appreciating that the player had exceptional ball control, and could go past a defender with some ease, he moved the youngster from out on the wing into the central striker role.

He joined a club that was pushing for promotion out of the Second Division and, along with other local products such as Robbie and Leighton James, Jeremy Charles and Wyndham Evans, Curtis was able to celebrate promotion on that never to be forgotten afternoon at Preston in May 1981.

PAGE 40

The opening fixture of the following season in the First Division saw the Swans play at home to Leeds United, and at a sun-drenched Vetch Field the hosts ran out winners 5-1.

Curits would score the final goal of the day to cap off a perfect afternoon for club and player, memorably driving forward before jinking and firing an unstoppable strike into the top corner.

T his opening season at the pinnacle of English football saw the side confound the critics, finishing in sixth place in the table.

But the second season - due to various problems on and off the field - saw the club relegated, and Curtis was sold to Southampton along with other first-team regulars to help ease the financial problems at the club at the time.

A brief stay at Stoke City followed his time at the Dell, before coming back home to Wales and Cardiff City. His time at Ninnian Park was very successful, with Curtis helping them win promotion to the Third Division, and he won a Welsh Cup winners’ medal in 1988.

But after two seasons, the pull of the Vetch Field proved to strong, and Curtis joined the club for a third time, finally ending his professional career in 1990 after making over 400 appearances for his beloved Swans.

His time as a full time professional may have ended, but he continued playing in the Welsh League with

Barry Town, where he won another Welsh Cup in 1994, before finally hanging up his boots a year later.

Upon his retirement Alan returned to the Swans; becoming the club’s football in the community officer, but it wasn't long before he was working as youth team manager, then head of youth development and eventually assistant manager.

By the time the club reached the Premier League, Alan was a firm part of the first-team set-up and served under the likes of Michael Laudrup and Garry Monk, having earlier done so under John Hollins.

He also selflessly took over responsibilities as caretaker manager on a handful of occasions while the club looked around for a full-time man to take on the responsibilities at the helm.

During this time he was also working as part of Brian Flynn’s Wales Under-21 coaching set up, until he was given the job as Swansea City’s first loan player manager in 2017, monitoring the progress of the players out on loan from the club.

When he retired from an illustrious coaching career at the end of the 2018-19 season, Curtis became the club’s honorary president, and he was deservedly awarded an MBE for his s er vic e s t o Welsh football over more than four decades in the New Year’s Honours List in 2021.

He is without doubt one of Swansea City’s greatest servants, and is more than deserving of the affectionate moniker of ‘King Curt’.

PAGE 41

Football is a game of many opinions, but there is one that we must all share. There is no place for discrimination in our game. If you do not agree, then you are not welcome.

If you see or hear discrimination in this stadium, please report it to the nearest steward or via the Kick it Out App. Because we are all #TogetherAgainstDiscrimination Download the Kick it Out app for free from your app store.

EFL.com

SWANSEA CITY LADIES SEAL THIRD CONSECUTIVE GENERO ADRAN PREMIER TITLE

E

“

cstatic” Swansea City Ladies coach Chris Church says the players deserve all the credit after clinching the G enero A dran Premier League title for the third consecutive season.

After being the dominant force in Welsh domestic football in recent campaigns, the Swans faced some stern tests as their rivals sought to usurp them at the top of the table.

There has been a new format to contend with, while the Swans also suffered a first league defeat in over three years.

But despite the new challenges and setbacks, Church’s team have continued to show the style, determination and ruthlessness that are the hallmarks of champion sides.

In the end, Swansea dropped just seven points in 19 games.

They have been confirmed as title winners with a game to spare, and Church was keen to attribute the achievement to the players’ hard work and resolve to keep bettering their previous achievements.

“We’re ecstatic,” Church said.

“It’s been a long season but it’s the reward for the players, I think they deserve this accolade of winning three in a row.

“I think that’s a great feat for anyone to try and do, and I think the players have excelled this year and I’m really pleased for them.

“The work ethic of the group and the desire to achieve things that no one else believes they can achieve sets them apart from the rest of the league.

“I think for us to win it three times in a row, you’ve just got t o h o l d yo u r h a n d s u p a n d congratulate the players on their achievements. The players have worked hard to be this successful.

“That badge means everything to them and it raises their level, it raises the staff’s level as well.”

PAGE 43

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FIRST GOAL A PROUD MOMENT FOR LOCAL LAD JOE THOMAS

S

wansea City Under-23s defender Joe Thomas was proud to net his first goal since joining the club in their recent draw with Sheffield Wednesday, but was frustrated they had not taken all three points at the Swansea.com Stadium.

Thomas - who joined from Cambrian & Clydach Vale in January - put the Swans ahead after just 11 minutes, converting Joel Cotterill’s corner, before Tivonge Rushesha’s stunning 25-yard strike made it two before the break.

But Wednesday pulled one back through Liam Waldock before Bailey Cadamarteri equalised after the Swans were forced to play with 10 men, Ben Erickson being stretchered off the pitch after Swansea had made all three changes.

For a local lad and Swans fan, it meant a great deal to net at the home of his boyhood club, but

Thomas was also disappointed that his side couldn’t claim all three points after dominating for the majority of the game.

“It’s my first game here and to score a goal, it’s the best thing you can do really on your first arrival here so I’m really happy for myself,” said Thomas.

“It’s great to play here, it’s a lot of hard work through training and throughout the matchday, you are constantly working really hard, I’m just giving it my best and constantly working through it all. “ I t ’ s f r u s t rat i n g fo r u s , we dominated the first half and sloppy errors let us down, it was a good performance but we just have to clean up on those sloppy errors.

so we’ve got to take that into consideration, although they’ve come back with two goals, we have dominated the game for almost 80 minutes, which is not easy to do.

“Obviously going down to 10 men, it’s not easy coming back from that , but the goal was preventable, it’s just picking up in the box and stopping the cross. It could have been stopped.

“We have to learn from that. It’s a great pitch to play on at the stadium, especially for the way we play, it suits us massively. I can’t wait for the last two games, we’ll give it our all for the last two and try and finish strong.”

“One of the first thing the coaches focused on after the match was how well we dominated, we dominated for 75 to 80 minutes

PAGE 47

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PAGE 48

SHEFFIELD WEDS U18s 1 SWANS U18s 3

S

wansea City Under-18s returned to winning ways with a fine win over Sheffield Wednesday Under-18s in the Professional Development League.

The Swans trailed early after a stunning strike from Danny Wassell, but first-half goals from Iwan Morgan and Corey Hurford restored the visitors' lead, before substitute Kyrell Wilson secured all three points.

The Sheffield Wednesday side featured four players who had been involved in Sheffield Wednesday Under-23s 2-2 draw with Swansea City Under-23s just five days earlier.

And the first chance of the game fell to the home side, a Murthadha Al-Jahadmy strike from the edge of the box testing Tyler Evans early.

It would be Wednesday who broke the deadlock, Wassell flicking the ball up before hitting a superb strike into the top-right corner.

But the Swans would grow into the game midway through the second half, with Hurford sending

Morgan through, but his effort struck the side netting.

Hurford then had the chance to equalise after he was sent through by Dan Watts, but the forward's low effort was turned around the post.

But, from the resulting corner, Filip Lissah’s header was only cleared as far as Hurford, who cannoned a strike off the underside of the crossbar and in to level proceedings.

Just two minutes later the Swans were ahead, Morgan’s fantastic touch from Seb Dabrowski’s ball allowing the forward a simple finish to make it 2-1 before the break.

The Swans had two chances to make it three right after the break, first Hurford’s excellent run opened the Owls defence, but his effort was dragged wide.

Minutes later, Watts’ excellent pressing won the ball back in the Sheffield Wednesday box, but Hurford was denied by the onrushing goalkeeper.

Lissah’s cross was handled in the box by Cian Flannery, with IMorgan stepping up to the spot. But his low penalty was met by a strong hand from Pierce Charles to keep the game at 2-1.

The Swans would finally find their third however, substitute Wilson tucking an effort into the bottom right after a great ball through by Hurford to seal the three points

TEAM LINEUP Swans: Tyler Evans, Filip Lissah, Seb Dabrowski, Jada Mawongo, David Roberts, Josh Edwards (captain), Dan Watts, Charlie Veevers (Kyrell Wison 66), Iwan Morgan (Geoff Bony 72), Corey Hurford, Zane Myers (Josh Carey 82).

Subs not used: Ben Hughes, Richard Faakye.

PAGE 49

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I

f somebody asks me what day it is this weekend, the chances are I'm not going to have a clue.

My internal calendar tends to work by sporting events. If the Six Nations rugby is on, then it must be around February or March.

The Grand National? Well, that's normally April.

JACK THE LAD

FA Cup Final? It's obviously May. And so on.

It's the same with days of the week. As an old traditionalist, an afternoon at the football means it must be Saturday.

Football on a weekday? Then it's generally a Tuesday or a Wednesday because that's how it used to be in the 'old days'.

The Swans' time in the Premier League had me all over the place with matches being played here, there and every time of the day or week.

The Championship is far more predictable for an old fogey like me. More often than not it's Saturday-Tuesday/Wednesday-Saturday.

B ut the E aster weekend is a whole different challenge with the Swans playing on Friday and Monday afternoons.

As a Swans fan, football on a Friday isn't that unfamiliar to us. Back in the 1970s and 80s, in particular, the Swans would regularly play on a Friday night to avoid a clash with Welsh rugby internationals being played the following day.

But this Friday we'll be kicking off at 3pm which, for me, will make Friday feel like Saturday.

That in turn will make Saturday feel like Sunday and Monday feel like Tuesday.

Monday feeling like Tuesday won't be too bad because we'll be playing Reading on that day.

But once again we'll be kicking off at 3pm, so that's going make the Monday, which feels like a Tuesday, really feel like a Saturday - especially because I won't be working as it's Easter Monday.

Are you still with me?

PAGE 52

If you are, you should be worried!

Anyway, whatever days the games are on and whatever day it feels like to me, one thing I'm not confused about is the fact that I'm thoroughly looking forward to what should be a cracking weekend of football.

With the Swans having won three on the trot, I'm hugely excited about the visit of Barnsley today - whatever day today is!

I thoroughly enjoyed last Saturday's win over Derby County.

The afternoon's entertainment got off to a thoroughly enjoyable start in the shape of the unfurling of the massive "Double" or should I say "Doube" flag, which travelled the length of the East Stand just before kick-off.

I'm sure our friends from up the road will accuse us of "milking" the 4-0 win at the Cardiff City Stadium which clinched the first double in 110 years.

Of course we're milking it!

We're milking it like a prize-winning Friesian dairy cow and will continue to do so for as long as we possibly can.

I also thought the 7-0% per cent off replica jerseys in the club store referencing the 7-0 double aggregate was a mastermind stroke of marketing!

Cardiff fans seems to think we make too much of the derby - it's just not that important to them.

Well I suppose you would take that view when you've lost as many as they have in recent years!

Anyway, the giant banner was only just the start of last Saturday's entertainment.

I thought the first 20 minutes was a good as anything the Swans have played in recent seasons at home.

It always helps when the sun is shining.

T h e r e' s s o m e t h i n g s p e c i a l about watching the Swans play at home in their pristine white kit with the sun on their backs.

It was the Swansea way at it its purest and all finished off in swashbuckling style by our hotshot Dutch marksman.

To their credit, Derby found a way to make life difficult for the Swans after that spectacular first 20 minutes.

And it was certainly sunshine football in the incredible passing build-up to the first Swans goal.

And Piroe was at it again with his laser like finishing just eight minutes later when he found the same bottom corner with unerring accuracy.

But they couldn't stop the Swans finally chalking up three wins in a week this season.

Most pundits have focussed on Hannes Wolf's pin-point delivery a n d J o e l P i r o e' s e l e g a n t l y stroked first-time finish into the corner of the net. And rightly so.

But personally I loved the way the Swans pulled Derby around the pitch in the build up to the goal with a blur of patient passing, which left the visitors a s d i s c o m b o b u l at e d a s I ' m going to be this weekend.

When you have that kind of finishing ability at the sharp end of a team which is developing the free-flowing passing style the Swans are starting to hone, you're well on your way to a winning formula.

Having reached 20 goals for the season, Piroe has proved to be an outstanding purchase by the Swans and I'm delighted to see him and the club reaping the rewards of his move from the Netherlands.

Hopefully, that will fill the team with confidence ahead of this weekend's busy - and personally confusing - schedule.

I'm sure the boys will have no such problems and another two wins would certainly make it an Easter weekend to remember - even if it does leave me wondering what day it is.

C’mon you Swans!

PAGE 53

FORMER PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION PAGE 54

I

t’s probably not surprising that many players follow in the footsteps of family members when it comes to their career choices. Sons following fathers, cousins and brothers following one another.

“You still played for your local club as well so I carried on playing for Cwm Albion Colts and at 16 I played in the Football Combination so I played at some nice grounds Chelsea, West Ham, Southampton, Norwich, Ipswich.

And everyone with an ambition to play professionally wants to lineup with the first team in front of the home fans and hear their name resounding from the stands.

“Those were great experiences but the club was struggling a lot for players because there were financial problems and we were getting hammered unfortunately because we’d go to places and they would play their good ex pros and their young pros coming through but it was still a great experience to represented the club at these places.”

The dreams start with that first scouting session and the offer of a contract, but they don’t all result in first team football and until fairly recently, the financial rewards for all but those playing in the top flight for the ‘big’ clubs, were limited.

Regardless of the money and the odds of success though, many attempt to make their dream a reality, as Martyn James did.

Brother of Anthony, who made his league debut for the Swans in 1977 and cousin of the late, great Robbie, who enjoyed two significant spells with the club in 1974 - 1983 and 1988 – 1990, the youngest James was hoping to achieve first team status also.

“Swansea City has been a part of my life from a very young age because my older brother Anthony played for the club and my cousin Robbie, so it sort of followed that I would end up having trials for the club,” he explained.

“I had a trial with Luton and Crystal Palace before the Swans actually signed me at 14 and offered me schoolboy forms. They’d obviously got wind of the fact that I’d had trials elsewhere but there was nowhere else I would have gone if the offer to sign for Swansea was on the cards.

A professional contract followed at 18 and James hoped his hard work and perseverance would lead to opportunities to show what he could do on the pitch.

“You always keep hoping you get a break and just get to play in the first team. In 1988 Robbie had come back to the club so the thought of playing with Robbie in the first team was what I wanted - it would have been something else to be able to do that.”

Football is a cruel game though and a change in manager resulted in James’ contract not being renewed and his dream of playing alongside his cousin for the Swans ended.

“It was devastating not to be able to achieve that. I was only a youngster obviously and it meant I had to get a ‘real job’ as my father said and that wasn’t what I wanted because I wanted to continue to play football professionally.

“It happened because Terry Yorath left the Swans; he went back to Bradford. We knew he was going and we were all going in to speak to him in his office and wish him all the best.

“I went to see him and he told me to ‘keep doing what you are doing and you’ll be fine’ but the new manager Ian Evans came in and within eight weeks I was out, my contract hadn’t been renewed and I was no longer a Swansea City player. It all came to an abrupt end and that was heart breaking and frustrating.”

James continued to play football semiprofessionally in the Welsh League for Haverfordwest, Neath and Llanelli – a move engineered by cousin Robbie.

“I signed for Robbie when he was manager of Llanelli. He asked to sign me and you don’t turn Robbie James down, do you?!”

And he continued playing semi-pro until he was 38. He has been a season ticket holder at the club for the last 15 years. Thanks to his cousin, the family connection with the club will always be strong and James believes the formation of the Former Players’ Association has tightened it further.

“It’s nice to go back and be part of the club now as a season ticket holder but since the FPA has come about its great because you feel connected in a different way.

“Even though it was however long ago, even though you didn’t play for the first team, you know what that buzz is like in the changing room and it’s a sense of being there in that moment and that day again.”

Ex Swans who want to be involved with Swansea City Former Players’ Association are asked to fill in the registration form HERE. The club is also keen to hear from relatives and friends of former players who are not online but who might still want to join the FPA. Anyone in this category is asked to call the FPA secretary, Catherine Thomas, on 01792 616420 or email catherinethomas@swanseacity.com

PAGE 55

JUNIOR CYRIL'S HALF-TIME QUIZ QUESTION ONE

QUESTION TWO

QUESTION THREE

What’s missing from the Barnsley badge below?

What was the score when Barnsley played Swansea City earlier this season?

How many times did Swansea play Barnsley last season?

QUESTION FOUR

QUESTION FIVE

What is Barnsley’s ground called?

What is the capacity of Barnsley’s stadium (to the nearest 1,000) A. 13,000 B. 23,000 C. 33,000

CYRIL AND CYBIL'S PREDICTION SWANS 3 BARNSLEY 1

PAGE 56

PAGE 57 Cyril’s Half-Time Quiz Answers Question One - The gryphon’s tongue Question Two - 2-0 to Swans Question Three - Four (twice in the league and twice in the play-offs)

Question Four - Oakwell Question Five - B, 23,000 Cyril Disguise Answer: (Left to Right) (Left to Right) Bristol City, Cardiff City, West Bromwich albion

CAN YOU HELP CYBIL WORK OUT WHO JOEL PIROE HAS SCORED AGAINST THIS SEASON?

R JACKS

PLAYER SPONSORS 2021~2022 BEN HAMER

CYRUS CHRISTIE

KYLE NAUGHTON

ANDY FISHER

RYAN BENNETT

BEN CABANGO

RYAN MANNING

JOEL LATIBEAUDIERE

FINLEY BURNS

WESTACRES

NATHANAEL OGBETA

BEN LLOYD

MATT GRIMES

JAY FULTON

FLYNN DOWNES

KOREY SMITH

TRAVEL

HOUSE .CO.UK

OLIVIER NTCHAM

CALL 01792 616 624 OR PAGE 58

JAMIE PATERSON

MICAHEL OBAFEMI

JOEL PIROE

HANNES WOLF

EMAIL L.MERRELLS@SWANSEACITY.COM FOR AVAILABILITY

PAGE 59

FIXTURE LIST SEA FIXTURE

DATE

TEAM

Blackburn Rovers A L 2-1

Sat, Aug 7, 3pm

Benda

Naughton

Reading (CC R1) A W 0-3

Tue, Aug 10, 8pm

Benda

Naughton

Sheffield United H D 0-0

Sat, Aug 14, 8pm

Benda

Stoke City H L 1-3

Tue, Aug 14, 7.45pm

Benda

Bristol City A W 0-1

Fri, Aug 20, 7.45pm

Benda

Cabango

Bennett

Latibeaudiere

Bidwell

Smith 1

Cabango

B.Cooper

Latibeaudiere

Bidwell 3

Williams

Manning

Cabango

B.Cooper

Latibeaudiere

Bidwell

Downes

Manning

Cabango

B.Cooper

Latibeaudiere 3

Bidwell

Downes

Laird

Manning

B.Cooper

Latibeaudiere

Bidwell

Fulton

2

Plymouth Argyle (CC R2) H W 4-1

Tue, Aug 24, 7pm

Hamer

Manning 1

Joseph 3

Bennett

Latibeaudiere

Bidwell

Fulton

Preston North End A L 3-1

Sat, Aug 28, 3pm

Benda

Manning

Laird

Bennett 2

Latibeaudiere 1

Bidwell

Fulton 3

Hull City H D 0-0

Sat, Sept 11, 3pm

Hamer

Laird

Williams

Bennett

Naughton 3

Bidwell 2

Downes

Millwall H D 0-0

Wed, Sept 15, 7.45pm

Hamer

Naughton

Cabango

Bennett

Laird

Manning

Downes

Luton Town A D 3-3

Sat, Sept 18, 3pm

Hamer

Naughton

R Williams 1

Bennett

Laird

Manning

Downes 3

2

Brighton & Hove Albion (CC R3) A L 2-0

Wed, Sept 22 7.30pm

Benda

R Williams

Cooper

Cabango 1

Latibeaudiere

Walsh 2

Fulton

Huddersfield Town H W 1-0

Sat, Sept 25, 3pm

Hamer

Naughton

Cabango

Manning

Laird

Bidwell

Downes

Fulham A L 3-1

Wed, Sept 29, 7.45pm

Hamer

Naughton

Cabango

Manning

Laird

Bidwell 3

Downes 2

Derby County A D 0-0

Sat, Oct 2, 3pm

Hamer

Naughton

Cabango

Manning

Latibeaudiere 1

Bidwell

Downes

Cardiff City H W 3-0

Sun, Oct 17, 12pm

Hamer

Naughton

Bennett 2

Manning

Laird

Bidwell

Downes

West Bromwich Albion H W 2-1

Wed, Oct 20, 7.45pm

Hamer

Naughton

Bennett

Cabango 2

Laird

Bidwell 3

Downes 1

Birmingham City A L 2-1

Sat, Oct 23, 3pm

Hamer

Naughton

Bennett

Manning

Latibeaudiere

Laird

Smith 1 Smith

Peterborough United H W 3-0

Sat, Oct 30, 3pm

Hamer

Naughton

Bennett

Manning

Laird 3

Bidwell

Coventry City A W 2-1

Tue, Nov 2, 7.45pm

Hamer

Naughton

Bennett

Manning

Laird

Bidwell

Smith

AFC Bournemouth A L 4-0

Sat, Nov 6, 3pm

Hamer

Naughton

Bennett

Manning

Laird

Bidwell 2

Downes

Blackpool H D 1-1

Sat, Nov 20, 3pm

Hamer

Naughton

Cabango

Manning

Laird

Bidwell

Downes

1

Barnsley A W 0-2

Wed, Nov 24, 7.45pm

Hamer

Bennett

Naughton

Cabango

Laird

Bidwell 2

Downes 1

Reading H L 3-2

Sat, Nov 27, 3pm

Hamer

Bennett 2

Naughton

R Williams

Laird

Manning

Ntcham

Middlesbrough A L 1-0

Sat, Dec 4, 3pm

Hamer

Naughton

Cabango

R Williams 2

Laird 3

Downes

Manning

Nottingham Forest H L 1-4

Sat, Dec 11, 3pm

Hamer

Laird 1

Cabango

Bennett

Manning

Downes

Smith

Southampton (FA C R3) H L 2-3 (AET)

Sat, Jan 8, 5.30pm

Hamer

Naughton

Bennett

B.Cooper

Manning

Downes

Smith 5

Naughton

2

Huddersfield Town A D 1-1

Sat, Jan 15, 3pm

Hamer

Cabango

Manning

Christie 1

Latibeaudiere

Grimes

Preston North End H W 1-0

Sat, Jan 22, 3pm

Hamer

Cabango

Naughton

Manning

Christie 3

Latibeaudiere

Grimes

Queens Park Rangers A D 0-0

Tues, Jan 25, 7.45pm

Hamer

Cabango

Naughton

Manning

Christie

Latibeaudiere

Grimes

Hull City A L 2-0

Sat, Jan 29, 3pm

Hamer

Cabango

Naughton

Manning

Christie

Latibeaudiere

Grimes

Luton Town H L 0-1

Tues, Feb 1, 7.45pm

Fisher

Cabango

Naughton 1

Bennett 3

Christie

Manning

Grimes

Blackburn Rovers H W 1-0

Sat, Feb 5, 5.30pm

Fisher

Cabango

Downes

Manning

Christie

Wolf

Grimes

3

Stoke City A L 3-0

Tue, Feb 8, 7.45pm

Fisher

Cabango

Downes

Bennett

Christie

Wolf

Grimes

Bristol City H W 3-1

Sun, Feb 13, 1pm

Fisher

Cabango

Burns 1

Manning

Christie

Wolf

Grimes

Sheffield United A L 4-0

Sat, Feb 19, 3pm

Fisher

Cabango

Burns

Manning

Christie

Latibeaudiere

Grimes

West Bromwich Albion A W 0-2

Mon, Feb 28, 8pm

Fisher

Cabango

Naughton

Manning

Christie

Wolf

Grimes

Coventry City H W 3-1

Sat, Mar 5, 3pm

Fisher

Cabango

Naughton

Manning

Christie

Smith 3

Grimes

Fulham H L 1-5

Tues, Mar 8, 7.45pm

Fisher

Cabango

Naughton

Manning

Smith

Ntcham 1

Grimes

Blackpool A L 1-0

Sat, Mar 12, 3pm

Fisher

Cabango

Naughton

Christie

Smith 1

Downes

Grimes

Peterborough United A W 2-3

Wed, Mar 16, 7.45pm

Fisher

Cabango

Naughton

Christie

Smith 1

Downes

Grimes

Birmingham City H D 0-0

Sat, Mar 19, 3pm

Fisher

Cabango

Naughton

Burns 1

Christie

Smith 2

Grimes

Cardiff City A W 0-4

Sat, Apr 2, 3pm

Fisher

Cabango

Naughton

Latibeaudiere

Christie

Downes

Grimes

Millwall A W 0-1

Tues, Apr 5, 7.45pm

Fisher

Cabango

Naughton

Latibeaudiere

Christie

Fulton 3

Grimes

Derby County H W 2-1

Sat, Apr 9, 3pm

Fisher

Cabango

Naughton

Latibeaudiere

Christie

Wolf

Grimes

Barnsley H

Fri, Apr 15, 3pm

Reading A

Mon, Apr 18, 3pm

Middlesbrough H

Sat, Apr 23, 3pm

AFC Bournemouth H

Tue, Apr 26, 7.45pm

Nottingham Forest A

Sat, Apr 30, 3pm

Queens Park Rangers H

Sat, May 7, 12.30pm

Correct as of April 14, 2022.

PAGE 60

Match Statistics Key

Goal =

2

ASON 2021~2022 SUBSTITUTES Cullen 2

Lowe

Paterson

Grimes

Defreitas-Hansen, Mcfayden, B.Cooper, Dhanda 1, O.Cooper, Joseph, Whittaker 2

Dhanda

Piroe

Whittaker

Defreitas-Hansen, Manning 1, Mcfayden 3, Lloyd, Joseph 2, Lowe, Cullen

Grimes

Paterson 3

Lowe 1

Cullen 2

Webb, Mcfayden, Williams, Dhanda 3, Joseph, Piroe 1, Whittaker 2

Grimes

Fulton 2

Dhanda 1

Lowe

Webb, Laird 3, Williams, Paterson 2, Cullen, Piroe 1

Grimes

Paterson

Piroe

Cullen

Hamer, Mcfayden, Williams, Dhanda, Joseph, Lowe 2, Whittaker 1

Williams

Dhanda

Lowe

Whittaker

Webb, Naughton 2, Piroe, Cullen, Cooper, Cooper 1, Laird 3

Grimes

Paterson

Cullen

Piroe

Hamer, Cooper 1, Williams, Dhanda, Whittaker, Lowe 2, Naughton 3

Grimes

Ntcham 1

Paterson

Piroe

Benda, Cabango 3, Latibeaudiere, Manning 1, Fulton, Cullen, Obafemi 2

Grimes

Ntcham 1

Paterson 2

Piroe 3

Benda, Fulton, Obafemi 1, Cullen 3, Latibeaudiere, Bidwell, Walsh 2

Grimes

Walsh 2

Paterson

Obafemi

Benda, Cabango 1, Fulton, Smith, Ntcham 2

Bidwell

Smith 3

Whittaker

Cullen

Webb, Manning 1, Rushesha, Laird, Downes 2

Grimes

Ntcham 3

Piroe

Grimes

Ntcham 1

Piroe

Grimes

Smith 3

Piroe 2

Grimes

Smith 1

Piroe

3

Grimes

Smith

Piroe

3

Paterson

Benda, Latibeaudiere 3, Williams 2, Walsh, Ntcham 1, Cullen, Whittaker

Grimes

Ntcham 2

Piroe 3

Paterson

Benda, Cabango, Williams, Fulton, Walsh 2, Cullen 3, Obafemi 1

Grimes

Ntcham

Grimes

Ntcham 1

Grimes

Ntcham

Grimes Grimes

1

Grimes

, Piroe 3

, Latbeaudiere

, Dhanda 3, Piroe

Paterson 1

Benda, Cooper, Latibeaudiere, Fulton 3, Smith 1

Paterson

Benda, Cooper, Latibeaudiere 3, Fulton, Smith 1, Walsh, Cullen 2

Paterson

Benda, Williams, Laird 1, Fulton, Walsh, Cullen 2, Whittaker 3

Paterson

Benda, Cabango 2, Latibeaudiere, Walsh, Ntcham 1, Cullen 3, Whittaker

, Walsh, Cullen 2

Paterson

Piroe

1

Benda, Cabango, Latibeaudiere, Downes 2

, Whittaker 3, Obafemi 1, Cullen

Paterson

Piroe

2

Benda, Cabango, Latibeaudiere, Downes 2

, Whittaker, Obafemi 1, Cullen

Paterson

Piroe

Ntcham 2

Paterson

Piroe

Smith

Paterson

Piroe 3

Benda, R.Williams, Latibeaudiere, Manning 2, Walsh, Ntcham 1

Grimes

Smith 1

Paterson

Piroe

Benda, Downes 1, Cooper, Cullen 2, Latibeaudiere, Bidwell, Walsh

Grimes

Smith 1

Paterson

Piroe

Benda, Bennett, Obafemi 2, Ntcham 1, Cullen, Latibeaudiere 3, Bidwell

Grimes

Ntcham

Paterson

Piroe

Benda, R. Williams, Latibeaudiere 1, Bidwell, Walsh, Obafemi 2, Cullen

Cullen 3

Obafemi 4

Piroe

Benda, R. Williams 5, Abdulai, Bidwell, D. Williams, Fulton 4, Grimes 1, Ntcham 2, Dhanda 3

Downes

Smith

Ntcham 2

Piroe

Fisher, Bennett, Abdulai, Fulton, Walsh, Joseph 2, Obafemi 1

Downes

Smith

Ntcham 1

Piroe 2

Fisher, Bennett, Fulton 3, Walsh, Wolf 1, Joseph 2, Obafemi

Downes

Smith

Wolf 2

Piroe 1

Fisher, Bennett, Abdulai, Fulton 2, Walsh, Joseph, Obafemi 1

Fulton 1

Smith 3

Wolf 2

Piroe

Fisher, Bennett, Abdulai, Walsh 3

Obafemi

Hamer, Latibeaudiere, Burns, Fulton, Smith 1, Joseph 3, Piroe 2 Hamer, Bennett 1, Latibeaudiere 3, Burns, Fulton, Smith 2, Joseph

Walsh

1

2

2

, Whittaker

3

Downes

2

Ntcham

Wolf

Ntcham

2

Benda, Cabango, Latibeaudiere, Smith 1, Walsh 3, Whittaker 2, Cullen Benda, R.Williams, Latibeaudiere, Smith 2, Walsh, Obafemi 1, Cullen

1

, Cullen 3

, Ntcham 2, Joseph, Obafemi 1

Paterson

Obafemi

1

Piroe 3

Fulton

Smith 1

Ntcham

2

Obafemi

Hamer, Latibeaudiere, Burns, Dhanda, Paterson 2, Joseph 3, Piroe 1

Ntcham

Paterson 3

Obafemi

Piroe

Hamer, Latibeaudiere 2, Fulton, Smith 3, Dhanda, Ntcham 1, Joseph

Downes

Paterson

Ntcham 1

Piroe 2

Hamer, Bennett, Fulton, Smith 2, Dhanda, Joseph, Obafemi 1

Downes

Paterson 1

Piroe

Obafemi 2

Downes

Paterson

Downes 2

1

2 3

Hamer, Burns, Latibeaudiere, Fulton, Smith 2, Ntcham 1, Joseph 3 Hamer, Burns, Congreve, Latibeaudiere 2, Fulton 3, Ntcham 1, Joseph

2

Piroe

Obafemi

Paterson

Piroe

Obafemi 3

Hamer, Burns, Congreve, Latibeaudiere, Fulton 2, Bennett 1, Joseph 3

Ntcham 2

Paterson

Piroe

Obafemi

Hamer, Burns, Congreve 2, Latibeaudiere, Fulton, Ogbeta 1, Joseph

Wolf

Paterson 3

Piroe

Obafemi 2

Hamer, Ogbeta, Burns, Fulton 3, Joseph 2, Congreve, Ntcham 1

Wolf 3

Ntcham

Piroe

Obafemi

Wolf

Paterson

Piroe

Obafemi

Manning

Piroe

Wolf 1

Obafemi

Hamer, Joseph, Paterson 2, Ogbeta, Smith 3, Congreve, Ntcham 1

Fulton

Paterson 1

Obafemi 3

Hamer, Manning, Congreve, Joseph 3, Smith 2, Ogbeta, Ntcham 1

Hat-trick =

2

Captain =

Piroe

2

Hamer, Ogbeta 2,Fulton, Congreve, Joseph 3, Latibeaudiere 1 2

Hamer, Burn, Congreve 3, Joseph, Smith 2, Ogbeta, Fulton 1

Sub = 2 (number denotes player replaced) Booked =

Sent off =

Carabao Cup = CC FA Cup = FA

PAGE 61

TABLE 2021~2022

POS TEAM 1

Fulham

40

P W D 25

8

L 7

94

F

35

A GD PTS 59

2

Bournemouth

39

21

10

8

62

35

27

73

3

Huddersfield Town

41

19

12

10

54

43

11

69

4

Nottingham Forest

39

19

10

10

61

36

25

67

5

Luton Town

41

18

11

12

59

47

12

65

6

Sheffield United

41

18

11

12

53

41

12

65

7

Blackburn Rovers

41

17

12

12

52

42

10

63

8

Middlesbrough

40

18

8

14

52

42

10

62

9

Millwall

41

16

13

12

45

40

5

61

10

Coventry City

41

16

11

14

54

51

3

59

11

Queens Park Rangers

41

17

8

16

55

53

2

59

12

West Bromwich Albion

41

15

12

14

45

40

5

57

13

Preston North End

41

14

15

12

43

46

-3

57

14

Swansea City

40

16

9

15

48

53

-5

57

15

Stoke City

41

15

10

16

53

47

6

55

16

Blackpool

40

14

11

15

44

47

-3

53

17

Cardiff City

40

14

7

19

47

61

-14

49

18

Birmingham City

41

11

12

18

43

60

-17

45

19

Bristol City

41

12

9

20

52

73

-21

45

20

Hull City

41

12

8

21

34

45

-11

44

21

Reading *

41

12

7

22

48

77

-29

37

22

Barnsley

40

6

11

23

30

59

-29

29

23

Derby County *

41

12

13

16

40

47

-7

28

24

Peterborough United

41

6

10

25

34

82

-48

28

83

Correct as of April 14, 2022.

*Derby County deducted 21 points and Reading deducted 6 points under EFL Regulations.

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THE TEAMS SWANS

Head Coach: Russell Martin 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 21 22 23 26 27 30 33 35 45 47

Ryan Bennett Ryan Manning Flynn Downes Ben Cabango Jay Fulton Korey Smith Matt Grimes Michael Obafemi Olivier Ntcham Jamie Paterson Hannes Wolf Kyle Joseph Nathanael Ogbeta Joël Piroe Ben Hamer Tivonge Rushesha Yan Dhanda Joel Latibeaudiere Cyrus Christie Kyle Naughton Josh Gould Finley Burns Andy Fisher Lincoln Mcfayden Cameron Congreve Azeem Abdulai

BARNSLEY

Head Coach: Poya Asbaghi 1 2 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 13 14 15 17 21 22 24 26 27 28 29 30 33 40 44

Jack Walton Jordan Williams Callum Styles Liam Kitching Mads Andersen Callum Brittain Cauley Woodrow Josh Benson Aaron Leya Iseka Daniel Jinadu Carlton Morris Jasper Moon Claudio Gomes Romal Palmer Clarke Oduor Aapo Halme Rémy Vita Amine Bassi Domingos Quina Victor Adeboyejo Michał Helik Matty Wolfe Brad Collins Devante Cole

NEXT UP AT Middlesbrough Saturday, April 23 Kick-off: 3pm

NEXT AWAY Reading Monday, April 18 Kick-off: 3pm

FOLLOW US ~ Referee: Andy Woolmer ~ ~ Assistant Referees: Robert Hyde and Natalie Aspinall ~ ~ Fourth Official: Charles Breakspear ~

Correct as of April 14, 2022

PAGE 64