Swansea City v Cardiff City - Championship Match - 21-22 - Issue 8

SEASON 2021-2022

VERSUS

CARDIFF CITY

Sunday, October 17, 2021 - Kick-off 12pm

ISSUE 8

JOMA-SPORT.COM PAGE 2

CONTENTS Page 16- South Wales Derby Classics

Page 22 - Meet the Opposition

Page 27 - Match Highlights

Page 34 - Wayne Routledge

Page 59 - Former Players’ Association

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.

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 Assistant Head Coach: Luke Williams 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 Head of Recruitment: Andy Scott Staff: Ritson Lloyd, Ailsa Jones, Matthew Murray, Adele Callaghan, Daniel Morris, Lee Watkins, Chris Watkins, Daniel Nisbet, Michael Eames, Shaun Baggridge, Huw Lake, Ashley Gill, Steffan Popham

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 Assistant Football Secretary: 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 Media Manager: Chris Wilson-Barney Ticket Office Manager: Luke Hughes 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, Chris Wilson-Barney, Andrew Gwilym, Sophie Davis, Adam Evans, Dom Hynes, Rachael Tucker, Efan Willis, Julie Kissick, Gwyn Rees, Alun Rhys Chivers Designers: Callum Rothwell, Jordan Morcom, Lewis Ward Photography: Athena Picture Agency, Natalie Davis, Alamy, PA Images Swansea City AFC Swansea.com Stadium, Landore, Swansea, SA10 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

extra a month

Search ‘Get Sky Sports’ Ends 30 September 2021. 2 for 1 channel offer: Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Football: £18 extra pm for 18 months (then £22pm). Requires Sky Signature (£26pm for 18 months, then £31pm; £20 set-up). New 18-month min. terms. Prices may change during this period. Over 400 games: based on 128 Premier League games; 228 English Football League games (includes 80 red button matches); up to 48 Scottish Professional Football League games; and up to 44 Women’s Super League matches shown across the football season from 31 July 2021 to 29 May 2022. General: Non-standard set-up may cost extra. Weekend set-up costs £15 extra. Connect to TV using HDMI cable.

Sky Q kit is loaned to you at no cost and must be returned at the end of the relevant subscription. You own the Sky dish. Prices may vary if you live in a flat. You must get any consents required (e.g. landlord’s). UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man residential customers only. Email address required so we can keep in touch about your services. Correct at 15 July 2021. Further terms apply.

PAGE 6

A MESSAGE FROM

JULIAN WINTER G

ood afternoon and welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for today’s game against Cardiff City.

It’s been three weeks since we were last in action on home soil and I’m sure both sets of supporters have been very much looking forward to this fixture.

Today’s game is being backed by Show Racism The Red Card and both clubs have played an active role in engaging with supporters this week in an anti-racism and anti-discrimination campaign.

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

Both sets of players have taken part in a video message of the pledge which you might have seen across social media and on the big screen at today’s game, while the two teams will warm up in Show Racism The Red Card t-shirts ahead of kick-off.

The recent international break came at the end of another busy period for Russell, his staff and the players with seven games in the space of four weeks.

While we didn’t get the wins that our performances deserved in some games, there were clear signs of improvement from the first batch of fixtures and I’m sure everyone is looking forward to watching us play in the coming weeks with more time on the training pitch during this international break.

It was great to see us secure a first home league win of the season against Huddersfield which we followed up with a positive performance against Fulham at Craven Cottage. To go toe-to-toe with one of the promotion favourites on their own patch was testament to the way Russell has implemented his ideas and the players are really starting to show that identity on the pitch each week.

Last week I provided supporters with a comprehensive update on club matters for the first time since last season ended. I felt it was important to be open and transparent after a very busy period for the club both on and off the pitch and I now hope to be providing a monthly update to supporters going forward.

has been a credit to himself and his family and after a decade at Swansea City, everyone would like to thank him for his contribution both on and off the pitch. He played a key role in the club’s seven-season stay in the Premier League, as well as lifting major silverware and playing in Europe.

Another former favourite, Leon Britton, has returned to the club in a player mentor capacity with the academy. He will be available in a playing capacity in the near future for the under-23s, while also helping to nurture the club’s young talent as they look to make the transition from academy level to the first team. We see Leon as the ideal person for this role, given his association with the club and the career that he had in amassing 537 appearances across 16 years.

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

Enjoy the game, Julian

Wayne Routledge announced his retirement from football last week which brought the curtain down on a tremendous career. Wayne

PAGE 7

PAGE 8

A MESSAGE FROM

RUSSELL MARTIN

G

ood afternoon and welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for today’s south Wales derby.

I’m sure you have all looked forward to this game since the day the fixtures were released, and, personally, I’m looking forward to experiencing the amazing atmosphere you’ll create.

The build-up has been generating for the last two weeks because of the international break.

Everyone talks about it, and the best thing is that everyone supports Swansea City here.

This means a lot to everyone, and we’re aware of that. We have to make sure the players don’t feel the weight of that pressure – it’s about them going out and expressing themselves.

They know what it means, we’ve spoken a lot about it. The game is worth three points in the league, but for supporters, players and staff it’s worth so much more. I’ve been involved in many derbies as a supporter and player, and they’re massive occasions.

I’m really looking forward to the game and seeing the stadium full. Derbies don’ t have the same edge without supporters, and everyone can’t wait to hear the Jack Army roar.

I’ve been really pleased with our preparation. We put in a lot of hard work. We haven’t had a pre-season together as staff and players, so we’ve played catch up since then.

The international week is a big period for us because it allows us to work on a lot of different things.

It gave a few players the chance to recover from knocks and niggles, while it was also an opportunity for us to get Michael Obafemi, Olivier Ntcham and Ryan Bennett back on the training pit ch. R yan Manning and Ethan Laird have b e e n re c ove r i n g f ro m t h e i r injuries, so it was a chance for them to recuperate.

The boys have worked really, really hard. The improvement aft e r t h e l a s t i n t e r n at i o n a l b re a k wa s va st i n t e r m s of performance, and hopefully it will be the same this time.

Today’s game also sees both clubs unite in delivering a strong anti-racism message. ‘Rivals on the pitch, united against racism’ is more than just a slogan, and hopefully our joint stance makes a difference because there’s no room for racism or any discrimination in our game.

Off the pitch, I attended the fans’ forum here on Wednesday night, and it was great to meet supporters and answer their questions about the team and how we plan to move forward.

The passion of the people in this city for our team really shines through every time I speak to them, and it’s wonderful to see.

It gives us added motivation to work even harder to succeed.

Also, a huge congratulations goes to Matt Grimes and his partner Angela on the birth of their daughter Myla. Everyone in the club is absolutely delighted for them and the safe arrival of their beautiful little girl.

Enjoy the game.

Russell

PAGE 9

education furniture - fitted & loose

workplace furniture showroom

wallart - hoardings - signage

At Ministry of Furniture, we’re experts in creating inspirational workplace and educational environments.

Ministry Group specialises in furniture supply, recruitment and graphics.

print, such as wallart, hoardings and building signage.

At our factory in Ystalyfera in the Swansea Valley, we remanufacture and manufacture our own ranges of fitted furniture, storage and tables.

Our design team are experts in creating inspirational interiors that will help you achieve the best use of space in your workplace. We’re literate in the very latest space design and BIM modelling software, and can plan the smallest scheme to the very largest of contract projects.

Our print production facility specialise in contract graphic design and large scale

Ministry of Furniture, Neath 01639 812382 sales@ministryoffurniture.com

www.ministryoffurniture.com

Contact us to find out more or to book a showroom visit!

A MESSAGE FROM

MATT GRIMES W

elcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium as we look forward to this weekend’s South Wales derby.

Firstly, I’d like to say thank you for all your messages following the birth of my daughter Myla, it’s been an incredible time for myself and my partner Angela and both mum and baby are doing well.

The international break gave us a brilliant opportunity to get more work done on the training pitch and further implement our playing style.

T he S outh Wales derby is a massive game and we’re all aware of how big a fixture it is for the city but we’ll just concentrate on doing our bit on the pitch and staying calm. We just need to do our job properly and let the fans build the atmosphere.

Cardiff are a very physical side and quite direct but we’re aware of the threats and just have to continue to play the way we have done in recent weeks.

I don’t think you can take any kind of form into a derby. Derbies are just two fixtures a year that stand by themselves. You could win 10 on the bounce going into it or lose 10 on the bounce going into it, I don’t think form matters at all going into any kind of derby.

There’s a fantastic mood in the camp, I don’t feel we have got the results we’ve deserved so far this season. We’ve played really well in the majority of the games, we’ve had one or two blips but that’s understandable having a new manager come in and such a short period of time to work in. You can really see our philosophy, the way we’re wanting to play this year and hopefully results will come.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to wish David Brooks all the very best following the news this week that he has been diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin Lymphoma.

David is a fine young player and everyone in our squad and at the football club would like to wish him well in his recovery and we are all behind him.

It was tough playing the South Wa l e s d e r b i e s l a s t s e a s o n without any fans in stadiums so we’re really looking forward to the atmosphere the Jack Army are going to produce. The derbies are known for their electric atmospheres and we’re hoping you can be our 12th man come Sunday afternoon.

Enjoy the game!

Matt

PAGE 11

Search V-Hub by Vodafone

Can we scale up without letting up?

Your business can grow as fast as it needs to with our cloud-based software and connectivity packages.

For terms & details, see www.vodafone.co.uk/business/medium-sized-business

A MESSAGE FR M

CERI STONE RIVALS ON THE PITCH UNITED AGAINST RACISM

T

oday we do battle with the old enemy but sadly, in this 21st century, we are still fighting the anti-social diseases of abusive and discriminatory behaviour.

It’s time to rid the game of these offensive attitudes and the authorities need to do more to protect our players and fans. Players like Rhys Williams, who suffered vile abuse at a recent away game.

As the Supporters’ Trust, we are an inclusive organisation who will support our club any way we can to improve standards in society. We are delighted that our board includes an active member of Proud Swans, the owner of The Gambling Guardian and two international members.

We do not tolerate anti-social behaviour. We stand with the Jack Army who represent all sections of society and who have witnessed first-hand standing up to racist behaviour.

Today’s South Wales derby is our club’s official Show Racism the Red Card Cymru event. It is impressive that two fierce rivals are once again able to put aside all enmity and unite in this bitter struggle to eradicate offensive behaviour.

Both sets of supporters should be looking forward to another battle with two managers at different stages of their respective careers.

We are fortunate that Russell Martin has galvanised our club and restored our true identity on the pitch.

We call upon the authorities to do more to make football stadiums a welcoming environment for every member of society.

We are confident that the early progress will be reflected in more positive results very soon and there is no better place to start than against the old enemy.

We have three simple starting points: 1. Proof of identity must become a mandatory requirement to open a social media account.

2. Greater punishments must be introduced for abusive commentary.

Today, we stand shoulder to shoulder with the Bluebirds and unite in a common cause.

To see our anti-racism pledge, go to page eighteen.

3. Stricter regulation of social media platforms must be introduced with firm punishments when they fall short.

PAGE 13

"Proud sponsors of Swansea City"

PROUD SPONSORS OF

PAGE 14

S

wansea City AFC Foundation is excited to announce that our October Soccer Camps are now open.

Our camps provide the perfect environment for Junior Jacks to develop and hone their skills.

Open to boys and girls of all abilities aged between five and 12, the camps are a great opportunity to keep your young Swans active during the halfterm break.

The soccer camps will take place: Tuesday, October 26 – Bishopston and Coleg Sir Gar Wednesday, October 27 – Bishopston and Coleg Sir Gar Thursday, October 28 – Pembroke and Llandarcy Friday, October 29 – Pembroke and Llandarcy All sessions are 10am to 2:30pm You can sign up HERE

Children attending will enjoy fun technical activities, small-sided games, competitions and prizes – all delivered by our FAW qualified coaches in a safe and friendly environment, with some special guests set to make appearances.

PAGE 15

SOUTH WALES D SWANS 1 - CARDIFF 0 LEAGUE CUP SEPTEMBER 23 2008

The midfielder produced an outstanding display at the Liberty, scoring twice and setting up the other in a thrilling victory.

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

P ratley ’s deliver y drew the goalkeeper out and Dyer headed into an open net to kick things off, with the energetic playmaker adding the second six minutes later with magnificent technique, acrobatically drilling a bouncing ball past David Marshall.

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

Jay Bothroyd and Mark Hudson responded to get the visitors level as they fought back strongly.

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

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

Ross McCormack smashed a free-kick against the bar, before Pratley stepped up once again on the hour mark.

Fede Bessone’s pin-point cross found Pratley, who opened his body up to side-foot a powerful volley past the helpless Marshall to seal the win and move Swansea into the play-off spots.

SWANS 3 - CARDIFF 0 PREMIERLEAGUE

SWANS 3 - CARDIFF 2 F E B R U A RY 8 2 0 1 4 Swans were seeking revenge CHAMPIONSHIP The after defeat in Cardiff earlier in NOVEMBER 7 2009

Darren Pratley will always be chiefly remembered for his play-off strike against Nottingham Forest, but his derby-day double in November 2009 is not far behind in the affections of Swansea City fans.

PAGE 16

the season, while the stakes were heightened as Garry Monk took charge of the club for the first time against their old rivals.

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

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

T he visitor s hit the bar but that would be as close as they came as Swansea eased to an ultimately comfortable victory.

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

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

SWANS 1 - CARDIFF 0 CHAMPIONSHIP

OCTOBER 27, 2019 Ben Wilmot wrote his name into south Wales derby folklore as he marked his first league start for Swansea City by scoring the winner in SA1.

The on-loan centre-half – playing with Joe Rodon out injured – timed his run perfectly to glance home Wayne Routledge’s cross in the 24th minute.

In truth the margin of victory could – and perhaps should – have been far greater, as Swansea spurned a number of chances to put the game to bed while George Byers saw his effort strike the crossbar.

But no-one seemed to mind too much when the final whistle went to spark the celebrations.

CARDIFF 0 - SWANS 2 CHAMPIONSHIP DECEMBER 12 2020

Jamal Lowe secured the South Wales derby bragging rights for Swansea City as the striker ’s brace settled matters at Cardiff City Stadium.

Lowe opened the scoring in the sixth minute, firing home from close range to give the Swans the ideal start.

And he went on to seal the win with 18 minutes to go with a fantastic slaloming run through the Cardiff defence.

The result meant Swansea were now unbeaten in four South Wales derbies, and had not conceded a goal in any of that quartet of fixtures.

PAGE 17

S

wansea City and Cardiff City will once again unite to deliver a strong antiracism message when the two clubs meet at the Swansea.com Stadium on Sunday, October 17.

The south Wales derby fixture will kick-off at 12pm live on Sky Sports, and the united campaign has been backed by Show Racism the Red Card Cymru, for whom Sunday’s fixture is an allocated game.

It has also seen supporter groups from both clubs come together and sign a joint pledge against racism and discrimination. Swansea City Supporters Trust, Disabled Supporters Association and the Jacks against Racism and Fascism groups have all been involved, as well as the Cardiff City Supporters Club, Cardiff City Disabled Supporters Association and Cardiff City Supporters Trust.

Both sets of players, as well as officials, will warm up in Show Racism the Red Card Cymru t-shirts, while the fixture will be using the

PAGE 18

slogan ‘Rivals on the Pitch, United Against Racism’ in the build-up and on the day of the game itself.

We have also supported messages for Show Racism the Red Card Cymru, while we have worked closely with South Wales Police’s Hate Crime unit for their #noplaceforhate campaign.

Swansea City chief executive Julian Winter said: “This is an important message that everyone at Swansea City feels very passionate about.

“As we have seen recently, racism and discrimination is sadly still evident in the game, and our players have been subjected to vile and disgusting abuse over the course of this year.

“In April we took the unprecedent step of becoming the first football club in world football to take a social media boycott, and we continue to have the strongest view on eliminating racism

and discrimination from the game we all love.

“With huge focus on the south Wales derby, this is the perfect opportunity for both clubs to unite and deliver an important message – rivals on the pitch. United against racism. It’s time for change.”

Ken Choo, Cardiff City FC Executive Director & CEO, said: “A h e a d of t h e S o u t h Wa l e s derby this weekend, Cardiff City Football Club is reaffirming its commitment to doing all it can to rid the sport we love of racism and discrimination. “ Whilst our on-field sporting rivalry with Swansea City will reignite on Sunday, our united stance alongside them and their supporters in delivering this important message is absolute.

“I’d like to thank all involved for their commitment to this cause which must remain at the top of all clubs’ agendas.”

A JOINT PLEDGE BY SUPPORTER GROUPS FROM BOTH SWANSEA CITY AND CARDIFF CITY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST RACISM AND DISCRIMINATION:

IT SADDENS BOTH CLUBS – AND OUR RESPECTIVE SUPPORTERS – THAT WE ARE STILL FIGHTING THIS BATTLE IN 2021, WITH SWANSEA CITY AND CARDIFF CITY CONDEMNING DISCRIMINATION AND ABUSE OF ALL KINDS. NO ONE SHOULD BE SUBJECTED TO ABUSE FOR THEIR ETHNICITY, GENDER OR SEXUALITY AND WHAT WE HAVE WITNESSED RECENTLY, AND HISTORICALLY, IS WHOLLY UNACCEPTABLE. OUR CLUBS PRIDE THEMSELVES ON WORKING WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE COMMUNITIES AND SUPPORTERS, AS WELL AS WITH THE EFL AND FA, ON ALL ANTI-RACISM AND ANTI-DISCRIMINATORY CAMPAIGNS.

S

outh Wales Police has joined forces with Swansea City Football Club to tackle hate crime.

Hate crime is any crime motivated or perceived to be motivated by hostility or prejudice to someone’s race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Hate crime comes in many different forms such as verbal abuse, assault or damage and can have a huge impact not only on individuals but also the wider community.

PC Anne Overton, hate crime officer, said: “We would like to thank Swansea City AFC for helping us raise

WE WANT TO ENSURE THAT RACISM AND DISCRIMINATION IS NOT TOLERATED ANYWHERE WITHIN THE GAME, AS WELL AS OUR RESPECTIVE CLUBS. OUR SUPPORTER GROUPS ARE WORKING CONTINUOUSLY TO ENSURE OUR STADIUMS ARE PLACES WHERE EVERYONE FEELS WELCOME. RACISM AND DISCRIMINATION HAVE NO PLACE IN SOCIETY, LET ALONE IN FOOTBALL. WE BELIEVE THE GAME WE ALL LOVE HAS THE POWER TO INFLUENCE, THE POWER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND, MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE POWER TO CHANGE. RIVALS ON THE PITCH. UNITED AGAINST RACISM. IT’S TIME FOR CHANGE.

awareness of hate crime. Sport is a key area where we can all work together to instil an inclusive culture that tackles racist and homophobic behaviour. There is no place for hate in our communities including in sport.”

South Wales Police takes hate crime seriously we have specialist officers who oversee the investigation of hate crime and make contact with all hate crime victims.

If you witness a hate crime or are a victim please contact us via 101 or 999 if the matter is of an urgent nature. You can also report online on South Wales Police website www.south-wales.police.uk or True Vision website www.report-it.org.uk

PAGE 19

Become an extraordinary leader ionleadership.co.uk

PAGE 20

SWANS SUPPORT SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD

S

wansea City is showing its support to Show Racism the Red Card’s Month of Action during October.

Football is a sport that is followed by all, and should be an enjoyable experienc e for all, whatever their racial or ethnic background.

Today, we are hosting our Day of Action in our match against Cardiff City, with both teams supporting a strong anti-racism message.

If you see or hear racism at any level of football, please report it to the nearest steward or club official.

The UK’s leading anti-racism educational charity, Show Racism the Red Card utilises the highprofile status of football and football players to help tackle racism in society. The campaign delivers educational workshops to young people and adults in their schools, workplaces and at events held in stadiums.

To be kept up to date with this seasons Month of Action follow the hashtag #MOA21 For more details, see www.theredcard.org or phone 02920 236 057 or email Tom@theredcardwales.org

PAGE 21

CARDIFF CITY

CARDIFF CITY CARDIFF CITY CARDIFF CITY CARDIFF CITY CARDIFF CITY CARDIFF CITY CARDIFF CITY OWNER

NICKNAME

FOUNDED

Vincent Tan

The Bluebirds

1899

STADIUM

OPENED

CAPACITY

Cardiff City Stadium

2009

33,280

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

@CardiffCityFC

@cardiffcityfc

@cardiffcityfc

THE GAFFER

The hugely experienced McCarthy is now in his 29th year of management. After guiding Sunderland to the Premier League as Championship winners in 2004-5, he repeated the feat with Wolverhampton Wanderers four years later.

McCarthy started his managerial career with Millwall and has also taken charge at Ipswich and Cypriot side APOEL, on top of two separate spells with the Republic of Ireland which included leading them to the 2002 World Cup.

MICK McCARTHY

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

CLUB CAPTAIN

Morrison has found a home at Cardiff, having previously played for Swindon and Reading and taken in loan spells at Southend and Huddersfield.

SEAN MORRISON

PAGE 22

The 6ft 4in centre-back has made over 270 appearances for the Bluebirds since joining from Reading for £3 million in 2014. A pivotal figure, he was named Cardiff’s Player of the Year in 2017-18 after captaining them to Premier League promotion. Morrison has over 30 goals to his name in his Cardiff career, with two goals under his belt this season.

Y

CARDIFF CITY

Y STADIUM

Y

Y

MEET THE OPPOSITION

HOW’S THEIR FORM?

Founded in 1899 as Riverside AFC, Cardiff had topflight spells in the 1920s, 1950s and 1960s, while they have spent 15 of the last 18 seasons in the second tier of English Football.

T h e B l u e b i rd s g ot off t o a f i n e st a r t at t h e beginning of the campaign, with no defeats in their opening four games. However, they have since lost their last five games, and have only managed to score once during that period, in a 5-1 defeat at Blackburn.

They won the FA Cup in 1927 and were losing finalists in 2008. They also suffered defeat in the League Cup final in 2012.

Cardiff currently find themselves in their third season back in the Championship after relegation from the Premier League in the 2018/19 campaign.

The Bluebirds are the only team outside of England to have won the FA Cup, lifting the trophy in 1927.

Cardiff sit 20th in the table on 11 points after registering three wins, two draws and six losses.

PAGE 23

ONES TO WATCH

ONES TO WATCH

ADEN FLINT

ONES TO WATCH

ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH

ONES TO WATCH

POSITION

CB

NATION

AGE

SHIRT NO.

32 5

ONES TO WATCH

ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH ONES TO

ONES TO WATCH

WATCH ONES TO WATCH

ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH

ONES TO WATCH G ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH

iant defender Flint began his career at Swindon Town before enjoying a five-year spell at Bristol City, helping the Robins secure the League One title and the EFL Trophy in the 2014-15 campaign; his performances earned him the club’s Player of the Year award the same season.

ONES TO WATCH

ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH

ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH PAGE 24

Flint arrived at the Cardiff City Stadium in July 2019 on a three-year contract. Standing at 6ft 5in, his height provides a great asset for the Bluebirds at both ends of the field.

Flint began the 2021–22 season in fine form, scoring a late brace in an away match against newly-promoted Peterborough U nit ed t o s alvage a 2–2 draw for the Bluebirds. Flint doubled his tally a week later, grabbing another brace in a 3–1 home victory over Millwall.

MARLON PACK POSITION

CM

NATION

AGE

KIEFFER MOORE SHIRT NO.

30 21

E

xperienced midfielder Marlon Pack arrived at Cardiff City in August 2019 from Bristol City. The 30-year-old racked up over 270 appearances in six years at Ashton Gate.

He began his career at his local club, Portsmouth but gained experience away from Fratton Park through several loan spells, most notably at Cheltenham Town where he earned himself a permanent move in the summer of 2011.

Pack has over 90 appearances for the Bluebirds and has five goals to his name.

POSITION

ST

NATION

AGE

SHIRT NO.

29 10

W

ales international Moore enjoyed an excellent first campaign in Cardiff colours last term, racking up 20 goals in all competitions following his move from Wigan.

After a frustrating start to his career, a successful loan spell at Torquay proved the launchpad for a meteoric rise for the striker.

Spells with Ipswich, Rotherham and Barnsley – with goals flowing with regularity at the Yorkshire clubs – followed, before he moved to the Latics in 2019 and onto Cardiff a year later.

The former lifeguard and personal trainer has six goals in 21 appearances for Wales.

PAGE 25

HEATING INSTALLATIONS

MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS

UNDERFLOOR HEATING

AIR CONDITIONING

RENEWABLE ENERGY

PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS

PAGE 26

WATCH HIGHLIGHTS

SWANS 1 HUDDERSFIELD 0 JOEL PIROE’S SIXTH GOAL OF THE SEASON SAW SWANSEA CITY SECURE A FIRST HOME LEAGUE WIN OF THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST HUDDERSFIELD AT THE SWANSEA.COM STADIUM.

TEAM LINEUPS Swans: Ben Hamer; Ben Cabango, Kyle Naughton, Ryan Manning; Ethan Laird, Flynn Downes, Matt Grimes (captain), Jake Bidwell; Olivier Ntcham (Jay Fulton 76), Jamie Paterson (Korey Smith 69); Joel Piroe (Liam Cullen 69).

Subs not used: Steven Benda, Brandon Cooper, Joel Latibeaudiere, Liam Walsh.

Huddersfield Town: Lee Nicholls; Matty Pearson, Tom Lees, Levi Colwill; Ollie Turton (Josh Koroma 61), Jonathan Hogg (captain) (Mipu Odubeko 83), Lewis O’Brien, Harry Toffolo; Danel Sinani, Sorba Thomas; Fraizer Campbell (Duane Holmes 64).

Subs not used: Giosue Bellagambi, Alex Vallejo, Scott High, Naby Sarr.

Referee: Gavin Ward Attendance: 17,091

PAGE 27

WATCH HIGHLIGHTS

FULHAM 3 SWANS 1 THE MARKSMANSHIP OF ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC PROVED THE DIFFERENCE AS SWANSEA CITY FELL TO DEFEAT IN AN ENTERTAINING CLASH WITH FULHAM AT CRAVEN COTTAGE. PAGE 28

TEAM LINEUPS Fulham: Paulo Gazzaniga; Denis Odoi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Tim Ream (captain), Joe Bryan (Alfie Mawson 56); Harrison Reed, JeanMichael Seri; Harry Wilson (Ivan Cavaleiro 71), Bobby Decordova-Reid; Neeskens Kebano; Aleksandar Mitrovic (Rodrigo Muniz 69).

Subs not used: Marek Rodak, Michael Hector, Domingos Quina, Josh Onomah.

Swans: Ben Hamer; Ben Cabango, Kyle Naughton, Ryan Manning; Ethan Laird, Flynn Downes (Liam Cullen 68), Matt Grimes (captain), Jake Bidwell (Joel Latibeaudiere 74); Olivier Ntcham (Korey Smith 31), Jamie Paterson; Joel Piroe.

Subs not used: Steven Benda, Jay Fulton, Brandon Cooper, Liam Walsh.

Referee: Joshua Smith Attendance: 16,113 (1,191 away)

WATCH HIGHLIGHTS

DERBY 0 SWANS 0 SWANSEA CITY PLAYED OUT A FOURTH DRAW IN THE LAST SIX LEAGUE GAMES AS THEY SHARED THE SPOILS WITH DERBY COUNTY AT A SODDEN PRIDE PARK.

TEAM LINEUPS Derby: Ryan Allsop, Nathan Byrne, Richard Stearman (Lee Buchanan 38), Curtis Davies, Craig Forsyth; Graeme Shinnie, Max Bird; Jason Knight, Ravel Morrison (Dylan Williams 46), Tom Lawrence (captain), Jack Stretton (Festy Ebosele 64).

Subs not used: Lewis Webb, Tivonge Rushesha, Ethan Laird, Joel Piroe.

Swans: Jason Steele (capt), Tariq Lamptey (Pascal Gross, 46), Ed Turns, Haydon Roberts, Dan Burn, Steven Alzate, Jakob Moder, Ennock Mwepu, Alexis Macallister (Jeremy Sarmiento, 69), Aaron Connolly (Jurgen Locadia, 76), Taylor Richards.

Subs not used: Marc Leonard, James Furlong, Oddell Offiah, Kjel Scherpen.

Referee: Michael Salisbury Attendance: 8,838 (802 away)

PAGE 29

WELCOME TO THE WORLD’S FAVOURITE ONLINE BETTING COMPANY

Enjoy gambling responsibly. BeGambleAware.org 18+

STILETTOS AND STUDS BY JULIE KISSICK

T

he South Wales derby is upon us again and for many fans, this is the biggest game of the season. Never mind promotion or relegation, let’s just beat ‘them up/down the road’!

If ever anyone felt the term ‘tribal’ was misplaced in football, they just need to be present at a local derby to understand its true significance.

I know what it means to fans – I’ve lived it and breathed it for years and now I teach supporters from both sides. Navigating the lead up to a game and the aftermath is a minefield, but what of the players who wear both shirts during their career?

As a fan the prospect is unfathomable but for players, the decision is often down to straight maths, therefore emotion is a far less significant part of the decision-making process.

Maybe the time pre social media and big earnings was simpler – there have been plenty of players who made the choice to cross the seemingly great divide.

The likes of Ivor Allchurch, Mel Charles, John Toshack, Robbie James, Ian Walsh, Andy Legg and recent retiree, Wayne Routledge, have all done it.

As has Swans legend Alan Curtis. When he made the switch, it was back in the days when footballers were not paid anything like the sums they are today.

As Curt explains it, it was about economics.

He had a family to provide for and an offer from the then Ninian Park outfit was one he eventually couldn’t turn down.

But, when he first got the call from Frank Burrows, the initial offer was one he declined. Curt had been playing with

Southampton and when his contract ended, Burrows, who was youth team manager with The Saints, had moved to Cardiff City.

Curt had already spoken to the Swans chair Doug Sharp, but with the club in administration, new signings were not permitted.

He talks about being booed by both sets of supporters when he played in his first derby as a Bluebird. Not for the faint-hearted that!

In true Curt style though, he won Fans’ Player of the Year during his time there, and returned home to the Swans to finish his career.

David Giles was a Cardiff-born lad who got the golden ticket when he signed for his home-town club. He started and ended his playing days with the Bluebirds and squeezed in a couple of seasons with the Swans too.

Giles, who coincidently is the only player to turn out for all four Welsh clubs in the EFL, was lured to the Vetch by John Toshack, with a promise to play upfront with him.

Gilo got the winner against Cardiff when he played for the Swans. He was part of the team who played in the old First Division in a side that tasted unprecedented levels of success – the glory days for Swans fans back then.

And more recently, Swansea-born Jazz Richards ended his professional career in a blue shirt after six years with the Swans and a stint at Fulham and Crystal Palace.

Today though, the focus won’t be on the men who’ve played in both white and blue, or the statistics, or the league table. Today will be about bragging rights … until the next time.

Stay safe, all.

PAGE 31

PAGE 32

WELSH COLUMN BY ALUN RHYS CHIVERS, GOLWG

D

oes dim torf wedi bod yng ngêm ddarbi’r de yn Stadiwm Swansea. com ers Hydref 2019. Mae’r gemau hyn yn dibynnu ar yr awyrgylch unigryw, felly bydd hi’n braf cael profi hynny unwaith eto y prynhawn yma. Dyma’r gemau sy’n gwneud y Bencampwriaeth mor arbennig.

Bydd yr Elyrch yn awyddus i dalu’r pwyth yn ôl am y golled y tro diwetha’ i’r Adar Gleision lanio yn y Stadiwm Swansea.com saith mis yn ôl, wrth iddyn nhw ennill o 1-0 diolch i gôl Aden Flint ar ôl dim ond saith munud. Rhaid mynd yn ôl i 2011 i ddod o hyd i fuddugoliaeth flaenorol Caerdydd yma, gyda Craig Bellamy yn sgorio unig gôl y gêm Bencampwriaeth – y tro diwetha’, gyda llaw, i Gymro sgorio yn y ddarbi yn Abertawe.

Ond efallai nad yw amseru’r gêm ddiweddara’n ddelfrydol i’r naill dîm na’r llall. Am un peth, does dim dal sut siâp fydd ar y naill dîm a’r llall ar ôl ffenest ryngwladol.

Allai’r ffenest ddim bod wedi dod ar adeg well i’r Adar Gleision, gyda Mick McCarthy dan gryn bwysau. Maen nhw wedi colli eu pum gêm ddiwetha’, gan gynnwys dwy grasfa o 5-1 yn Blackburn a 4-0 gartref yn erbyn West Brom.

Byddan nhw’n sicr yn gobeithio tanio’r rhan yma o’r tymor gyda buddugoliaeth fawr – mae’n syndod pa ddaioni all ddod o guro’r hen elyn.

Roedd yr Elyrch yn dechrau dangos arwyddion addawol yn eu gemau diweddaraf o dan Russell Martin, ac fe fyddan nhw’n awyddus i weld y cynnydd hwnnw’n parhau, nid lleiaf yn erbyn Caerdydd. Roedd y perfformiad yn yr ail hanner yn erbyn Luton yn dangos y cymeriad fydd ei angen arnyn nhw yn ystod cyfnodau anodd y tymor. Roedd awgrym hefyd fod y dull o chwarae’n dechrau dwyn ffrwyth. Serch hynny, mae’r ystadegau’n dal i ddangos dim ond un fuddugoliaeth mewn pum gêm.

Rhaid sôn, wrth gwrs, am ddau o’r hoelion wyth sydd bellach wedi gadael y Stadiwm Swansea.com. Ac eithrio ambell gyfnod i ffwrdd ar fenthyg, fe fu Alan Tate yn un o hoelion wyth yr Elyrch ers 2002 – yn chwaraewr ym mron pob safle yn yr amddiffyn, yn gapten ac yn hyfforddwr ac yn rhan mor fawr o nifer o lwyddiannau’r tîm dros ddau ddegawd. Mae’r daith honno’n cynnwys aros yn y Gynghrair Bêl-droed, ennill dyrchafiad i’r Uwch Gynghrair, ennill Cwpan Capital One, ymgyrch Cynghrair Europa a chyrraedd y gemau ail gyfle fel rhan o’r tîm hyfforddi yn y ddau dymor diwethaf. Mae’n siŵr fod pawb yn dymuno’n dda iddo fe yn ei swydd newydd yn Nottingham Forest.

Ac mae hi bellach yn swyddogol fod Wayne Routledge wedi ymddeol yn dilyn yr anaf gafodd e yn y gemau ail gyfle y tymor diwetha’. Treuliodd e ddegawd gyda’r Elyrch, ei ddegfed clwb fel chwaraewr proffesiynol.

Fel mae’n digwydd, dechreuodd ei yrfa yn Abertawe yn eu gêm gyntaf yn yr Uwch Gynghrair – colled o 4-0 yn erbyn Manchester City. Ers sgorio’i gôl gynta’ yn erbyn Aston Villa fis Ionawr 2012, sgoriodd e 33 o goliau mewn 304 o gemau i’r clwb. Mae ei gyfraniad wedi bod yn amhrisiadwy. Pob lwc iddo yntau hefyd, a fyddai rhywun ddim yn synnu o’i weld e’n dychwelyd i Stadiwm Swansea.com rywbryd yn y dyfodol.

Yn ôl at y gêm dan sylw. Gall tymhorau’n hawdd iawn gael eu siapio gan un gêm fawr. Gall gemau darbi gael eu siapio gan un digwyddiad. Tybed ai Russell Martin neu Mick McCarthy fydd yn dathlu ar ddiwedd y 90 munud? Gwyn neu las, mwynhewch y gêm fawr.

PAGE 33

PAGE 34

SWANSEA CITY GREAT WAYNE ROUTLEDGE HAS BROUGHT DOWN THE CURTAIN ON A SUPERB CAREER SPANNING 20 YEARS, INCLUDING 10 YEARS WITH THE SWANS. CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE....

The much-loved and respected forward joined the Swans from Newcastle in 2011 ahead of t h e c l u b’ s m a i d e n P r e m i e r L eague c ampaign and went on to make 305 appearances, scoring 33 goals.

One of the club’s finest servants of re c ent ye ar s , R outle dge confirmed his departure from t h e p l a y i n g s t a ff i n S A 1 i n August and has now decided to hang up his boots.

“I think the hardest par t is actually leaving this place, I’ve made friends for life, unbelievable memories and also now I have a beautiful family. To leave this place was the hardest decision,” explained Routledge as he looked back on his decade in the city.

“I think the biggest factor of it is that my kids are of an age now where they need to be around their family, so that’s kind of dictated it.

“My eldest is going into GCSE year, my little girl is going into her first year of school and my little boy is in that stage where he’s going to start school.

“They need to be settled in a place where they can actually grow up and be around their family.

“To be honest with you, I haven’t truly decided what is coming next yet.

“The club have been great with me, and I’ll be doing a couple of bits and pieces in capacity here so that’s great. But long term, I haven’t fully decided yet.”

Routledge had a fairly nomadic career before finding Swansea, with spells at eight different clubs in 10 years.

Coming to prominence at boyhood club Crystal Palace, Routledge made over 100 league appearances before making a £1.25 million move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2005.

He found it difficult to break into the Spurs side, however, and spent time on loan at Portsmouth and Fulham before signing for Aston Villa in 2008. After a stint on loan at Cardiff, he joined Queens Park Rangers on a permanent deal.

Routledge’s impressive form for the Hoops saw him join Newcastle in 2010 but, after a spell back on loan at Loftus Road, he made arguably the best move of his career.

Routledge became a Jack and found himself in an environment and a city that had everything he needed, and he felt had previously been missing.

“Before I came here, I was a bit here, there, and everywhere and then I came here and found a way of football that suited me, found a place that loved having me here, found a place that I loved being at and it all clicked,” Routledge recalls fondly.

Since then, he has evolved as both a player and a person, making an impressive impact both on and off the pitch and leaving an indelible mark on the club.

“I’ve done so much in the time I’ve been here; I wouldn’t even be able to list it all,” he added.

“When I look back I’m just grateful that the club came in for me, took a lot of time out to actually sign me and get me here.

“I’m just thankful that I found Swansea and Swansea found me.”

PAGE 35

Upon his arrival, despite his 10 years of experience in the footballing world, Routledge would look to the senior figures at the Swans including the likes of Leon Britton, Garry Monk and Alan Tate - who all lived and breathed the club and knew what it meant to be a Jack.

In recent years a role reversal saw Routledge become that pillar of support for younger members of the squad, with numerous youngsters noting the support of Routledge as a factor in their career progression.

“When I look back now, it is a nice feeling when you see young players that come in with talent, to actually help them and give them a bit of guidance,” smiled Routledge.

“They get their rewards, and you get to see them blossom and everyone’s happy. It’s been nice to transition into that role.”

The decade of service in Swansea has also served as a learning process for Routledge, enabling him to work under the likes of Brendan Rodgers and Michael Laudrup and re-educate himself on the beautiful game. “ When I came here, I played a certain way and obviously, working under the managers that I have worked under here, I’ve learnt how to play a game that nobody actually knows how to perfect,” he said. “ There are so many ways of playing it but different styles, different mannerisms, different tempos, different structures, you pick up a lot along the way.

“I feel like I’ve definitely done that, and I’ve definitely learnt how to play football how I feel to be the right way.”

PAGE 36

Initially a winger, in recent years Routledge has adapted to ensure he was able to support the team in any way possible, playing as a striker, a false nine and a right-back.

He acknowledges that versatility came easier with the advantage of experience, and his knowledge and understanding of the game have grown simultaneously.

“When you’re younger and play through youth systems and academies, they sometimes put you in positions that take you out of your comfort zone, to obviously try to bring you on and give you an understanding of what dictates certain positions and how to help you in your game where you actually play,” explains Routledge.

“I feel that with the amount of years and the amount of games I’ve played, as well as training sessions, you pick up so many things and that’s helped me adapt playing wherever the manager wants you to play with still giving everything you’ve got and helping the team in the same instance.

I’ve definitely learnt that here.”

While the time may be to reflect on the end of a journey, it’s worth taking a moment to consider where it all started for Routledge at Swansea.

On August 15 2011, the focus of the world’s media was centred on one debutant at the Etihad Stadium as £38 million pound signing Sergio Aguero kicked off his Manchester City career but few could have predicted the impact one 65th minute substitute would make for the visitors over the next 10 years.

Just 11 days into life as a Swan, Routledge made his competitive Swansea debut in the club’s maiden fixture in the Premier L eague, a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City.

“I was able to settle in very quickly because the boys were just the boys, they were just this group that were hungry,” remembers Routledge.

“A lot of the players hadn’t been in the Premier League before, and they just wanted to show what they can do and not be overawed or shown up by Premier League players.

“I had a conversation with Brendan before I came here and the idea was to put me in the number 10 position, obviously it didn’t turn out that way, but you have to learn and adapt and that’s what I did.

“That’s what a lot of the boys did that year and a lot of the boys thrived off it. It was a great year.”

Flash forward to January 2012.

The Swans travelled to Villa Park with the aim of three points as they searched for their first away win in the Premier League. The fixture marked Routledge’s 116th match in the division, but he was still in quest of a first Premier League goal.

The Swans were already one goal to the good when Routledge picked up possession on the left before driving forward and squaring the ball to Danny Graham.

Graham unleashed a shot at goal which rebounded off the woodwork into the path of the winger, who fired home his first Premier League goal low into the far corner, ironically with his left foot.

“It was crazy, even when you say it, I’ve played that many games,

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE....

not to score in any of them just doesn’t seem right,” he says.

“But I guess if you look at that, it’s games at so many different clubs, so many appearances where I’ve come off the bench. You have to take that into consideration but, at the same time, it’s still 116 games.

“I remember cutting in on the left, giving it to Danny and it come back off the post, obviously I swung my left foot at it, and it went in. “ Yo u c o u l d s e e f r o m m y celebration that the wait was over, it was nice.

The following season saw the arrival of Michael Laudrup who took charge after the departure of Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool.

The campaign got off to a glittering start as the Swans came out 5-0 victors on a glorious afternoon at one of Routledge’s former stomping grounds, Loftus Road.

A highly successful season, the Swans ended the campaign with silverware in the shape of the League Cup and a ninth place Premier League finish, a truly wonderful campaign marking Swansea City’s centenary.

“It was definitely up there. It almost seems surreal because I say to a lot of the boys in football now that when you’re in the moment it just seems normal but, when you look back, it’s incredible,” reflected Routledge.

“To achieve what we achieved, you look back on it now and it’s just like ‘Wow, we did that!’

“Even to see what it meant to people here, when we did the bus down the town hall, all the crowds and all the people. It was an incredible time.”

PAGE 37

A European journey followed as the Swans competed in the 2013-14 Europa League, the first time the club had competed in Europe since the 1991-92 European Cup Winners’ Cup. Routledge netted three times a l o n g t h e w a y, i n c l u d i n g a brace in the home win against Romanian side Petrolul Ploiesti and the only goal in the side’s home victory against St Gallen.

“I look back and I never really had a career checklist of what I wanted to do, and probably looking back I should have because it might have driven me to do more, but it was an unbelievable time,” said Routledge.

Routledge set up Nathan Dyer for the second before Wilfried Bony wrapped things up.

“We were going through a bit of a rough patch and things weren’t going great at that time. We didn’t have a great result at their place and then we came back here and we knew, sometimes you just know,” he recalls.

“As soon as Pablo put the ball through to me and it went in, I think you can see not only just my emotions but the whole stadium was just incredible.

PAGE 38

“It’s the best because I wouldn’t be able to do it again!” explained Routledge in a previous interview.

“Me being me at the time, I thought I would jump in the air like I was Bruce Lee and kick a ball in a certain way that I don’t think I could do again.

“The one I scored here against Reading with the outside of my boot was good too and the one that keeps coming to mind is the one when my little boy was born and I scored against Middlesbrough, that meant a lot as well.”

“It was an unbelievable time, it was a very tough schedule that gives you a lot of understanding of why the top boys are that top because it is relentless, but it was a great time for everybody in and around the city and the squad.”

After a goalless first half, the Swans were quick out of the blocks after the restart as Pablo Hernandez came off the bench to set up Routledge, who found the bottom corner in the 47th minute.

The Swans went on to win 3-0, with scorer turning provider after

The stunning strike went on to win the goal of the season award in the club’s end of season awards, and has previously been described by Wayne himself as his favourite goal he has ever scored.

“These days, there are patterns of play and all that, but this was pure instinct.

“Going back at being at St Gallen in the snow and playing at the San Paolo against Napoli, we should have gone through to be honest with you.

The following season Monk took over the reins in February 2014 with the club facing Cardiff City in a home South Wales derby in his first match in charge, a match that Routledge and his teammates were determined not to lose whatever the circumstances.

West Bromwich Albion visited Swansea. A moment of magic saw Routledge find the net with a beautiful acrobatic volley to double the Swans’ lead following a Craig Dawson headed clearance.

“From there it was only going to go one way, it was going to be a barrage of us banging down the door and then obviously Nath scores and Bony scores and it was carnage. It was another great day.”

After a challenging campaign, Monk would lead a Swans revival the following term, leading the club to a best-ever Premier League points tally and finish of eighth.

Undoubtedly one of Routledge’s most memorable goals came during that 2014-15 season when

H o w e v e r, a ft e r s u c h a successful period, there would be hardships to come.

One of the darker moments of Routledge’s career came at the end of the 2017-18 season as the Swans saw a seven-year Premier League stint come to an end following relegation to the Championship.

The effects of relegation rippled throughout the club and city, something that motivated Routledge to fight to give the club the best possible opportunity of returning to the top-flight.

“It was awful. What made it worse was still to this day I don’t think we should have got in that position but we did, you’ve got to hold your hands up; you’re relegated because you deserved to be relegated,” he remarked.

“We got ourselves in a position and we should have got out of it, it was awful to see what comes with it, the exodus of players, the financial responsibilities that go with it and also what it does in and around the city.

“With Premier League income there is a lot more money generated throughout the city and to see a lot of people struggle without that income coming in is not nice to see.

“They took it out on the Friday and me and Nath played on the Saturday at Brentford away and the rest is history.”

Those efforts to return the club to the top-flight would produce one of the defining moments of Routledge’s two-decade career.

It came on the final day of the regular 2019-20 s e as on at Reading. In dramatic fashion, Routledge netted a brace to help secure a Championship playoff place, with his magnificent

“It was difficult. It wasn’t just difficult for me, it was a difficult time for both me and Nathan. Nathan had an extra year and I didn’t, but we were both basically here but we weren’t here,” he explained. “ T h e r e wa s a c l a u s e i n m y contract that said if I played then I’d get another year on my deal and that was something which wasn’t going to happen. I just said ‘Can I play?’ and they said no and explained why, so I said ‘Well take it out and let me play.’

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE....

“It ’s defining moments that people will always look back on with fondness that get you that extra reputation.”

But he wasn’t done there.

Earlier this year, Routledge followed in the footsteps of the likes of Alan Curtis MBE, Roger Freestone and Leon Britton by passing through the 300-appearanc e barrier for Swansea City.

It saw him become just the 32nd player to reach 300 appearances in the 109-year history of the football club. A remarkable achievement that Routledge c ould never have expe c t e d when he made the switch from Newcastle United in 2011.

“That is the whole point of trying to do what we’ve been doing for the last few years, trying to get back to where we obviously belong. It will come it just takes time.”

Routledge’s love for the club and willingness to give everything for the Swansea shirt was underlined in the 2018-19 season when he, along with Nathan Dyer, removed a clause from his contract to ensure he would play for the club again as they went in pursuit of a return to the Premier League.

always going to remember the League Cup final, and people are probably always going to remember the crazy, kung-fu, acrobatic goal against West Brom.

“You always move to a club with great aspirations and wanting to do as well as you can, but it doesn’t always work out like that,” he said. lofted finish being voted goal of the season by the Jack Army following the campaign.

“I think they are the moments that define anyone,” said Routledge.

“For me, it’s the best job in the world to be a footballer but only something like 0.047% of the world can be a footballer.

“You can be a footballer, and you can be a footballer that is remembered.

“People are always going to remember that, and people are

“You always want to do the best, be the best and achieve things but it doesn’t always happen.

“Like I said before, I’m very grateful that the club took the time to actually bring me here because they did go out of their way to get me here and I’m just grateful that I actually sat down and listened for once.

“I was pretty hard-headed when I was younger and I didn’t really listen a lot, but I did that day and here we are today.”

PAGE 39

PAGE 40

Sadly for Swansea and Routledge, a story that deserved a fairytale ending would not get one.

T here was a tangible sense of sadness encircling the Swansea.com Stadium in May 2021 when the 36-year-old was stretchered off the pitch after sustaining a knee injury in the Championship play-off semifinal against Barnsley.

The Jack Army ’s fears were realised when it was later confirmed that Routledge had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, a serious injury that has caused severe career implications for many footballers in the game.

The Swans were off to Wembley but there was a bittersweet feeling around the city as an individual who epitomised what it meant to be a Jack would have to watch on from the stands in North London.

Unbeknownst to many present in SA1 on that Saturday afternoon, they had witnessed the Londoner’s last moments on a pitch as a professional footballer.

Testament to his humble nature, when asked in a previous interview how he would like to be remembered following retirement , an under st ated Routledge said he’d like to be remembered as someone who loved playing football, always gave their all and learnt to adapt.

Now as he looks back on his career, is he content that he’s achieved that over the years?

“Yes, I don’t think I could stop if I hadn’t,” he said.

“All of those three things, that’s it.

“All I ever wanted to do as a boy was play football and I’m so grateful that I actually made a career from it. “ There’s a lot of players that I grew up with, playing with and playing against, that were unbelievable too but for some reason or another didn’t go on to do half the stuff I have done.

“I am someone who loved football, someone who gave everything and learnt to adapt, that’s why I’m still here.”

“That was a bit gutting,” expressed Routledge with a tinge of sadness in his voice.

“However, I had surgery and the surgeon is very pleased and happy with how its progressing. It’s a long road back from that but he’s happy so I’m okay with it.”

When looking back on his 20year career, many would perhaps remember Routledge for his League Cup success, that goal against West Brom or for being ever-present in the club’s Premier League years.

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.

PAGE 44

EFL.com

I LEARNED SO MUCH DURING MY ROAD TO RECOVERY

H

e spent his first year as a professional footballer soaking up as much information as possible, but for the last 10 months Tivonge Rushesha has learned so much more.

The majority of 2020 had been a memorable period for the 19-year-old, who signed his first pro deal in January of that year and became part of the Swansea City first-team set up before making his senior debut seven months later.

Then, in December, he endured a big setback after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament in a training session. It proved a big blow in terms of his progression as a player, but, in time, it was a period that allowed him to develop both his body and mind.

“It was tough, especially since I was on the bench here and there. I was training every day like I was a part of the first-team group,” said the right-back.

“My knee didn’t swell up straight away, it was only two days after I damaged it, so when I got the scan results it came as a bigger shock then, because prior to that I just thought ‘it’s just a little niggle.’

“It was 10 months of learning; it’s weird, I look at it now, and it feels like it’s gone quick, but during it felt like forever.

“I’m just thankful because I learned a lot, I did a lot in the gym, I worked really hard outside, so now I’m just really happy to be back and I feel better for it.

“The staff that we have here make sure that you’re strict and comprehensive with all the gym stuff that you do when you’re injured.

“So, all the physios, all the strength coaches, they helped a lot to make sure that I made the most of my time out.

“I learnt more about my body, I learnt more about how to look after myself, so overall I took so many positives from it.”

Rushesha not only spent time working on his body during his rehab, he used the opportunity to strengthen his mind. He got in touch with international mindset guru Steve Sallis, a former Brighton youth player who is familiar with Swans boss Russell Martin.

“The first month or two were the hardest, because that’s when I just felt down. I just felt like ‘why me?” said Rushesha.

“And then after that, I spoke to my parents, spoke to some of the other players, I spoke to a mindset coach, and he helped a lot especially at the start of the rehab, and even now I speak to him. That was very beneficial.

“We worked over Zoom; he taught how to deal with thing better, how to deal with my emotions psychologically. “He just helps you to be the best athlete you can be, because your head and your mind has a lot to do with that.

“It’s easy to look at it as 10 months wasted, but I’m happy that I’ve gotten through it now.”

PAGE 45

Giving Football Back to Small Business At eBay, we know small business and football clubs used to be like chips and gravy, two peas in a pod – a match made in community heaven.

Ironmongers, ship workers, spring makers and cobblers, all formed clubs which decades later are still prospering.

But nowadays, you’d think it was all eyewatering transfers, Super Leagues and mega sponsors, detached from the humble origins of our historic clubs.

That’s why eBay are proud to support 300,000 small businesses who help power EFL clubs nationwide. We’ll be donating our advertising space to a lot of these businesses – on match day hoardings, around grounds and beyond – throughout the coming season, to ensure they can continue to thrive in our local communities. So, join us in giving your support to Small Business Power, because today, they need us more than ever.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

PAGE 46

E R E H T IS R E T T E B A O T Y A W R U O Y BUY ?

R A C T NE X CAZOO YEAH!

Buy or finance a car online and we’ll deliver it to your door with a 7-Day Money Back Guarantee.

PAGE 48

SWANS U23s 0 IPSWICH TOWN U23s 3

S

wansea Under-23s were handed their first home defeat of the season as they were beaten by Ipswich To w n i n t h e i r P r o f e s s i o n a l Development League encounter.

After starting the season with a win and a draw on home turf, the Swans were on the losing end of the scoreline thanks to goals from Fraser Alexander, Tete Yengi and Harley Curtis.

A youthful Swans side, including 16-year-olds Ben Lloyd and Joel Cotterill, plus a number of other teenagers battled hard but were unable to haul themselves back into the game.

There was also valuable gametime for Tivonge Rushesha as the defender continues his return from a long-term knee injury.

Ipswich had started the game on the front foot, Tawanda Chirewa’s run through the Swansea defence early causing trouble before he dragged his shot wide.

Swansea grew into the game, with Tarrelle W hitt aker and Dylan Morgan proving their main attacking outlets.

But it was the visitors who took the lead. Swansea goalkeeper Nico Defreitas-Hansen did well to save Bailey Clements’ low shot, but Alexander managed to turn the save into the back of the net in the six-yard box.

Yengi doubled Ipswich’s lead just 10 minutes later, his great touch from Edwin Agbase’s long ball allowing him to cut in onto his left foot and curl his shot into the bottom left corner.

The Swans’ struggles continued into the second half, with Curtis making it 3-0 just after the break.

A good ball across the box found the winger in space and he picked out the bottom corner.

Ben Margetson thought he had pulled one back for Swansea, converting a great header from Morgan’s freekick, but the linesman ruled the defender offside.

TEAM LINEUP Swans: Nico Defreitas-Hansen, Tivonge Rushesha, Lincoln Mcfayden, Azeem Abdulai, Scott Butler (captain), Ben Margetson, Joel Cotterill (Rio Campbell, 45), Ben Lloyd (Jacob Jones, 75), Jaden Forrester, Tarrelle Whittaker, Dylan Morgan.

Subs not used: Ben Erickson, Jamie Searle, Adrian Akande.

Swansea continued to fight but struggled to find a breakthrough.

Morgan flashed a great cross in the six-yard box that Jaden Forrester couldn’t quite meet.

PAGE 49

AWARD WINNING FISH & CHIPS FAMILY RUN TAKEAWAY AND LICENSED RESTAURANT SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNERS OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY 9AM TILL 8PM LAST ORDERS AT RESTAURANT 7PM

SUNDAY ROAST LUNCH AVAILABLE

RESTAURANT OR TAKEAWAY 12PM - 3.30PM

FISH AND CHIPS ALSO AVAILABLE TO TAKEAWAY SUNDAYS 4PM - 9PM

CLICK & COLLECT AVAILABLE! DOWNLOAD OUR APP

60-61 HIGH ST, GORSEINON, SA4 4BP

BEAUTIFUL SHUTTERS TO ENHANCE ANY HOME

Visit our showroom at Janela Shutters & Blinds, 20A St John’s Terrace, Neath Abbey, Neath SA10 7NA. For a no-obligation quote call us on PAGE 50 01792 814988 or visit our website at www.janelashutters.co.uk

SWANS U18s 1 MILLWALL U18s 4

S

wansea City under-18s suffered defeat to Millwall in the Professional Development League at Landore after conceding two first-half penalties.

The Swans looked lively early on, as Cameron Congreve dribbled through three Millwall shirts before laying the ball off to Charlie Veevers on the edge of the box, who dragged his effort just left of the post.

The Swans were undeterred, immediately looking for their equaliser which was almost found when Veevers played a through ball to Kyrell Wilson. Ultimately, though, the hosts did not have to wait long to find their opening goal.

Petrie found Congreve on the edge of the box, and the midfielder did the rest on his own, skipping past defender Bobby Dailly and tucking the ball into the bottom right corner with his left foot.

Swans keeper Ben Hughes was tested early and often, answering the call to action on each occasion while, at the other end, Kieran Petrie’s goalbound strike was deflected just high of the crossbar.

But the Swans would fall behind just before the interval from another penalty. Full-back David Roberts bringing down Romain Esse, with Lovelto finding the net from the spot despite keeper Hughes getting a hand to his strike.

But the hosts fell behind in the 13th minute, when Filip Lissah was penalised for a challenge in the area and forward Leahy sent Hughes the wrong way from the spot to give his side the lead.

The hosts would have wanted to respond soon after the break, but instead Millwall extended their lead with a fine move that was finished by skipper Smith just a minutes into the second half.

The Lions then made it four with Lovelto firing past Hughes from the left flank to leave the Swans facing an uphill battle.

TEAM LINEUP Swans: Ben Hughes; David Roberts, Zane Myers, Filip Lissah, Richard Faayke; Charlie Veevers, Adrian Akande, Josh Edwards (captain), Cameron Congreve (Aimar Govea, 46); Kyrell Wilson (Rohan Davies, 71), Kieran Petrie (Kian Jenkins, 63).

Subs not used: Ryan Bassett, Tyler Evans.

PAGE 51

Your digital marketing partner

Want to succeed digitally?

We’re an integrated digital marketing agency who can help your business be found and convert online when it matters most.

Backed by industry leading partners, we have access to the latest technology and tools to help you succeed online.

We can help you with: SEO - Improve your organic search visibility and be there when a customer searches for your products & services.

Web Development - Represent your brand and identity correctly online with an up-to-date easy to edit website.

PPC - Generate new leads TODAY by fast-tracking your way to the top of Google.

CRO - Optimise your website and maximise the value of every visit, ensuring new visitors convert into paying customers.

Paid Social - Leverage the power of Facebook and Instagram ads to drive new business and promote your brand on social media.

The team have quickly proven their knowledge in their field is 2nd to none, proving not only with a huge growth in traffic but also they are there to help with other duties online that may require further in depth knowledge. Super easy to work with - a friendly approach. They are there to support the growth of the business.

Request your FREE digital marketing audit today! Usually £299 www.digitalnrg.co.uk/swansea-free-audit

PAGE 52

CARDIFF CITY WOMEN 0 SWANS LADIES 4

S

wansea City Ladies continued their perfect start to the campaign with a handsome victory over rivals Cardiff City Women.

Stacey John-Davis played a ball over the top and in behind Cardiff’s backline to find Hosford, but the winger was unable to get the desired connection on her shot.

The three points were secured with 20 minutes left as Oakley remained composed, took the ball around the keeper, and passed the ball into an empty net.

The defending Genero Adran Premier champions went into half-time with a narrow lead courtesy of an impressive finish from Chloe Chivers.

Cardiff posed their first threat of the match with 25 minutes played; Danielle Green’s strike from the edge of the box forcing a fine save from Claire Skinner.

Swansea then stamped their authority on the fixture in the second half after Katy Hosford and a brace from substitute Rhianne Oakley sealed the three points.

Swansea were then denied a second goal of the afternoon by Chamberlain who was equal to Hosford’s strike from inside the box.

Just two minutes later Oakley had her second; a great run from the forward got her into an advanced position and she calmly stroked the ball past the onrushing Chamberlain.

The Swans made a strong start after a moment of class from Chiver s broke the deadlock with a dinked finish lobbing Ceryn Chamberlain.

Soon after, Ria Hughes looked to double the deficit with a shot from distance, but it went just over the crossbar.

The Swans, much like in their previous three games of this season so far, controlled most of the possession and dictated the play.

Cardiff caused a moment of havoc in the Swansea penalty box after an onslaught of chances from a corner, but the visitors’ defence eventually cleared the ball to safety.

Five minutes into the second half, Hosford doubled the Swans’ lead after her delivery into the box found its way into the back of the net.

Hosford proved to be a real handful for Cardiff as her corner found the head of Laura Davies, however, Chamberlain was able to gather the midfielder’s header.

TEAM LINEUP Swans: Claire Skinner, Ellie Lake, Shaunna Jenkins (Nieve Jenkins 79), Alicia Powe (captain), Ria Hughes, Kelly Adams, Laura Davies (Emma Beynon 71), Tija Richardson, Chloe Chivers (Rhianne Oakley 57), Katy Hosford, Stacey John-Davis.

Subs not used: Gemma Border, Chloe Tiley.

PAGE 53

HOW TIMES CHANGE.

JACK THE LAD

Seven years ago, this afternoon’s fixture was a Premier League match.

When the Swans beat Cardiff 3-0 here on February 8, 2014, the home side were mid-table in the Premier League and Cardiff were fighting to climb the table.

Welsh domestic football had never been on such a high with two representatives in the top flight.

C onsidering the re spe c tive fortunes of the two clubs between the mid-1980s and early 2000s, it was scarcely credible that fans across the globe were tuning in to see two Welsh teams competing in the most watched league in the world.

At the time, it was estimated the Premier League was beamed around the world by 80 different broadcasters to an audience of 4.7 billion people.

Although Cardiff fans will obviously recall the occasion with less fondness than Swans fans, the occasion was a huge showcase for Welsh football on the global stage.

As well as the Swans producing an outstanding display, it also showed that the bad old days of problems off the pitch were largely a thing of the past as both sets of fans behaved immaculately on the whole.

Seven years later, both clubs find themselves in the lower reaches of the Championship having experienced all kinds of trials and tribulations in the intervening years.

PAGE 54

But despite Swansea and Cardiff’s current league positions, there’s still plenty to be optimistic about in Welsh football.

The Swans have an exciting new manager who is working hard to re-establish the famous “Swansea Way”, which had unfortunately lost its way somewhat in recent seasons.

Russell Martin has got us playing in an attractive manner once again and although we are far from the finished product things are certainly moving in the right direction.

Meanwhile, just up the road, Cardiff may find themselves in a slightly different position management wise, but they are starting to produce some topquality local players.

In recent years it’s the Swans who have been making a name for themselves for producing home grown players, with the Welsh national team also benefitting as it enjoyed something of a golden era.

Since the Swans and Cardiff played that Premier L eague match in 2014, the Welsh side has competed at two European Championship finals tournaments and is still in contention for a place at next year’s World Cup. During that successful period, t h e Swa n s h ave n u r t u re d a conveyor belt of talent for the Welsh squad, including the likes of Joe Allen, Connor Roberts, Daniel James, Ben Davies, Ben Cabango and Joe Rodon, who have all come through the Academy. Academy graduate

Josh Sheehan, who went to Newport following his Swans exit, has also gone on to wear the red shirt.

Not to mention players whose c areers have been finessed here, such as Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor.

Now Cardiff are starting to produce their share of talent for the Welsh cause, including the likes of Mark Harris and Rubin Colwill.

Rubin, of course, has close connections with the Swansea area.

The youngster, who was part of the Wales squad for last summer’s European Championships, is a native of Neath.

Like Ben Davies, he is a fluent Welsh speaker having been educated at Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Dur Ystalyfera.

And the youngster had strong connections with Pontardawe Town during his formative years.

Of course, I would love to have s e e n R u b i n fo l l ow i n B e n’ s foot steps into the Swansea team, but it is still hugely encouraging that the locality i s p r o d u c i n g p l aye r s of h i s immense potential, whichever club they end up playing for.

Let’s face it, it’s not as if we don’t occasionally stray into the CF post code area to pick up quality young players . . . just think about the aforementioned Ben Cabango, for example.

B ut wherever these players initially come from and wherever they eventually make their names, it shows that the south Wales area is still a fertile breeding ground for talented footballers.

Whether they are born in Canton or Cadoxton, Gorseinon or Gabalfa, our clubs will always depend heavily on locally produced players.

And while English-born players - who show the type of enthusiasm for the cause that debutant Sorba Thomas did for Wales during the last international break - will always be more than we l c o m e, s o u t h Wa l e s s t i l l needs to produce players for both club and country.

I’d obviously prefer the majority of the region’s best budding talent to end up playing in the white of Swansea, but it’s also encouraging to see our rivals from up the road producing good young players in their area.

It can only be a good for the general health of football right across south Wales from Newport, Gwent to Newport, Pembs.

Hopefully, both clubs – and Newport County for their part will rise up the tables soon . . . just as long as the Swans stay at least one step ahead of their old south Wales rivals!

And what better occasion to start opening that gap up again than today?

I know it’s only three points whoever you beat, but three point s against your closest rivals always like it's worth so much more.

C’mon you Swans!

PAGE 55

HERE’S HERE’S AAST STAT AT I IBET BET YOU YOU DIDN’T DIDN’T KN KN WW PAGE 56

O S T

T 6 2 O

(

A H S S A

T

OVER HALF A MILLION OVER HALF A MILLION SKY SKY BET BET CUSTOMERS USE USE DEPOSIT LIMITS CUSTOMERS DEPOSIT LIMITS TO MANAGE THEIR BETTING BUDGET. TO MANAGE THEIR BETTING BUDGET.

THAT’S ENOUGH TO FILL: THAT’S ENOUGH TO FILL: 6 WEMBLEYS. 6 WEMBLEYS. 201 ALLY PALLYS. 201 ALLY PALLYS. OR 8OR CHELTENHAM GOLD CUPCUP DAYS. 8 CHELTENHAM GOLD DAYS.

(THAT’S A LOTAOF TWEED) (THAT’S LOT OF TWEED)

ALL ALL GOOD BOOKMAKERS GOOD BOOKMAKERS HAVE DEPOSIT LIMITS. HAVE DEPOSIT LIMITS. SO WHOEVER YOUYOU BET WITH, SO WHOEVER BET WITH, SET AN ONEONE FORFOR YOUYOU SETAPPROPRIATE AN APPROPRIATE ANDAND THEN ENJOY THE THE SPORT. THEN ENJOY SPORT. DEPOSIT LIMITS DEPOSIT LIMITS

THAT’S BETTING BETTER. THAT’S BETTING BETTER.

PAGE 57

The UK’s leading Transport & Warehouse Company

FORMER PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION

M

embers of Swansea City ’s newly-formed Former Players’ Association have undertaken their first fundraising event - a memory walk in aid of Alzheimer’s Society Cymru.

“From my experience already being here, the ex players are a big part of the club still, as they should be, because of what they’ve done for this club,” said Martin, who joined the Swans in August.

FPA Chair Lee Trundle, deputy Leon Britton, president Alan Curtis and committee members were joined by head coach Russell Martin for the four mile walk from Swansea Bay to the Swansea.com Stadium on Sunday, October 3.

“They’re really important people and they get looked after really well, so it’s a great initiative.

The FPA committee wanted its first fundraiser to support the club’s charity for the season.

Alzheimer’s Society Cymru is holding a series of memory walks across the country this month to raise funds and awareness of those living with dementia.

“Our aim as an association is to support former players of the club in whatever ways we can, including financial,” said Trundle.

“But we felt our first event should be in support of the Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, a charity which does exceptional work in the community and offers a lifeline to so many sufferers and their families.

“We will be announcing our first fundraiser shortly and we will be offering former players a chance to get together in an informal environment before Christmas to hear about what the FPA has planned.”

The aim of the memory walk was to raise a thousand pounds for the charity and raise the profile of the FPA, an initiative Russell Martin was keen to endorse.

“I think they’re guys who really appreciate the part the club and the people in it had to play in their life as well as vice versa.

“The more good people you have around who understand the history of the club, especially the modern history, how far it’s come in such a short space of time, the better really.”

Anyone wishing to donate to the fundraiser can do so via the link HERE. Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. It campaigns for change, funds research to find a cure and supports people living with dementia.

In Wales, there are 46,000 people living with dementia, but with someone in the UK developing dementia every three minutes, this number is set to rise in the coming years.

Alzheimer’s Society Cymru offers support for everyone affected by dementia, not just the person with the diagnosis. It has a dedicated Welsh language line for anyone who would prefer to contact them through the medium of Welsh.

More information on support, fundraising or volunteering, is available from Jess Bowring (Community Fundraiser for South West Wales) on 07545 094 689 or jess.bowring@alzheimers.org.uk

PAGE 59

JUNIOR CYRIL'S HALF-TIME QUIZ QUESTION ONE

QUESTION TWO

QUESTION THREE

Who scored the winner the last time the Swans beat Cardiff at home in the Championship?

Who struck twice for the Swans in the memorable 3-2 win over Cardiff in 2009?

Tip: He was on loan from Watford.

Tip: He scored from the halfway line in the play-off victory over Nottingham Forest in SA1.

Russell Martin and Mick McCarthy have played in Scotland’s biggest derby. But which teams did they represent?

QUESTION FOUR The League Cup meeting in 2009 between today’s teams was the first derby game for nine years.

But what was the score?

Tip: The Swans won on home soil.

Tip: Russell played at Ibrox, while Mick featured in green and white hoops.

QUESTION FIVE Who was the scorer that day?

Tip: He was a Spanish midfielder.

QUESTION SIX The Swans won a famous Premier League derby 3-0 back in 2014 thanks to goals from Wayne Routledge, Nathan Dyer and Wilfried Bony. But was the manager that day?

Tip: He played and captained the club in all four divisions.

CYRIL AND CYBIL'S PREDICTION SWANS 3 CARDIFF 1

PAGE 60

PAGE 61 Cyril’s Half-Time Quiz Answers Question One - Ben Wilmot.

Question Two - Darren Pratley.

Question Three - Russell Rangers and Mick Celtic.

Question Four - The Swans came out 1-0 victors.

Question Five - Jordi Gomez.

Question Six - Garry Monk.

The real ball is Ball Number 2

1

2 3

HELP CYBIL FIND THE REAL BALL

R JACKS

PLAYER SPONSORS 2021~2022 STEVEN BENDA

BEN HAMER

LEWIS WEBB

KYLE NAUGHTON

JAKE BIDWELL

RHYS WILLIAMS

BEN CABANGO

RYAN BENNETT

JOEL LATIBEAUDIERE

ETHAN LAIRD

TIVONGE RUSHESHA

LINCOLN McFAYDEN

BRANDON COOPER

RYAN MANNING

FLYNN DOWNES

KOREY SMITH

MATT GRIMES

JAY FULTON

YAN DHANDA

DANIEL WILLIAMS

LIAM WALSH

MORGAN WHITTAKER

MICAHEL OBAFEMI

JOEL PIROE

TRAVEL

HOUSE .CO.UK

BEN LLOYD

OLIVIER NTCHAM

LIAM CULLEN

JAMIE PATERSON

WESTACRES

CALL 01792 616 624 OR PAGE 62

EMAIL L.MERRELLS@SWANSEACITY.COM FOR AVAILABILITY

TODAY’S MASCOTS ELLIOT AGE: 12

GEORGE AGE: 10

RUBY AGE: 6

TEDDI AGE: 7

FROM SKETTY

FROM MAESTEG

FROM LLANRHIDIAN

FROM LLANRHIDIAN

FORD TRANSIT 350 L4

RWD 2.0 Ecoblue 130ps H3

Optional extras included: manual aircon + a steel spare wheel.

IMMEDIATE DELIVERY AVAILABLE

FROM

£399

PCM + VAT

PHONE 01792 818538 OR VISIT WWW.LOWCOSTVANS.CO.UK Crownhawk Properties Ltd T/A Low Cost Vans are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FRN no. 683914. Company reg no. 03830322 VAT no. 790718306. We are a credit broker and not a lender. The above deal is for business users only. Ford Transit 350 L4 is based on 48 months contract hire, 10,000 miles per annum, initial rental of £3597.57 plus VAT, followed by 47 monthly rentals of £399.73 plus VAT. This deal is provided by Hitachi. Customer maintained.

This is a non ownership agreement. Subject to credit approval. Image is for illustration purposes only. All rentals are including VAT at prevailing rate. We will receive commission or other benefits should you decide to enter into an agreement with the finance lender. Excess mileage charge may be applicable. No set up fees.

Terms and conditions apply.

PAGE 63

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 Fulton

2

Plymouth Argyle (CC R2) H W 4-1

Tue, Aug 24, 7pm

Hamer

Manning 1

Joseph 3

Bennett

Latibeaudiere

Bidwell

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 Downes

2

Millwall H D 0-0

Wed, Sept 15, 7.45pm

Hamer

Naughton

Cabango

Bennett

Laird

Manning

Luton Town A D 3-3

Sat, Sept 18, 3pm

Hamer

Naughton

R Williams 1

Bennett

Laird

Manning

Downes 3

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

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

Sun, Oct 17, 12pm

West Bromwich Albion H

Wed, Oct 20, 7.45pm

Birmingham City A

Sat, Oct 23, 3pm

Peterborough United H

Sat, Oct 30, 3pm

Coventry City A

Tue, Nov 2, 7.45pm

AFC Bournemouth A

Sat, Nov 6, 3pm

Blackpool H

Sat, Nov 20, 3pm

Barnsley A

Wed, Nov 24, 7.45pm

Reading H

Sat, Nov 27, 3pm

Middlesbrough A

Sat, Dec 4, 3pm

Nottingham Forest H

Sat, Dec 11, 3pm

Queens Park Rangers A

Sat, Dec 18, 3pm

Millwall A

Sun, Dec 26, 3pm

Luton Town H

Wed, Dec 29, 7.45pm

Fulham H

Sat, Jan 1, 3pm

Huddersfield Town A

Sat, Jan 15, 3pm

Preston North End H

Sat, Jan 22, 3pm

Hull City A

Sat, Jan 29, 3pm

Blackburn Rovers H

Sat, Feb 5, 3pm

Stoke City A

Tue, Feb 8, 3pm

Bristol City H

Sat, Feb 12, 3pm

Sheffield United A

Sat, Feb 19, 3pm

AFC Bournemouth H

Tue, Feb 22, 3pm

West Bromwich Albion A

Sat, Feb 26, 3pm

Coventry City H

Sat, Mar 5, 3pm

Blackpool A

Sat, Mar 12, 3pm

Peterborough United A

Wed, Mar 16, 7.45pm

Birmingham City H

Sat, Mar 19, 3pm

Cardiff City A

Sat, Apr 2, 3pm

Derby County H

Sat, Apr 9, 3pm

Barnsley H

Fri, Apr 15, 3pm

Reading A

Mon, Apr 18, 3pm

Middlesbrough H

Sat, Apr 23, 3pm

Nottingham Forest A

Sat, Apr 30, 3pm

Queens Park Rangers H

Sat, May 7, 12.30pm

Correct as of October 14, 2021.

PAGE 64

Match Statistics Key

Goal =

ASON 2021~2022 SUBSTITUTES Paterson

Grimes

Cullen 2

Lowe

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

Paterson 1

Benda, Cooper, Latibeaudiere, Fulton 3, Smith 1

Grimes

Ntcham 1

Piroe

Paterson

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

Grimes

Smith 3

Piroe 2

Paterson

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

Grimes

1

Hat-trick =

Captain =

2

Sub = 2 (number denotes player replaced) Booked =

, Whittaker

, Piroe 3

, Latbeaudiere

, Dhanda 3, Piroe , Walsh, Cullen 2

Sent off =

Carabao Cup = CC FA Cup = FA

PAGE 65

TABLE 2021~2022

POS TEAM 1

Bournemouth

2

West Bromwich Albion

3

P

11

W D L

F

18

A

8

GD PTS

7

4

0

10

25

11

6

4

1

20

9

11

22

Coventry City

11

7

1

3

16

12

4

22

4

Stoke City

11

6

3

2

15

11

4

21

5

Fulham

11

6

2

3

23

13

10

20

6

Queens Park Rangers

11

5

3

3

22

16

6

18

7

Huddersfield Town

11

5

2

4

16

14

2

17

8

Blackburn Rovers

11

4

4

3

19

14

5

16

9

Bristol City

11

4

4

3

14

13

1

16

10

Reading

11

5

1

5

17

19

-2

16

11

Millwall

11

3

6

2

11

11

0

15

12

Blackpool

11

4

3

4

11

14

-3

15

13

Luton Town

11

3

5

3

18

16

2

14

14

Sheffield United

11

3

3

5

14

16

-2

12

15

Middlesbrough

11

3

3

5

11

13

-2

12

16

Birmingham City

11

3

3

5

10

15

-5

12

17

Nottingham Forest

11

3

2

6

14

14

0

11

18

Preston North End

11

2

5

4

12

15

-3

11

19

Swansea City

11

2

5

4

9

14

-5

11

20

Cardiff City

11

3

2

6

12

19

-7

11

21

Hull City

11

2

3

6

8

15

-7

9

22

Barnsley

11

1

5

5

7

14

-7

8

23

Peterborough United

11

2

2

7

12

23

-11

8

24

Derby County *

11

3

5

3

7

8

-1

2

Correct as of Oct 14, 2021.

* Derby County deducted 12 points under EFL Regulations.

GLANMOR CHARTERED SURVEYORS Commercial Property Consultants

SERVICES

• • • • •

Agency Lease Advisory Asset Management Investment & Development PAGE 66 Occupier Acquisition

01792 439105 info@glanmorproperty.co.uk

JOMA-SPORT.COM

THE TEAMS SWANS

Head Coach: Russell Martin 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 35 37 46

Steven Benda Ryan Bennett Ryan Manning Flynn Downes Ben Cabango Jay Fulton Korey Smith Matt Grimes Michael Obafemi Olivier Ntcham Morgan Whittaker Jamie Paterson Brandon Cooper Joël Piroe Ben Hamer Tivonge Rushesha Liam Cullen Yan Dhanda Joel Latibeaudiere Jake Bidwell Lewis Webb Kyle Naughton Ethan Laird Liam Walsh Lincoln Mcfayden Daniel Williams Rhys Williams

CARDIFF CITY

Manager: Mick McCarthy 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 14 16 19 21 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 36 37 38 39

Dillon Phillips Mark Mcguinness Joel Bagan Sean Morrison Aden Flint Will Vaulks Leandro Bacuna Joe Ralls Kieffer Moore Isaac Vassell Curtis Nelson James Collins Marlon Pack Alex Smithies Ryan Giles Rubin Colwill Tom Sang Mark Harris Ciaron Brown George Ratcliffe Kieron Evans Sam Bowen Perry Ng Isaak Davies

~ Referee: James Linington ~ ~ Assistant Referees: Rob Smith and Nigel Lugg ~ ~ Fourth Official: Darren Drysdale ~

NEXT UP AT West Bromwich Albion Wednesday, Oct 20 Kick-off: 7.45pm

NEXT AWAY Birmingham City Saturday, Oct 23 Kick-off: 3pm

FOLLOW US

Correct as of October 14, 2021

PAGE 68