Swansea City vs Bristol City - Issue 26

SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

ISSUE 26

Free Digital Copy Swansea City v Bristol City Saturday, July 18 - Kick-off 3pm

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Spanish company Joma, founded in 1965, SWANS v BRISTOL CITY strengthens its position in sport worldwide Joma’s sponsorship strategy continues to increase the brand’s presence in elite sport across the globe. Thanks to the incorporation of new teams and athletes, as well as the development of new exclusive products for major events, Joma is positioned among the top three most outstanding sports brands worldwide, and as the number one Spanish brand.

For Joma, the image of an athlete has always been the best representation, so for the next Olympic Games in Tokyo, the brand will dress 8 Committees, including the Spanish Olympic Committee. At the most important sporting event in the world, Joma will also be represented by a multitude of federations across various disciplines: the Spanish Athletics, Handball and Rugby Federations, among many others internationally.

We must of course mention football where, together with Nike, Joma has the largest number of sponsorships in the Spanish League, and in Italy with UC Sampdoria Torino FC and Atalanta BC, surpassing the presence of its main competitors. The brand also has sponsorship deals in Belgium, with RSC Anderlecht and TSG Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, which, together with teams from Romania, Ukraine and Honduras, totals more than 300 professional teams in the world of football.

In futsal, Joma sponsors the champions of the Italian, Brazilian and Spanish leagues, and has recently become the official ball supplier for the LNFS. This makes us the market leaders in Spain and the third brand globally, all thanks to the effort and support of thousands of professional and amateur athletes, who trust our brand more and more every day.

ALL FOR SPORT

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

18 Match Reports

26 Meet the visitors

40 George Byers | Boy to a Man

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Jack the Lad

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Young Fan's Interview

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.

SWANSEACITY.COM

SWANSEACITYFC

SWANSOFFICIAL

SWANSTV

Board Of Directors Chairman: Trevor Birch Directors: Romie Chaudhari, Bobby Hernreich, Huw Jenkins, Stephen Kaplan, Jason Levien, Stuart McDonald, Martin Morgan Honorary Club President: Alan Curtis; Associate Directors: David Morgan, Cath Dyer Behind the Team Head Coach: Steve Cooper Assistant First Team Coach: Mike Marsh Goalkeeping Coach: Martyn Margetson Head of Medicine: Dr Jez McCluskey Head of Performance Analysis: Steve Rands Head of Recruitment: Andy Scott Academy Manager: Nigel Rees Staff: David Tivey, Ritson Lloyd, Ailsa Jones, Matthew Murray, Adele Callaghan, Daniel Morris, Lee Watkins, Chris Watkins, Tom Jenkinson, Tom Goodall, Daniel Nisbett, Suzan Eames, Michael Eames, Shaun Baggridge, Huw Lake Club Staff Senior Management Group: Andrew Davies (Head of Operations, Facilities & Development); Gareth Davies (Chief Financial Officer); Rebecca Edwards-Symmons (Head of Commercial); Jonathan Wilsher (Head of Media & Communications) Club Secretary: Ben Greenwood Assistant Football Secretary: Rebecca Gigg Head of Retail: Andrea Morris Head of Hospitality & Customer Services: Catherine Thomas Legal Counsel, Head of Safeguarding: Rebeca Storer HR Manager: Nicola Butt Senior Commercial Sponsorship Manager: Lee Merrells Partnership Sales Manager: Cory Richards Media Manager: Chris Barney Marketing Manager: Julie Parienti Ticket Office Manager: Luke Hughes Operations & Events Manager: Matthew Daniel Facilities Manager: Gordon David Grounds Manager: Anthony Harry Health & Safety Manager: Richard Deakin Disability Access Officer: Mark Phillips Community Trust Manager: Helen Elton Club Chaplain: Kevin Johns MBE Club Ambassador: Lee Trundle Programme Production Contributors: Alex Bennett, Julie Kissick, Sioned Dafydd, Chris Barney, Andrew Gwilym, Jonathan Davies, Sophie Davis, Adam Evans, Adil Guney Yurtlu, Ege Agar, Corey Hughes, Gwyn Rees Photography: Athena Picture Agency, PA, REX, Natalie Davis, Ashley Crowden Designers: Callum Rothwell, Jordan Morcom Print: DWJ Group Ltd.

NEW BEGINNINGS: FOCUSSING ON OUR FANS AND OUR COMMUNITY. PUTTING THE CLUB AT THE HEART OF EVERY DECISION WE MAKE.

Swansea City AFC Liberty Stadium, Landore, Swansea, SA1 2FA Telephone: 01792 616 600 Ticket Office: 01792 616 400 Website: www.swanseacity.com Email: info@swanseacity.com

SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

STEVE COOPER G ood afternoon everyone, I hope you’re all looking forward to today’s game. There are just two games left of the regular season as we look to seal a play-off place, and we are certainly looking forward to the challenge.

Given the topsy-turvy nature of the Championship, where results are so unpredictable, it would surprise me if it ended with everyone winning their games and finishing as the table is now.

Regardless of anything outside of our control, we will solely focus on the job ahead of us.

We would have loved to have picked up more points from our last two games, yet we were satisfied in many aspects of our performances.

We’re not out of it and we are not giving up.

If we win and results go our way at the weekend then we certainly won’t be out of it.

The defeat to Leeds was a difficult one to take given the effort and level of performance put in by the whole team.

Today’s game will again be another test of our credentials as we face a Bristol City side who are also looking to sneak into the top six.

Then we travelled to Nottingham Forest in midweek and picked up a point from a 2-2 draw.

We will have to do it again without your fanatical support in the Liberty, but we all take great encouragement and extra motivation to succeed knowing you are cheering us safely from your homes all around the world.

To go to the City Ground – one of the toughest away games this season – and lead twice and not win was frustrating.

A point at Forest, on top of the football we played, would usually leave you satisfied. But given we had led twice, we all felt disappointed on the trip home.

Hopefully, following two good results, I will be writing to you again in a short while to look forward to a play-off tie.

We wanted more because we needed more.

The race for the play-offs still looks as if it is going to the wire.

Regardless of that, on a personal note, I must say the support we have received this season – up and down the country – has been incredible. I couldn’t have asked for more from the Jack Army, and on behalf of all players and staff I thank you for that great backing. It is really appreciated.

Motivation won’t be a problem, it never is with these players. If they had felt sorry for themselves after Leeds, they would not have started the Forest game and committed to it like they did.

Keep shouting, keep supporting and enjoy the game,

I know there have been ups and downs in results and performances over the season, but they are a committed bunch, and people can be proud of them.

But we have to keep trying to improve the best we can.

The situation for us is pretty clear – six points from two games.

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MATT GRIMES G

ood afternoon and welcome to everyone joining us around the world for our final home game of the regular Championship season against Bristol City.

But it is not over yet. We are still in the mix and there is still a lot to play for. We are three points behind the top six and we are hopeful of others dropping points, but we must focus on ourselves and make sure we win our last two games. Whatever happens from there is out of our hands.

Obviously, it is never the same without the Jack Army, but we want to finish the regular campaign at the Liberty in a strong manner. There is no better way to do that than by getting three points.

That starts today against Bristol City, a strong side still with a faint chance of reaching the play-offs as well. I thought the draw at Ashton Gate earlier in the season was a decent one. They will be a tough side to break down and beat. We must make sure we bring our best to the table. If we do that, we can beat anyone on our day.

No words were needed in the dressing room after last weekend’s defeat here by Leeds United, everyone knew how devastating it was.

To lose any game in the last minute is obviously tough to take, but it was even worse after we had put so much into the game. The performance was good; we did well to match them toe-to-toe and I thought we were creating more dangerous opportunities.

Hopefully, this will not be the last time I lead the boys out at the Liberty this season. Either way, I have loved my first full year as captain of Swansea City. It has been a great responsibility and one I have taken with great pride. I have learnt day in day out and I need to keep on improving and enjoying it, which I certainly am.

But we had no time to dwell with another big game against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. It’s a tough place to go and they are where they are in the league for a reason, though you can never be fully satisfied with a point.

Whatever happens in the last two games, I just want to thank you for all your support throughout the entire season. We are always grateful and will do our very best to give you something to cheer about at the end of it.

When we went 2-1 up, I felt that we were in control of the game. But their second goal was a great strike and sometimes you just have to hold your hands up when that is the case.

A point away from home against Forest is very good in normal circumstances, and obviously one was better than nothing. It’s hard enough going there and taking the lead, but to do it twice and still not win was a bit gut-wrenching to be honest.

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

SWANSEA CITY

SUPPORTERS TRUST

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elcome to the Supporters’ Trust page in this virtual matchday programme as we continue to come to terms with the “new normal”.

Hopefully we can continue our season a little longer but, just in case, now seems a good time to thank Steve Cooper, his management team and the players for all their efforts during what has been a very strange season in the circumstances.

With so many players out of contract or here on a temporary basis, this summer is likely to see quite a few changes. While we hope to see many of our favourites return, if that isn’t possible, we wish everyone all the best for the future.

We’re hoping this isn’t the last time you read a matchday programme this season, although we are relying on favours from one or two old acquaintances if we are to extend our season beyond next Wednesday. In fairness, we couldn’t have asked for more from Steve Cooper and his team as we put in two excellent performances against two of the best teams in this division and, with just a bit of luck or a decision or two going a different way, we could still have had our destiny in our own hands.

In our last programme notes we announced that Siân Davies, Ceri Stone and Rupert Thomas have been elected to the Trust Board for the next two years. We’d also like to thank outgoing board members Andrew Cude and Andrew McGlashan for their considerable efforts during their time with the Trust. We are also sad to confirm that Trust Chair Phil Sumbler will be leaving the board this summer.

Phil has served with distinction on the Trust Board and Chair since 2005, which has coincided with the most extraordinary time to have been a Swans fan. We wish Phil well in his ‘retirement’, but we’re sure he’ll still be a regular feature on the East Stand when crowds return, if he can tear himself away from Morriston Golf Club or his marathon running!

To lose in the last minute to an excellent Leeds United team, despite being the better team for large parts of the game, was difficult to take. As seems to be the rule these days, it was somewhat inevitable that former Swan Pablo Hernandez would be the one to score against us.

Despite being in the lead twice away at Nottingham Forest, we were pegged back each time thanks to two fine strikes from distance by Sammy Ameobi.

However, once again we were the better team for large parts of the game and we can probably feel a little aggrieved that the referee was able to find the red card when sending off Kyle Naughton despite being unable to do so for our opposition.

In closing, in case this is the last time we write this season, we’d like to wish all our members and Swans fans a wonderful summer, stay safe and see you all next season, whether virtually or, hopefully, in person.

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SWANSEA CITY AFC COMMUNITY TRUST FOCUS

ON THEIR IMPACT IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

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wansea City Community Trust is reflecting on its impact in the local community. Here, we look at the success of their Sign Up To Success programme.

SUTS works with people of all ages and backgrounds, from those with life-altering injuries to those who require support after redundancy.

Many are young people who are ‘Not in Education, Employment or Training’ (NEETs) and need help to breakdown potential barriers to employment.

Now in its sixth season, Sign Up To Success (SUTS) is an award-winning employability programme run exclusively by the Community Trust.

The Level One or Two ‘Preparation to Work’ q u a l i f i c at i o n , a l o n g w i t h a f i ve - d ay wo r k experience placement, are desirable foundations for employment.

The programme provides intensive, personallytailored support to people across the south west Wales area.

As well as offering its learners the chance to bolster their CVs with new skills and qualifications, the programme also aims to boost confidence and selfesteem by providing health and wellbeing sessions, with the bonus of free access to local gyms during the course.

Each year, SUTS helps hundreds of local people obtain qualifications and make positive changes in their lives, allowing them to enter full-time education or find sustainable employment.

The people who have come through SUTS have seen positive changes in their lives after obtaining the skills, confidence and desire to move into secure paid employment.

One of the many to gain from the SUTS programme, Lewis Jones, has experienced first-hand the benefits the course provides.

Last season, every learner left their courses with a minimum of a Level One qualification (many achieved Level Two), 95 per cent progressed into further training or employment, and all reported an improvement in health and wellbeing.

“I first started on the programme in June 2017. I wanted to get involved in this programme because it was a good opportunity for me to try and find employment and build up skills that I needed," says Lewis.

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“I have gained a lot of skills since being on the programme. I can communicate with my team a lot better, and I have become more confident in myself and in the work that I carry out on a dayto-day basis.”

who are struggling to find employment. They help you build your skills and they’ve helped me so much to change my life for the better and I can’t thank them enough.”

Thanks to the guidance of Swansea City Community Trust staff, individuals across south west Wales are acquiring the skills they need to combat unemployment and oversee positive changes in their lives.

“Since completing the programme there has been some big changes in my life. I have a new role with Tai Tarian. My job consists of grass cutting, hedge cutting, jet washing and making sure our community is kept clean and tidy.

For more information about the Community Trust’s Sign Up To Success programme, please email Michael Howard via email: michael@scfccommunitytrust.co.uk

“I have also passed my driving test I have a little daughter who is six months old, and I’ve even got my own property in Margam.

“I would recommend this programme to so many people because it’s a brilliant opportunity for people

Dental Care Provider to

The Swans 01792 642 733

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

PRIFYSGOL ABERTAWE SWANSEA UNIVERSITY DRWS I DDYFODOL DISGLAIR WHERE BRIGHT FUTURES BEGIN

YMGEISIWCH NAWR

abertawe.ac.uk/clirio swansea.ac.uk/clearing Teaching Excellence Framework Y dyfarniad uchaf (Aur) am ragoriaeth addysgu ym mhrifysgolion y DU

The highest award (Gold) for teaching excellence at UK Universities

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

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SWANSEA UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES ITS CENTENARY

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Birthday Celebrations

unday July 19, 2020 will mark exactly one hundred years since club partner Swansea University’s foundation stone was laid.

There is a special programme of virtual events planned throughout the day to mark this key milestone. The events include an address from HRH The Prince of Wales and a webinar with Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton.

As the University celebrates its centenary, it can look back with genuine pride at its achievements since it first opened its doors to students in 1920.

Find out more at www.swansea.ac.uk/ centenary2020/public-events/swanseauniversity-birthday-celebration/

One hundred years later it has remained true to its original mission, having kept the ambitious spirit of its founders alive: to provide high-quality teaching informed by world-class research, and to offer the benefits of its expertise locally and internationally.

Navy Plaques – The University is inviting people to nominate their memories to be preserved with a commemorative navy plaque, transforming their campuses into living history.

The University was conceived as a technical institution that would work in partnership with the region, community and industry, By the Second World War it had expanded to 16 departments across the Arts, Sciences and Economics.

Find out more at www.swansea.ac.uk/ centenary2020/navy-plaques/

During the 1950s, Principal Fulton led the vision for a ‘’complete University community’’ with residential, academic and social facilities on a purpose-built campus, one of the first of its kind in the UK. The next 30 years saw investment in the arts, including the opening of the Keir Hardie building and the Taliesin Arts Centre.

University of the Future – Launching later this month, the University is asking children and families to help imagine what the University will look like in another 100 years’ time, in the year 2120.

Children can get involved in activities relevant to different Key Stages, so whatever their age, there are creative ways for them to design the ‘University of the Future’. There will also be some very special prizes, featuring a well-known author.

The third phase of development saw the transfer of the regional schools of Nursing in the 1990s and the new College of Medicine in 2004, closely followed by dedicated research institutes for Life Sciences and Health Data that established Swansea as a leading University for health research.

Explore its history and heritage – The University’s community has demonstrated unwavering resilience to enable it to adapt to challenges, endure adversity and emerge stronger. You can now explore the parallels between the University’s history and its actions today as its staff continue to work together to improve lives.

The University’s expansion onto the new Bay Campus in 2015 was a powerful statement of its self-belief and an impressive demonstration of how far it has come since its foundation.

As Swansea University enters its second century, it is a principled, purposeful and resilient University, valued globally as a trusted partner, deeply committed to the region and proud to be a University for Wales.

Find out more at www.swansea.ac.uk/ centenary2020/working-together-then-now/

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

SWANSEA CITY 0 LEEDS UNITED 1 DATE: SUNDAY, JULY 12 ˚ VENUE: LIBERTY STADIUM ˚ ATTENDANCE: N/A ˚ REFEREE: KEITH STROUD

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SWANSEA CITY 0

wansea City suffered late heartbreak as Pablo Hernandez struck a late winner to settle an engrossing Liberty Stadium encounter.

LEEDS UNITED 1

The Swans had been on course to climb into the play-off places with the game heading for a goalless finish after a keenly-fought tactical battle.

Hernandez 89'

But ex-Swan Hernandez popped up to steer a bobbling strike beyond the grasp of Freddie Woodman and into the net via the inside of the post.

Swans: Freddie Woodman (Erwin Mulder 90); Kyle Naughton, Ben Cabango, Marc Guehi (George Byers 90); Connor Roberts, Jay Fulton (Bersant Celina 90), Matt Grimes (captain), Jake Bidwell (Liam Cullen 90); Conor Gallagher, Andre Ayew; Rhian Brewster (Wayne Routledge 81).

It was cruel on the home side, who had given as good as they got against the leaders.

After impressive wins in midweek, the two head coaches had named unchanged line-ups, and Swansea started well with Rhian Brewster forcing a save from Illan Meslier, and Jake Bidwell proving a nuisance in the air.

Subs not used: Mike van der Hoorn, Nathan Dyer, Aldo Kalulu, Yan Dhanda.

Leeds United: Illan Meslier, Luke Ayling, Ben White, Liam Cooper (captain); Kalvin Phillips; Jack Harrison (Gaetano Berardi 90), Mateusz Klich, Stuart Dallas (Ezgjan Alioski 46), Helder Costa; Tyler Roberts (Pablo Hernandez 46), Patrick Bamford.

At the other end Woodman parried a low drive from Stuart Dallas, and denied Patrick Bamford after a hesitation in the Swansea defence.

It was goalless at the break, but the relentless tempo of the game continued unabated in the early part of the second half.

Subs not used: Kamil Miazek, Barry Douglas, Ian Poveda, Pascal Struijk, Mateusz Bogusz, Jamie Shackleton.

Conor Gallagher forced Meslier into a finger-tip save, before Woodman made a brilliant point-blank stop as Bamford stooped to head a Jack Harrison cross.

Connor Roberts had the ball in the net at the other end, but it was ruled out for a close offside call in the lead up and Leeds went up the other end to win it.

Key quote:

“TO LOSE ANY GAME IN THE LAST MINUTE IS OBVIOUSLY TOUGH TO TAKE BUT IT IS EVEN WORSE WHEN WE PUT SO MUCH INTO THE GAME. THE PERFORMANCE WAS GOOD. LEEDS ARE A VERY GOOD SIDE WITH QUALITY PLAYERS SO ON THEIR DAY THEY ARE VERY DANGEROUS. WE DID WELL TO MATCH THEM TOE-TO-TOE.” MATT GRIMES

Hernandez worked a little bit of space for himself and, while his shot was not struck cleanly, it just beat Woodman's despairing dive and rolled in off the woodwork.

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

NOTTINGHAM FOREST 2 SWANSEA CITY 2 DATE: WEDNESDAY, JULY 15 ˚ VENUE: THE CITY GROUND ˚ ATTENDANCE: N/A ˚ REFEREE: OLIVER LANGFORD

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wansea City were left frustrated as they led twice at the City Ground before emerging with a point against fellow playoff hopefuls Nottingham Forest.

NOTT FOREST 2

Rhian Brewster and Andre Ayew were on target for the visitors on the banks of the River Trent, but had to settle for a draw after a pair of longrange strikes from S ammy Ameobi pegged them back.

Brewster 8', Ayew 45' pen

Ameobi 20', 55'

SWANSEA CITY 2

Forest: Brice Samba, Carl Jenkinson, Tobias Figueiredo (Michael Dawson 77), Joe Worrall, Yuri Ribeiro; Sammy Ameobi (Alex Mighten (77), Samba Sow (Tiago Silva 56), Ben Watson (captain), Ryan Yates (Adama Diakhaby 89); Nuno da Costa (Joe Lolley 77); Lewis Grabban.

Steve Cooper’s side would also end the contest with 10 men as Kyle Naughton saw red for a challenge on Forest substitute Alex Mighten.

The result left the Swans three points off the play-off spots with just two games remaining.

Subs not used: Jordan Smith, John Bostock, Tendayi Darikwa, Brennan Johnson.

Cooper had brought in Erwin Mulder and Mike van der Hoorn for injury absentee Freddie Woodman and Ben Cabango respectively, and saw his side make an excellent start.

Swans: Erwin Mulder; Kyle Naughton, Mike van der Hoorn (Ben Cabango 63), Marc Guehi; Connor Roberts, Jay Fulton (Bersant Celina 71), Matt Grimes (captain), Jake Bidwell; Conor Gallagher (George Byers 86); Andre Ayew, Rhian Brewster (Jordon Garrick 86).

They were rewarded when Brewster produced a magnificent, instinctive finish to flash home Jake Bidwell’s cross with his left foot.

The Swans were firmly on top, but the hosts l eve l l e d w i t h t h e i r f i r s t att a c k a s A m e o b i capitalised on a fortuitous ricochet to curl the ball into the top corner.

Subs not used: Josh Gould, Nathan Dyer, Wayne Routledge, Yan Dhanda, Liam Cullen.

Undeterred, Swansea pressed on and retook the lead on the stroke of half-time as Ayew converted his 17th goal of the season from the spot after being fouled just inside the area.

Key quote:

"USUALLY IF YOU COME HERE, PLAY SOME OF THE FOOTBALL WE DID, AND GET THAT RESULT YOU WOULD BE SATISFIED. IT’S JUST THE TIMING OF IT, BUT I CANNOT ASK FOR ANY MORE EFFORT OR COMMITMENT FROM THE PLAYERS AND IT WAS A GOOD GAME WHERE BOTH SIDES LOOKED TO PLAY." STEVE COOPER

However, the lead was again shortlived as, 10 minutes into the second half, Ameobi roamed infield to get away a low strike from 25 yards that flew just inside Mulder’s left-hand post.

Both sides looked for a winner, but the only late incident of note was Naughton’s dismissal as he looked to stop a Forest counter.

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY Proud

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CARMARTHEN BRANCH 13-14 Lammas Street, Carmarthen SA31 3AQ Tel: 01267 611950 Fax: 01267 611951

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

STILETTOS AND STUDS REGULAR COLUMNIST JULIE KISSICK GIVES HER TAKE ON THE RECENT EVENTS SURROUNDING SWANSEA CITY

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he gaffer summed it up on Wednesday night after that entertaining, pulsating (heart-attackinducing) draw with Nottingham Forest – this is a crazy league and we are not out of contention for a play-off spot yet.

As we go into the final home game of the campaign today against Bristol City, in these truly exceptional times and without the opportunity as fans to cheer our side on, we have to remain hopeful and keep believing.

To quote Steve Cooper directly: "We are not out of it and we are not giving up.

I was asked by ITV Wales to take part in their news programme on Tuesday evening. I was joined by a Cardiff City fan outside their stadium for a live interview ahead of their home game with Derby.

"The way this season's gone, I don't think it's going to be as straightforward as everybody winning their games and it finishing as it is.

As I was chatting to David, the Cardiff fan, before we went on air, we were discussing how often players and managers who were once adored by a club turn from heroes to villains, a la Pablo Hernandez scoring against us for Leeds.

"What we have got to do is make sure we do win our games and try to sneak in if we can."

Let’s be clear, ‘sneaking’ isn’t the way you would choose to arrive at a destination - in most circumstances.

The Bluebirds took the spoils in midweek but this weekend they face their former manager, Neil Warnock, at Middlesbrough.

To sneak, ie to move furtively, implies a rather cunning way of doing things - arriving by the back door rather than the front - but hey, who cares at this stage of the season how we get there? As long as we do

Wouldn’t it be weird – but very much in keeping with the way things often work in football – if it was Warnock’s men who threw a spanner in the works for his old side?

As with the Leeds game last weekend, there were so many positives to take away from our trip to the City Ground.

On paper, there is very little chance of them not getting anything from their last home game of the season against relegation-threatened Hull City.

Hull’s woeful run of form saw them smashed 8-0 at Wigan – though, given that anything seems to go in the Championship, especially this season, they could rise like a phoenix from the ashes and be smarting for revenge.

The local paper headlined the match report as a ‘thrilling draw’ which took the home side a step closer to a play-off place. The Reds need a single point from their remaining two games to seal a spot in the top six.

The other team in the mix of course are Millwall, who have QPR this weekend and finish the season with a home clash against Huddersfield Town.

The result made life more difficult for us and as Cooper said, we need to win these final matches and hope there are a couple of slip-ups from those currently above us.

Let’s hope former Swans favourite Angel Rangel’s QPR side can emerge victorious against The Lions and help us out.

To quote Swansea City legend Alan Curtis, we never do things the easy way at Swansea and clearly, this season is no exception.

What a crazy campaign Jacks – and it isn’t over yet!

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

ERTHYGLAU CYMRAEG GAN OWAIN LLYR, BBC RADIO CYMRU

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ydi gobeithion Abertawe o gyrraedd safleoedd y gemau ail-gyfle ddim ar ben o bell ffordd.

Mae’r Bencampwriaeth yn gynghrair mor gystadleuol mae’n amhosibl darogan be fydd yn digwydd nesaf. Ond os bydd Yr Elyrch yn ennill eu dwy gêm nesaf mae unrhyw beth yn dal yn bosibl.

Ar ôl colli Daniel James ac Oli McBurnie am arian mawr i Manchester United a Sheffield United cyn i’r tymor ddechrau, doedd Yr Elyrch ddim ymysg y ffefrynnau i orffen yn y 6 safle uchaf. Ond mae Cooper wedi defnyddio ei gysylltiadau o fewn y byd pêl-droed yn effeithiol dros y 12 mis diwethaf er mwyn arwyddo chwaraewyr talentog megis Rhian Brewster, Freddie Woodman, Connor Gallagher, Marc Guehi a Sam Surridge ar fenthyg. Mae Cooper hefyd wedi dangos ei fod yn barod i roi cyfle i chwaraewyr yr academi yn y tîm cyntaf. Mae Ben Cabango yn datblygu i fod yn amddiffynnwr o safon, a dwi’n siwr y gwelwn ni Liam Cullen yn chwarae mwy o gemau yn yr ymosod y tymor nesaf.

Dim ond triphwynt sy’n gwahanu Abertawe sy’n 8fed a Chaerdydd, sy’n y 6ed safle holl-bwysig.

Ond mae’r Adar Gleision heddiw oddi cartref yn Middlesbrough, sy’n cael eu rheoli gan neb llai na Neil Warnock. Does neb yn gwybod mwy am gryfderau a gwendidau Caerdydd na Warnock. A chan gofio nad ydi Boro yn dal ddim yn saff, mi fydd hon yn gêm anodd i’r Adar Gleision heddiw.

Yn ôl at y gemau sydd gan Abertawe yn weddill y tymor yma, ac un peth sy’n gweithio o’u plaid nhw ydi fod tymor Bristol City a Reading ar ben. Mae’r ddau glwb yn saff yng nghanol y tabl, a does gan ‘run ohonyn nhw gyfle i orffen yn y 6 safle uchaf.

Mae angen i’r Elyrch ennill y ddwy gêm, gan ddechrau efo Bristol City heddiw. Ac os llwyddan nhw i gael 6 phwynt yna mae unrhyw beth yn bosibl.

Yn amlwg mi fydd hi’n siom enfawr i bawb sy’n gysylltiedig â’r clwb os na fydd Abertawe yn cyrraedd y gemau ail-gyfle. Ond beth bynnag ddigwyddith dros y dyddiau nesaf, dwi’n meddwl fod Steve Cooper yn haeddu lot fawr o glod am y gwaith mae o wedi ei wneud y tymor yma.

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

BRISTOL CITY

FACT FILE OWNER

STADIUM

TWITTER

NICKNAME

WEBSITE

INSTAGRAM

Stephen Lansdown CBE

The Robins

Ashton Gate

bcfc.co.uk

@BristolCity

@bristolcityfc

DEAN HOLDEN F

ollowing the departure of Lee Johnson, the former assistant took over the reins on an interim basis for the remainder of the season.

This is Holden’s second stint in senior management, having also guided Oldham Athletic through the final weeks of the 2014-15 campaign.

He also served as an assistant to David Dunn and Darren Kelly at Boundary Park, as well as Jon Whitney at Walsall before linking up with Johnson at Ashton Gate in November 2016.

A right-back who could also operate in the heart of defence during his playing career, he made over 350 league appearances while turning out for 10 different clubs.

These included Bolton, Oldham, Peterborough, Shrewsbury and Walsall, while he helped Chesterfield win the League Two title in 2011.

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY WHAT'S THEIR STORY? Bristol City are in their fifth season back in the second tier having won the League One title in 2015.

They were in the play-off hunt last term before ending up in eighth place; just four points outside the top six.

The Robins came close to sealing promotion to the Premier League in 2008, losing 1-0 to Hull City in the Championship play-off final.

They almost returned to Wembley 10 years later after beating Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Stoke on the way to reaching the League Cup semi-finals, before narrowly succumbing to eventual winners Manchester City.

HOW'S THEIR FORM?

WHO ARE THE KEY MEN?

Improving. The Robins were among the early pacesetters after a strong start to the Championship season.

Only three players have scored more goals in the Championship than Nahki Wells this season.

But despite being a regular feature in and around the play-off places for much of the campaign, a run of nine games without a win almost saw them slip into the bottom half of the table.

The former Burnley striker, who netted 13 times on loan at QPR during the first half of the campaign, has added a further five since arriving at Ashton Gate in January, including a brace in last weekend’s victory at Middlesbrough.

Four consecutive defeats since their return from lockdown resulted in the departure of Johnson after four years in charge at Ashton Gate.

Wells isn’t the only goals outlet at City’s disposal.

Just like last season, Famara Diedhiou has led the way for the Robins with 11 goals so far, while Andreas Weimann has notched up a further nine.

Although, they have stopped the rot with seven points from a possible nine under interim boss Holden keeping their faint play-off hopes alive. But the Robins will need favours from the teams around them if they are to sneak into the top six.

They are likely to be supplied by the creative sparks of Niclas Eliasson and Callum O’Dowda from midfield. The former has registered 12 assists so far this term, with only West Brom’s Matheus Pereira bettering that tally in the Championship.

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PAST MEETINGS Here, we recall matches in the Championship and League One, as well as the old Division Two.

Swansea City 1 Bristol City 0 Championship – April 18, 2009

Swansea City 2 Bristol City 2 Division Two – October 31, 2000

It was just over a decade ago that the Swans last emerged victorious against Bristol City on home soil.

John Hollins’s side were struggling in the third tier having won the Third Division title in the previous season.

Garry Monk scored what proved to be the winner for Roberto Martinez’s side in the 25th minute, when he headed home from Andrea Orlandi’s corner.

Without a win in four games ahead of Bristol City’s visit to the Vetch, the Swans were already looking like relegation contenders, but offered their fans some hope with a much-improved performance.

The skipper then performed heroics at the other end, denying Jamie McCombe a tap-in after Dorus de Vries had parried Michael McIndoe’s shot.

Recent signing Giovanni Savarese twice put them ahead, but Louis Carey scored the first equaliser before a cruel Jason Smith own goal saw the visitors claim a point.

Victory moved the Swans to a place outside the top six, but they would just miss out on the play-offs come the end of the season.

Sadly, the Swans would end up dropping back into the fourth tier at the end of the campaign.

Swansea City 7 Bristol City 1 League One – September 10, 2005

Swansea Town 6 Bristol City 1 Division Two – April 26, 1960

The Swans recorded one of their most memorable Liberty Stadium victories when Bristol City crossed the Bridge in 2005.

Swansea rounded off their 1959-60 season at the Vetch with a commanding 6-1 rout of the already relegated Robins.

In only the fourth game at their new home, the hosts took the lead through Kevin McLeod just before half-time. Bayo Akinfenwa made it 2-0 early in the second half, before Lee Trundle scored from the spot after Roberto Martinez was fouled.

Barrie Jones opened the scoring for the hosts while an own goal and a further strike from Len Allchurch gave them a 3-1 lead at half-time.

Watched by the lowest home gate of the season, the Swans were put under pressure in the second half by their opponents, who demonstrated plenty of skill and determination despite their fate already being sealed.

McLeod completed his brace on 69 minutes, while Trundle grabbed his second goal two minutes later.

Leon Britton scored the home side’s sixth on 75 minutes before future Swan David Cotterill pulled one back for the visitors.

But Trevor Morris’ side eventually put the game to bed with three goals in as many minutes.

There was still time for McLeod to complete his hat-trick and ex-Bristol Rovers defender Kevin Austin to see red for a second booking on a stunning afternoon for the Swans.

First, Dave Dodson found the net for the fourth consecutive game and Herbie Williams was also on target, before Jones completed his brace and, with it, equalled the Swans’ biggest victory of the season.

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ONES TO WATCH

SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

Daniel Bentley Age: 27 Position: Goalkeeper

Jay Dasilva Age: 22 Position: Defender

A product of Arsenal’s academy, Bentley arrived at Ashton Gate last summer after making the switch from Brentford. The shotstopper established himself at Southend United, helping them reach League One with a heroic performance in the 2014-15 play-off final penalty shootout. That season also saw Bentley win an array of awards including supporters’ player, players’ player and community player of the year as well as being named in the League Two PFA Team of the Year.

The three-time FA Youth Cup winner spent last season on loan with Bristol from Chelsea and made the move permanent in June 2019. The left-back previously spent a season-anda-half on loan with Charlton Athletic, helping the Addicks reach the League One playoffs. Dasilva also captained England Under-19s to victory in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2017.

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

Jamie Paterson Age: 28 Position: Midfielder

Famara Diedhiou Age: 27 Position: Striker

Nahki Wells Age: 30 Position: Striker

Paterson, who can operate as a winger or a forward, spent the first part of the 2019-20 campaign on loan at Derby County and featured as a substitute against the Swans at Pride Park in August. Since being recalled to BS3 in January, Paterson has netted six goals in 17 league appearances. After beginning his career at Walsall, Coventry-born Paterson joined Nottingham Forest in 2013 where he found the net 14 times in 69 appearances.

City’s top scorer this season with 13 goals to his name so far, Diedhiou became the club’s £5.3 million record signing when he joined from Angers in June 2017. The Senegalese striker rose through the leagues in France and found the net 22 times in 37 appearances during a loan spell at Clermont during the 2015-16 campaign which earned him the Ligue 2 golden boot. At international level, Diedhiou has scored five goals in six appearances for Senegal.

Signed from Premier League outfit Burnley in January, Wells had previously spent a season-and-a-half on loan at QPR. During his stint in West London, Wells scored 24 goals in 72 appearances and scooped the EFL Championship Player of the Month award in January 2020. The Bermuda international netted a brace, including his 20th goal of the season, in City’s 3-1 victory over Middlesbrough last weekend.

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

CLUB CONN ASHLEY WILLIAMS Centre-half Ashley Williams enjoyed an outstanding eight-year spell in Swansea colours following his arrival from Stockport in 2008. He would go on to enjoy excellent seasons in the Championship and the Premier League, while also captaining Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016. He scored 14 goals in 351 appearances for the club, helping them win play-off and League Cup finals at Wembley. He left for Everton in the summer of 2016, and joined Bristol City earlier this season following his departure from Stoke

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

NECTIONS LEE TRUNDLE

Striker Lee Trundle scored in Swansea City’s 2006 Football League Trophy final triumph and is revered in SA1 for his goalscoring ability and his entertaining array of tricks and flicks that made him a regular feature on Sky Sports’ flagship Soccer AM programme. Reuniting with Brian Flynn at the Vetch Field from Wrexham in July 2003, he starred as Swansea reached the FA Cup fifth round in 2003-04, won promotion in 2004-05 and were League One play-off finalists in 2005-06. He was top scorer four times, netting 77 goals in 143 league outings before being sold to Bristol City for £1,000,000 in July 2007. Helping them reach the Championship play-off final in 2007-08, he scored seven times in 54 League games before returning on loan to the Liberty

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

STEVE TORPEY Steve Torpey was Swansea City’s leading marksman in two consecutive seasons. Moving to the Vetch Field from Bradford City for £80,000 in August 1993, he helped Swansea win the Autoglass Trophy in 1994 and reach the Third Division play-off final in 1996-97, netting 44 goals in 162 league games prior to joining Bristol City for £400,000 in August 1997. He featured in their 1997-98 promotion success and scored 13 times in 70 league outings before sold to Scunthorpe United for £175,000 in February 2000.

ALAN WILLIAMS Ex-Bristol City central defender Alan Williams was ever-present for Swansea City in 1970-71. Signing professional terms at Ashton Gate in September 1955, he scored twice in 134 league games for Bristol City before moving to Oldham Athletic in June 1961. He joined Swansea from Newport County in October 1968 and was a Welsh Cup finalist in 1969, then missed just one match of the 1969-70 promotion campaign. Netting 10 goals in 143 league outings for Swansea, he moved to Cheltenham Town in July 1972. His son Gary also played for both clubs.

GARRY STANLEY DANNY BARTLEY Former Bristol City midfielder Garry Stanley helped Swansea City win the Welsh Cup in 1982 and 1983.

Moving to Swansea from Everton in September 1981, he netted four goals in 72 league games prior to joining Portsmouth in January 1984. He joined Bristol City from Wichita Wings in August 1988 and made 10 league appearances.

England Youth international Danny Bartley played for both Bristol City and Swansea City. A former apprentice at Ashton Gate, he turned professional in October 1964 and made his league debut in Bristol City’s 1-0 defeat at home to Wolves in December 1965, netting seven goals in 101 Second Division games before moving to Swansea in a joint £12,000 deal with Dave Bruton in August 1973. He starred as John Toshack’s team won promotion in two consecutive seasons, scoring seven times in 198 league outings prior to joining Hereford United in March 1980.

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

IZZY IRIEKPEN Defender Izzy Iriekpen featured in Swansea City’s 2004-05 promotion success. Moving to Swansea from West Ham in August 2003, the England Youth international helped the Swans reach the FA Cup fifth round in 2003-04, then the Football League Trophy final and League One play-off final in 2005-06. He netted seven goals in 123 league games prior to joining Scunthorpe United in July 2007 and moved to Bristol City in January 2009.

DAVID BRUTON SEAN MCCARTHY Former Bristol City defender Dave Bruton was Swansea City’s ‘Player of the Year’ in 1973-74.

He was an apprentice at Ashton Gate and turned professional in July 1971, making 17 Second Division appearances for the Robins before joining Swansea with Danny Bartley in a joint £12,000 deal in August 1973. Featuring in Swansea’s 1976-77 promotion near-miss, he helped John Toshack’s team win promotion the following season, and netted 19 goals in 192 league outings while at the Vetch Field prior to joining Newport County for £15,000 in October 1978.

Striker Sean McCarthy scored twice in Swansea City’s 1987-88 Fourth Division play-off final triumph. Moving to the Vetch Field from hometown Bridgend in October 1985, he was Swansea’s leading marksman in 1986-87 and netted 25 goals in 91 league games before sold to Plymouth Argyle for £50,000 in August 1988. The Wales B international joined promotion-chasing Bristol City on loan from Oldham Athletic in March 1998 and his solitary goal in seven league games came in their 2-1 defeat at Preston two months later.

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

NO SPLIT LOYALTY FOR TRUNDLE

A

t was not uncommon for Lee Trundle to hear t h e Swa n s e a C i t y fa n s cheering his name, but there was a twist to their adulation when they faced Bristol City one December afternoon at Ashton Gate.

‘Magic Daps’ was a hero in S A 1 . T h at ’ s w h at h a p p e n s when you score 86 goals for the Swans, winning silverware and promotion along the way.

Children and adults in Swansea copied his haircut, Swans shirts bearing his name and number felt like they were almost omnipresent in the city.

But, as the Jack Army sang his name on this particular o c c a s i o n , Tr u n d l e w a s n o longer wearing Swansea colours.

He had left the Liberty to join Bristol City in a £1million deal during the summer of 2007.

So, in December 2008, following Swansea’s promotion under Roberto Martinez, the striker faced his former club for the first time.

And any anxiety about how he may be rec eived by the Swans fans at Ashton Gate was quickly forgotten once Trundle came out to warm up before the game.

“Beforehand I had mixed emotions, because of everything I felt for the football club, the last thing I wanted was to come out and for the fans to boo me,” says Trundle, who would come on as a 71st minute substitute in the goalless draw.

“I was dreading it a little bit because it would have broken my heart if that had happened.

“I had moved on in my football career, but my heart was still in Swansea so when I came out

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and the fans started singing my name it was an unbelievable feeling.

“Even when I was warming up they were still doing it, and it showed the relationship I had with the Jack Army was a special one.

“I believe some players just fit clubs, and I believe I fit Swansea and it was great for the fans to show me that as well.”

Swans boss Martinez was not particularly happy about the veneration of the former Liberty favourite when asked for his view post-match, but it summed up Trundle’s bond with both club and city.

In his own mind there was never any doubt he would be back one day, and he would have a loan spell back with the Swans before his playing days were done.

SWANS v BRISTOL CITY Of course, he now works as a club ambassador, and is a visible presence promoting the work of the club and the Community Trust.

“ T he goal against P alac e I would say was probably the third best in my career. The first would be the one against C a r l i s l e at t h e M i l l e n n i u m Stadium, and the second the one against Yeovil.

“It had been a difficult decision to leave. But ,if you looked at the deal, I was 31, they were going to pay £1million for me and I was moving up to the next level in the Championship,” he said.

“I have scored better goals, but the magnitude of scoring a goal to get you to Wembley and be one game away from the Premier League, that goes down as a great night I will always remember.”

“I had come close to getting there with Swansea, and had a play-off final defeat.

Although not always played in his favoured position during his time with Bristol City, Trundle retains a fondness for the BS3 club, who up until recently were managed by his former team-mate Lee Johnson.

“I wondered if I was going to miss my chance at that level, and everything fell into place.

“But the downside was leaving Swansea because I loved playing for them, I loved playing in the city and I loved the people in the city.

But, when the two sides lock horns at 3pm on S at urday, there is no question over where his loyalties will lie.

“It was just something I felt I could not turn down.

“I always feel fine when the clubs meet,” he smiled.

“But I always knew I would be back, whether playing or working for the club. I knew my life was always going to be in Swansea.”

“ When it comes to Swansea C i t y a n d B r i s t o l C i t y, I a m always a Swansea fan.

“Even when I moved to Bristol, the first score I would keep an eye out for was the Swansea score.

The move to Ashton Gate, while an emotional one, so nearly ended with Trundle becoming a Premier League player.

At the conclusion of the 200708 season the Robins made the play-offs, and a typical moment of inspiration from Trundle helped them past Crystal Palace into the Wembley final.

But it was not to be, as a Dean Windass goal ensured it was Hull who claimed their place in the top-flight.

“I think the first season was my best there, to get to a play-off final and to score a goal in the semi-final, it nearly all worked out for me,” says Trundle of his time with the Robins.

“But it was not to be, and the next season I struggled and was not in the side as much.

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“ That was the year Roberto had come in and they got promoted, which was great.

“So when the fixture comes round it is good to look back on it all, but my heart is always with Swansea.”

SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

GEORGE BYERS | FROM BOY TO MAN

F

rom boy to man to father-to-be. It has proved a significant period on and off the pitch for George Byers.

The first step. From boy to man.

After helping the Swans claim the first derby bragging rights of the campaign following a 1-0 win over Cardiff, Byers was praised by Cooper in his post-match press conference.

After experiencing his first full season of senior football last term, Byers has ingrained himself further into the first-team plans following Steve Cooper’s appointment as head coach last summer.

“George is a really good player with a high potential, but I challenge him every single day because I want him to become a man, and become a man quickly, in his play,” said Cooper. “He is proving that - he was excellent against Cardiff.”

From making 25 appearances in his breakthrough season, scoring three goals, the midfielder has featured 39 times under Cooper in this campaign, in which he has struck five times.

They are comments which Byers nods his head to as he hears them.

Not bad for a player who looked like his season was over in February after sustaining an ankle injury in the 3-2 home defeat to Derby.

“I agree with the gaffer’s comments. Before that game we had a chat and he said that he knew I was a good player with quality attributes, but in games like Cardiff you have to be mature and know how to play the game in a derby situation.

His big moment came earlier than that, with Byers’ development taking a significant step forward one sunny Sunday afternoon in October.

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY “I had a think about that and I knew I had to be very mature in my performance. There were things you may do in other games, but in the derby you have to be on point and mature in your performance.

“It was the weirdest feeling ever. The coronavirus outbreak affected the whole world, while football was obviously suspended until further notice,” said the Scot.

“What he said was spot on, and I tried to use that in future performance, which I think I’ve done so far.

But there’s a lot more work for me to do.”

“I wanted to be back as soon as possible. I remember days in the gym when I almost fainted because I had worked so hard.

Aside from a mature display and striking the crossbar with a header, Byers was part of the short-corner routine - along with Bersant Celina and Wayne Routledge - which set up Ben Wilmot’s winning goal.

“The end goal of being back fit was the focus that got me through it. If you’re behind you don’t play, but I made sure I was in the best possible position.

“I completed my rehab two or three days before we were due back in, so I slotted back in very nicely, and mentally that has been a big lift. It felt really good being back in with the boys.

He continued to grow within Swansea’s midfield, forming a strong partnership alongside skipper Matt Grimes in the heart of the engine room.

“During lockdown you miss the banter, training and being around the boys.

Then, a few months later, another significant moment. This time, on a personal level with his partner Grace.

“I’ve never had a long-term injury before. When it happened I knew something wasn’t right.

From man to father-to-be.

“We are expecting a little girl on September 5. It’s the best news ever. We can’t wait!” said Byers, who is now into his fourth year as a Swan since arriving on a free transfer from Watford.

“We found out on New Year’s Eve – time has flown by! She will be here before we know it.

“It’s life-changing in an amazing way.”

From those highs, there would follow a setback on the pitch for Byers following his injury woe against Derby just over a month later.

He was replaced at half-time against the Rams and an operation subsequently ruled him out for the remainder of the season. Or so he thought.

With the coronavirus pandemic leading to the suspension of football, the 24-year-old spent his time working hard on his rehabilitation.

The hard work put in during gruelling shifts in his make-shift back garden gym paid off.

Byers would be back when football returned in midJune as he replaced Rhian Brewster – who scored twice – for the last 15 minutes of a convincing 3-0 win at Middlesbrough.

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“I had to come to grips with that. Even before the scan, I knew it was bad and it was hard to take. I wasn’t in the best of moods, I can tell you that.

“One week you may be playing a team like Fulham, which will be possession-based and you pick players who can adapt to that.

“When the weeks went by after the scan, I had to reset and get myself mentally stable.

“The following week you may be playing a side who are a totally different type of challenge. That’s what makes the Championship so interesting.

“But all the hard work was worth it.”

“We can use five subs now, so even if you’re not starting you have a chance of making an impact.

Since that victory over Boro, Byers made another appearance off the bench in the home loss to Luton before starting the draw at Millwall a few days later.

Three more cameos against Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest followed as he continued to add to his tally in a Swans shirt.

“The gaffer says all the time that even if you’re not playing, you must be ready because you never know what can happen – a game situation can change, or someone can get injured.

“The gaffer has a tough choice to pick a starting XI, but that’s what we want.”

Clocking up more valuable minutes, Byers is determined to make the most of his opportunities, especially as he’s competing for places alongside Grimes, loanee Conor Gallagher and Jay Fulton for the central midfield spots.

Wherever the Swans finish in the Championship this term, it will certainly go down as a landmark season for Byers.

“We want to be pushing each other as a squad. The more good players we have the better squad we have, and the better chance we have of picking up three points,” he added.

And, when next term kicks off, there will be more responsibility on his shoulders both on and off the pitch.

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Autograph:

THE BIG PICTURE

SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

JACK THE LAD F

orty-one years ago, I was standing on the dilapidated East Terrace of the old Vetch Field when I experienced targeted racism up close and personal for the first time.

A wide-eyed 12-year-old, I was watching the Swans, newly promoted to the old second division, take on top-flight Stoke City in the League Cup. Although Stoke didn't bring the glamour of Tottenham Hotspur, who the Swans had knocked out of the competition the previous season, a crowd of just over 18,000 had turned out to see the match.

P l ay i n g u p f ro nt fo r S t o ke was a rising young star by the name of Garth Crooks, who many fans today would know from his punditry on TV rather than his playing days. Twelve months later, Crooks would gain a big money move to the aforementioned Spurs.

The free-scoring frontman was a threat, and the Swans fans knew it. When the visitors won a corner in front of the packed terrace, a lone home supporter decided to hurl a racist insult at Crooks - presumably in an effort to unsettle the striker.

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To his credit, the player who would go on to win two FA Cups and a Uefa Cup at White Hart Lane didn't bat an eyelid.

The chances are he was used to the abuse. That kind of insult was rife at football grounds the length and breadth of Britain during the 1970s.

P erhaps he didn't hear the comment in amongst the general din of a partisan home crowd, the vast majority of whom – apart from one idiot - were getting behind their side rather than targeting opposition players.

SWANS v BRISTOL CITY But I heard it, and the memory has stayed with me ever since.

Why would you target a player because of the colour of his skin?

Perhaps you may not like a player because he plays for your local rivals, the fact that he always scores against you, because he is a dirty player, he dives, or because he's a former player who scores against you - we certainly know how that feels!

But because of his skin colour?

It was the first time I'd clearly heard that kind of abuse hurled at a footballer. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be the last.

During the 70s and 80s, grounds up and down the country would echo with the sounds of racial taunts. You could hear it clearly if you watched televised matches.

B o o s wo u l d r e g u l a r l y r i n g out from certain groups of supporters when a black player in the opposing line-up gained possession.

Presumably, like that lone voice on the East Terrace all those years ago, they thought it would unsettle the opposition player.

But it always made me wonder what black players in their own side used to feel when they heard that sound.

W h at t h e i r j e e r s a n d b o o s deserved was the subject of their abuse using the chants as motivation to ram the crowd’s taunts down their throats by playing well.

But what about the black players listening to their own fans abusing another person of colour? As a white man I can't even begin to imagine what that must have felt like, but the words demoralising and infuriating spring to mind.

The fans of some clubs had worse reputations than others during those days. Thankfully, Swans fans were not amongst them.

A s the years passed and attitudes appeared to become more enlightened. Clubs, including the Swans, have done a huge amount of work to try and eradicate the problem.

I thought the blight of racism appeared to be disappearing from not just football, but other sports.

I can honestly say it has been extremely rare to hear racial abuse from Swans fans, apart from isolated incidents involving individuals, which have been quickly acted upon.

But it seems the fans of some clubs aren't as enlightened as Swans supporters. The abuse directed at Wilfred Zaha and David McGoldrick, which has been reported in recent days, has been genuinely sickening.

The incident involving Raheem Sterling last season shows that there are also isolated problems within grounds, even after all these years and all the hard work by clubs and supporters groups.

Don't get me wrong, things aren't anywhere near as grim as they were in the bad old days of the 70s and 80s. But even one incident is one too many.

Just because it may not happen at the Liberty, it doesn’t mean we should turn a blind eye to it and think it doesn’t happen elsewhere.

No player deserves that kind of abuse, whether he is playing for the Swans or anyone else.

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learning & development

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Centres in Swansea, Cardiff, & Carmarthen MMERCIAL CO

CERTIFIED O

PER TOR A

SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

As a club, especially in recent years, we have attracted and welcomed players from all over the world, from all backgrounds, who have helped enhance our standing and reputation in the game.

So, let's all do our best to ensure this disease doesn’t creep back into the game and all players receive the respect they deserve, whatever their colour.

As supporters of not only the Swans, but of the great game of football in general, we must make sure that incidents similar to those which have been seen on social media in recent weeks are called out and stamped out.

Wouldn’t it be fantastic if by the start of next season, or whenever we are allowed back into stadiums, that the kind of incident I experienced way back in 1979, stays in the bad old days of the 70s and racism never rears its ugly head in football again.

Seeing players, managers, staff and officials unite to take a knee in a show of solidarity has been a powerful image since the return of football.

It’s a strong signal to the rest of society that racism will not be tolerated in the game.

Some may say it is impossible to eradicate racism, and it is a general social problem rather than a football problem.

But everything has to start somewhere. Making sure racism is kicked out of football would be a big first step to tacking the problem in the wider community.

And what better time to start.

Lots of things may have changed in football by the time we are allowed to watch our clubs live again, hopefully most of the changes will be for the better.

Let’s hope this is one of them.

C'mon you Swans!

49

SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

54

SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

LEWIS CLAIMS THE GOLDEN GLOVE

S

wansea City Ladies goalkeeper Deanna Lewis has claimed the Welsh Premier Women’s League Golden Glove award.

The teenager joined the Swans last summer following her arrival from Cyncoed Ladies, and Lewis was ecstatic about clinching the award during her first season with the Swans.

Lewis was in formidable form all season and only conceded one goal in the Welsh top-flight.

“It feels amazing to have achieved this at this age in a league like the Welsh Premier Women’s League,” said the 17-year-old.

The shot-stopper was vital in the Swans’ title winning campaign, in which they won 10 out of 11 matches before the Coronavirus pandemic brought the season to a premature end.

“I’ve had a fantastic season with the Swans and I have learned so much in this quality team. I didn’t expect to win this, but it’s feels like such a big achievement for me.”

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

SWANS 20-21 SEASON REVIEW

A

s the 2019-20 campaign draws to a close we look back at Steve Cooper’s first campaign at the helm.

Having finished 10th in the Championship last term, the summer of 2019 would prove to be a period of change at Swansea City.

Manager Graham Potter and his staff departed to take over at Premier League Brighton, while the likes of Oli McBurnie, Daniel James, Wilfried Bony, Leroy Fer and Martin Olsson left the club for pastures new.

In Potter’s place arrived Cooper, the man who led England Under17s to World Cup glory in 2017 and brought extensive coaching experience from his time with Wrexham and Liverpool’s academies.

On the playing staff, there were several new arrivals including left-back Jake Bidwell and the loan acquisitions of defender Ben Wilmot, goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, winger Aldo Kalulu and striker Sam Surridge.

Another Anfield alumni – Mike Marsh – joined as his assistant, while Martyn Margetson, David Tivey and Alan Tate would also be added to the coaching staff.

With a number of new faces it would have been understandable for the Swans to need time to get up to speed, but they would hit the ground running in emphatic fashion.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, i n t e r m s o f recruitment, Andy Scott was brought in to oversee an overhaul of the club’s work on transfers.

56

SWANS v BRISTOL CITY And his words proved wise as the Swans found wins harder to come by after the September international break, not helped by injury to Wales international defender Joe Rodon.

Nottingham Forest handed Cooper a first defeat in charge thanks to Alfa Semedo’s late Liberty winner, before draws against Bristol City – including a controversial sending off for Bidwell – and Reading followed.

The Swans exited the Carabao Cup against Watford, but saw off Charlton at the Valley as Ayew scored his first league goal for the club in four years.

A last-gasp victory followed at Wigan thanks to a Surridge header, before Wilmot struck at t h e d e at h t h e fo l l ow i n g weekend to secure a 2-2 draw at Sheffield Wednesday.

Cooper enjoyed the best start of any Swans boss in the club’s history as wins over Hull, Preston, QPR, Birmingham and Leeds helped his side top the table at the end of August, while there were Carabao Cup victories over Northampton Town and Cambridge United too.

While there were many new arrivals, it was two older heads who grabbed the early headlines with Borja Baston and Andre Ayew making an impact on the scoresheet following their loan spells of the 2018-19 season.

The win over Leeds at Elland Road, a first victory there in 70 years, was a particular high, but Cooper cautioned against allowing expectations to be built up too high.

A tricky period followed with home defeats to Millwall and Fulham, plus a heavy loss at West Brom.

But Cooper’s side responded, drawing with Blackburn before beating Middlesbrough and Luton back to back.

A d e fe at t o a n i m p r e s s i ve Brentford side was a setback, but it was quickly forgotten as the Swans won the first South Wales derby in over five years thanks to a Wilmot header from a Mike Marsh-penned corner routine.

57

T he New Ye ar st ar t ed with a w i n o v e r C h a r l t o n – Ya n Dhanda scoring a fine goal – although it would see Mike van der Hoorn suffer an injury that would sideline him for several months.

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE...

SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

58

18+ only. Begambleaware.org.

SWANS v BRISTOL CITY J anuary would see fur ther changes to the squad as Surridge was recalled by parent club Bournemouth, while Tom Carroll and Kristoffer Nordfeldt were among those to leave the Swans.

But there were a trio of exciting arrivals as Rhian Brewster, Conor Gallagher and Marc Guehi – all of whom had worked with Cooper at England youth level – sealed loan moves to SA1 for the remainder of the campaign.

Gallagher teed up Brewster for his first Swans goal in victory over Wigan, but frustration would be the overriding emotion over the next handful of fixtures as a lead was relinquished after a fine fightback against Derby, before late goals were conceded at Hull, Fulham and Blackburn.

But a strong performance in a draw with West Brom underlined the Swans were still very much a factor in the play-off race, despite some of their displays not getting the rewards they deserved.

However, thoughts of a playoff push were put firmly on the back burner as the Coronavirus pandemic caused a suspension of football that would last for three months.

The club looked to aid those affected in the local community, linking up with local charities to provide meals to those most vulnerable, whilst also making the Liberty Stadium available to the NHS for training purposes and as a Covid-19 testing site.

Cooper, chairman Trevor Birch, senior staff and the first-team squad all agreed pay deferrals to try and ease the financial impact of the pandemic.

59

This period would also see club legend Leon Britton depart his role as sporting director for personal reasons.

The season resumed in midJ une and the Swans c ould not have wished for a better way to return to action as they thumped Middlesbrough 3-0 with Brewster (2) and Ayew on the scoresheet.

A disappointing defeat to Luton followed, but the Swans showed character to come from behind and draw at Millwall, before wins against Sheffield Wednesday and Birmingham thrust them firmly into the play-off picture with just a few games remaining.

SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

BIDWELL EMBRACING SWANSEA'S CLOSE-KNIT ATMOSPHERE

J

ake Bidwell has found living in Swansea to be a refreshing experience, and the left-back is hoping he can finish his first season on a high.

The 27-year-old defender became Steve Cooper’s first signing as Swansea City head coach when he joined on a three-year deal in July 2019. He has since made 35 appearances in all competitions as the Swans have battled to end the season with a top-six finish.

Having started his career at Everton, before moving on to play for Brentford and QPR, Bidwell has found there to be a different atmosphere in Swansea to that which he encountered when plying his trade in Liverpool and London.

And Bidwell admits it is something that has not been easy to get used to, even if it reminds him of his experiences as an academy player.

It has taken an adjustment, but it has been one he has been glad to make, and one he has thoroughly enjoyed as he has relished the close-kit environment of the club and the city.

“You really notice the difference after playing in a game. Normally, after a night match, it’s hard to sleep because you are still buzzing and full of adrenalin,” he says.

“I’ve noticed a difference in being at Swansea over the past year – it’s not the same as playing for a club in London,” says Bidwell.

“Most footballers are the same. You find it hard to get to sleep until two or three in the morning because everything is still running through you.

“Wherever I go in this city, people are Swans fans.

That’s the only team and so everyone wants you to do well and I get stopped when I’m walking the dog by people who want to talk and wish you well.

“But, without the fans in the stadium, you just don’t get the same adrenalin. You obviously get yourself up for the game, get into the zone with concentration and make sure you do your job, but there’s something missing.

“You don’t really have that community feel in London. It’s not the same.

“That extra buzz and energy you get from the crowd isn’t there.

“I’ve really enjoyed it as the season has gone. I’ve got to grips with a new squad and a new manager and I’ve really embraced it.

“After the Millwall game, I went to bed around midnight and I fell asleep straight away, which never normally happens.

“On the pitch there is still everything to play for, we have put ourselves in with a chance.

“The atmosphere reminds me of playing youth team and reserve team games, when you are playing in stadia but there’s no crowds.

“It would be a great first season managing in senior football if Steve Cooper can get a team into the playoffs.”

“When I was at Everton we would play reserve games at Widnes rugby ground with no-one there.

It reminds me of those days.

While players have welcomed the return to action following the three-month suspension caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, it has obviously been under very different circumstances with no supporters in stadiums.

“It will be great when we are able to have the fans back at stadiums.”

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

#JACKSAT

O

n matchdays, we’ve been asking you to get in touch across our social media channels and share your photos as you follow the Swans from around the globe.

HOME

It has been great to see so many of you getting involved as we aim to finish the Championship season on a high.

Here are some of the best ones from our past few games.

Remember, if you want to feature as part of today’s match coverage, simply tweet us your photos using #JacksAtHome!

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

YOUNG ELLA'S ZOOM INTERVIEW

H

e’s well accustomed to press conferences, but Steve Cooper was put under the spotlight in a special interview with a young fan.

Ella, who plays football for Gower Galaxy Girls and is an avid Swans fan, was also invited by Cooper to watch the team train when it is safe to do so.

The Swansea City boss held a special Zoom interview to help nine-year-old fan Ella Drew with a sports report for a school newspaper she hopes to set up.

And Cooper made an extra gesture as he invited Ella and her parents to a future Swans game – when fans are allowed to watch matches again - as his special guests.

The budding reporter from Penclawdd spoke to Cooper about the difficulties the squad had during the lockdown period, along with getting his thoughts on the return of football and the challenges that lay ahead.

Click on the play icon to watch Ella’s interview with the Swans head coach.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW 64

SWANS v BRISTOL CITY Hi Steve, how are you doing?

at some stage and do some sort of training, which may include some outdoors running, might be some stuff in the house working on their strength and body, we couldn’t do everything because we weren’t allowed. The other thing we did, 3 or 4 times a week was to have video calls like this, with our fitness coaches, a little but like Jo wicks!”

I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions because I want to write a newspaper for my school and football team.

I love playing and watching football and my favourite teams are swans and Liverpool. Me and my dad are big supporters.

What challenges are there for the rest of the season?

I really wanted to contact you to help me out so thank you for doing this today.

We are getting challenges like we would do in any normal games Ella, so we got Sheffield next on the telly, who have got good experienced players, so all the challenges you get from a football match but I think the other thing we’ve got is the empty stadiums, so the players are obviously playing infront of empty stadiums, and sometimes when we are at the liberty with you guys shouting and trying to get us to work harder and play even better and help us win games, we are having to play without fans”.

“The other thing that is going to be hard is that we have to play 6 games in less than 3 weeks!, mentally and physically it is going to be a real challenge, but we have got to go for it”

How does it feel to be back playing football?

“Very good actually. When we got back in training everyone was obviously excited, we still have to be very careful, we have to do testing and checking for corona virus, we have to have our temperatures checked every day, but just excited to be back and wanting to finish the season. Happy to be back in our training kit and with the Swans kit on ready to play”.

How has coronavirus affected football training and matches?

When we first came back it really affected training because we were only allowed to train in groups of 5, we weren’t allowed to do anything involving tackling or playing against each other. We could only do drills, shooting, crossing finishing. We had to be careful with how much contact the players had with each other, so we had to think how big the pitches were, and how long we were training for just so we could minimise players sort of getting close to each other too much”.

Footballers are known for their cool haircuts, how are the players coping with home-cuts? Have there been some interesting trims? Who has failed?

“Well look no further than me! don’t be laughing!, I can see you laughing at my hairstyle!..Matt Grimes is training to be a hairdresser or barber, so I’m sure he is helping out some of the lads, because we’ve all been tested and that’s safer, some of the lads are like me and have let it grown, like George Byers and Wayne Routledge and accepting that we are going to have different hairstyles for a while….and maybe some of them are getting their mums to do it!”

How has the team stayed fit during lockdown?

“What we did Ella, we gave them their own individual programme to follow, so every day they had to get up

65

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

THE BIG QUIZ

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF BOTH SIDES WITH TODAY’S TEASERS.

ROUND

ONE

ROUND

ROUND

TODAY’S VISITORS

A FOOT IN BOTH CAMPS

PAST MEETINGS

1. In what position did Bristol City finish in the Championship last season?

1. Which current Chelsea striker spent the 2017-18 season on loan with the Swans?

1. What was the final score when the sides met at Ashton Gate last September?

2. And who was the Robins’ top scorer with 12 goals in all competitions?

2. This player spent the previous campaign with Bristol City, scoring how many goals in 48 appearances?

2. And who was sent off for the Swans in the final minute of that game?

4. And who beat them 1-0 at Wembley?

3. Which current Robins defender made over 350 appearances for the Swans between 2008 and 2016?

4. This same player has won how many caps for Wales?

THREE

3. How many of the 68 previous meetings between the sides have resulted in Swansea victories?

4. Who scored the only goal as the Robins triumphed 1-0 at the Liberty in August 2018?

Round One: 1) Eighth. 2) Famara Diedhiou. 3) 2008. 4) Hull City.

Round Two: 1) Tammy Abraham. 2) 26. 3) Ashley Williams. 4) 86.

Round Three: 1) 0-0. 2) Jake Bidwell. 3) 20. 4) Andreas Weimann.

3. In what year did the club reach the Championship play-off final?

TWO

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

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SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

THE VETCH FIELD A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

A

s you will have seen in the last two programmes, we recently produced a series of features to mark 15 years since Swansea City left the Vetch Field. Now we have pulled all our video interviews into one feature-length presentation that you can view by clicking the link below.

You’ll get to hear all the stories from that promotion campaign, from bust-ups at Boston to saying farewell to the Vetch, told by some of the central protagonists.

WATCH THE FULL LENGTH VIDEO HERE Kevin Austin was a player the Jack Army held in very high regard, and it was an emotional night at the Liberty Stadium when the Swans paid tribute following his sad passing at the age of just 45 in November 2018.

Here, a number of Kevin’s former team-mates share their memories of sharing a dressing room with him, including his status as a practical joker and his love of the squad’s annual Christmas party.

WATCH THE TRIBUTES TO KEVIN AUSTIN 71

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PLAYER SPONSORS BERSANT CELINA

MATT GRIMES

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BEN WILMOT

MIKE VAN DER HOORN

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GEORGE BYERS

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JOE RODON

JAKE BIDWELL

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PLAYER SPONSOR 73

Other player sponsorships are still available. For specific availability please contact: sponsorship@swanseacity.com or call 01792 616 624

SEASON 2019-20 FIXTURE

Match Statistics

Key

Goal = ●

Captain = C

Sub = 2 (number denotes player replaced)

Booked =

DATE

ATT. TEAM

Hull City H W 2-1

Sat, Aug 3, 3pm

15,741

Woodman

Roberts

v.d. Hoorn ●

Rodon

Bidwell

Fulton

Derby County A D 0-0

Sat, Aug 10, 3pm

27,337

Woodman

Roberts

v.d.Hoorn

Rodon

Bidwell

Fulton

N'ton Town (CC R1) H W 3-1

Tues, Aug 13, 7.45pm

8,058

Nordfeldt

Naughton C

Cabango

Wilmot

John

Byers ●

Preston North End H W 3-2

Sat, Aug 17, 3pm

15,250

Woodman

Roberts

v.d.Hoorn

Rodon

Bidwell

Fulton

QPR A W 1-3

Wed, Aug 21, 7.45pm

12,287

Woodman

Roberts

v.d.Hoorn

Rodon

Bidwell

Fulton

Birmingham City H W 3-0

Sun, Aug 25, 12pm

17,277

Woodman

Roberts

v.d.Hoorn

Rodon

Bidwell 1

Fulton

Cambridge United (CC R2) H W 6-0

Wed, Aug 28, 7.45pm

8,763

Nordfeldt

Naughton C 2

Cabango

Wilmot

John

Byers ●

Leeds United A W 0-1

Sat, Aug 31, 3pm

34,935

Woodman

Roberts

v.d.Hoorn

Rodon

Bidwell

Fulton

Nottingham Forest H L 0-1

Sat, Sep 14, 3pm

17,102

Woodman

Roberts

v.d.Hoorn

Rodon

Bidwell

Fulton

Bristol City A D 0-0

Sat, Sep 21, 3pm

22,885

Woodman

Naughton

v.d.Hoorn

Rodon

Bidwell

Fulton

Watford (CC R3) A L 2-1

Tues, Sep 24, 7.45pm

8,903

Nordfeldt

Roberts

v.d.Hoorn

Cabango

John

Byers

Reading H D 1-1

Sat, Sep 28, 3pm

16,036

Woodman

Roberts

v.d.Hoorn

Rodon

Naughton

Fulton 3

Charlton Athletic A W 1-2

Wed, Oct 2, 7.45pm

15,741

Woodman

Roberts

v.d.Hoorn

Rodon

Naughton

Fulton

Stoke City H L 1-2

Sat, Oct 5, 3pm

16,612

Woodman

Roberts

v.d.Hoorn

Rodon

Naughton 1

Fulton 2

Barnsley A D 1-1

Sat, Oct 19, 3pm

12,424

Woodman

Naughton

v.d.Hoorn

Rodon 1

Bidwell

Carroll

Brentford H L 0-3

Tues, Oct 22, 7.45pm

15,875

Woodman

Roberts

v.d.Hoorn

Rodon

Bidwell

Fulton 1

Cardiff City H W 1-0

Sun, Oct 27, 12pm

20,270

Woodman

Naughton

v.d.Hoorn

Wilmot ●

Bidwell

Byers

Wigan Athletic A W 1-2

Sat, Nov 2, 12.30pm

9,080

Woodman

Naughton

v.d.Hoorn

Wilmot

Bidwell

Byers

Sheffield Weds A D 2-2

Sat, Nov 9, 3pm

23,073

Woodman

Naughton

v.d.Hoorn

Wilmot ●

Bidwell

Byers

Millwall H L 0-1

Sat, Nov 23, 3pm

16,840

Woodman

Naughton

v.d.Hoorn

Wilmot

Bidwell

Byers

Huddersfield Town A D 1-1

Tues, Nov 26, 7.45pm

20,062

Woodman

Roberts

v.d.Hoorn 1

Wilmot

Bidwell

Fulton ●

Fulham H L 1-2

Fri, Nov 29, 7.45pm

16,024

Woodman

Roberts

v.d.Hoorn

Wilmot

Naughton

Fulton 2

West Brom A L 5-1

Sun, Dec 8, 12pm

22,927

Woodman

Roberts

v.d.Hoorn

Wilmot

Naughton

Fulton

Blackburn Rovers H D 1-1

Wed, Dec 11, 7.45pm

14,162

Woodman

Roberts

v.d.Hoorn

Cabango

Bidwell

Carroll

Middlesbrough H W 3-1

Sat, Dec 14, 3pm

14,625

Woodman

Roberts

v.d.Hoorn

Cabango

Bidwell

Byers 1

Luton Town A W 0-1

Sat, Dec 21, 3pm

10,062

Woodman

Roberts

v.d.Hoorn

Wilmot

Bidwell

Byers

Brentford A L 3-1

Thu, Dec 26, 3pm

11,848

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Wilmot

Bidwell

Byers 3

Barnsley H D 0-0

Sun, Dec 29, 3pm

17,097

Woodman

Naughton

Cabango

Wilmot

Bidwell

Fulton

Charlton Athletic H W 1-0

Thu, Jan 2, 7.45pm

15,352

Woodman

Roberts

v.d.Hoorn 1

Cabango

Naughton

Byers

QPR (FA R3) A L 5-1

Sun, Jan 5, 2.01pm

6,712

Nordfeldt

Roberts

Cooper

Bidwell

John

Fulton

Cardiff City A D 0-0

Sun, Jan 12, 12pm

28,529

Woodman

Naughton

Cabango

Wilmot

Naughton

Byers

Wigan Athletic H W 2-1

Sat, Jan 18, 3pm

15,659

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Wilmot

Naughton

Byers 1

Stoke City A L 2-0

Sat, Jan 25, 3pm

22,593

Woodman

Roberts 1

Cabango

Guehi

Bidwell 3

Byers 2

Preston North End A D 1-1

Sat, Feb 1, 3pm

12,502

Woodman

Naughton

Guehi

Rodon

Bidwell

Byers 1

Derby County H L 2-3

Sat, Feb 8, 3pm

16,230

Woodman

Roberts

Guehi

Rodon

Naughton ●

Byers 1

QPR H D 0-0

Tues, Feb 11, 7.45pm

14,778

Woodman

Roberts

Guehi

Rodon

Naughton

Gallagher Fulton 1

Hull City A D 4-4

Fri, Feb 14, 7.45pm

9,757

Woodman

Naughton ●

Guehi

Wilmot

Bidwell

Huddersfield Town H W 3-1

Sat, Feb 22, 3pm

15,148

Woodman

Naughton

Cabango

Rodon

Bidwell

Fulton ● 2

Fulham A L 1-0

Weds, Feb 26, 7.45pm

17,626

Woodman

Naughton

Cabango

Rodon

Bidwell

Fulton 2

Blackburn Rovers A D 2-2

Sat, Feb 29, 3pm

13,099

Woodman

Naughton

Cabango

Rodon

Bidwell

Fulton

West Brom H D 0-0

Sat, Mar 7, 3pm

16,788

Woodman

Naughton

Cabango

Rodon

Bidwell

Fulton

Middlesbrough A W 0-3

Sat, Jun 20, 12.30pm

N/A

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Wilmot

Bidwell

Fulton 2

Luton Town H L 0-1

Sat, Jun 27, 12.30pm

N/A

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango 3

Wilmot

Bidwell

Fulton 2

Millwall A D 1-1

Tues, Jun 30, 5pm

N/A

Woodman

Naughton

Cabango

Wilmot 2

Bidwell

Byers

Sheffield Weds H W 2-1

Sun, Jul 5, 12pm

N/A

Woodman

Roberts

Bidwell

Guehi

Naughton

Fulton

Birmingham City A W 1-3

Wed, Jul 8, 6pm

N/A

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango ●

Guehi

Naughton

Bidwell

2

Leeds United H L 0-1

Sun, Jul 12, 1.30pm

N/A

Woodman 5

Roberts

Naughton

Guehi 2

Cabango

Bidwell 4

Nottingham Forest A D 2-2

Wed, Jul 15, 6pm

N/A

Mulder

Roberts

Naughton

Guehi

v.d. Hoorn 1

Bidwell

Bristol City H

Sat, Jul 18, 3pm

Reading A

Wed, Jul 22, 7.30pm

Sent off =

CC = Carabao Cup

FA = FA Cup

Correct as of July 17, 2020

SUBSTITUTES Grimes C

Dyer 2

Byers 1

Celina

Borja ●

Grimes C

Dyer 1

Celina

Kalulu 2

Borja 3

Nordfeldt, Naughton, Wilmot, Dhanda 2, Byers, Peterson 1, Surridge 3

Dhanda 3

Routledge

McKay 2

Peterson 1

Surridge

Mulder, Cooper, Rushesha, De Boer 3, Garrick 2, A. Ayew 1●●, Cullen

Grimes C

Dyer 1

Celina

Kalulu 2

Borja 3 ●●

Nordfeldt, Naughton, Wilmot, Byers 2 ●, A. Ayew 1, Peterson, Surridge 3

Grimes C

A. Ayew 3

Byers 1

Celina ●

Borja 2 ●

Nordfeldt, Naughton 3, Wilmot, Byers, Kalulu, Garrick 1, Surridge 2 ●

Grimes C

A. Ayew

Celina ● 2

Dhanda

Borja ●

Nordfeldt, Naughton 1 ●, Wilmot, Byers 3, Routledge, Garrick 2, Surridge

Carroll 3

Garrick ● 1

Routledge ●

Peterson ●

Surridge ●●

Nordfeldt, Rushesha 2, Cooper, Evans 3, Dhanda, McKay 1, Cullen

Grimes C

A. Ayew 3

Dhanda 2

Celina

Borja 1

Nordfeldt, Naughton, Wilmot, Byers 3 , Garrick, Routledge 2 ●, Surridge 1

Grimes C

A. Ayew

Celina 1

Routledge 3

Borja 2

Nordfeldt, Naughton, Wilmot, Byers 1, Dyer 3, Peterson, Surridge 2

Grimes C

A. Ayew

Byers 2

Celina

Borja 1

Nordfeldt, Roberts 2, Cabango, Dhanda, Dyer, Routledge, Surridge 1

Grimes C

Dyer 3

Dhanda 1

Peterson 2

Surridge ●

Mulder, Cooper, Carroll, McKay 2, Garrick 3 Routledge 1, Borja

Grimes C

A. Ayew

Byers

Celina 2

Borja 1 ●

Mulder, Wilmot, Carroll 3, Dhanda, Dyer, Garrick 2, Surridge 1

Grimes C

A. Ayew ●

Dhanda 1 ●

Celina 2

Borja

Mulder, Wilmot 2, John, Carroll 1, Routledge, Garrick, Surridge

Grimes C

A. Ayew ●

Dhanda

Celina 3

Borja

Mulder, Bidwell 1, Byers 2, Carroll, Routledge 3, Garrick, Surridge

Grimes C

A. Ayew ●

Byers

Celina

Surridge 2

Nordfeldt, Roberts, Wilmot 1, Routledge, Peterson, Garrick 3, Borja 2

Grimes C

A. Ayew

Dhanda 2

Peterson

Borja 3

Nordfeldt, Naughton, Wilmot, Byers 1, Celina 2, Routledge, Surridge 3

Grimes C

Dyer 1

Celina

Routledge

A. Ayew

Nordfeldt, Roberts, Cabango, Fulton, Peterson, Borja, Surridge 1

Grimes C

Dyer 1 ●

Celina 3

Routledge 2

A. Ayew

Nordfeldt, Roberts 1, Cabango, Fulton 3, Peterson, Borja, Surridge 2 ●

Grimes C

Dyer 1

Celina 2

Routledge 3

A. Ayew ●

Nordfeldt, Roberts 1, Cabango, Fulton 2, Peterson, Borja, Surridge 3

Grimes C

Dyer 2

Celina 3

Routledge 1

A. Ayew

Nordfeldt, Roberts, Cabango, Fulton, Peterson 1, Borja 2, Surridge 3

Grimes C

Ayew

Celina 2

Peterson 3

Borja

Nordfeldt, Naughton, Cabango 1, Byers 2 , McKay, Dhanda, Surridge 3

Grimes C

Ayew

Byers ●

Peterson 1

Surridge 3

Nordfeldt, Bidwell, Cabango, Carroll 2, McKay 1, Celina, Borja 3

3

3

Nordfeldt, Naughton 2, Wilmot, Dhanda, Peterson 1, McKay, B-Richardson

Grimes C

Ayew 3

Byers 2

Peterson 1

Surridge ●

Nordfeldt, Bidwell, Cabango, Carroll, McKay 2, Dyer 1, Kalulu 3

Grimes C

Ayew ●

Byers

Celina 1

Surridge

Nordfeldt, Naughton, Wilmot, Fulton, McKay, Kalulu 1, Borja

Grimes C

Ayew ●●

Dhanda

Nordfeldt, John 3, Naughton, Fulton 1, McKay 2, Kalulu, Borja

Grimes C

Ayew

Carroll

Grimes C

Ayew

Carroll 1

Grimes C

Ayew

Carroll

Celina

Surridge 2

Nordfeldt, John, Roberts, Byers 1, McKay, Routledge 2, Borja

Grimes C

Ayew

Dhanda ●2

Routledge

Borja 3

Nordfeldt, John, Wilmot 1, Fulton 3, McKay, Celina 2, Kalulu

Carroll

Dyer 3

McKay 1

Peterson 2

Kalulu

Mulder, Naughton, Cabango, Byers 2 ●, Dhanda, Celina 1, Borja 3

Grimes C

Routledge

Ayew

Celina

Brewster

Nordfeldt, Bidwell, Guehi, Fulton, Dhanda, Kalulu, Borja

Grimes C

Ayew ●

Gallagher

Celina

Brewster ● 2

Mulder, Bidwell, Guehi, Fulton 1, Dhanda, Routledge 2, Borja

Grimes C

Ayew

Gallagher

Celina

Brewster

Grimes C

Ayew

Gallagher

Celina

Brewster ●

Grimes C

Ayew

Gallagher

Routledge 2

Brewster

Mulder, Bidwell, Wilmot, Fulton, Dyer, Dhanda 1 ●, Cullen 2

Grimes C

Ayew

Dhanda 1

Celina

Brewster

Mulder, Bidwell, Cabango, Fulton, Routledge, Kalulu 1, Cullen

Grimes C

Routledge●2

Gallagher

Celina 3

Ayew

Mulder, Roberts, Cabango, Dyer, Dhanda 1, Garrick 3 ●, Brewster 2 ●

Grimes C

Ayew ●

Gallagher

Kalulu 1

Brewster 3

Mulder, Roberts 3, Wilmot 2, Dhanda, Celina, Garrick 1 ●, Cullen

Grimes C

Ayew

Gallagher

Kalulu 1

Brewster

Mulder, Roberts 2, Wilmot, Dhanda, Celina, Garrick 1, Cullen

Grimes C

Ayew ●

Gallagher 2

Garrick

Grimes C

Ayew

Gallagher

Kalulu

Grimes C

Ayew ●5

Gallagher 4

Kalulu

Grimes C

Ayew

Gallagher

Kalulu 1

Grimes C

Ayew

Gallagher

Grimes C

Routledge

Grimes C

Fulton ●

Grimes C

Fulton

Grimes C

Fulton 2

3

1

2 1

1

Celina 3

Surridge ●

Celina 3

Borja 2

Nordfeldt, Cooper, Naughton 3, Fulton 1, McKay, Kalulu, Routledge 2

Celina

Surridge 2

Nordfeldt, Naughton, Fulton, McKay 3, Routledge, Kalulu 1, Borja 2

1

Mulder, Rodon 1, Wilmot, Fulton, Dhanda 2, Routledge, Borja 3 2

Mulder, Cabango, Wilmot, Fulton 1, Routledge, Dhanda, Cullen 2

Brewster ●

Mulder, Roberts 1, Wilmot 2, Dhanda, Celina, Kalulu, Cullen

1

Brewster

Mulder, Roberts, Wilmot, Dhanda, Dyer 1, Cullen

1

Brewster ●●3

Mulder, Naughton, Guehi, Byers 2, Dhanda 3, Dyer, Routledge 3, Garrick 1, Celina 3

Brewster

Mulder, Naughton, Guehi, Rodon, Byers 2, Dyer, Routledge 3, Dhanda, Garrick 1

Dhanda 1

Brewster

Mulder, Roberts, Guehi 2, Fulton, Dyer, Routledge, Celina 1, Kalulu, Cullen

Ayew ●

Gallagher 2

Brewster ●2

Mulder, Cabango, v.d.Hoorn 1, Byer 2, Dhanda, Dyer, Celina, Kalulu, Cullen 3

Ayew

Gallagher

Brewster ●1

Mulder, v.d. Hoorn, Byers, Dhanda, Dyer, Routledge 1, Celina, Kalulu, Cullen

Ayew

Gallagher

Ayew ●

Gallagher

Brewster 3

1

Brewster ●4

Mulder 5, v.d. Hoorn, Byers 3, Dhanda, Dyer, Routledge 1, Celina 2, Kalulu, Cullen 4 Gould, Cabango 1, Byers 3, Dhanda, Dyer, Routledge, Celina 2, Garrick 4, Cullen

SKYBET CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE Pos Team

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

9

9

70

34

36

87

1

Leeds United

44 26

2

West Bromwich Albion

44 22 16

6

74

41

33

82

3

Brentford

44 24

11 79

35

44

81

4

Fulham

44 22 11 11 58

44

14

77

5

Nottingham Forest

44 18 16 10 57

45

12

70

6

Cardiff City

44 17 16 11 62

57

5

67

7

Millwall

44 16 17 11 50

46

4

65

8

Swansea City

44 16 16 12 57

52

5

64

9

Preston North End

44 17 11 16 56

53

3

62

10

Bristol City

44 17 11 16 59

63

-4

62

11

Derby County

44 16 13 15 58

60

-2

61

12

Blackburn Rovers

44 16 12 16 60

57

3

60

13

Wigan Athletic

44 15 12 17 54

53

1

57

14

Reading

44 15 11 18 55

50

5

56

15

Sheffield Wednesday

44 15 11 18 54

59

-5

56

16

Queens Park Rangers

44 15

9

20 61

71 -10

54

17

Stoke City

44 14

8

22 57

67 -10

50

18

Middlesbrough

44 12 14 18 45

57 -12

50

19

Birmingham City

44 12 14 18 53

70 -17

50

20

Huddersfield Town

44 12 12 20 49

65 -16

48

21

Charlton Athletic

44 12 11 21 48

59 -11

47

22

Hull City

44 12

9

23 57

83 -26

45

23

Luton Town

44 12

9

23 50

80 -30

45

24

Barnsley

44 10 13 21 46

68 -22

43

9

Correct as of July 17, 2020

76

SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

77

THE TEAMS

SWANS v BRISTOL CITY

SWANSEA CITY HEAD COACH: STEVE COOPER

BRISTOL CITY INTERIM HEAD COACH: DEAN HOLDEN

XI SB GS 2 4 5 6 8 10 12 15 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 32 33 41 44

XI SB GS

Marc Guéhi Joe Rodon Mike van der Hoorn Jay Fulton Matt Grimes Bersant Celina Nathan Dyer Wayne Routledge Aldo Kalulu Rhian Brewster Ben Wilmot Yan Dhanda André Ayew Connor Roberts Jake Bidwell Erwin Mulder Kyle Naughton Freddie Woodman George Byers Liam Cullen Conor Gallagher Jordon Garrick Ben Cabango

Daniel Bentley Jack Hunt Jay Dasilva Adam Nagy Nathan Baker Korey Smith Famara Diedhiou Matty Taylor Callum O’Dowda Liam Walsh Rene Gilmartin Andreas Weimann Marley Watkins Hakeeb Adelakun Sammie Szmodics Antoine Semenyo Niclas Eliasson Jamie Paterson Nahki Wells Tomas Kalas Taylor Moore Freddie Hinds Tommy Rowe Zak Vyner Tyreeq Bakinson Saikou Janneh Ashley Williams Aden Baldwin Filip Benkovic Pedro Pereira Niki Maenpaa Lochlan Robertson James Morton Joe Wollacott Benik Afobe Han-Noah Massengo Kasey Palmer

THE MATCH OFFICIALS REFEREE: DARREN BOND ASSISTANT REFEREES: TIMOTHY WOOD AND PHILIP DERMOTT FOURTH OFFICIAL: ANDY WOOLMER OFFICIAL MAIN SPONSORS

78

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