Swansea City vs Luton Town - Issue 23 by swanseacityafc

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

ISSUE 23

Free Digital Copy Swansea City v Luton Town Saturday, June 27 - Kick-off 12:30pm

Spanish company Joma, founded in 1965, SWANS v LUTON TOWN strengthens its position in sport worldwide Jomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sponsorship strategy continues to increase the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

22 Match Reports

28 Meet the visitors

38 School Visit | Joe Rodon

Jack the Lad

Changes to Football

Polite Warning: The British courts have now imposed a standard minimum three-year ban from all football grounds for football-related arrests â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both inside and outside the ground. CCTV is currently in operation inside and outside the stadium, while police are also using handheld video cameras. Offences include: obscene or racist chanting or gesturing; consuming alcohol in seated areas; continual standing in seated areas; aggressive behaviour; going onto the pitch; throwing of items; drunk and disorderly behaviour or under the influence of drugs. Please note there is also a no-smoking policy within the stadium. If broken, you could be ejected. Sales of goods inside and outside the stadium is prohibited unless via official registered sellers. The club badge is a registered trademark and unauthorised use of it will not be permitted. High-quality cameras are not permitted inside the stadium.

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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 LUTON TOWN

TREVOR BIRCH

would normally start my programme notes by welcoming you all back to the Liberty Stadium. Unfortunately, for today ’s game against Luton Town that is not possible! The coronavirus pandemic has changed all that and we will kick-off this Championship encounter behind-closed-doors.

CHAIRMAN

match play in a safe environment. So, again, I must thank those dedicated staff who have worked so hard to make this possible. Behind the scenes the club has been trying to do its bit in the community by helping the NHS with a training programme and testing centre at the stadium; our head chef Chris Watkins has been providing hundreds of free meals to those in need every week; we’ve provided funding for MP Carolyn Harris and her team to supply food and essentials from their base at Mecca Bingo; while we have also been trying to phone as many of our elderly supporters as possible to check they are ok. Alan Curtis, Kevin Johns and Lee Trundle have made nearly 500 calls between them, with the oldest supporter aged 102, while Steve Cooper, Leon Britton and Alan Tate provided valuable support.

We will all miss the famous Jack Army roar, but safety comes first. It was certainly a strange experience with no fans present at Middlesbrough where the players turned in a superb performance to mark the season’s restart with a 3-0 win. It was a display that ranked alongside our trips to Leeds, Charlton, Luton and Wigan and should have warranted the players receiving loud plaudits from the Jack Army on the day as I know you would have travelled in your usual large numbers. Instead, nearly 10,000 of you logged in individually at home to watch the game on our SwansTV Live stream. A great deal of work went in from a lot of people at the club to ensure you had a great stream to watch – including some unique commentary from our own Wyndham Evans and Alan Curtis – so thanks to everyone who made it a success.

There will be a lot more to talk about over the next three home games. We would love the Jack Army to be at the Liberty with us during those games. Unfortunately, that can’t happen in the current climate, but I’m sure you’ll be here in spirit. We’ve also placed some massive flags across the East Stand that sport the faces of around 3,000 of our season ticket holders that were sent into us. Together with the placement of fan flags via the Supporters Trust, I’m sure the players will know that you are all behind them 100 per cent of the way.

The live streaming was part of our season ticket refund option to compensate for the last four home games played behind-closed-doors. I would like to thank everyone who supported the club, whatever option you selected, and I hope you felt there was something for everyone after we worked in conjunction with the Swans Supporters Trust.

I hope everyone continues to stay safe during these strange times and condolences from everyone at the club to those who have lost loved ones during the pandemic. Our thoughts are with you all.

In total, just 30 per cent requested a refund, with the remaining 70 per cent opting for the live streaming or to leave the funds in the club. Again, thanks to you all for your understanding and support during these difficult financial times.

Finally, a warm welcome to the officials and staff from Luton Town at today’s game.

While we went over 100 days without football, it’s still been a busy time at the club, especially meeting all the Covid guidance for our return to play. A huge amount of work and commitment has, and still is, been carried out by our staff to put a structure in place to enable the squad to return to training and

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

STEVE COOPER

usually start my column by welcoming you to the Liberty Stadium. However, today I hope you’ll be supporting safely from home as we take on Luton Town. The last few months have certainly been a test for us all – life has been far from normal due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Our season was postponed for three months, but the most important thing was for everyone to adhere to government guidelines and stay at home in order to limit the spread of the disease. The unbelievable work of the NHS has rightly been highlighted during this tough time, and I’m sure you will all join in me thanking them for everything they have done – and continue to do – as the fight against coronavirus continues.

Our work in the community continued via our chef Chris Watkins, who provided 180 hot meals every Saturday to the homeless and vulnerable via the Matthew’s House charity.

While football was at a standstill, our club certainly did not stand still. Ever since my first day here, I sensed the pride the football club had in its community, and vice versa.

I’ve always said I’m so proud to be head coach of Swansea City, but I must also say how proud I am to be part of this city and community, because it really has shown how together everyone is during these challenging times.

During the pandemic, the Liberty Stadium opened a drive-through coronavirus testing unit for health workers and other frontline staff. The stadium has been used for the unit’s admin and support accommodation while training courses are being held to help produce more staff in the fight against covid-19.

On to football, and we have a big but exciting challenge on the pitch as the Championship enters its final eight games. We returned to action last weekend with a hugely pleasing 3-0 win over Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.

Myself, along with chairman Trevor Birch, president Alan Curtis, club ambassador Lee Trundle and fellow legend Leon Britton along with club chaplain Kevin John also phoned over 500 elderly season ticket holders up to the age of 102 to check in on them and to chat about life and football. It’s important that fans know that we are there for them as a football club during these testing times, and not just on a Saturday afternoon.

Winning 3-0 away from home at any stage of the season is very encouraging, but particularly after not having played for a few months. There is much work to do though, and as pleasing as the result was we still have plenty of room for improvement and the players realise that.

It was a strange experience not having you all there in Teeside, and it was a shame we couldn’t celebrate in front of you. But we know you were all watching passionately at home in front of SwansTV, enjoying the goals as they went in. The players and staff also appreciated your show of support via the club’s #Jacksathome idea on social media, where you sent photos of you watching the match from around the world. The support was phenomenal!

The remaining eight games are like a mini-season. However, as boring as it sounds, we only focus on the next game because that’s always the most important one. I’m sure you will all be making as much noise as possible while watching safely at home, and we will do everything we can to give you the result you deserve. Enjoy the game,

It will be the first game we will play at the Liberty behind closed doors today. We have trained at the stadium a lot in order to get used to the experience, and we’ve prepared ourselves as much as possible. As ever, form and league position mean nothing when it comes to the actual game itself. We know how tough Luton are following our match at Kenilworth Road in December.

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

MATT GRIMES G

ood afternoon to everyone joining us around the world for today’s Championship match against Luton Town at the Liberty Stadium.

The Jack Army and every fan around the country has missed football dearly, so we are just pleased we can finally give them all something to shout about. On Saturday, we made their weekend a lot better and we hope we can keep doing that. Over the last few weeks, we have done quite a lot of work at the Liberty to try and familiarise ourselves with what it’s going to be like without fans there. It certainly won’t feel the same without everyone there, but we’re hoping to play well, pick up three points and make the Jack Army proud.

We will be going into today’s game full of confidence after last weekend, but we can’t get complacent; we must carry on and keep our focus.

We have been working so hard during lockdown to maintain our fitness levels and to make sure we hit the ground running when we came back. All the lads have looked so strong over the last couple of weeks in training.

It will be a tough game. Luton are fighting for their lives at the bottom end of the table. We know that they are going to try and disrupt us but, on our day, we know we can beat anyone and as with every game, we must remain calm, composed and try to implement our style.

Therefore, I was not shocked in the slightest that we played as well as we did against Middlesbrough last weekend. It is what we’ve been showing glimpses of all season, but this time we put it together for a full 35 minutes and blew them away.

Finally, we thank the NHS and everyone fighting on the front line to ensure that we are safe and well to do what we do. Obviously, this is a difficult time for everyone, and our thoughts go out to those affected by the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. I hope that we can bring back a bit of happiness to everyone with our play.

In the first half, we showed exactly what we are about going forward and the killer instinct that we have in the team.

Enjoy the game,

For me, Jay Fulton, and the back four, our jobs were made very easy because we just needed to give our attacking players the ball and let them do their thing at the top of the pitch. When they produce goals like they did, you cannot ask for more than that. Then in the second half, I thought we defended our box well and were brilliant as a unit. The clean sheet was fantastic and overall, it was the perfect away performance.

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

SWANSEA CITY

SUPPORTERS TRUST

elcome to the Supporters’ Trust page for this virtual matchday programme as we all come to terms with the ‘new normal’ during the current crisis.

If the new normal of football being played behindclosed-doors continues to result in comfortable 3-0 wins, like last week’s trip to Middlesbrough, then we’re sure that will soften the blow of being unable to attend games for our fans. While it’s great that we’re able to watch all games at home, there’s no substitute to being there in person, and we hope we will be back in the stands shortly.

It is safe to say we are currently living through quite exceptional times which have caused difficulties for us all, but also great hardship for many. The Trust would like to thank those working in front-line services for their efforts in keeping us safe during the lockdown.

For those of you watching today’s game via SwansTV, you will see the start of a new Trust initiative around the stands. We recently put out an announcement looking for fans to send their flags to the Liberty Stadium so they could be displayed around the ground on matchdays. This has generated quite a lot of interest, including from further afield such as the USA, and over the coming weeks we expect to see this increase in popularity. If you would like to know more, please go to our website at swanstrust.co.uk.

The Swans and the NHS have forged a key partnership during this lockdown with the Liberty Stadium being used for training and onboarding staff, plus the North Stand car park continues to be used as a drive-in test centre for key workers. In recognition of this, it was great to see NHS Wales badges on the Swans kit last week, where they will stay for the remainder of this season. Just like every other business, our club is not immune to this crisis. While football takes place behind closed doors, this will create significant financial pressures for our club.

Our members will also be aware that nominations for election to the Trust Board are currently open. If you would like to know more or would be willing to stand for election and help look after the interests of the fans in our club, please go to swanstrust. co.uk

As season ticket holders will be aware, the Trust has worked closely with the club’s management team to provide multiple options with regards to refund options for the remainder of this season. From our perspective, we were conscious primarily of the needs of our fans, many of whom will be facing their own financial pressures at this time, while also providing attractive options for those who feel able to look at alternatives such as SwansTV subscriptions.

In normal times we’d let everyone know that prior to the game the Trust will be based in our Pod outside the West Stand. However, obviously that is not possible at this time. We are still very active on social media though, through our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram portals, plus you can also contact us via our website or via email.

We’re pleased with the level of collaboration the club has shown on this matter and we look forward to continuing in that spirit in the future.

In closing, please stay safe, follow local social distancing guidelines and continue to support the Swans even if that has to be done virtually for now.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE SUPPORTERS TRUST 11

COMMUNITY TRUST REFLECTS ON A SUCCESFUL YEAR WITH THE PRIMARY STARS PROGRAMME

wansea City Community Trust are reflecting on their positive impact in the local community. Here, we look at the success of their Premier League Primary Stars programme.

The Trustâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classroom engagement activities are delivered in partnered primary schools with the aim of using the appeal of Swansea City to inspire pupils to become passionate about literacy, numeracy and other key subjects highlighted in the national curriculum.

The Premier L eague funded Primary Stars programme uses the appeal of professional football clubs to inspire children to learn, be active and develop important life skills through the power of sport.

Ysgol Pen Rhos, located in Llanelli, has been a longserving partner with Swansea City Community Trust and exemplifies the profound impact the Primary Stars initiative is having in primary schools across the country.

The Community Trustâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement in this programme is through the delivery of classroom activities and high-quality PE, whilst also providing invaluable teacher support and fun competitions and events throughout south west Wales.

Ysgol Pen Rhos also houses free Premier League Kicks sessions every Tuesday and Wednesday evening for young people in the Seaside area on its state-of-the-art playing surface, as well as hosting the FA Primary Teachers Award courses for budding primary PE teachers.

Through this ongoing partnership, the Swans Community Trust has had a profound impact on the lives of young people in Llanelli. Joe Judd, headteacher at Ysgol Pen Rhos, believes the sessions have been invaluable.

by breaking down the barriers that divide learning at school and at home. Louise Williams, deputy headteacher at Waunceirch, has seen the first-hand benefits of Swansea Community Trust’s involvement in the school.

“In my opinion, as the headteacher, it’s been value for money. The quality of people coming into the school is excellent, and the kids love the structure of the lessons. I couldn’t recommend this programme highly enough,” he said.

“In 2015, 16% of our pupils were reading on or above their chronological age. With this initiative, we are proud to say that 79% of our pupils are now reading on or above their age. “For us, it’s so important for the parents to get involved in their children’s learning for them to understand how their children learn, and to see the skills that they are developing.”

Swansea City Community Trust’s implementation of Primary Stars sessions has also led to the launch of a parent engagement programme in Waunceirch Primary.

For more information about Swansea City AFC Community Trust’s Primary Stars programme, please contact Primary Education lead Curtis Grant via email (curtisgrant@scfccommunitytrust.co.uk).

These sessions encourage parents and guardians to come into the school to oversee the progression of their child during literacy and numeracy sessions delivered by Community Trust coordinators. Parents and guardians can get involved with their child’s learning and help them reach their potential

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THE LAST TIME FOOTBALL STOPPED

Trevor Ford

ll Swansea City fans will be delighted to see their side back in action after a three-month absence, even though they are sadly yet unable to attend games to cheer on Steve Cooper’s side at this stage amidst the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. While those of us who love the Swans cannot wait for the day we can get back to the Liberty Stadium to cheer them on, there is no denying these have been unprecedented times for not just Wales and the United Kingdom, but the world as a whole. In a few short weeks the ebb and flow of daily life changed beyond

recognition, including of course the indefinite postponement of all football until Government and healthcare authority guidance deemed a return to be possible. The rare nature of the situation is underlined by the fact this was the first time since the Second World War that football has been indefinitely suspended. If you put that in context; the last stoppage of this nature was due to a global conflict that would claim the lives of an estimated 70 million to 85 million people. As has been the case in recent months, events then had a major impact all over the globe and in a

far more important context than that of sport and football. Nevertheless, it would prove to be an important period for Swansea Town – as the club was then known – and Swansea itself. Here we take a look at some of the key events of the period on and off the pitch. T he appointment of Haydn Green, outbreak of war and Swansea Schoolboys In the history of all Swansea managers, the one appointment where it is particularly tempting to wonder what might have been is that of Haydn Green.

SWANS v LUTON TOWN The Englishman was appointed manager of Swansea Town following Neil Harris’ departure to Swindon Town in May of 1939. Green, who had previously managed Lincoln City, Hull City and Guilford City, had a strong b e l i e f t h a t S w a n s e a To w n could act as a football nursery; nurturing and developing the wealth of young footballing talent from working class communities in the area and ensure the club’s lack of relative financial muscle need not hinder its footballing prowess. Green’s vision looked to be especially prescient as – around the same time as his appointment – there was a notable football success for the area’s young talents. For many years, the Swansea Schools Football Association had acted as a conveyor belt for future Swansea Town stars. In May 1939, just under four months before the outbreak of war in Britain, the Swansea Schoolboys won the English Trophy for the first time following a 2-1 victory over Chesterfield in front of a 20,000 strong crowd at the Vetch. Under the guidance of sports t e a c h e r, D a i B e y n o n , t h e Swansea Schools side went on to win the trophy another three times and the Welsh Trophy on seven occasions between 1945 and 1955. Through the hard work and persistence of Beynon and his colleagues, the Swansea Schools Football Association created

many Swansea Town stars of the future. The declaration of war would sadly put the development of many of those players on the backburner, although there would be opportunities for some who were taken on as ground staff at the Vetch and given their chances in friendlies or junior football. Green and Abe Freedman, who became Swansea chairman for the second time in his career following the death of Owen Evans prior to the 1939-40 season, signed the likes of Jackie Coulter, Billy Sneddon, Sam Briddon and Kitchener Fisher as senior figures to provide the squad with some experience amidst the planned youth policy. Indeed, Fisher would go on to skipper the side during the war years, and play a key role in the rebuilding phase once conflict had concluded. With others including Roy Paul, Bryn Allen and Frank Squires still in their teenage years, the Swans had heaps of potential – and a bright generation of youngsters surely on the way through - but were forced to wait seven long years before playing a full league season as the sport came to a standstill. The Swans’ 1939-40 campaign b e g a n w i t h a h o m e m at c h against West Bromwich Albion which proved historic in its own right as the fixture marked the first time shirt numbers were compulsorily worn on the back of jerseys.

Jackie Coulter

The Swans fell to defeat against the Baggies but the Jack Army were not too disheartened as they found themselves pleased with the performances of the new signings and the match had acted as a diversion from the constant reminders of the possibility of the outbreak of war. A victory away to Southampton and a heavy 8-1 loss against Newcastle United followed, with war being declared within two days of the loss at St James’ Park. Football had continued throughout the First World War but that was not to be this case this time round, with conscription introduced and the English League programme being abandoned indefinitely. Just over two weeks after the declaration of war, the Football Association declared the season null and void. Fans, staff and players braced themselves for the potentially perilous next chapter in the club’s history.

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SWANS v LUTON TOWN Moving to St Helen’s and a new league structure In sporting terms, the main difference between then and the Coronavirus pandemic was that while official league football was suspended, supporters could still get their fill of the game with the authorities deeming it an important boost to morale for the public and for those serving in the armed forces. H o w e v e r, t h e G o v e r n m e n t would soon impose a 50-mile travel limit which meant the prospect of teams travelling long distance to fulfil fixtures was gone. Additionally, crowds were limited to 8,000 as a public safety measure, although both measures would later be relaxed to a certain degree. The solution would be regionalised leagues, with Swansea falling into the SouthWest leagues, although the geographical reach of these divisions narrowed in lines with Government regulation. Swansea travelled as far as Plymouth and Torquay for games during the 1939-40 season, but such journeys would soon be out of the question. T h ey we r e j o i n e d i n t h e s e competitions by the likes of Cardiff City, Bath City, Lovells Athletic, Aberaman, Newport County and the two Bristol clubs, while there were also regionalised cup competitions. Numerous charity games and friendlies were played during the war years, too.

However, the Swans ability to keep playing was hindered b y T h e Ve t c h F i e l d b e i n g commandeered for use as a base for anti-aircraft weaponry ahead of the 1940-41 season. Fortunately, a solution would be found when an agreement was reached for the football club to play their games a little further down the road at St Helen’s rugby and cricket ground, with a clause that once prohibited the playing of association football at the ground having been lifted. T he move was not without controversy, with an opinion piece in the Evening Post going so far as to question whether the decision would lead to the end of rugby football in Swansea.

the club nearest to where he was based at any given time. For example, Arsenal’s Welsh international forward Leslie Jones and Bolton winger Ernie Jones would play for the Swans in this period Like that pair, Reg Weston, would end up continuing with the club after his naval service and would help them win promotion as skipper in 1949. Young talents like Trevor Ford and Paul would make their debuts during this period. P layer c ontrac t s had been effectively written off – after all, there were some 764 players involved in the war effort.

The Swans would spend two seasons at St Helen’s before returning to The Vetch, with the club having to pay to improve the battered and scarred playing surface, as well as carrying out work on the North Bank. On the field, matters were very different too, most notably when it came to the identity of those pulling on the famous white shirts. There were those players who would lose the prime years of their careers to the war, some would never play again. Sides were largely made up of players too young for conscription, a smattering of older players and ‘guest’ or ‘visitor’ selections. This allowed any player handed a military posting to turn out for

Reg Weston

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SWANS v LUTON TOWN A number of future Swans Town stars were evacuated from the terror of Swansea, which saw Mel Charles head to Nantgaredig in Carmarthenshire and Cliff Jones taken to Merthyr. Meanwhile, many of Swansea To w n ’ s f l e d g l i n g p l a y e r s , including Ford and Paul were called upon to defend Britain against the Nazis, with both initially serving as physical training instructors.

The Blitz

A s the town recovered and rebuilding started from scratch, Swansea only managed to play 17 regional league fixtures across the 1940-41 and 194142 season.

And any talk of football would pale into insignificance when Swansea was besieged by the German Luftwaffe for three successive nights in February 1941, which saw approximately 35,000 incendiaries and 800 high explosive bombs dropped on the town, killing 230 people.

Nevertheless, crowds flocked to The Vetch to watch their side, providing a welcome boost to the club’s coffers in the most trying of circumstances as the war had arrived in the aftermath of the recession that had crippled the global economy. Green initially remained at the helm but a disagreement with the board of directors as he sought to make additions to his squad saw him resign in September of 1947, with Billy McCandless eventually being named his full-time successor after Harris had briefly returned. It was a sad end for Green who, despite being at the club for eight years and 123 days, took charge of just 48 official league fixtures.

Targeted due to its nearby docks, the bombings resulted in over 11,000 of Swansea’s buildings and homes being destroyed or damaged and the raging fires could be seen from as far as Devon. S ome of the town’s oldest buildings including the Vetch, Swansea Castle and Swansea Museum survived but Swansea’s iconic market and Ben Evans department store were obliterated. The people of Swansea were traumatised by the aerial bombardment but chose to unite and showed resilience to ensure the Nazis did not destroy their fortitude.

The Football League system would be reinstalled for the 1946-47 season, but the resumption would not bring good news for the Swans – who had regularly found themselves in the lower reaches of the war-time leagues - as they were relegated from the second-tier, along with Newport County.

Roy Paul

The war ends, football has a new beginning Germany would surrender in M ay 1 9 4 5 , a l t h o u g h t h e r e would be one further season of regional leagues for the 194546 campaign, with the FA Cup making a welcome return.

McCandless would go on to have a long spell in charge himself, helping the Swans win the Third Division South title in 1949 with a side including players of the calibre of Paul, Weston and Frank Burns. By that point a semblance of normality had returned to life in the UK, and not just to football, but it is a period in history that will never be forgotten for the tremendous sacrifice made by so many.

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MIDDLESBROUGH 0 SWANSEA CITY 3 DATE: SAT, JUNE 20 ˚ VENUE: RIVERSIDE STADIUM ˚ ATTENDANCE: N/A ˚ REFEREE: TONY HARRINGTON

MIDDLESBROUGH 0

wansea City enjoyed a dream return to Championship action as they swept aside Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.

SWANSEA CITY 3

After a three-month wait to resume the 201920 season, the Swans underlined their play-off credentials as goals from Rhian Brewster and Andre Ayew moved them to within a point of the top six with just eight games remaining.

Brewster 18', 21', Ayew 34' pen

Middlesbrough: Dejan Stojanovic; Jonny Howson, Ryan Shotton (Patrick Roberts 46), Dael Fry, George Friend (captain); Paddy McNair, Lewis Wing, Adam Clayton (Djed Spence 46), Hayden Coulson (Marvin Johnson 71); Lukas Nmecha (Ashley Fletcher 69), Rudy Gestede (Britt Assombalonga 71).

They dominated from the off on Teesside, and were out of sight having established their final victory margin in just 34 minutes. Aldo Kalulu and Brewster had already hit the woodwork before the on-loan Liverpool striker opened the scoring in the 18th minute. E xc ellent link play with Ayew allowed the Ghanaian to advance into the area, and lay on a simple finish for Brewster, whose celebration included displaying a t-shirt in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Subs not used: Aynsley Pears, Marcus Tavernier, Ravel Morrison, George Saville. Swans: Freddie Woodman; Connor Roberts, Ben Cabango, Ben Wilmot, Jake Bidwell; Jay Fulton (George Byers 74), Matt Grimes (captain); Aldo Kalulu (Jordon Garrick 53), Conor Gallagher (Bersant Celina 81), Andre Ayew (Yan Dhanda 81); Rhian Brewster (Wayne Routledge 74).

T hree minutes later and it was 2-0. Conor Gallagher fed Kalulu down the right, and the Frenchman’s cross was volleyed into the ground and beyond Boro keeper Dejan Stojanovic by that man Brewster, who took his tally to six goals in 12 appearances for the Swans.

Subs not used: Erwin Mulder, Marc Guehi, Kyle Naughton, Nathan Dyer.

Ayew then added his 15th goal of the season from the penalty spot , c oolly sending the keeper the wrong way after George Friend had clumsily fouled Gallagher in the area.

Key quote:

The second half was an altogether quieter affair, but the Swans went close to further extending their advantage as George Byers struck a post, while fellow substitutes Bersant Celina and Jordon Garrick also went close.

"TO GO 3-0 UP AS QUICK AS WE DID, HAVING MISSED TWO EASIER CHANCES, IS VERY PLEASING. IT GAVE US A BRILLIANT FOUNDATION THEN TO GET A FANTASTIC RESULT." STEVE COOPER

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

ello all. It’s good to be back, though I have to admit, I really struggled to know how to start my column today.

I’m not suffering from writer ’s block after lockdown, but I am mindful that the tone needs to be right. And while I’m delighted that we can see live football again, (albeit via our screens rather than in person), I’m aware that there will be few people reading this whose lives haven’t been touched in some way by Covid-19.

It was a superb team effort at the Riverside Stadium, the boys looked fit and hungry and I was delighted to see Rhian Brewster get two goals. I was also gutted that he didn’t get to take the penalty for his hat-trick! That really would have been the icing on the cake after his impressive display.

We’ve been told repeatedly that we are living in ‘unprecedented’ times and for some that means heart-breaking and live-changing times. So, whoever you are and whatever circumstances you are in reading this, I want to extend a virtual cwtch, (a Welsh hug), to everyone who needs one. It’s been a tough few months and for many it will continue to be that way. I hope having football back provides some welcome light relief.

One question though – how did we not get five in the first half? Goal difference could make all the difference to a play-off place, so let’s hope we can build on that today against Luton Town. N at h a n J o n e s h a s g o t a d i ff i c u l t t a s k o n his hands steering his side away from the relegation zone and he’ll be looking to get some points on the board after taking one against play-off hopefuls Preston North End last Saturday.

For those of you who follow the players on social media or have kept up with the club news via the Swansea City website, I’m sure you will have appreciated getting more of an insight into who they are and what they do off the pitch.

I know not being physically present at the games is a disappointment and I absolutely get that some fans are frustrated at that, but keeping everyone safe has to be the priority.

And of course, the Liberty Stadium has opened its doors to the NHS and has played its part in serving the community during the Coronavirus pandemic.

This way, we get to finish the season at a time when the virus appears to be on the wane. How things play out over the next few weeks will impact on the new season, so let’s hope it is a positive experience all round and we can be back in situ at the Liberty as soon as is appropriate.

Today, the players and coaching staff will be back at the Liberty, but we have to stay away, for the time being. We couldn’t have asked for a better return to the season last weekend. The 3-0 win at Middlesbrough was just the opener we wanted in order to instil the kind of belief we need for the final leg.

Stay safe everyone and hopefully we will be together again soon.

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

ERTHYGLAU CYMRAEG GAN OWAIN LLYR, BBC RADIO CYMRU

di mae pêl-droed yn ôl. Ychydig yn wahanol i’r arfer, ond yn ôl yr un fath. Ar ôl 105 o ddiwrnodau segur fe ail-ddechreuodd tymor Y Bencampwriaeth y penwythnos diwethaf. Ac am ganlyniad i Abertawe ym Middlesbrough. Er bod Abertawe yn ffefrynnau i ennill y gêm dwi'm yn meddwl fod neb wedi disgwyl iddi fod mor unochrog. Yn syml, doedd ‘Boro ddim yn gallu ymdopi efo pedwar blaenwr Abertawe, sef Brewster, Kalulu, Ayew a Gallacher.

Roedd chwaraewyr fel Matt Grimes a Connor Roberts yn edrych yn flinedig ar ôl chwarae nifer fawr o gemau ac anodd oedd gweld sut y bysa’r tim yn gallu cael rhediad da o ganlyniadau er mwyn cyrraedd y gemau ail-gyfle. Ond roedden nhw’n edrych fel tîm cwbl wahanol dydd Sadwrn i’r un dwi’n cofio ei weld yn chwarae ddiwedd mis Chwefror a dechrau mis Mawrth. Mi oedd ‘na lot o egni yn perthyn i’r tîm a digon o fygythiad yn ymosodol.

Roedd Grimes a Fulton yn gadarn yng nghanol cae a Cabango a Wilmot yn edrych yn gyfforddus yn y cefn. Mae pethau’n argoeli’n dda am yr 8 gêm sy’n weddill y tymor yma.

Fe aeth canlyniadau eraill o’u plaid nhw y penwythnos diwethaf hefyd, achos mwyaf sydyn maen nhw o fewn pwynt yn unig at safleoedd y gemau ail-gyfle. Ac o’r 8 gêm sydd ganddyn nhw’n weddill mae 6 ohonynt yn erbyn timau sy’n is ‘na nhw yn y tabl.

Mae ‘na lot o drafod wedi bod ynglyn â sut fydd timau yn addasu i chwarae gemau heb gefnogwyr a thorf yn bresennol ond ar sail yr hyn welson ni ddydd Sadwrn mi fydd Abertawe yn ymdopi’n iawn tra’n chwarae y tu ôl i ddrysau caeedig.

Dwi’n siwr y bydd hi’n rhyfedd iawn i chi selogion Y Liberty orfod gwylio neu wrando ar y gêm o adra heddiw. Heb os mi fydd diweddglo’r tymor yn un gwahanol a deud y lleiaf ond dwi’n cael y teimlad y bydd o’n un cyffrous i gefnogwyr Yr Elyrch.

Yn amlwg doedd neb eisiau gweld y tymor yn cael ei ohirio am 3 mis, ond pwy a wyr efallai bod y seibiant yna wedi gweithio o blaid Yr Elyrch. Cyn i’r tymor ddod i stop mi oedden nhw ar rediad siomedig yn cynnwys un fuddugoliaeth yn unig mewn 9 gêm.

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

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NATHAN JONES L

ast month saw Jones return to the club who he had guided to League Two promotion and the top of League One just 16 months previously.

After beginning his coaching career at Charlton and Brighton, it was Luton who gave the Welshman his senior managerial break in January 2016. Just two seasons later, he guided the club to the League Two title before departing for Stoke - with the Hatters on course for a second straight promotion the following January. However, Jones was unable to enjoy similar success at the bet365 Stadium, with just six wins from 38 games before his departure last November. Fast forward seven months and the 47-year-old is back at Kenilworth Road, where he will be desperate to secure Championship football for next season. A former defender with Maesteg and Merthyr, Jones turned out for Southend, Brighton and Yeovil in the Football League during his playing career, while he also spent time in the Spanish second and third tiers with Badajoz and Numancia.

SWANS v LUTON TOWN WHAT'S THEIR STORY? Luton’s story is one that has provided many ups and downs over the years. FA Cup finalists in 1959 – the year after finishing eighth in the First Division – the Hatters had slipped into the bottom tier of the Football League just six years later. Over half a century on, back-to-back promotions have led to their return to the Championship – just over a decade since severe financial difficulties and subsequent points deductions culminated in three successive relegations that saw them drop out of the Football League. The eighties provided Luton with arguably the most successful period in the history. They spent a decade in the top flight under the likes of David Pleat and Ray Harford – recording their highest-ever finish of seventh during the 1986-87 season, before lifting the League Cup after victory over Arsenal at Wembley the following year.

HOW'S THEIR FORM?

WHO ARE THE KEY MEN?

Not too bad. They may be five points from safety at the bottom of the Championship table, but Luton’s last seven games have yielded just a single defeat.

Just like last season, striker James Collins leads the goalscoring charts at Kenilworth Road. The Republic of Ireland international has netted 11 times in the Championship this term, while former Yeovil frontman Harry Cornick has contributed a further eight for the Hatters.

The Hatters also demonstrated good character to earn a morale-boosting point against play-off chasing Preston on their return to action last weekend, thanks to Callum McManaman’s late equaliser.

On the wing, Chelsea loanee Izzy Brown boasts plenty of EFL experience having turned out for Rotherham, Huddersfield and Leeds, as well as appearing in the Premier League for Brighton.

In the bottom three since Christmas, one of Luton’s main weaknesses of this season has been their form on the road.

Brown has racked up six assists for Luton this season, while another four have come from James Bree – currently on loan from Aston Villa.

They have lost 12 of their last 14 away from Kenilworth Road, although they did halt a run of 11 consecutive defeats on their travels shortly before the season was suspended in March.

The defence is headed by Matty Pearson – formerly of Accrington and Barnsley. The ex-England Under-18 international has not missed a single league game since arriving at Kenilworth Road in June 2018.

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

PAST MEETINGS We look back at some past encounters between the sides in the First Division, Second Division, Football League Trophy and League One.

Swansea City 1 Luton Town 0 League One – February 22, 2008

Swansea City 4 Luton Town 0 Division Two – September 16, 2000

Runaway leaders Swansea extended their unbeaten run in League One to 17 games thanks to Tom Butler’s late strike at the Liberty.

The Swans ran riot against Luton as they recorded their first home win of the 2000-01 season.

The Swans had endured a frustrating evening that looked like it was going to spoil Roberto Martinez’s one-year anniversary as manager.

The encounter swung in favour of John Hollins’ side on the half-hour mark when Jude Stirling was sent off for handball in the box.

Luton defended resiliently against the hosts, but the tide turned after Sol Davis was sent off for fouling Butler in the 69th minute.

Matthew Bound broke the deadlock from the resulting penalty, while Walter Boyd doubled the lead just before half-time.

And it was the Irishman who proved to be the difference 10 minutes later, as he struck his sixth goal of the season to seal the points in SA1.

Skipper Nick Cusack increased the advantage after the break before a further strike from substitute Stuart Roberts secured the Swans’ best home win since January 1998.

Swansea City 2 Luton Town 0 LDV Vans Trophy – September 28, 2004

Swansea City 2 Luton Town 0 Division One – December 4, 1982

Two late goals at the Vetch saw the Swans through to the second round of the 2004-05 Football League Trophy.

Goals from Alan Curtis and Bob Latchford gave Swansea a much-needed win over a struggling Luton.

Kenny Jackett’s side were playing against 10 men for the best part of 78 minutes after Leon Barnett was dismissed following a poor challenge on Adrian Forbes.

The Swans welcomed the Hatters to the Vetch having gone three games with victory in the First Division. Following a goalless half, Curtis broke the deadlock eight minutes after the restart.

The Swans attacked relentlessly thereon but it wasn’t until the last 15 seconds of normal time that Kevin Nugent finally broke through.

Latchford then sealed the points seven minutes from time with his 15th goal of the season – making him the leading marksman in the top flight.

Summer signing Sam Ricketts then sealed the victory moments later when he lashed home his first Swansea goal from the edge of the box.

ONES TO WATCH

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

Sonny Bradley Age: 28 Position: Defender

Cameron Carter-Vickers Age: 22 Position: Defender

Born in Hull, the Hattersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; skipper joined the club on a three-year deal in the summer of 2018. The 6ft 5in centre back previously had stints with Portsmouth, Crawley Town and Plymouth, and was named in the League Two team of the season in the promotion winning campaign with the Pilgrims in 2016-17. Bradley marked his Championship debut for Luton with a stunning 25-yard half-volley against Middlesbrough on the opening day of this season.

Carter-Vickers needs little introduction to Swans fans after spending the 2018-19 season on loan at the Liberty from Tottenham Hotspur, forming a defensive partnership alongside Mike van der Hoorn. The strong centre-half joined the Hatters in the January transfer window on loan. Before CarterVickersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; arrival, the Hatters had managed just one clean sheet in 31 outings but have had four in their last seven matches, with the United States international being in the heart of defence for three of those matches.

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu Age: 26 Position: Midfielder

Izzy Brown Age: 23 Position: Forward

James Collins Age: 29 Position: Forward

A product of West Ham’s academy, Mpanzu signed for Luton midway through their Conference title winning campaign of 2013-14 and has helped them to three promotions since his arrival. Naturally a box-to-box midfielder, Mpanzu is also versatile enough to play in central defence, on the wing or even up front. A key member of the squad, Mpanzu has featured in 35 of the club’s 37 Championship fixtures so far in the 2019-20 season, netting three goals along the way.

On a season-long loan from Chelsea, Brown made his league debut for the Blues in the 2014-15 season before loan spells with Vitesse Arnhem, Rotherham United and Huddersfield Town. The 23-year-old helped the Terriers reach the Premier League in 2017 before joining Brighton and Hove Albion on loan for the 2017-18 season, but saw his season cut short due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. He has assisted six goals and scored once in 22 appearances for Luton this season, and his experience has proved vital in the club’s fight to stay in the Championship.

The Hatters’ top scorer thus far in the 2019-20 season, Collins has netted 11 goals and picked up three assists this campaign. With over 150 career goals to his name, Collins bolstered the club’s firepower when he joined from Crawley Town in June 2017. Collins was named League One’s Player of the Year as Luton won the League One title in the 2018-19 season after scoring 25 goals to see the Hatters return to the Championship after a 12-year absence.

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

RHIAN'S KEY MESSAGE

hian Brewster has vowed to continue doing his bit in the fight against racism after delivering a strong message during Swansea City’s 3-0 win at Middlesbrough.

He opened the scoring in the 18th minute as he tapped home Andre Ayew’s cross before volleying home Aldo Kalulu’s pinpoint assist. Ayew added a third, while Kalulu, Brewster and sub George Byers also struck the post in a convincing victory in the Championship’s first game back following the suspension to the league due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Both teams took a knee before kick-off to show their support the Black Lives Matter movement, while Brewster displayed a shirt that read “We refuse to be silent. Our colour is not a crime” after scoring. The 20-year-old, who has suffered racist abuse earlier in his career, said: “It’s very important to send this message.

Brewster added: “It’s always good to score but it’s not about me – it’s about the team. Anything I can do to help the team win the game - whether it’s score, working hard or getting assists, that’s what I will try to do.

“I’ve had racist remarks in the past, so anything I can do to help via my social media platforms and outside of that, then I will do it.

“I am on six for the season. I will keep pushing and get as many as I can.

“It was a message from me standing up against it because I don’t believe it should be happening.”

“We want to get into the play-offs. Teams are going to be wary of us and think ‘wow, 3-0 away from home.’

Brewster was at his best in Teeside, with the Liverpool loanee taking his tally to six goals from 12 appearances with a brace against Boro.

“So we’ll be looking to keep this level of performance up in the eight games remaining.”

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

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SWANS v LUTON TOWN

FORBES LOOKS BACK

ast month marked 15 years since Swansea City played for the final time at the Vetch Field, and we highlighted the anniversary of the club's final season at its famous old home.

We will bring you all nine videos in our four remaining digital programmes. Here, we bring you the first two instalments of our nine videos marking the anniversary starting with an interview with Adrian Forbes - scorer of the last goal at the Vetch â&#x20AC;&#x201C; along with part one.

The likes of Alan Tate, Garry Monk, Lee Trundle, Kris O'Leary, Adrian Forbes and Andy Robinson shared their memories with us in a series of interviews looking back at a campaign that ended in promotion and FAW P remier C up success.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH 37

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

RODON RECALLS SWANS DREAM AT FORMER SCHOOL

oe Rodon is sat perched on the edge of a desk in a classroom where he dreamt of playing football for Swansea City and Wales.

“It’s crazy. I left in 2009, and I haven’t been back since so it’s a bit surreal,” says Rodon as he takes a tour around his old stomping ground in a visit held before the coronavirus outbreak.

He is returning to his old stomping ground - Llangyfelach Primary S chool – to answer questions from pupils during a crosscollaborative Primary Schools project between S w a n s e a C i t y a n d t h e C o m m u n i t y Tr u s t ’ s Premier League Primary Stars programme held prior to the coronavirus outbreak.

“A lot of the school is the same, but some things have obviously changed. The school felt huge back then. “ The memories came flooding back as I went from room to room. Standing in the main room where assembly is held, I can remember being one of the three wise men in a school nativity one year!

It is the first time he has stepped foot in the school since he left in 2009 – two years before t h e Swa n s wo n p r o m ot i o n t o t h e P r e m i e r League.

“There is one teacher still here, so it was lovely to see her while it has been great to come back and see the pupils here for a Q&A. They asked some tough questions, to be honest.

From the schoolyard to the Swans and the classroom to centre-back with Wales, Rodon’s dreams have become reality.

“ This is where it all started. I sat in these classrooms dreaming of playing for my team and Wales. I’ve done both, which is incredible, and this school was the first part of the journey.

He has 50 appearances for his home city club and has represented his country four times. Fair to say it’s been some journey so far.

SWANS v LUTON TOWN “A lot has happened since I was last here. I’m really happy with what I’ ve done so far, but I’m not stopping there. I want to develop and achieve more.

Four months later, R odon was making his Swansea debut in front of nearly 20,000 at the Liberty Stadium. His maiden season in the Swans’ senior set up was hugely encouraging, with the centreback becoming a key figure and making 28 appearances before winning his first Wales cap.

“I wasn’t the best player in my school team. There were kids that were far better than me. But it’s a long road and you’ve got to take the bumps along the way and keep focussed. “Hopefully the kids here can see that I’ve gone from sitting in this classroom to working my way through the Swans Academy to playing for the first team and Wales.”

T he only blot in the c opybook c ame via a broken metatarsal which sidelined him for nearly three months. His second year has been a carbon copy, with Rodon hugely impressive in the heart of the Swans defenc e. A nother injury st alled his progression, with surgery on an ankle tendon injury seeing him miss three months of gametime.

Despite being at his home city club since the age of eight , he made his senior debut for Cheltenham Town during a loan spell with the Whaddon Road club. That came on February 3, 2018, with Rodon making 12 appearances under then boss Gary Johnson.

B ut the 22-year-old has t aken it all in his stride, and, quite aptly as he’s sat in his old classroom, he talks about the lessons he’s learned along the way.

The final of those came in a painful 6-1 home defeat to Coventry City, but the experiences of League Two helped add further experience to his young career.

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SWANS v LUTON TOWN “No player likes being injured - the last injury came from nowhere,” he reflects.

With that tournament delayed 12 months due to the pandemic, Rodon’s mind remains on his club duties.

“ This time around I was probably more prepared for the physical aspects, which isn’t nice at all.

“The ideal plan is to finish the season strongly here. That’s my focus,” Rodon points out.

“But it was also more mentally challenging for me as I had a lengthy lay-off the previous year.

From imitating his Swans heroes on the playground to helping Wales qualify for a major tournament – Rodon’s rapid rise has truly been a schoolboy’s dream.

“Watching the boys going out to training when you’re in the medical room is difficult, but it makes you stronger mentally. “But now I’m back and I’m loving every minute of it.” In his last piece of action, Rodon battled on with a head wound during the 0-0 draw with West Brom in March – the last game before football was suspended due to covid-19. It was an injury which required five stitches but it didn’t stop a patched up Rodon completing the game. “It’s just one of those injuries you’ ve got to take, if playing on through the pain is the difference between keeping a clean sheet or not, then so be it,” said Rodon, who missed last weekend’s 3-0 victory at Middlesbrough due to a slight quad problem. “I just had to carry on and get back in the game. I had about five stitches, but I felt fine. “We’re in the mix for the play-offs now, so it’s all still to play for. “I think it is very tight in the table so anything could happen. There are only eight games left of the season so we have to approach the remaining games with the mentality that we have to go and make it happen." He now hopes to play a big part in the Swans’ run-in, with Steve Cooper’s side sitting on the brink of the play-off spots in what is sure to be a thrilling conclusion to a division which never fails to amaze. Rodon, pre-Coronavirus outbreak, had hoped to have made Ryan Giggs’ Wales squad for the European Championship this summer.

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THE BIG PICTURE

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

JACK THE LAD A

home evening match against Luton Town will bring the memories flooding back for Swansea City fans of a certain age. However old you are, there’s a fair chance you will have heard about the Swans’ famous promotion-clinching match at Preston in 1981. Tales of the 3-1 win at Deepdale and the mass exodus of 10,000 Jacks to the north west of England to watch the Swans clinch their place in the old First Division have gone down in the club’s folklore.

Thanks to the game featuring on Match of the Day, the goals by Jeremy Charles, Tommy Craig and particularly Leighton James’ stunning long-range effort to open the scoring will be familiar to Swans fans whether they were there or not. In fact, most Swans fans over the age of 45 will tell you they were there that day on that sundrenched afternoon. If every tale of travels to Deepdale were true, the away end would have been bulging with at least 30,000 rather than the estimated 10,000.

But if that match is rightly remembered as one of the most important in the club’s history, the game that set up the neverto-be-forgotten spectacular season finale is often overlooked. Had the Swans not gained a point against promotion rivals Luton on a sunny Easter Monday evening in April, the size of the exodus to Lancashire five days later could have been very different. With just the Luton and Preston matches remaining, the Swans were in a three-way battle for the final promotion place with B lackburn R over s and T he Hatters.

SWANS v LUTON TOWN The Swans went into the Luton match in outstanding form having torn Chelsea apart just two days before in a game that was featured on Match of the Day - a relatively rare occurrence for the Swans in those days.

Luton provided a stern challenge. Their side featured a number of household names of the time including Nor thern Ireland international full-back Mal Donaghy, who went on to play for Manchester United, and another Yugoslavian international Raddy Antic.

The home side were in brilliant form against the Blues but were also given a helping hand by the visitors' notoriously eccentric goalkeeper Petar Borota diving all around a relatively routine Neil Robinson shot.

They also had Brian Stein and R icky Hill, two of the best players in the division, who enjoyed a dangerous partnership and would go on to represent England.

If the first goal was fortunate, the second was spectacular as Yugoslavian full-back Dzemal Hadziabdic smashed home a screamer from well outside the area, which his former international team-mate could only parry into the roof of the net.

Tension filled the air at a packed Vetch as the two promotion hopefuls lined up for kick-off. But the Swans were still on fire from the Chelsea game and within three minutes of the start they took a huge step towards settling the home fans' nerves.

A scruffy second half third goal by Robbie James sent the 16,000 strong Vetch Field crowd home happy and looking forward to the Luton match just over 48 hours later.

Following a Wyndham Evans long throw, Robbie James and Alan Curtis combined to set up Tommy Craig to head home for an early lead.

The importance of the Luton match was reflected in the size of the crowd as more than 5,000 more fans crammed into the Vetch than had been in attendance for the Chelsea clash.

I can remember when the final whistle went, my feet barely touched the floor as I was swept away with the crowd through one of the big North Bank exit ramps and out onto the street.

Mind you, the official attendance for the Luton match may have been 21,354, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure there were at the very least a couple of thousand more in the ground that night.

Despite being on a high after beating Chelsea - their sixth straight undefeated match - noone was in any doubt about the challenge that lay ahead of the Swans.

The Swans were rampant and went 2-0 up after 22 minutes when Leighton James volleyed home as the Swans fans started dreaming about reaching the top flight for the very first time. However, L ut on st ar t e d t o show their class and just seven minutes later they were right back in the match when Hill pulled a goal back.

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With the visitors desperate for a win to keep their own promotion hopes alive and the Swans keen to put them out of contention, the two teams went at each other hammer and tongs. Five minutes into the second half the Vetch was silenced when Hill struck again to level the match. And things could have been oh so different for the Swans if the referee hadn't raised his flag for offside after Antic had seemingly put Luton ahead. But the home side managed to hold to the final whistle, condemning the travelling fans to a long Bank Holiday journey back to Bedfordshire knowing their First Division hopes had been thwarted . . . for 12 months at least.

Meanwhile, the J ack A rmy poured, or rather squeezed their way out of the crammed Vetch, making their travel plans for the last game of the season knowing that the priceless point gained against Luton meant a win in Preston would at last see them in the top flight. And that's exactly how it turned out . The Swans won 3-1, a result that sent them to the first division and consigned the home side - managed by World Cup winner Nobby Stiles - to the Third Division. While the Deepdale faithful drowned their sorrows, the travelling hordes celebrated long into the night in Preston and all the way home.

The rest of us - the unfortunate few unable to make the trip - s ett l e d fo r wat c h i n g t h e highlights accompanied by Des Lynam's iconic commentary on Match of the Day that evening. But wherever Swans fans celebrated on that historic occasion, they doubtless raised a glass to decisive draw against Luton which made the final day heroics in Lancashire possible. Who knows, a win tonight and the Jack Army might just start dreaming about the top flight once again. C'mon you Swans!

CHAMPIONSHIP 19-20 STATS APPEARANCES: WHOSCORED.COM RATING:

11 (1) 7.03

BREWSTER'S STRENGTHS

HOLD UP PLAY STRONG DRIBBLING STRONG LONG SHOTS STRONG

BREWSTER'S STYLE OF PLAY

LIKES TO PLAY SHORT PASSES GETS FOULED OFTEN LIKES TO DRIBBLE LIKES TO SHOOT FROM DISTANCE PLAYS THE BALL OFF THE GROUND

CHAMPIONSHIP FEWEST AWAY POINTS LUTON MIDDLESBROUGH BARNSLEY STOKE CHARLTON

10 15 15 16 16

TALKING TACTICS: RHIAN BREWSTER W

ell, Swansea City certainly returned to action with a bang, didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t they?

A 3-0 win at Middlesbrough is exactly the response Steve Cooper will have demanded last weekend, and having struck the woodwork three times to go with the three goals in the opening 45 minutes, it easily could have been a super six-goal performance. However, they need to continue to look forward and take that momentum into the next match. Today's lunchtime welcome of Luton is another opportunity to earn consecutive vital victories in the push for the play-offs as the Swans return to the Liberty Stadium. They won the reverse fixture at Kenilworth Road, edging out a 1-0 win courtesy of Andre Ayew 's late strike, and the Ghanaian is expected to be vital when the Hatters travel to south Wales. Top scorer Ayew put in a key shift at the Riverside on Saturday, with his WhoScored.com rating (8.76) enough to make the first Championship team of the week post-lockdown. Ayew, though, was pipped to the man-of-the-match award by Rhian Brewster, who maintained his good away form with a brace at Middlesbrough.

Brewster has now scored five goals in his last five away league outings and Cooper is hoping the 20-year-old can transfer his flying form on the road to home surroundings. Brewster also made the WhoScored.com team-of-theweek with a rating of 8.79, that his best in a Swansea shirt since his January arrival, and he's set to lead the line against a Luton side that has shipped more away goals (44) than any other Championship side this season. The Hatters have also earned fewer away points (10) than any other side in England's second tier this term. Considering his scoring quality, we expect Brewster to add to his six league goals against a Luton side that has developed a statistically-calculated W hoS c ored.c om we akne ss of 'stopping opponents from creating chances'. Given 64 per cent of the shots Luton have faced have come through the middle, and 63 per cent of the shot zones against them have come inside the 18yard box, this benefits Brewster as the central striker. Five of the six league goals he has scored for the Swans have come inside the penalty area, so if those in support of Brewster can create the opportunities on home turf, then Swansea have what it takes to up the number of league goals they have scored this season considerably and put another three points on the board.

And it may be that Swansea come up against a familiar face when they face Luton today. Cameron Carter-Vickers spent a season on loan with the Swans last year and joined the Hatters on a short-term stint back in January. Given his form since joining at the turn of the year, the 22-year-old is set to start at the back for Nathan Jones' side today. C arter -Vickers is currently Luton's best-rated player with a WhoScored.com rating of 6.96 and he was their top performer in the 1-1 draw with Preston last weekend, where he earned a WhoScored.com rating of 7.72. While plenty has changed since Carter-Vickers' stint in south Wales, he can call upon his experience of playing for Swansea to guide Luton to a positive result in their bid to move off the foot of the table. A r u n of o n e d efe at i n s i x suggests this isn' t a game Swansea are to take lightly, yet with Brewster making an immediate impact postlockdown, the young striker has the means to fire the Swans to victory today.

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

LIBERTY

JACKS

After a few seasons off, Liberty Jacks is back. We look back at some of the players who have worn the Swans shirt in the past. The players we feature here across the season will then be added to our comprehensive A-Z series of past players on the history section of our website swanseacity.com

ALBERTO PALOSCHI LEAGUE GAMES: 10 LEAGUE GOALS: 2

lberto’s goal scoring promise saw the striker join Italian giants A.C. Milan in 2007. In his first season at the club, he was a member of the side that won the National Under 17 Championship. He progressed to the first team in December of that season, making a goal scoring debut in an Italian cup match against Catania.

MARTIN OLSSON LEAGUE GAMES: 67 LEAGUE GOALS: 2

With the Brazilian legend Ronaldinho signing at the San Siro, he moved to Parma in search of regular first team football and helped them return to Serie A in his first season. He continued to play for the Italian national Under 21 side.

CUP GAMES: 7

he Swedish international began his junior career at Hogaborgs BK before his talents attracted the attention of Premier League club Blackburn Rovers who signed him for their youth academy.

He had a short spell at Genoa before enjoying five years at Chievo where he produced his best football of his career to date. It prompted a £8m move to the Swans and the Premier League in January 2016. But his time at the club was not a productive one and after just ten appearances and two goals he moved back to Italy with Atalanta just five months later. He has since played for SPAL and Cagliari.

He broke into the first team in the 2007-08 season, coming on as substitute in a UEFA Cup qualifying tie, before making his Premier League debut against Derby County later that season. He played six successful seasons at Ewood Park. In 2013, Olsson moved to Championship club Norwich City where he appeared at Wembley in the Play Off final where they defeated Middlesbrough to return to the Premier League. It took a £4m transfer fee to bring him to Swansea City in January 2017, helping the club to retain its Premier League status in his first season. His 2018 season was disrupted by serious injury, and along with a host of other substantial earners his contract was not renewed at the end of the campaign following relegation.

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

CHANGES TO Things to look out for Swansea City are back in action at the Liberty Stadium this afternoon for the fir st time since the draw against West Brom back on March 7. But the atmosphere and surroundings at the Liberty Stadium will be very different from that the players experienced during that goalless draw with the Baggies. Here, we look through some of the change s suppor ter s can expect to see.

Swans fans will have unprecedented access to live coverage of their sideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s games via Sky Sports and SwansTV Live.

Walk-outs and handshakes Supporters will have become attuned to the pre-match sight of the two sides leaving the tunnel at the same time, le d by the mat ch officials , ahead of kick-off. However, this will not be the case over the remainder of the 2019-20 campaign.

Empty stadiums The most visible and obvious change will be the absence of supporters from stadia due to the risks of transmission of Coronavirus. It will make for a rather surreal experienc e and the Jack Army will certainly be missed by Steve Cooper and his side, but supporters are asked to avoid congregating in the areas around stadiums, or in any other public places while games are taking place.

S ides will t ake to the field one at a time, with the players observing social distancing measures and the away side entering the playing surface first. They will be followed by the home side and then the match officials. There will be no pre-match handshake, players and officials will simply take their positions for the start of the game. The coin toss will still take place, but social distancing will be observed.

The measures for taking to the field for the start of the game will be mirrored when the teams leave the changing rooms for the second half.

Substitutes, matchday squads and drinks breaks Once the action is under way, the one major change made to the rules in the short term is that sides can now use five substitutes. Approved by the International Football Associations Board ( I FA B ) , i t w i l l a l s o m e a n coaches can pick 20-man squads for each game with nine players on the bench. However, sides will only have three opportunities to make changes, meaning double and triple substitutions a r e l i ke l y t o b e c o m e m o r e commonplace. T hat rule change has been made with player welfare in mind given the lengthy break since action was suspended in March, and the busy upcoming fixture schedule.

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

FOOTBALL Substitutes, along with staff i n t h e c l u b’ s d u g - o u t a n d technical area, must follow social distancing protocols. There will also be designated drinks breaks of no more than a minute at the halfway point of each half.

Physios and medical staff When players require t re at m e nt , s u p p o r t e r s w i l l notice that team physios and doctors will all be wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in order to limit the potential for the spread of Coronavirus. Additionally, all balls, posts, corner flags and other football equipment will be disinfected before and after use.

Such an approach was introduced with some suc c e ss in the B unde sliga and a number of clubs in the Premier League and Championship are expected to follow suit, although it will be a matter of choice for each individual club.

Thanks to the NHS The selfless bravery and expertise of NHS staff across Wale s and E ngland will be recognised at all remaining Championship fixtures. All players’ jerseys will have a ‘ Thank You’ message next to the NHS rainbow logo that has appeared across the country as the public pay tribute to the effor t s of all NHS st aff and key works during the Coronavirus pandemic. The Swans will also sport a special NHS Wales logo on their shorts.

Artificial crowd noise With no supporters in attendanc e, clubs are free to look at the possibility of using artificial crowd noise to provide an element of context to the action on the pitch.

This messaging will also appear around stadiums and will be visible for the remainder of the 2019-20 campaign.

No ball boys A s a s afet y m e a s u re t h e re will be no ball boys to retrieve balls from off the pitch to put back in play. If a ball disappears into the stand and will take too long t o retrieve, there will be a number of disinfected balls set out around the edge of the pitch to use instead.

Post-match media duties Each manager or head coach is required to hold a postmatch press conference, but this will look very different to the familiar set-up of journalists gathered around a table in a designated media room. P ost-match interviews will still take place, but those for broadcasters will be carried out outdoors with social distancing measures being observed. The post-match press conference will be held virtually.

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

ACADEMY | 19-20 IN REVIEW

he 2019-20 season may have ended prematurely due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but it was one of significant progress and transition for Swansea City’s under-23s squad.

There were also first-team debuts for academy graduates Ben Cabango, Jordon Garrick, Kees de Boer, Jack Evans and Tivonge Rushesha during the earlier rounds of the Carabao Cup.

For the first half of the campaign, the fortunes of the development side were overseen by Cameron Toshack and Gary Richards, before their departure to Cypriot side Pafos FC in mid-December.

Evans and Rushesha were among five players to earn new contracts with the Swans during the season, as well as Josh Gould, Brandon Cooper and Liam Cullen.

Academy head of coaching Jon Grey stepped into the role in an interim capacity, with under-16s coach Matty Jones serving as his assistant.

Like the previous campaign, Cullen was the under23s’ leading marksman, netting an impressive 17 goals in just 21 appearances, including his first hat-trick for the development side in the 5-1 win over Middlesbrough.

Over 40 players were utilised during the season by the development side, who recorded an eighthplace finish on their return to Premier League 2 Division Two, including 12 scholars as well as 15-year-old midfielders Josh Edwards and Joel Cotterill.

His exploits were recognised as he landed the Premier League 2 Player of the Month award for January, shortly before stepping up to Steve Cooper’s first-team squad on a permanent basis.

First-year professionals Cameron Evans, Daniel Williams and Mason Jones-Thomas all took their appearance tallies into double figures, with Evans missing just a single game all season.

Cullen also scored seven times during the development side’s run to the Premier League

SWANS v LUTON TOWN International Cup quarter-finals, including all four in the thumping 4-0 victory over reigning leagueand-cup double winners Everton.

Meanwhile, Jack Evans had a brief stint at Mansfield Town, Brandon Cooper spent time at Yeovil Town and Cameron Berry linked up with former Swansea midfielder Kris O’Leary at Carmarthen Town.

Earlier in the competition, Swansea put two-time champions Porto to the sword 5-1 – a game in which Oli Cooper scored a hat-trick – while holding former finalists PSV Eindhoven to a creditable 1-1 draw.

Despite a difficult season in Premier League South, there was also plenty of rotation on the pitch for the under-18s.

However, there was to be no such joy in the Premier League Cup, where they bowed out in the group stages.

There was regular playing time for first-year scholars Josh Thomas, Scott Butler, Erick Kenko and Morgan Clarke – all of whom also went on to appear for the under-23s during the season.

But results aside, the competition was still a hugely productive one for the Swans, who utilised a total of 32 players across their five games.

Several members of the under-15s and under16s squads were also handed opportunities to impress, including Edwards, Cotterill, defender Kai Ludvigsen and goalkeeper Tyler Evans.

Eight of them were handed debuts at under-23 level in the tournament, including Ali Al-Hamadi, Ben Erickson, Lewis Webb and Will Rickard.

In terms of player development, it was another hugely productive season as those hoping to one day make their mark at first-team level made valuable strides in their respective progressions.

Away from the Swans, defender Joe Lewis and midfielder Tom Price enjoyed productive loan spells at Torquay United and Aberystwyth Town respectively.

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

MATT GRIMES | A CUT ABOVE S wansea City captain Matt Grimes has gone from slicing passes through opposition m i d f i e l d s t o c u tt i n g h i s way t h ro u g h everything from fringes to mullets during the enforced break from football.

the early stages of his football career, he already has a good idea of the avenue he would like to explore after hanging up his boots. “My barber teaches an online class to people throughout the year. He’s currently running one on Zoom with me and a couple of other lads,” said Grimes.

While football was sidelined due to the coronavirus pandemic, most footballers around the country worked to individual training plans to allow themselves to be in the best possible shape when action resumed.

“He teaches us the techniques and we attempt to apply them on our doll heads. “We started off doing long hair, then into medium hair and mullets. We are now doing medium swooped hair and will go into shorter cuts soon.

But it also gave them time to follow other pursuits. For Grimes, the unexpected break has presented him with the perfect opportunity to actively pursue his hobby away from the field.

“Obviously, the hair on the doll doesn’t grow back so you learn all the techniques with long hair, shorten it up, then do the same for medium and shorter hair.

The central midfielder is currently participating in an online barbering course run by his local barber Matt Guerin, spending three hours a day honing his skills with the scissors and learning and practising different techniques on a provided doll head.

“Because I’ve had that many haircuts, I’m quite inquisitive about how they do it. I started off asking my barber questions about how he did things. “It’s something I’d quite like to do after football so, while we’re in lockdown and not training, I thought I’d start it up.”

Grimes is the latest Swan to reveal his unique interest away from football after Connor Roberts took us into his woodwork workshop. The extent of the 24-year-old’s passion for barbering is evident by the fact that while still in

CLICK HERE TO WATCH 59

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

ALICIA POWE: DISAPPOINTMENT DROVE HUNGER FOR SUCCESS

a p t a i n A l i c i a P owe h a s r e ve a l e d h ow the disappointment of missing out on silverware in 2019 drove Swansea City L adies on to their Welsh Premier Women’s League success in 2020.

“ We focused on what we needed to improve on and going unbeaten in the league really showed the desire this squad has to go further. “I was at work when it was announced we had been named league champions and everyone at the club has worked so hard this season and being crowned champions is a great reward for all our efforts.

The Swans were named as champions after t h e s e a s o n wa s c u r t a i l e d by t h e Fo ot b a l l Association of Wales as a result of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

“ This year has been great for us as a club. Team morale has been high since day one and this has shown on and off the pitch.

Ian Owen’s side only dropped two points all season in the Welsh top-flight , ending the campaign with a proud unbeaten record.

“It's a fantastic feeling to know that all the hard work and commitment from the squad has paid off and we can now use this experience going forward.”

Powe believes a factor in the side’s impressive performances was the hunger of wanting to bounce back, following on from last season’s disappointment of narrowly missing out on a trophy.

And Powe highlighted two fixtures as being particularly key in the success of Ian Owen’s side.

“L ast season was disappointing coming so close to silverware, this hurt all the players and staff but is a feeling that drives you to become bigger and better,” said Powe, who has recently found herself helping the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic in her role as a qualified nurse at Morriston Hospital.

“I think there were two pivotal games during this season, the first being against Cardiff Met away,” she adds. “ I wa s a b s e n t fo r t h at g a m e d u e t o wo r k commitments but followed the updates on Twitter.

“ This year we were determined not to repeat what had happened in the past and worked harder than before.

SWANS v LUTON TOWN “I was extremely proud of the team beating the current league holders away from home, Emma (Beynon) led the girls fantastically to victory and that really set us up for a great season.

One of the rewards for the Swans’ title success is qualification for the UEFA Women’s Champions League, which the club last featured in during the 2017-18 season.

“ The second game was versus Cardiff City at home, when we beat them 2-0. I think this game showed that we wanted to keep pushing ourselves and get results in every fixture, it didn’t matter who it was against.”

And Powe is relishing the challenge of playing against Europe’s elite. “ With regards to the Champions League, it’s always an honour to play in this competition,” she added.

On the journey to winning the WPWL title, the Swansea defence remained strong throughout and only leaked one goal in 11 games.

“ We know the standard is very high, but we all crave that challenge and have experienced players within the squad who have been involved in this competition multiple times.

And Powe applauded the performances of the likes of Shaunna Jenkins – who recently left the club - and summer signing Deanna Lewis.

“The target is to pick up where we left off, train hard, focus and prepare for the next chapter within our football careers.”

“The bond this year between defensive players has been incredible,” said Powe.

Swans Ladies will discover their Champions League opponents in September ahead of October’s qualifying round.

“ F o r m y s e l f, p l a y i n g a l o n g s i d e S h a u n n a Jenkins has been an honour, she is a fantastic player and has had so much experience when you consider how young she is.

The draw for the qualifying tournaments will take place in the first week of September at the European House of Football in Nyon, Switzerland.

“Also, the new addition of goalkeeper Deanna Lewis has been pivotal in our defensive record.

Should Swansea progress through that stage to the round of 32, they will have the chance to go headto-head with the likes of five-time winners Lyon, Women’s Super League champions Chelsea and Frauen-Bundesliga champions Wolfsburg.

“ We showed a consistency in performances, not only defensively but everywhere on the pitch. “Everyone within the squad has contributed this year, from players to staff, which is key if you want to be successful.”

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

CONNOR ROBERTS AND HIS WOODWORK WORKSHOP T

he Repair Shop, Homes Under The Hammer and Escape to the Chateau DIY. They are not what you’d expect your usual footballer to list as their favourite TV programmes. But Connor Roberts is not your usual footballer, as his passion for his hobby suggests. While many footballers around Britain filled the void left by a lack of game-time on the pitch by playing computer games like Fifa on their consoles, the Swansea City and Wales right-back could be found in his garage busy working away on his next project.

“I made a bookcase out of reclaimed scaffolding planks while I’ve built a workbench in my garage. “At the moment I’m nearly finished with a tool wall in my garage.

“Over the last couple of years I’ve picked up a knack of making things and learning about carpentry,” he says. “I have a little workshop in my garage so I have plenty of space to work on things.

“If anyone has any spare wood I’d love to have it! Jake Bidwell doesn’t live too far away from me so he dropped some off and I made a few shelves for my partner out of it.

“I watch YouTube videos and follow a lot of accounts on Instagram that make furniture, along with joiners and carpenters. I’ve picked up tips and tricks. I follow more joiners and carpenters on Instagram than I do anything football-related.

“It’s a good distraction for me. You need interests outside of football, and this is perfect for me. It keeps me busy and entertained, and takes my mind off things.”

“Not many footballers may do this kind of thing, and people probably don’t expect me to be doing it. “The feeling when you’ve made something and you’re really happy with it is class.

While he is only a few years into his professional career, Roberts – who helped Wales qualify for the European Championships earlier this year – could well turn his hobby into a full-time job when he hangs up his boots.

“I have a bit of OCD, though, so when I’m making something it has to be right. Otherwise, I’ll start again.”

“You never know what will happen after football, but carpentry and joinery would be something I’d like to do,” he admits.

With the country on lockdown and sport put on hold due to the Coronavirus pandemic, it gave Roberts plenty of time to brush up on his skills.

“I’ve had a few carpenters working in my house doing bits and bobs, and I now class them as friends because I know them well. I pick their brains a few times.

After following the club’s daily fitness programme designed for each individual player, his focus switched quickly to his next woodwork project.

“I’m not qualified but I enjoy it and I’m learning all the time. I could become an apprentice for a carpenter and go with them to jobs and learn more. I know a few in Swansea and they’d be more than happy for me to be their apprentice.”

“I enjoy making things like furniture. I made a gate for myself and for my mum, while I’ve made a few birdboxes for my partner,” says the 24-year-old.

SWANS v LUTON TOWN His interest in woodwork was revived a few years ago. And it is something which has not only proved a useful hobby to fill his time, but also allows him to take notes off professionals from his favourite programmes.

“I watch The Repair Shop – I love that. It’s another level. “The people in that are professionals and are top notch. I also watch Homes Under The Hammer and Escape to the Chateau DIY.

He added: “I did design and technology in school and enjoyed it. I had a bit of a gap when I left school and first started playing properly for the Swans.

“I wouldn’t want to build a house or shed though – I prefer to work with wood. “But when the lockdown is completely over I’ll be cracking on with a lot more projects!”

“But now I have my own house and I’ve got my own workshop I’ve been able to pick up again.

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SWANS v LUTON TOWN

THE BIG QUIZ

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

ROUND

ONE

ROUND

TODAY’S VISITORS

A FOOT IN BOTH CAMPS

PAST MEETINGS

TWO

1. In what year did Luton win the League Cup?

1. Which Luton defender spent last season on loan with the Swans?

2. And who did they beat in the final at Wembley?

2. And how many appearances did he make in all competitions?

3. Luton won the League One title last season. How many points did they finish with?

3. Which goalkeeper played for both sides during the 1970s?

1. Who scored the winner in the Swans’ 1-0 victory over Luton at Kenilworth Road in December? 2. That took his tally for this season to how many goals? 3. Who scored the only goal in Swansea’s 1-0 win when the sides last met at the Liberty in February 2008? 4. How many of the last four meetings have resulted in victories for the Swans?

Round One: 1) 1988. 2) Arsenal. 3) 94. 4) James Collins. Round Two: 1) Cameron Carter-Vickers. 2) 33. 3) Keith Barber. 4) Roberto Martinez. Round Three: 1) 1) Andre Ayew. 2) 10. 3) Tom Butler. 4) Four.

4. And who was the Hatters’ top scorer during the campaign with 25 goals?

4. Former Luton boss Graeme Jones served as assistant coach to which former Swansea manager?

THREE

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

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SWANS v LUTON TOWN

10 THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT…

JAKE BIDWELL

JACK MAGAZINE SAT DOWN WITH THE FULL-BACK TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIS LIFE OFF THE PITCH. What would be your ideal day off?

Do you have any phobias?

I’d have a nice lie-in, go for a late breakfast, take the dogs for a walk in the afternoon and go out for dinner in the evening. Nice and simple.

Not off the top of my head. I’m pretty chilled with most things. I’m not massively keen on any other animals really, but that’s about it.

What is your favourite film?

What is your favourite karaoke tune?

The Shawshank Redemption. It’s a classic.

Anything by Oasis. I had to sing Wonderwall for my initiation, but I’ve butchered that a few times!

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Do you have any pets?

I’d like to go to Australia one day. It would have to be after I retire because I don’t think the summer is long enough really.

Two dogs – a cockapoo and a doberman called Stan and Sid. If you could kiss any girl in the world, who would it be?

What car do you drive?

Apart from my wife, I’d go with Margot Robbie.

I’ve got a black Range Rover. I’m not a massive fan of cars, but it’s nice and comfortable and practical for being on the motorway.

If you were going to live on Mars, what would be your last meal?

What is your current favourite TV programme?

A chicken roast dinner every day! That would stock you up for about a week, so at least you wouldn’t be hungry straightaway!

My favourite of all-time has to be The Inbetweeners. Only Fools and Horses is up there, too. They’re both easy watches that still make you laugh every time. I’m watching Line of Duty at the moment, which is pretty decent as well.

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

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SWANS v LUTON TOWN

SWANSEA CITY REACH OUT TO SUPPORTERS DURING LOCKDOWN

wansea City visited local communities and called supporters to offer comfort, support and to raise spirits during the lockdown period of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

Britton called a number of elderly season ticket holders and supporters as part of a campaign to keep the club connected with older fans during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Club mascots Cyril and Cybil visited a number of communities across the Swansea area including Parc Brynheulog in Birchgrove and Elm Crescent in Penllergaer, and brought smiles to many Junior Jacks’ faces during lockdown.

“It was lovely to talk to some of our supporters during lockdown. It could have been a very lonely time for some people so it was important for us to reach out to them to see how they were doing,” said Lee Trundle.

The popular pair made a splash as they took the chance to check in on some of our younger supporters – whilst adhering to social distancing measures – and looked to raise spirits during the unprecedented times amidst the pandemic.

“We called them to ask if everything was okay and had a chat about football, I really enjoyed hearing some of the stories they had to tell and reminiscing about some great memories. “One thing was for sure, everyone was excited to get back to watching matches at the Liberty.”

Meanwhile, Swansea City head coach, Steve Cooper ; first-team c oach, Alan Tate; club ambassador, Lee Trundle; club chaplain, Kevin Johns MBE and club legends Alan Curtis and Leon

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

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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

Sat, Jun 27, 12.30pm

Millwall A

Tues, Jun 30, 5pm

Sheffield Weds H

Sun, Jul 5, 12pm

Birmingham City A

Wed, Jul 8, 6pm

Leeds United H

Sun, Jul 12, 3pm

Nottingham Forest A

Wed, Jul 15, 6pm

Bristol City H

Sat, Jul 18, 3pm

Reading A

Wed, Jul 22, TBC

The football community as a whole has come together to show its gratitude and appreciation for their continued dedication and, as a Welsh club, it’s great that we can also pay our own special tribute to those NHS staff working in Wales.

Sent off =

CC = Carabao Cup

FA = FA Cup

Correct as of June 26, 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

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

2 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

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

Brewster

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

Brewster ●●3

Mulder, Naughton, Guehi, Byers 2, Dhanda 4, Dyer, Routledge 3, Garrick 1, Celina 5

19-20 SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE Pos 1

Team West Bromwich Albion

UPCOMING FIXTURES

Pts

Leeds United

Fulham

Brentford

Nottingham Forest

Preston North End

Cardiff City

Blackburn Rovers

Swansea City

Bristol City

-4

Millwall

Derby County

Queens Park Rangers

-5

Reading

Sheffield Wednesday

-3

Birmingham City

-9

Wigan Athletic

-10

Stoke City

-6

Charlton Athletic

-9

Huddersfield Town

-15

Middlesbrough

-13

Hull City

-15

Barnsley

-19

Luton Town

-28

social distancing

Millwall (A) Tuesday, June 30, 5pm Sheffield Wednesday (H) Saturday, July 5, 12pm Birmingham City (A) Wednesday, July 8, 6pm Leeds United (H) Sunday, July 12, 3pm Nottingham Forest (A) Wednesday, July 15, 6pm Bristol City (H) Saturday, July 18, 3pm Reading (A) Wednesday, July 22, TBC

Correct as of June 26, 2020

equipment sanitisation 1

fully contactless

digital hiredesk now open

EASY AS 1, 2, 3..

1 SELECT YOUR HIRE PRODUCTS 2 DELIVERY OR COLLECTION? 3 done in 60 seconds

available across south wales

order today at www.mileshire.co.uk

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

NEXT UP AT HOME OPPOSITION Sheffield Wednesday

DATE

KICK-OFF TIME

Sunday, July 5

12pm

32 MEETINGS

ABOUT THE OPPOSITION Despite a strong start, Sheffield Wednesday are struggling for form heading into the final stretch of the Championship season. A regular feature in and around the play-off places until early January, a run of just one win in 10 matches has seen the Owls slip into the bottom half of the table.

Managed by former Swansea favourite Garry Monk, Wednesday are without a league victory on the road in five attempts, although their most recent triumph away from Hillsborough brought a 2-0 success against high-flying Leeds United.

Having spent over a decade in a playing and managerial capacity in South Wales, Monk will be aiming to inspire his current employers to a first away win against the Swans since 1983.

SWANS

SHEFF WEDS

12 DRAWS

SWANSEA CITY 2 SHEFF WEDS 1 DECEMBER 15, 2018 Swansea City made it two wins in a week as they came from behind to beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 at the Liberty Stadium. The Swans were staring at a painful defeat when Marco Matias fired the visitors in front just after the hour mark. But Graham Potter’s men dug deep to fight their way back into the contest. Substitute Bersant Celina equalised within five minutes of coming on, as he stroked Connor Roberts’ cutback into the far corner. And barely a minute later, Wayne Routledge delivered what proved to be the winner; latching onto Celina’s through ball before slotting home between the legs of Cameron Dawson.

SWANSEA CITY XI:

Erwin Mulder; Kyle Naughton (Bersant Celina, 66), Mike van der Hoorn (Cameron Carter-Vickers, ht), Joe Rodon, Connor Roberts; Matt Grimes, Leroy Fer (capt); Wayne Routledge, Barrie McKay, Nathan Dyer (Jefferson Montero, 63); Oli McBurnie.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY XI:

Cameron Dawson; Tom Lees (capt), Daniel Pudil, Jordan Thorniley, Ashley Baker; Joey Pelupessy, Josh Onomah (Marco Matias, ht), Morgan Fox (Steven Fletcher, 80), Adam Reach; Lucas Joao, Atdhe Nuhiu.

SWANS v LUTON TOWN

THEv TEAMS SWANS LUTON TOWN

LUTON TOWN MANAGER: NATHAN JONES

SWANSEA CITY HEAD COACH: STEVE COOPER 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

Marek Stech Martin Cranie Dan Potts Ryan Tunnicliffe Sonny Bradley Matty Pearson Callum McManaman Luke Berry Danny Hylton Elliot Lee Andrew Shinnie Simon Sluga Harry Cornick Glen Rea Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu Cameron Carter-Vickers James Collins George Moncur Luke Bolton Brendan Galloway Izzy Brown Kazenga LuaLua James Bree Jacob Butterfield Peter Kioso Eunan O’Kane Donervon Daniels James Shea Frankie Musonda Harry Isted Jake Peck Tiernan Parker

THE MATCH OFFICIALS

REFEREE: ANDY WOOLMER ASSISTANT REFEREES: ANDREW FOX AND MARK POTTAGE FOURTH OFFICIAL: PETER WRIGHT OFFICIAL MAIN SPONSORS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 29 30 32 33 36 37 40 41 42