Cadwch yn ddiogel Jacks
Issue 8 - Digital Copy
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Swansea City v Luton Town Saturday, December 5 - Kick-off 3pm
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CONTENTS Page 6 - Season Ticket Renewal 20-21
Page 16 - Meet the Opposition
Page 20 - Match Reports
Page 28 - Q&A with Liam Cullen
Page 39 - Swans Ladies Report
Polite Warning: The British courts have now imposed a standard minimum three-year ban from all football grounds for football-related arrests – both inside and outside the ground. CCTV is currently in operation inside and outside the stadium, while police are also using handheld video cameras. Offences include: obscene or racist chanting or gesturing; consuming alcohol in seated areas; continual standing in seated areas; aggressive behaviour; going onto the pitch; throwing of items; drunk and disorderly behaviour or under the influence of drugs. Please note there is also a no-smoking policy within the stadium. If broken, you could be ejected. Sales of goods inside and outside the stadium is prohibited unless via official registered sellers. The club badge is a registered trademark and unauthorised use of it will not be permitted. High-quality cameras are not permitted inside the stadium.
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SWANSEA UNIVERSITY NOW OFFERS JANUARY ENTRY FOR MANY COURSES. If you’re thinking of re-training or studying for a new career, take a look to see what Swansea University has to offer.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
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MAE PRIFYSGOL ABERTAWE BELLACH YN CYNNIG MYNEDIAD YM MIS IONAWR AR GYFER LLAWER O GYRSIAU. Os ydych chi’n ystyried ail-hyfforddi neu astudio ar gyfer gyrfa newydd, edrychwch ar yr hyn sydd gan Brifysgol Abertawe i’w gynnig.
CLICIWCH YMA AM RAGOR O WYBODAETH
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WATCH ALL THE
CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES VISIT SWANSEACITY.COM
Chief Executive Julian Winter Board Of Directors Directors: Romie Chaudhari, Bobby Hernreich, Huw Jenkins, Jason Levien, Stuart McDonald, Martin Morgan, Gareth Davies, Julian Winter, Jake Silverstein, Sam Porter Honorary Club President: Alan Curtis; Associate Directors: David Morgan, Cath Dyer Team Management Head Coach: Steve Cooper Assistant Coach: Mike Marsh Behind the Team Goalkeeping Coach: Martyn Margetson Head of Medicine: Dr Jez McCluskey Head of Performance Analysis: Steve Rands Head of Recruitment: Andy Scott Academy Manager: Nigel Rees Staff: David Tivey, Ritson Lloyd, Ailsa Jones, Matthew Murray, Adele Callaghan, Daniel Morris, Lee Watkins, Chris Watkins, Tom Jenkinson, Tom Goodall, Daniel Nisbett, Michael Eames, Shaun Baggridge, Huw Lake, Ashley Gill, Steffan Popham
Senior Management Group Andrew Davies (Head of Operations, Facilities & Development); Gareth Davies (CFO); Rebecca Edwards-Symmons (Head of Commercial) Club Staff Club Secretary: Ben Greenwood Assistant Football Secretary: Rebecca Gigg Head of Retail: Andrea Morris Head of Hospitality & Customer Services: Catherine Thomas Legal Counsel, Head of Safeguarding: Rebeca Storer HR Manager: Nicola Butt Senior Commercial Sponsorship Manager: Lee Merrells Commercial Marketing Manager: Katie Hughes Media Manager: Chris Barney Ticket Office Manager: Luke Hughes Operations & Events Manager: Matthew Daniel Facilities Manager: Gordon David Grounds Manager: Anthony Harry Disability Access Officer: Mark Phillips Community Trust Manager: Helen Elton Club Ambassador: Lee Trundle
Programme Production Contributors: Alex Bennett, Julie Kissick, Owain Llyr, Chris Barney, Andrew Gwilym, Jonathan Davies, Sophie Davis, Adam Evans, Gwyn Rees Designers: Callum Rothwell, Jordan Morcom Photography: Athena Picture Agency, Natalie Davis, PA, REX Print: DWJ Group Ltd Swansea City AFC Liberty Stadium, Landore, Swansea, SA10 2FA CP-D Dinas Abertawe Stadiwm Liberty, Landore, Abertawe, SA1 2FA Telephone/FfĂ´n: 01792 616606 Fax/Ffacs: 01792 616606 Web/Gwe: swanseacity.com Email/E-bost: info@swanseacity.com
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fter what has been a difficult year for everyone, Swansea City would like to update supporters on season tickets for the 2021-22 season. The club has been overwhelmed by the support shown by the Jack Army, especially our 2020-21 season ticket holders who have shown incredible loyalty throughout these unprecedented times. And, following conversations with Swansea City Supporters Trust, we are able to provide details of the season-ticket renewal process ahead of the 2021-22 campaign. We want our fans to ‘Be proud to be a Jack’. We know our club is different because our fans make us very special. During these hard times, we want our supporters to know that better days are coming and that we will be reunited again
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at our home, the Liberty Stadium, in the future. Although we can’t be together right now, we need the Jack Army more than ever before. Throughout these unprecedented times, our 2020-21 season ticket holders have shown unrivalled support. We did not foresee that this season’s season ticket holders would not be allowed to be at games to support Steve Cooper’s team for such a long period of time. As a result, we feel this is the right time to show our loyal 2020-21 season ticket holders how much we appreciate your understanding with the current circumstances. The season ticket renewal window for the 2021-22 campaign opened on December 1, initially only for current season ticket holders who
either took the option for streaming and kept revenue in the club, as well season ticket holders who have opted for monthly refunds. Supporters who have initially selected the monthly refund plan, but are yet to withdraw monies from their ticketing account balance via the account cashback facility, may request to opt out of the monthly refund option. If there are supporters who have opted for monthly refunds and have already withdrawn funds to your bank account, but wish to renew at the new prices, you can contact the ticket office and arrange to return your withdrawn funds to the club before renewing. Season ticket holders who elect to opt out of, or return, their monthly refunds to renew at the new prices will receive a streaming code to
access SwansTV Live coverage of home league games and midweek away league games.
season’s season ticket prices, while over-65s and under-18s can enjoy up to £260 and £120 cuts.
We want to take this opportunity to give back to those who have been incredibly supportive to us, by giving them a HUGE discount for next season.
The future generation of Swansea supporters are as important to us as our current loyal fans, and we wanted to ensure matches are as affordable as possible for those Junior Jacks. Therefore, existing under-12s season ticket holders can renew for just £23, which works out at £1 per league game.
The prices for 2021-22 season tickets, for those season ticket holders mentioned above, have been confirmed as: • £99 for adults IN ALL STANDS • £79 for over-65s and students IN ALL STANDS • £49 for under-18s IN ALL STANDS • £23 for under-12s IN ALL STANDS This equates to just £4.30 per game for adults, £3.43 per game for over-65s and students, £2.13 per game for under-18s and just £1 a match for under-12s. The ‘early bird’ purchase window has also been removed to ensure there is no pressure on supporters to buy season tickets at this time. Last season, over 80 per cent of season ticket holders purchased season tickets in the historic early bird window. There will be a further announcement in the New Year regarding new season tickets. The club recognises the financial impact the pandemic has had on the c ommunity, but has opted to launch the season tickets now should any supporters want to purchase season tickets as Christmas presents for their loved ones. The significant price reduction means that adults can enjoy up to a £390 price decrease on last
The club has been working hard in preparation for getting supporters back to the stadium when it is safe to do so, and it has been difficult for the club not to be able to share this season so far with the Jack Army in full voice at the Liberty and stadiums across the country. The main objective once the Jack Army are back in the Liberty is to make our home ground a fortress full of supporters singing loud and proud, as it was before matches were played behind closed doors. The renewal window with the offer prices outlined above is open until Sunday, February 28, 2021. General sale of season tickets will be announced at a later date. How to renew
SEASON TICKET HOLDERS WHO HAVE NOT REQUESTED A MONTHLY REFUND Those season ticket holders who are eligible to renew for the 2021-22 season as mentioned above, are now able to renew online or over the phone. A l t h o u g h t h e T i c k e t O ff i c e remains closed for all in-person visits, supporters are able to renew over the phone. Call 01792 616400 and select option 1 to speak to a member of the team.
Should you require any assistance with your season ticket renewals, you can also contact the ticket office via email at ticketoffice@ liberty-stadium.com.
SEASON TICKET HOLDERS W H O H AV E S E L E C T E D MONTHLY REFUNDS Season ticket holders who have selected the 2020-21 monthly refund option but wish to take up the reduced rate season ticket for the 2021-22 season can now opt out of the monthly refund plan. Supporters who have initially selected the monthly refund plan but are yet to withdraw monies from their ticketing account balance via the account cashback facility, may request to opt out of the monthly refund option. Once the option has been selected, please allow 24 hours for your 2021-22 season ticket seat to display in your online account at the reduced rate. Please note: Supporters who have already received credits for 2020-21 season fixtures played in previous months, will have these monthly credits removed from their account balance. If there are supporters who have opted for monthly refunds and have already withdrawn funds to your bank account then please contact the ticket office by calling 01792 616400 and then select option 1 to speak to a member of the team. Alternatively you can email us here: ticketoffice@liberty-stadium.com. Finally, as you can appreciate we are having a high number of calls at the moment, so please bear with us. We will come back to you when the phone lines allow.
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Chief Executive’s Notes
JULIAN WINTER ood afternoon to all Swansea City fans around the world as we look forward to today’s Championship clash with Luton Town.
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This is to mark your unrivalled loyalty to our club, particularly during such a tough and testing year for us all.
Games come thick and fast in this division, with the squad in action every few days due to the congested nature of the season.
It also highlights once again how strong the bond is between the club and its fanbase, and we are so appreciative for that backing.
W hile I’m sure you’ ve been buoyed by the positive start made to the campaign by the team, there is plenty of hard work going on off the pitch too.
More details surrounding season tickets will be released soon.
This week we revealed our season ticket renewal prices, and we hope you’ve been really pleased by this. For all of you who continued with your current season ticket following the pandemic and took up the option of keeping your money in the club in return for a live stream of our matches, a season ticket will be available for just £99 for adults, £79 for over-65s, £49 for under-18s and £23 for under-12s. That works out at just £4.30 per game for adults, £3.43 per fixture for over-65s, £2.13 per game for under-18s and just £1 a match for under-12s.
I was involved in my first structured dialogue forum recently, which proved a great success. It’s really important to get the views and suggestions of your supporters, because they are the beating heart of our club. The forum gives fans the chance to meet key decision-makers at the club and ask questions that are important to either themselves or the group they represent. I think everyone took a lot from the forum, and now we will look to implement those ideas as we continue in our pursuit of improving the club in all areas.
I’ve only been here a few months, but what I can say about the staff and fans that I’ve spoken to is that everyone has one main objective – to help the club as much as they can. We will hold another forum later in the season, and I look forward to that. Christmas is now upon us, and although the pandemic has prevented us from making our annual visits and events, the club is working hard on identifying other ways of spreading some festive cheer within the community. It has been a difficult year for us all, and we fully understand the role we play in the community – not just by representing the club on the pitch, but off it too. We are working very hard on this, and the club will keep you posted on any events or appearances coming up over the Christmas period. Enjoy the game.
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Head Coach’s Notes
STEVE COOPER G
ood afternoon everyone as we prepare for our next Championship test – a home fixture against Luton Town. Print deadlines mean I am w r i t i n g t h e s e n o t e s b e fo r e the trip to Middlesbrough on Wednesday night but, whatever the outcome there, our attitude is always the same – focus on the game ahead. That is the best approach for us, particularly with the way the schedule is in the league due to the pandemic. I am often asked about how we deal with the demands of playing a game every few days, and it’s very much a team effort. Inevitably, there will be some changes to ensure players i n n e e d of a re st a re g i ve n just that, but everyone here –
players and staff – work really hard behind the scenes to make sure we are as strong as we can be ahead of kick-off. There isn’t a great deal of time in between games to prepare for our next match, but that’s the way the season has panned out and we won’t use that as an excuse. L ast weekend we headed to Nottingham Forest and came away with a 1-0 win, which was very satisfying. Forest have one of the strongest squads in the league, and hadn’t lost at the City Ground under Chris Hughton prior to our visit.
Connor was fully committed to beating his marker to nod in A ndre Ayew ’s cross , and he ended up with a black eye sustained in the process. That sums up the attitude of this team, and I was delighted for him to open his account because he’s been excellent since our return from lockdown last season. Now we welcome Luton to the Liberty Stadium in what is set to be yet another exciting aft ernoon of C hampionship action. Enjoy the game this afternoon.
The victory was great reward for our effort and commitment, which was epitomised by C o n n o r R o b e r t s ’ b rave r y i n scoring the only goal with a header.
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MATT GRIMES Captain’s Notes
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ello, and welcome to everyone joining us from around the world for this afternoon’s Championship home fixture against Luton Town. Due to programme deadlines I am writing these notes prior to our midweek game at Middlesbrough but, whatever the result on Teesside, we will be striving for another positive result on home turf. Our last game at the Liberty saw us draw 1-1 with Tony Pulis’ Sheffield Wednesday. Wednesday are a team full of experience with a very experienced manager so it was always going to be a tough game. It wasn’t the result we wanted playing at home as we always go out looking for the win, but it was a point in the right direction. Andre netted his sixth of the season with an unstoppable goal and really showed his class. He shows that every week and every day in training, he’s a great guy to have around and a fantastic player as well. When you’ve got someone in the side who can do what he does it’s a big boost for the whole team.
Next we faced a trip to the City G round to fac e Nottingham Forest and were very pleased with the result. It was a very good win against a team who have got another experienced manager and a very good set of players. They put in a performance that doesn’t reflect their position in the table to make it a tough challenge for ourselves, and it was always going to be a difficult game away from home. The goal from Connor was a very good one but a very different one as well! We were delighted for him to get on the scoresheet and to be able to take the three points back to the Liberty. T h e w i n g - b a c k s h a ve b e e n brilliant in contributing with assists and goals this season so it was brilliant for Connor to get his first goal of the season to add to his three assists. It’s a team pulling together in the right direction where everyone is chipping in and everyone is playing their part.
supporters will be watching and cheering us on from home so we hope we can put on a good performance for them. You may have seen that the club released the season ticket renewal prices this week, with significant price decreases as a way of saying thank you to our loyal supporters. As a club and a team we have been overwhelmed with the support we have been shown despite not being able to play in stadiums full of supporters. It’s vitally important that everyone knows how much we miss having fans in the stadium. As soon as crowds are back in the stadium we want as many people coming along as possible and want to make the Liberty a fortress as best we can. Like I have said many times before, we’re looking forward to the day we play in front of the Jack Army again. Enjoy the game today!
We hope that we can continue the momentum this afternoon and pick up another three points at the Liberty. We know how many
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Ministry
Group
Ministry
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ember Ceri Stone writes about the significant milestone for the Supporters Trust in today’s column.
It’s an exciting time for the Supporters Trust as we enter the month of December. We should be gearing up for a hectic Christmas schedule and savouring the atmosphere of a bouncing Liberty Stadium as we look to continue our impressive early season form. Sadly, the ground is still empty, but there is hope that we may be able to return in some limited form soon. Football is nothing without its supporters and I can’t wait until we pack the Liberty, in a safe environment, bouncing to the raucous anthem that is ‘Hymns and Arias’. As your Supporters Trust we proved through our actions at the turn of the century that our club wouldn’t exist without its fans. That demonstrates the value of the Trust and is something worth celebrating. In 2021 we will reach a rather significant milestone as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Trust. Who would have guessed back in those early days of battling to save the club that we would come so far and have a model that is envied by so many? We want to celebrate both our anniversary and the efforts of our members through those 20 seasons. As a result, we are delighted to announce a free Christmas Prize Draw for all current Trust members. Members should have seen the notice by now via email or on social media, and we have some excellent prizes up for grabs, including a replica shirt plus a couple of club books personally signed by the club president Alan Curtis.
The competition will continue monthly through the year and we will also hold similar draws for our junior members. This is a great opportunity to encourage younger members of your family to join the Trust. R e m e m b e r, Tr u s t m e m b e r s h i p i s H A L F PRICE until the end of December. Just go to www.swanstrust.co.uk and JOIN NOW. We regularly promote the benefits of membership and we are passionate about this for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the cost of membership is only £5 until the end of this year. Secondly, as one of the few clubs in the country that is part-owned by its fans, membership gives you a voice in how your club is run. It also helps guarantee that we will have another 20 years of your Supporters Trust, which will preserve the identity and future of our club. A bit like our visitors today. The Hatters from Luton have risen like a phoenix from the ashes of John Gurney’s ill-fated reign 18 years ago, thanks to their own fan-based representation. We welcome them to the Liberty as we look to maintain our impressive form and avenge the narrow defeat inflicted on us by Nathan Jones’ men last June. It would be amazing if we had a full stadium to cheer the boys on. News of that happening is a bit like our monthly draw. We need to watch this space, but both are worth celebrating.
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LUTON TOWN
FACT FILE THE GAFFER
OWNER
David Wilkinson
NICKNAME FOUNDED
The Hatters
TWITTER INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK STADIUM OPENED CAPACITY Kenilworth Road
1905
Welshman Nathan Jones returned for a second spell as manager of the Hatters back in May and guided them to Championship survival.
Jones had a spell as a player at Luton in the mid-90s in a career that took in stints with Numancia, Southend, Brighton and Yeovil among others.
He got his managerial break with the Hatters and led them to promotion from League Two in his second season, and had them on course for another promotion when he left for Stoke in January 2019.
CLUB CAPTAIN
Centre-back Bradley, 29, joined Luton in 2018 after an impressive spell at Plymouth. Having come through the ranks at Hull, Bradley had loan stints with Harrogate, IK Frej and Aldershot, before making permanent moves to Portsmouth and Crawley. The switch to Plymouth followed in 2016 – where he was named in the EFL League Two team of the season – and his fine form attracted the interest of the Hatters in 2018, and he helped them reach the Championship in his first season.
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1885
@LutonTown @ltfc_official @LutonTown
SONNY BRADLEY NATHAN JONES
CLUB DETAILS SOCIAL MEDIA FACILITIES
10,356
STADIUM MEET THE OPPOSITION Luton achieved a second successive promotion in 2018-2019, ending a 12-year absence from the Championship. They were among the relegation battlers for much of the season, but their fortunes were revived by the return of Nathan Jones and they eventually finished three points clear of the relegation zone, with 51 points. Luton were in the top-flight as recently as the early 90s, but slid down the divisions and briefly lost their Football League status before beginning their revival.
LUTON TOWN’S FORM At the time of writing Luton are sitting in mid-table in the Championship, but have lost some of their early momentum after a recent run of four games without a win. The Hatters drew three matches in a row against Birmingham, Blackburn Rovers and Huddersfield, before losing 4-0 to Cardiff City last weekend. They have endured mixed fortunes on their travels; in their last six away games prior to our print deadline, the Hatters had taken seven points from a possible 18.
THE KEY MEN Powerful striker James Collins has five goals to his name so far this campaign, with three of those coming in a 3-1 win over Championship leaders Norwich City in the Carabao Cup. Left-back Rhys Norrington-Davies has two assists for Luton this season, having created nine chances already this campaign. The Welshman is on loan from Premier League side Sheffield United and was called up to the Wales squad for the first time in September 2020. Keeper Simon Sluga is highly-regarded, as is midfielder Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu.
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ONES TO WATCH
RHYS NORRINGTON-DAVIES
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Norrington-Davies has enjoyed a strong start to his chapter with the Hatters, starting 11 games since moving on loan from Sheffield United, who he joined from the Swans youth set-up in 2017. Norrington-Davies has yet to feature for the South Yorkshire club, but the Saudiborn left-back has played three times for Wales, had previously had loan spells with Barrow and Rochdale before this season’s move to Kenilworth Road.
POSITION
CB
NATION
AGE
POSITION
26 LB
Wales international Lockyer joined Luton Town in September from Charlton Athletic. The Cardiff-born defender has appe ared on 13 occasions for Wales since his debut in 2017, with four of those coming in the Euro 2020 qualifiers. The former Bristol Rovers man impressed during his sole season with Charlton, performing strongly in a struggling side in what was his first experience of the Championship.
TOM LOCKYER
NATION
AGE
21
HARRY CORNICK Former Bournemouth man Cornick signed for Luton back in 2017 after a series of loan spells with Leyton Orient, Gillingham, Aldershot, Havant & Waterlooville, Yeovil and Welling United. Cornick initially signed a two-year contract with the Hatters, with the option of a one-year extension, and scored 12 goals in those first two campaigns despite injury problems. But he really emerged as a stand-out performer last term, scooping four prizes in the club’s end-ofseason awards.
POSITION
MF
NATION
AGE
POSITION
27 FW
NATION
AGE
POSITION
25 ST
NATION
AGE
30
West Ham academy graduate Mpanzu joined Luton on loan back in the 2013-14 season and went on to join the Hatters on a permanent basis. He has been an integral part of the squad ever since, proving a valuable addition through his impressive versatility having previously played at centrehalf, in midfield, on the wing and up top. He played a key part in the Hatters’ promotion to the Championship in 2019, and the Englishman also won the club’s player of the year award last season.
With 14 goals and three assists in the 2019-2020 campaign, Collins proved a force to be reckoned with in the Championship and - with only 13 games played and five goals scored - Luton’s star striker is on track to beat his goal tally from last season. The Republic of Ireland international has been with the club for over three years now, having signed from Crawley Town for an undisclosed fee in June 2017.
PELLY-RUDDOCK MPANZU
JAMES COLLINS 19
SWANSEA CITY 1 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 1
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MATCH DETAILS DATE: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 VENUE: LIBERTY STADIUM REFEREE: ANDY WOOLMER
MATCH REPORT S
ubstitute Andre Ayew scored a superb solo goal to earn Swansea City a point against Sheffield Wednesday at the Liberty Stadium.
The Swans had trailed to an Adam Reach strike, but Ayew tricked and teased his way past three defenders before firing into the bottom corner for his sixth goal of the season. Steve Cooper’s side thought they had won it at the end as Kasey Palmer’s overhead kick found the net while the hosts were also appealing for a handball, but the goal was ruled out after referee Andy Woolmer adjudged there had been a foul on Wednesday keeper Joe Wildsmith. The Swans – showing one change from the win over Rotherham as Korey Smith came in for Jay Fulton – enjoyed plenty of the ball in the early going, but struggled to break down a well-drilled visiting defence. And it was the Owls who took the lead as Swansea were caught cold by a rehearsed corner routine and Reach smashed home left-footed. The home side had a better spell just before the break, and a change of shape as Ayew and Palmer were introduced saw them firmly on top. Jamal Lowe and Palmer had chances before Ayew levelled with a goal of considerable class, as he tormented Joost van Aken before dispatching a low left-footed effort into the net. Yan Dhanda twice went within inches of a winner from distance, before Palmer was denied in the dramatic denouement.
LINEUPS Swans: Freddie Woodman; Ben Cabango, Ryan Bennett, Kyle Naughton (Kasey Palmer 46); Connor Roberts, Korey Smith, Matt Grimes (captain), Jake Bidwell (Ryan Manning 61); Yan Dhanda; Liam Cullen (Andre Ayew 46), Jamal Lowe (Wayne Routledge 61). Subs not used: Steven Benda, Jay Fulton, Joel Latibeaudiere, Oli Cooper, Tivonge Rushesha. Sheffield Wednesday: Keiren Westwood (Joe Wildsmith 14); Liam Palmer, Tom Lees, Julian Borner, Joost van Aken (Liam Shaw 70), Moses Odubajo; Callum Paterson, Barry Bannan (captain), Massimo Luongo (Joey Pelupessy 70), Adam Reach; Jordan Rhodes (Elias Kachunga 56). Subs not used: Matt Penney, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Osaze Urhoghide, Izzy Brown, Alex Hunt.
QUOTE OF THE GAME “ANDRE GOT THE GOAL WITH A GREAT FINISH, AND AT THE END APPARENTLY IT WAS A FOUL ON THE KEEPER THAT SAW IT (PALMER’S GOAL) RULED OUT. “BUT WE WERE MUCH BETTER SECOND HALF, AND IT LEAVES US WITH THAT FEELING THAT WE SHOULD HAVE WON THE GAME.” STEVE COOPER 21
NOTTINGHAM FOREST 0 SWANSEA CITY 1
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MATCH DETAILS DATE: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29 VENUE: CITY GROUND REFEREE: TONY HARRINGTON
MATCH REPORT C
onnor Roberts scored his first goal of the season as Swansea City claimed victory at the City Ground for the first time since 2006.
The wing-back showed real commitment and bravery to get the better of the considerably taller Sammy Ameobi and steer home a deflected Andre Ayew cross in the 43rd minute. He took a whack in the face for his troubles, but the Wales international cared not a jot as the Swans made it seven points from nine since the international break. The Swans had Ayew and Marc Guehi back in the starting line-up after injury, with Jay Fulton also recalled. But it was the hosts who started strongly, with Lyle Taylor steering the ball just wide, while Anthony K nockaert drew a sharp save from Freddie Woodman later in the half. However, the Swans grew into the game, with Ayew firing over after nice build-up, with Brice Samba saving a Ryan Bennett header. And they took the lead when Roberts anticipated the falling ball better than Ameobi, and made sure he beat the winger to the header as he found the far corner. They nearly doubled their lead early in the second half, Ayew sending an overhead kick wide after excellent work by Matt Grimes and Jake Bidwell. And the Swans saw out the game to claim all three points.
LINEUPS Nottingham Forest: Brice Samba, Cyrus Christie, Scott McKenna, Tobias Figueiredo, Yuri Ribeiro; Jack Colback (captain) (Harry Arter 37), Ryan Yates; Anthony Knockaert, Miguel Guerrero (Joe Lolley 53), Sammy Ameobi (Will Swans 76); Lyle Taylor. Subs not used: Jordan Smith, Loic Mbe Soh, Carl Jenkinson, Alex Mighten, Cafu, Nicolas Ioannou. Sheffield Wednesday: Freddie Woodman; Kyle Naughton, Ryan Bennett, Marc Guehi; Connor Roberts, Korey Smith, Jay Fulton, Matt Grimes (captain), Jake Bidwell; Andre Ayew, Jamal Lowe (Wayne Routledge 79). Subs not used: Steven Benda, Ryan Manning, Jordon Garrick, Ben Cabango, Kasey Palmer, Liam Cullen, Viktor Gyokeres, Yan Dhanda.
QUOTE OF THE GAME “I TOOK A WHACK TO MY EYE FOR THE GOAL, BUT IT WAS WORTH IT IN THE END. I COULDN’T FEEL MY TEETH AFTER THE GAME; THEY FELT NUMB FOR SOME REASON. THE DOCTOR SAID IT SHOULD BE ALRIGHT AND, HOPEFULLY, I DON’T HAVE TO GO TO THE DENTIST! ” CONNOR ROBERTS 23
2018 GlobalData UK Market Analyzer (released Aug 2019)
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STILETTOS & STUDS BY JULIE KISSICK
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ews that some football clubs in England will be able to open their gates to fans this month is one of those bittersweet stories – deemed so depending entirely on where you live. A s a Welsh club, where no such plans are in place, the story is definitely not sweet. Today’s opponents, Luton Town, find themselves in a Tier Two area which means that up to 2,000 fans could be present at Kenilworth Road, a cosy-little ground if you aren’t familiar with it, holding just under 10,500 at capacity.
Sub Jordon Garrick saw red in the 83rd minute and all in all it was a game few Jacks will want to remember. I remember it, not for what happened on the pitch so much as what happened off it. Specifically on SwansTV L ive as two club legends, Alan Curtis and Wyndham Evans, teamed up again to share their views on the game. It is well wor th watching the highlight s on YouTube to hear the summarising from Wyndham in particular – he’s definitively not a neutral!
The Welsh Government is continuing to ‘review’ the sit uation this side of the bridge and it remains to be seen what kind of an impact having even limited numbers of fans back is going to have on results.
If it was a game to forget for us it was a different story for the Hatters, as it saw them move to within two points of safety and, clearly, their season went from strength to strength as they’re back at the Liberty again!
Watch this space, as they say.
They avoided relegation and they’re occupying a respectable mid-table-slot.
T he last time we played L uton Town at the Liberty Stadium football had just returned after a three-month break. It was June. Despite the disruption to life as we knew it, the sun was shining and there was more than a sniff of optimism in the air. In fact, there was a promise from some quarters that we’d be back to ‘normal’ by Christmas. As we all know now, the next few months didn’t play out as predicted, nor did the remaining games of last season. Nathan Jones’ side were languishing at the foot of the Championship table when the season resumed and they were staring relegation in the face. The encounter though, didn’t go the way of the form book and the visitors left South Wales with all three points, their goal coming from the head of James Collins.
Their most recent visit to South Wales was a much less positive one though – losing to our neighbours Cardiff City by four goals to nil is a result they will be keen to forget. I n t e r e s t i n g l y, t h e r e h ave b e e n s o m e h i g h scoring clashes between us and the Hatters in the past, 5-0 in their favour in 1979 and 5-3 to them in 2001. And, if you go back to the days when we were Swansea Town, Luton put six past us on a couple of occasions. The last 0-0 was way back in 1949 and there have only been two in 52 games – the first in 1925. I don’t know who the SwansTV Live summariser is today, but let’s hope for plenty of goals to keep them busy.
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ERTHYGLAU CYMRAEG BY OWAIN LLYR, BBC WALES
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ae Abertawe yn sicr yn edrych yn dîm mwy cadarn y tymor yma, a dwi’n meddwl mai’r prif reswm am hynny yw siâp y tîm. Yr adeg yma y tymor diwethaf roedd Yr Elyrch yn chwarae gyda phedwar yn yr amddiffyn. Bellach mae Steve Cooper wedi newid pethau ac maen nhw’n chwarae gyda thri amddiffynnwr canol ac ôl-asgellwyr (wing backs). Hyd-yn-hyn y tymor yma mae’r system yma wedi gweithio’n grêt. Mae perfformiadau Ryan Bennett, Marc Guehi, Ben Cabango a Kyle Naughton yn yr amddiffyn yn golygu eu bod nhw wedi bod yn dîm anodd sgorio yn eu herbyn, ac mae Connor Roberts a Jake Bidwell wedi mwynhau’r rhyddid i ymosod mwy fel ôl-asgellwyr. Eisoes y tymor yma mae’r ddau wedi sgorio goliau pwysig. Yr unig beth negyddol sydd gen i i’w ddweud am y system ydi nad ydyn nhw ddim yn edrych mor fygythiol wrth ymosod ag yr oedden nhw y tymor diwethaf. Dwi’n deall bod Rhian Brewster yn golled enfawr, a dwi ddim yn meddwl bod Jamal Lowe a Victor Gyokeres y math o chwaraewyr sy’n mynd i sgorio o leiaf 10 gôl y tymor. Felly cawn weld a gaiff Cooper ei demtio i arwyddo ymosodwr arall ym mis Ionawr.
Er bod pawb yn disgwyl i Abertawe guro Luton heddiw, mae angen bod yn wyliadwrus. Yr unig dro mae’r Elyrch wedi colli gartref y tymor yma ydi yn erbyn Huddersfield, gêm yr oedd pawb yn disgwyl i dîm Steve Cooper ei hennill yn hawdd. Mae’r Bencampwriaeth yn gynghrair mor gystadleuol, ac os nad ydych ar eich gorau yna fe gewch eich cosbi. A dwi’n siwr mai dyna fydd neges Steve Cooper i’w chwaraewyr heddiw. Os ydi tîm am ennill dyrchafiad o’r Bencampwriaeth i Uwch Gynghrair Lloegr yna mae angen iddyn nhw wneud yn siwr bod ganddyn nhw record gartref dda. Ac er nad ydi’r ‘Jack Army ’ ddim wedi bod yn bresennol yn Stadiwm Liberty y tymor yma mae canlyniadau Abertawe wedi bod yn rhai da. Dydi’r Elyrch ddim wedi colli yn eu pedair gêm gartref ddiwethaf, gan ennill tair ohonynt. Mae angen i’r rhediad campus yma barhau os ydyn nhw am orffen yn y 6 safle uchaf (neu hyd yn oed yn uwch) ar ddiwedd y tymor.
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Q&A WITH LIAM CULLEN
Age: 21 Position: Attacker Nationality: Welsh
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WHILE 2020 HAS BEEN AS CHALLENGING A YEAR AS ANYONE COULD EVER HAVE IMAGINED FACING, IT HAS HAD ITS BRIGHT SPOTS TO LIFT THE GLOOM OF LIFE AMIDST A GLOBAL PANDEMIC. TAKE THE CASE OF LIAM CULLEN, WHO ACHIEVED THE CAREER MILESTONES OF HIS FIRST SWANSEA CITY GOAL – AND WHAT A GOAL IT WAS – AS WELL AS HIS FIRST START FOR HIS BOYHOOD CLUB. HERE, HE TALKS ABOUT HIS JOURNEY FROM SUPPORTER AND MASCOT TO FIRST-TEAM PLAYER, WHY HE SPENDS HIS OFF-SEASON WORKING BEHIND A BAR AND MOWING CRICKET FIELDS, AND HOW PULLING ON A SWANSEA SHIRT HAS ALWAYS BEEN SERIOUS BUSINESS SINCE HE FIRST JOINED THE CLUB AT THE AGE OF EIGHT.
It must have been a very special day. I suppose the only downside was that your family could not attend due to the pandemic?
Liam, as we sit down now, you’ve just made your first start for Swansea City against Rotherham. How do you reflect on it after a few days?
He is very highly thought of where we are from, and he is viewed as one of the most talented footballers Kilgetty has produced. So, I always had football around me, and I’ve just followed the family footsteps.
It’s pretty much a lifetime’s work for days like that. To do it at my boyhood club - the club I’ve grown up supporting all my life - is a dream come true, to be honest. Once I got in the first-team set-up back in January, I’ve worked hard every single day for this day. I’m glad I finally got it and hopefully I can kick on now and keep going. I just want to keep playing football for Swansea. It’s what I’ve wanted to do my whole life. I love the club and just want to enjoy playing for them. I’m not really looking any further than that. Hopefully, as a striker, the goals and assists come with it. I definitely believe in myself; I’m getting more and more confident every day, so hopefully it’s an exciting future.
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They were obviously so proud and happy. My mum was a bit nervous. She couldn’t watch it as she was working in the local cricket club at Kilgetty, but she was following it. Dad was watching it though, and the reality is I would not be here without them. Whenever I needed to travel to train or play, if my dad did not take me it was my mum or my grandad. So, without the sacrifices they made I would not have done anywhere near as much as I have so far. I tell them that all the time, I want them to know how grateful I am. They are my biggest fans and I love having them there. Is it right that your Dad was your coach when you first started playing football? Yeah, he was, I played for Kilgetty from when I was about five or six. He still thinks he is the best coach I have ever had. But we always had a sporting background as a family. Dad played a number of different sports as a kid, and my grandfather Graham Jenkins played for Swansea – although not for the first team – when he was about 18 or 19. He also played for Wales at youth level.
I’ve been motivated by wanting to try and go one better than everyone, because I love playing and that’s what I always wanted to do. Football has always been number one. I played a number of sports and enjoyed them, I played rugby, I played cricket. I think that helped me, as when you are in an academy it is quite full-on. I was travelling a lot to come and train and play, and when it came to summer I felt like I could be a kid. I would just play with my friends, cricket rather than football, at home. I love cricket, and I’ve had a few games in the last few years. Not as many as previously, but I played in the regional and country set-up. But football would always win.
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From what you say there, you viewed training and playing in the Swansea academy as something important. That it was on a different level and you couldn’t treat it as a kid; it was serious. Definitely. From the moment my father took me to my first game – it was a 0-0 draw against York City – and we sat in the double-decker stand behind the goal at the Vetch, this has been my club. When I joined at eight, I viewed it as me representing the club I support and love. So, there’s no half measures. I was offered trials at Swansea and Cardiff, and my father never even had to ask. It was only ever going to be Swansea. Once I signed it was serious for me. From there it was all focus on football. My parents did make sure I did work hard at school, and it did not suffer because of football. I did well in school and got good grades, but everything else was football. People would laugh at me when I said I wanted to be a footballer. They did not think I was serious, but I was and so were my family. I used to go and watch games and I would tell my parents: “I am going to play on that pitch one day”. You visit your old school quite regularly, and there’s a few kids running round there with their Liam Cullen shirts on. The teachers at my primary school were always supportive. If I had to go to training or whatever, they let me go but always made sure I caught up with everything I needed. There were days when I was in secondary school at Greenhill where I would leave at midday, after just one or two lessons. They made sure I had all my core subjects nailed down, but there were some days where I was there all day, or I would not be in at all. My sister Jodie also used to work at my old primary school, so I used to go back and they’ve got a couple of my shirts on the wall there. I donate quite a bit of my kit to them. One of my mum’s best friends work there and I like to give something back. They are so supportive, it’s a real close community and it’s really nice to get back there and see everyone. How difficult was it to balance school and football? It wasn’t easy. Especially once I was a bit older and the boys in the academy would be reporting at 1pm to train. When I was 15, I moved into digs. I can remember coming home one night and my parents said they had something to ask me, and I knew they would be asking me if I was ready to move out.
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They didn’t really have a choice as I felt I needed to do it. It was hard, and I think my mother felt it was her little boy flying the nest, but I felt I had to do it. It must have been a big adjustment to leave home for the first time at such a young age? Myself and Dan (Jefferies) were the first kids to do it from such a young age. We moved to school here, and the host family we lived with were wonderful to us. Mark and Fran Rees were unbelievable, especially with us being so young. I think without such a good housemate and family it would have been very difficult. They told us to treat the house as our own and that we were part of the family. I lived there for a year, left for three or four months and then moved in with Mark’s sister and her husband, Maggie and Mike Monks. They are like my second family, I speak to their son and daughter on a regular basis. I was fortunate to find such great people, and I know that if I ever needed anything down here with my parents living a bit further away, I could rely on them. For example, when I bought my first house and I was waiting for it to go through, I moved back in with Mike and Maggie. They were really good to me. How did things progress for you on the pitch during this period? You were tipped for first-team action from a very young age. When I was 14 or 15 there was a little bit of talk about me, but I never took much notice. I only ever used it as motivation to try and show the people who thought well of me were right. I think a lot of that comes from my family, they would never let anything like that go to my head. I am not that kind of person, anyway, it was only ever about focusing on playing well and enjoying what I was doing. It was nice to be well thought of, but I knew it would not matter if I did not make the most of the opportunity. The bigger thing was making sure that people like Tony Pennock – who was the academy manager who signed me – and the coaches I worked with thought I was doing well and doing my best. He was a big influence, but there were people like Jon Grey, Chris Llewellyn, Anthony Wright, Cameron Toshack, Gary Richards who were also big influences on me. I could name many more too, I owe it to everyone who has ever played a role in my career. I’m so grateful to them.
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Your first-team breakthrough this year came on the back of some outstanding form for the under-23s, where you scored 17 goals in 23 games. A few of those were in the form of fantastic free-kicks, and I understand you’ve taken inspiration from a former Swan on that front? At the start of the season, I wanted to focus on being good at free-kicks because it adds goals to your game. I practiced a lot through pre-season and at the start of the campaign with Shaun Baggridge. I had a lot of conversations with him about how I practiced them. He was telling me about how he used to help Gylfi when he was at Swansea. Gylfi used to place 10 balls at four different points around the penalty area and the same distance from the goal. He’d set the wall up how he thought the goalkeeper would and hit 10 from each position every day after training. Obviously, you see how good he is at taking setpieces, so I started adapting that practice technique in terms of how much I did. Seeing the free-kick go in against a quality team like Porto after the practice I’d put into that specific technique made it one of my more pleasing goals. It’s a good technique to have in your game. Even if it’s just one or two goals, it all adds to your tally. You have spoken of your love of playing cricket for Kilgetty, is it true that you help out behind the bar and in keeping the grounds in shape during the summers? Yeah, I’ve done a few shifts behind the bar if my mum and dad need a hand. Again, it’s just something normal and I like the social aspect of catching up with people and seeing how they are. So I enjoy pulling the odd pint when I get a chance.
They are the most important thing to me. Always have been. I drop everything else to get back and see them when I can. It’s great, I go back and everything just clicks back into place. It’s the same with my girlfriend, we all just fit together so well. It’s been a big year for you with regular first-team involvement, and you got your first Swansea goal on a night that will probably never be forgotten by supporters. What was that moment like? It was a great night. I was in the squad and when the gaffer told me to get ready I knew I had to get myself in the box and try and get onto anything. I knew the situation by the time I came on, we had not heard much in the first half, but as the second half went on we were getting the info. When that ball fell in the box, I knew I needed to get to it. It was instinctive, I knew I had to slide and get a good contact. I could not really have thought of too many better ways to get a first goal. I will never forget it, to score a goal that helped us get in the play-offs was so special. The only thing missing was the fans, and being able to properly share it with them. You’ve made your first start recently, which is obviously a big milestone for a player. But I’m guessing the goal is to make sure there’s many, many more to come? The attitude at this club is that you always want to press on. I always wanted to play for the first team, but starting one game is not the be-all and endall. I want to play 30, 40, 50, even 100 games like guys like Connor (Roberts), Matt (Grimes) and Jay (Fulton) have done recently.
I do help out with the grounds too, I’m a bit of a handyman when I’m down there to be honest. My grandfather does the grounds a lot, so I help him with that. He’s done it for years, and during lockdown they were making some improvements and helped out. I don’t get to spend much time with my family, so when I can I want to make the most of it.
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I
JACK THE LAD
f there was anyone daft enough to have any doubts over Andre Ayew’s commitment to the Swans, there was an incident in the closing seconds of the first half at Forest that would have completely obliterated them. The Ghanaian was challenging for possession deep in the opposition half, down near the corner flag, when the ball went out of play for a throw in. When the linesman gave the decision to Forest, Ayew threw himself to the ground in utter fury and frustration. Now, as a father of two, I would have frowned at similar behaviour from my children, telling them such tantrums were not on. But the explosion of emotion is exactly what I want to see from Swans players - as long as they don’t go over the top and get themselves booked! It was yet another indication of Ayew’s total commitment to the Swans’ cause. The ball couldn’t have been further from the Swans goal, literally with seconds left until the interval, but Ayew wanted that possession and felt hugely hard done by when he didn’t get it. T h e re wa s a t i m e aft e r t h e Swans had been relegated from the Premier League when some questioned whether a player,
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who obviously has the talent to play at a higher level, would “put a shift in” if he stayed at the club. Put a shift in? Ayew does “doublers” every time he pulls on a Swans shirt. Such a talented player could probably depend on his sheer footballing talent and intelligence in order to shine. B u t Ayew d o e s n’ t j u s t g i ve you the skills, he gives you the sweat as well. He may not wear the captain’s armband on a regular basis, but Ayew is one of the team’s genuine leaders - leading by example with his excellence, enthusiasm and effort. Those qualities were in evidence once again in the dying seconds of t h e m at c h a s t h e Swa n s defended a corner. Ayew could be seen back on his own goal-line clapping his hands, urging his team-mates to keep up their concentration as Forest pressed hard for an equaliser. Ayew is clearly appreciated by the manager as well as us fans. It is an open secret that, by Championship standards, the 30-year-old is handsomely rewarded for is efforts, but Steve Cooper is adamant his frontrunner is worth every penny.
I n t h e r u n u p t o t h e Fo re st match, Cooper was asked whether Ayew provided value f o r m o n e y. T h e m a n a g e r replied: “I’ve always felt that. “I’ ve said it many times, h e’ s a n o u t s t a n d i n g p l a ye r and professional and a good person, too. “He’s motivated to do well, but he had a setback getting injured on international duty. T he Championship is full of really good players and Andre is up there with the best of them. He has been fantastic for us.” Ayew lived up to his manager’s deserved praise, with yet another superb performance against Forest. B ut it is impor t ant to point o u t t h e fo r wa r d wa s n’ t t h e only one showing outstanding commitment at Forest. S omeone born much closer to the Liberty Stadium had illustrated those standards a few minut e s before Ayew ’s corner flag complaints during the first half at the City Ground. A s Ayew ’s deflected cross looped seemingly harmlessly in the general direction of C onnor Rober t s in the 43rd minute, there seemed to be little danger to the Forest goal.
The Welsh international looked very much second favourite to Forest’s lanky Sammy Ameobi, who appeared to be in a far better position to head the ball than Roberts. But the 5ft 9in man produced a prodigious Ronaldo-like leap to rise above the 6ft 4in Ameobi to head home the winner. Not only did Roberts comprehensively out jump Ameobi when the odds appeared stacked against him, he headed the ball powerfully downwards towards goal with the knowledge his head was likely to clash with his opponent’s. Despite the thudding collision of skull on skull, I loved the fact that the prone Roberts managed a mini fist-clenched celebration before the pain in his head started to kick in!
R ober t s’ desire to win that header also brought praise from the manager. “I thought Connor’s goal epitomised the performance today,” he said. “O u r w i n g - b a c k wa s i n t h e opposition box jumping over a 6ft 4in player, banging his face and heading the ball into the goal. “I’m not surprised bec ause that’s Connor. I thought that was a really good example of our mentality today. He showed it there, but I thought everybody was the same.” And that is surely the most heartwarming feature of the current squad as far as Swans fans are concerned. Whether it is the hugely experienced captain of Ghana, or a young Welsh international born a handful of miles from
the Liberty Stadium, this current Swans side is showing commitment and desire by the bucketload from one to 11. I know 100 per cent effort is the very least us fans demand from the players every week, but it’s hugely satisfying when you see such obvious displays of commitment to the club’s cause. Whether it’s Ayew losing his rag over a seemingly inconsequential throw in, or Roberts apparently defying gravity to head home a winner, it’s exactly what we want to see. Win or lose, we can ask no more. But, with that kind of desire, I’m sure we’re going to carry on winning more than we lose. C’mon you Swans!
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SWANS ACADEMY BY NIGEL REES
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ood afternoon Everybody/Prynhawn Da Pawb. It’s been a very busy few weeks for the Academy with all age groups from under-9 to under-16 now fully operational. We are looking to begin our fixture schedule with our players now at a level of fitness which will allow them to participate in a structured games programme. We are still encountering some disruption with the COVID scenario, but it is a pleasure to have our boys back training and playing. The under 23-squad recently travelled to QPR in the league programme. The lads narrowly lost the game but continue to develop under the leadership of Jon Grey and Martin Davies. Both staff are very experienced in the development of young players and provide a great learning opportunity and platform for the boys to make their transition into senior football. The under-18 squad continue to work hard. For many of this squad it will be the first time that they have lived away from home and we are always mindful of helping each player with this big transition. Unlike in previous seasons, we have significant numbers of under-18 players involved not only in the under-23 squad, but also in the matchday starting XI. The squad is led by Anthony Wright and Darran Jones who work tirelessly with the group, and are very experienced in the development of young players. The Academy continued to invest in its athletic development department over the last year to ensure that we can expose our players to the best possible development programme. We will shortly be in the process of undergoing our scheduled National Benchmark Fitness Testing series of agespecific physical performance tests for all players from under-9 to under-23. The Premier League provides all clubs with standardised equipment whilst strict protocols ensure the facilities and tests are valid, reliable and repeatable. The fitness data is recorded, which in turn allows the Premier League to benchmark the athletic development of all academy players. This provides each club with the ability to benchmark the physical profile of each player against biological (bio-banded), chronological and positional
standards across the whole academy system. With these tests and processes in place it is possible that all academies can observe their players’ individual growth and maturation status and development, to help provide specific and tailored training programs for all our players. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Steve Cooper and all his staff for giving the Academy players such an excellent opportunity within the first-team environment. The patience and support shown by the head coach is evident with the players growing in confidence and ability. Steve has given the boys a chance and shown that there is a very clear pathway into the first-team environment. All our players are aware that if they perform well and work hard there will be an opportunity within the first-team structure. The communication between the first team and academy is the best it has been since my time at the club. This is paramount to the development of the players and is shown by the number of academy graduates who have made the step up. There is regular dialogue with staff and this process continues to grow and develop with our players always at the heart of the discussions. As an Academy, our primary function is producing elite players for our first team, but we also focus on our players that don’t end up with professional careers. We encourage all our youngsters to devote so much time and effort towards football that we take responsibility for players futures, whether they succeed in football or not, very seriously. We try and support all our players through this very difficult period, but the reality is that only a small percentage of players will graduate to senior level. We work with players to look at appropriate pathways into other levels of football or into alternative careers if desired. This is why our education programme is an integral part of our Academy structure and we are constantly reviewing our education provision to ensure we are supporting our players in the best way possible. Enjoy the game this afternoon.
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DATE: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 VENUE: LLANDARCY ACADEMY OF SPORT Swans Ladies:
SWANS LADIES 1 CARDIFF MET LADIES 0 MATCH REPORT S
Gemma Border, Alicia Powe (captain), Ellie Lake, Shaunna Jenkins, Ria Hughes, Tija Richardson, Katy Hosford, Chloe Chivers, Emma Beynon, Laura Davies, Stacey John-Davis. Substitutes: Nieve Jenkins, Chloe Tiley, Jess Williams, Brooke Llewellyn, Kate Searle.
As the first half progressed Swansea continued to threaten to make the breakthrough as Katy Hosford looked to squeeze the ball home from close range, but Randall was again able to turn it away.
wansea City Ladies made it four wins out of four as they defeated Welsh Premier Women’s League rivals Cardiff Met at Llandarcy.
At the other end, Ria Hughes had to come to Swansea’s rescue as she cleared Stephanie Turner’s shot off the line.
Neither side was able to break the deadlock in the first half, despite Swansea having several chances to take the lead.
The home side could have their noses in front just before the break but Randall made a double save to deny Hosford, and then gather Stacey John-Davis’ follow up.
But the win was sealed in the second half after a magnificent strike from former Archer Chloe Chivers. The victory is the Swans third in a row over Cardiff Met and puts them level on points with the leaders, but with a game in hand. As expected, the sides proved evenly-matched during the opening exchanges. However, it was the Swans who were having the better of the chances. Shaunna Jenkins found Chivers with an accurate long pass, which allowed the forward to cut in and get a shot off, but Estelle Randall was able to gather it. Soon after, Emma Beynon had her sights on opening the score but her first-time shot from inside the penalty area was dragged wide of the mark.
In the second half Swansea were nearly dealt a stroke of a luck when Ellie Lake’s cross went agonisingly close to finding its way into the back of the net. But they did break the deadlock on 73 minutes as Chivers fired home from long-range with her effort looping over goalkeeper Randall. The home side had plenty of pressure from Met to absorb as the final whistle loomed, but they held firm and remained difficult to break down. And they still posed an attacking threat as they broke forward and Chivers nearly doubled the lead with another powerful shot from distance. Tija Richardson had a chance of her own in the dying moments after her run wasn’t tracked, but her curled effort flew just wide of the far post as the Swans claimed an important win over their title rivals.
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DATE: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24 VENUE: LANDORE TRAINING CENTRE Swans U23s:
SWANS U23S 0 CHARLTON ATHLETIC U23S 3 MATCH REPORT S wansea City Under-23s were beaten by Charlton Athletic in the Professional Development League at Landore.
The young Swans were made to pay for not taking their opportunities against an Addicks side boasting plenty of experience at senior level.
Jon Grey named an unchanged side from the victory over Nottingham Forest last time out, but saw the hosts fall behind inside five minutes. A good move down the left led to the ball being blasted across the face of goal, with the unfortunate Matthew Blake turning into his own net. The visitors doubled their lead just before the hour mark when Johl Powell poked the ball past Jamie Searle after the Swans failed to clear their lines. And the result was sealed in the 70th minute as Brendan Wiredu turned home a free-kick from close range but, despite the defeat, Grey saw plenty of reasons for his players to be optimistic. “There were lots of positives to take from the game. I’m pleased with how we played; we had the majority of the possession and looked threatening with the ball,” the under-23s coach said.
Jamie Searle, Jacob Jones, Declan John, Erick Kenko (Adrian Akande, 58), Kai Ludvigsen, Scott Butler, Bradley Gibbings, Ryan Bevan, Josh Thomas (Cameron Congreve, 58), Morgan Clarke, Matthew Blake (captain). Subs not used: Tyler Evans, Cian Williams, Rio Campbell.
“ We probably could have been three or four goals up before half-time, but we’ve not taken chances. “At t h e m o m e n t , we j u s t c a n ’ t ke e p c l e a n sheets; that’s something we’re going to have to work on. “We’re giving young players huge exposure that will only benefit them moving forward. They’re coming up against more experienced players at such a young age.
“THE RESULTS AREN’T GOING THE WAY THE BOYS WANT THEM TO AT THE MOMENT, BUT THAT’S NOT THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. IT’S ABOUT THE WANTING TO WIN AND LEARNING TO WIN.” 41
HELPING FAMILIES ENJOY FOOTBALL AT HOME The ‘homemade waste pipe goal’. Waste pipes, push-fit knuckle bends and some barrier fencing. It doesn’t seem like much, but sometimes it’s all you need to transform your garden into a proper footy pitch.
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reddie Woodman was the star guest as Swansea City AFC Community Trust raised awareness of knife crime in the latest edition of their virtual Premier League Kicks programme.
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“Growing up in Croydon, my parents knew how much the crime rate was up and were constantly telling my sister and I not to venture into the centre, which is unbelievable considering we’re in the 21st century.
The Kicks initiative uses the power of football and value of sports participation to help youngsters in some of the most high-need areas across England and Wales.
“I would advise all young people to think about the consequences that carrying a knife has on their life and to other people that could be affected.
This was the fifth workshop of a 10-week online programme – devised after local lockdown restrictions led to the cancellation of several outside football sessions.
“TRYING TO FIND A DIFFERENT HOBBY IS VERY IMPORTANT. I LOOK AT MYSELF AND REALISE HOW FORTUNATE I WAS TO FIND FOOTBALL WHEN I HAD A LOT OF OTHER POTENTIAL DISTRACTIONS.
Woodman and the Kicks participants were joined by Alastair Smith – senior Fearless outreach worker across South Wales in association with the Crimestoppers Trust. After the participants were warmed up with a quickfire quiz based around the statistics of the Swans number one, Smith delivered a workshop highlighting the dangers of carrying a knife and the devastating consequences doing so can have. London-born Woodman also talked about his experiences of growing up in Croydon – an area with one of the highest crime rates across the English capital – and how football prevented him from potentially going down a different path. The goalkeeper then went under the spotlight, answering questions from the participants on his life and career, as well as offering his advice to any young people considering carrying a knife on the streets. An incident involving a knife occurs every 15 minutes in the UK, where a young person dies every 10 days as a result of a stabbing. “I think it’s really important to raise awareness and is one of the reasons I joined the club. It’s something I’m passionate about,” Woodman said. “I’ve seen people that have been affected by knife crime. There are footballers I played with when I was younger that have now gone down a different route, which is not nice.
“Of course, there are many kids out there that don’t have that option, but that is still no excuse for carrying a knife.” Smith added: “Knife crime is devastating for victims, their families and wider communities. “Knife attacks involving young people hit the headlines far too frequently. This is especially so when they lead to a fatality. “It was really good to see the positive engagement with the young people during the session, and Freddie definitely provided some really valuable points about them staying safe. “As a charity, we’re determined to continue spreading awareness of Fearless among professionals and young people. “What makes us different is that we provide a safe place to give information to us about crime – 100 per cent anonymously.” To visit the Fearless website go to www.fearless.org To register your place at our virtual Kicks club, visit form.jotform.com/SwansTrust/KicksClub For more information, please contact jamiethomas@scfccommunitytrust.co.uk
43
A CENTURY OF LEAGUE FOOTBALL Historian Gwyn Rees looks at the club’s campaigns throughout its 100-year involvement in the Football League divisions and Premier League.
1956-1957 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO (FINISHED 10TH)
1955-1956 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO (FINISHED 10TH)
The close season brought the sad and sudden news of the unexpected death of manager Billy McCandless, with the club introducing a temporary management structure which included Ronnie Burgess as acting player-manager and Joe Sykes as chief trainer. Despite the devastating news of McCandless’ passing, the Swans started the season in excellent, freescoring form. A new Vetch Field record attendance of 29,500 watched the Swans take on Leeds, while a 2-1 win over Liverpool had the Swans top of the table in November. However, injury to centre-half Tom Kiley proved pivotal as with the board not prepared to sign an experienced replacement, the Swans became less sound at the back and slid down the table. A season that promised so much, only ended in frustration.
44
B urgess was named full-time manager but would be without star forward Terry Medwin after his £18,000 move to Tottenham Hotspur. Again, the Swans started the season well and thumped Blackburn Rovers 5-1 on the opening day of the season. However, the defensive issues of the previous year had not been resolved, and was shown with a 7-3 loss to Fulham, a 6-1 defeat to Rotherham and a 5-0 reverse against Grimsby. K i l ey wa s s t i l l s i d e l i n e d by i n j u r y, a n d h i s comeback would prove unsuccessful and sadly lead to his retirement. A decent run towards the end of the season led to a respectable finish, but a number of clubs were not eyeing the Swans’ impressive crop of young talent.
1957-1958 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO (FINISHED 19TH)
scoring four and a youngster called Herbie Williams making his debut showed what the team could produce on its day. Manager Morris, who many supporters felt was at the club to balance the books, sold the legendary Allchurch to Newcastle United for £28,000, and later on in the season Mel Charles left for Arsenal in a deal worth £43,000.
The off-season proved quiet on the transfer front, although the signings of local boys Mike Johnston and Barrie Jones would see the pair have excellent careers in Swansea colours. However, the likes of Cliff Jones and Mel Charles had made clear their desire to leave, and a number of heavy defeats blighted the campaign, including a 6-2 defeat at Stoke on December 6 in what was the first league game the Swans had played under floodlights.
Both these deals saw Reg Davies and Peter Davies arrive in exchange, and at the end of the season the club’s bank balance was a lot healthier. But the future was now in the hands of untried youngsters.
1959-1960 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO (FINISHED 12TH)
With the side firmly anchored at the wrong end of the table, a further blow came in the Cliff Jones saga, with the player finally leaving the club and following Medwin to Spurs for a British record transfer fee of £35,000. The club looked destined for relegation with only a handful of games to play, but a 7-0 thrashing of Derby County at home at Easter, and a final day win at Bristol City saw them escape the drop.
1958-1959 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO (FINISHED 11TH)
In May 1959 preliminary work began on the construction of a covered stand over the North Bank. The cost was in the region of £15,000 and was met by the loyalty of the Swansea Town Supporters Club. The official opening was at the first home game of the season against Lincoln City, and the team responded with a 2-1 win in front of 20,000 supporters. Jones made his debut as a 17-year-old, and the team was in a comfortable mid-table position when the New Year came around. The FA Cup brought a 4-1 win over Gillingham in the third round before the Swans were handed the task of taking on First Division Burnley.
In July the club brought in Trevor Morris as general manager, with manager Burgess quitting a few weeks later amid frustrations at not being able to manage as he wanted.
A crowd of 30,000 saw the Swans battle to a creditable goalless draw, before narrowly losing the replay 2-1 to a Burnley side that would be crowned top-flight champions at the season’s end.
With Morris installed as team manager the season began with mixed results, though a 5-0 defeat of Sunderland at the Vetch Field with Ivor Allchurch
The campaign concluded with a side with the youngest average age in the club’s history thrashing Bristol City 6-1.
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MATCHDAY MASCOTS ALFIE SAKER
AGE 9 FROM ISLE OF WIGHT FAVOURITE PLAYER CONN0R ROBERTS
Become an extraordinary leader ionleadership.co.uk
DEXTER OWEN
AGE 7 FROM NEATH FAVOURITE PLAYER CONNOR ROBERTS
SWANS SUPPORT STONEWALL’S RAINBOW LACES CAMPAIGN
S
wansea City will show its support for Stonewalls Rainbow Laces Campaign during this afternoon’s fixture with Luton Town at the Liberty.
The club has been a proud supporter of the LGBT community, and the fantastic work Stonewall does, for many years. This afternoon’s fixture has been designated as the fixture in which we highlight our ongoing support for LGBT fans, players and staff across the game with Swans captain Matt Grimes wearing a rainbow coloured armband. We will also be using rainbow colour substitution boards and corner flags. We have, and will continue to celebrate and raise awareness of the LGBT community throughout the course of the Rainbow L aces Campaign (November 26 to December 13) at the club with different activities taking place both internally and externally.
You may have already seen our customer facing staff supporting the campaign by wearing rainbow lanyards and we have also provided LGBT Awareness Sessions to all employees at the club, with particular focus on how sport helps LGBT people. Don’t forget that Rainbow Laces Day will be on December 9, you can catch up on everything the club has been doing on our social channels. This year has been like no other and it’s now more important than ever that we raise awareness and support the LGBT community. Together or apart, online or on the pitch, we need to build on our work to make sport everyone’s game. You can play your part by visiting stonewall.org.uk/our-work/campaigns/ rainbow-laces to support the campaign.
49
MAIN PARTNERS
CLUB PARTNERS
WESTACRES
OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS
50
PLAYER SPONSORS 20-21 FREDDIE WOODMAN
STEVEN BENDA
RYAN BENNETT
BEN CABANGO
MARC GUEHI
JOEL LATIBEAUDIERE
KYLE NAUGHTON
CONNOR ROBERTS
JAKE BIDWELL
RYAN MANNING
MATT GRIMES
KOREY SMITH
KASEY PALMER
WAYNE ROUTLEDGE
WESTACRES
JAY FULTON
GEORGE BYERS
JORDON GARRICK
CALL 01792 616 624 OR
YAN DHANDA
JAMAL LOWE
MORGAN GIBBS-WHITE
ANDRÉ AYEW
LIAM CULLEN
VIKTOR GYÖKERES
EMAIL L.MERRELLS@SWANSEACITY.COM FOR AVAILABILITY 51
SEASON 2020-21
52
Match Statistics
Key
Goal =
Sub = 2 (number denotes player replaced)
Captain =
FIXTURE
DATE
TEAM
Newport County (CC R2) A L 2-0
Sat, Sep 5, 3pm
Woodman
Routledge 3
Naughton
Rodon
Fulton
Bidwell 1
Grimes
Preston North End A W 0-1
Sat, Sep 12, 3pm
Woodman
Roberts
Cabango
Rodon
Guehi
Bidwell
Grimes
Birmingham City H D 0-0
Sat, Sep 19, 3pm
Woodman
Roberts
Cabango
Rodon
Guehi
Bidwell
Grimes
Waycombe Wanderers A W 0-2
Sat, Sep 26, 12.30pm
Woodman
Roberts
Cabango
Rodon
Guehi
Bidwell
Grimes
Millwall H W 2-1
Sat, Oct 3, 3pm
Benda
Roberts
Cabango
Rodon
Guehi
Bidwell
Grimes
Huddersfield Town H L 1-2
Sat, Oct 17, 3pm
Woodman
Roberts
Cabango
Naughton 3
Guehi
Bidwell
Grimes
Coventry City A D 1-1
Tue, Oct 20, 7.45pm
Woodman
Roberts
Cabango
Bennett
Guehi
Bidwell
Grimes Grimes
Bristol City A D 1-1
Sat, Oct 24, 3pm
Woodman
Roberts
Cabango
Bennett
Guehi
Bidwell
Stoke City H W 2-0
Tue, Oct 27, 7.45pm
Woodman
Roberts
Naughton
Bennett 3
Guehi
Manning 1
Grimes
Blackburn Rovers H W 2-0
Sat, Oct 31, 3pm
Woodman
Roberts
Cabango
Naughton
Guehi
Bidwell
Smith
Brentford A D 1-1
Tue, Nov 3, 7pm
Woodman
Roberts
Naughton
Norwich City A L 1-0
Sat, Nov 7, 3pm
Woodman
Roberts
Naughton
Rotherham United H W 1-0
Sat, Nov 21, 3pm
Woodman
Roberts
Sheffield Wednesday H D 1-1
Wed, Nov 25, 7.45pm
Woodman
Roberts
Nottingham Forest A W 0-1
Sun, Nov 29, 12pm
Woodman
Middlesbrough A L 2-1
Wed, Dec 2, 7pm
Woodman
Luton Town H
Sat, Dec 5, 3pm
A.F.C. Bournemouth H
Tue, Dec 8, 7.45pm
Cardiff City A
Sat, Dec 12, 12.30pm
Derby County A
Wed, Dec 16, 5.30pm
Barnsley H
Sat, Dec 19, 3pm
Queens Park Rangers A
Sat, Dec 26, 3pm
Reading H
Wed, Dec 30, 8pm
Watford H
Sat, Jan 2, 3pm
Stevenage A (FA R3)
Sat, Jan 9, 3pm
Barnsley A
Sat, Jan 16, 3pm
Blackburn Rovers A
Tue, Jan 19, 7.45pm
Brentford H
Sat, Jan 23, 3pm
Rotherham United A
Sat, Jan 30, 3pm
Norwich City H
Sat, Feb 6, 3pm
Sheffield Wednesday A
Sat, Feb 13, 3pm
Nottingham Forest H
Wed, Feb 17, 7.45pm
Huddersfield Town A
Sat, Feb 20, 3pm
Coventry City H
Wed, Feb 24, 7.45pm
Bristol City H
Sat, Feb 27, 3pm
Stoke City A
Wed, Mar 3, 8pm
Middlesbrough H
Sat, Mar 6, 3pm
Luton Town A
Sat, Mar 13, 3pm
A.F.C. Bournemouth A
Tues, Mar 16, 7.45pm
Cardiff City H
Sat, Mar 20, 3pm
Birmingham City A
Fri, Apr 2, 3pm
Preston North End H
Mon, Apr 5, 3pm
Millwall A
Sat, Apr 10, 3pm
Wycombe Wanderers H
Sat, Apr 17, 3pm
Queens Park Rangers H
Tues, Apr 20, 7.45pm
Reading A
Sat, Apr 24, 3pm
Derby County H
Sat, May 1, 3pm
Watford A
Sat, May 8, 3pm
Bennett
Guehi
Bidwell
Smith
Bennett
Guehi
Bidwell
Smith
Cabango
Bennett
Naughton
Bidwell
Grimes
Cabango
Bennett
Naughton 2
Bidwell 4
Grimes
Roberts
Naughton
Bennett
Guehi
Bidwell
Grimes
Roberts
Cabango 2
Bennett
Guehi
Manning
Smith 5
1
Booked =
Sent off =
Carabao Cup = CC
FA Cup = FA
Correct as of December 2, 2020
SUBSTITUTES Smith 2
Gibbs-White
Smith
Gibbs-White
Smith
Gibbs-White
Lowe 1
Smith
Gibbs-White 1
Lowe
Smith
Gibbs-White 2
Smith Smith
1
Lowe
Ayew
Benda, Rushesha, Evans, Williams, Dhanda 2, Peterson 3, Asoro 1
Lowe 2
Ayew
Benda, Naughton, Fulton 1, Dhanda, Routledge 2, Peterson, Cullen
Ayew
Benda, Naughton, Fulton, Dhanda, Routledge, Peterson, Cullen 1
Ayew
Benda, Naughton, Fulton 1, Dhanda, Routledge, Peterson, Cullen 2
Lowe 1
Ayew
Webb, Naughton, Fulton 2, Routledge, Garrick, Cullen, Gyokeres 1
Gyokeres 1
Lowe 2
Ayew
Benda, Evans, Fulton, Dhanda, Palmer 1, Garrick 3, Cullen 2
Gyokeres 1
Lowe 2
Ayew
Benda, Manning, Fulton 1, Dhanda, Palmer, Garrick, Cullen 2
Smith
Fulton
Lowe
Ayew
Benda, Naughton, Manning, Dhanda, Routledge, Cullen, Gyokeres 1
Fulton
Dhanda 2
Lowe
Ayew
Benda, Cabango 3, Bidwell 1, Smith, Palmer 2
Fulton
Dhanda
Lowe
Ayew
Benda, Bennett, Manning, Grimes, Routledge, Palmer 2, Gyokeres 1
Dhanda 2
Lowe 3
Ayew
Benda, Latibeaudiere, Manning, Grimes 1, Routledge, Palmer 2, Gyokeres 3
Palmer 3
Lowe
Ayew
Benda, Latibeaudiere, Manning, Grimes 1, Dhanda 3, Routledge, Gyokeres 2
Fulton
Dhanda 2
Lowe 3
Cullen 1
Benda, Latibeaudiere, Manning, Rushesha, Williams, Smith 3, Cooper, Routledge 1, Palmer 2
Smith
Dhanda
Lowe 3
Cullen 1
Benda, Latibeaudiere, Manning 4, Rushesha, Fulton, Cooper, Routledge 3, Palmer 2, Ayew 1
Smith
Fulton
Lowe 1
Ayew
Benda, Cabango, Manning, Dhanda, Routledge 1, Palmer, Garrick, Cullen, Gyokeres
Palmer 4
Lowe 3
Ayew
Benda, Naughton, Bidwell, Grimes 1 , Dhanda 4
Fulton 1 Fulton
Fulton
2
1
2
1
, Cullen, Gyokeres
, Routledge 2, Garrick 5, Cullen, Gyokeres 3
53
CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE 20-21 POS TEAM
P
*Sheffield Wednesday deducted 6 points.
W D L
F
A
GD PTS
1
Norwich City
15
8
4
3
19
14
5
28
2
Bournemouth
15
7
6
2
25
16
9
27
3
Watford
15
7
6
2
19
11
8
27
4
Reading
15
8
3
4
24
19
5
27
5
Bristol City
15
8
3
4
19
15
4
27
6
Brentford
15
7
5
3
22
13
9
26
7
Swansea City
15
7
5
3
17
10
7
26
8
Stoke City
15
7
4
4
22
18
4
25
9
Blackburn Rovers
15
7
3
5
29
17
12
24
10
Middlesbrough
15
6
6
3
16
10
6
24
11
Luton Town
15
6
4
5
14
18
-4
22
12
Cardiff City
15
5
5
5
20
13
7
20
13
Millwall
15
4
8
3
13
12
1
20
14
Barnsley
15
5
4
6
17
17
0
19
15
Preston North End
15
6
1
8
20
23
-3
19
16
Huddersfield Town
15
5
3
7
18
22
-4
18
17
Queens Park Rangers
15
4
5
6
17
22
-5
17
18
Birmingham City
15
3
7
5
11
14
-3
16
19
Coventry City
15
3
5
7
15
25
-10
14
20
Rotherham United
15
3
4
8
14
20
-6
13
21
Nottingham Forest
15
3
4
8
9
17
-8
13
22
Wycombe Wanderers
15
2
4
9
7
21
-14
10
23
Sheffield Wednesday *
15
3
6
6
8
13
-5
9
24
Derby County
15
1
5
9
7
22
-15
8
UPCOMING FIXTURES BOURNEMOUTH (H)
Tuesday, Dec 8, 7.45pm
CARDIFF CITY (A)
Saturday, Dec 12, 12.30pm
DERBY COUNTY (A)
Wednesday, Dec 16, 5.30pm
BARNSLEY (H)
Saturday, Dec 19, 3pm
QUEENS PARK RANGERS (A) Saturday, Dec 26, 3pm
Correct as of December 2, 2020
NEXT UP AT HOME - BOURNEMOUTH
T
he Cherries are in their first season back in the Championship after their five-season stint in the Premier League came to an end.
The south-coast club had spent the majority of their existence in the lower reaches of the English football pyramid, but went on to enjoy their greatest success under Eddie Howe. He led Bournemouth from near relegation from League Two to promotion to the top-flight, and a top-half finish. Howe departed following relegation, with his former assistant Jason Tindall now in charge and helping them make a strong start to the 2020-21 season.
54
23
24
SWANS
BOURNEMOUTH
12 DRAWS 59 PAST MEETINGS
55
SQUAD LIST V
HEAD COACH: STEVE COOPER Freddie Woodman Ryan Bennett Ryan Manning Marc Guéhi Jay Fulton Korey Smith Matt Grimes Jamal Lowe André Ayew Morgan Gibbs-White Steven Benda Viktor Gyökeres Wayne Routledge Liam Cullen Yan Dhanda Joel Latibeaudiere Connor Roberts Jake Bidwell Kyle Naughton George Byers Tivonge Rushesha Oli Cooper Daniel Williams Cameron Evans Jordon Garrick Lewis Webb Ben Cabango Kasey Palmer
1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 20 21 22 23 24 26 28 30 31 37 38 41 42 44 45
MANAGER: NATHAN JONES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 32 33 34 35 37
James Shea Martin Cranie Dan Potts Ryan Tunnicliffe Sonny Bradley Matthew Pearson Harry Cornick Luke Berry Danny Hylton Elliot Lee Simon Sluga George Moncur Tom Lockyer Glen Rea Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu Jordan Clark James Collins Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall Brendan Galloway Rhys Norrington-Davies Kazenga LuaLua James Bree Sam Nombe Joe Morrell Eunan O’Kane Sam Beckwith Jake Peck Corey Panter Josh Neufville
MATCH OFFICIALS REFEREE: LEIGH DOUGHTY ASSISTANT REFEREES: JAMES WILSON AND GRAHAM KANE FOURTH OFFICIAL: MATTHEW DONOHUE
56
