Swansea City v Millwall - 20-21 Season - Issue 2 by swanseacityafc

Issue 2 - Digital Copy

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Swansea City v Millwall Saturday, October 3 - Kick-off 3pm

CONTENTS Page 14 - A Century of League Football

Page 16 - Meet the Opposition

Page 21 - Match Reports

Page 28 - Q&A with Morgan Gibbs-White

Page 43 - Swans Ladies

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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Chief Executive Julian Winter Board Of Directors Directors: Romie Chaudhari, Bobby Hernreich, Huw Jenkins, Stephen Kaplan, 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 Partnership Sales Manager: Cory Richards 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, Ian Mitchelmore, 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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Chief Executive’s Notes

JULIAN WINTER G

ood afternoon everyone. It is my honour and privilege to write my first programme notes as the chief executive of Swansea City. It has been almost two weeks since I officially started my new role here, but it’s safe to say I already have a huge sense of what this proud football club means to everyone connected to it. From the passionate fanbase to the staff that work at the club, it really shines through that everyone is determined to do the best for Swansea City. There is certainly a lot to be proud of, too. There are not many stories like the club’s rise from the lower echelons of the fourth tier to dining at the top table of the Premier League, and winning a major trophy! The way it was done – spending m o n ey w i s e l y, g r e at p l a ye r recruitment and playing the Swansea Way – meant Swansea were the envy of others. We shouldn’t forget that successful and important part of the club’s history, but now we

look to build on the structure and squad that we have in place right now. I’m sure you’ve all enjoyed our start to the season. I attended the game at Preston prior to my official starting date, and it was great to start the campaign on a winning note, particularly at a ground where many teams struggle. After the home draw with Birmingham, it was a real pleasure to see the team extend their unbeaten run and perfect away record with a 2-0 victory at Wycombe Wanderers. The way the team played, and the manner of the goals we sc ored, was a big reminder of the talent within this team, and that performance was testament to the work Steve Cooper, his staff and the players put in on the training pitch. Off the pitch, a big talking point among football fans will be the ongoing transfer window, and I’m sure the rumour mill is in full flow for all clubs.

But we will look to do the best b u s i n e s s fo r Swa n s e a C i t y, whether that’s for any player potentially joining or leaving the club. The fans can be rest assured that the club’s best interests are always at the heart of every decision. Meanwhile, with the likelihood of fans returning to attending games being pushed back by the authorities, we are doing all we can to bridge that gap for you. Our SwansTV Live service has received very positive feedback in the opening few weeks, and I’m sure you’re also enjoying the expert punditry we provide in the form of Lee Trundle, Wyndham Evans and Kristian O’Leary. For now, we can’t be together at the Liberty Stadium, but it’s important we keep supporting each other through these testing times. T hanks for the warm Welsh welcome, and I look forward to meeting you all in the near future.

Head Coach’s Notes

STEVE COOPER G

ood afternoon to all Swansea City fans around the world as we look forward to our fixture with Millwall at the Liberty Stadium. We go into the game on the back of a very pleasing victory against Wycombe Wanderers last weekend. Three points and a third clean sheet made for a very satisfying afternoon, and I’m sure you all enjoyed watching the lads play with such enthusiasm and drive. Our commitment in getting players into the right areas meant we managed to create a high number of goalscoring opportunities, and, although we didn’t take advantage of all of them, it was pleasing knowing we are getting into the right positions and having those chances. Of course, we did score two really well-worked goals, and we were delighted to see Jamal Lowe get his first goal for the club. Andre Ayew had already put us ahead by then, but it wasn’t just the goals that pleased me in terms of our front two – it was their workrate.

That played a big part in our third consecutive clean sheet of the season. Joe Rodon told me that it was the first time the club has started the season with such a run of shut outs in 100 years – that shows me just how much that means to Joe and the rest of the boys, because they were determined to be the team that achieved that. When we talk about clean sheets, the focus often falls on the back line. But that is not the case here – everything is a team effort - and certainly on Saturday we saw how determined the boys were to prevent Wycombe from threatening our goal. From the front two to Freddie Woodman in goal, I was really pleased with the attitude we had as a team. It was a step up in performance from the draw against Birmingham the week prior, and I saw the team that I want us to be. So it’s been a good start, but that’s all it is. The Championship is a ruthless league, and the challenge for us is to continue

putting in these performances in order to pick up more points and clean sheets. We now face a Millwall team that has won one and drawn two of their league matches so far. We are expecting another tough challenge, but we place the focus, as ever, on ourselves as we look to give you some extra cheer during these tough times. While we aren’t in a position to welcome you into the Liberty Stadium to be part of our match day experience, I can’t stress enough just how important it is to the players that you are supporting from home. The support we have is epitomised every week when you send in photos of your home support. It is something we talk in depth about in the build up to games, and although they don’t get to hear that famous Jack Army roar in person, they know you’re shouting and supporting from the safety of your home, and that means a lot. Enjoy the game,

ello and welcome to everyone joining us from around the world for this afternoon’s Championship home fixture against Millwall. It was disappointing not to get a win against Birmingham in our last match at the Liberty and it’s always disappointing not to get the three points at home. Birmingham are an experienced Championship side and they set up well defensively and kept us out. Obviously we felt we should h ave d o n e m o r e t o g e t t h e b re a k t h ro u g h , b u t i t wa s a tough game. On another day we would’ve got the win, but it was another clean sheet and another step in the right direction.

Last weekend’s trip to Wycombe was perfect and we couldn’t have asked for more. We played really well in the first half, probably some of the best stuff that we have played, not just this season but last season as well. At 2-0 we limited them to very few chances and killed the game off. A clean sheet, three points, a couple of goals and some fantastic individual performances made for a brilliant day. As well as remaining unbeaten, we are yet to concede a goal in the league. Any clean sheet in this league is massive, so to get three in a row is a really

good foundation for what you want to do going into the rest of the season. It’s nice to play good attacking football but, at the end of the day, clean sheets can win you games. Getting clean sheets in two away games at Preston and Wycombe is fantastic, and I don’t think many teams will do that this season. I heard that it is coming up to two calendar years since the last league game in which I didn’t play the full 90 minutes. It’s not something I really think about and you just take it as it comes, it kind of all just rolls into one.

MATT GRIMES Captain’s Notes

Yo u j u s t f o c u s o n t h e n e x t game, playing well and getting t h re e p o i nt s . O n e b e c o m e s two then two becomes three and when you’re playing two games a week in the busy schedule of the Championship you find yourself on a record like that. It’s not something I think about, I’m just taking one game at a time and working on the team getting three points. We’ ve all heard the news about the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic and I know that has put the EFL and the government’s crowd pilots on hold. For everyone In any walk of life, it ’s frustrating that we have t a ke n a b i t of a b a c kwa r d s

step, I’m sure everyone wants to get back to normal and fans want to get back to the Liberty, come to away games and enjoy Saturdays like they always used to. It’s the way life is at the minute but we can’t wait for the fans to be back in st adiums. We we r e h o p i n g t h at wo u l d b e sooner rather than later, but if it takes a little bit more time for everyone to be safe then so be it.

definitely one we will be eager to win. We know the threats that they pose and they are a very good side on their day. We need to be at our best if we are going to win the game and that’s what we’re looking to do. Thank you once again to the Jack Army for your continued support from home and enjoy the game!

A ll week , our attention has been firmly focused on today’s match against Millwall. Millwall are always a very hard team to beat. We drew and lost against them last year so it’s

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ew Supporters Trust board member Ceri Stone looks at the behind-the-scenes work that goes on within the Trust

Like everyone reading this, I have been a Jack all my life and I love the club. In recent seasons I have become a bit more curious about what the Trust does on a daily basis and I wanted to contribute more to the role the fans play in it, rather than just paying my membership fee, buying a book of raffle tickets and singing songs in the East Stand. I was encouraged to stand for the Trust board and was duly elected. That was my first shock. The second was just how hard the Supporters Trust works for the club and how much time is involved with this. That was a major jolt to the system. You can read my bio on the Supporters Trust website at www.swanstrust.co.uk where you can see that I have experience working at a boardroom level and dealing with business strategy. Yet, that experience didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t prepare me for how hard our representatives work for us in voluntary roles. I thought we would attend a meeting once a month and then chat to members at the Pod outside the Liberty (something I am looking forward to, once we are allowed to watch games live again), but the reality has been rather different. I have been impressed with the work that the senior members of the team carry out and how much time they devote to both the club and the Supporters Trust. We are in regular contact and there are almost daily updates from them on all matter of issues.

The team are constantly improving engagement with members and trying to raise the profile of the Trust with the fans. The social media team are kept busy and we would love to see the number of followers online converted into members. I was quite surprised to find the amount of people I know who believe they are members, only to find that their membership had lapsed a couple of years ago. This may also apply to you reading this. Have you renewed your membership this year? It is worth checking. If not, becoming a member for half price this season is easy at www.swanstrust. co.uk/join-the-trust. Just in time for our 20th anniversary as well! There is so much more that goes on behind the scenes. During the course of the season, Terry Sinnett and I will share the programme notes and fill you in on this in more detail. Talking of the season, we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have asked for a better start. Seven points from three games and three clean sheets at the start of a new campaign, which just so happens to be a new club record. It is great to see our new squad members settling in really well and having an instant impact. On the field, performances are very positive and we have the potential of a great season to look forward to. Not wanting to get carried away, but it has been an eye-opening start for me and a great one for the club. I hope I get to discuss it with you at the Pod before too long.

A CENTURY OF LEAGUE FOOTBALL Swansea City had just completed their Southern League Division One season when the Football League opted to form Division Three. This meant the Swans were now full members of the Football League and were part of an exciting new set-up.

1921-1922 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION THREE SOUTH (FINISHED 10TH)

Here, historian Gwyn Rees looks at the club’s campaigns throughout its 100-year involvement in the Football League divisions and Premier League.

1920-1921 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION THREE SOUTH (FINISHED FIFTH)

With the prospect of playing in the Football League, manager Joe Bradshaw wasted no time in strengthening his squad. He brought in Jimmy Edmundson from Sheffield Wednesday, and a full-back that would go on to play in more league games than anyone else in the club’s history - Wilf Milne. The first game was played at Portsmouth, where the Swans were soundly beaten 3-0. But just five days later, the club would register its first points in the league when they defeated Watford 2-1 at Vetch Field. By October, the Swans had failed to win an away game or even register a goal on their travels, and the club were near the foot of the table. But, as so often happens in football, the team went on an unbeaten run for nearly four months, and at the season’s end the club would finish its first season a creditable fifth in the division. The season also saw the first full International game played at the Vetch, with Swansea’s Billy Hole scoring the first goal in Wales’ 2-1 win over Ireland, making him the first Swansea-born player to represent his country.

Once again the Swans began the season with mixed results, with only two wins in their opening 10 fixtures. Although the team were being applauded for their style of play by many, the cutting edge to kill off teams in games was missing. It was the FA Cup that saw the Swans capture the headlines, when after defeating Bournemouth and Bristol Rovers in the qualifying rounds, they were drawn at home against West Ham United. A record crowd of 26,000 saw an entertaining 0-0 draw, then four days later the sides fought out another draw, with Ivor Jones scoring early for the Swans. It took a third game at Ashton Gate, and a Joe Spottiswood goal after 110 minutes to see the Swans finally progress to the second round for an away trip to Southend United. A hard-fought 1-0 win in Essex saw the Swans progress to round three, but a 4-0 defeat at Millwall saw the cup dream ended, and though they would enjoy a record 8-1 win over Bristol Rovers in April, it was the cup run that most supporters would remember the season for.

1922-1923 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION THREE SOUTH (FINISHED THIRD)

Once more the FA Cup saw the Swans having to play three games to finally defeat Clapton Orient at White Hart Lane, though First Division Aston Villa ended the Swans’ hopes in the next round with a 2-0 win at the Vetch. Jack Fowler, who would become a legend at the club with his goal scoring exploits, was signed from Plymouth Argyle towards the season’s end but, once more with promotion seemingly in sight, the team inexplicably lost vital games in the run-in, and had to spend another season in the division.

1924-1925 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION THREE SOUTH (CHAMPIONS) The manager sought to strengthen his squad preseason, and the players he brought to the club - Harry Deacon and Len Thompson amongst others - would go on to have excellent careers at the Vetch. The one sad departure from the club was Ben Beynon, who after lighting up the Vetch, decided to move back to rugby, joining Oldham. Unlike the previous two seasons, the Swans began the new campaign in impressive style, and by the turn of the year and a 5-1 defeat of Aberdare Athletic at home, they sat proudly in second position in the division. The good form continued until, with just nine games of the season left, a lapse in form saw promotion hopes fade and, in the days when only the champions were promoted, third place unfortunately did not suffice.

1923-1924 FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION THREE SOUTH (FINISHED FOURTH)

Hopes were high in SA1 when the Swans started the season with five straights wins, and led the division into the New Year.

Lachlan McPherson signed for the club before the new season began, and he turned out to be an important signing. But it was the signing of another player from Sheffield Wednesday, Joe Sykes, that would go down as the signing of a real club legend. Sykes, who was a commanding centre-half, would serve the club in various positions off the field in over 50 years of devoted service to the Swans, and was known as one of life’s gentlemen. The Swans were amongst the early pacesetters in the division, and after 17 games they had climbed to fourth in the standings. Much of the early success was down to the goals of Deacon, Thompson and Fowler, and it was a goal from Fowler in late January in a 2-0 home win against Queens Park Rangers that saw them hit top spot in the division for the first time that season. The climax to the season saw the Swans, Plymouth Argyle and Bristol City vie for top spot, with the Swans holding a one-point lead over Argyle when they went to the Devon club, claiming a point in a 1-1 draw, and keeping a one-point advantage with just two games left. The penultimate game saw a vital 1-0 win away at Reading and, when in the final league fixture the Swans defeated Exeter City 2-1 at a boisterous Vetch Field, the first ever Championship and promotion was celebrated.

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The defender joined the Lions on loan from Derby in January 2019, and his fine form led to a permanent move the following summer. The Republic of Ireland international made his breakthrough at Reading, where he helped the Royals win promotion to the Premier League, and he has also had stints with Northampton, Bournemouth, Norwich, Southampton and Bristol City.

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The former Burton, Birmingham, Derby and Stoke manager enjoyed a fine season with the Lions after succeeding Neil Harris last term. Ex-defender Rowett played for the likes of Everton, Derby, Birmingham and Leicester across a 16-year career as a professional.He finished his playing career at Burton before moving into the dugout at the Pirelli Stadium, leading them to two play-off finals. He then moved to Birmingham before steering Derby to the Championship play-offs. He joined Stoke from there but left his post after eight months.

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A top-flight club in the late 1980s - with the likes of Teddy Sheringham and Tony Cascarino in their side Millwall were relegated in 1990 and have played in the second and third divisions of English football ever since. Neil Harris guided them back to the Championship in 2017, following the disappointment of play-off defeat to Barnsley at Wembley 12 months earlier. The Lions had a respectable first season back in the second-tier, securing an eighth-place finish, and they finished just above the drop zone the following season. They were right in the hunt for a play-off place last term, but ended up two points adrift of the top six in eighth place.

MILWALL’S FORM

Like the Swans, Millwall have an unbeaten record having taken five points from their opening three league games of the new season. The Lions drew with Brentford last time out, having won at Rotherham and drawn their opener at home to Stoke. They also finished last season in good form, winning four and drawing two of their final eight games, but just fell short in their bid to reach the top six. Their form on their travels has been solid too, with the Londoners losing just one of their last six on their travels.

THE KEY MEN

Jed Wallace enjoyed an outstanding campaign last season – scoring 10 goals including the winner at the Liberty – and has picked up where he left off with goals against Rotherham and Brentford. Skipper Pearce and Jake Cooper have proved to be reliable operators at the back, while goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski won a number of plaudits last season. In terms of summer additions, the Lions have brought in Derby duo Scott Malone and Mason Bennett, while also securing a loan deal for Tottenham youngster Troy Parrott.

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Cooper is now in his fourth full season with Millwall, having arrived from Reading in the summer of 2017 following an initial loan spell. An ever-present in each of the last two campaigns, the centre-half has made over 150 appearances for the Lions. A former England yo u t h i nt e r n at i o n a l , h e represented his nation at under-18, 19 and 20 level.

ONES TO WATCH

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Having a initially arrived on loan the previous June, Bialkowski joined Millwall f r o m I p s w i c h To w n o n a permanent basis in January 2020. The Poland international kept 16 clean sheets for the Lions last season, earning him the Championship Golden Glove award. He has also turned out for Southampton, Barnsley and Notts County in the EFL.

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MATT SMITH Smith is now in his third season with Millwall after joining from Queens Park Rangers in July 2018. T he 6ft 6in striker topscored for the Lions in the Championship last term with 13 goals. Millwall are the 12th different club in the career of the well-travelled Smith, who has also turned out for the likes of Oldham, Macclesfield, Leeds, Fulham and Bristol City.

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After two initial loan spells from Wolves, Wallace signed for Millwall on a permanent basis in the summer of 2017. The midfielder, who began his career at Portsmouth, scored 10 league goals for the Lions last term, while only West Bromâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Matheus Pereira registered more assists in the Championship. The one-time England Under-19 international opened his account for this season in the 1-0 win at Rotherham.

Parrott joined the Lions from Tottenham Hotspur in August on a season-long loan. The 2019-20 campaign was one of great progress for the highly rated teenager, who made his Premier League debut and signed a new long-term contract, as well as earning a first senior international cap with the Republic of Ireland. Parrott scored twice for Tottenhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s under-23s on his previous visit to the Liberty in April 2019.

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MATCH DETAILS DATE: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 VENUE: LIBERTY STADIUM REFEREE: GAVIN WARD

SWANSEA CITY 0 BIRMINGHAM CITY 0 MATCH REPORT LINEUPS S wansea City were left frustrated as they were held to a goalless draw by Birmingham City at the Liberty Stadium.

Steve Cooper’s side had the better of the contest, but found it hard to break down a stubborn visiting defence. However, they maintained their unbeaten start to the season as they kept a second consecutive clean sheet.

The hosts started brightly and Ben Cabango saw a header blocked from a corner, before Birmingham keeper Neil Etheridge did well to spot a cleverly taken free-kick from Matt Grimes. Morgan Gibbs-White fired straight at Etheridge from Grimes’ pass early in the second half, while Freddie Woodman kept out Harlee Dean’s header at the other end. Swansea looked set to snatch all three points when Marc Guehi met a half-cleared corner on the volley, but Etheridge was equal to the defender’s strike.

QUOTE OF THE GAME

Swans: Freddie Woodman; Ben Cabango, Joe Rodon, Marc Guehi; Connor Roberts, Korey Smith, Matt Grimes (captain), Jake Bidwell; Morgan GibbsWhite; Jamal Lowe (Liam Cullen 85), Andre Ayew. Subs not used: Steven Benda, Kyle Naughton, Jay Fulton, Wayne Routledge, Yan Dhanda, Kristoffer Peterson. Birmingham City: Neil Etheridge; Maxime Colin, Harlee Dean (captain), George Friend, Kristian Pedersen; Adam Clayton, Ivan Sunjic; Ivan Sanchez, Jon Toral (Gary Gardner 63), Jeremie Bela; Lukas Jutkiewicz. Subs not used: Zach Jeacock, Marc Roberts, Dan Crowley, Scott Hogan, Steve Seddon, Agustin Medina.

“WE’RE FRUSTRATED NOT TO WIN THE GAME, AND I THINK WE ALWAYS SHOULD BE IF WE DON’T WIN HOME GAMES. WE JUST DIDN’T DO ENOUGH TO GET ENOUGH CHANCES ON GOAL.”

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WYCOMBE WANDERERS 0 SWANSEA CITY 2

MATCH DETAILS DATE: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 VENUE: ADAMS PARK REFEREE: GEOFF ELTRINGHAM

MATCH REPORT F

irst-half goals from Andre Ayew and Jamal L owe helped Swansea City pick up their second away win of the season at Wycombe.

The Swans did the damage in the opening half, as a pair of close-range finishes settled the contest inside the opening 23 minutes. T h e o n l y f r u s t r at i o n fo r h e a d c o a c h S t e ve Cooper would have been that his side did not win by a greater margin, as they also picked up a third-straight clean sheet. The visitors were in control from the off and it was little surprise when they made their early dominance pay in the 13th minute. Aft e r a s t r o n g t a c k l e by M a r c G u e h i , J a ke Bidwell produced an excellent cross that Ayew bundled in with his left foot. Ten minutes later and the le ad doubled as lovely link work between Korey Smith, Morgan Gibbs-White and Ayew set up Lowe for his first Swansea goal. Gibbs-White and Bidwell would be among those to go close to extending the lead after the break, while Freddie Woodman’s only save of note saw him hold Daryl Horgan’s overhaead kick.

LINEUPS Wycombe Wanderers: Ryan Allsop, Jack Grimmer, Anthony Stewart, Ryan Tafazolli, Jason McCarthy; David Wheeler (Scott Kashket 84), Dennis Adeniran; Nick Freeman, Fred Onyedinma (Daryl Horgan 69), Matt Bloomfield (captain) (Josh Parker 76); Alex Samuel. Subs not used: David Stockdale, Joe Jacobson, Giles Phillips, Curtis Thompson. Swans: Freddie Woodman; Ben Cabango, Joe Rodon, Marc Guehi; Connor Roberts, Korey Smith, Matt Grimes (captain), Jake Bidwell; Morgan Gibbs-White (Jay Fulton 82); Jamal Lowe (Liam Cullen 82), Andre Ayew. Subs not used: Steven Benda, Kyle Naughton, Wayne Routledge, Yan Dhanda, Kristoffer Peterson.

QUOTE OF THE GAME "WE KNOW WE WERE A BIT SHORT OF OUR CAPABILITIES WITH THE BALL AGAINST BIRMINGHAM, AND IT’S BEEN A REAL POINT FROM THE BOYS TO IMPROVE THAT, AND WE DID. “OUR BUILD-UP PLAY WAS GOOD LAST WEEK, BUT WE DID NOT TURN IT INTO CLEAR CHANCES AND SHOTS, WE DID THAT TODAY" STEVE COOPER 23

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STILETTOS & STUDS BY JULIE KISSICK

hope you’re all keeping well and managing to get your football fix remotely. Whether we’re watching online, on television or listening to the radio – it all counts in the current climate, doesn’t it? The announcement by the UK government last week to delay fans returning to watch live matches was a bit of a kick in the teeth. I had hoped after the EFL pilots that (vastly) reduced numbers of lucky supporters might have had their wishes granted. March is a very long way off as things stand and, without getting political, I do wonder whether if there was a will a way would be found. After all, staggered entry and social distancing seem, to me anyway, to be possible. I know we are all desperately missing being at matches – particularly as we’ve made such a great start to the season. I say we are ‘all’ missing being present at games, but actually, I was speaking to a friend who was telling me that he felt he was falling out of love with football. The current restrictions, and what he felt were ‘soulless’ matches being played in empty stadiums, were really impacting on him and his engagement with his club (he isn’t a Jack)! As disappointing and frustrating as the current circumstances are, there are positives to football continuing. It offers some semblance of normality, albeit of a different type of normal, but it’s something. Today’s visitors, Millwall, remain unbeaten on five points having won one and drawn two of the first three games of the new campaign. They got off to a good start against their London rivals Brentford last week.

Jed Wallace headed home from a Mason Bennett cross to give them an early lead in the fourth minute. But, last season’s play-off finalists got a penalty 16 minutes later, Ivan Toney equalising and the two sides played out a 1-1 draw. Gary Rowett has been pleased with his side’s start and I’m really looking forward to seeing how things play out this afternoon in what I’m sure will be a competitive match. Talking of which, what a superb start to the season Swansea City Ladies had. History was made on Sunday as the game against Cardiff City Women was broadcast live on S4C. The result, a 3-0 win for the Swans, was decisive and every one of the women in white should be incredibly proud of themselves. It was also brilliant to see the coverage of captain Alicia Powe ahead of the game. Alicia is a full-time nurse at Swansea’s Morriston Hospital and although I’m sure the ‘media spotlight’ won’t be entirely welcome, I hope it works in favour of all those women who pull on their boots week in, week out, but until very recently have been largely anonymous and their efforts unseen by the masses. The only way for the women’s game to grow is by getting it out there, letting girls see what is possible and giving them role models. Our ladies had a superb campaign last season and the signs are equally promising for this one. And if Steve Cooper can keep the momentum going, as I am sure he will, the prospect of another good campaign looks likely. Roll on 3pm!

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ERTHYGLAU CYMRAEG BY IAN MITCHELMORE, WALES ONLINE

ae Abertawe yn ceisio ehangu ar record newydd yn erbyn Millwall heddiw ar ôl p e i d i o i l d i o g ô l a m y t r yd yd d g e m y n olynol yn y Pencampwriaeth yn erbyn Wycombe Wanderers. Ar ôl i Preston a Birmingham peidio rhoi’r pêl yn c efn y rhwyd, c afodd Freddie Woodman prynhawn distaw iawn yn Parc Adams. Ac ar ôl tair gêm o’r tymor newydd, dim ond yr Elyrch a Watford sydd heb ildio gôl yn yr ail gynghrair. Mae’r hogia ifanc - Joe Rodon, Marc Guehi a Ben Cabango - yn haeddu clod am rhoi gymaint o amddifyniad i Woodman. Ac mae sylwadau cyn chwaraewr Wycombe Sam Parkin ar EFL on Quest ar ôl i Abertawe ennill 2-0 wythnos yn ôl yn dweud y cwbl. “ With Cabango, Guehi and Rodon, they’ve got three R olls R oyc es back there,” dywedodd Parkin. Ond sut fydd yr hogia ifanc yn ymdopi gyda’r prawf yn erbyn Millwall heddiw? Mae tîm Gary Rowett wedi casglu pump pwynt allan o’r naw ar gael yn barod y tymor yma. Dim ond unwaith mae’r Llewod wedi ildio gôl (yn erbyn Brentford), ac, yn barod, mae’n amlwg fydd yr brywdr yn y Stadiwm Liberty heddiw yn dweud llawer am sut fath o siâp sydd ar Abertawe.

Jed Wallace sgoriodd yr unig gôl yn y gêm cyfatebol blwyddyn yn ôl, ac mi fydd angen i Steve Cooper datrys sut i torri lawr tîm sydd wedi’i drefnu’n dda iawn. Mi fydd Jamal Lowe a Andre Ayew yn llawn hyder ar ôl sgorio yn erbyn Wycombe, ac, hefyd, mi fydd Morgan Gibbs-White - y dyn ifanc ar fenthyg o Wolves - yn ceisio parhau i ddisgleirio ar ôl perfformiad arbennig yn erbyn tîm Gareth Ainsworth. Mae Cooper hefyd yn haeddu canmoliaeth am barhau gyda’r system 3-4-1-2, un sydd yn gadael i Jake Bidwell a Connor Roberts gwneud gymaint o ddifrod yn y trydydd olaf. Ond, roedd sylwadau Cooper ar ôl y buddugoliaeth yn erbyn Wycombe yn dweud llawer. Ar yr amser wrth ysgrifennu’r colofn yma, mae Abertawe yn crio allan am o leiaf un ymosodwr arall yn y carfan, enwedig ar ôl i Rhian Brewster symud yn ôl i Lerpwl yn yr haf. Mae’n amlwg i weld fydd yr Elyrch, gyda ychydig o ychwanegiadau, yn gallu gosod her cryf ar y chwech uchaf tymor yma. Ond gyda carfan sydd yn edrych yn ysgafn mewn ardaloedd, mi fydd yr amserlen brysur yn gwthio Abertawe, enwedig wrth i’r brec rhyngwladol - sydd yn dechrau ar ôl gêm heddiw - dôd i ben. Dim ond Millwall fydd ar feddwl Cooper heddiw, ond mi fydd yr rheolwr yn gweithio’n brysur i ychwanegu i’r garfan dros y dyddiau nesaf, fel mae o wedi gwneud dros yr haf yn barod.

Q&A WITH MORGAN GIBBS-WHITE

Age: 20 Position: Midfielder Nationality: English Clubs: Wolves, 70 Apps, 1 Goals

H E M AY B E J U S T 2 0 Y E A R S OF AGE, BUT MORGAN GIBBSWHITE ALREADY HAS A WORLD CUP WINNERS’ MEDAL AND A CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE UNDER H I S B E LT, N O T TO M E N T I O N A NUMBER OF APPEARANCES IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE AND EUROPA LEAGUE. HERE, THE MIDFIELDER REVEALS THE GIFT HE RECEIVED AFTER HIS WINNER AT PRESTON, AND WHY FAMILY WILL ALWAYS COME FIRST. Morgan, you’ve had a few weeks to settle into your new surroundings, how do you feel things have been going for you so far at Swansea? Yeah, it’s been a month since I made the move and I cannot fault the surroundings and how welcoming everyone has been. The weather had been beautiful up until now, too! But I could not ask for more, it’s a good place to be, it’s a supportive environment. Off the field it’s been good too, although I’m almost surprised I am still here given this is my first time away from home. My girlfriend is here with me and that has been great in terms of helping us settle in and supporting me. I’m trying to improve my cooking skills, I’ll keep it simple for now with Spaghetti Bolognese! Scoring on your league debut must have been special, particularly as it was your first league goal too? Yeah, that was an amazing moment for me. I’ve been looking to get that first league goal for what feels like quite a while now. I’m happy it was for such an exciting, positive club where everyone is so supportive of me. It was great to score the winner, and then when I got back my girlfriend had got me some flowers and chocolates for me to mark it. It was a nice surprise, bless her, it just shows she’s a good one. To be fair, it should be the other way around and I should be the one getting flowers. Maybe she was trying to tell me something.

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When you came down to sign for the club it was lovely to see your whole family had made the journey down to be part of that day. It’s not something we see that often, but it just goes to show what a tight-knit group you are? We are all really close, we’ve all lived together right up until I moved to come here. Wherever I go my dad always comes with me, as does my mother. I would not have wanted to spend such a special day with anyone other than my girlfriend and family. They are the ones who see me when things have not gone so well, I might be upset or angry, or I might be happy after a good game. They have to deal with all that. They’ve always been there. I am sure my father has spent thousands of pounds on petrol over the years, but it has been worth it. He says he does not regret a moment of it, and I would not be in this situation at all without him. Is it true that your father, Kirk, was a pretty handy striker when he played in Staffordshire? Does football talent run in the family? He was a very good football player, he was a very quick striker, a good finisher. But I think some people can be led astray and he made sure I wasn’t. I am sure he would have been good enough to be a professional but he made sure I learned from his own experiences. I felt like he could have made it with the right people around him, and I think that’s why he has always been there for me to make sure I am doing the right things and making sure I got as far as I could. Like I say, if it wasn’t for him I would not be sat here now. Were you always football mad as a youngster, or were you handy at any other sports? To be fair, I was pretty good at most sports but it was always football for me. Since I could walk, from the age of one-and-a-half, I was booting the ball around the place. I loved players like Ronaldinho, David Beckham was he was at United, as I supported them growing up. Also Paul Scholes and Ruud van Nistelrooy, but I would still say my biggest inspiration has been my dad. I used to take a football to school every day, and I used to get detention because I couldn’t leave the ball alone. I’d just be kicking it up the corridors to my lessons and into the classrooms. The teachers used to tell me I had to get my head down and study and get my grades, but I would always tell them I wanted to be a football player. It was always Plan A.

You went to Thomas Telford School, where you were coached by Des Lyttle, who played for Swansea City in the early 1990s before becoming a Premier League player with Nottingham Forest. What was he like to be coached by? It’s very rare to come across a school teacher with that sort of experience. I learnt a lot from him and we were a successful side. He would always tell us about examples from his career, how he prepared, his superstitions. I remember he told us once about this lucky pair of pants he always wore on a game day. He still had them and kept them in the changing room, they were stinking and had loads of holes in them. I can tell you I will never be doing that! He did say you were a bit mischievous? I was a little bit, like most kids are at that age, you can be a bit of a lad. I don’t think I was naughty or anything, I was well behaved but I knew when I could have a joke and not get caught! I do remember one with Des where we had a PE day and we were going out to play football. We hid around the corner from the dressing room and he went marching in to tell us to hurry up as he was waiting for us, and we snuck up, closed the door and locked him in. We went out to play and left him there, we had to stay behind after school for two hours because of that! You were scouted and signed by Wolves at the age of eight, how did that come about? I was playing in a tournament in Penkridge, near our home. I didn’t know anything about any scouts being there and it was just a normal Sunday game for me. I think I scored four or five goals, but the scouts were originally watching another game, but my mother and father were cheering me on so much that it attracted one of the scouts to see what was happening. He only saw the last five or 10 minutes, but he went up to my parents after the game and said; ‘please get this kid down to us whenever you can’. His name was Bob Bennett and he has retired now. As I say again, without my parents I would not be where I am today! I went and had a trial – wearing my blue Manchester United shirt with Ronaldo on the back – and I got signed on the back of that and got down to work from there.

The academy was great, Gary Prosser was my academy manager for eight years and was really supportive. He gave me so much confidence, I cannot fault how he was with me in my development. He came out to India during the World Cup in 2017 to support me, and you don’t see too many academy managers doing things like that, hopping on a 15-hour flight to cheer on a young lad. Your first-team breakthrough came under Paul Lambert in 2017, against a Premier League side in Stoke. You were just 16 at the time, did it come as a surprise? It was surreal, every time I look back I feel things have been a blur. I’d only had two or three training sessions with the first team, I didn’t have a spot in the changing room. Then, out of the blue, I got added to the first-team group chat with no real explanation. I thought it was a bit weird and did not know what to make of it. The squad list for the game came out and I didn’t really check it straight away as I did not think I would be in there. I checked it later that night and I had to read it about 20 times before I believed it was my name there and I started shouting and screaming to my mum and dad and sisters. It was such a happy moment, I was delighted to make my debut at such a young age. I came on late on and we grabbed a winner. It was crazy. By the end of that year you were a World Cup winner! It’s just like I said about everything happening so fast, but it’s one of the most special moments in my career so far. We were so young, travelling all that way and experiencing the weather and the culture there. To then actually win it was brilliant. We believed we could win it with the talent we had, but to actually do it was crazy. I worked with Steve Cooper during that time and he was such a great coach for us, his man management was so good in terms of getting the best out of us. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to come here. We showed real character in the final, we were 2-0 down but we never panicked. To be honest, it never felt like we were 2-0 down, we were confident we were going to win the game and we did (5-2).

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Sadly, during the game you were the victim of racist abuse from one of the Spanish players. How did that make you feel? With everything going on in the world right now, does it just show there is so much more to be done to fight racism in football, and in society at large? Obviously, being the colour I am you get that discrimination from people. It was not something new, but it was new in terms of it happening in a game situation against a top team where you would expect that respect would be there. It did not upset me at the time, it motivated me to want to beat them and, within five minutes of it happening, I had scored the equaliser. But there is so much to be done in every sport, in every part of society. We are all human at the end of the day, no-one should be treated differently because of the colour of their skin. The thing that matters is what sort of person you are, and the character you show. It’s the same with sexism, homophobia or anything like that, none of these things are acceptable. We are all human beings. I don’t think it’s fair that racism is still such an issue. So many of us want it to stop, and perhaps it never will, but anything that raises awareness and the more we do to support anti-racism causes can only help. We all have to be strong together, build a sense of unity in society and I believe one day things will get a lot better than they are now. You become a World Cup winner, and by the end of the season you are a Championship winner and a Premier League player? It took a long time for those things to sink in, I think it took me until the second season in the Premier League to properly get my head around it. It’s a lot to take in, but I feel I have dealt with it. I am proud of what I have done so far, but it’s only a small step in my career. I want there to be a lot more to come.

And what do you hope to achieve at Swansea? A number of your former England Under-17 World Cup team-mates had successful spells here. Are you hoping to do the same? I spoke to Rhian (Brewster) about his time down here and he said he loved every minute of it. When I got that sort of feedback and I saw the sort of impact he had down here with the goals he scored, I looked at it and thought maybe I can do that. I am happy to be here and I cannot wait to impress the fans and show them everything I can do. I would love to follow on from what those guys did here because they were a massive part of what went on last season in trying to get back to where we should be. That was one of the main reasons I wanted to come down here, because of their development, and I am hoping I can do the same and help the boys. I want to help Swansea City get back to where they should be. Finally Morgan, how do you relax away from football. Do you have any hobbies or are you obsessed with the game? I am a bit of a football obsessive. I have started to get into golf recently though, I started having lessons a week or two ago after playing for about a year. I love the freedom of walking around a lovely course, Freddie Woodman told me about the courses at Fairwood and Pennard and they are beautiful courses. I play off about 18, I used to struggle with a driver but I’m starting to improve that. I like gaming too, although not too much FIFA after I got robbed in the Premier League invitational last season, I had a box randomly appear in the bottom of the screen and I couldn’t see part of the pitch! I also like Call of Duty, so I do spend a bit of time on that.

I have to pinch myself sometimes, and I do feel a lot older than what I am, to be honest. So much has happened, but I feel it is a good thing because I feel I have grown up a lot because of it and dealt with it. I hope that can benefit Swansea and Wolves.

JACK THE LAD

ainting and decorating duties meant I had to listen to our opening game of the new season at Preston on the radio rather than watching on Swans TV. As I was slapping the paint onto the landing walls, the Radio Wales commentator kept referring to “Swansea City’s new lime green away kit”. Lime green? Now I must admit that back in the distant mists of time, I was told in school I was colour blind because I couldn’t see the hidden numbers in those multi-coloured dot tests they made us do. Having subsequently carefully avoided a career in bomb disposal, or as an electrician, my apparent colour blindness had never caused me a problem and I’d pretty much forgotten about it. So, I was relatively confident that the Swans away kit was in fact a rather nice shade of turquoise. But the commentator’s insistence on referring to “Swansea’s lime green kit” every few minutes, was starting to get me worried as I approached the completion of the first coat. I thought I was painting the walls a rather subtle shade of “sunrise yellow”. Not everyone’s cup of tea I admit, but the landing doesn’t get much natural sunlight!

However, if my colour blindness was so bad that I couldn’t tell turquoise from lime green, was I in fact painting it “Jaffa orange” or some equally gaudy colour, rather than a soothing “sunrise yellow”? You can never really tell what the colour is going to be from some of the weird and wonderful names they come up with for paint these days, but I had thought I was safe with my choice. Now I wasn’t so sure. A quick visit to the Swans’ website allayed my fears. There it was, in simple and unquestionable black and white. “The Jack Army will make a bold statement in a turquoise and raspberry away kit complete with a sharp and vivid design”. Phew! My colour judgment wasn’t as bad as I had started to fear. Talking of black and white. What about that Swans home kit? I know black shorts are a controversial addition for some Swans fans, who would say we should be decked out in all white. But black shorts, of course, are nothing new. If you look back through the club’s history, the team first ran out in black shorts in the 1935-36 season. They have often been used as away game alternatives to white due to colour clashes, but they

were regularly a permanent feature of Swans home kits during the 1950s and 60s. The first home kit featuring black shorts I can remember was the Diversified Products strip from the 1985-86 season which, if I remember correctly, was pretty popular. The most recent version before this season made an appearance in the 2009-2010 campaign, which I have to admit I wasn’t so fond of. But I think this season’s home kit is the nicest we’ve had for many a season. I’d even go as far as saying it’s one of the best we’ve had in the more than 40 years I’ve been supporting the club. As a bit of an old fuddy-duddy, I’m not usually too keen on elaborate patterns on football kits, especially for the Swans. But I do like the black feature on the bottom of the shirts - described as a “sublimated wave design on the shirt and sleeves, paying homage to the city’s coastline” in the club’s official blurb. One of the things I particularly like about the kit is the choice of our new title sponsors. To be perfectly honest, as a traditionalist, if I had my way there would be no main sponsor on the front of shirts.

I genuinely yearn for the days before shirt sponsorship was introduced. During lockdown, prior to live sport returning to TV, I watched countless old episodes of the Big Match and Match of the Day from the 1970s. It was lovely watching matches between teams wearing shirts devoid of advertising. However, I know I am living in the past and shirt sponsorship is a vital part of every club’s income ... even down to grassroots football. I may not be a fan of how shirt advertising looks, but I am a huge fan of what it brings to football clubs and am realistic enough to realise how important it is to the survival of clubs. And if we are to have a shirt sponsor, then I can think of few better than Swansea University. It’s great to see two of Swansea’s greatest and longest-standing institutions joining forces in such a high-profile way.

Both the university and football club have been central to life in Swansea for longer than pretty much anyone can remember. Of course, the Swans celebrated their centenary in successful fashion back in 2012-13 season, when they won the Capital One Cup. The university is currently celebrating its centenary, albeit in a more low-key fashion than it would have wanted due to COVID-19 restrictions. Despite this, it will be fantastic to see one great Swansea institution advertising another around the globe over the coming months. Of course, this isn’t the first collaboration between football club and university and hopefully it won’t be the last. The hook-up also means that the club’s younger fans will be able to wear exactly the same shirts as their heroes out on the pitch, due to the club’s decision to move away from sponsorship by betting companies.

As someone who has enjoyed the occasional flutter (I say ‘enjoy’ despite generally losing money) I’ve nothing against responsible betting. But it’s nice to see the Swans being part of the movement away from football’s growing reliance on betting companies as sponsors,with half of Premier League clubs and 17 out of 24 Championship clubs sponsored by bookmakers. And what better way to do it than teaming up with a hugely respected and award-winning educational establishment right on the club’s doorstep. The partnership can only be beneficial to both parties, and to all the young Swans who can now proudly wear the same shirts as the likes of Roberts, Rodon, Cabango and Ayew . . . whether those shirts are white, turquoise, or even lime green! C’mon you Swans!

LYTTLE BY LYTTLE

“M

y last words to all children leaving Thomas Telford at 16 are to make sure they play football.” When Des Lyttle shared this advice and wisdom with one of his departing pupils, he could not have envisaged the huge strides that this young man would make in such a short space of time. The young pupil in question was a certain Morgan Gibbs-White. Former Swansea City defender Lyttle now works as the director of the football academy at Thomas Telford School in Shropshire, where over 60 players have enrolled before going on to embark on careers in the professional game. H i s ro l e i n vo l ve s n u r t u r i n g promising young players, including those that are part of professional

club academies, as well as those missing out on scholarships. Undoubtedly the most notable player to cross his path was future Swansea loanee Gibbs-White – then progressing through the academy ranks at Wolves. The attacking midfielder, who spent a couple of years under Lyttle’s guidance at Thomas Telford, arrived in South Wales in August with plenty of experience already under his belt when he made the season-long loan move from Wolves. Indeed, within 18 months of leaving school, he had made his senior debut for Wolves in an FA Cup victory over Stoke and won the Under-17s World Cup with England under Steve Cooper – all before his 18th birthday.

Gibbs-White has gone on to make over 30 Premier League appearances for Nuno Espirito S a n t o’ s s i d e , w h o h e a l s o represented in last season’s Europa League. He certainly hit the ground running with the Swans, scoring the winner on his league debut in the 1-0 win at Preston. A nd Lyttle, who made 53 appearances for the Swans during the 1992-93 season, is well aware of the exciting qualities that the 20-year-old can bring to the table for his old club this season. “We could always see Morgan had great talent,” he said. “He’s a footballer who can pick a pass and score a goal and, in and out of possession, he works really hard.

“At school, Morgan was always the player who got on the ball and made things happen. “I think he can do that in the Championship, and hopefully he’ll be a good acquisition and a key player for Swansea. “When he left us, you’d never have known that in just under a year, he’d be playing minutes in the Premier League.

The FA Cup-style competition sees more than 600 schools from across the country compete over 10 rounds for the chance to play at a selected EFL stadium in the final.

“You must usually come through 10 rounds to get to the final and travel all around the country, so there is a real FA Cup feeling about it.

Gibbs-White himself experienced success in the competition, which Lyttle believes proved hugely instrumental in his development.

“Last year, the final was played at The Hawthorns. We’ve also played at Reading, Stoke and Derby. It’s a day that these kids never forget. “ There are normally a few thousand people there watching and it’s a fantastic occasion.

“He’s already travelled the world, experienced different styles of football and played with some fantastic players.

“Morgan has spoken highly about his National Cup experiences with us. “When these academy players play on a Saturday, there isn’t too much on the games. But playing for your school in a national cup is a big thing.

“In Nuno, he has a manager at Wolves that likes him, which helps, but he must have been doing all the right things to impress. “He’s created a name for himself, but playing football week in week out, this will really test him.

“Morgan was in a fantastic group at the time; his age group won the double and he was also part of my under-18 side that won a competition at Cambridge.”

“My last words to all children leaving Thomas Telford at 16 are to make sure they play football.

Like Gibbs-White, Lyttle was just 20 years old when he made the move to South Wales to join Swansea.

“It’s brilliant that Morgan is in and around the first team at Wolves, but this season will be a telling one for him.

The defender began his professional career at Leicester City, before joining non-league Worcester City on a free transfer after failing to make a first-team appearance for the Foxes.

“It’s an opportunity for him to step up. He’s gone to a fantastic club in Swansea, who play the right way, and Steve will be able to guide him along the right track. “If his attitude is right and he has that willingness, I think he could have a fantastic season and it will open the door for him in his career.” Since taking the job in 2013, Lyttle has enjoyed great success with Thomas Telford in the English Schools’ FA National Cup.

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“We have a fantastic intake at Thomas Telford. We have around 40 academy players from Wolves, West Brom, Walsall, Shrewsbury and Port Vale,” he explains. “It’s a given that if they come here, they must play for the school. “The English Schools’ FA National Cup is the main competition we enter and strive for.

An impressive debut season with Worcester alerted several Football League clubs, with newly-promoted Second Division Swansea capturing his signature in July 1992 for a fee of £12,500. “Worcester were a big club in nonleague football and really thriving in those days. There was talk of clubs coming to watch lots of our players,” says Lyttle.

“There was talk that a few clubs were interested, but Swansea put in an offer and I signed for them. “Once a league club comes in for you, it’s a no-brainer. “It was a big move at that time going from non-league back into the Football League, but I still had that belief that I could make the grade and play professional football. “I kept my desire and tried to do things the right way and live like a professional; I think I got my rewards by doing things right.” After making his debut in the 1-0 defeat by Burnley on the opening day of the 1992-93 season, Lyttle made the right-back spot his own under Frank Burrows.

“We were all pulling in the same direction on and off the pitch. Everyone was in it together and I think that’s why we were so successful. “To sample the play-offs in my first full season as a pro was brilliant. The atmosphere for both legs was fantastic. “As you can imagine, everybody was sad and disappointed to lose. I went home to Wolverhampton after the second leg, but I think the bus would have been very quiet. “Everyone was very proud of what we’d achieved, though. “West Brom were a big club at the time and probably with a much bigger budget than ours, so for us to just miss out was a great achievement.”

played one season in the Football League. Then just a couple of days later, I was sitting next to Stuart Pearce, who was England captain at the time, going on Forest’s preseason tour. “I couldn’t believe how things had changed for me over the course of that year.” Lyttle went on to spend six seasons with Forest – helping them gain promotion to the Premier League on two occasions, as well as reaching the UEFA Cup quarterfinals in 1996 before losing to eventual winners Bayern Munich. He also played for Watford and West Brom in the top-flight before finishing his career with spells at Northampton, Forest Green, Worcester and Tamworth.

Once again, Lyttle’s displays drew attention from elsewhere and he eventually joined Nottingham Forest – recently relegated from the top tier – for £375,000 ahead of the 1993-94 campaign.

He appeared 53 times in all competitions as the Swans finished fifth on their return to the third tier, before suffering play-off semi-final heartbreak at the hands of West Bromwich Albion. Despite the disappointing conclusion, Lyttle looks back on the campaign with fond memories. “Frank put his trust in me, and I played pretty much every game that season,” he says. “We had a good bunch of lads who gelled really well. Training was always at a good intensity and we had great camaraderie in the dressing room.

“I came back to pre-season with Swansea and there was talk that a few clubs were interested in me,” he recalls. “A few days after running down the Mumbles and the sand dunes, Frank told me he wanted to see me in his office back at The Vetch. “I thought it was to discuss a new deal because I was out of contract the following year. “But he told me the club had accepted an offer from Nottingham Forest and that they wanted to see me the following day. “My head was spinning because just a year earlier, I was still playing non-league football and I had

The former defender also had brief stints in charge of the latter and Hucknall Town, as well as serving as first-team coach at York City under Gary Mills before embarking on his current role with Thomas Telford. Yet, even with those ties to a number of clubs, Lyttle maintains a soft spot for the Swans. Like most in these parts, he was glued to the TV on the final day of last season as the Swans snatched sixth place in the Championship following their dramatic win at Reading.

H o w e v e r, h e a d m i t s h e experienced mixed emotions when the final whistle blew given the drama saw another of his former clubs miss out. “That evening, I had three of my former clubs playing in West Brom, Forest and Swansea,” he laughs. “I’d just finished playing golf and was sat in the bar flicking through the matches. “People ask me what the first results I look for on a Saturday are, and it’s virtually all of my former clubs.

“I always want Swansea to do well. The goal difference swung in their favour and I was really pleased for them but, at the same time, disappointed that they knocked Forest out of the play-offs!” The Swans narrowly missed out on the play-off final after their 3-2 aggregate defeat by Brentford. But having watched them go agonisingly close last term, Lyttle is hopeful that a return to the Premier League is not too far away for his former club. “Last season was another great one for Swansea,” he said.

“They’ve bounced back from the disappointment of relegation from the Premier League a couple of years ago. “They play great football, which is one thing I always associate with them. They have changed their manager a few times over the years, but they’ve generally seemed to keep the style and identity. “Hopefully, they can kick on from reaching the play-offs last season and maintain that winning mentality and desire to get back to the Premier League.”

HAVE YOU GOT ANY OLD FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES THAT COULD HELP RAISE MONEY FOR CHARITY? Former Swansea City writer for the South Wales Evening Post, John Burgum, is appealing for your old football programmes to include in a catalogue he is producing for a charity sale. He can be reached on 01792 420772 or john.burgum@ntlworld.com

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SWANS ACADEMY BY NIGEL REES

The players have been excellent during the course of the lockdown period and showed a great deal of commitment to their individual training and development.

This is a very frustrating and challenging time for players, parents and coaches, particularly as we were back to being fully operational and with a very happy group of players. The local lockdown guidelines have meant further disruption to the academy environment, but the safety of our players and staff is paramount.

All our players were given individual training plans to work on during the lockdown and we tried to have regular contact via various social media platforms and online meetings. We also established a Facebook page to support players and parents with nutritional information, as well as regular psychology workshops for both players and parents.

ood afternoon everybody/Prynhawn da pawb. This continues to be a very challenging time in terms of the COVID-19 restrictions and, unfortunately, we have had to suspend our training schedule for all players under the age of 16.

The under-23 squad had an excellent season last year and have started this campaign with an emphatic win against Cardiff City in the Professional Development League programme. The players have trained really well over the course of the last week and are in a good position for their upcoming games. This season we will again be working with a young group of players. The squad has changed substantially since last season with a large number of the players making the transition into the first-team environment. The opportunity and challenge is now for our younger players to step up and push for their chance to become first-team players. The improvement of our players during the past two seasons has shown that our development programme is very effective, and that everybody associated within the club and academy is fully committed to achieving our ultimate objective of preparing our players for first-team football. The under-18 squad recently played Cardiff City in the league. This is always an eagerly-awaited fixture and the game was, as always, very competitive. Our young Swans battled throughout the game and showed a great deal of quality during the second half, which resulted in a 3-1 victory. Unfortunately, the squad lost to Bristol City in their last fixture but again our players showed signs of development and, as always, were very committed and hardworking throughout the game. The next game for them sees a trip to Millwall.

The academy programme requires a great deal of dedication, hard work, commitment and sacrifice and I am extremely proud of all the players involved in our academy during this very difficult time. On a personal note, I would like to thank all of my staff during this challenging time. I am very proud of all the dedication shown by everybody associated with the academy programme during the pandemic. The challenges have been unprecedented, but everybody has done their very best to support the players through this process. In the current climate, and as the academy continues to progress and improve, one of the areas we continue to develop is our psychology and nutrition provision. Both programmes are now fully operational within the academy structure and are delivered via player education sessions, parent education sessions and individualised drop-in sessions. This is an area that we have proactively been developing over the last year and we are fortunate to be able to access the expertise that is available to us through our partnership with Swansea University. Hopefully the next few weeks will see a positive step towards our players returning to training and eventually playing games again Enjoy the game this afternoon!

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DATE: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 VENUE: CARDIFF INTERNATIONAL SPORTS STADIUM

CARDIFF CITY WOMEN 0 SWANS LADIES 3 MATCH REPORT S

Swans Ladies: Deanna Lewis, Alicia Powe (Captain), Ellie Lake, Shaunna Jenkins, Ria Hughes, Tija Richardson, Chloe Chivers (Sarah Adams 79), Emma Beynon, Kelly Adams (Jess Williams 87), Katy Hosford, Stacey John-Davis. Subs not used: Gemma Border, Laura Davies, Nieve Jenkins.

extending their advantage again as John-Davis saw her shot from the edge of the area clatter off the woodwork.

wansea City Ladies got their Welsh Premier Women’s League title defence off to a terrific start with a handsome victory away to rivals Cardiff City.

Ian Owen’s side were worthy winners and got themselves into an early lead courtesy of a fine finish from Shaunna Jenkins. The Swans hit the woodwork twice in the first 45 minutes and could have put the game to bed before the half-time whistle. Nevertheless, second-half goals from Stacey JohnDavis and Chloe Chivers ensured the three points went travelling back down the M4 with the Swans. With a TV audience watching a Welsh Premier Women’s League game live for the first time on S4C, Jenkins scored the first goal of the season in style with just one minute on the clock as she found the top-right corner with a sweetly-struck volley. The Swans very nearly doubled their lead just moments later. Tija Richardson was picked out by Chivers’ corner, but could only divert her header wide of the target. Cardiff were struggling to pose any real threat to the visitors’ backline, and the Swans went close to

Cardiff came close to finding the equaliser following a loose pass from Ellie L ake, which allowed Catherine Walsh the chance to find the back of the net. However, the Cardiff player was unable to capitalise as her footwork let her down at the key moment. Katy Hosford became the latest Swans to suffer frustration as she saw her long-distance set-piece bounce back off the crossbar before the break. But the visitors deservedly doubled their lead just before the hour mark as John-Davis stroked the ball into the bottom corner after Chivers fed her through on goal, despite being pressured by Ffion Price. The game was then put beyond Cardiff’s grasp as Chivers was played into a one-on-one situation by a magnificent through ball from Emma Beynon, with the winger keeping her cool to beat Charlotte Hastings in the Cardiff goal. Swansea were totally dominant and John-Davis had a golden chance to make it four, but the striker couldn’t keep her effort down from point-blank range. But it did not prove costly as the Swans claimed the derby day bragging rights.

DATE:

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

VENUE:

OPTIMA STADIUM Swans U23s: Jamie Searle,

BRISTOL CITY U23s 3 SWANS U23s 0 MATCH REPORT S

Harry Jones, Jacob Jones (Josh Thomas, 58), Jake Thomas, Scott Butler, Matthew Blake (capt), Harry Pinchard, Ryan Bevan, Ali Al-Hamadi, Cameron Congreve (Morgan Clarke, 58), Bradley Gibbings. Subs not used: Tyler Evans, Kai Ludvigsen, Erick Kenko.

The Bristol striker doubled his tally 10 minutes into the second half, reacting quickest to slide home after a long throw-in had ricocheted kindly into his path.

wansea City Under-23s suffered their first defeat of the Professional Development League season against Bristol City at the Optima Stadium.

Britton completed his hat-trick 18 minutes from time, controlling a long ball on his chest before combining with Sam Bell and applying the finishing touch.

Louis Britton’s hat-trick did the damage against a youthful Swansea, whose matchday squad consisted of 15 teenagers with skipper Matthew Blake the only player aged 20 or above.

“We’re disappointed with how we played with the ball, we fell into their trap a little bit,” said Grey.

Coach Jon Grey made seven changes to the team that began the 5-1 rout of Cardiff City, handing debuts to first-year scholars Harry Jones and Harry Pinchard, as well as new signing Jamie Searle in goal. There was also a first start at this level for 16-yearold Cameron Congreve, while first-year pros Jacob Jones, Ali Al-Hamadi and Bradley Gibbings were all recalled. Both sides had chances during a fairly even first half, but it was the hosts who took the lead just before the break when Britton beat Searle.

“But we’re more disappointed with how we defended. Wherever these young players end up in their careers, they will have to deal with direct play at some point. That’s something we have to address going forward. “On a positive note, we were in the game for a long period with a very young team, predominantly made up of 17 and 18-year-olds. Our teams are getting younger all the time, which is what we’re trying to do. “It was a tough day, but it will be a great learning experience for the boys.”

Home Kit 20-21 Buy now online at swanseacity.com 46

oe Rodon has been named Swansea City ’s PFA

“It’s very important to be humble and remember where you’re

Community Player of the Year for the 2019-20 season

from.

by the club’s Community Trust.

The defender, who has been with the Swans since he was eight years old, was presented with the award, which recognises his support for the local community over the past season. Rodon is the second consecutive Swansea academy graduate to receive the award, after Connor Roberts was nominated for the accolade for the 2018-19 season. Back in March, Rodon embarked on a surprise visit to his old school – Llangyfelach Primary School – as part of the Trust’s Premier League Primary Stars programme. During the visit, the centre-half participated in a Q&A with the children, answering questions on his inspirations, lifestyle, and current ambitions. He also spent time with the school’s ‘Happy Healthy Helpers’, learning about some of their ongoing health projects. A local boy who achieved his dream of playing for the Swans and Wales, Rodon is hopeful his visit has inspired the children to follow their own dreams. “I’ ve learnt that it’s always great to give back to the community,” he said.

“The club means a lot to the fans around Swansea, so it’s always nice to give back and interact with them. “Going back to my old school really hit home. It was the first time I’d been back there in about nine years. “Obviously, I used to sit there in the classroom with no idea of where I would be today. “Hopefully, the kids saw that I’ve gone from sitting in that classroom to working my way through the Swans Academy and playing for my hometown club and country, and it will inspire some of them to try to go on and do the same.” Helen Elton, head of community at Swansea City’s Community Trust, added: “ The Community Trust really values the contribution that players make to our work and to the local community. “They can be inspirational figures for young people and Joe, as a local person, is certainly that. “He has shown himself keen to give back to the community he came from. “So, we were delighted to give him this award as our Community Player of the Year for the 2019-20 season.”

MAIN PARTNERS

CLUB PARTNERS

OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS

PLAYER SPONSORS 20-21 FREDDIE WOODMAN

STEVEN BENDA

JOE RODON

BEN CABANGO

MARC GUEHI

KYLE NAUGHTON

CONNOR ROBERTS

JAKE BIDWELL

MATT GRIMES

KOREY SMITH

JAY FULTON

YAN DHANDA

MORGAN GIBBS-WHITE

JORDON GARRICK

WAYNE ROUTLEDGE

JAMAL LOWE

ANDRE AYEW

LIAM CULLEN

CALL 01792 616 624 OR

EMAIL L.MERRELLS@SWANSEACITY.COM FOR AVAILABILITY 51

SEASON 2020-21

Match Statistics

Key

Goal =

Captain =

Sub = 2 (number denotes player replaced)

FIXTURE

DATE

TEAM

Newport County (CC R2) A L 2-0

Sat, Sep 5, 3pm

Woodman

Routledge 3

Naughton

Rodon

Fulton

Bidwell 1

Preston North End A W 0-1

Sat, Sep 12, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Rodon

Guehi

Bidwell

Birmingham City H D 0-0

Sat, Sep 19, 3pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Rodon

Guehi

Bidwell

Waycombe Wanderers A W 0-2

Sat, Sep 26, 12.30pm

Woodman

Roberts

Cabango

Rodon

Guehi

Bidwell

Millwall H

Sat, Oct 3, 3pm

Huddersfield Town H

Sat, Oct 17, 3pm

Coventry City A

Tue, Oct 20, 7.45pm

Bristol City A

Sat, Oct 24, 3pm

Stoke City H

Tue, Oct 27, 7.45pm

Blackburn Rovers H

Sat, Oct 31, 3pm

Brentford A

Tue, Nov 3, 7.45pm

Norwich City A

Sat, Nov 7, 3pm

Rotherham United H

Sat, Nov 21, 3pm

Sheffield Wednesday A

Wed, Nov 25, 7.45pm

Nottingham Forest H

Sat, Nov 28, 3pm

Middlesbrough A

Wed, Dec 2, 7.45pm

Luton Town H

Sat, Dec 5, 3pm

A.F.C. Bournemouth H

Tue, Dec 8, 7.45pm

Cardiff City A

Sat, Dec 12, 3pm

Derby County A

Wed, Dec 16, 7.45pm

Barnsley H

Sat, Dec 19, 3pm

Queens Park Rangers A

Sat, Dec 26, 3pm

Reading H

Tue, Dec 29, 7.45pm

Watford H

Sat, Jan 2, 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

Booked =

Sent off =

Carabao Cup = CC

FA Cup = FA

Correct as of September 30, 2020

SUBSTITUTES Grimes

Smith 2

Gibbs-White

Grimes

Smith

Gibbs-White

Grimes

Smith

Grimes

Smith

Benda, Rushesha, Evans, Williams, Dhanda 2, Peterson 3, Asoro 1

Lowe

Ayew

Lowe 2

Ayew

Benda, Naughton, Fulton 1, Dhanda, Routledge 2, Peterson, Cullen

Gibbs-White

Lowe 1

Ayew

Benda, Naughton, Fulton, Dhanda, Routledge, Peterson, Cullen 1

Gibbs-White 1

Lowe

Ayew

Benda, Naughton, Fulton 1, Dhanda, Routledge, Peterson, Cullen 2

CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE 20-21 POS TEAM

*Sheffield Wednesday deducted 12 points subject to appeal.

W D L

GD PTS

Bristol City

Reading

Swansea City

Bournemouth

Watford

Blackburn Rovers

Luton Town

Birmingham City

Millwall

Brentford

Queens Park Rangers

Coventry City

Norwich City

Rotherham United

Stoke City

-1

Cardiff City

-1

Huddersfield Town

-3

Middlesbrough

-1

Preston North End

-2

Barnsley

-3

Nottingham Forest

-5

Derby County

-7

Wycombe Wanderers

-8

Sheffield Wednesday *

-8

UPCOMING FIXTURES HUDDERSFIELD TOWN (H) Saturday, Oct 17, 3pm

COVENTRY CITY (A)

Tuesday, Oct 20, 7.45pm

BRISTOL CITY (A)

Saturday, Oct 24, 3pm

STOKE CITY (H)

Tuesday, Oct 27, 7.45pm

BLACKBURN ROVERS (H)

Saturday, Oct 31, 3pm

Correct as of September 30, 2020

NEXT UP AT HOME - HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

uddersfield have endured a difficult start to the 2020-21 season, losing their opening two Championship games, but bounced back with a win over Nottingham Forest. The Yorkshire side struggled for form following their return from lockdown at the end of last term. Just two wins from their final nine games meant they had to settle for an 18th-place finish. A Premier League outfit just over a year ago after gaining promotion as Championship play-off winners in 2017, this is the Terriersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; second season back in the second tier and they will be desperate for improvement.

Having last beaten Swansea in November 2007, the Terriers - who now have Carlos Corberan in charge - are eyeing their first victory in this fixture in six attempts.

16 SWANS

24 HUDDERSFIELD

16 DRAWS 56 PAST MEETINGS

FO OTBA

L L

CL UB

MILL W

SQUAD LIST 1885

HEAD COACH: STEVE COOPER Freddie Woodman Joe Rodon Marc Guéhi Jay Fulton Korey Smith Matt Grimes Jamal Lowe André Ayew Morgan Gibbs-White Steven Benda Wayne Routledge Kristoffer Peterson Liam Cullen Yan Dhanda Connor Roberts Jake Bidwell Kyle Naughton George Byers Tivonge Rushesha Oli Cooper Daniel Williams Cameron Evans Jordon Garrick Lewis Webb Ben Cabango

1 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 20 21 23 24 26 28 30 31 37 38 41 42 44

MANAGER: GARY ROWETT 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 32 33 35 41

Frank Fielding Murray Wallace Shaun Hutchinson Jake Cooper Shaun Williams Jed Wallace Ben Thompson Tom Bradshaw Matt Smith Shane Ferguson Mahlon Romeo Scott Malone Alex Pearce James Brown Ryan Leonard Ryan Woods Mason Bennett Connor Mahoney Jón Daði Böðvarsson Billy Mitchell Troy Parrott Jiří Skalák Junior Tiensia Tyler Burey Bartosz Bialkowski Hayden Muller Joe Wright

MATCH OFFICIALS REFEREE: STEPHEN MARTIN ASSISTANT REFEREES: MARK POTTAGE AND LEE VENAMORE FOURTH OFFICIAL: BHUPINDER GILL

Swansea City v Millwall - 20-21 Season - Issue 2

Articles inside

Q&A with Morgan Gibbs-White

Match Reports

A Century of League Football