Swansea City v Sheffield United – Championship Match – 21-22

SEASON 2021-2022

VERSUS

SHEFFIELD UNITED Saturday, August 14, 2021 - Kick-off 8pm

ISSUE 2

JOMA-SPORT.COM PAGE 2

CONTENTS Page 15 - Swansea City Foundation

Page 16 - Meet the Opposition

Page 21 - Match Highlights

Page 32 - Interview with Russell Martin

Page 52 - Former Players’ Association

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

STUDY STUDY AT AT ASTUDIWCH YM SWANSEA MHRIFYSGOL SWANSEA UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY ABERTAWE WHERE BRIGHT FUTURES BEGIN

WHERE BRIGHT FUTURES BEGIN DISCOVER MORE DISCOVER

MORE >

DRWS I DDYFODOL DISGLAIR DYSGWCH FWY

TEACHING EXCELLENCE & STUDENT OUTCOMES FRAMEWORK

FFRAMWAITH RHAGORIAETH TEACHING EXCELLENCE & &STUDENT DEILLIANNAU MYFYRWYR OUTCOMES FRAMEWORK

(The highest award for Teaching Excellence at UK universities)

(Y dyfarniad uchaf am Ragoriaeth Addysgu ym mhrifysgolion y DU)

(The highest award for Teaching Excellence at UK universities)

Chief Executive Julian Winter Board Of Directors Directors: Romie Chaudhari, Bobby Hernreich, Huw Jenkins, Jason Levien, Martin Morgan, Gareth Davies, Julian Winter, Jake Silverstein, Terry Sinnett, Sam Porter Honorary Club President: Alan Curtis; Associate Directors: David Morgan, Sian Davies Team Management Head Coach: Russell Martin Assistant Head Coach: Luke Williams Behind the Team Technical Development Coach: Matt Gill First-Team Coach: Alan Tate Goalkeeping Coach: Dean Thorntan Head of Physical Performance: Matt Willmott Head of Medicine: Dr Jez McCluskey First-Team Performance Analyst: Ben Parker Sporting Director: Mark Allen Head of Recruitment: Andy Scott Staff: Ritson Lloyd, Ailsa Jones, Matthew Murray, Adele Callaghan, Daniel Morris, Lee Watkins, Chris Watkins, Tom Jenkinson, 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)

Programme Production Contributors: Ben Donovan, Ian Mitchelmore Chris Wilson-Barney, Andrew Gwilym, Sophie Davis, Rachael Tucker, Efan Willis, Julie Kissick, Gwyn Rees

Club Staff Club Secretary: Ben Greenwood Assistant Football Secretary: Rebecca Gigg Head of Retail: Andrea Morris Head of Hospitality & Customer Services: Catherine Thomas Head of Safeguarding: Rebeca Storer HR Manager: Nicola Butt Senior Commercial Sponsorship Manager: Lee Merrells Commercial Marketing Manager: Katie Hughes Head of Media & Communications: Ben Donovan Media Manager: Chris Wilson-Barney Ticket Office Manager: Luke Hughes Operations & Events Manager: Matthew Daniel Facilities Manager: Gordon David Grounds Manager: Evan Davies Disability Access Officer: Catherine Thomas Community Trust Manager: Helen Elton Club Ambassador: Lee Trundle

Designers: Callum Rothwell, Jordan Morcom, Lewis Ward Photography: Athena Picture Agency, Natalie Davis, PA, REX Swansea City AFC Swansea.com Stadium, Landore, Swansea, SA10 2FA CP-D Dinas Abertawe Stadiwm Swansea.com, Landore, Abertawe, SA1 2FA Telephone/Ffôn: 01792 616400 Web/Gwe: swanseacity.com Email/E-bost: info@swanseacity.com

Home Kit 2021-2022 Available in-store and online Visit swanseacity.com PAGE 6

A MESSAGE FROM

JULIAN WINTER G

ood evening and welcome back to the Swansea. com Stadium for our first home game of the new season.

Tonight will see supporters back in numbers for the first time since March 2020 and everyone connected to the club is excited about that prospect. As I’ve mentioned many times previously, the supporters are the lifeblood of the game we love and in recent weeks we have all seen the difference that they can make to an atmosphere inside stadiums. In my last programme notes when we played Southampton I spoke about our search for a new head coach, which was swiftly followed the next day with the appointment of Russell Martin and his backroom staff. I’d like to take this opportunity to wish Russell, his staff and all the players a warm welcome to the Swansea.com Stadium in what promises to be an electric atmosphere in front of the live Sky Sports cameras. It was evident last weekend at B l a c k b u r n t h e st y l e t h at Russell wants to implement and, while we didn’t get the result we wanted, there were so many positives to take in terms of our identity.

That was followed up with an excellent win in midweek against Reading in the Carabao Cup, which saw several youngsters make their debuts for the club. We are a club that will continue to give young players an opportunity and it was extremely pleasing to watch how they handled themselves and rose to the occasion. We have bolstered the squad recently with the arrivals of Flynn Downes and Jamie Paterson, and both players have settled in really well. Supporters may also have noted the appointment of Mark Allen as sporting director. The role has been a natural evolution in football over many years and during my 10 months at the club it has been clear that this was an area that needed due care and attention. Ownership and the board wanted to establish a joinedup ethos across the club and it made perfect sense for Mark to make the step up. I firmly believe that he and Andy Scott will have an excellent working relationship with Russell and his football staff, as well as with all the other football departments. A s a club we have rec ently launched our Former Players’ A ssociation, which is very pleasing. The FPA will exist to

reunite colleagues and friends, provide support, including social and welfare, and raise funds. It will facilitate social activities as well as fundraising events and provide opportunities for explayers, both men and women, to attend matches and meet other ex-players. As well as this, the Community Trust has been rebranded into the Swansea City AFC Foundation. It is hoped the rebrand and relaunch will help raise the profile and awareness of the many projects and initiatives delivered within our community, and Andrew Rhodes has been appointed as the new chair with Leigh Dineen stepping down. Leigh has done a great job over eight years and we thank him for his vital contribution. Finally, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to the management, players, staff and directors from Sheffield United who have made the trip to Wales for today’s game. As always, we thank you for your continued support. Enjoy the game, Julian

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A MESSAGE FROM

RUSSELL MARTIN

ood evening and welcome to the Swansea.com Stadium for our first home fixture of the season against Sheffield United. I know this is the first time in nearly 18 months this stadium has been close to full capacity, and we want to mark the occasion by delivering a performanc e that will make you feel proud and connected with our team. I loved playing in this stadium during my career, I had some good days and not so good days. I can remember losing 3-0 here in a game in which Tamas Priskin scored, and how incredible that atmo sphere was. It was brilliant, I know it will be the same tonight. My staff and I have been overwhelmed by the messages of support we have received from you all since our arrival at Swansea City, and we were blown away by the tremendous voc al backing you gave the boys at Blackburn and Reading.

I was told by a number of people who had been at the club before about the level of support the fans give the team, and it’s been incredible to experience it myself.

Football is not the same without fans, it’s not really football. We were grateful to keep working last season, but having fans back will bring that adrenaline rush and buzz we all love.

To see you travel in such large numbers and make so much n o i s e fo r t h e t e a m i s t r u l y humbling. I can tell you that when my staff and I looked up into the away end at Reading in midweek we were left in no doubt; we have to make this work.

We know the fans here buy into the way we want to play, and we want to give you performances that match your emotional investment in the team.

The sort of support we received is not normal, nor is it taken for granted. My brothers were in the away end, they thought it was fantastic and are already planning to come to more games. Our goal is to deliver a team that lives up to the best traditions of what this football club is about. We want you to enjoy and be excited by this team. You have a huge role to play, if we are going to look to dominate games with the ball then we are going to need you, because you can give the team so much energy.

The players have really embraced what we want to do. Even when we had moments of discomfort at Blackburn, they never buckled or shied away from the challenge and came so close to getting something out of the game. This will be another test against a side who were in the Premier League last season. We feel we made progress in midweek and I hope, with you behind us tonight, we will be ready to take another step forward. Enjoy the game, Russell.

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A MESSAGE FROM

MATT GRIMES

ood evening Jack Army and welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for today ’s game against Sheffield United.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Steve and his coaching staff for their efforts during the two years they spent with us and wish them well for the future.

There were a few moments where you may have been on the edge of your seat a little bit but it’s the way we want to play, it’s the ‘Swansea Way’, and it’s encouraging.

Tonight will see us host a large scale crowd for the first time since March 7, 2020, and I know I speak for every one of the lads when I say we’ve missed you so much.

But we have a new head coach in place now and Russell and his staff have been great since they walked into the building a fortnight ago.

We have such a tight group here and they’ve really taken to what the gaffer is saying already. The only way is up and we’re only going to get better.

Your support for the club has been incredible and, even with the games we’ve played with limited numbers of fans, you’ve sounded like a full crowd and for that the players are very appreciative. Hopefully tonight we can give you something to cheer about because I know how much you’ve all been wanting to get back inside the stadium and roar the lads on. It has, of course, been a busy summer for the club in terms of the change of head coach and some of the backroom staff. It is part and parcel of football and our job as players is to knuckle down and get to work the way we know how, and that’s winning games and playing exciting, attractive football.

It wasn’t easy for them to join the club with less than a week to go before the start of the new season but training has been of a really high standard, with a great tempo, and all the squad are working hard every day to buy into what the manager wants us to do. Although it was disappointing to lose our first league game at Blackburn, we had only had three days of training with the new manager and his staff so there was plenty to work on but also lots of positives to take from the game, too. It was apparent from the off that there was a clear identity there and I feel like that was evident in the game.

I t wa s t h e n r e a l l y p l e a s i n g for us to kick on and get the vic tor y over R e ading in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night. I thought we played some really good football, controlled the game and could have scored a few more. It was also great to see some of the young players feature for the first time and I thought they all acquitted themselves extremely well. It was great to see so many Swansea fans backing us at both Blackburn and Reading, so we will aiming to give you plenty to cheer about tonight. Enjoy the game, Matt

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A MESSAGE FR M

TERRY SINNETT ALL CHANGE! Welcome back Jack Army to the Swansea.com Stadium for our first home game of the season. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a large crowd at a match and everyone is looking forward to tonight’s game under the lights. J uly s aw S teve C ooper and his coaching team depart the club. Reaching the play-offs and the play-off final in his two seasons in charge was some achievement and the envy of many other clubs. We wish Steve and his former staff the very best in their future careers. Russell Martin has succeeded Steve, and his arrival has stirred up plenty of excitement. His football philosophy promises a return to the famous ‘Swansea Way’ introduced by Roberto Martinez. Patience is the watchword, and everyone wishes Russell, his coaching staff and the players the very best for a successful season. We have also seen the departure of several players who have played major roles in our recent and not so recent past.

Club legend Nathan Dyer has decided to hang up his boots. Nathan played a major role in getting us into - and keeping us in - the Premier League for seven seasons. We wish Nathan all the very best for his future. We still await news about the future of another recent legend, Wayne Routledge.

for re-election. Both will continue t o s u p p o r t t h e Tr u s t g o i n g forward and we thank them for their unstinting work and service over many years. They will be missed but we move on. We have welcomed new board members Chris Golledge, Howard Corder, Carys Ingram, Nick Phillips and Howell Williams onto the team.

Andre Ayew, Marc Guehi, Freddie Woodman, Conor Hourihane, Keiron Freeman, Declan John and Barrie McKay all departed this summer and we thank them all for their efforts in our shirt and wish them well wherever life takes them.

The Trust has entered its 20th Anniversary year and membership renewal, or joining for the first time, can easily be done via our website at www.swanstrust.co.uk.

We have seen the arrivals of Liam Walsh, Kyle Joseph, Joel Piroe, Jamie Paterson and Flynn Downes to the club – we welcome them as Jacks and look forward to seeing them doing their stuff on the field. As Russell Martin has indicated, the squad is in transition, and we look forward to seeing further additions to the squad before the end of this transfer window.

Saturday ’s first game of the season at Blackburn resulted in a disappointing loss, but tonight we welcome Sheffield United to SA1 and hope to record our first league win of the season. It will be a tough game and in their ranks are two recent heroes of the Jack Army, Oli McBurnie and Rhian Brewster. Both players did well in their time here and we wish them well - but not tonight! Enjoy the game.

July saw the Trust hold its annual election of board members. Longstanding supporter director Stuart McDonald and last season’s chair Andy Godden decided not to stand

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he Swansea City AFC Community Trust has been relaunched and rebranded as the Swansea City AFC Foundation. The move, which came into effect from Friday, August 13, is designed to increase the prominence and strengthen the identity of the club’s charitable arm. Many supporters will have heard of the Trust’s grant giving project, SwansAid, some will have attended their popular soccer camps, others will have come across their work in school or youth settings. Maybe you were aware of the Trust from walking football or inclusion sessions? But it is just as possible that you are not aware of the work the Trust didin our community, even if you have utilised their projects or services. While the Trust has existed for 15 years, working as the club’s registered charity during that time, and has have worked with many thousands of people, there are many supporters who might not be aware of the valuable work undertaken by the organisation and its staff. So, it is hoped with this rebrand and a short, easily recognisable name, that the club and Foundation can begin to more effectively spread the word about the work that is being done when it comes to inclusion, education and youth engagement.

“There are a number of reasons behind the move to rename and relaunch as the new Swansea City AFC Foundation,” said Helen Elton, head of the Foundation. “ We felt the old name was somewhat long and unwieldy, and when abbreviated was often confused with other organisations. “We wanted to have a name and identity that is firmly ours. We hope this will mark a new beginning for us as a charity. “We will continue as the same team seeking to deliver brilliant projects that benefit Swansea; the city and our wider community. “But we hope this move will ensure it is easier to stand out and increase recognition of so much of the good work that goes on behind the scenes within the Foundation. “We will be looking to refresh our image and use this as a launchpad for expanding our reach and introducing more projects. “You will also notice some changes in our section of the club website, and we will be seeking to further expand on the updates, stories and case studies that reflect and promote the work we do.” “Having previously held a number of community roles within the football industry, I can attest to the excellent work that is done by our

charitable arm here at Swansea City,” said Swansea City chief executive Julian Winter. “As a club we are proud to sit and serve at the heart of our community, and Helen Elton and her team do an outstanding job in delivering a number of projects that provide a tangible and lasting benefit within Swansea and the surrounding area. “ We hope this launch of the Swansea City AFC Foundation will provide the impetus to increase the spotlight on the work that is so often done behind the scenes, and to help raise greater awareness of their efforts and initiatives that are available to so many within our community.” Yo u c a n s t i l l c u r r e n t l y c o n t a c t t h e F o u n d at i o n o n info@scfccommunitytrust.co.uk. All email address will change, but everything will be forwarded on to the new contact points, so none of your suggestions will be lost. Information regarding updated contact details and social media channels will be issued in due course. We are all really excited to launch the Swansea City AFC Foundation, and we hope it is a name the fans can get behind and will be hearing a lot more from.

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The Blades

1889

Bramall Lane

1855

32,050

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Jokanović was named as the Blades’ new boss in May, for what will be his third job in English football.

The Serb has managed in seven countries over the course of 14 years. He began his coaching in his home country of Serbia, where he managed Partizan, before taking over clubs in Thailand, Bulgaria, Spain, England (Watford and Fulham), Israel and Qatar. He has won five trophies, along with leading Fulham to Premier League promotion. A physically imposing midfielder, his 18-year playing career saw him play in Serbia, Spain and England, spending two seasons with Chelsea.

Billy Sharp began his career in the Sheffield United academy in 2004. Since leaving the club in 2005, he has returned to the Blades on two separate occasions - in 2007 and 2015. Sharp made history in 2019 when he scored his 220th professional goal, making him the highest-scoring English-born player in English professional football this century. Just a month later, Sharp bagged his 100th goal for the Blades in a 3-3 draw against Aston Villa.

He has three promotions to his name – two with the Blades and one with Southampton.

BRAMALL LANE MEET THE OPPOSITION

HOW’S THEIR FORM?

A side steeped in history, Sheffield United were crowned champions of the Football League in 1899, and have won the FA Cup on four occasions - in 1899, 1902, 1915, and 1925.

Sheffield United had a season to forget in 202021, losing 29 games on their way back down to the Championship.

After over a decade of top-flight football, they were relegated to the Championship in 2004, once again in 2007, and spent six seasons in League One before finally tasting Premier League football again in 2019. They finished ninth in their first season back, but their second campaign ended with them finishing bottom.

The Blades lost 8 of their last eleven fixtures last term, and started the new season with a home defeat to Birmingham City. However, they bounced back in midweek with a 1-0 win over Carlisle in the Carabao Cup, with Rhian Brewster scoring his first goal for the club.

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ander Berge arrived on British shores in 2020 for a then-club record fee of £20.7m.

A player many considered to be a high-ceiling prospect at Genk, due to his physical profile (he stands 6ft 5in as a central midfielder), on-ball intelligence, and ability to control the tempo of a game, the Norwegian has shown flashes of the skill his record price tag demanded. Last season, however, proved to be a miserable affair for Berge; he picked up a hamstring injury which kept him sidelined for three months, and in the games that he did play, the Blades failed to register a win. Despite this, hopes are high that the young talent can lead his team back to winning ways in the Championship this season, although he has been linked with a move away.

RHIAN BREWSTER POSITION

NATION

AGE

SHIRT NO.

21 7

he striker bec ame an inst ant hit amongst Swans fans during a loan spell from Liverpool in the second half of the 2019-20 season. After three appearances for Liverpool, Brewster scored 11 times in 22 appearances as he helped the Swans reach the Championship play-offs. He netted his first pro goal in a 2-1 home win over Wigan, while his 35-yard strike opened the scoring in a memorable victory at Reading that booked the Swans’ play-off spot. Brewster became the Blades’ record signing last summer, but failed to score in his 27 Premier League appearances as United were relegated.

OLI McBURNIE POSITION

NATION

AGE

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player well known to the Swans, McBurnie is entering his third season with the Blades.

He struck six goals in his maiden season at Bramall Lane as the Blades finished ninth in the top-flight, but managed just one goal as the next campaign ended in relegation, while he missed Scotland’s squad at Euro 2020 due to injury. A big fan favourite at the Liberty, he scored 26 goals in 62 games for the Swans after joining the club from Bradford City in 2015. He also spent time on loan at Newport County, Bristol Rovers and Barnsley during his time in SA1.

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WATCH HIGHLIGHTS

SWANS 1 SOUTHAMPTON 3 SWANSEA CITY ROUNDED OFF THEIR PRE-SEASON CAMPAIGN WITH DEFEAT TO SOUTHAMPTON ON HOME TURF.

TEAM LINEUPS Swans: Steven Benda; Kyle Naughton, Ryan Bennett (captain) (Scott Butler 90), Ben Cabango, Jake Bidwell (Lincoln Mcfayden 90); Korey Smith (Ollie Cooper 75), Liam Walsh (Dan Williams 32), Yan Dhanda (Ben Lloyd 84); Morgan Whittaker (Joel Piroe 60), Liam Cullen (Kyle Joseph 84), Jamal Lowe. Subs not used: Ben Hamer. Southampton: Alex McCarthy; Kyle Walker-Peters (Yan Valery 60), Oriol Romeu (captain) (Ibrahima Diallo 46), Shane Long (Michael Obafemi 60), Che Adams (Danny Ings 60), Nathan Redmond (Mohamed Elyounoussi 60), Stuart Armstrong (Ryan Finnigan 73), Moussa Djenepo (Romain Perraud 60), Mohamed Salisu (Jack Stephens 60), Nathan Tella (Theo Walcott 60). Jan Bednarek (Oludare Olufunwa 81). Subs not used: Harry Lewis, Fraser Forster. Attendance: 5,091

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WATCH HIGHLIGHTS

BLACKBURN ROVERS 2 SWANS 1 JAMIE PATERSON MARKED HIS DEBUT WITH A GOAL BUT IT WAS NOT ENOUGH TO SEE SWANSEA CITY PICK UP A POINT IN RUSSELL MARTIN’S FIRST GAME IN CHARGE AT EWOOD PARK.

TEAM LINEUPS Blackburn Rovers: Thomas Kaminski, Ryan Nyambe, Harry Pickering, Daniel Ayala, Joe Rothwell, Sam Gallagher (Jacob Davenport 72), Tyrhys Dolan (Hayden Carter 84), John Buckley (Danny Butterworth 80), Ben Brereton Diaz, Darragh Lenihan (captain), Lewis Travis. Subs not used: Connor McBride, Jake Garrett, Tyler Magloire, Jordan Eastham. Swans: Steven Benda; Ben Cabango, Ryan Bennett, Joel Latibeaudiere; Kyle Naughton, Korey Smith (Yan Dhanda 56), Jamie Paterson, Matt Grimes (captain), Jake Bidwell; Jamal Lowe, Liam Cullen (Morgan Whittaker 87). Subs not used: Nico Defreitas-Hansen, Lincoln Mcfayden, Brandon Cooper, Ollie Cooper, Kyle Joseph. Attendance: 10,620 (908 away)

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WATCH HIGHLIGHTS

READING 0 SWANS 3 SWANSEA CITY BOOKED THEIR PLACE IN THE SECOND ROUND OF THE CARABAO CUP AND GAVE RUSSELL MARTIN HIS FIRST WIN AS HEAD COACH WITH A DOMINANT SHOWING AT READING.

TEAM LINEUPS Reading: Luke Southwood, Tom Holmes (captain), Tom McIntyre (Michael Stickland 46), Dejan Tetek, Mamadi Camara, Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan (Jahmari Clarke 55), Claudio Osorio, Kian Leavy (Ethan Bristow 65), Lynford Sackey, Nelson Abbey, George Puscas. Subs not used: Conan Boyce-Clarke, Imari Samuels, Benjamin Purcell, Jack Senga. Swans: Steven Benda; Ben Cabango, Brandon Cooper, Joel Latibeaudiere; Kyle Naughton (Kyle Joseph 65), Dan Williams, Yan Dhanda, Matt Grimes (captain) (Ryan Manning 65), Jake Bidwell (Lincoln Mcfayden 65); Morgan Whittaker, Joel Piroe. Subs not used: Nico Defreitas-Hansen, Jamal Lowe, Liam Cullen, Ben Lloyd.

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STILETTOS AND STUDS BY JULIE KISSICK

ootball in front of fans is BACK. What a relief and, for some no doubt, what a change in terms of being exposed to the new normal of mixing again, being in a crowd and being able to see sport live.

Being physically present offers us that level of escapism and solace we all need and have craved over the last 18 months, and for the players it is bound to be a real boost to see supporters again.

If you are at the game tonight, or if you’re watching it on television or listening on the radio, I hope you are greeting the first home game of the season with real enthusiasm and a renewed sense of optimism.

Clearly, it will take the new coaching setup time to implement their philosophy and they and the players need to be given that, but early indications are good and there appears to be a lot to look forward to as we head into the new season.

Take things at your own pace. Many will have a very real concern about being back among the masses. That’s also normal. On the pitch, we are in new head coach territory again. It has been encouraging to see Russell Martin and his backroom team settle in so well in the couple of weeks they have been with us and to see the players respond so swiftly to what he is trying to do. I am sure we all wish him and his young family a speedy transition as they start life in Swansea, and the same goes for the rest of his team who will also have uprooted themselves at short notice. Fortunately, we’re a friendly bunch here. The gaffer’s interviews have been a joy to listen to and I am excited to see what he does with our squad. If ever there was a time when we need positivity and something to focus on it is now. It has been a pretty awful time for most of us in one way or another as a result of Covid-19 and live football has a habit of being able to take us away from whatever is troubling us.

Today we welcome back a familiar and muchloved face in the form of Oli McBurnie, the ex-player who will always be ‘one of our own’. Imagine being in the position where you return to a club you hold so dear while wearing the shirt of the opposition. I’m sure he’ll have a great welcome, as will Rhian Brewster. Both men earned their moves to Sheffield United on the back of prolific seasons with the Swans – McBurnie netting 24 goals in the season before his departure and Brewster 11 while on loan from Liverpool a year later. Football is a funny old game, isn’t it? It is never easy seeing a fans’ favourite in different colours but it happens with regularity. It will add something to the experience this evening. Stay safe Jacks. Enjoy the game and let’s hope this is the first of many star-studded displays from Russell Martin’s black and white army.

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ASTUDIA YM MHRIFYSGOL ABERTAWE DRWS I DDYFODOL DISGLAIR DYSGWCH FWY

FFRAMWAITH RHAGORIAETH & DEILLIANNAU MYFYRWYR PAGE 28

(Y dyfarniad uchaf am Ragoriaeth Addysgu ym mhrifysgolion y DU)

WELSH COLUMN BY IAN MITCHELLMORE

roeso ‘nôl i’r Stadiwm Liberty... wel, yr Stadiwm Swansea.com! Mae cyfnod hir wedi mynd heibio ers i’r cefnogwyr llenwi’r stadiwm mewn gêm gystadleuol yma.

Roedd yna nifer o arwyddion cadarnhaol yn y golled i Blackburn yn Ewood Park y penwythnos diwethaf, ond, yn anffodus, profodd camgymeriadau yn gostus yn y diwedd.

Ond, ar ôl haf brysur ac - ar adegau cythryblus, bydd Abertawe yn chwarae o flaen torf sy’n cosi i roi croeso swnllyd i Russell Martin ar ôl yr gemau oddi gartref yn erbyn Blackburn Rovers a Reading.

Ond cafodd Martin ei fuddugoliaeth gyntaf fel rheolwr Abertawe mewn ffasiwn emphatig ar nos Fawrth.

Mae angen cydnabod bod Steve Cooper a’i staff hyfforddi wedi gwneud gwaith aruthrol yn ystod eu dau dymor yn y clwb cyn gadael dros yr haf. Yn anffodus, roedd yr cam olaf yn rhy mawr i’r Elyrch o dan arweiniad Cooper, ond gwnaed llawer o waith trawiadol yn ystod y ddau tymor diwethaf. Ond mae oes newydd bellach ar ein gwarthaf. Ac ar ôl croesawu’r cefnogwyr yn ôl i’r stadiwn, mae angen croesawu Martin i’r clwb. Mae o’n cyrraedd gyda digon o ddisgwyliadau ar ei ysgwyddau yn dilyn ei amser fel rheolwr MK Dons. Ond, bydd angen amynedd. Mae’r clwb unwaith eto wedi mynd trwy newidiadau sylweddol yn ystod yr haf, ar y cae ac oddi arno. Oherwydd hyn, mae Martin yn haeddu amser i weithredu ei syniadau yn llawn gyda’i garfan sydd yn cynnwys nifer o chwaraewyr ifanc.

Yr Elyrch oedd yn dominyddu’r gêm yn erbyn tîm ifanc Reading. Mae angen cofio, dim ond tri chwaraewr oedd gan yr Elyrch dros 22 oed yn eu tîm. Roedd yr gêm yn profiad gwych i chwaraewyr ifanc fel Dan Williams, Brandon Cooper, Kyle Joseph a Lincoln McFayden, ond roedd hi’n gwych i weld Joel Latibeaudiere a Joel Piroe yn sgorio i’r clwb am yr tro cyntaf hefyd. Does dim amheuaeth y gallai canlyniadau fod yn anghyson iawn y tymor hwn, ac mi fydd yr gêm yn erbyn Sheffield United heno yn brawf cryf o gymwysterau Abertawe. Mae’r Elyrch yn gwybod yn union pa mor beryglus y gall chwaraewyr fel Oli McBurnie a Rhian Brewster fod yn Y Pencampwriaeth. Ond mae’n addo bod yn noson arbennig o dan y goleuadau. Mwynhewch eich diodydd cyn, yn ystod ac ar ôl y gêm. Mae’n hen bryd!

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SWANSEA CITY CELEBRATES SOUTH ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH

ith today’s game falling on the last weekend of South Asian Heritage Month, Swansea City is proud to celebrate all connected with the club who share such heritage. South Asian Heritage Month, which was launched in the House of Commons in July 2019, runs from July 18 to August 17 and looks to celebrate South Asian history and culture. Swansea City’s own Yan Dhanda has proven to be a truly inspirational role model to all young footballers, but particularly British South Asians.

E a r l i e r t h i s y e a r, Ya n w a s interviewed by pupils of Ysgol Cwm Brombil as part of the Swansea City Foundation’s ‘Trailblazers’ project. He told the pupils one of his most memorable moments was scoring on his debut for the Swans against today’s opponents in August 2018. When quizzed on who he looked up to growing up, he gave names such as Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry. However, his true football inspiration was his father and although he never made it professionally Yan said, “I used to love watching him play.”

Yan was also questioned on the abhorrent racist abuse that he has had to face, and Yan responded by stating: “It’s not nice, but I look to turn every negative into a positive.” Yan continues to pave the way for South A sian footballers. He recently joined forces with the likes of Mal Bennig, Rhian Brewster and Anwar Uddin as part of a diverse Kick It Out Player Advisory Group.

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RUSSELL MARTIN HAS HAD A BUSY START TO LIFE AS SWANSEA CITY HEAD COACH, BUT THE 35-YEAROLD HAS A CLEAR VISION OF WHERE HE WANTS TO TAKE THE CLUB, AND THE STYLE OF FOOTBALL HE WANTS TO DELIVER FOR SUPPORTERS. CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE....

Russell, welcome to Swansea City. Now that everything’s done, how do you feel? Yeah, immensely proud, and really excited, to be honest. It’s happened quite quickly, but everything I’ve heard about the club, speaking to the owners, to the people inside the club already -- a few people who I already know that have been here -- they talk about how special the club is. The fanbase and what they expect in terms of the modern Swansea way that started under Roberto [Martinez] and carried on under Brendan [Rodgers] and Michael Laudrup, people like that, is something I’m familiar with, having played against most of those teams throughout the years. It’s something that really excites me, and I feel like us as a coaching team are really aligned with that and really believe in it. I really hope that it’s a connection straight away and something that we can all really enjoy. There’s a lot of work to be done, with us, with the squad, with the current players and obviously bringing new people in to help the guys that are already here, but at this minute in time I’m just feeling immensely excited and happy to be here. Yo u ’ v e h a d a l o o k a r o u n d Fairwood training base, and down in Landore where the Academy are as well. What are your first impressions of the facilities that you find here? Yeah, I’ ve been to all three. Obviously played at the stadium numerous times; fantastic place to play, brilliant atmosphere. The Academy training ground is fit for most first-teams in the

country, there’s no doubt about it, it’s incredible, and to come up to Fairwood, we saved the best till last! We’re just so excited to be working in an environment like this. I think it’ll really help us. It’s incredible: the facilities, the pitches. Just being in here, in this environment, is something we’re really looking forward to. And getting down to work with the players. How has that been? I’d imagine there’s been a buzz of excitement about that, as well? We need to work in every way possible; a lot of time spent in the analysis room, a lot of time individually with the players, in their units, how they ’re going be on the pitch to make a team ready to go out on a Saturday that’s connected with a purpose, and hopefully start creating a bit of an identity as well. Just looking to build on the good work that’s been done here over the last few years, which has been great. So, we’re not coming into a place that is struggling, we’re not coming into a place that people are worried about, we’re coming to a place that’s really strong. It’s lost a lot of good players from last season, no one can pretend that’s not happened, but we’re coming into a group that everyone tells me – coaching staff around the club – is very, very strong, really coachable, players that want to work really hard, I know three of the players because I played with them. One of them took my place in the team many, many years ago at Norwich in Kyle [Naughton]!

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I’m really looking forward to seeing those guys, I’m looking forward to getting to know all the players, and to spend as much time as possible with them – all of [the coaches] are. Yeah, it’s going be a busy, it’s going be hectic, but it’s an exciting one. Will it be helpful to have those three familiar faces you touched on? I hope so! I think so, yeah. If anything, they know what I’m about as a person, I haven’t changed, despite the job title change, you know, and not being able to run around on the pitch anymore. So, yeah, I think so, I hope so. I had a great relationship with all of them when I played with them. In my previous club, in my first role as the manager, I was the teammate, and I went from being a teammate to being a manager, so I’ve got no problem with that. I look forward to seeing them again, and talking about what we’re going do, how we’re going do it, and help speed up the process a little bit. I understand you spoke to a previous Swansea City manager about the club, as well, in Graham Potter. I did, yeah. He spoke so highly of the club, about the area, about the people, about the fans, about how much his family enjoyed being here and living here, about his connection with the fans and the team and the staff who worked here. He didn’t have a bad word to say. My mind was already made up to come here, but to hear that was nice and reassuring, and it gave me a lot of confidence that this is the right place for us to move forward and progress.

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In terms of your coaching staff, you’ve brought Luke Williams and Matt Gill with you, can you just tell us a bit more about their roles here, and how Alan Tate will fit in to the squad? Yeah, Dean Thornton’s coming in as well, they’re three guys I’ve worked with. Dean and Luke, since the start at MK [Dons], and Gilly just recently – about four or five weeks ago – joined. Brilliant guys, brilliant people, really connected in what we want to do and how we want to do it. Really professional, they care a lot about what we’re doing and about the people we’re doing it with, which is the most important bit. They’ll give a lot of love and care to the players, and all of us will give everything we’ve got. I’ve spoken to Tatey. We’ve got mutual friends throughout the game, you know, we played in the same era, played against each other a lot. He is a club legend; the club has many. In fact, it’s one of the big pulls of the club, the way they treat their ex-players. You look at Leon Britton, Alan Curtis before that, Lee Trundle, all these players that they really adore, and that are still part of the fabric of the club, the culture of the club in some way. It’s a huge part, people spoke to me about it being a family. Even you guys, the people that work here, support the club. It’s a huge attraction, and it’ll make us really strong. Tatey is one of those guys, so he’ll be involved in everything we do. It’ll take a while to work out the dynamic and how everything works and fits in, but I’m looking forward to him working with us and hopefully he’ll enjoy working with us, as well.

And you mentioned earlier, you have experience playing at the Swansea.com Stadium during your time with Norwich. There’s a 4-3 game that stands out in 2012. What sort of impression did that leave on you as you look forward to coaching the side in that stadium? What do you look forward to in terms of that? I’m looking forward to hopefully bringing the fans a team that they feel connected with, that is strong in the Swansea Way, because there’s no doubt that the supporters are connected to a way of doing things and the club is, too. So, I’m really looking forward to that. I’m looking forward to giving them a team that excites them, that they enjoy, I want to watch our team on the side of the pitch and enjoy it, otherwise what’s the point? I don’t want to be involved in anything that I don’t enjoy, and that includes watching our own team. So, hopefully give them a team to be proud of, that they identify with, that looks the same wherever we go. Whether it’s at home or away from home, and one that gives them everything they’ve got. I’m sure there’ll be a few things they might not have seen for a while, or before, yeah. We’re a little bit different at times, but I love that about the ideas and the vision that we have for the team, and why not? We’re going to aim for something really special, and hopefully we can achieve that. You worked under a number of managers at clubs and as an international over a 15-year playing career, who were your influences and have you taken any inspiration for your own coaching persona? CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE....

I think you take bits from everyone; I was fortunate to work with some top managers and some experienced people. People towards the end of their coaching journey and people right at the very beginning of it. I’ve kept various notes throughout my career, what I liked and what I didn’t like, sessions, man management, structure and organisation. That’s why I took my coaching badges throughout my career. I set myself a target to finish it before I stopped playing, which I did as it was always a plan of mine. I was conscious that I wanted to go into this, and fortunately I was given the opportunity just under two years ago and I loved it. I am so proud of what we built at the previous club, there’s no doubt about it, I think we’ ve left it in a much better place, although timing is not ideal, but it very rarely is. I am looking forward to progressing that in an environment like this, the facilities and with really good players. It’s an exciting journey ahead for us. During your time with MK Dons you were known for attractive possession based football, the stats that you had the third highest share of possession in Europe’s big leagues. Last season, you scored a goal after 56 passes which is a record in British Football. The word possession comes up a lot, but I guess you’d say that’s just one element of what you’re looking for in the team and what Swansea fans will see from yourself. We’ll try and control as much of the game as possible and try and dominate the ball of course. But it’s with a purpose, we don’t do

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anything for the sake of doing it, we try maximise what we are doing, maximise time, maximise players’ potential and maximise what we do on the pitch. For me, if you have the ball and you dominate the ball, especially as far away from your goal as possible, you have a chance of stopping the other team scoring and of scoring yourself. It’s going to take time; it might be bit of short-term pain to achieve what we want to achieve. I am aware there’s a real balance to be had about bringing identity, but we’ll need results as well. But we’re not going to compromise anything. We’ll be strong with that; we’ll do it with purpose and conviction and hopefully we can convince the guys that that’s the way to do it and we’ll start seeing that on the pitch very soon. In terms of any additions to the squad, do you want to assess what you’re working with first or are there any options already on the table? I think there’s areas that everyone will realise by looking at the squad that it needs strengthening, just numbers if anything else. I want to give everyone a c h a n c e w h o’ s i n t h e s q u a d c u r r e n t l y, t h e y a l l h a v e a chance to impress and put themselves in the team and in the picture with us. Anyone who wasn’t quite in the frame before has a clean slate. I’m looking forward to seeing w h a t w e’ v e a l r e a d y g o t i n the building, been told we’ve

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got some young guys coming through in the academy, a hugely successful academy. If we look at the E uros, the amount of Swansea Academy graduates that played for Wales was incredible. We’ve got to look at everyone it’s as simple as that, we’re not scared to play young players if we feel they’re ready. We had a really young team at MK Dons. Everyone has a clean slate; we’re looking forward to seeing what we have. O f c o u r s e, t h e r e h a s t o b e additions as players have dep ar ted over the summer, players who were key to last season’s success. We’ll have to add to it, we’re working hard at that already, there’s been no missed conversations today so hopefully in the next week or so there’ll be some people in. L a s t l y, a m e s s a g e f o r t h e Swansea City fans, there has been a lot of excitement and they can’t wait to see what you and your staff will do. Thank you already for the amount of messages that I’ve received, I’ve got some incredible support from so early on and I just hope we can give them a team to be proud of. That they can feel as connected to the team as we will day to day. We will give it everything we’ve got, there will be some tough times, there will be some great times, but we’ll try to enjoy every minute of it.

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wansea City’s crest for the 2021-22 season is a nod to the 40-year anniversary of John Toshack leading the club into the top-flight for the first time. Here, we kick-off a series of features charting the course of the Swans promotion to the First Division, culminating in that unforgettable afternoon at Deepdale in May 1981. May 2, 1981. Deepdale, Preston. A date and a place forever written into Swansea City’s history. After just shy of 70 years of existence, this was the day the Swans reached the top-flight of English football for the first time. This was truly a golden era for the club and – a bit like the successful Welsh rugby sides of the 1970s – the people who achieved that success don’t even need their surnames to be uttered for Jacks everywhere to know exactly who you are talking about. Tosh, Curt, Charlo, Speedy, Robbie, Leighton, Gilo, Jimmy, Dudley, Wyndham…the names just trip off the tongue. They need no introduction. That 1980-81 squad – which included 16 Welshmen, a number of whom were local lads – will always be the first. They were the first to take the club to the elite division, the first to take the club to the wider audience of weekly Match of the Day appearances and national press coverage. For those involved the 40 years since seem to have passed in the blink of an eye, but that’s nothing compared to the sheer speed with which Swansea had climbed from the fourth tier to be within sight of the old First Division. When John Toshack first walked into the Vetch early in 1978 the club were well in the hunt for promotion to the third tier, but had been through an often tumultuous season to that point. Remarkably, within less than 40 months, they would be joining the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Everton in the top-flight.

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The architects But, before we delve into the events of that 198081 campaign, it’s worth pausing to remember two men who helped put the foundations in place for that wonderful period of Swans history. There are many who contributed and made their mark in this era, but few would contest that thenchairman Malcolm Struel and the former manager Harry Griffiths played key roles in setting the club on the right path. Griffiths had spent 15 years as a player with the Swans between 1949 and 1964, and remains seventh on the all-time appearance list with 479 to his name. He rejoined the club as a coach in 1967 and was handed the reins in 1975 in the wake of the club having to go through the ignominy of applying for re-election to the Football League. Griffiths set about establishing an attractive style of play, committed to attacking football while continuing to utilise and incorporate a number of talented young players from Swansea and the surrounding area. By the 1977-78 season the Swans were well-placed for a promotion tilt, but Griffiths elected to stand down as he felt he had taken the team as far as he could. He would remain as Toshack’s assistant until tragedy struck on April 25, 1978, when a heart attack at the Vetch ahead of a game against Scunthorpe United took his life at the age of just 47. He remains fondly remembered by so many who played under him. “Harry played a huge part, as did Roy Saunders. Of course, Harry passed away right before a game against Scunthorpe, but he had reintroduced a lot of younger players into the side,” says Alan Curtis. “There was myself, Robbie James, Jeremy Charles and Wyndham Evans, and Nigel Stevenson came through. “He was a big part of the renaissance at the club. I knew him well, when I first came down to the club I was in digs with him.

“He was a much-loved and respected figure and I know his untimely passing had an impact on a lot of the players, I know Wyndham was particularly upset, and I was too.

“He gave me my debut when I was 17 and he was a funny man away from the field, he had a lot of banter which is renowned in football.

“He was a mentor to so many of us. He used to talk about a Swansea way of playing even then, it’s not something new in that sense.

“On the field he wanted things done properly and liked the football and ‘The Swansea Way’, building up from the back.

“Harry also banged the drum about there being a Swansea way, and when he took over that was what he wanted. He wanted the team to play the right way, and have a clear ethos about what the team and club should be.”

“The Vetch at the time wasn’t conducive to good football because the pitch was like a sand dune and had very little grass on it. We would still try and play on it regardless.

And it’s no surprise that many of Curtis’ team-mates from the era remember Griffiths as a key figure. “I played under Roy Bentley and then Harry came in and, for me, he started it all,” says Wyndham Evans. “I will tell anyone that. He put me in, he put Robbie James in as a teenager, and players like Curt and Jeremy Charles and all of a sudden the fans had a team they could relate to. “Harry had us playing good football, he put the start in place. He was a true Swansea Jack and the fans loved him. “I remember Tosh calling me in before the game against Scunthorpe and telling me he had died. I couldn’t believe it. I was stunned, it was so sad that he did not see the success we had.” “Harry Gregg signed me as a schoolboy and I joined the groundstaff, but it was Harry Griffiths who gave me my debut,” adds Jeremy Charles. “He pulled me aside one day and just told me I was on the bench for the next game. I couldn’t believe it, he just smiled and said ‘what do you think of that?’ “I was speechless, Harry spent his life at the football club, he gave so much of his life to Swansea City. He was a great stalwart.” Centre-back Nigel Stevenson was another to be handed a debut by Griffiths, with defender first blooded as a teenager in 1975. “I have lots of fantastic memories of Harry and I’ve got a lot to thank Harry for,” he said.

“He was just a lovely man and his family were lovely too.” And Toshack himself is fulsome in his praise for his predecessor and first assistant. “He was a proper Swansea legend,” said the twotime Real Madrid boss. “Harry appreciated me an awful lot, and his conversations with me were vital at that particular time. “He’d say to me: ‘The trouble with this lot John is that you can send them out at the Vetch and you can sit down with a sandwich and a can of beer on the bench – you won’t have to worry. But when you get on the bus on that M4, you’re going to have your work cut out. They were home boys, and didn’t like travelling away to games. But at the Vetch, you won’t lose many games at the Vetch’. “He was right and it was good advice.” Struel, meanwhile, had been chairman since 1972 and it was he who spotted the opportunity when Toshack – troubled by injury but not offered a chance to cut his coaching teeth at former club Cardiff – was looking to make his first moves in management. Having invested large sums to keep the club afloat, Struel now had his sights set on taking the Swans forward. Toshack was just about to turn 29, and had been a serial trophy winner during a glorious spell with Liverpool. The notion that the striker would elect to swap the top tier for the bottom tier seemed fanciful, but Struel showed the tenacity, vision and ambition to get his man and spark that magnificent climb up the pyramid. It would reap rich dividends.

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GEMMA BORDER PROUD TO BE PART OF SWANS LADIES ADVENTURE

emma Border has spoken of her pride at representing Swansea City Ladies as they prepare for another crack at the Champions League, having been part of the team’s journey from its earliest days. The goalkeeper is popular figure in the Ladies’ set-up, and is the longest-serving member of the current squad. Indeed, Border was part of the team when it was first launched. The goalkeeper has made numerous appearances for the Swans in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and has lifted several Welsh Premier Women’s League titles.

With just a matter of days until Swansea take on CSKA Moscow in their latest appearance on the elite European stage, Border is bursting with pride.

And Border is optimistic that the two-time defending WPWL champions will be able to make Swansea fans smile when they face their Russian opponents in Cyprus.

“I’m immensely proud (to represent Swansea City); I have been a part of this club for a long time,” she said.

“We are preparing really well but obviously CSKA Moscow are unknown to us, so we will have to work hard to achieve the best result we can,” she added.

“We started way back and, when we first began, we had nothing. We began with just the badge and no affiliation to the club, but we are now affiliated with the club. “We train at Landore now and the club gives us full backing to achieve whatever we are trying to do.

“We have played against other teams with internationals before, and we have done really well against them. “It doesn’t intimidate us, and we are ready for the challenge.”

“All of the girls are extremely proud to be representing Swansea, as well as Wales.”

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SWANSEA CITY U23s 2021-22 SEASON FIXTURE LIST IS RELEASED

wansea City Under-23s will kick-off their Professional Development League campaign with an away meeting against Sheffield United on Tuesday, August 24. The game kicks off a 24-game schedule for K ris O’L eary ’s side, with home fixtures against Coventry City, Crewe Alexandra and Queens Park Rangers set to be held at the Liberty Stadium. The first south Wales derby of the season takes place on Monday, November 1 as Cardiff City visit Landore for a fixture the Swans won 5-1 last term. The return fixture is scheduled for Tuesday, January 25. The final home fixture sees the Swansea take on Sheffield Wednesday on April 4, with the Jacks wrapping up their season away to Wigan on April 25. Here is the full fixture list:

*Please note all fixtures are subject to change.

HOME

AWAY

Coventry City U23s Monday, Aug 30 - Kick-off 7pm

Sheffield United U23s Tuesday, Aug 24 - Kick-off 7pm

Crewe Alexandra U23s Monday, Sept 20 - Kick-off 2pm

Hull City U23s Monday, Sept 13 - Kick-off 7pm

Peterborough United U23s Friday, Aug 24 - Kick-off 11am

Colchester United U23s Tuesday, Sep 28 - Kick-off 1pm

Ipswich Town U23s Monday, Oct 4 - Kick-off 2pm

Millwall U23s Tuesday, Oct 19 - Kick-off 1.30pm

Watford U23s Monday, Oct 25 - Kick-off 2pm

Bristol City U23s Tuesday, Nov 9 - Kick-off 2pm

Cardiff City U23s Monday, Nov 1 - Kick-off 7pm

Queens Park Rangers U23s Tuesday, Dec 7 - Kick-off 1.30pm

Charlton Athletic U23s Monday, Nov 22 - Kick-off 1pm

Watford U23s Tuesday, Jan 11 - Kick-off 1pm

Colchester United U23s Tuesday, Dec 14 - Kick-off 2pm

Cardiff City U23s Tuesday, Jan 25 - Kick-off 1pm

Millwall U23s Monday, Dec 20 - Kick-off 2pm

Charlton Athletic U23s Monday, Feb 7 - Kick-off 1pm

Bristol City U23s Monday, Jan 17 - Kick-off 7pm

Ipswich Town U23s Monday, Feb 28 - Kick-off 1pm

Queens Park Rangers U23s Monday, Mar 14 - Kick-off 2pm

Barnsley U23s Tuesday, Mar 22 - Kick-off 1pm

Sheffield Wednesday U23s Monday, Apr 4 - Kick-off 11.30am

Wigan Athletic U23s Monday, Apr 25 - Kick-off 1pm

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VEEVERS LOOKING TO BUILD ON SWANSEA CITY PLATFORM

harlie Veevers believes the environment at Swansea City is the perfect platform to help him develop following his summer switch from Manchester United. Veevers ended a 10-year association with the Red Devils to link up with the Swans, for whom he recently signed scholarship terms. The central midfielder is now hoping to continue his career development in south west Wales, and Veevers felt his first experience of Swansea helped make his decision.

“ W hen I c ame down to see Swansea, it looked like a good environment for me and how I play,” said the 16-year-old. “There’s a good pathway here.” A creative midfielder, Veevers had trained with the likes of Shola Shoretire and Anthony Elanga at Old Trafford, with the pair going on to make first-team appearances last season. Seeing them progress with United has fuelled his desire further, with Veevers confident the opportunity is afforded to players at his new club if they show constant progress.

“I trained with people who are getting in the first-team now, like Shola, Anthony Elanga - players like that. You learn things from them, pick up stuff from their game that can help you. You look up to them,” he said. “To get in an around the first-team and hopefully get some games in the first team - that’s the big dream. But, of course, there is a lot of hard work before any of that will be possible.”

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

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

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

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

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

PAGE 49

PAGE 50

NEW SIGNING DOWNES TICKS ALL THE BOXES FOR RUSSELL MARTIN

ussell Martin believes new s i g n i n g F l y n n D ow n e s “ticks all the boxes” for Swansea City after completing a deal for the midfielder. Downes’ signing from Ipswich Town was confirmed on Tuesday, and he will be in contention to make his debut in this weekend’s home meeting with Sheffield United. Head coach Martin revealed he had previously been keen on a move for 22-year-old Downes during his time in charge of MK Dons.

A nd he is delighted he will now get the chance to work with the England age-grade international at Swansea.

“We are really grateful for that, and they understand what a good signing he can be, not just in the short term but the long term.

“We are delighted,” said Martin of Swansea’s fifth summer signing.

“Flynn is young, hungry, athletic, an excellent player.

“Flynn is a player we had a look at in my previous club and unfortunately we were priced out of the market.

“He felt he needed a fresh start, he has played in the league before at a very young age and he ticks all the boxes for us really.

“So, when we came here, we realised the board and owners here were willing to back us on Flynn, which was great.

“He really adds to the group in terms of his character and what he will bring on the pitch.”

PAGE 51

SWANS LAUNCH THE FORMER PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION PAGE 52

wansea City Football Club has launched its Former Players’ Association and is keen to hear from ex-players, male or female, who have been on its books over the years and who want to maintain or renew contact. The FPA will exist to reunite colleagues and friends, provide support, including social and welfare, and raise funds. It will facilitate social activities as well as fundraising events and provide opportunities for ex-players, both men and women, to attend matches and meet other ex-players. Association chair Lee Trundle said: “It’s a real honour for me to be involved with the FPA. “I obviously don’t come from Swansea, but I came to the club and I made the city my home because I fell in love with it. It’s a special place and a special place to live. “The fans helped me settle in from day one. I’ve lived nearly half of my life in Swansea now. “I’ve been fortunate to continue working for the football club but even if I wasn’t I would still be a Swansea City fan. The fans are the football club and as an ex player myself I know that like me, many former players become fans.” FPA lifelong president, Alan Curtis, believes the association has a significant role to play in the club. “I think it’s really important that this is established at the club and I’m sure it is something many former players will be keen to get involved with,” said Curtis, who made over 400 appearances in a Swansea City shirt and scored 110 goals.

After hanging up his boots, Curtis maintained firm links with the club, holding roles such as caretaker manager, assistant manager, firstteam coach, loan player manager, head of youth development, youth coach, community officer and matchday host. “Most players aren’t able to keep in touch with their former clubs, for lots of different reasons and as you get older you realise that keeping those links is important,” said Curtis. “This (FPA) has been a long time coming but I have no doubt it will be of great value to a lot of players who will benefit from being in touch with ex-colleagues and friends. “And to let those players have a chance to reconnect with the club and for the fans to see their heroes again when they come to the Liberty is a really positive move all round.” Club chief executive, Julian Winter, said establishing an FPA was a key priority for him when he arrived at Swansea City. “The FPA is about communicating with and acknowledging anyone who has played for Swansea City,” he said. “I think that feeling of being welcomed back to your football club is a really key thing. “Footballers are generally quite proud people and won’t push themselves into that sort of communication, but if they’re asked that is a completely different equation. “So, this is about creating a vehicle that can go out and communicate with our former players, embrace them back into the football club and for them to feel continuously part of something and then to be there to help each other.

“ We all get into difficult circumstances throughout our lives, whether you are of the older generation or younger generation.” The FPA will be run by a committee, which includes former players Lee Trundle, Leon Britton and Alan Curtis and the widow of one of Swansea’s greats, Esme Allchurch, wife of Ivor. It will sit under the auspices of the Foundation and have a community, outward facing view of the world. It will help to promote and preserve the history and heritage of Swansea City by engaging with former players on a variety of levels. The FPA will provide fans and former players with a range of opportunities to reconnect. Fans can keep up to date with the FPA via the club website and its social media channels and they will get the chance to submit questions to some of the club’s favourites. The first fundraising event organised by the FPA will be a memory work in association with the club’s official charity, the Alzheimer’s Society Cymru. Alzheimer’s Society Cymru was the overwhelming choice of supporters when the club asked them to nominate a charity for the 2021-22 season. Details of the event and how supporters can get involved will be released over the next few weeks. Any former players wishing to register an interest in the FPA can do so here. Family members or friends of ex-players who are not online are welcome to contact the club using the form above, get in touch with Alan Curtis, Lee Trundle or Leon Britton directly or contact FPA secretary, Catherine Thomas, on 01792 616420.

PAGE 53

HEATING INSTALLATIONS

MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS

UNDERFLOOR HEATING

AIR CONDITIONING

RENEWABLE ENERGY

PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS

PAGE 54

FAN FOCUS ~ BROUGHT TO YOU BY

his season’s fan feature kicks off from Spain as we put our loyal supporters under the spotlight.

Fan Focus gives every member of the Jack Army a chance to share their favourite tales, games and goals from supporting the Swans over the years. And to get us started, a loyal Jack based in Valencia talks about his big passion. Name: Santiago Sánchez Gallardo Age: 20 From: Valencia, Spain. How long have you been supporting the Swans? Since 2005. What was the first Swans game you attended/ watched on TV? My first and only live match was obviously Valencia v Swansea City at the Mestalla! I still remember the kind messages from loads of friends telling me that the Swans were going to lose against Valencia, but I felt so confident. They are still unhappy with the three goals we scored. I always celebrate on September 19 - I usually go online to the Swans superstore website and order something cool to wear. Why did you start supporting the Swans? My uncle brought some presents to my parents in an official Swansea City bag. I instantly fell in love with the crest, so I asked him what it was and he told me that he just got back from a place called Swansea in Wales. I had my first PlayStation at the age of six which I shared with my older cousin and we used to play FIFA together. He used to manage Chelsea players while I was celebrating the few goals I used to score via Lee Trundle, Bayo Akinfenwa and Owain Tudur Jones! Who is your favourite Swans player of all time, and why? This one is tough. But I’m afraid I’ll have to decide between Michu or Chico Flores. I had the pleasure of knowing them. I met Michu at the team hotel before

he played his last game before retiring, while Chico gave me tickets to watch him play for Spanish second division side Fuenlabrada. Unfortunately, the car we were travelling in to Alicante from Valencia had a technical issue and it stopped working so I couldn’t make it into Estadio Martínez Valero. We’ve had so many great players over the years, but I really enjoyed watching Michu and Chico. Describe to us your typical pre-match ritual? I chat with my Swansea’s friends about the line-ups, analyse the opponents, read the club’s tweets via @ SwansOfficial and predict the score while I listen to some electronic music. What is your favourite Swans kit from over the years? This is a hard question. One day I decided to make a ranking from all the official jerseys I found on the internet. I loved the 1981 Adidas top during the John Toshack era, while I also liked the Umbro 2008-09 home kit with the swansea.com sponsorship. I celebrated as a goal that Swansea University was featured as a main sponsor on the beautiful Joma kits. I am also delighted to see such a hard-working (and Spanish!) brand supplying the kits to my favourite team. What makes Swansea City special to you? Swansea City is the best team in the world for me. Thanks to social media, I have connected with so many people who have let me be part of this since day one. I can’t wait to go to Swansea because it has plenty of history, another language, Rossi’s restaurant (where we had the great idea to announce Jamal’s signing) and I feel it’s meant to be a big part of my heart. I have never been to Swansea, but this is what my dreams are made of. What has been your most disappointing moment watching the club? Premier League relegation in 2018! We signed really competitive players like Renato Sanches, Tammy Abraham, Andy King, Roque Mesa and Sam Clucas, but unfortunately it didn’t work out and our Premier League dream was over.

PAGE 55

JUNIOR CYRIL'S HALF-TIME QUIZ QUESTION ONE

QUESTION TWO

QUESTION THREE

Which Swansea City goalkeeper was selected for the recent Summer Olympics?

Which Swans youngster was born in Zimbabwe?

Which Swansea City defender s c o r e d at t h e r e c e n t 2 0 2 0 European Championships?

Tip: He’s a right-back.

Tip: He scored against Turkey.

Tip: He was selected by New Zealand.

QUESTION FOUR

QUESTION FIVE

QUESTION SIX

Which current Swan c ounts Grimsby, Peterborough, Norwich City, Wolves and Leicester City as his former clubs?

Which team did the Swans beat 3-0 in their opening group match in the Europa League in 2013?

Jake Bidwell started his career at Everton and went on to play for Brentford. But which fellow London club did he join the Swans from?

Tip: He’s a centre-back.

Tip: They are a Spanish team.

Tip: They are known as the Hoops.

CYRIL AND CYBIL'S PREDICTION SWANS 1 SHEFFIELD UNITED 0

PAGE 56

PAGE 57 Cyril’s Half-Time Quiz Answers Question One - Jamie Searle Question Two - Tivonge Rushesha Question Three - Connor Roberts

Question Four - Ryan Bennett Question Five - Valencia Question Six - Queens Park Rangers (QPR) The real ball is Ball Number 1

2 1 3

HELP CYBIL FIND THE REAL BALL

R JACKS

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

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

PAGE 58

For the latest news and to share your match day experiences, follow…

EFL

theEFL

EFL

FIXTURE LIST SEA FIXTURE

DATE

TEAM

Blackburn Rovers A L 2-1

Sat, Aug 7, 3pm

Benda

Naughton

Reading (CC R1) A W 0-3

Tue, Aug 10, 8pm

Benda

Naughton

Sheffield United H

Sat, Aug 14, 8pm

Stoke City H

Tue, Aug 14, 7.45pm

Bristol City A

Fri, Aug 20, 7.45pm

Plymouth Argyle (CC R2) H

TBC

Preston North End A

Sat, Aug 28, 3pm

Hull City H

Sat, Sept 11, 3pm

Millwall H

Wed, Sept 15, 7.45pm

Luton Town A

Sat, Sept 18, 3pm

Huddersfield Town H

Sat, Sept 25, 3pm

Fulham A

Wed, Sept 29, 7.45pm

Derby County A

Sat, Oct 2, 3pm

Cardiff City H

Sat, Oct 16, 3pm

West Bromwich Albion H

Wed, Oct 20, 7.45pm

Birmingham City A

Sat, Oct 23, 3pm

Peterborough United H

Sat, Oct 30, 3pm

Coventry City A

Tue, Nov 2, 7.45pm

AFC Bournemouth A

Sat, Nov 6, 3pm

Blackpool H

Sat, Nov 20, 3pm

Barnsley A

Wed, Nov 24, 7.45pm

Reading H

Sat, Nov 27, 3pm

Middlesbrough A

Sat, Dec 4, 3pm

Nottingham Forest H

Sat, Dec 11, 3pm

Queens Park Rangers A

Sat, Dec 18, 3pm

Millwall A

Sun, Dec 26, 3pm

Luton Town H

Wed, Dec 29, 7.45pm

Fulham H

Sat, Jan 1, 3pm

Huddersfield Town A

Sat, Jan 15, 3pm

Preston North End H

Sat, Jan 22, 3pm

Hull City A

Sat, Jan 29, 3pm

Blackburn Rovers H

Sat, Feb 5, 3pm

Stoke City A

Tue, Feb 8, 3pm

Bristol City H

Sat, Feb 12, 3pm

Sheffield United A

Sat, Feb 19, 3pm

AFC Bournemouth H

Tue, Feb 22, 3pm

West Bromwich Albion A

Sat, Feb 26, 3pm

Coventry City H

Sat, Mar 5, 3pm

Blackpool A

Sat, Mar 12, 3pm

Peterborough United A

Wed, Mar 16, 7.45pm

Birmingham City H

Sat, Mar 19, 3pm

Cardiff City A

Sat, Apr 2, 3pm

Derby County H

Sat, Apr 9, 3pm

Barnsley H

Fri, Apr 15, 3pm

Reading A

Mon, Apr 18, 3pm

Middlesbrough H

Sat, Apr 23, 3pm

Nottingham Forest A

Sat, Apr 30, 3pm

Queens Park Rangers H

Sat, May 7, 12.30pm

Correct as of August 13, 2021.

PAGE 60

Cabango

Bennett

Latibeaudiere

Bidwell

Smith 1

Cabango

B.Cooper

Latibeaudiere

Bidwell 3

Williams

Match Statistics Key

ASON 2021~2022 SUBSTITUTES Grimes Grimes

Goal =

Paterson

Lowe

Cullen 2

Defreitas-Hansen, Mcfayden, B.Cooper, Dhanda 1, O.Cooper, Joseph, Whittaker 2

Dhanda

Piroe

Whittaker

Defreitas-Hansen, Manning 1, Mcfayden 3, Lloyd, Joseph 2, Lowe, Cullen

Captain =

Sub = 2 (number denotes player replaced) Booked =

Sent off =

Carabao Cup = CC FA Cup = FA

PAGE 61

TABLE 2021~2022

POS TEAM 1

Hull City

Luton Town

W D L

GD PTS

Stoke City

Blackburn Rovers

Coventry City

Birmingham City

West Bromwich Albion

Bournemouth

Barnsley

Blackpool

Huddersfield Town

Middlesbrough

Millwall

Bristol City

Cardiff City

Derby County

Fulham

Queens Park Rangers

Reading

-1

Nottingham Forest

-1

Swansea City

-1

Sheffield United

-1

Preston North End

-3

Peterborough United

-3

Correct as of August 13, 2021.

GLANMOR CHARTERED SURVEYORS Commercial Property Consultants

SERVICES

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Agency Lease Advisory Asset Management Investment & Development PAGE 62 Occupier Acquisition

01792 439105 info@glanmorproperty.co.uk

JOMA-SPORT.COM

THE TEAMS SWANS

Head Coach: Russell Martin 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 31 35 36 37 41 42

Steven Benda Ryan Bennett Ryan Manning Flynn Downes Ben Cabango Jay Fulton Korey Smith Matt Grimes Jamal Lowe Morgan Whittaker Jamie Paterson Kyle Joseph Brandon Cooper Joël Piroe Ben Hamer Tivonge Rushesha Liam Cullen Yan Dhanda Joel Latibeaudiere Connor Roberts Jake Bidwell Lewis Webb Kyle Naughton Liam Walsh Ollie Cooper Lincoln Mcfayden Ben Lloyd Daniel Williams Jordon Garrick Nico Defreitas-Hansen

SHEFFIELD UNITED

Manager: Slaviša Jokanović 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23

Aaron Ramsdale George Baldock Enda Stevens John Fleck Jack O’Connell Chris Basham Rhian Brewster Sander Berge Oli McBurnie Billy Sharp Lys Mousset John Egan Max Lowe Oliver Burke Luke Freeman Oliver Norwood David McGoldrick Wes Foderingham Jack Robinson Jayden Bogle Michael Verrips Ben Osborn

NEXT UP AT Stoke City Tuesday, Aug 17 Kick-off: 7.45pm

NEXT AWAY Bristol City Friday, Aug 20 Kick-off: 7.45pm

~ Referee: Keith Stroud ~ ~ Assistant Referees: Ian Cooper and Sam Lewis ~ ~ Fourth Official: Sam Allison ~

Correct as of August 13, 2021

PAGE 64