Swansea City v Stoke City – Championship Match – 21-22

SEASON 2021-2022

VERSUS

STOKE CITY

Tuesday, August 17, 2021 - Kick-off 7.45pm

ISSUE 3

JOMA-SPORT.COM PAGE 2

CONTENTS Page 17 - Mark Allen becomes Sporting Director

Page 20 - Meet the Opposition

Page 25 - Sheffield United Highlights

Page 32 - Interview with Jamie Paterson

Page 45 - Swans Under-18s report

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

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SWANSEA UNIVERSITY IN PROUD PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SWANS

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, 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, Alun Rhys Chivers, Chris Wilson-Barney, Andrew Gwilym, Sophie Davis, Adam Evans, Rachael Tucker, Efan Willis, Julie Kissick, Gwyn Rees, Cerith White, Dom Valerio

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, Alamy 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

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A MESSAGE FROM

JULIAN WINTER G

ood evening and welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for tonight’s game against Stoke City.

Yesterday saw us bring in our sixth summer signing in the shape of Ethan L aird on loan from Manchester United.

It was fant astic t o s e e you all here in your numbers last Saturday for our first home game of the season after so long away.

Ethan is a player that was identified very early on by Russell and his staff as someone who would improve the squad and we are all extremely excited a b o u t w a t c h i n g h i m p l a y. Likewise, I know that you are all behind him and will make him feel welcome here in SA1.

The atmosphere inside the stadium was a sight to behold and I’d like to thank you all fo r t h e way yo u g ot b e h i n d Russell and the players against a tough opponent as we secured our first point of the campaign. H o w e v e r, t h e e v e n i n g w a s tinged with disappointment following the behaviour of a small section of both home and away supporters outside the stadium at the end of the game. The footage circulating on social media is wholly unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the club. We are wo r k i n g c l o s e l y w i t h S o u t h Wales Police on this issue, and we will be working on further communication to supporters in due course regarding behaviour at matches.

Another who has been made to feel welcome in Swansea in recent days has been director Jake Silverstein. Jake has been here since the end of last week for his first visit to the city since he invested in the club back in August 2020. Together with Jason (Levien) and Steve (Kaplan), Jake was another who was involved in the process of appointing Russell as our head coach and it has been hugely encouraging to see him interact with the staff here on the ground.

While the first-team have a few games under their belts now, t h e U n d e r - 2 3 s we r e m e a n t to get their season underway yesterday but unfortunately the fixture against Peterborough was postponed. However, the Under-18s did kick-off their campaign last weekend with a magnificent 3-2 win away at Barnsley. They twice came from behind to secure the three points despite playing the final 30 minutes with ten m e n , s o c o n g r at u l at i o n s t o B yron Anthony, his st aff and the players for a great st ar t to the season. F i n a l l y, I ’ d l i k e t o e x t e n d a warm welcome to the management , players, st aff and directors from Stoke who have made the trip to Wales for today’s game. Enjoy the game, Julian

It certainly won’t be Jake’s last trip to Swansea and he has been impressed with the facilities we have in place at the club and is looking forward to playing a role in helping us to move forward.

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A MESSAGE FROM

RUSSELL MARTIN

ood evening and welcome to the Swansea.com Stadium for tonight ’s C hampionship fixture against Stoke City. This is our second home game in the space of three days, and we are really looking forward to playing in front of you all again after the fantastic reception we received against Sheffield United. We a r e s o g r a t e f u l f o r t h e support you have given us all, and the atmosphere on Saturday night was unbelievable; I’ve got no doubt it will be exactly the same this evening. The players really fed off the atmosphere against Sheffield United, and I felt it was another performance where we showed signs of progress. We were facing a side that I, and many others, expect to be fighting at the top end of the table this season, so to face them and put in a display of such character and quality was very pleasing.

B ut there is a lot still to be done. We are nowhere near the finished article, and we will keep working every day to build towards reaching the sort of levels we eventually want to get to.

We know it is different to how they have played over the last couple of years, but they have been so receptive to our ideas and shown a real enthusiasm to embrace what we want to do and how we want to get there.

We would have liked to have cre ated a little more in the final third, but I believe that will come with time, more work on the training ground, and hopefully some additional help in some areas.

We know we will need to take another stride forward tonight against a strong Stoke squad packed with experience of this division, and who have a manager with a proven record at the very highest level of the game following a successful spell in charge of Nor thern Ireland.

I was pleased with everyone’s efforts; I thought Flynn Downes really grew into the game on his debut and showed why we were so keen to bring him to the club. Ryan Manning was fantastic playing in a role that is unfamiliar to him, and I thought Brandon Cooper really accepted the responsibility we require players in his position to take in how we play.

It’s a challenging start to the season, the t urnaround between games has been quick, but we are ready to meet each test head on, and keep improving and developing. Enjoy the game, Russell

The players continue to make an incredibly positive impression on us with their willingness to take on board what we are asking of them.

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A MESSAGE FROM

MATT GRIMES G

ood evening Jack Army a n d we l c o m e t o t h e Swansea.com Stadium for this evening’s Championship fixture against Stoke City.

it was a pleasure to play alongside him. Brandon Cooper made his first league start for us and did himself and the club proud with a composed and solid performance.

Tonight’s match will be the second of three fixtures within the space of a week in what is already proving a busy schedule, something we came to be accustomed to during the course of last season.

In the last couple of fixtures, we have seen a couple of players playing in different positions to what they are used to. Joel Latibeaudiere has played as a right wing-back for the last two games and has done brilliantly, while Ryan Manning came in at centrehalf against Sheffield United and put in a superb performance.

We go into the game on the back of Saturday’s 0-0 home draw with Sheffield United. It was a great performance from the lads but we were disappointed not to pick up the three points. There were many positives to take from the evening and it was a brilliant debut from Flynn Downes, who produced a highly impressive performance less than a week after signing for the club;

It was an incredible feeling to be back playing in front of the Jack Army in their thousands and it was an electric atmosphere. The fans always give us a boost and it cannot be underestimated how much their support means to myself and the lads. The noise

the Jack Army made was amazing and has excited us even more to be back playing in front of them this evening. This evening’s match against Stoke City will be another tough test, with the visitors having already picked up four points out of a possible six. They will be high on confidence, but we will also be looking to build on Saturday’s performance and continue the momentum into this evening. We want to ensure that we give the Jack Army something to cheer about and repay them for their fantastic support. Enjoy the game this evening! Matt

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A MESSAGE FR M

ADAM LEWIS

t was so great to be back in the Swansea.com Stadium on Saturday night with an electric crowd. Oh how we have missed the atmosphere, the singing, and the live football. Whilst it wasn’t the perfect homecoming, there is plenty to be positive about. As Terry’s notes mentioned on Saturday, our transition to the new board is now complete, and we have already hit the ground running. Our first board meeting together was a lively discussion with lots of enthusiasm about the future of the Trust and our beloved club. Over the next few weeks, we will be looking to share more information with our members and begin some of our 20th Anniversary celebrations. I too would like to thank Andy Godden and Stu McDonald for their support to me personally in my first year as a co-opted member, as well as to Cath Dyer, who has and continues to be a great friend to the Trust. We are looking forward to continuing to work with Cath and supporting all the fabulous things she does as part of the Disabled Supporters Association (DSA).

Last week we saw several key announcements made by the club around the matchday experience, one of which was around the digitisation of future matchday programmes. It was a sad day and I know many a football fan will feel that way in seeing another tradition of the classic matchday experience disappear. These decisions are never easy but are only mirroring the realities of a change in how we consume media as a society. The digital format that we have embraced over the past 18 months will continue to bring benefits though, with a reduced environmental footprint being something I’m sure we can all agree is a bonus. The digital programmes are also provided for free, which we hope will make them more accessible, and the Trust is committed to continuing to contribute and provide content for all future matchday programmes.

we are creating through these mediums will continue to enable more people to engage with us, but we are always looking at how we can diversify our own communications, so please do get in touch with new ideas! A new season also means the opening of our new membership window – as we have said before, a strong Trust is good for everyone. It’s quick and easy to join, and everything you need is available at swanstrust.co.uk/join-the-trust Tonight’s visitors Stoke City are sure to give us another tough game, but hopefully our recent form against them will continue. Who can forget the memorable last-gasp winner from last season away from home? Let’s hope for a similar outcome tonight. It’ll be nice to see newly-minted Stoke captain and Welsh hero Joe Allen, but I’m sure we’re all hoping that he has an off night. Enjoy the game.

On the topic of digitisation, we continue to expand our presence on social media (@SwansTrust on Twitter and Instagram), and our website redesign is now well underway. We hope the content

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ndrew Rhodes has been named as the new chair of the Swansea City AFC Foundation.

Last Friday (August 13) saw the Swansea City AFC Community Trust relaunched and rebranded as the Foundation, in a move designed to increase the prominence and strengthen the identity of the club’s charitable arm. Rhodes will now take on the role of chair, with Leigh Dineen stepping down from the position but remaining on the Board to ensure a smooth transition. Leigh has held the position for eight years and everyone thanks him for his efforts during this time. Rhodes, 44, enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the civil service before becoming registrar and chief operating officer at Swansea University in 2018. He is currently interim chief executive of the Gambling Commission; the UK regulator for the gambling industry.

While the Trust has existed for a number of years, working as the club’s registered charity during that time, and has 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. It is hoped the rebrand and relaunch will help raise the profile and awareness of the many projects and initiatives delivered within our community. “I’m delighted to be named as the new chair of the Swansea City AFC Foundation,” said Andrew Rhodes. “As someone who has supported the club all my life and is a local grassroots football coach, I have seen first-hand the impact that a club - and it’s charitable arm - can have on the community.

“I’m excited about the future and playing a part in helping the Foundation grow and c ontinue play a key role in inclusion, education and youth engagement.” Staff from the Foundation will be in attendance on Saturday as Swansea City take on Sheffield United at the Swansea.com Stadium, while they will also be introduced to the crowd at half-time. “It has been a great honour to have chaired the Trust for the last eight years but it is now time to step down to free up time for my other interests,” said Leigh Dineen. “I would like to thank everyone involved for all the help they have given me during this time and am sure Andrew and his new Board will continue the great work the Foundation does in the community.”

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MARK ALLEN NAMED SPORTING DIRECTOR AT SWANSEA CITY

wansea City is delighted to announce a new naming rights partnership that will see the club’s home become the Swansea. com Stadium with immediate effect. Swansea City is delighted to announce that Mark Allen has been promoted to the role of sporting director. Allen was appointed as the club’s academy director back in January but will now assume responsibility for all football operations and work closely with new head coach Russell Martin as well as the club’s senior management team – including chief executive Julian Winter. The 58-year-old will oversee every football department within the club, as well as continuing to have oversight of the academy. Andy Scott will continue as head of recruitment at the club but will work closely with Allen who will also have responsibility in this area. “I have been extremely impressed with Mark’s knowledge and insight ever since he arrived at the club

earlier this year,” said Swansea City chief executive Julian Winter. “The role of sporting director has been a natural evolution in football over many years and during my ten 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 joined-up ethos across the club and it made perfect sense for Mark to make the step up. I firmly believe that both he and Andy will have an excellent working relationship with Russell and his football staff, as well as with all the other football departments. “Our ownership group have been fully supportive of this decision and we believe Mark is the ideal person to help drive this football club forward and unify all areas of football operations from the academy right through to the first-team.” Allen has a wealth of knowledge and experience in British football, spending eight years as Manchester

City’s director of academy where he helped nurture the likes of Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho. He was also director of football at Glasgow Rangers from 2017 until 2020, where he was responsible for recruiting Steven Gerrard as their manager. “I’m delighted to be taking on this role. It’s a fantastic opportunity,” said Allen, who will also join the club’s senior management team. “There are great people already in place at the football club and I’m really looking forward to working closely with Russell, his staff, as well as Andy and the wider football operations team. “I feel that myself and Russell have a very good understanding of what we both want and that is a great combination. I’ ve thoroughly enjoyed the time I’ve already spent at the club and I have no doubt that we can be successful going forward.”

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DETAILS CONFIRMED FOR PLYMOUTH CARABAO CUP TIE

wansea City ’s C arabao C up clash with Plymouth Argyle will take place on Tuesday, August 24 at 7pm.

The Swansea.com Stadium tie sees the Swans take on an Argyle side who convincingly beat Championship Peterborough to advance.

Russell Martin’s Swans, meanwhile, booked their place at this stage of the competition with a 3-0 win at Reading. The Swans last faced the Pilgrims in a competitive fixture back in 2010, and secured a 2-1 win when the clubs recently met in a pre-season friendly at Home Park. Tickets will be able to be purchased at 10am tomorrow.

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The Potters

1863

bet365 Stadium

1997

30,089

@stokecity

O’Neill began his coaching career with Scottish Second Division side Brechin City in 2006, before taking over at Shamrock Rovers in 2008. He became Northern Ireland boss in 2011 and enjoyed a long and successful tenure, including leading them to the last-16 of Euro 2016, where they lost to Wales.

MICHAEL O’NEILL

In 2019, O’Neill replaced Nathan Jones as Stoke boss, saving them from relegation in his first campaign and building them towards a potential promotion push this term. In his 20-year playing career, O’Neill played in Northern Ireland, England (Newcastle United, Coventry City, Reading and Wigan), Scotland, and the United States. He also represented his country 31 times at international level.

Following the departure of longstanding skipper Ryan Shawcross, exSwansea City midfielder Joe Allen was named Potters captain ahead of this season.

Wales international Allen began his career in Swansea City’s youth programme, before being called up to the senior squad and making his debut as a 16-year-old in 2007.

JOE ALLEN

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He was named Wales’ Player of the Year in 2012 and joined Premier League giants Liverpool that same year, before making the move to Stoke City four years later, in 2016. Allen has made 179 total appearances for the Potters, scoring 20 goals and registering 18 assists.

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Stoke boast a long and prestigious history having been one of the 12 founder members of the Football League in 1888, having originally been founded in 1863.

The Potters have made an unbeaten start to the new season, having beaten Reading and drawn with Birmingham in their two league fixtures to date.

The club’s honours include two Second Division titles (1932-33, 1962-63), two Third Division titles (192627, 1992-93), one League Cup (1971-72) and two Football League Trophies (1991-92, 1999-00). They were FA Cup finalists in 2011 and are in their fourth season back in the Championship after a 10-year stint in the Premier League ended with relegation in 2018.

T hey also reached the sec ond round of the Carabao Cup with a 2-1 win over Fleetwood, with former Swansea striker Sam Surridge on the scoresheet in their pair of victories. This comes after they won just one of their last seven games at the conclusion of the 2020-21 campaign.

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owell began his c areer at Crewe Alexandra, rising through the youth ranks until he made his senior debut in 2010 for the Cheshire club. The striker joined Manchester United in 2012 where he was loaned out for spells at Wigan Athletic, Leicester City and Hull City. He impressed at the DW Stadium, prompting a permanent move in 2016, and he went on to help the Latics secure promotion to the Championship in the 2017-18 campaign. Joining the Potters in 2019, he quickly became a popular figure amongst Stoke fans; Powell won Player of the Year for the 2020-21 season. He enjoyed a productive year making 42 appearances and finishing the season as top scorer with 12 goals. In his youth, Powell represented England at under-16, under-17, under-18, under-19 and under-21 levels.

STEVEN FLETCHER POSITION

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letcher joined the Potters in the summer of 2020 from Sheffield Wednesday. The Scottish striker started his career as a youth at Scottish Premiership side Hibernian, making his senior debut in 2004. He went on to make 156 appearances for Hibs, scoring 43 goals before making the switch to English football with Burnley. He finished the 2009-10 season as the Clarets top scorer despite relegation from the Premier League. After spells at Wolves and Sunderland, Fletcher enjoyed a taste of European football as he was loaned to Ligue 1 side Marseille, claiming a runners-up medal in the Coupe de France in 2016. Following his spell at Hillsborough, Fletcher scored nine goals in 42 appearances in his first season at the bet365 stadium.

MARIO VRANCIC POSITION

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ario Vrančić joined the Potters this summer having spent four years with Norwich City, twice winning promotion to the Premier League with the Canaries. The 32-year-old midfielder netted 15 goals in 122 league appearances before his free transfer move to Stoke. Prior to his arrival in England, Vrancic had spent his entire career in German football but , despite representing G ermany at various youth levels - including winning the 2008 UEFA U19 Euros - Vrancic decided to play for Bosnia and Herzegovina at senior level, making his debut in 2015.

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WATCH HIGHLIGHTS

SWANS 0 SHEFFIELD UNITED 0

SWANSEA CITY PICKED UP THEIR FIRST POINT UNDER RUSSELL MARTIN WITH A GOALLESS DRAW AGAINST PROMOTION FAVOURITES SHEFFIELD UNITED AT THE SWANSEA.COM STADIUM.

TEAM LINEUPS Swans: Steven Benda; Ben Cabango, Brandon Cooper, Ryan Manning; Joel Latibeaudiere, Flynn Downes, Matt Grimes (captain), Jake Bidwell; Jamie Paterson (Yan Dhanda 88); Jamal Lowe (Joel Piroe 63), Liam Cullen (Morgan Whittaker 72). Subs not used: Lewis Webb, Lincoln Mcfayden, Dan Williams, Kyle Joseph, Southampton: Aaron Ramsdale, George Baldock, Chris Basham, John Egan, Jack Robinson; Oliver Burke (Ben Osborn 59), Sander Berge, Oliver Norwood, David McGoldrick; Billy Sharp (captain) (Oli McBurnie 59), Rhian Brewster (Jayden Bogle 77). Subs not used: Michael Verrips, John Fleck, Luke Freeman, Rhys Norrington-Davies. Attendance: 15,946

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STILETTOS AND STUDS BY JULIE KISSICK

hat a treat to see so many of you in situ on Saturday night for what was a really entertaining game of football.

“We wanted a game where the ball is in play and the only way to keep it in play is to pass it.”

There is no doubt that Russell Martin is looking to do something different in terms of style of play and anything new brings an air of anticipation and excitement with it, which is what we want as fans.

The possession stats for the two games weren’t wildly different - we had 63% against Sheffield United, Stoke had 56% against Birmingham City.

I’ve discussed the entertaining-footballover-promotion-argument in this column before, and I won’t go there again this early in the season, but I will say that no-one wants to come away from a match feeling that they haven’t been entertained. No one could say that was the case on the weekend and although it was completely exhausting to watch on times, it was entertaining – and ultimately football is an entertainment-based business. Tonight’s visitors, Stoke City, were relegated from the Premier League at the same time as us and West Bromwich Albion back in 2018. Also like us, their fixture last Saturday ended in a nil nil draw. Potters’ manager, Michael O’Neill, was disappointed with the result against Birmingham City because his side failed to find a ‘rhythm’. “We spoke to the players prior to the game about what sort of match it would be and how we didn’t want to get drawn into one like last season,” he said. “I thought we started brightly to be fair in the first 10 minutes and looked a threat. We then got drawn into a game where it became a bit like a war – the ball going from back to front, the ball out of play a lot.

And our gaffer was pleased with what he saw on the pitch: “I think there were a lot of positives to take from it,” he said. “The players played the way we asked them to, and we had control for a lot of the game. “They deserve a lot of credit. We played a team tonight who are going to be right up there, they had players with a lot of Premier League experience and we had six guys who were aged 22 or under.” Stoke City also have a wealth of Premier League experience in their ranks, some of that coming from players who have donned Swansea City shirts over the years, including Welsh international Joe Allen and Sam Clucas, whose relatively short time with us was blighted by injury. I must be getting old, but I find it astonishing to think that Joe left these shores nine years ago when he followed Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool back in 2012. So much has happened in those years, so many players and coaches have come and gone, but the fans remain. Enjoy the game, Jacks. Here’s hoping for the first three points of the Russell Martin era.

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ae’n siŵr y byddai’r rhan fwya’ o bobol wedi bod yn ddigon hapus â’r pwynt yn erbyn Sheffield United nos Sadwrn ar ôl y siom o golli yn Blackburn ar ddiwrnod cynta’r tymor. Efallai nad oedd y perfformiad yn un cyflawn, ond roedd rhai arwyddion cadarnhaol yn y perfformiad sy’n argoeli’n dda ar gyfer yr wythnosau a’r misoedd i ddod. Roedd y nerfusrwydd ar ôl i Steve Cooper adael yn beth digon naturiol, yn enwedig ar ôl dau dymor llwyddiannus oedd wedi arwain at ffeinal yn Wembley ac un fuddugoliaeth i ffwrdd o le mae pawb eisiau bod. Bydd angen amser ar y dyn newydd wrth y llyw i osod ei stamp ei hun, ac i’r perfformiadau ddechrau arwain at ganlyniadau positif. Mae Russell Martin wedi pwysleisio’i fwriad i ailgyflwyno “ffordd Abertawe” o chwarae’r gêm. Er mwyn i’r dull hwnnw lwyddo, bydd angen digon o feddiant ar yr Elyrch - fe gawson nhw 72% yn erbyn Blackburn a 63% yn erbyn Sheffield United – yn ogystal â 73% yn erbyn Reading. Troi’r meddiant yn goliau – a pheidio ildio’r bêl yn rhy rwydd – fydd darn ola’r jig-so. Mae’r dull hefyd yn dechrau yn y cefn, a bydd y ddealltwriaeth rhwng y golwr Steven Benda a’i amddiffynwyr hefyd yn allweddol drwy gydol y tymor. Ildiodd e gic o’r smotyn yn erbyn Blackburn ar ôl cael ei guro gan ymosodwr, a daeth y gôl arall wrth i Blackburn ddarganfod bwlch wrth daro’r bêl dros ben yr amddiffyn. Y tymor diwethaf, roedd Freddie Woodman yn feistr ar ei amddiffyn ac yn barod i lanhau unrhyw wallau – bydd angen i’r Benda dibrofiad, a dreuliodd y tymor diwetha’ ar fenthyg

yn Swindon – ddysgu i wneud yr un fath. Ond rhaid canmol ymdrechion tîm oedd heb Connor Roberts, Kyle Naughton a Ryan Bennett. Ym mlaen y cae, mae arwyddion addawol hefyd, nid lleia’r ymosodwr Jamie Paterson gyda’i gôl gynta’ yn erbyn Blackburn, a Joel Piroe yn rhwydo am y tro cynta’ yn erbyn Reading yng Nghwpan Carabao. Roedd goliau Ben Cabango a Joel Latibeaudiere yn y gêm honno hefyd y dangos beth sy’n bosib wrth ledu a chroesi’r bêl yn gelfydd. Ond fydd y cyfan ddim yn llwyddo heb sylfeini yng nghanol y cae, ac fe gafodd perfformiad Flynn Downes yn erbyn Sheffield United ei ganmol gan Martin. Ochr yn ochr â’r capten Matt Grimes – pe bai e’n aros, sydd yn edrych yn fwy tebygol erbyn hyn – dyma ran allweddol o’r cae fydd yn gallu angori’r cyfan, rhoi’r tacl fawr i mewn, cynhyrchu’r bàs fach olaf i gysylltu’r cefn a’r blaen, neu ledu’r bêl i’r ystlys ar yr adegau cywir. Gyda Yan Dhanda hefyd ar gael i gynnig mwy o fin ar yr ymosod a Korey Smith (sy’n nabod y rheolwr yn dda o’u cyfnod gyda’i gilydd yn Norwich) yn angor ychwanegol tua’r cefn, dyw’r Elyrch yn sicr ddim yn brin o opsiynau. Mae Abertawe eisoes wedi wynebu Oli McBurnie a Rhian Brewster y tymor hwn, a byddan nhw’n croesawu sawl wyneb cyfarwydd eto yn ngharfan Stoke heno – Ben Wilmot, Joe Allen, Sam Clucas a Sam Surridge. Fe lwyddon nhw i gadw McBurnie a Brewster yn dawel. Gawn ni weld am y pedwar yn y crys coch a gwyn dros y 90 munud i ddod.

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JAMIE PATERSON BECAME THE FIRST SIGNING OF THE RUSSELL MARTIN ERA WHEN COMPLETING A FREE TRANSFER TO THE SWANS JUST BEFORE THE START OF THE SEASON. THE EXPERIENCED CHAMPIONSHIP FORWARD REVEALS WHY HE MADE THE MOVE TO SA1, AND WHAT HE HOPES TO BRING TO HIS NEW CLUB. CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE....

Welcome to Swansea City, this is a move that’s come about pretty quickly. How has it been from your perspective? I’m buzzing to be here first and foremost; so I’m looking forward to getting back out there and enjoying the game of football. There were other clubs interested in you this summer, you had a trial spell with Middlesbrough; what was it about Swansea City that made you feel that this is the right club for you? Just from playing against Swansea in the past, obviously the gaffer and his type of play as well, it seems to suit me to a T. It’s something I’m very excited about and I’m looking forward to it. You’re the first signing under Russell Martin, the new head coach. I assume you’ve spoken in quite some depth with him, did he make an impression on you? One hundred percent, I know Luke Williams and Matt Gill, they ’re three young coaches that like to play the right way, it’s exciting stuff and they’ve got their own patterns of play. It’s exciting times for Swansea with them in charge and I’m looking forward to being a part of it. I guess you would have been impressed with the work they did at MK Dons, they got a lot of attention for that style of play, that possession-based style. I think one of the goals they scored was the most passes in Europe, it’s a good stat to have and the Swansea fans demand that style of play, so it all fits together, that’s always the team I’ve wanted to play for.

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You’ve played against the Swans a number of times previously in your career, but those occasions sound like they’ve made quite an impression on you, in terms of that style of play. I think everyone knows that Swansea like to play football, keep the ball on the grass and the fans demand that as well. It’s always a tough game against Swansea, you’re in for a really tough game and you end up chasing the ball quite a lot. From talking to the gaffer, that’s exactly what he wants to implement into his style. You got some familiar faces to welcome you into the changing room in Korey Smith, Liam Walsh and Ben Hamer. It must be nice having some guys you already know in the squad? It makes it a little bit easier, I stayed at Korey’s on the first night and he cooked me spaghetti bolognaise, so I was happy about that. He’s a really good friend of mine off the pitch as well, Walsh I played at Bristol City with for a couple of years and I played with Ben Hamer as well. Two good lads, pretty good players as well. It always makes it a little bit easier on the first day, I know a few of the lads from playing against them so we have that respect for each other. It’s been a good couple of weeks. Did you speak to any of those three in particular about this club before you decided to make the move? More so Korey, I spoke to Korey quite a lot and he said, “just get yourself down here”. He was more excited than me, I think. The feeling I get from everyone is that it’s a really friendly club. I am really looking forward to it. I guess I should be popping round Korey’s house for a bit of tea by the sound of it, is he a good cook?

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I don’t think it’s him, it’s his wife Hattie that cooked the spaghetti bolognaise. He ain’t great but it was good. You come with a huge amount of Championship experience; you’ve played over 150 games in the division. What’s the key to being a competitive and successful side at this level? Just staying consistent, you’re going to go on some tough spells in this league, that’s just the way it is. You got to go in with the right attitude or otherwise you’re just going to get beat, whether that’s bottom of the league or top of the league. I think playing in a consistent way and staying to that way for the season is important. It’s one of the best leagues in the world, especially to watch. It’s difficult to play in at times, different styles of play and different managers. But, that’s what we love to do and it’s what I love to do. You’re a versatile player, you can play across number of positions, but how would you sum yourself up as a player and what do you feel you can bring to Swansea City? I just want to get on the ball everywhere, I’d probably class myself as an attacking midfielder, somebody who likes to go and try and create chances and goals. I’m a little bit of a showman, I do like to do things with a bit of risk, but that’s what I love to do, and I’ll never stop doing it. What do you hope you can achieve at Swansea as an individual and as part of the squad? I want to have a successful season, play as many games as I can, and you never know where you can end up. With the new manager things are looking positive, so hopefully we can play the right way the whole season, you never know what can happen at the end.

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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 is the second part of a series of features charting the course of the Swans promotion to the First Division, looking at how chairman Malcolm Struel got his man. Struel gets his man “When he came in he did everything he could to keep the club going and to try and bring in the right people to get things going the right way,” says Jeremy Charles of chairman Malcolm Struel. “Under him it felt like we were always looking to move forward.” “Along with Harry Griffiths, Malcolm was absolutely determined to get the club pointing in the right direction,” adds Alan Curtis. “ They felt we had been too long in the lower divisions, and it just showed the ambition that Malcolm had that he believed he could get Tosh.

“Back at Liverpool, I was a little down and disappointed. I went to a sports trade fair in south Wales, and Malcolm Struel was there and we got talking. It’s unbelievable what a coincidence it was. It was definitely destiny. “Being a Cardiff lad, I probably wasn’t the most popular in Swansea at the time. But I said ‘okay, I fancy that, player-manager of Swansea.’ “So, I went to watch them play Rochdale away. Rochdale were 92nd in the Football League, bottom of the lowest division, and Swansea lost 1-0. “I drove back to Liverpool thinking ‘dear God, John, what have you done here.’ “Emlyn Hughes, a great Liverpool and England captain, came over to watch the game and on the way home he said ‘Toshy, what have you done? This morning you were a member of the squad of the European champions. Tonight, you’ll go to bed as player-manager of the team that’s lost to the team that’s bottom of the Football League.’ “But it all came from that chance meeting with Malcolm.

“I remember we read a lot of speculation in the paper, and Tosh himself had told me on Wales duty that there was nothing in it.

“At first, it was difficult, and I say that with all due respect, because he knew there was a lot at stake for both of us.

“I’d gone back and told the boys there was no chance he’d take the job. Lo and behold, a matter of days later he’s walking into the dressing room as the new manager!”

“His confidence in me just grew as we went along, but early on it was difficult to get much out of him. I can understand now as he was looking after the club.

It may have appeared that John Toshack had used a good poker face to keep his future charges off the scent, but the man himself reveals he had a few hurdles to overcome before taking the reins at the Vetch.

“As things moved along, and we were as successful as we were, Malcolm then trusted me with everything and we had a really good relationship.

“I agreed to sign for Anderlecht, who were a top Belgian club in those days, but the medical opinion went against me,” says Toshack.

“The group of directors – Mr Owen, with his pinstripe suits; Bobby Jones, from near the Mumbles; Tom Phillips; Malcolm; Winston Rees, a travel agent – I was at Liverpool, but I felt at the time they were novices in terms of football. They didn’t have a great deal of knowledge there.

“I went down to meet Jimmy Andrews at Cardiff City. But nothing came of it. I could still play, despite my injuries, and do some coaching. I think Jimmy felt I was a danger to his job.

“But when I look back, I took charge of a team with three jewels – Robbie James, Jeremy Charles and Alan Curtis. If we could get organised at that level, those lads could make us tick, and that’s what they did.”

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The new man sets out his stall When Toshack was appointed, there were a few Swans players who knew him from international duty with Wales. They were aware their new boss was not a man shy of belief or confidence, but also someone who demanded high standards. Even so, a few were startled when Swansea City’s new player-manager took his first team meeting and outlined his plans for his tenure. “Tosh always had an aura and a presence about him, he could come in and the room would fall silent,” said Curtis. “If he spoke, you listened, his record spoke for itself. He was the manager, but he was also still a great player too. “We got a new manager, but also a First Division signing. “He was so ambitious, I remember his first meeting vividly. He came in and told us he wanted to be in the First Division inside six years. “We believed him, but when he turned his back to address a different part of the room you were looking at each other wondering if he realised what division we were in!

“But, as the years went by, we got on a roll and everything he talked about and predicted, it became apparent we could do it.” “We were doing okay in the Fourth Division at the time but, to get a name like that, especially for us youngsters, was great,” says Charles. “We’d seen him playing with the likes of Kevin Keegan, and to think he was coming in and we would play and work with him was hugely exciting. You could sense it in the dressing room and around the fans and the city. “So, when he told you that you were going to play in the First Division in a handful of years, you believed him. Although there were some non-believers at the time!” Wyndham Evans also recalls that meeting, but believes Toshack’s initial plan involved climbing the pyramid in fewer than six years. “I thought he said we would be in the First Division in four years,” says the former defender. “I have to be honest and say I was one of those looking around and wondering if he was serious. “But, you have to hand it to him, he did exactly what he said. You could sense his confidence, it rubbed off on you.” That confidence did not take long to manifest itself out on the pitch as the Swans’ ascent soon began.

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SKINNER HOPES FOR MORE MEMORIES TO SAVOUR FROM EUROPEAN ADVENTURE

laire Skinner is hoping to create more memories to savour as she prepares for her first taste of Champions League action with Swansea City Ladies on Wednesday. The goalkeeper signed for the Swans in December 2020 and kept a clean sheet in every single Welsh Premier Women’s League fixture she appeared in during the title-winning campaign. Skinner ended the season with a league and cup double under her belt, and she recently picked up the WPWL’s golden glove award too. Those achievements have just added to her motivation and drive ahead of the new season, with the Swans in Cyprus ahead of their clash with CSKA Moscow.

And, she is thankful for the bond she has already forged with her Swansea team-mates. “My time at Swansea so far has been amazing. I couldn’t have hoped for a better start, winning t h e l e a g u e a n d c u p, b e i n g unbeaten, and conceding very few goals,” she said. “All the girls welcomed me with open arms and made me feel so comfortable, which makes playing with them even more enjoyable.” Skinner is no stranger to big occasions, having earned seven caps for Wales during her career. However, she is expecting a very testing experience in her first Champions League outing. “I can’t wait to get out there to experience top class football

and be able to make memories with the team at hopefully my first of many Champions League experiences,” she added. “I have heard lots from the girls, mostly good things, but the main point being that the opposition are going to be strong, elite and physical players. “Both games are going to be very tough. It’s all very exciting going into it and that will help us improve our game to bring back to Wales and compete again in the league. “I hope we put out a top-class performance and give the opposition a good battle. “I’m expecting to come up against tough opposition and to build an even better team bond in some nice weather.”

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BARNSLEY U18s 2 SWANS U18s 3

wansea City Under-18s showed tremendous grit and character to twice come from behind to snatch victory at Barnsley, despite playing the final half-hour with 10 men.

It was no less than a youthful side deserved, with a handful of under-16 players involved, while new arrivals Charlie Veevers, Filip Lissah and Wilson were handed starting roles.

Byron Anthony’s side trailed when they conceded from a set play early in the first half, but they got back on level terms thanks to a Geoff Bony header.

The visitors started well, but they fell behind from a set-piece which they were unable to deal with.

A fine finish from the Barnsley left wing-back from a long throw from the right restored the Tykes lead before the interval, but Kyrell Wilson again got the visitors back on level terms. However, with the momentum with them, the Swans saw defender Jack Cooper - one of a number of under-16 players in the matchday squad - dismissed after picking up a second yellow card. But Swansea were not deterred, and claimed victory in stoppage time as 15-year-old substitute Iwan Morgan fired home.

But Swansea regathered themselves and continued to threaten, getting particular joy down the right flank. And it was from that source that they levelled, Veevers sending in a fine cross for Bony to head the ball beyond the keeper. However, it was Barnsley who held the half-time lead as a throw from the right found its way across the box where it was well-finished from the opposite side of the box. Again Swansea responded, this time Lissah the man to deliver with quality from the right flank for Wilson to turn home his first goal since joining the club.

The ebb and flow of the contest continued as young Cooper saw red with a third of the game still to go, but it was Swansea creating the better openings. They thought they had a late winner only to see a Morgan strike ruled out but, undeterred, the striker was on hand to finish in stoppage time as the visitors took all three points.

TEAM LINEUP Swans: Ben Hughes; Filip Lissah, Jack Cooper, Ryan Bassett, Josh Carey; Charlie Veevers, Josh Edwards (captain), Dan Watts; Cameron Llewelyn, Geoff Bony, Kyrell Wilson. Subs not used: Tyler Evans, David Roberts, Aimar Govea, Cameron Congreve, Iwan Morgan.

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SWANS LAUNCH THE FORMER PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION PAGE 46

THE COACHING TEAM FROM THE SWANSEA CITY ACADEMY RECENTLY HAD THE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEND A DAY WORKING WITH SOME OF THE BEST SOLDIERS IN THE BRITISH ARMY AS PART OF THEIR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. THE GROUP TRAVELLED TO SALISBURY FOR AN IMMERSIVE, CHALLENGING DAY, LEARNING ABOUT SOLDIERING, AND ALSO ABOUT FOCUS, MAKING DECISIONS AND MANAGING THEIR OWN EMOTIONS UNDER HIGH STRESS SITUATIONS WITH INCOMPLETE INFORMATION. THE TEAM SET OFF FROM WALES AT 5AM AND ARRIVED FOR A SERIES OF BRIEFS ABOUT THE CAPABILITIES, WEAPONS AND TACTICS USED BY THE B SQN SNIPER TROOP FROM THE HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY REGIMENT. MET BY B SQUADRON LEADER, HCR, AND THE SNIPER TROOP LEADER WHO ORGANISED THE EVENT, THE COACHES BROKE DOWN INTO SMALLER GROUPS, EACH BEING ASSIGNED A SNIPER TO WORK WITH AND LEARN FROM. AFTER PRACTISING SOME BASIC SKILLS AND REACHING SAFE STANDARD, THE TEAMS DEPLOYED OUT ONTO SEVERAL MISSIONS ON THE SALISBURY PLAIN TRAINING AREA, HUNTING ENEMY FORCES, LIAISING CLOSELY WITH ONE ANOTHER AND TAKING IT IN TURNS TO DIRECT OPERATIONS.

Jon Grey, head of coaching at the academy reflected on the day: “The more we understand ourselves and challenge ourselves, the better we can support the young men in the academy, he said. “We worked on different ways to communicate, making difficult decisions without much to go on and also had to process massive amounts of new information. The pre-work we did as a group meant that we were able to pinpoint interesting dynamics in our work, that we see with ourselves and the players, and then explore them in a totally new setting. This way, everything in the day was relevant and had some bearing on us as a team, while taking place in an environment we’d never had access to. “We were challenged constantly and have all come away with a huge amount of respect for the

troops we worked with, as well as a lot of ideas and questions about how we coach and support people. We encourage our young players to get better all the time, and it’s important that we’re seen to be doing the same, taking our personal development seriously. “During the day we saw up close how hard the soldiers work, and how professional and focused they are at such a young age. The amount of responsibility the troops have, and the trust their commanders put in them was amazing to see. As well as being excellent soldiers and physically fit, the team were real ‘thinkers’.” Throughout the day the team were challenged by multiple factors, including he avy, unfamiliar equipment, a lack of information at critical moments and the

typical Salisbury Plain weather, which changed from baking heat to heavy rain several times over! A s their confidence grew by spending time with the snipers, the teams were confronted with more complex situations, requiring them to make decisions with little information, rapidly reassess the picture and take an action. After the final stalk and shoot, the team began its return to base, but they faced one final challenge when they were attacked, leading to a simulated casualty extraction. “That was really exciting – we went from being quite relaxed to a state of total confusion in a second,” said Joe Roberts who is lead foundation phase coach at the Academy. “The adrenaline kicked in and we got ourselves out of the situation, but it was a

great lesson in what stress can do to people, making it harder to communicate effectively and to coordinate what we wanted to happen.” Throughout the day the coaches and snipers had talked, exchanged ideas and shared experiences, with both groups learning something new and finding parallels across their roles and environments. “ T he team really immer sed themselves in the day, and our sniper section has absorbed a lot from spending time with them. Having them in attendance meant we’ve been able to maximise our training, as the snipers have had to coach and guide as well as conduct their normal roles, which is great for their personal and professional development” said B Squadron Leader.

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ith the anniversary of the start of the Swans’ first ever season in the top-flight approaching at the end of this month, I couldn’t help but look back at a memorable match against Stoke from that campaign almost 40 years ago. Playing their debut season in the old First Division, the Swans welcomed Stoke on what was an absolutely filthy March afternoon in 1982. Torrential rain in the run up to the match probably deterred some fans from attending for fear of it being called off at the last minute. There was also the fact that the match clashed with an England v Wales rugby international at Twickenham which was being shown live on TV. These were still the days when Welsh matches sometimes had a detrimental effect on attendances at the Vetch, hence the popularity of Friday night kick-offs prior to this particular season. The attendance of 11,811 was the lowest of the campaign and was particularly disappointing as the Swans were flying high in second place in the First Division. The home side were enjoying a rich vein of form which had seen them beat Liverpool 2-0 at the Vetch and Arsenal by the same score at Highbury during the previous month. But anyone who chose a warm, dry living room over an afternoon at an extremely soggy Vetch were made to regret their decision as the Swans enjoyed a thumping 3-0 win and Wales lost 17-7 at HQ.

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In fairness, the match wasn’t exactly a feast of free-flowing football, how could it be when it was played on an utterly sodden Vetch Field mud bath? Such were the conditions, there is no way the game would go ahead these days. But the Swans battled a tough Stoke side, featuring the likes of tough as teak centre half Dave Watson, as well the conditions, to run out 3-0 victors, with Jeremy Charles scoring on his return from injury. The Swans’ other goals that afternoon were scored by the late, great Robbie James, who would also go on to become a favourite with Stoke City fans during the 1983-84 campaign. Robbie joined the Potters from the Swans and played 46 games in his one season there, scoring seven goals. But for injury, the match could have featured another hugely popular Welsh international midfielder who made his name at Stoke. “ The one and only” John Mahoney played almost 300 games in 10 years at the Victoria Ground before moving on to Middlesbrough and eventually joining the Swans in 1979. The dreadful weather at the Vetch that March afternoon couldn’t have been more contrasting to that enjoyed by shirt-sleeved fans just a few months earlier when the Swans played Leeds United. Saturday, August 29, 1981 will always be one of my favourite dates in Swans history.

Unlike that rain-lashed March afternoon against Stoke, the Vetch was bathed in hot sunshine and absolutely packed to the rafters by a crowd of 23,489. The Swans had pretty much been written off in many circles as cannon fodder for mighty Leeds, who had dominated English football a decade before. Just over six years earlier, on May 28, 1975, they had played Bayern Munich in the European Cup final at the Parc des Princes in Paris. On April 23 of that year, Leeds drew 1-1 with Barcelona in the semi-final second leg in front of a crowd of 110,000 at the Nou Camp to secure a 3-2 aggregate win and book their place in the final. Three days later, the Swans lost 1-0 at Rochdale’s Spotland in front of 1,548 on the last day of their Division Four season.

And two of the team who played in that dismal defeat to Rochdale half a dozen years before played a huge part in the victory. J ames was instrument al in midfield and Alan Curtis - who had been taunted as a “Leeds reject” earlier in the match by the visiting fans - scored an unforgettable individual goal to send me and the vast majority of the crowd into absolute ecstasy. Some may have asked after that sun-baked victory played on a perfect Vetch Field pitch “ah yes, but can Swansea do it on a cold, rainy night in Stoke?” Well, it may not have been a cold, rainy night in Stoke, but it was certainly a cold, rainy afternoon in Swansea, when the home team ran out comfortable 3-0 winners. And, just for the record, the Swans proved they could also “do it in Stoke” that season.

Having finished third from bottom of the entire Football League, the Swans subsequently had to apply for re-election, while Leeds were challenging for European glory.

Once again, it may have been an October afternoon, rather than a cold, wet, winter’s evening, but the Swans also beat Stoke at the Victoria Ground.

The two clubs couldn’t have been further apart in football’s food chain.

In fact, the 2-1 win on October 17 sent the Swans to the top of the First Division for the first time in the club’s history thanks to goals from Gary Stanley and Latchford.

But how the tables had turned in those subsequent six years as the Swans ran riot in the August sunshine. Jeremy Charles opened the scoring for the Swans and new signing Bob Latchford produced a f a i r y t a l e h a t- t r i c k o n h i s league debut to put the Swans firmly in control.

A similar result tonight would be a perfect way to celebrate in the run up to the 40th anniversary of the Swans making their topflight bow. C’mon you Swans!

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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.

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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.

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SWANS LAUNCH THE FORMER PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION

ith the recent launch of Swans e a C ity ’s Former Players’ Association, we hear from honorary president Esme Allchurch – widow of all-time Swans’ great Ivor – about the importance the new body can have for those wishing to continue, or re-establish, connection with the club. Esme Allchurch is the widow of Ivor Allchurch, the ‘Golden Boy of Welsh Football’ who enjoyed two spells with Swansea between 1949 and 1968. He scored 186 goals in 502 appearances and is arguably the club’s greatest ever player. He died in 1997 aged just 67. Esme has continued to enjoy a long association with the club and is the honorary president of the Former Players’ Association. She says the FPA at Swansea will be as much of a bonus for the fans as it will for the explayers themselves. “I’ve seen utter joy on supporters’ faces when they can have a chat with an old player and reminisce about the old days,” she said. “Years ago players played for no wages, with a heavy ball and for the fans the opportunity to speak to them about those times is absolutely priceless. The memories are still there and I think that will enhance the club in terms of giving something back to the supporters. “When a footballer stops playing it can be a very lonely place. You might have a really supportive family and you are fortunate enough to perhaps have an extended family but if you moved

away when you were playing a n d yo u d o n’ t l i ve c l o s e t o them in older age it c an be really challenging. “I think all footballers include their team-mates as an extended family and also the fans, they are a huge part of their lives when they are playing and when all that stops the adjustment can be so difficult, especially for players who are on their own.” She says older players from the 50s, 60s and 70s often missed out on vital support because clubs didn’t have the structures in place to give it to them. “It got better over time and fortunately, these days players are well advised and given a lot of support before they finish in terms of insurance and investments and the like,” said Esme. “It wasn’t like that years ago they were thrown on the scrapheap at 35 or 36 when they finished playing, if they were lucky enough to play that long. “All the promises that were made to players years ago were rarely delivered on once they stopped playing, you really had to fend for yourself and making sure you looked after yourself for the future wasn’t always a priority. “What I have found, the worse thing, was so many of them not having private health insurance and lots of players suffered for years and years with knee and hip problems when they could have had help from the Professional Footballers’ Association. “It’s important that more awareness is raised about what support is out there because

some players can fall on really hard times after they finish, which is just so sad.” Esme has been able to maintain strong relationships with many of the former players who were part of her life when Ivor was still playing and she says the friendship and sense of community they formed has been invaluable. “I’ve been fortunate because I’ve had a lot of friends from t h o s e d ays . W h e n I vo r wa s playing, they were mostly Swansea-based players when they retired. They didn’t move away the same as they do now. The ones who are still alive I still keep in touch with and up until six or eight years ago we used to all meet up in Mel Nurse’s hotel. “I had the phone numbers of everybody and I’d organise a get together. We’d wait until Cliffy Jones and Joan were coming down from London and we’d all get together. We used to have a lovely evening and Mel would do us really proud. “And the fans would also come in and see the players and they would love it too. “It was a real Swansea friendship club because most people who come to Swansea don’t want to leave. Those get togethers were immensely important for the players and their wives. “I think that could be a forerunner of what the FPA could do in getting people together in a social environment, which is so important.”

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SWANSEA CITY SEAL ETHAN LAIRD LOAN DEAL

wansea City has completed the signing of Ethan Laird on loan from Manchester United, subject to international clearance. The 20-year-old defender will spend the remainder of the 2021-22 season at the Swansea. com Stadium, and will wear the number 27 shirt. Laird is in contention to make his Swans bow in Tuesday ’s Championship clash with Stoke City, with the deal having been registered in time.

Should he feature it will not be his first appearance at the Swansea.com Stadium, with Laird having played there on his debut for Manchester United’s under-23s at the age of 16. He becomes Swansea’s sixth summer acquisition following the arrivals of Kyle Joseph, Liam Walsh, Joel Piroe, Jamie Paterson and Flynn Downes. Laird has previous experience of playing under head coach Russell Martin, having spent the second half of last season

on loan at MK Dons, where he made 25 appearances in all competitions. He has been with Manchester United since the age of nine, and has two first-team appearances under his belt having featured in Europa League fixtures against Astana and AZ Alkmaar. L aird will bolster Martin’s defensive options, and brings versatility given he is able to play as a wing-back, full-back or centre-back.

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JUNIOR CYRIL'S HALF-TIME QUIZ QUESTION ONE

QUESTION TWO

QUESTION THREE

Which current Swan started his career with Norwich City and went on to feature for Barnsley, Yeovil and Oldham before a six-year spell at Bristol City?

Which Swans striker played can count Wayne Rooney as a former team-mate and manager?

Which member of the Swans squad has represented Jamaica at international level?

Tip: They were together at Derby.

Tip: He is a forward.

Tip: He plays in midfield.

QUESTION FOUR

QUESTION FIVE

QUESTION SIX

Which former Swansea City striker scored in consecutive games involving the Swans and Stoke at the bet365 Stadium in 2016-17?

With which club had new Swans signing Flynn Downes spent his career before moving to SA1?

Who won the stoppage-time penalty that saw the Swans beat Stoke at the bet365 Stadium last season?

Tip: They are called the Tractor Boys.

Tip: He is a defender.

Tip: He had two spells at the Swans.

CYRIL AND CYBIL'S PREDICTION SWANS 2 STOKE CITY 0

PAGE 56

PAGE 57 Cyril’s Half-Time Quiz Answers Question One - Korey Smith Question Two - Morgan Whittaker Question Three - Jamal Lowe

Question Four - Wilfried Bony Question Five - Ipswich Town Question Six - Kyle Naughton The missing men are 6. Ashley Williams, 9. Michu, 12. Nathan Dyer

CYBIL FIND THE MISSING MEN

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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 D 0-0

Sat, Aug 14, 8pm

Benda

Manning

Stoke City H

Tue, Aug 14, 7.45pm

Bristol City A

Fri, Aug 20, 7.45pm

Plymouth Argyle (CC R2) H

Tue, Aug 24, 7pm

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 16, 2021.

PAGE 60

Cabango

Bennett

Latibeaudiere

Bidwell

Smith 1

Cabango

B.Cooper

Latibeaudiere

Bidwell 3

Williams

Cabango

B.Cooper

Latibeaudiere

Bidwell

Downes

Match Statistics Key

ASON 2021~2022 SUBSTITUTES Paterson

Grimes Grimes

Grimes

Goal =

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

Paterson 3

Lowe 1

Cullen 2

Webb, Mcfayden, Williams, Dhanda 3, Joseph, Piroe 1, Whittaker 2

Captain =

Sub = 2 (number denotes player replaced) Booked =

Sent off =

Carabao Cup = CC FA Cup = FA

PAGE 61

TABLE 2021~2022

POS TEAM 1

Fulham

Queens Park Rangers

W D L

GD PTS

Cardiff City

West Bromwich Albion

Bournemouth

Blackburn Rovers

Middlesbrough

Stoke City

Barnsley

Birmingham City

Luton Town

Hull City

Reading

Coventry City

Peterborough United

-2

Millwall

Bristol City

-1

Derby County

-1

Swansea City

-1

Sheffield United

-1

Blackpool

-2

Huddersfield Town

-4

Nottingham Forest

-2

Preston North End

-4

Correct as of August 16, 2021.

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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 27 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 Ethan Laird Liam Walsh Ollie Cooper Lincoln Mcfayden Ben Lloyd Daniel Williams Jordon Garrick Nico Defreitas-Hansen

STOKE CITY

Manager: Michael O’Neill 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 22 23 25 26 30 36

Adam Davies Tommy Smith Morgan Fox Joe Allen James Chester Danny Batth Sam Clucas Mario Vrančić Steven Fletcher Tyrese Campbell Alfie Doughty Josef Bursik Jack Bonham Josh Tymon Jordan Thompson Ben Wilmot Jacob Brown Leo Østigård Tashan Oakley-Boothe Sam Surridge Tom Ince Nick Powell William Forrester James McClean Harry Souttar

NEXT UP AT Plymouth Argyle Tuesday, Aug 24 Kick-off: 7pm

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

~ Referee: Joshua Smith ~ ~ Assistant Referees: Mark Russell and Nik Barnard ~ ~ Fourth Official: Tom Reeves ~

Correct as of August 16, 2021

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