Chairman's column: West Brom
Read Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins' programme notes for today's clash with West Brom.
Good afternoon and welcome once again to the Liberty Stadium for today’s Premier League game against West Bromwich Albion.
Today’s fixture is the first of three home games from four before we pass the halfway point of the season.
Last week’s defeat at Stoke City was very disappointing after we started the game with a positive attitude, resulting in Wilfred Bony scoring his first Premier League goal for us on his return to a former club. It came early in the game and gave us the lead.
Belief and confidence in how we have approached every game played at Swansea City have been vital ingredients in our success over the last 15 years or so.
Without solid belief in everything we try to do, the challenge to compete in the Premier League every season will be extremely hard for a club like us.
Focusing on our own strengths and encouraging football to be played without fear was a very simple but effective way to approach each game.
It was that type of positive thinking that helped us battle against all the odds over many years and provided the strong foundations for each new arrival at the club to quickly settle in.
This approach helped managers and players alike to understand what we were all about, but it also provided the solid foundation to help recruit the right managers and players for our football team in the first place.
The challenges we have had to deal with in the Premier League in recent seasons are completely different to the one we now face.
But we must somehow remain strong and try to take away the pressures that currently exist for the manager and players alike as we play our football in the bottom six.
Our last home game against Bournemouth was a great example of that because we managed to play with renewed confidence.
I’m sure if we slowly focus on our strengths and somehow lift the pressure off everyone involved, performances will undoubtedly improve.
A warm welcome to all directors, staff, players and supporters who have travelled to South West Wales today to support the Baggies.
Alan Pardew has recently been appointed the new manager at West Brom and I wish him every success in his new role. I’m sure with Alan’s experience he will quickly settle in and enjoy his time in the Midlands.
Also, congratulations to our own Alan Curtis who picked up the lifetime achievement accolade at the recent BBC Wales Sport Awards.
The word ‘legend’ is used far too freely these days. But that is not the case when you come to describe Alan – the man and the footballer.
The award was justified recognition of Alan’s outstanding service and contribution to the game and especially this football club.
Back to today’s game and it certainly is a big one for both clubs to look forward to and enjoy.
With those three home games to come in quick succession, with a little luck and everyone’s full support I’m convinced we can slowly start to look forward to the season ahead with renewed confidence once again.
