Evans backs Swans at Stoke

Wyndham Evans has backed the Swans to break their duck at Stoke City on Wednesday night and pick up a first Barclays Premier League point at the Britannia Stadium (7.45pm).
Loyal servant Evans, who played nearly 400 league games for the Swans in the 1970s and 80s, is confident Garry Monk's positive start will continue against the Potters.
Last weekend's 3-0 derby win over Cardiff ensured Monk got off to the best possible start after he took over as head coach four days earlier.
The Swans now look to pick up a first point at the Britannia in the Premier League having lost 2-0 on their previous two trips to Stoke, who are a point below Monk's side in the table.
But Evans, who started his youth career at Stoke, feels the confidence earned by their derby win will help the Swans end their point-less run in the Potteries.
"As a footballer, the confidence you get from winning a game should never be underestimated," said Evans. "What the players and management achieved under the circumstances last week was fantastic.
"It was a dream start and it was a result that the supporters will always remember.
"The players will have gained a lot of confidence from that, and I think it will serve them well at Stoke.
"Stoke is a tough place to go - as our results up there in the last few years have shown.
"Mark Hughes has changed the approach this season and they are playing more football, with Charlie Adam very much their main man.
"Peter Crouch has given us a lot of problems up there in the past, but I think Adam will be the man to stop if the Swans are going to get anything from this game.
"Their change of style has meant Adam is involved a lot more, and he's a gifted player who can pick out a pass or score from long range.
"But the Swans will need to impose themselves on the game, first and foremost, and I think Garry will have hammered that message home in the build-up to this game.
"I think they will manage to do that, and I can see the Swans getting a positive result from the Britannia."



With Monk preparing for only his second game in charge, Evans believes the former Swans skipper has the right qualities - and support - to succeed in his role at the Liberty.
He added: "I've heard a lot about how Garry is inexperienced as a manager. But he's been at this club for ten years as a player - and captain - so he knows what Swansea City is about.
"In that time he's played under Kenny Jackett, Roberto Martinez, Paulo Sousa, Brendan Rodgers and Michael Laudrup, so he will have learned so much from each manager.
"That knowledge is priceless, and with Garry's own thoughts and ideas added into that mix, I think he has the makings of a good manager.
"Garry has Swansea City at heart too, and I think that's a very important aspect.
"But you also look at who is working around him too. Alan Curtis is a great figure for Garry to have alongside him.
"Curt has been there and done it, and he too knows what this club means to everyone associated with the Swans.
"Then there's the likes of Kristian O'Leary and Lee Trundle too, who are involved in coaching, and Leon (Britton) on the playing side of things. So it's a good set-up to have, and the Board of Directors should be applauded for that."