Friendly means it's Friends Reunited for former Swan Shaun

It will be a case of Friends Reunited for Shaun MacDonald tonight as he meets some old acquaintances.
Three years on from leaving his hometown club, he faces the Swans for the first time tonight as Bournemouth welcome Garry Monk's side to the Goldsands Stadium (7.30pm).
Still well thought of at the Liberty, MacDonald spent years at the Swans - his association starting at the age of six as he came through the ranks before breaking into the first team in 2005.
His six years in the senior squad at the Liberty saw the club win the Football League Trophy, lift the League One title and beat Reading in the Championship Play-Off final to book their spot in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old from Blaenymaes, who also spent time on loan at Yeovil during his time in SA1, has enjoyed a successful time with the Cherries, having helped them earn promotion from League One before just missing out on the Championship play-off spots last season.
And he is looking forward to going up against his former team-mates as both clubs continue their pre-season preparations.



"Since I left I have not had the chance of playing against the lads, so tonight will be a great occasion for me," said the Welsh international.
"Obviously having grown up in Swansea the dream for me was always to play for my hometown club, and I've so glad to have done that. It is the club in my heart.
"I've got fantastic memories of the club and the supporters too. That's something I'll always remember - how supportive and good the fans were to me.
"It will be great to see the lads again and the fans too. I'm not too sure what kind of reception I'll get, but hopefully it will be a positive one because I have the utmost respect for the club, players, staff and fans.
"But, of course, when we step over the white line then I'm a Bournemouth player and I'll be doing what I can for us to win."
Having swapped Swansea for the South Coast in August 2011, MacDonald's transition proved a smooth one.



He explained: "It was sad to leave the Swans, but I remember the conversation I had with Brendan (Rodgers). It was very positive, and he said the club had moved forward very quickly and I understood I needed to be playing regular football.
"I was sad leaving the club, but it was also an exciting opportunity for me at Bournemouth. And it has definitely proved a positive move for me.
"It is my third season here and I've really enjoyed it.
"But I can see a lot of similarities between Bournemouth and the Swans.
"Both teams like to play football in the right way and they are clubs that are very close to the community - that link is strong at the Swans and Bournemouth.
"And the fans are very similar too. Certainly the reception I have received from the Bournemouth fans is what I got at the Liberty - positive, appreciative and inspiring."



Since MacDonald's departure three years ago, the Swans have continued to flourish.
An 11th-placed finish in the club's debut  Premier League campaign was followed up with a first major trophy via the Capital One Cup in the next season.
After finishing 12th last time out, Garry Monk is preparing for his first full season in charge.
And MacDonald believes his former captain is the right man for the job as the Swans prepare for a fourth consecutive Premier League campaign.
"I have watched the Swans' results closely, and the club's success has not surprised me one bit," added the midfielder.
"The players have a lot of ability and everyone at the club - whether they have been there for years or have just arrived as a new player - will know the ethos of the club.
"The team spirit when I was at the club was incredible. The squad was so tight knit, and I'm sure Garry has exactly the same level of team spirit.
"The players will do whatever he asks because he certainly was a player - and person - that demands full respect.
"I'm delighted for Garry because he was a great captain and leader, and I knew he always had the best interests of the club at heart.
"So for him to be manager of Swansea City is great to see, and I'm sure he will continue the club's success."