Welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for today's match against Coventry City.
I want to start by saying that I am fully aware of what a tough month January has been so far for everyone connected with our club.
We have not had the results or performances we would have wanted, and we have had plenty to attend to off the pitch whilst navigating the January transfer window.
The Championship is renowned as one of the hardest leagues in the world for good reason, and there is no doubt we have had body blows on and off the field. However, we have to keep working hard to move us forward as a club, and I know that you, the Jack Army, are desperate for us to succeed in doing that.
The departure of Matt Grimes is obviously a significant change given he had been with the club for a decade but, as Luke himself said earlier this week, we can either view these situations as opportunities or threats, and the only approach we can take is to look at it as an opportunity.
We are working around the clock to strengthen our men’s first-team squad and make the right decisions for the club. I am aware that, as the moment, that is a work-in progress, but I remain optimistic about the future, and what is going on behind the scenes as we look to make additions before the transfer window closes.
We have appointed a new captain in Ben Cabango, an academy product and a Wales international, who I know will do us proud as he leads us forward while we look to produce a positive reaction following a tough start to 2025.
Ben recently committed his future to the club, as did another academy product in Liam Cullen, while we are delighted to have secured the exciting signing of Melker Widell. He is a talented young player who was attracting interest from a number of top-flight clubs here and in Europe, and we believe he is going to be an excellent addition to our squad.
I am also aware of the concerns that have been raised about improving our communication with supporters. We are committed to improving our connection with you, I believe in being as transparent as we can be with you, and clearly laying out our plans to take the club forward.
We are planning to hold a fans' forum once the transfer window closes to address your concerns and share our vision. Please do join us for that, and we will be able to update you on a number of areas.
I know today, with our new captain leading out the team, we will all come together and create an electric atmosphere that will inspire our players and hopefully help us get the performance and result we want.
Thank you for your continued support, and enjoy the match.
Come on you Swans!
Andy
Good afternoon and welcome to the Swansea.com Stadium as we face Coventry City.
We return to home turf after the disappointment of our defeat at Norwich, and we know we will need to be a lot better this afternoon as we look to return to winning ways.
It has been a challenging run of results, and I can promise you that as a group we are doing everything to try and turn that around and give everyone who cares about this club a boost.
We have, of course, seen Matt Grimes leave the club this week after over a decade, but we simply have to move on and move forward and view this as an opportunity rather than a threat.
These situations create moments that are there and waiting to be seized as a chance to do something good. We need warriors to step up.
We have one of those in Ben Cabango, who has become our new club captain. Ben has captained this club at every level he has played at, he is a Wales international, and he has shown us his leadership qualities time and again.
He has the respect of his teammates and everyone at the football club. It’s an honour to lead Swansea City, and I have no doubt he will do so effectively and with great integrity.
We are also very pleased to have sealed the signing of Melker Widell, who will join us from Aalborg in the summer.
He is a young player with a lot of energy, who can carry the ball effectively and challenge defences. He brings us something a bit different. We are excited about the prospect of working with him, and we wish him all the best over his remaining time in Denmark.
There is a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes to try and strengthen our squad before the transfer deadline on Monday night, and I hope we will have more positive news for you between now and then.
But, first and foremost, our focus is on today’s game and getting back to winning ways.
Our recent performances at home have been strong, and it’s important we carry that on to give ourselves the best possible chance of three points.
Enjoy the game,
Luke
Usually, these programme notes centre around what’s happening on the pitch. However, sometimes off-field events take precedence, and this is one of those times.
There’s no sugar coating it; recent weeks have been challenging for everyone associated with Swansea City.
We have had a disappointing run of results, and successive poor performances away from home.
We have seen unhelpful speculation around the position of our head coach, and we have seen our captain leave the club in the final days of the January transfer window.
Morale among supporters has been low, there is still time remaining for the club to hopefully add to the first-team squad before the window closes on Monday night, but there is clearly disquiet among supporters.
As we alluded to in our statement earlier this week, which you can read HERE, we believe one of the key issues that needs to be addressed is communication.
Chairman Andy Coleman highlighted improved communication and connection with fans as one of the central tenets of what supporters could expect from the new ownership group.
Fans can’t always see what efforts are being made behind the scenes; therefore, it’s down to the club to help communicate that. The club knows we strongly believe it can improve in this area.
To do that, the fans need to be brought into the fold. They need reassurance that the club is in safe hands and that there is a solid plan in place to restore us to former glories. We hear it when we talk to them, and supporters need to hear it, as well.
They also deserve the opportunity to challenge and scrutinise those plans. That’s why we continue to insist on a long-awaited fans’ forum being arranged once the transfer window closes next week, and we have received assurances that this will happen.
Plus, we are also expecting some positive activity in the final few days of the transfer window.
We all want a more transparent and open relationship between the club and its supporters.
We will continue to push for that but, while we thank Matt Grimes for his services to the club over a decade at Swansea City, come the game today we will all be firmly behind our new captain, Ben Cabango, and this group of players.
Ben is a player rooted in the Swansea City system, having come through the academy. He has been a colossus this season and I know he will have the backing of every Jack as he leads the club.
While we all have frustrations with recent events, as a club we have always been at our best when we come together and get firmly behind our team.
We have differing views and opinions, but one thing we all have in common is that we care passionately about Swansea City, and we want the team and the club to succeed.
Luke Williams spoke this week about viewing situations as opportunities rather than threats. We have an opportunity to play our part in hopefully helping start an upturn for Swansea City and all connected to the club.
Enjoy the game, and let’s hope for a great atmosphere and three important points.
Swansea City Supporters’ Trust
SWANSEA CITY AFC FOUNDATION PARTICIPANTS HEAD FOR WORLD CUP
Swansea City AFC Foundation is proud to announce its involvement in the 2026 Street Child World Cup, which will take place in the United States.
The Swans Foundation will be the first organisation to represent Wales at the tournament, and will join an additional 24 countries from across the globe in competing.
Ten street-connected young people from across Swansea will participate in the fifth-edition of the Street Child World Cup in 2026.
Street Child United (SCU) is a global movement that uses the power of sport, art, and advocacy to challenge the stigma faced by street-connected children and fight for their rights.
The charity shines a spotlight on children living in street situations, the adversities they face and the fundamental rights they lack. SCU advocate for core demands including identity, protection from violence, gender equality and access to education.
Ahead of each FIFA World Cup, SCU connects street children from across the world to play football, take part in a festival of arts, and participate in child-friendly Congress sessions, all designed to empower and champion their rights.
"We’re extremely excited to be involved in such an incredible opportunity," said Beth Robinson, targeted interventions manager at Swansea City AFC Foundation.
"This will be a once in a lifetime experience for young people and the impact will extend far beyond the tournament.
"The Street Child World Cup is a shining example of how football can be used as a tool to engage, educate and empower young people, which is something we constantly strive to do as a Foundation."
Founder and CEO of Street Child United, John Wroe, explained the importance of the Street Child World Cup, and welcomed the Foundation as representatives of Wales.
"The Street Child World Cup is 'the World Cup That Matters’," added Wroe.
"It matters because we are uniting nations to ensure no child is left invisible. It’s more than a tournament – it is a call to action, amplifying the voices of street-connected children.
"The Street Child World Cup events have a life-changing impact on participants, who will build confidence, make lifelong friendships and develop leadership skills to drive change in their communities.
"It is with enormous pride that young people from Wales will be welcomed at the fifth Street Child World Cup. Their beautiful voices are important, and they will be heard. I know they will be a credit to Swansea and to Wales".
If you would like to support the Foundation's fundraising efforts, please visit the JustGiving page by clicking here.
For corporate donations or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Beth Robinson by email: bethan@swansfoundation.org.uk
Swansea City is saddened to learn of the passing of the club’s former player Williams Rees at the age of 87.
Rees made six first-team appearances for the Swans between 1954 and 1958, either side of completing his national service.
He helped the Swans win the West Wales Senior Cup by beating Llanelli in 1954, and was also part of the reserve squad that secured the Football Combination Second Division Championship the following season.
Having started out as a junior at the Vetch Field, and an understudy to the brilliant outside left Cliff Jones, Rees went on to have spells with Peterborough United, Crystal Palace and Hastings United.
Everyone at Swansea City sends their sincerest condolences to William’s friends and family at this sad time.
Swansea City is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the club’s former vice-chairman Glyn Hammond.
Glyn worked closely with chairman Doug Sharpe during a challenging period for the club from the mid-1980s into the 1990s.
He played an important role in helping secure the survival of the club, after a High Court winding up order in late 1985 saw the gates at the Vetch Field padlocked.
Glyn, an accountant by trade, was among those to work tirelessly in a fundraising effort to keep the Swans afloat, and the winding up order was ultimately lifted in July 1986.
The Swans would recover from those dark days and go on to secure promotion from the fourth tier in 1988, and six years later Autoglass Trophy success would follow on a first visit to Wembley.
Everyone at Swansea City sends Glyn’s family and friends our sincerest condolences at this sad time.
As part of a new feature in our digital matchday programme for the 2024-25 campaign, we are calling on all Swans fans to share their memories and experiences of supporting the club by submitting your stories and pictures. We will publish a selection over the course of the season, and you can share your stories with us through the link below.
Head coach Luke Williams has confirmed Ben Cabango as Swansea City’s new club captain.
The 24-year-old, who recently penned a new contract through to 2028, has skippered the Swans at every level since joining the academy at the age of 14, including leading the senior side in a Carabao Cup tie at Oxford in 2022.
Cabango’s leadership qualities have regularly been highlighted by Williams, as well as previous head coaches, and he described the defender as a “warrior”.
“Ben is a player who has captained the club at every level he has played at, and has come through the academy,” said Williams.
“He is very much someone in the mould of a leader and it is his time to shine now and we move forward.
“It was a pretty easy decision, because he is someone I think everyone respects on the staff and among the players.”
Ten-man Swansea City suffered defeat to high-flying Sheffield United after a second-half red card and penalty at the Swansea.com Stadium.
Swansea City: Lawrence Vigouroux, Josh Key, Ben Cabango, Harry Darling, Josh Tymon; Matt Grimes (captain), Gonçalo Franco, Liam Cullen (Kyle Naughton 59); Ronald, Myles Peart-Harris (Sam Parker 88), Florian Bianchini.
Unused Substitutes: Jon McLaughlin, Jay Fulton, Joe Allen, Žan Vipotnik, Jisung Eom, Josh Ginnelly, Cyrus Christie.
Sheffield United: Michael Cooper, Alfie Gilchrist (Femi Seriki 46), Rhian Brewster (Ben Brereton Diaz 71), Gustavo Hamer, Callum O'Hare (Billy Blacker 90), Harrison Burrows, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Jack Robinson (captain), Rhys Norrington-Davies (Sam McCallum 46), Andre Brooks (Tyrese Campbell 46), Sydie Peck.
Unused Substitutes: Adam Davies, Jamal Baptiste, Louie Marsh, Ryan One.
Referee: Dean Whitestone
Attendance: 13,373
Swansea City conceded three goals in the final 15 minutes to suffer a heavy defeat against Norwich City at Carrow Road.
Swansea City: Lawrence Vigouroux, Josh Key, Ben Cabango, Hannes Delcroix, Josh Tymon; Matt Grimes (captain), Gonçalo Franco (Jay Fulton 85), Liam Cullen (Jisung Eom 75); Ronald (Josh Ginnelly 85), Myles Peart-Harris (Sam Parker 68), Florian Bianchini (Žan Vipotnik 68)
Unused Substitutes: Jon McLaughlin, Nathan Tjoe-A-On, Cyrus Christie, Kyle Naughton.
Norwich City: Angus Gunn, Kellen Fisher (Jack Stacey 46), Shane Duffy, Callum Doyle, Lucien Mahovo (Ben Chrisene 65), Kenny McLean (captain), Emiliano Marcondes, Oscar Schwartau, Onel Hernandez (Ante Crnac 46), Lewis Dobbin (Jose Cordoba 76), Josh Sargent (Jacob Sorensen 65).
Unused Substitutes: George Long, Brad Hills, Uriah Djedje, Elliot Myles.
Referee: Thomas Bramall
Attendance: 25,713 (277 away)
Singers FC was formed in 1883 by a group of men at the Singer Factory Gentleman’s Club, and five years later they changed the team name to Coventry City. After 11 years competing in the Southern League, they were elected to the Football League in 1919.
Between 1925 and 1958 Coventry spent their time between non-league and the EFL but, under the guidance of manager Jimmy Hill, they manufactured a meteoric rise in the early 1960s and reached the top tier for the first time in 1967.
The Sky Blues remained there for 34 years before suffering relegation in 2001. They dropped to Sky Bet League One just over a decade later and, in 2017, they were relegated to League Two.
The appointment of Mark Robins as manager (for the second time) proved to be a shrewd one. They spent just one season in the fourth tier under him before earning promotion via the play-offs in 2018. The Sky Blues went on to become champions of the curtailed 2019-20 League One season on a points per game basis.
They have impressed since returning to the second tier and were beaten play-off finalists when they lost to Luton Town back in May 2023.
Coventry's only major trophy came in 1987 when they defeated Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 to win the FA Cup, with Keith Houchen's diving header proving one of the iconic Wembley goals.
And the Sky Blues progressed to the semi-finals of the FA Cup for the first time since their 1986–87 FA Cup victory with a 3–2 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers last term.
COVENTRY BUILDING
SOCIETY ARENA
Built: 1999
Location: Jimmy Hill Way, Rowleys Green, Coventry CV6 6GE
Capacity: 32,753
Chelsea great Frank Lampard took over from Mark Robins in November as he returned to coaching in the Championship for the first time since his maiden managerial position with Derby County.
A former Swansea player, Lampard made 11 appearances for the south Wales side in 1995-96 during a loan spell from West Ham.
The former midfield maestro amassed over 600 career appearances in the Premier League with Manchester City, Chelsea and West Ham, netting 177 times in the process.
Lampard has won every major club honour with the former England international claiming three league titles, as well as four FA cups, two League cups, a Europa League and Champions League victory over a decorated 21-year playing career.
He took Derby to the play-off final, but they suffered defeat to Aston Villa.
He took charge at Chelsea in that summer of 2019 and won plaudits for introducing a number of academy products as they finished fourth and reached the FA Cup final.
They started the following season strongly but he left Stamford Bridge in January 2021, going on to manage Everton, dramatically guiding them to Premier League survival in 2022 courtesy of a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.
After leaving Goodison Park, he returned to Chelsea as interim manager, before making the move to the Sky Blues.
Former Arsenal player Ben Sheaf is Coventry captain. He leads by example with his industry in the middle of the park, keeping them ticking over and sweeping up play to allow those ahead of him to cause problems.
As technically gifted as you would expect of a Gunners' academy product, he made his senior debut against Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League back in 2017.
Loan spells with Stevenage and Doncaster followed, before he made the initial loan move to the CBS Arena in the summer of 2020.
His showings convinced then manager Mark Robins to make the deal permanent the following summer and he has been a regular ever since.
Midfielder Jack Rudoni proved an influential figure at previous club Huddersfield, and has wasted no time establishing himself with the Sky Blues since his arrival last summer.
He has three goals and eight assists against his name for the 2024-25 campaign to date,
The 23-year-old joined the Terriers in 2022 from AFC Wimbledon, and straight away became a regular at the John Smith's Stadium, playing all 46 Championship games in his first season.
Rudoni was on the books of Crystal Palace as a youngster, but joined Wimbledon after being released by the Eagles as an 11-year-old.
He signed his first pro deal in 2019, and impressed despite their relegation to League Two, scoring 10 goals.
Striker Ellis Simms joined Everton as a 16-year-old and enjoyed three successful loan spells away from Goodison Park at Blackpool, Heart of Midlothian and Sunderland.
He netted seven goals in 17 games for Sunderland before being recalled by Everton in January 2023, for whom he would feature 11 times and score once in the top-flight – a vital late equaliser against Chelsea - before the campaign was out.
He scored 19 goals in 53 appearances for Coventry last season and has notched four goals and two assists so far this time round.
Simms' fellow forward Haji Wright had been enjoying another fine season for the Sky Blues, netting seven league goals, before an ankle ligament injury that he is only just returning from.
Dutch full-back Milan van Ewijk has been one of Coventry’s most-consistent performers since his arrival from Heerenveen in July 2023.
Having come through the youth ranks with Feyenoord, he left the Rotterdam club for Excelsior Maassluis, and made his senior breakthrough for them.
His professional break came when he moved to ADO Den Haag in 2019. He spent two seasons on their books, including a loan spell with Cambuur in the Eerste Division, before he went to Heerenveen.
His showings there attracted the interests of a number of clubs, but Coventry were the ones to secure his signature and he featured in all-bar four of their league games last season, creating five goals and scoring two.
He also helped the Sky Blues reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup, and played every minute of their agonising defeat to Manchester United on penalties at Wembley.
He has started every Championship fixture this term, continuing to be defensively solid and a forward-thinking passer.
Hannes Delcroix believes Swansea City’s clear style of play will be a perfect fit for him, after recently completing a loan move from Burnley.
The Belgium international has joined the Swans for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign, and provides a versatile defensive option for head coach Luke Williams, with Delcroix – who will wear the number 28 shirt – able to play in central and left-sided roles.
He made his debut in last weekend's defeat to Norwich at Carrow Road, looking calm and assured for much of the afternoon's proceedings.
Delcroix has previously played in possession-based teams under Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht and Burnley, and following discussions with the Swans boss he is confident he can flourish and help his new club on and off the ball.
“It was clear on the way the coach wants to play, and it fits me really well. He’s a great coach; you can see his vision in the game,” he said.
“I like to have a lot of the ball. I looked at the data and Swansea have a lot of possession.
“I like to build up from the back, and I think Swansea fits my style of play.
“I think I’m always comfortable on the ball, I like to cover the spaces of full-backs, and I hope everyone will see me play and see what my qualities are.
“I am very excited to be here, I am happy. I just want to help the team as much as I can.”
Delcroix links up with his new teammates on Friday, including a familiar face in former Burnley keeper Lawrence Vigouroux.
“I’m looking forward to it, of course, I know Lawrence already from Burnley, he is a great guy,” he added.
“I’m looking forward to meeting my teammates to get to know them, I’m really excited to see them.
“I have learnt so much, going into the Premier League is always difficult but you learn so much from being there.
“Being with the national team was a great experience, and I hope I can share these experiences with the team as well.”
Swansea City Under-18s suffered defeat in the south Wales Derby at Leckwith.
Robert Tankiewicz put Cardiff ahead in the early stages before Thomas Woodward's equalising header was ruled out for offside moments later.
The Swans had further chances in the opening half, but did not take them and the hosts went on to grab two goals in quick succession towards the midway point of the second half. Tankiewicz got his second and Manni Barton added Cardiff's third.
Dan Ola's penalty extended Cardiff's lead and, despite seeing T-Jay Parfitt sent off, Barton rounded off the scoring with his second of the game.
The hosts had created the first clear chance inside three minutes. Jake Thomas' free-kick smashed off the crossbar and back out to safety.
However, a mere 30 seconds later, Cardiff would open the scoring after capitialising on a mis-placed pass, which allowed Tankiewicz to loft the ball high into the net.
Swansea looked to have levelled the scoring minutes later. Woodward headed home from Callum Deacon's free-kick, but it was ruled out for offside.
The visitors started to pick up momentum, and Ramon Rees-Siso drove down the left flank before delivering low cross that just evaded Morgan Bates.
A few moments later Woodward sent a header wide following a Swans corner, while Deacon's superb delivery from a free-kick went unrewarded as neither Woodward of Bates could make proper contact.
Woodward forced Cardiff keeper Sam Jones into a diving save, while Rees-Siso had a shot blocked after a weaving run as the visitors pushed for a leveller.
They still trailed at the break but, after an even start to the second half, Tankiewicz smashed home Cardiff's second after a short corner had teed him up on the edge of the area.
And it got worse for the visitors, the Bluebirds added a third as Barton's solo run down the middle allowed him to fire home.
The hosts added a further two goals, either side of the sending off for Parfitt, as Ola converted from the penalty spot with Barton again slotting home after a fine solo run in stoppage time.
Swansea City Under-18s: Thomas Wright, Ben Phillips, Carter Heywood, Harlan Perry, Brogan Popham, Milo Robinson, Billy Clarke, Ramon Rees-Siso, Morgan Bates, Thomas Woodward, Callum Deacon (captain).
Substitutes: Wahab Ojetoro, Aidan Higgins, Callum Jones, Caio Ifans, Alex Godfrey.
Swansea City Under-21s suffered a second defeat against Millwall in five days as the Lions hit five goals past the Swans in the Professional Development League.
The hosts had led 3-0 at the break following an action-packed first half. Jaiden Celestine-Charles put the hosts ahead before Kavalli Heywood doubled their advantage and Sheldon Kendall added a third, following a penalty miss from Heywood.
Rafiq Lamptey and Abdulahi Abdulazeez hit the back of the net in the second half as the Lions secured a fifth-straight win..
Sam Seager replaced the injured Kit Margetson, for his first start at under-21 level, while there were seven further changes from the side that had lost 4-3 to the Lions at the Joma High Performance Centre a handful of days earlier.
Zac Jeanes, Sebastian Dabrowksi, Dan Watts, Richard Faakye, Maliq Cadogan, Glory Nzingo and Aimar Govea all came into starting 11.
The in-form hosts opened the scoring in the 13th minute, winning possession high up the pitch, with Celestine-Charles seeing his shot take a deflection into the top corner.
Millwall would soon double their lead, and it was Heywood who slotted home from close range after latching onto Kendall's flick-on.
The hosts were denied a third on the half-hour mark when Heywood's penalty-kick was well saved by debutant Seager.
Both sides then hit the woodwork in quick succession as Elias Mansor's strike rattled the bar for Millwall, before Ben Lloyd saw his strike bounce off the crossbar at the other end.
Just before the break, the hosts made it three. Kendall drove forward to find himself one on one with the keeper, before blasting the ball into the back of the net.
As had been the case in the first half, Millwall started the second with an early goal. This time it was Lamptey, firing a low strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
And the Lions rounded off the scoring in the closing stages when Abdulazeez pounced upon a spilled shot to fire home the rebound.
Swansea City Under-21s: Sam Seager, Zac Jeanes, Sebastian Dabrowski, Dan Watts, Richard Faakye, Iestyn Jones, Maliq Cadogan, Glory Nzingo, Sammy Henia-Kamau, Ben Lloyd (captain), Aimar Govea.
Substitutes: Josh Pescatore, Thomas Woodward, Jacob Cook, Jack Fanning.
Swansea City Women continued their positive start to 2025 with a comfortable win away at Aberystwyth Town Women.
The Swans couldn’t capitalise on a dominant first half, but Emily Thomas broke the deadlock early in the second half.
Chloe Chivers doubled the lead with a superb strike from distance, before Aimee Deacon tapped home a third from close range.
And Taite Trivett rounded off the scoring late on, bursting from her own half and finishing well to make it 4-0
First-team manager Jamie Sherwood had handed first starts to new signings Lauren Davies and Caitlin Williams, with Davies replacing the absent Lucy Finch.
Williams started brightly for the Swans, delivering a great ball to the back post that Robyn Pinder headed just wide of the post.
Davies then came close to her first Swansea goal. Emily Thomas’ delivery to the back post allowed the fullback time to control before powering a shot into the side-netting.
She would come close again before the break, seeing her low effort well saved by Chelsea Herbert at the near post.
The chances kept coming for the visitors. Nia Jones curled an effort narrowly wide before Richards turned in the box and arrowed a low strike just wide of the mark.
Emily Richards almost found the opener with just moments left of the first half, turning in the box before arrowing a low shot that would also go just beyond the post.
It was goalless at the break, but the Swans would finally get the breakthrough early in the second half when Thomas’ effort from wide flew over the head of Aber keeper Herbert and into the back of the net.
From there the floodgates opened, Chivers made it 2-0 just 15 minutes later, a 30-yard strike fizzing past the goalkeeper to double the visitors’ advantage.
Just 10 minutes later it was three, Deacon crashing home Stacey John-Davis’ cross from close range for her 10th goal of the season.
John-Davis almost made it four late on from a lofted free-kick, but she was denied by a good save from Herbert.
But Trivett would round off the scoring late on, picking the ball up in her own half before bursting in on goal and finishing into the bottom right corner as the Swans returned to winning ways in the league, following back-to-back defeats at the end of 2024.
Aberystwyth Town Women: Chelsea Herbert, Rebecca Mathias (captain), Elan Jones, Hannah Davies, Lleucu Mathias, Imogen Scourfield, Libby Isaac, Ffiona Evans (Lowri James-Evans 73), Modlen Gwynne (Amelie Talbot 80), Jessica Baker (Maria Ewers 64), Josie Pugh.
Unused subs: Shauna Chambers.
Swansea City Women: Charlie Haynes, Lauren Davies, Sophie Brisland-Hancocks, Sammy Wynne, Robyn Pinder (captain) (Aimee Deacon 69), Maddy Murray, Emily Richards (Chloe Chivers 69), Caitlin Williams (Stacey John-Davis 62), Emily Thomas, Jess Williams (Taite Trivett 79), Nia Jones.
Unused subs: Verity Jones.
Another transfer window draws to a close, and fans of clubs across the country are waiting with bated breath to find out who’s in, who’s out and who’s staying.
We’re no different.
The waiting, though, is almost over and we now know that our captain and the player who has been with the club for more than decade has gone, ironically to the club we face today. Timing eh?!
I am, like the majority of fans I’m sure, grateful for Matt Grimes’ contribution to the club on and off the pitch and his almost superhuman-like ability to maintain his fitness to the tune of 333 games since his arrival from Exeter in 2015.
He scored 16 goals, provided 35 assists, and was involved in seven south Wales derby wins. It was £1.75m well spent. I wish him and his family all the very best as they start their new chapter at Coventry.
And now, a new era dawns. A new club captain emerges, and we throw our support behind Ben Cabango, who takes on the mantle of leading the team. That’s a huge honour and, no doubt, a big challenge.
It takes a certain type of character to be an effective leader in any professional environment, but one who does his leading in full view of the paying public has a very different type of role – and deserves all the support we can muster while he grows into the new responsibility.
Cabango follows the likes of Ashley Williams, Leon Britton and Garry Monk in wearing the Swansea City armband and has played alongside one of the greats of the game in Gareth Bale, a former Wales captain and the man with a record number of appearances and goals for his country.
Learning from the likes of Bale, one of his generation’s most successful and talented footballers, will be something Cabango will have done, perhaps even without realising and he will no doubt be keen to take some of that learning and model it in his own captaincy.
Captains need to embody the three ‘c’s, according to researchers from Michigan State University. That means being caring, consistent and courageous – easy to do when your team is winning, less so when results and performances are not going your way.
The gaffer, Luke Williams, though said Cabango was “very happy to take on the challenge”. Which is unsurprising, given that he is such a presence on the pitch.
I wonder if The New Saints loanee realised just a few years ago that his hard work would pay off and he’d be leading his Championship side out against Frank Lampard’s Coventry City one day.
“Ben is very much in the mould of a leader and a warrior and it is his time to shine now,” said Williams.
“He has all the leadership qualities. He tries to motivate people, he’ll give people a ticking off at the right time and encourage those around him when they need that.”
Diolch Matt.
Llongyfarchiadau Ben.
JULIE KISSICK
Mae blwyddyn newydd yn aml yn dod ag optimistiaeth a gobaith newydd, cyfle i edrych ymlaen yn hytrach nag yn ôl.
I dîm pêl-droed Abertawe, mae hi wedi bod yn 2025 ofnadwy o anodd hyd yn hyn. Roedd gobaith mawr o amgylch y clwb yn dilyn buddugoliaethau cefn wrth gefn yn erbyn Queens Park Rangers a Luton Town ar ôl y Nadolig.
Oddi ar y cae, roedd hefyd y newyddion calonogol iawn fod amddiffynnwr Cymru Ben Cabango wedi arwyddo cytundeb newydd gyda’r Elyrch.
Ond wrth i ni ddod i fewn i ail fis y calendr flwyddyn y prynhawn yma, mae'n deg dweud nad aeth mis Ionawr yn unol â'r cynllun ar gyfer Abertawe.
Roedd gêm gyfartal 1-1 gyda West Brom bron cystal ag a gafodd wrth i dîm Luke Williams ddioddef canlyniadau anodd yn erbyn Portsmouth, Southampton, Caerdydd, Sheffield United ac, yn fwyaf diweddar, Norwich City.
Fe wnaeth gwrthwynebwyr heddiw, Coventry City, y penderfyniad beiddgar i ddiswyddo’r rheolwr sydd wedi gwasanaethu ers tro, Mark Robins yn gynharach y tymor hwn, gan gymryd ei le gyda’r cyn-Alarch Frank Lampard.
Ond mae’n benderfyniad sydd eisoes yn edrych fel bod yn un llwyddiannus gan fod y tîm o ganolbarth Lloegr wedi ennill pedair gêm yn olynol ym mhob cystadleuaeth cyn gwynebu Abertawe.
Ni allai canlyniadau y ddwy ochr dros yr wythnosau diwethaf fod ymhellach oddi wrth ei gilydd, ac ar ôl cael gobaith allanol o gyrraedd y chwech uchaf ym Mis Rhagfyr, mae Abertawe bellach yn edrych dros eu hysgwyddau hanner ffordd trwy’r tymor am yr ail dymor yn olynol.
Mae'r prif hyfforddwr Williams wedi dweud yn gyson bod angen iddo gryfhau ei garfan, a does dim dwywaith y bydd Williams a'r cadeirydd Andy Coleman yn gweithio'n ddiflino i ddod â rhai arwyddion mawr eu hangen cyn y dyddiad cau am 11pm ddydd Llun.
Y gobaith allweddol yw y bydd unrhyw ychwanegiadau posibl yn gwella'r garfan mewn gwirionedd, fel arall, bydd mwy o amser ac arian gwerthfawr yn mynd yn wastraff.
Ar ôl rhediad siomedig iawn o berfformiadau a chanlyniadau, mae'n rhaid i Abertawe ddangos heddiw eu bod yn gallu dangos y math o frwydro a'r ansawdd sydd eu hangen i sicrhau y gallant edrych i fyny yng nghamau olaf y tymor yn hytrach nag i lawr y tabl.
Mae angen ailadrodd yr hanner agoriadol yn erbyn Sheffield United dros gyfnod hirach. Roedd y 62 munud cyntaf yn Norwich yn ddigon cyfyrddus hefyd.
Yr hyn na ellir caniatau iddo ddigwydd yw'r cwymp yn yr ail hanner sydd wedi digwydd yn llawer rhy aml.
Mae’n ddyletswydd ar chwaraewyr a staff hyfforddi Abertawe i frwydro am y bathodyn o’r funud gyntaf i’r olaf y prynhawn yma. Mae’r cefnogwyr yn haeddu hynny o leiaf.
IAN MITCHELMORE
MESSAGES
Swansea til I pie!
My two lads enjoying a free pie at the West Brom game. Will Evans won a competition to name the pies we sell!
The Swansea City Supporters Trust have announced the next in their series of free Heritage talks, taking place across the city in February.
Award winning local author and sports writer David Brayley will once again host these talks, titled 'The Swans at the 1958 World Cup', focusing on the fascinating story of the influence of Swansea born players on the most successful World Cup tournament in the history of Welsh football.
David will focus not just on the players who made the plane to Gothenburg, but also those Swansea boys who mysteriously missed out. Filled with stats and the humour of behind-the-scenes stories of the time, it promises to be another event that will entertain and inform.
The available events are:
The Cwtch, Swansea.com Stadium: Tuesday, February 4, 18.00 - 21.00
Victoria Hall, Mumbles: Tuesday, February 11, 10.00 - 13.00
Manselton and Cwmbwrla Community Centre: Wednesday, February 19, 10.00 - 13.00
BIRTHDAYS
It's my first visit to see the Swans play live and it's my 8th birthday today. I'm half Welsh and half French so I love Zidane.
BEREAVEMENTS
A dedicated member of the Jack Army, from Toshack's reign and Thomas's hattrick, to Wembley celebrations and a European adventure, she followed the Swans through it all and beyond. COYS.
Supporters can use this space to share photos, stories and updates with the rest of the Jack Army.
Add your submission by clicking the button below.
An upcoming football-related event has particularly caught my eye.
Wales manager Craig Bellamy is attending a question and answer session for the wonderful Joseph’s Smile charity in Brynaman on February 6.
My first thought about Bellamy visiting the Amman Valley village was: “Good luck, Craig!”
Perhaps I was being a little bit harsh on the footballing folk of the former mining community, which is a Swans stronghold.
My initial reaction was tainted by my teenage memories of bus trips from the Amman Valley to watch the Swans play.
The older ‘Brynaman boys’ who would have commandeered the back seat of the bus, by the time me and my pals had got on, could be a little feisty, shall we say.
They weren’t troublemakers in any way, but they had a mischievous sense of humour and were fiercely supportive of the Swans. They weren’t slow in letting people know where their allegiances lay.
So, when I heard that former Cardiff City great Bellamy would be taking to the stage at Brynaman Cinema on February 6, I had visions of him being heckled by the boys from the back of the bus all those years ago.
However, those ‘boys’, like me, are now pushing, or indeed past, pension age. And Brynaman is a hugely friendly and welcoming village.
I think Bellamy is more than capable of holding his own when it comes to any light-hearted Brynaman banter he might face.
Of course, Bellamy has made an outstanding start to his term as the Wales national manager.
The former Wales striker should have plenty of credit in the bank, even with most ardent Swansea fans aware of his Cardiff connections and a certain goal he scored against us back in 2011.
Bellamy has been hugely impressive on the touchline and in the media room since taking on the role. And he has spoken in glowing terms regarding the Swans contingent who have played a prominent role in his squads so far.
Liam Cullen, for example, received this praise from the Wales boss: "He’s been so good. He has so many good habits.
"I said to him when came on the other day, ‘you do not fail to impress me’.
"He constantly impresses me every minute I see of him in training and even in the meetings. You know when you just see someone who’s staring at the screen listening to every word you’re saying? That’s him."
Commenting after hearing Ollie Cooper would be ruled out for three months following a stress fracture in his foot, last November, Bellamy said: “I'm so disappointed for him. I think he's really progressed as a footballer - there's different areas where you can use Ollie.
"It's a real big shame but he needs to keep his confidence up because he's going to be involved with Wales for a number of years.
"It's a setback at the moment. But that's all it is - just a setback."
And, of course, Bellamy persuaded fellow Wales legend Joe Allen to return to international duty during the recent Nations League campaign.
So, once I overcame my anxiety of what kind of welcome Bellamy would receive, I’ve really started looking forward to the event.
It should provide a fascinating insight into his footballing philosophies and immediate plans with the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on the horizon.
Although Brynaman and the Amman Valley as a whole is traditionally a big rugby area, football is equally popular throughout the community.
I’m sure the event will draw a big and knowledgeable audience which will bring the best out of Bellamy. Doubtless, the former Norwich, Liverpool and Newcastle star will have many tales to tell from his colourful playing career as well as answering questions alongside the FAW’s Ian Gwyn Hughes.
I’m sure Hughes, who has been behind so many of the FAW’s off the field successes including the ‘Together Stronger’ mantra, will feel more than at home in Brynaman, which is of course a strong Welsh-speaking community and the birthplace of Dafydd Iwan – he of ‘Yma o Hyd’ fame.
As much as I’m looking forward to a large and wide range of questions for Bellamy, the main reason I hope there is a big turn-out for the event is because it is in support of the Joseph’s Smile charity.
The charity raises awareness of childhood cancer and funds to help families access much-needed medical treatment and equipment.
For those of you who don’t know, Joseph Yeandle was a young Swans fan from Brynaman, who courageously battled neuroblastoma.
Joseph’s story captured the hearts of Swans fans and the wider community as his parents launched a fundraising campaign for the youngster’s cancer fight.
In 2021, the then-Swans midfielder Korey Smith visited Joseph as part of the club’s Christmas Surprises with Westacres initiative.
Joseph’s family had worked tirelessly to raise funds to access treatment in the USA, but heartbreakingly he passed away when he was just three years old.
Many of you will have attended the match played here last summer to raise funds for Joseph’s Smile and The Bradley Lowery Foundation, which was set up in the name of the young Sunderland fan who also passed away from neuroblastoma.
Former Swans players, rugby stars and celebrities turned out to play in the Wales v England match, which raised vital cash for both charities.
The event later this month will be raising funds to help Joseph’s Smile continue supporting families trying to fund expensive, but potentially life saving treatment for their children.
So, if you’re in the Brynaman area on February 6, take a trip to the village’s historic independent cinema to put a question to Bellamy and help raise much needed funds in the name of a courageous young member of the Jack Army.
Tickets are available on the Joseph’s Smile website.
C’mon you Swans!
The 2024-25 campaign marks Swansea City’s 20th season at the Swansea.com Stadium following the ground’s opening in 2005. Throughout the campaign, club historian Gwyn Rees will reflect on some of the notable moments and personalities that have shaped the history of our home. Here he looks back at a famous win over Manchester United during the memorable 2014-15 campaign.
Swansea City 2 Manchester United 1 – Premier League – February 21 2015
Whether you are a Manchester United fan or not, there is no denying the star power and illustrious history boasted by the Old Trafford club.
Whether recalling the likes of Dennis Law, George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton, or more recent heroes such as Ryan Giggs, Sir David Beckham and Roy Keane, United’s status and recognition throughout the global game is unquestionable.
That ensured that whenever the Red Devils came to SA1 during the club’s Premier League years, there was always a tangible buzz around the city ahead of the fixture.
United had been going through a period of transition following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, with Louis van Gaal now at the helm after David Moyes’ stint in charge.
However, they still sat third in the top-flight table, and had lost just one of their last 20 games.
The Swans were enjoying a positive campaign, which had started with a first-ever league win over United at Old Trafford on the opening day of the season. A first league double over the Manchester giants was within tantalising reach.
And the home side made by far the better start. Bafetimbi Gomis had a powerful header cleared off the line by Ander Herrera, while Wayne Routledge sent a drive into the gloves of David De Gea in the United goal.
But the visitors would be the ones to break the deadlock on 28 minutes. Wayne Rooney and Angel Di Maria combined well down the left flank before feeding Herrera, who unleased a first-time strike that beat Lukasz Fabianski via the inside of his far post.
However, just 90 seconds later, the scores were level as two Swansea midfielders combined to devastating effect. Jonjo Shelvey pulled the ball back into the United penalty area, where Ki Sung-yueng reacted quicker than Luke Shaw to drive home from close range.
Van Gaal sent on Antonio Valencia for young Paddy McNair after the break and the visitors had plenty of ball, but rarely seriously threatened a Swansea defence well marshalled by captain Ashley Williams.
Rooney shot tamely at Fabianski when well placed, while Robin van Persie hit the side-netting, and Marcos Rojo headed over from a United corner.
With Jack Cork battling well in midfield, and doing a great job of shielding the back four, the Swans broke away after 73 minutes to strike the decisive blow and put a dent in their hopes of a top-four finish and a Champions League place.
With a United attack once again breaking down, the ball was worked to Shelvey in the Swans midfield, and 30 yards from goal he dispatched a sizzling strike that took a slight deflection off the stooping Gomis to wrong foot De Gea and end up in the United goal.
The Liberty Stadium erupted and, when a series of hopeful punts up towards Marouane Fellaini came to nought, the Swans were celebrating another notable top-flight scalp.
It left them ninth in the table with 12 games remaining, and they would eventually secure the club’s second-best league finish of all time as they ended the campaign eighth.
First Football Shirt?
Gareth Bale Real Madrid Shirt
First Football Game?
U9's vs Chelsea
First Football Club?
Dean's Court
First Swans Appearance?
Coventry 2 - 2 Swans (2023)
First Football Hero?
Gareth Bale
First Major Tournament you remember?
2014 World Cup
Guest One: Kevin Hart
Guest Two: Cristiano Ronaldo
Guest Three: Will Smith
Guest Four: Lew Hamilton
We are all Jacks is Swansea City’s commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion both within the club and throughout the local community.
Working with international and local charities, as well as supporter groups, Swansea City strives to ensure that a visit to the Swansea.com Stadium is a welcoming experience for everyone regardless of sex, sexuality, gender identity, religion, race, disability, or age.
The club takes a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, harassment, victimisation, bullying and abuse.
Supporters are encouraged to report instances of abusive and discriminatory language within the stadium by using the anonymous safe text number 88440, starting the message with the word SWANS and providing details of the incident.
Messages will be charged at the standard rate for your network provider.
The details from the message will be received at the match control room, where any necessary investigation and/or action will be taken. The club will also record the mobile number of the individual reporting an incident to aid with any inquiries.
An audio commentary service is available for blind and partially sighted fans – provided by Radio City, the Swansea University Health Board Hospital Radio Service.
Radio City has a long association with the football club dating back to the days when the club was known as Swansea Town.
Since moving to the Swansea.com Stadium, the broadcaster has provided a live descriptive commentary service for free at all Swansea home matches, meaning that blind and partially-sighted supporters in both the home and away ends can follow the action.
In order to book a headset for the match, supporters can contact the accessibility team in advance by emailing accessibility@swanseacity.com, or contacting the ticket office from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm by calling 01792 616629 and selecting option one.
Supporters can also book headsets in person in advance at the ticket office, or on the day by speaking to a Disability Liaison Steward on the day.
To learn more about Radio City, visit www.radiocity1386am.co.uk. To learn more about accessible facilities at the stadium, please click here.
The inclusion room at the Swansea.com Stadium is open every matchday for supporters who may require a quiet space during games.
Supporters will be able to attend live matches at the Swansea.com Stadium with the comfort of knowing there is a designated area should they need it. The room is available to any supporter that may require a quiet space.
The space will be monitored by a designated disability liaison steward and provides a safe space with a disabled toilet, a projector to watch the live game, and dignity packs for those who need it.
While some supporters who require a time away from the crowds may prefer to use this room as a quiet space, it will also be possible to watch the match live on a screen projected onto the wall meaning supporters who require the space for any reason don’t have to miss a moment of the match action.
The room is located in the West Stand and, while supporters who feel they may benefit from the use of the space will be recommended to sit in that stand, it will be accessible for anyone in any part of the stadium.
Any supporter who feels overwhelmed by the matchday environment for any reason can gain access to the room by making themselves known to a steward or disability liaison steward.
Croeso nol, Junior Jacks!
Welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium as the Swans take on Coventry City.
Since your last visit, our friends have helped us put up a noticeboard in the family stand for all your letters, drawings and designs.
We’ve loved seeing what our Junior Jacks have created so far, but there’s plenty of space to add more. Take part at the colouring station, or bring in your messages from home. We can’t wait to see how creative you all are!
Today’s quiz is all about football stadiums… we’ve got some photos of stadiums across the 92 and you just need to tell us which club plays their home games there.
What’s your prediction for today’s game? We think it will be 1-0 and Franco will get the goal.
Uppa Swans,
Cyril and Cybil
Head Coach Luke Williams
2 Josh Key
3 Kristian Pedersen
4 Jay Fulton
5 Ben Cabango ©
6 Harry Darling
7 Joe Allen
9 Žan Vipotnik
10 Jisung Eom
11 Josh Ginnelly
14 Josh Tymon
17 Gonçalo Franco
19 Florian Bianchini
20 Liam Cullen
21 Nathan Tjoe-A-On
22 Lawrence Vigouroux
23 Cyrus Christie
25 Myles Peart-Harris
26 Kyle Naughton
28 Hannes Delcroix
31 Ollie Cooper
33 Jon McLaughlin
35 Ronald
36 Ben Lloyd
37 Aimar Govea
40 NUMBER RETIRED
41 Sam Parker
43 Dan Watts
50 Filip Lissah
Head Coach Frank Lampard
1 Oliver Dovin
2 Luis Binks
3 Jay Dasilva
4 Bobby Thomas
5 Jack Rudoni
7 Tatsuhiro Sakamoto
8 Jamie Allen
9 Ellis Simms
10 Ephron Mason-Clark
11 Haji Wright
13 Ben Wilson
14 Ben Sheaf (c)
15 Liam Kitching
17 Raphael
21 Jake Bidwell
22 Joel Latibeaudiere
23 Brandon Thomas-Asante
27 Milan van Ewijk
28 Josh Eccles
29 Victor Torp
37 Norman Bassette
40 Bradley Collins
Referee - Sam Allison
Assistant Referee 1 - Andrew Dallison
Assistant Referee 2 - Bhupinder Singh Gill
Fourth Official - Darren Drysdale
STAFF LIST
Chairman - Andy Coleman
Honorary Club President - Alan Curtis MBE
Directors
Andy Coleman, Brett Cravatt, Jason Cohen, George Popstefanov, Chris Sznewajs, Tyler Morse, Nigel Morris, Todd Marcelle, Martin Morgan, Paul Meller, Gareth Davies.
Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy: Ken Gude
Associate Directors: Diane Hughes
FIRST-TEAM STAFF
Head Coach - Luke Williams
Assistant Head Coach - Ryan Harley
Assistant Head Coach – Alan Sheehan
Head of Goalkeeping – Martyn Margetson
First Team Coach Analyst - George Lawtey
First Team Coach - Kris O'Leary
Head of Medical - Dr Jez McCluskey
Staff: Ailsa Jones, Bethany Chaddock, Matt Murray, Thomas Gittoes, Michael Eames, Shaun Baggridge, Jake Dayus, Patrick Orme, Aden King, Maxwell Cambridge, Lewis Binns, Chris Watkins.
SENIOR MANAGEMENT GROUP
Andrew Davies (Head of Operations);
Gareth Davies (CFO).
CLUB STAFF
Head of Football Administration: Ben Greenwood
Head of Women's Football: Alice Weekes
Football Operations & Administration Manager: Rebecca Gigg
Head of Commercial: Richard Morris
Head of Media & Communications: Kieran Watkins
Head of Marketing: Katie Doyle
Head of Partnerships: Lee Merrells
Head of Hospitality: Catherine Thomas
Head of Retail: Andrea Morris
Head of Ticketing: Lewis Bullen
Head of Safeguarding: Rebeca Storer
HR Manager: Nicola Butt
Head of Facilities: Gordon David
Grounds Manager: Evan Davies
Head of Swansea City AFC Foundation: Paul France
Club Ambassador: Lee Trundle
PROGRAMME PRODUCTION
Contributors: Andrew Gwilym, Rachael Tucker, Cerith White, Jack Otter, Sophie Davis, Mackenzie Squires, Dom Hynes, Sammy Wynne, Hayley Ford, Owen Morgan, Gwyn Rees, Julie Kissick, Ian Mitchelmore.
Designers: Callum Rothwell, Lewis Ward.
Photography: Athena Picture Agency,
Natalie John-Davis, Alamy.