Dear Swans Supporters,
On behalf of the Board of Swansea City AFC, we wanted to write to you following what has been and continues to be a period of change and transition for the club.
Following the acquisition of shares in November, our group attained a controlling stake in the club. Over the last 100 days, we have been reviewing the club’s operations and working on our plans to put the building blocks in place for future success. We love football and want to build something here that we can all be proud of.
Alan Sheehan has done a great job in the fixtures he has taken so far, allowing us the space to thoroughly review the market for all candidates for the role. We have enjoyed a great working relationship with Alan, and he has demonstrated his dedication to the club during his time here.
To give further clarity to our plans moving forward, we are introducing the following strategic pillars that will run through everything that we do as a club:
- Authenticity: We will be honest and transparent and keep you up to speed on our progress and areas where we can improve or where mistakes have been made. We will also work with you to gain feedback, review our operations and make positive changes to better match your needs while also making improvements to the club.
- Data: From a football and business perspective, we will enhance our data-led approach to operations.
- Kaizen: We want to continuously improve in small increments each day through superior innovation, creativity, and execution. Throughout the club, we will look for new ways to make positive changes that give us an edge on other clubs. We want to generate more unique and inspiring content through our channels for the season ahead, so that we can connect with and expand our fanbase in new and meaningful ways.
- Efficiency: Our staff across all parts of the business will be tasked with increasing revenues and reducing costs because that has a real and direct impact on our ability to be successful on the pitch.
- Cymdeithas: The only way in which we can move forward is doing it together. Cymdeithas encapsulates this philosophy. A fellowship amongst us all. We are all accountable to ourselves and each other to help drive the club forward. Supporting each other and our community is an important part of the club, and we hope to do more of that moving forward inclusive of being proud of where the club comes from and its Welsh heritage.
We are focused on driving the club forward. We are building a team off the pitch that can deliver our ambitions on it. Your support is vital in that endeavor. We commit to doing all we can to invest in the club, to make sensible and informed decisions to move things forward, and all we ask is that you stay behind the team and the staff and keep the noise coming at the stadium.
With that in mind, we will personally be purchasing 500 tickets for all remaining home games which will be accessible for our local community and grassroots clubs. These tickets will be a gift from us to you.
In addition, we know that many supporters will already have tickets for the remaining home games, so we will also be personally covering the cost of free coach travel to our upcoming away game on Easter Monday against QPR. We know that the cost of living crisis has had a significant impact on so many people, and we hope that these actions will have some positive impact to help thank you all for the support that you have shown us.
We are excited about the future of the club, and we thank you for all of your support.
Brett and Jason
Please note; the full version of this letter is on our website. You can find that HERE.
Good afternoon and welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for our Championship fixture against Derby County.
We are back on home turf following a really encouraging performance and result against Leeds United at Elland Road last weekend.
We can talk about tactics and gameplan, and I feel we got those elements right, but there’s no roadmap in football for how you respond to conceding in the opening minute, to missing a penalty and then hitting the post in a hostile environment away from home.
How you react to those situations has an awful lot to do with resilience, togetherness and character, words which we talk about a lot.
We showed those qualities in abundance, but also showed the quality we possess, as underlined by the brilliant pass Joe Allen produced to set up Zan Vipotnik for our late equaliser.
The challenge for us when we show we can hit those sorts of levels, is we have to be able to back them up. There’s a pressure that comes with that, but that is the privilege of playing for this club and operating at this level.
We know that this will be a very different, but no less difficult test than the one we faced last time out.
Derby have won their last four games in a row, which is a tremendously difficult thing to do in this league.
They will bring a real physicality, they are an athletic team and we will need to be ready to meet that challenge with our work-rate and our attitude.
The players have put in a tremendous amount of hard work over this period, we have seven games to go and we have it in our hands to finish the season strongly and ensure we can head into the off-season with a sense of positivity.
It’s an opportunity we want to take, and I know you will once again give the players tremendous backing and make sure we are all pulling in the same direction to give us the best chance of success.
Enjoy the game,
Alan
Today we extend a warm welcome the Rams chairman David Clowes, head coach John Eustace, their players and officials to the Swansea.com Stadium.
Eustace took over the reins of the Rams following his departure from Blackburn Rovers in February and, after losing his first three games, they have embarked on a run of four wins on the bounce, including a victory over Preston on Wednesday evening.
Although still flirting with the relegation zone they are heading in the right direction and one can see he has made a difference with his coaching style.
I’d also like to extend congratulations to Alan Sheehan on his appointment as head coach of the Swans for the rest of the season. Also appointed to assist Alan on his coaching team are Mark Fotheringham and Richard Stearman.
We trust they will enjoy their tenure with the players, the facilities and not least our family-friendly club. We wish them all the very best as we too look to finish the season positively.
The international break saw eight Swansea City players – Jisung Eom, Zan Vipotnik, Joe Allen, Nathan Tjoe-A-On, Ben Cabango, Liam Cullen, Ollie Cooper and our goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux - all on international duty.
They have now all returned, with Wales earning a well-deserved away World Cup qualifying point in North Macedonia with David Brooks equalising in the 96th minute. We should also mention the commitment of the remainder of the players training with some well-earned rest between training sessions with the coaching staff in preparation for this final batch of Championship games.
Last Saturday saw the Swans play Leeds United at Elland Road before 35,000 fans, including 800 from the Jack Army. The match statistics illustrate what an even contest it was, with Leeds shading it 55 per cent to the Swans 45 per cent on possession.
But that’s only part of the story as our team held steadfast after conceding an early goal and missing a penalty. We thoroughly deserved a point and arguably could have won it against a side who have taken more points at home than any other Championship side this season.
Harry Darling’s performance speaks volumes of him as a player. He leaves nothing out on the pitch and will no doubt be a worthy contender for player of the season. We sincerely hope he signs a new contract and opts to stay and continues his formidable partnership with our captain Cabango.
What was also pleasing was Sheehan’s substitutions. Eom came on in the 74th minute, with Cooper, Allen and Vipotnik arriving in the 83rd and 89th minute just after we went behind to a goal by Wilfried Gnonto in the 86th minute. T
hese were inspired substitutions with Vipotnik producing a class strike from a lovely Allen pass to equalise in the 96th minute to make the score 2-2. What a result for the players, head coach and coaching staff against one of the best teams in the Championship. Leeds stay second, having won only once in their past five games while the Swans are 16th, five points above the relegation zone with seven matches remaining this season.
Off the pitch, this week we saw an ownership update from Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen and the long-awaited fans’ forum at the stadium to hopefully reassure supporters we are heading in the right direction.
We’ve also recently seen some announcements around our leadership team and we hope those whose tenures will come to an end in the coming weeks will find some solace in the contribution they have made with their families, and I thank you for everything you have done for us as a club.
Let’s get behind the team today and shout your loudest for them. We know the players respond to the crowd and are acutely aware of your support as the 12th player.
Sheehan seems to have instilled confidence and belief in the them, which has raised their energy levels. His substitutions are timely and respond to the opposition’s changes as the game progresses. This renewed vigour has seen the team play positive football with a slightly different style, and hopefully we can carry that into these really important final few games of the season.
Finally, for those who haven’t yet renewed their season tickets I’d urge you to do so at the earliest opportunity.
As always, if anyone has any questions please come and see us at the Trust kiosk prior to any of our home matches, or email us at supporters@swanstrust.co.uk.
Enjoy the match, get behind the team to help them achieve another win followed by a safe journey home.
Peter
Swansea City supporters can win an executive box for the Plymouth Argyle match courtesy of the Official Destination Partner, Visit Central Florida.
The prize includes a complimentary one-course meal platter and tea & coffee on arrival, a table service paid bar is also available. The package is suitable for up to 10 guests, with premium balcony seating to enjoy the game.
The winner will also be provided with a signed shirt by the full squad. The group will also be invited pitch-side at half-time to have their photo taken with a Swansea City Club legend.
An EFL in the Community-commissioned report has revealed the work undertaken by Swansea City AFC Foundation in our city and local communities had a social value of over £22million. The figures are included in the Foundation’s latest Impact Report, which covers the period encompassing the 2023-24 project year.
EFL in the Community commissioned industry experts Substance to measure the impact of clubs within their respective regions and catchment areas.
This social value figure shows an increase from the previous reporting period, rising from £17.5million to £22.8million. This is a social value return on investment of 18.24 per cent, meaning for every £1 of funding the Foundation receives, a social value of £18.24 is delivered into the local community.
Swansea City Foundation's latest impact report, detailing the influence the charitable organisation has had on the local community across the 2023-24 campaign, also revealed an increase in engagement numbers with a considerable 10,098 rise in recorded attendances at Foundation projects and sessions.
Additionally, the Foundation is delighted to have seen a further increase in the number of ethnically diverse participants engaging with community activities, making up 12.9% of the Foundation attendees.
The introduction of the Premier League Fans' Fund, which focuses directly on promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, also contributed to the Foundation supporting over 700 more people from an ethnically diverse background than during the previous reporting period for the 2022-23 project year.
The Swans Foundation significantly grew its health and wellbeing efforts during the 2023-24 project year, with the introduction of projects such as Jack to a Chef and the expansion of the FIT Jacks programme.
The latter initiative helped make FIT Jacks available to a larger section of the community as sessions were held in various venues around Swansea and south-west Wales.
The delivery of the programme left 99 per cent of participants feeling it had a positive impact in the community, and 98 per cent reporting an improvement in their physical health.
Swansea City AFC Foundation is proud to showcase the positive statistical picture of this impact report, and to celebrate the people who bring those figures to life through their lived experiences.
Throughout the remainder of the week we will be shining a spotlight on a number of our initiatives and projects, and the positive human impact they have on those within our community.
Swansea City is launching a new inclusivity survey for 2025 to help the club better understand the make-up and differing needs of its supporters.
Fans who complete the survey will help us to better understand the areas where we can improve, and where we are performing well. The responses will help the club focus its equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategy for the upcoming 12 months.
The survey will take around 10 minutes to complete and can be completely anonymously.
The survey is now live and will close on May 30. Supporters who complete the survey will be entered into a draw to win a third shirt signed by Jisung Eom.
You can complete the survey by clicking the button below.
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.
Swansea City recently joined Show Racism the Red Card, Swansea City AFC Foundation and COSARAF in hosting Iftar celebrations at the Swansea.com Stadium.
Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) partnered with COSARAF Charitable Foundation this Ramadan to run interfaith community Iftar celebrations at sports venues across south Wales.
The Swans worked with the Swans Foundation’s Fans' Fund project - which focuses on making sport more accessible to undrerrepresented communities - to host the celebrations for the third year running, with Iftar being the fast-breaking evening meal for Muslims in Ramadan.
Local Muslim community leaders were invited to lead the event with plenty of families and football fans in attendance.
Guest speakers included SRtRC’s campaign manager for Wales Dean Pymble, community leader Dr Mahaboob Basha, and Sheikh Wasim Kempson who is part of The British Board of Scholars and Imams and advises sports organisations.
The Foundation’s health and wellbeing coach Abdul Mithwani also spoke about his own journey into football and coaching at the club.
The theme of Iftar included discussions about how Swansea City can ensure it remains a community hub where everyone feels welcome.
“Swansea City is more than just a football club, it is a pillar of the community, bringing people together from all backgrounds, faiths, and walks of life," said Pymble.
"Sport has an incredible power to unite, to inspire, and to create a sense of belonging. When players step onto the pitch, they play not just for themselves, but for their team, for their fans, and for the city they represent.
“Football teaches us about teamwork, resilience, and respect. The best teams are built on diversity—different skills, different backgrounds, and different perspectives coming together to achieve a common goal.
"These same principles are at the heart of Show Racism the Red Card. Because while sport has the power to bring people together, it also reflects the challenges of the wider world.
"Racism and discrimination still exist, and it is our shared responsibility to challenge them, to educate, and to stand up for what is right.
"The Iftar wasn’t just about breaking fast—it’s was about breaking barriers, sitting together, learning from one another, and strengthening the bonds that make Swansea such a vibrant, diverse, and welcoming city.”
Swansea City head of supporter services, Hayley Ford, added: “This is the third Iftar we have hosted at the stadium with Show Racism the Red Card, and it is lovely to see some familiar faces and supporters joining us for such a celebratory event.
“It’s important that the club is as inclusive as possible, ensuring all Swans fans feel comfortable attending games at the stadium.
"Reaching out to underrepresented communities is a key part of the club and the Foundation’s Fans' Fund project in ensuring Swansea City continues to be a central hub for everyone in Swansea, opening up pathways to watching and playing football.”
Swansea City were beaten at the Swansea.com Stadium as two early goals gave promotion-chasing Burnley the spoils.
Swansea City: Lawrence Vigouroux; Josh Key, Ben Cabango (captain), Kyle Naughton (Cyrus Christie 77), Josh Tymon; Lewis O’Brien (Joe Allen 73), Gonçalo Franco (Jay Fulton 57); Ronald (Sam Parker 73), Liam Cullen, Jisung Eom (Ollie Cooper 57); Žan Vipotnik.
Unused Substitutes: Jon McLaughlin, Josh Ginnelly, Florian Bianchini, Arthur Parker.
Burnley: James Trafford, Maxime Esteve, CJ Egan-Riley, Josh Brownhill (captain), Jaidon Anthony (Ashley Barnes 89), Connor Roberts, Zian Flemming (Lyle Foster 70), Marcus Edwards (Hannibal Mejbri 69), Lucas Pires, Josh Cullen, Josh Laurent.
Unused Substitutes: Vaclav Hladky, Oliver Sonne, Joe Worrall, Jeremy Sarmiento, Manuel Benson, Luca Koleosho.
Referee: Oliver Langford
Attendance: 13,679
Žan Vipotnik rifled home a 96th minute equaliser to earn Swansea City a valuable and deserved point in a dramatic finish at Elland Road.
Swansea City: Lawrence Vigouroux; Josh Key, Ben Cabango (captain), Harry Darling, Hannes Delcroix (Jisung Eom 74); Jay Fulton (Ollie Cooper 82), Lewis O’Brien, Gonçalo Franco (Joe Allen 83); Ronald (Florian Bianchini 87), Josh Tymon; Liam Cullen (Žan Vipotnik 87).
Unused Substitutes: Jon McLaughlin, Cyrus Christie, Kyle Naughton, Sam Parker.
Leeds United: Illan Meslier, Jayden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu (captain) (Ao Tanaka 58), Pascal Struijk, Joe Rodon, Daniel James (Wilfried Gnonto 85), Joe Rothwell, Joel Piroe, Brenden Aaronson (Mateo Joseph 72), Manor Solomon (Largue Ramazani 72), Sam Byram (Junior Firpo 72).
Unused Substitutes: Karl Darlow, Joshua Guilavogui, Isaac Schmidt, Ilia Gruev.
Referee: Ben Toner
Attendance: 35,574
Initially founded in 1884 as an offshoot of the Derbyshire County Cricket Club, the club is one of 12 founder members of the Football League and one of just 10 clubs who have never been relegated out of the Football League system.
The 1970s provided something of a heyday for the club. They won the top-flight title twice in that decade and reached the European Cup semi-finals. Their sole FA Cup win came in 1946.
In the entirety of their 140-year history, they have only been outside of the top two flights for six seasons in total, and they returned to the second tier by securing promotion from League One at the end of last season.
PRIDE PARK
Built: 1997
Location: Pride Park Stadium, Derby, DE24 8XL
Capacity: 33,597
John Eustace is a matter of weeks into being the head coach of the Rams, having elected to leave play-off contenders Blackburn Rovers to take charge at Pride Park in mid-February.
Eustace enjoyed a long-playing career, with the midfielder making over 390 league appearances for several different clubs.
His most successful spell came at Watford, where he made 157 league appearances, scored 16 goals, and was captain of the club for three seasons before leaving for Derby County.
Eustace started his managerial career in 2016, when he was appointed manager of National League side Kidderminster Harriers. He led the side to two play-off campaigns while transforming the their style of play.
Eustace then left the club to join Queens Park Rangers where he would become assistant to former England manager Steve McClaren.
He also had a brief spell as caretaker manager at the R's and helped them avoid relegation in 2019.
He was then appointed head coach of Championship side Birmingham City in 2022 where he guided the club to their highest points tally since 2016.
Eustace left the club in October 2023 with the Blues in sixth place with 18 points from 11 matches, before being appointed by Rovers four months later.
He did an outstanding job to turn the Lancashire side into top-six contenders, before deciding to move to the Rams.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing. The winger was handed the armband last summer by former boss Paul Warne after his impressive performances since joining the club in 2022, but has not been a regular stater and Ebou Adams has been handed the captaincy in recent games under John Eustace.
Mendez-Laing came through the Wolves academy system and had loan spells with Peterborough United and Sheffield United, before joining Posh on a permanent deal.
While at London Road he had temporary spells with Portsmouth, Shrewsbury Town and Cambridge United before a switch to Rochdale in 2015.
He caught the eye during his two years there and went on to join Cardiff City, helping them secure promotion to the Premier League and then featuring regularly in the top-flight, including scoring a brace in victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
However, his contract was terminated in 2020 after the player tested positive for cocaine in two separate samples provided to doping officials.
After serving two three-month bans, he returned to the game with Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday, and then made the move to Derby.
He has 20 goals in 138 appearances for the Rams.
Gambia international Ebou Adams has enjoyed an impressive season to date, having made a permanent move to Derby following a successful loan spell last term.
The Greenwich-born defender had a spell with Dartford before being snapped up by Norwich City. He did not make a senior appearance for the Canaries, having stints on loan with Braintree, Shrewsbury and Leyton Orient before moving to Ebbsfleet.
He made his breakthrough with Forest Green Rovers, being a regular over three seasons in Nailsworth and helping them reach the heights of League One by winning the League Two title.
Adams joined Cardiff in 2022, but injuries meant he did not make a single first-team appearance during his first campaign, but he returned to fitness the following season and his loan move to Pride Park saw him help the Rams secure promotion.
No player has made more successful tackles in the Championship than Adams, and he has contributed five goals.
Midfielder Harrison Armstrong, who joined on loan from Everton in January, has made some eye-catching appearances in his short time at the club.
The teenager scored his first senior goal when he found the net in the crucial victory over Plymouth, and his energy and drive have helped to deal with the blow of losing fellow loanee David Ozoh to a season-ending thigh injury.
The 18-year-old has been with Everton since the age of five, and made his first-team bow at Tottenham earlier this season.
He went on to feature in League Cup ties against Doncaster and Southampton, before starting an FA Cup win over Peterborough United shortly before his move to Pride Park.
Armstrong is an England Under-18 international and captained them during the recent international break.
Marcus Harness has scored three vitally-important goals for Derby in their last three games, helping secure wins against Coventry City and Plymouth Argyle that have breathed life into their hopes of avoiding the drop.
Harness joined on loan from Ipswich Town last summer, having helped the Tractor Boys secure promotion from League One to the Premier League in successive seasons.
He started his career in the youth ranks at Coventry and Burton, reaching senior level with the Brewers.
While with Albion, where he secured back-to-back promotions from League Two, Harness had loan spells with Ilkeston, Aldershot and Port Vale and went on to join Portsmouth in 2019.
He spent three seasons at Fratton Park, scoring 31 goals in 132 appearances before moving to Portman Road.
Jisung Eom found himself in the unexpected position of making dinner for his hero Jisung Park just a few short weeks ago, but the South Korea international’s main focus is on cooking up a strong end to his first season in Swansea City colours.
Eom is the first to admit the 2024-25 campaign has been a period of significant adjustment for the midfielder.
His move from Gwangju last summer saw him make the move to a completely new country and a new league, meaning it has taken him time to adapt.
Eom acknowledges the sheer speed and physicality of the Championship has been the biggest challenge following his arrival in SA1.
But there have been clear glimpses of his undoubted talent, most notable the wonderful goal that helped secure an important three points against play-off chasing Middlesbrough last month.
Eom, however, is hungry for more and hopes he can pull together all of the lessons he has learned during what has been a difficult season for the club as a whole.
“We are in the final stages of the season now, I think I’ve had some good moments and some more difficult moments, and I would really like to try and end it on a positive note,” he said.
“I have learned a lot tactically, and in terms of the physicality of the league. The speed of it has also been very different to what I had been used to previously.
“There have been so many games, so I have had to make sure I take good care of myself physically, that I recover properly, and then you know that there are 24 teams in the Championship, all of whom have different ways of playing and different threats.
“It has been a big learning curve. In Korea the training sessions would be very heavy, but the recovery time was not such a focus. Here, how you look after yourself is very important and is something you really focus on so you can perform when there are lots of games.
“I have tried to make sure I create and help the team have good moments, scoring my first goal against Middlesbrough was very special, but I would have liked to have had more moments like that, and that’s what my aim is.”
Eom admits the pace of life in Swansea suits him, he has loved the coastal setting and a sense of calm that has allowed him to focus on his football.
Off the pitch he was recently visited by former Manchester United and South Korea midfielder Park, who was part of a crew – including another former Red Devils star in Patrice Evra - filming for a documentary following Korean players plying their trade around the world which will be available to view later this month.
Having spent time with his idol, Eom then had the task of preparing a meal for him. It was a nerve-wracking task, but one he passed with flying colours.
“I really enjoy living in Swansea, and it has been great to show him and my family the city,” he said.
“I feel at peace here, like I can relax here and there is nothing to distract me from my football.
“I like going to The Observatory and walking along the beach so, as I say, it has been great to show people Swansea.
“When we filmed together they came to my flat for me to make them a meal, it was a lot of pressure and I was worried about whether he would enjoy what I was going to make.
“I wanted to make sure it was a nice dinner for them. I made them a chili soup, a traditional Korean dish, and everyone enjoyed it.
“Not many people get the chance to meet their heroes, let alone have them visit your home so it was very nice.”
Eom had supported Manchester United as a youngster owing to Park’s part of the star-studded Old Trafford squad, and admits the example set by the midfielder and subsequently by Heung-min Song in moving to play football in the UK was one he was delighted to have the chance to follow.
“I always loved football when I was younger. I did play golf as well, but I was not very good at it,” he laughed.
“I am much better with a football than with golf clubs in my hand.
“We were not a sporting family, my parents owned a clothing and shoe shop but they were not really interested in sport.
“But my brother and I fell in love with football and were always dreaming of whether we could one day play professionally.
“I actually started off as a goalkeeper, I was around eight years old. I loved the feeling of diving around everywhere to make a save, but I don’t think Lawrence (Vigouroux) has anything to worry about!
“It was a little after the 2010 World Cup in South Africa that I decided I wanted to play outfield instead.
“I was too small to be a goalkeeper, I had played there for my school but when I moved to a new school I was switched to become a midfielder.
“I always wanted to be like Jisung Park, and I was a Manchester United fan when he was there, and then it was Tottenham when Jisung retired and Son was there.
“It was a dream to be able to follow in their footsteps and play football in this country. Like any player, I would love to be able to play in the Premier League, but I am proud to be here playing at this level.”
Eom has been a regular in the South Korea national squad following his arrival in south Wales, and now has four caps to his name having been a regular at under-17 and under-23 level.
There is the tantalising prospect of a place at the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada in 2026 lying just ahead.
But his priority is on making sure he performs to the highest level possible for Swansea, knowing if he does that the rest will take care of itself.
“Every player savours the chance to represent their country, and I am the same,” he said.
“When I made my debut it was during Covid, so it felt very unusual, almost like a training match.
“But I managed to score, which felt good, even though it was not the same. It’s been better with the fans back.
“I have yet to win a cap at home so I am excited to have the chance to do that.
“But my focus has to be on Swansea, and doing well for this club. If I do that then I will give myself the best chance of playing for the national team.
“The World Cup is a long way away, there is a whole season to come, and we still have to finish this season as strongly as we can.
“These last remaining games are very important. We have to make sure we stay in the Championship and we need to get the results to do that.
“If we do that, and end the season strong, it will have a very big impact on how we all feel going into the summer.”
A dominant first-half display saw Swansea City Under-21s extend their winning sequence at the Swansea.com Stadium with a 2-0 victory over Burnley.
Morgan Bates opened the scoring early on for the hosts as he capitalised on a loose ball in the box to fire home from close range.
Jacob Cook doubled the Swansea lead just 16 minutes later, sending a low driven effort into the bottom corner.
It means the Swans have won three of their last four games, and have emerged victorious in every game they’ve played at the Swansea.com Stadium over the last two seasons.
They started strongly from the get go, with Bates getting in behind the Burnley defence before sliding a cross to Sammy Henia-Kamau, but the striker’s effort was held by the keeper.
Ben Lloyd’s corner delivery was the palmed as far as Arthur Parker, but he put the rebound over the bar.
However, the Swans would be in front 11 minutes into the contest. Bates converted after Jon Ander Villar Robinson had palmed Henia-Kamau’s cross into his path in the box.
Bates almost had a second seven minutes later, Lloyd’s dangerous cross found the forward in the area, but his effort as he stretched for the ball was put over the bar.
Josh Ginnelly then had the chance to double the lead when a loose ball fell for the winger, but his curling effort from an acute angle cleared the woodwork.
Chances continued to go begging, Dan Watts fired over the bar before Lloyd dragged an effort just wide of the post.
But the second goalwould come after 27 minutes; Cook’s powerful driven strike flying into the bottom right corner to give the Swans a deserved two-goal lead.
The Swans dominance continued throughout the remainder of the first half. Henia-Kamau forced a good save from the keeper before Jack Fanning headed the resulting corner wide.
Swansea keeper Kit Margetson was called into action for the first time just before the break, his strong save denying Tom Tweedy’s low effort from a rare Burnley attack.
Margetson was called into action again after the restart, a fine save keeping out Kamarni Ryan’s volleyed attempt.
At the other end, a fine piece of skill from Lloyd created a chance for the midfielder to further extend the Swans lead, but his curling effort failed to truly trouble Robinson in the Burnley goal.
The Swans continued to look for their third goal, with Bates’ long-range effort being held by Robinson.
Margetson was tested once again late on, pulling out another great save to deny Benji Wetshi and secure his clean sheet, as the young Swans continued their flawless recent record at the Swansea.com Stadium.
Swansea City Under-21s: Kit Margetson, Josh Pescatore, Jack Fanning, Jacob Cook, Arthur Parker, Iestyn Jones, Sammy Henia-Kamau (Callum Deacon 78), Dan Watts (Zac Jeanes 90), Morgan Bates, Ben Lloyd (captain) (Thomas Woodward 84), Josh Ginnelly (Ramon Rees-Siso 46).
Unused subs: Sam Seager.
Burnley Under-21s: Jon Ander Vilar Robinson, Hamzat Balogun (Alex Healy-Byrne 61), Oliver Pimlott, Joe Ashton, Murray Campbelll, Joe Bauress (Marley Leulai 78), Julien Vetro (Basilio Socoliche 61), Charlie Veevers, Kamarni Ryan (Benji Wetshi 61), Tommy McDermott (Brandon Ly 78), Tom Tweedy.
MASON MCCLELLAND | THERE ARE PLENTY OF POSITIVES TO TAKE
Swansea City Under-18s' head coach Mason McClelland believed there were plenty of positives to take from the age-grade side's 1-1 draw against Millwall at Calmont Road.
In-form Callum Jones opened the scoring for the Swans in the first half, smashing home from Milo Robinson's pass inside the area.
But the Lions, who currently sit third in the PDL South division, drew level through Sacha Viera in the second period.
The draw extended the young Swans' unbeaten run to four games and, as they prepare to head into a busy period, McClelland was pleased with the way the under-16s' players who stepped up a level had risen to the challenge of facing a physical team.
"The game provided some really good challenges for the players having to deal with a lot of direct play, balls in behind the defence, balls into the box and dealing with set plays," said McClelland.
"Defensively the players - individually and as a collective - showed a real resilience, a real hunger to defend the box and an appetite to defend which they must continue to apply consistently in their games programme going forward.
"In possession the players showed signs and glimpses of some good phases in the game, especially first half where we gained some control and it allowed us to carry the ball up the pitch using clever and intelligent movements to get behind the opposition whilst staying connected.
"Millwall made it difficult for us to play, in tough conditions, but the players remained focused on the task and stuck to the objectives very well.
"It was another great opportunity to integrate the under-16s into the squad and to help prepare them for full-time football next season.
"Overall there were lots of positives to take from the game, and plenty of learning as individuals and a group. The group are showing signs of being very difficult to beat and playing with confidence, which is good to see.
"We are now looking to sustain and to be more consistent in all phases of the game moving forward. With still have seven games left before the off season in May, this is still a very important time to maximise our development before the season comes to an end."
Three first-half goals made it three consecutive wins for Swansea City Women as they comfortably beat Barry Town United Women.
The Swans got off to a great start as Jess Williams headed home Katy Hosford’s corner after just six minutes.
Stacey John-Davis doubled the lead soon after, curling in a superb strike after cutting in from the left hand side.
The forward would then get her second as her lobbed effort floated over the head of the goalkeeper, and the Swans eased through a goalless second half to claim the three points.
Caretaker head coach Yzzy Taylor had named an unchanged side for the third consecutive game, with Sophie Brisland-Hancocks making her 200th Swansea appearance.
The Swans made the perfect start, Hosford’s corner delivery picked out Williams in the box, and the defender powered a headed effort past Molly Arnesen to make it 1-0 just six minutes in.
Nia Jones looked to quickly add a second as she burst out of defence, but her long range effort didn’t trouble the goalkeeper.
Barry responded and began to apply pressure to the Swans defence, but failed to really cause any issues for goalkeeper Charlie Haynes, who only had to calmly collect a few crosses.
Instead John-Davis would double the Swansea advantage. After winning possession in the middle of the park she powered forward before curling a composed finish into the top-right corner.
Jones thought she had made it 3-0 soon after as she headed home another delivery from Hosford, but the defender was adjudged to have committed a foul before meeting the ball.
However, it wouldn’t be long before the Swans had their third as John-Davis again found the back of the net with her lobbed effort leaving keeper Arensen stranded.
Barry thought they had found a way back into the game just before the break as former Swans midfielder Danielle Broadhurst poked home a knock down from a corner, but she was flagged offside.
Jones continued to be a threat from set-pieces after the break, heading John-Davis’ floated free kick inches over the bar just after the restart.
Barry had a chance of their own soon after, Ellie Preece picked out Erin Murray in the box, but her placed effort was well held by Haynes.
Murray went close again for the hosts, finding time on the edge of the area before firing over the bar, but it proved Barry’s last big chance as the Swans sealed three points and claimed the Genero Adran Premier plate.
Barry Town United Women: Molly Arnesen, Lauren Harris, Danielle Broadhurst, Jasmine Turner (Keira Harris 81), Emily Freeman (captain), Sienna Stone (Ingrid Aadland 46), Amelia Herbert, Lucy Attwood (Erin Murray 46), Ellie Gunney (Ellie Gunney 46), Ellie Preece, Angharad Beman.
Unused subs: Scarlett Davies.
Swansea City Women: Charlie Haynes, Sophie Brisland-Hancocks, Maisie Miller, Katy Hosford (captain) (Rachel Cullen 66), Stacey John-Davis, Emily Richards (Sammy Wynne 46), Aimee Deacon, Taite Trivett (Chloe Chivers 66), Caitlin Williams (Lucy Finch 46), Jess Williams (Steph Turner 74), Nia Jones.
Today’s visitors, Derby County, are going to arrive at the Swansea.com Stadium with a real spring in their step, not least because of their midweek win against Preston North End which took them out of the relegation zone.
The result meant John Eustace’s side got four successive wins for the first time in nearly five years, but it will be the move up to 20th in the Championship table that will bring the most satisfaction to everyone associated with the club.
When Eustace made the move from then play-off chasing Blackburn Rovers to relegation threatened County on a three-and-a-half-year deal in February, many in football raised an eyebrow. The switch seemed almost inconceivable, but Eustace explained in his press conference unveiling that he believed the Rams were a better long-term prospect – and perhaps the last few games have evidenced that belief.
Eustace played for Derby. In fact, he finished his career a Derby player. The club’s owner, David Clowes, said when the managerial move was completed that as a player he was known for his “craft, commitment and intelligence. He was a real leader”.
The evidence of that leadership is clear to see. Derby had experienced seven straight league defeats when Eustace took over, but the man from Solihull has got them back to winning ways and it was a Swansea City player who helped secure the result in midweek. Jerry Yates is on a season-long loan at Pride Park and he scored the second against Preston to secure victory for the Rams.
"I'm absolutely delighted for him, his work rate since I've been here's been sensational,” Eustace told the club website. “He's an outstanding professional, and he certainly deserved his goal tonight after his contributions of late."
Yates’ loan agreement prevents him from playing today, as it did when we travelled to Pride Park in November in a game which saw us secure all three points thanks to a 2-1 win.
Our 2-2 draw at Elland Road last weekend was very welcome, and I have to admit, it was a real surprise to me that we got anything from the game. What was as satisfying as the away point was the nature of the display – if we could replicate that until the end of the season, we would surely bank enough points to be safe?
But, the reality is that today should be, has to be, a win. Our position in the Championship table is still too precarious and six points from these next two home games would ease the sleepless nights and reduce the worry lines for sure.
It would be such a relief to secure our safety sooner rather than later because, at the moment, given the precarious nature of the Championship and the inevitable flurry of positive results from some of the sides around us, it certainly isn’t guaranteed. So, that tees this afternoon’s encounter up nicely from both clubs’ perspective!
Let’s hope we are able to get the result we want and need this afternoon.
JULIE KISSICK
Happy 80th Birthday to Phil Mence, loyal Swansea supporter since 1956!
Phil hasn’t been able to get to recent matches in person due to his mobility and health so instead of watching on screen, today his family have been able to bring him for a game with many thanks to Swansea City making this possible.
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.
I sometimes joke that following the Swans and Wales isn’t good for my heart.
I’m sure it’s the same for all football fans whoever they support.
But it feels like my club and country provide more moments to get the heart racing than most.
Just look at the evidence of the past couple of weeks.
While Wales’ win over Kazakhstan was relatively anxiety free, our habit of conceding contested penalties reared its ugly head again, and the result was still in question right up until the final moments when Rabbi Matondo slotted his first senior international goal to seal the 3-1 victory.
But the North Macedonia fixture provided us with a couple of potentially heart-stopping moments.
First of all, there was Joe Allen’s unfortunate misplaced pass in injury time which appeared to have condemned Craig Bellamy to his first defeat in charge of Wales.
Then, minutes later, David Brooks’ shot seemed to take an eternity to evade the defender’s desperate attempt at a goal-line clearance and creep inside the post to salvage what could turn out to be a vital point for Wales in their bid to reach next year’s World Cup.
Phew!
If Wales thought they had cornered the market on last-minute drama, then the Swans were waiting in the wings to say, “hold my beer”.
I’ve always said following the Swans is akin to taking a ride on the most extreme roller coaster in the world.
Over my 45-plus years following the club I have experienced dizzying, delirious highs and plummeting, gut-wrenching lows.
Last Saturday at Leeds United was a typical afternoon following the club’s fortunes. Falling behind to a first-minute goal, missing a penalty and earning a second-half equaliser, only to concede what appeared to be a decisive goal just four minutes from time. Pretty thrilling stuff, but there was more to come.
Trailing 2-1 six minutes into injury time to the league leaders at their Elland Road home with time all but up, the visitors seemed destined to suffer defeat.
But up stepped Allen to show the depth of his character and talent in the wake of his North Macedonia mishap.
The veteran midfielder proved that class is permanent as he threaded a perfect pass to Zan Vipotnik, who sent my pulse racing again by firing home a last-gasp equaliser to earn a thrilling away point.
Mind you, I think it’s fair to assume the drama of the goal would have had a more detrimental effect on the health of Leeds fans than Swans fans!
As I say, I often joke about these moments not being good for my ageing heart, but there is genuinely a serious side, which football is doing its bit to address.
While we may regularly talk about heart-stopping moments in matches, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) is keen to make sure us football fans know what to do if we are ever faced with a genuine heart-stopping situation away from the pitch.
Supporters, star players and celebrities are currently taking part in a mammoth relay which sees the 72 EFL Clubs coming together for a unique charity event spanning four weeks and covering an incredible 4,000km.
Participants in the Every Minute Matters relay will run, walk, or cycle each segment of the route, and many have personal connections to CPR or cardiac arrest. Having kicked off in Barrow and Plymouth, the relay finishes in London on Easter Monday
But unlike many charity events of this nature, there’s no need to put your hands in your pocket for a sponsorship donation, the marathon relay doesn’t aim to raise money – it’s all about raising awareness.
Sky Bet has stumped up £3million to support the vital work of the BHF, and now they want us to get involved by donating just 15 minutes of our time to learn CPR through BHF’s free online tool, RevivR.
Legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly may have said football was more important than life and death, but CPR can literally make the difference between living and dying.
Each month more than 2,500 people suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the UK and tragically less than one in 10 survive, often because those around them don’t have the confidence to perform CPR.
The Swans have already played their part in the Every Minute Matters campaign. The legend that is Lee Trundle and comedian Elis James, who is a lifelong member of the Jack Army, competed a marathon bike ride from the Swansea.com Stadium to Newport County’s Rodney Parade as part of the relay.
The dynamic duo took to the saddle last weekend for the 60-mile trek to Gwent.
Afterwards, Elis said of his partner in Lycra: “I couldn’t ask for anyone better to cycle 60 hilly miles with by the way - Lee isn’t a national treasure, he’s a global one.
Photo by British Heart Foundation.
“It took bloody hours and if I annoyed him by taking us in the wrong direction (which I did multiple times) he didn’t show it once.”
Elis added: “You can learn CPR on the BHF website, it takes 15 minutes and you can do it on your phone. The BHF aren’t asking for money, they’re just asking for 15 minutes of your time - over 235,000 people have already learnt and the target is to get to 270,000.”
If Lee and Elis can give up a Sunday to pedal from Swansea to Newport in order to raise awareness for the campaign, I’m sure us fans can give up 15 minutes.
So, if you are able, search for the RevivR online and learn a new skill which could literally be a life saver.
In the meantime, what could be better this afternoon than a straightforward home win, with no last-minute dramas, to set Swans fans’ pulses racing . . . in a good way!
C’mon on 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 we recall a play-off victory notable for its drama and its eerie soundtrack.
Swansea City 1 Brentford 0 – Championship play-off semi-final, first leg – July 26, 2020
The 2019-20 had started off likes any other campaign, but that would end when the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic ensured that football came to a halt as lockdown regulations outlawed public gatherings in order to try and contain the spread of the deadly virus.
Little did those in attendance at Swansea’s 0-0 draw with West Bromwich Albion on March 7 know that they would not see their team play again for over three months.
When football did resume – having been halted for the first time since the outbreak of World War II – it was during the summer months and there would be no fans in attendance.
It made for an eerie atmosphere as supporters watched from afar on their television or streaming devices, with the shouts and cries of players and coaches clearly audible in the empty stadiums.
Over the final run-in, Steve Cooper’s Swans had forced their way into the play-off picture after a dramatic 4-1 win at Reading saw them edge out Nottingham Forest in the race for the final spot.
Their reward was a two-legged semi-final against a Brentford side who had looked set for automatic promotion, only to miss out in the final stages.
The Bees had never successfully got through a play-off campaign, and Swansea looked to feed off that sense of unease when they hosted the first leg.
On a humid, muggy night in SA1, the visitors had made the better start. Said Benrahma headed a Mathias Jensen cross just wide of the target before Erwin Mulder – in goal with Freddie Woodman injured – denied the in-form Ollie Watkins.
The tension was palpable and Swansea carved out the best chance yet when Conor Gallagher flicked on a Connor Roberts’ cross to find Rhian Brewster. The striker’s first-time effort was on target, but was kept our by a fine stop from David Raya.
Watkins headed wide when unmarked at the back post, while Andre Ayew’s own header struck a post and Brewster’s follow-up found the grateful gloves of Raya.
It was proving a fiercely-fought contest and the sides were carving out half-chances. Jay Fulton and Benrahma were unable to convert opportunities before the drama and controversy ratcheted up a notch.
A foul on Brewster gave Ayew the chance to put Swansea ahead from the spot, but Raya denied the Ghanaian as he got down to his right to save.
But the momentum seemed to swing back the home side’s way when Rico Henry was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Roberts as the Swans looked to break.
With the man advantage, the hosts pressed again. Gallagher and Marc Guehi were unable to finish good chances but, with nine minutes of an absorbing contest remaining, good work from Gallagher and Fulton allowed Ayew to lash home his 18th goal of the season.
It was a lead Swansea would hold to the end on a night of high drama, but one could not have helped but wonder what the atmosphere would have been like had the Jack Army been able to be present to cheer on their heroes.
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.
REPORT IT – IN THE STADIUM
Supporters are encouraged to report instances of abusive and discriminatory language within the stadium by using the anonymous text and Whatsapp number (07886 276015) providing details of the incident and your location in the stadium.
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.
Supporters can also use support@swanseacity.com to report instances of discrimination.
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 Junior Jacks!
Today’s match is dedicated to Level Playing Fields and we’re so pleased to have our friends from Swansea Deaf Sports and Social Club and Wild Space joining us in the family stand!
Come and learn some sign language, relax in the sensory space, or join us for a dance at around 2.30pm.
We’ve really enjoyed seeing you all at the last two games. It’s been so much fun catching up and taking selfies. Make sure you come and say hello if you see us around the ground.
We’ve created a quiz to test your British Sign Language fingerspelling. Don’t know the answers? You can learn some BSL letters and words in the family stand.
Our prediction for today is 2-1 to the Swans. Liam Cullen will score both goals.
Uppa Swans!
Cyril and Cybil
Caretaker Head Coach Alan Sheehan
2 Josh Key
3 Kristian Pedersen
4 Jay Fulton
5 Ben Cabango ©
6 Harry Darling
7 Joe Allen
8 Lewis O'Brien
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 John Eustace
1 Jacob Widdell Zetterstrom
2 Kane Wilson
3 Craig Forsyth
4 David Ozoh
6 Sondre Langas
7 Tom Barkhuizen
8 Ben Osborn
9 Kemar Roofe
10 Jerry Yates
11 Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (c)
12 Nat Phillips
13 Rohan Luthra
14 Conor Washington
15 Lars-Jorgen Salvesen
16 Liam Thompson
17 Kenzo Goudmijn
18 Marcus Harness
19 Kayden Jackson
20 Callum Elder
21 Jake Rooney
23 Joe Ward
24 Ryan Nyambe
25 Matt Clarke
27 Corey Blackett-Taylor
28 Harrison Armstrong
29 Jeff Hendrick
31 Josh Vickers
32 Ebou Adams
35 Curtis Nelson
39 Dajaune Brown
Referee - Andy Davies
Assistant Referee 1 - Paul Hodskinson
Assistant Referee 2 - Bhupinder Singh Gill
Fourth Official - Martin Woods
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.
Chief Executive Officer: Tom Gorringe
Executive Director and Company Secretary: Ken Gude
Associate Directors: Diane Hughes
FIRST-TEAM STAFF
Caretaker Head Coach - Alan Sheehan
Head of Goalkeeping – Martyn Margetson
First Team Coach - Kris O'Leary
First Team Coach - Mark Fotheringham
First Team Coach - Richard Stearman
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.
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM
Tom Gorringe (Chief Executive Officer)
Richard Montague (Director of Football)
Ken Gude (Executive Director and Company Secretary)
Andrew Davies (Head of Operations and Facilities);
Richard Morris (Head of Commercial)
CLUB STAFF
Head of Football Operations and Administration: Ben Greenwood
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.
Designers: Callum Rothwell, Lewis Ward, Jac Elsey.
Photography: Athena Picture Agency,
Natalie John-Davis, Alamy, Sam Cashel.