Welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for today’s game against Leeds United.
Today marks the start of a new era for the club.
I am very excited for Swansea City and our fans after announcing the new majority ownership and investment. This change gives us an opportunity to reset and begin a new chapter for this great club. We are building a high-performing organisation that can power sustainable success, on and off the pitch. But there are no shortcuts on this journey. Football doesn’t owe us anything. We’ve got to work hard to earn it.
We are committed to the future of this club, but we need you, the fans, to be on this journey with us too. We want to play a positive, possession-based style of football that we can all be proud of, on the pitch. And we want to build a club that is centred around this great city, off the pitch.
We remain dedicated to the Swansea Way football philosophy, ensuring alignment from the first team through to the Academy which was so well represented by Wales’ win against Iceland in midweek. Our focus is on making data-driven decisions that enhance our performance on the pitch and in player recruitment. Additionally, we are committed to developing a self-sustaining model for women’s and girls’ football, providing new opportunities for girls across Wales to play the game they love.
I believe our new ownership group’s collective expertise will be leveraged to grow the club’s commercial opportunities, allowing us to invest further in the team and the club. We are determined to build stable foundations and turn Swansea City into a football club that we can all be proud of.
Swansea City is more than just football and finance; it is a community institution and leader. We recognize the important role this club plays in the city, and community will always be at the heart of what we do. We are here to listen to you, engage with you, and ensure that your voice is heard in every decision we make.
There is no question that Swansea City’s best periods have come when there has been a strong connection between the club and our great fans. I’m hopeful that this reset gives us a chance to rekindle that connection, but I know we have work to do. It’s my mission to make Swansea City fans proud of their football club again.
Thank you for your unwavering support. Together, we can achieve great things.
Andy
Good afternoon and welcome to the Swansea.com Stadium for this afternoon’s Championship fixture against Leeds United.
Today marks a new era for the club and is our first game since the majority ownership change has been finalised. We’re all very excited about what this change means for the club and for this new chapter to begin. I hope you fans are too.
This week, I was at the Wales game against Iceland and was very proud of our players’ performances. Liam scored his first two goals for Wales and also got two assists. Ben and Joe were great too.
It’s a performance that I thoroughly enjoyed watching, everything about it made me proud to be here in Wales as a manager at such an exciting time for Welsh international football. The way Wales got a foothold in the game and established themselves was incredible. It was a very exciting night and I was really happy to see them return to the squad in good shape, having been well looked after. To do what Liam did, you just cannot be anything but a very good player to be able to do that. He looked completely comfortable, deserved to be there, and it was a brilliant moment for him.
Beyond Wales, it was brilliant to see Zan Vipotnik and Nathan Tjoe-A-On representing Slovenia and Indonesia respectively. It’s always an honour to represent your country and it was so great to see so many of our players going away on international duty.
We face a Leeds side this afternoon who are a fabulous team at this level. We know what we’re up against, and we’ve competed against top sides in the division this season better than we did last. We have to take some confidence from those performances, be brave, and try to put on a really good performance. We’re going to have to be immaculate defensively and ruthless at the other end, and take our chances.
Enjoy the game,
Luke
A warm welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium after the latest international break. It was a joy to watch a plethora of Swans academy graduates play for Wales over the last two games as Craig Bellamy remains unbeaten since taking over. A special congratulations to Liam Cullen who scored his first international goals against Iceland, hopefully he continues his fine form in a Swans shirt.
We saw a mixed run of form prior to the break. However, the boys managed to turn it around with good wins against Oxford and Watford but sadly we went into the international break with a very unfortunate last minute 1-0 loss against Burnley.
Prior to the break, news broke of forthcoming changes to the club’s ownership and investor structure. And yesterday this was all formally ratified and announced by the club followed shortly afterwards by a statement of our own here: www.swanstrust.co.uk/news/announcement-of-change-in-club-ownership/
As explained in our release, we believe this is a significant moment for the club and our supporters, and we share the optimism of many about what fresh faces can bring to the football club and the community.
We also believe it is critical that there is true local ownership and decision-making ability for the club going forward, something that has sadly not been in place in the past few years. These years have been difficult for the club, Trust, and supporters and we are hopeful that this marks the start of an exciting new chapter for all of those associated with Swansea City.
We now hope to see quicker and more effective decisions that take into greater consideration the supporters and the community. With club chairman Andy Coleman continuing to be based in Swansea and with greater ownership control, we are now hopeful that the positive trends we have seen in recruitment and investments in club assets in the last 12 months will only grow.
We look forward to continuing to work with Andy together with Nigel, Brett, Jason, and other board members as custodians of our great club.
Today we welcome Leeds United to the Swansea.com Stadium, who could potentially have a few familiar faces in their starting line-up. There is a rich history of players who have worn the shirt for both clubs, currently including Joe Rodon, Dan James, Joel Piroe and our captain Matt Grimes. Over the years the likes of Andy Robinson, Lee Trundle, Pablo Hernandez, the legendary John Charles and Trust’s honouree president Alan Curtis have also put both shirts on.
2011 was the last time the Swans took all three points against Leeds at home and although in the 13 years since both clubs were not always in the same league. You will have to go back to 2018 when the Swans managed to pick up a point at home against today’s visitors, hopefully today we can reset the stats.
Enjoy the game this afternoon.
Jordan
Swans Big Sleep Out raises over £36,000 for Swansea City AFC Foundation and Matthew's House.
Over 80 participants joined the Foundation for a night sleeping inside the Swansea.com Stadium in support of the Foundation and Matthew’s House in an aim to raise vital funds and awareness of homelessness.
This year’s sleep out was the second hosted by the Foundation, raising over £8,000 more than the year prior.
Head of Foundation Paul France was overwhelmed with the support for the campaign and praised the support from the club.
“To get 84 people here sleeping at the Swansea.com Stadium is incredible,” said France.
“The total we’ve raised is absolutely amazing, it’s really humbling that people choose to donate to this campaign and it will make a massive difference to people around Swansea.
“The atmosphere all through the night has been great, the weather was so much kinder than last year and being inside the stadium has made a massive difference.
“Having the opportunity to sleep inside the stadium, it really connects you with the club and it’s been a wonderful experience.”
Thom Lynch, project manager at Matthew’s House, was delighted to be able to raise funds that will support the organisation to continue tackling homelessness in Swansea and raise awareness of the work they are doing.
“It’s amazing to be inside the stadium and to be partnering again with the Foundation.
“Nights like these don’t just raise amazing funds, but they help to raise awareness and raise the issues and make us all think about it and get involved to see how we can help.
“Every penny helps, it all goes towards the wonderful things that we are doing at Matthew’s House and the wonderful things that the Foundation are doing in the community.”
Swansea City chairman Andy Coleman joined the Foundation for the second year running, taking the opportunity to support the campaign and sleep in the home of the Swans.
Coleman is proud of the work that the Foundation continue to do within the local area and was pleased to see the community come together to support the campaign.
“I couldn’t be more excited, this is one of the brightest moments when we get to see the entire Swansea community come together,” said Coleman.
Swans Big Sleep Out | Andy Coleman
“Homelessness is a real issue that affects our communities, so to see everyone come out to support the cause is really fantastic.
“It speaks volumes to who we are as a club, this club is the community, this club represents the community.
“I would say the Foundation and every aspect of the club being out there doing good work and tying the community together so that we can take care of each other is the most important mission we have as a club.”
Sleep Out 2024
The event was hosted by singer Mal Pope, with club ambassador Lee Trundle also taking part in the sleep out, as well as academy stars Zac Jeanes and Sebastian Dabrowski taking part in a Q&A before helping serve food to participants.
Jeanes was impressed by the funds raised to tackle homelessness in the local area and glad to see his club come together for the cause.
“It’s a really great cause, it’s good to see everyone sleeping here,” said Jeanes.
“It’s not a nice thing to be outside sleeping, it’s cold but it’s for a great cause and there are people out on the streets doing it for real.
“We’ve got people here in the stadium, it’s a great cause, so to raise the money they have is amazing.”
Donations for the campaign remain open until November 30. Click HERE to make a donation.
MATCHDAY. YOUR WAY.
2024-25 HALF-SEASON TICKETS NOW ON SALE
Half-season tickets for the 2024-25 campaign are now on sale, valid from our Boxing Day fixture against Queens Park Rangers. Matchday experiences are unique to every member of the Jack Army. Kickstart yours by securing a ticket to the final 13 home league matches of the season.
A half-season ticket remains the most cost-effective way of watching the Swans for the rest of this season, with every adult ticket working out at a maximum of £20 per match.
Half-season ticket holders will benefit from 7.5% Swans Cash on all retail purchases and an enrolment into the Your Jack Benefits scheme.
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 ACADEMY SUPPORT SHOEBOX APPEAL
Swansea City academy has donated to this year’s Samaritan's Purse shoebox appeal, which brings the Christmas spirit to those who are less fortunate around the world.
In 2023, the Swans' under-18s and staff created and delivered over 18 boxes for the appeal. This year, the under-nines to under-18s have all taken part, and have created over 121 boxes which will be distributed across the globe to children and families in need.
The campaign - founded by The Samaritan's Purse - has been active since 1993 and has reached more than 209 million children in over 170 countries.
Hannah Atkins and staff at Operation Christmas Child hosted a packing party for all age-groups and staff. The boxes will be sent off for distribution in mid-November.
"It was a pleasure for the academy to participate and support the shoebox appeal," said Swansea City head of academy, Jordan Morris.
"The academy players not only contributed to a worthy cause, but also applied the values of empathy, teamwork, and community. It is a reminder the impact that football has can go beyond the pitch."
"Samaritan’s Purse was a campaign we introduced to the Academy in December 2023. Our first and second year scholars designed 17 personal shoeboxes for people in need and who were victims of war, poverty, natural disasters and disease," said assistant head of education, Jack Pritchard.
"After the organisation had spotted some media content of our under-18s, they contacted us to form a relationship for this coming winter. Our vision of this project for 2024 was to align the entire Academy from our Foundation Phase (U9-U12), Youth Development Phase (U13-U16) and Professional Development Phase to take part in a packing party.
"Through weeks of planning, we successfully crafted 121 shoeboxes on behalf of Swansea City Academy. Furthermore, on Thursday 12th December, our full-time apprentices have volunteered to attend the processing centre in Cardiff, loading shoeboxes into containers to ship overseas.
"We are extremely proud to have played a small part for what is a fantastic campaign, and we look forward to many more projects in the future."
Myles Peart-Harris’ first goal for Swansea City proved the difference as the hosts defeated Watford at the Swansea.com Stadium.
Swansea City: Lawrence Vigouroux; Josh Key, Ben Cabango, Harry Darling, Kyle Naughton (Cyrus Christie 75); Matt Grimes (captain), Gonçalo Franco (Joe Allen 75); Ronald, Liam Cullen, Myles Peart-Harris; Žan Vipotnik (Florian Bianchini 67).
Unused Substitutes: Jon McLaughlin, Kristian Pedersen, Nathan Tjoe-A-On, Nelson Abbey, Aimar Govea, Azeem Abdulai.
Watford: Daniel Bachmann (captain), Francisco Sierralta, Mattie Pollock, Tom Ince (Mamadou Doumbia 73), Giorgi Chakvetadze, Ken Sema (Ryan Andrews 62), Pierre Dwomoh (Imran Louza 62), Vakoun Bayo (Daniel Jebbison 83), Festy Ebosele, Yasser Larouci (Kwadwo Baah 46), Edo Kayembe.
Unused Substitutes: Jonathan Bond, James Morris, Antonio Tikvic, Kevin Keben.
Referee: Josh Smith
Attendance: 12,869
Swansea City suffered last-gasp heartbreak at Turf Moor as Jay Rodriguez's stoppage-time penalty gave Burnley all three points.
Swansea City: Lawrence Vigouroux; Josh Key, Ben Cabango, Harry Darling, Josh Tymon; Matt Grimes (captain), Gonçalo Franco, Joe Allen (Liam Cullen 62); Ronald (Cyrus Christie 85), Myles Peart-Harris (Kyle Naughton 77), Žan Vipotnik (Florian Bianchni 62).
Substitutes: Jon McLaughlin, Kristian Pedersen, Nathan Tjoe-A-On, Nelson Abbey, Azeem Abdulai.
Burnley: James Trafford, Maxime Esteve, CJ Egan-Riley, Jeremy Sarmiento (Hannibal 77), Josh Brownhill (captain), Jaidon Anthony, Connor Roberts, Zian Flemming (Jay Rodriguez 77), Lucas Pires (Bashir Humphreys 67) , Josh Cullen (Josh Laurent 77), Luca Koleosho (Enock Agyei 67).
Unchanged Substitutes: Vaclav Hladky, John Egan, Andreas Hountondji, Owen Dodgson.
Referee: David Webb
Attendance: 18,717
One of the best-supported clubs in the land, Leeds are back in the Championship following a three-year stint in the Premier League that had ended a 16-year absence from the top-flight.
Having been promoted playing a swashbuckling brand of football under Marcelo Bielsa and making an eye-catching impression in the Premier League, the Yorkshire club ended up being relegated on the final day of last season.
In their history Leeds have won three league titles, as well as an FA Cup and League Cup, while they were beaten European Cup finalists in 1975.
Their last First Division title came in 1992 and they were a top-flight force around the turn of the Millennium, while reaching the Champions League semi-finals in 2001.
ELLAND ROAD
Built: 1897
Location: Elland Road, Beeston, Leeds, England LS11 0ES
Capacity: 37,792
Playing his entire career in the lower leagues of German football, Farke’s first managerial move came at the helm of his beloved SV Lippstadt, a club he joined three times as a player.
Taking over as manager at the age of 32, Farke led the club from the sixth tier of the German leagues into the fourth, before taking charge of Borussia Dortmund II when Thomas Tuchel was at the helm of the first team of the Bundesliga giants.
Placed in charge of Norwich in 2017, Farke came through a challenging first season at Carrow Road where he laid the foundations for their Championship-winning campaign in 2018-19.
They were relegated from the Premier League, but kept a nucleus of players who had been so effective two years earlier and he secured a top-flight return only to leave Carrow Road in November 2021.
He went on to manage Krasnodar in Russia and Borussia Monchengladbach in his homeland, before being appointed Leeds boss in the summer.
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Belgian centre-back Struijk joined Leeds United in 2018, having been a regular for the club's under-23s side, Struijk made his senior debut against Hull City in December 2019.
Struijk started his career in the Netherlands, as a youth at ADO Den Haag before moving to Ajax in 2016.
The 25-year-old, who has represented the Netherlands at youth level, has played out the full 90 minutes of every game this Championship season.
He's scored two goals so far this season, which came in Leeds' opening game of the campaign against Portsmouth and in their 2-0 victory against Sheffield United at Elland Road.
The 23-year-old had spells in the youth ranks with Middlesbrough and Leeds United, before joining Grimsby Town.
He progressed to reach the Mariners’ senior team and his showings for the League Two club would lead Watford to move to sign him in the summer of 2021.
Pollock picked up further first-team experience with Cheltenham Town and Aberdeen before establishing himself this season at Vicarage Road.
Youngster and Espanyol academy graduate Mateo Joseph has played in all 15 Championship games this campaign.
The 21-year-old has scored two goals which came against Hull City and Sheffield United respectively.
He joined the Yorkshire side in January 2022, initially linking up with their under-21 squad. He made his senior debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the EFL Cup in November 2022, and made his Premier League debut three days later against Tottenham Hotspur.
Former Swan and Leeds United top scorer Joel Piroe has scored six goals in 15 games in the Championship this season.
The Dutch forward scored on his Leeds debut last term against Ipswich Town, and went on to score 14 goals in all competitions that campaign.
He most recently scored in the Whites' 2-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers after being introduced as a substitute on November 11.
Cyrus Christie is relishing being back at Swansea City, admitting he had always harboured hopes of one day returning to SA1.
The vastly-experienced defender has joined the Swans on a deal through to the end of the 2024-25 season, and has featured from the bench in back-to-back wins over Oxford United and Watford.
The 32-year-old had a previous stint at the Swansea.com Stadium during the 2021-22 season, making 23 appearances and registering three goals and five assists during a loan spell that also saw him help Swansea register an historic south Wales derby double.
And he is delighted to be back in the fold and working under head coach Luke Williams and his staff.
“It’s a great feeling to be back. I’m happy to be back here, and to get it over the line. It’s great coming back to a place where you’re familiar with everyone,” he said.
“When I first came, I wasn’t playing for so long and I hit the ground running and enjoyed my time so much.
“It was not just about the football, it was the people too. That’s always a big win, from that moment, it was always a place I wanted to come back to.
“When the opportunity came round it was a no-brainer, the gaffer and his staff are really good people.
“He was fantastic from when I was here last time. He did really well as a manager down at Notts County and his staff are great.
“They have a very good gameplan and they’re clear on how they want to play. We’ve got a good team here, a good set-up, there’s no reason why we can’t do well.”
The Republic of Ireland international’s move also came via a helping hand from a bonafide Swansea City great; one of his representatives, Wayne Routledge.
The much-loved and respected forward joined the Swans from Newcastle in 2011 ahead of the club’s maiden Premier League campaign and went on to make 305 appearances, scoring 33 goals and winning the League Cup in 2013.
“It was great for Wayne for me to come back, and to come to a club we both admit that we love,” added Christie.
“For me to be somewhere familiar is great, he is unbelievable and a Swansea legend.”
The versatile defender comes with depth of experience in playing in numerous positions during his career.
Capable of covering any position across the back-line, Christie hopes his familiarity of the role can be beneficial to Luke Williams’ side and praises the Swans boss for attention to detail.
“I started as a centre-back, which not many people know when I came through the youth team. Being at centre-back is good and I enjoy it,” he said.
“I’ve played the majority of my career as a right-back, and I’m more comfortable across the back four. When I was here last time, I was playing right wing some games.
“The gaffer has outlined it to me on what positions he wants me to play in, and in much detail which makes it easier to make that transition.
“I’m more than comfortable to play wherever the gaffer wants me to. I was pretty versatile when I was at Hull, played in midfield and a bit of everywhere.
“When you’ve got a manager that has great attention to detail, it makes it easier to slot in.”
Christie made his return to the pitch in a Swans shirt in Luke Williams’ side’s 2-1 win over Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium.
And he was introduced with a warm welcome from the travelling Jack Army in the sold-out away end.
“It was an unbelievable feeling, when I came here the first time, hearing them singing your name and praising you, it obviously helps when you come in and do well straight away,” said Christie.
“I think I’ve got a good connection with the fans, when you’re coming on the pitch and they’re singing your name again, it’s amazing.
“Most footballers want to feel the love from the supporters and feel like they’ve got your back. It gives you the extra edge and push to do well.
“It was an honour to hear them sing and put on the shirt again, it’s been a very long time. I’m grateful to be here now.
“It’s going to take me a couple weeks, and a couple of games to get up to speed with things. I didn’t have a pre-season, and I was out of a club for a while.
“There’s been a lot of setbacks, there’s always opportunities to make things right the next time and that’s what I believe.”
What an incredible international break for us Swans fans!
I really did feel soproud on Tuesday evening to watch that 4-1 win against Iceland in the Nation’s League, knowing that so many of the players in the squad had Swansea City academy connections.
Liam Cullen, Joe Allen, Ben Cabango, Ben Davies, Dan James, Joe Rodon, Connor Roberts, Josh Sheehan and Rhys Norrington-Davies was also on the Swans books for a spell – and had Ollie Cooper been fit, he would no doubt have been included. Wow! What an achievement for our academy and our club and what a contribution those involved in developing these players have made to Welsh football.
And a special mention, of course, to the man who made our hearts sing with his brace and TWO assists – our very own Liam Cullen. (I don’t know who decided that he was responsible for one of those assists, but I’m definitely giving him both.)
Cullen was rightly awarded the man-of-the-match accolade and he drew huge praise from head coach, Craig Bellamy.
“"He's been so good. And, do you know what I love about him most? The habits. He has so many good habits. His reaction when he loses the ball. His work rate for the team. He puts the team first.
"I said to him when he came on the other day, 'You do not fail to impress me. You constantly impress me every minute I see of you. In training and even in the meetings’.
"You know when you just see someone staring at the screen, like listening to every word you're saying. That's him, and he was outstanding today.”
There’ve been times over the years when I’ve lamented the international break, concerned that it would have a negative impact on our campaign, but when you see one of our current crop having the game of his life in a Welsh shirt, those moments really are priceless and massive confidence boosts for those involved – something that will no doubt return with them.
If you’re a regular reader of this column you’ll know I’m a frequent social media watcher and the comments about Cullen’s contribution in particular were ones I hope he’s seen and he cherishes, because we all know how unpredictable the life of a professional footballer can be – and how fickle some fans are at those times.
But now, back to the day job and we welcome some of those familiar faces to SA1 this afternoon. Joe Rodon and Dan James go from being teammates of some of our squad, to competitors - psychologically, I would find that a tough transition to make, but I guess that’s the nature of professional football and something players learn to do.
I’m sure they do find it difficult sometimes to flick that switch though - see Burnley’s Connor Roberts’ “still rolling now” remarks about the tackle Liam Cullen made on him in the 1-0 defeat in our last Championship game if you want an insight into that!
Welcome back boys, it’s good to have you home and let’s hope the ‘Kilgetty Messi’ has brought some of the fire of the Welsh dragon back to Swansea with him and continues in that superb goal-scoring form.
Good luck lads from Sunny Spain 🇪🇸
From Darren Maddock
BEREAVEMENTS
Family and friends of the much loved and missed Pembrokeshire Jack,the wonderful Paul Griffiths are all here today to remember Paul and smile at the connection he had with his beloved Swans. In 1977 the Swans played his local team Pembroke Boro, to raise funds to send brain injured Paul to America for treatment, which enabled him to have a fun packed life for 55 years. Your plaque is now on the stadium wall so you are here for every home match.
We all miss and love you, Paul. Once a Pembs Jack, always a Pembs Jack x
Huw Williams was the life a soul of every event. He was a much loved husband to Charlotte Williams, whose marriage was cut way too short. After only two short years Huw sadly passed away from cardiac arrest on the way home from Cardiff after watching the Wales game.
Huw leaves behind three children who he adored Cerys 18, Connor 14 & Osian 11, his parents Sian & Brian and brothers John & Carl, brother is law Chris and best friends Garfield Davies, Jason Corfield, Nick Bolton, Mark Evans, Peter jones, Steffan Morgan & Simon Broadbere.
Huw was a season ticket holder in East Stand Lower 6 for the Swans and never missed a home match. He loved taking the family to the weekend matches and Women’s games.
Huw’s wife Charlotte, daughter Cerys, and son Osian are present at the game.
Dean was a lifelong Jack, who followed the club through thick and thin for over 50 years - from The Vetch to the Swansea.com Stadium, from Deepdale in ‘81 to Old Trafford and Wembley in recent time.
Home and away, Dean was ever present be it with his mates or his children and family - his memory will continue to live on through his triplets, his family, friends and loved ones.
R.I.P Deano
A popular feature in matchday programmes is shining the spotlight on players who have turned out for both clubs.
There are certainly plenty to choose from when the Swans play Leeds United. Several names jump off the page when you take even the most fleeting of glances at the Yorkshire club’s current squad. Dan James, Joel Piroe and Joe Rodon are all players who have more than distinguished themselves in the white shirts of both clubs. Go back further into the clubs’ histories, and there are plenty more players who have won the hearts of fans in both South Wales and in West Yorkshire.
Arguably the finest player ever to hail from these parts went on to make his name at Leeds United. John Charles may never have played a senior match for Swansea, but there can be no doubting where his footballing skills were forged in the then town. Then, of course, the great Alan Curtis would turn out for both clubs in the late 1970s and early 1980s. But I’m going to focus on another player from that era who may not rank amongst the most famous or long-serving to turn out for either club. But he was a man who spent his whole life dedicated to the game and sport in general.
Glan Letheren, who sadly passed away in the summer, hailed from Dafen and started his playing career at Llanelli in the Welsh League, where he also became a Wales Youth International. The young goalkeeper’s performances brought him to the attention of prolific Leeds scout Jack Pickard, who was also responsible for spotting a number of other south Wales-based talents for the Elland Road club. Pickard had recommended the aforementioned Charles, as well as the likes of fellow Swansea boy Gary Sprake, Terry Yorath, Carl Harris and Byron Stevenson. The young Letheren made his Leeds debut in a UEFA Cup tie at Hibernian in 1973 when he came on as a half-time sub for injured keeper John Shaw.
The Welshman kept a clean sheet for the rest of the game which went to a penalty shootout Leeds won 5-4. Letheren became an instant hero amongst Leeds fans and attracted a lot of media attention. But he had to wait patiently for another first team chance as manager Don Revie was replaced by Brian Clough, who was soon on his way out of the door to make way for Jimmy Armfield. The keeper made his full league debut in a 2-1 win over Ipswich Town in 1975 and famously sat on the bench as an unused sub for the European Cup final defeat against Bayern Munich later that season. Wearing the gloves in Paris that day was David Stewart.
With limited opportunities at Elland Road, Letheren would eventually arrive at Vetch Field in 1979 following spells at Scunthorpe United and Chesterfield, where he was called up for the Welsh senior squad 11 times. Unfortunately, he would never add a full cap to his Under-21 and Under-23 appearances as on each occasion he was an unused substitute to Dai Davies, who would also arrive at the Vetch at the start of the next decade. Letheren played 21 consecutive league matches and five FA Cup ties under player manager John Toshack during the 1979-80 season as the Swans reached the Fifth Round of the cup, where they were beaten at West Ham.
The man who had replaced Geoff Crudgington at Swansea would lose his place in the first team to David Stewart, the keeper he played understudy to in that European Cup final for Leeds. Letheren subsequently had spells at Oxford City, Scarborough, Bangor City and Llanelli Town, before moving into goalkeeping coaching where he would have further spells with both Leeds and the Swans. As well as running his own company – TopCatch Goalkeeping, he took charge of the Wales women’s national team as well as stints coaching in Australia and the Caribbean working for UEFA.
But it was for his fund-raising efforts back in Llanelli that I remember Letheren most. As part of a previous job, I was lucky enough to be invited to several of the legendary black tie fund-raising dinners he hosted in his home town. The talented cricketer may have only played two senior matches, but he certainly made long-term connections at the Yorkshire club. Those contacts served him well while organising his dinners. The first speaker he attracted was Leeds legend Billy Bremner, while others who made the trip down to south Wales were fellow club stalwarts Jack Charlton and Terry Yorath. I also remember the great Charles attending one of the functions.
The dinners proved to be hugely popular in west Wales and beyond for more than two decades, raising in excess of £50,000 to support emerging local sporting talents. Some of football’s greatest characters came to Llanelli including the likes of Denis Law and my own personal favourite speaker Frank Worthington, who had the audience roaring with laughter at some of his footballing escapades. One of the many stories the former Huddersfield Town, Leicester City and Bolton Wanderers maverick recounted involved making his debut at Anfield up against former Liverpool and Swans hardman Tommy Smith. Standing in the famous tunnel, a menacingly silent Smith handed the nervous youngster a piece of paper which apparently turned out to be the menu for Liverpool Royal Infirmary.
Thankfully, Letheren’s fund-raising legacy will continue thanks to his son Kyle, himself a former keeper with the likes of Dundee, York City and Plymouth, and now a goalkeeping coach with Doncaster Rovers. The former Swans trainee has pledged to carry on the events, starting next year, in his father’s name – the Glan Letheren Memorial Dinner. I’m sure many more young sporting talents from around Llanelli and the surrounding area will benefit from their proceeds, while football lovers will continue to be entertained by the star-studded guest list. A fitting tribute to a footballer and a man who made his mark both on and off the field of play in Leeds, Swansea and far beyond.
C’mon you Swans!
First football shirt: Manchester United shirt.
First football game you attended: Manchester United v Manchester City.
First football club: Torquay United.
First appearance for Swansea City/or pro appearance? versus Blackburn Rovers for Exeter City.
First football hero: George Best.
First major tournament you can remember: The 2006 World Cup.
Swansea City Women progressed to the Bute Energy Welsh Cup quarter-finals with a 3-0 win over Carmarthen Town Women.
After a frustrating first half for the Swans, Emily Richards found an opener on the hour mark with a powerful left-footed shot flying into the back of the net.
Nine minutes later Sammy Wynne fired into the bottom right corner to double the Swans lead.
Jasmine Guymer made it three late on, a great ball through from Wynne allowing her to slot home and seal progress to the quarter-finals.
The hosts had a chance early on, Lily Owen winning the ball high up, but a block from Wynne stopped the hosts in their tracks.
Wynne linked up with Robyn Pinder soon after who tried a low shot from the edge of the box, but it was dragged wide of the post.
Pinder came close again after Jess Williams’ long ball forward found Aimee Deacon down the flank, the forward crossed to Pinder, but her effort was collected by Ffion Ashman in the Carmarthen goal.
Ashman made a good save to deny Richards five minutes before the break, tipping her curling effort from the edge of the box over the bar.
Lucy Finch almost broke the deadlock moments before the break, her powerful strike cannoning off the cross bar.
The Swans pressure continued into the second half, Finch coming close yet again with a long range effort that was well dealt with by Ashman.
Deacon forced another save soon after, Wynne slid her through on goal and she poked an effort on goal that Ashman got a foot to.
But the Swans finally got the breakthrough on the 63rd minute, Wynne sliding a pass across to Richards who arrowed a left-footed shot past Ashman.
The Swans really asserted their dominance on the game from there, Williams heading against the post from a corner, with Deacon on the follow up forcing a save, before Pinder hit the woodwork on the rebound.
Wynne found a second when she was given space on the right of the Carmarthen box squeezing a shot into the bottom right corner.
Wynne then turned provider again late on, threading a ball through for Guymer to send past Ashman and secure the victory.
The win sees the Swans reach the quarter-finals of the Bute Energy Welsh Cup, having been losing semi-finalists to Cardiff City Women the year prior.
Carmarthen Town Women: Ffion Ashman, Terri Beddows, Lily Owen, D’arcy Escott, Caroline Cooper (captain), Lani Hogben, Grace McDonald (Ffion Jones 79) Jess Hammett (Anwen Thomas 59), Casi Jones, Hannah Thomas (Charley Williams 72), Kacey Arran.
Unused subs: Jessica Rees, Charlotte Bowden.
Swansea City Women: Charlie Haynes, Lucy Finch (Kelsey Thomas 82), Steph Turner (Maddy Murray 70), Sammy Wynne, Rachel Cullen (Monet Legall 82), Robyn Pinder, Stacey John-Davis (captain), Emily Richards, Aimee Deacon (Jasmine Guymer 78), Emily Thomas, Jess Williams (Nia Jones 78).
Three second-half goals from Swansea City Under-21s salvaged a point against their Brentford counterparts in their Professional Development League clash on Monday Evening.
Former Swan Iwan Morgan made no mistake to open the scoring within the first two minutes of the game with a top-corner strike, then the Bees doubled their advantage just before the break thanks to Kyreece Lisbie.
The Swans came out fighting in the second period with two quick-fire goals from Morgan Bates - his first at under-21 level - and Sammy Henia-Kamau.
Brentford regained the lead through substitute Caelan Avenall beyond the hour mark, but Swansea fought back and clinched a third goal with a wonderful strike from Ben Lloyd.
Aimar Govea and Glory Nzingo missed out due to representing Ecuador and the Republic of Ireland respectively this international break.
Meanwhile, Morgan Bates made his first start for the upper age-group alongside his brother, Mitchell Bates.
The visitors had an early chance within the first few minutes. The move, started by Morgan, found Ashley Hay from close-range but volleyed his shot well over.
But the breakthrough came less than 30 seconds later when Morgan lofted the ball from outside of the box over Ben Hughes in the Swansea goal.
Brentford had the better of the game afterwards, Richard Faakye and Iestyn Jones both making crucial clearances to prevent a second goal.
Morgan almost had his second of the evening after chipping a volley wide after a scramble of headers in the box fell to the Welshman’s feet.
Swansea started to press forward, and a nice team play from Faakye, Zac Jeanes and Morgan Bates looked to create a clear-cut chance, but the referee raised the offside flag.
The Bees continued to threaten through Morgan, forcing Jeanes to block his powerful shot well from six yards before Hughes made an impressive one-handed save to deny Morgan yet again.
Henia-Kamau went close to getting an equaliser, weaving his way through the visiting defence only for the Bees' keeper Reggie Rose to come out and collect.
Straight down the other end before the break, the visitors doubled their lead through Lisbie after a fast-paced team move was finished off into the bottom corner.
The opening stages were even with both sides exchanging chances. But the Swans showed spirit to react with two quick-fire goals to level.
And it was Morgan Bates with his first goal for the under-21s on his first start, the 18-year-old, pick out by Jeanes, made two smooth touches before smashing the ball into the back of the net.
Henia-Kamau grabbed the Swans' second moments later with a tap-in from inside the six-yard box.
But the scoreline was not level for long as substitute Avenall made an immediate impact from the bench to net Brentford’s third from close range.
Kyrell Wilson also looked to grab a goal from off the bench when Morgan Bates’ cross fell into the path of Wilson, but it was sent over the bar.
Wilson caused trouble for the visitors again after a mazy run down the middle, but his final touch was deflected out for a corner, which came to nothing.
In the closing stages, Faakye won a free-kick in a dangerous position. Substitute Josh Pescatore - who's scored two from two set pieces this campaign - took it short to Lloyd and the Welshman smashes it home to level the proceedings once again and salvage a point for his side.
Swansea City Under-21s: Ben Hughes, Arthur Parker, Sebastian Dabrowski, Jacob Cook (Josh Pescatore 75), Richard Faakye, Iestyn Jones, Zac Jeanes (Kyrell Wilson 65), Mitchell Bates (captain), Sammy Henia-Kamau, Morgan Bates, Ben Lloyd.
Substitutes: Evan Watts, Callum Deacon, Brogan Popham.
Swansea City Under-18s returned to winning ways with a second-half comeback against Millwall at the Joma High Performance Centre.
The Lions had the lead within the first 10 minutes of the game through Jayden Tektas which had them see out the remainder of the first half on top.
But a hard-fought performance from the young Swans in the second period paid off. In-form Morgan Bates drew level from close-range, and just 10 minutes later Josh Pescatore - scoring his second direct free-kick of the campaign - smashed the ball into the back of the net to complete the comeback.
Swansea City Under-18s: Sam Seager, Osian Williams (Harvey Gray 85), Callum Deacon (Captain), Harlan Perry, Brogan Popham, Wahab Ojetoro (Kiel Higginson 33), Josh Pescatore, Alex Godfrey, Morgan Bates, Aidan Higgins, Caio Ifans (Callum Jones 71)
Substitutes: Isaac Dudding, Bobo Evans
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.
Hello Junior Jacks,
It’s been ages since we’ve had chance to catch up and hang out with you all in the South Stand.
We enjoyed watching Wales in the international break, especially Liam Cullen’s performance against Iceland earlier this week, but we’re looking forward to being back at the Swansea.com Stadium with all of you today.
Make sure you join us for a dance with our friend Jo Jo in the family stand – we’ll be there at around 2.30pm.
For today’s quiz, why not have a go at out our matchday hunt? All you need to do is look out for the eight things we’ve listed via the link below.
Psst… one of the things to search for is US!
Today’s matchday prediction is Swans to win 1-0. We think Harry Darling will score the winning goal.
Uppa Swans!
Cyril and Cybil
Head Coach Luke Williams
1 Andy Fisher
2 Josh Key
3 Kristian Pedersen
4 Jay Fulton
5 Ben Cabango
6 Harry Darling
7 Joe Allen
8 Matt Grimes ©
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
29 Nathan Broome
31 Ollie Cooper
32 Nelson Abbey
33 Jon McLaughlin
35 Ronald
37 Aimar Govea
40 NUMBER RETIRED
41 Sam Parker
42 Evan Watts
43 Dan Watts
47 Azeem Abdulai
50 Filip Lissah
1 Daniel Bachmann ©
2 Jeremy Ngakia
3 Francisco Sierralta
4 Kevin Keben
5 Ryan Porteous
6 Mattie Pollock
7 Tom Ince
8 Giorgi Chakvetadze
10 Imran Louza
11 Rocco Vata
12 Ken Sema
13 Kayky Almeida
14 Pierre Dwomoh
15 Antonio Tikvic
17 Moussa Sissoko
18 Daniel Jebbison
19 Vakoun Bayo
20 Mamadou Doumbia
21 Angelo Ogbonna
22 James Morris
23 Jonathan Bond
24 Tom Dele-Bashiru
34 Kwadwo Baah
36 Festy Ebosele
37 Yasser Larouci
39 Edo Kayembe
41 Alfie Marriott
45 Ryan Andrews
Referee - Dean Whitestone
Assistant Referee 1 - Daniel Leach
Assistant Referee 2 - George Byrne
Fourth Official - Oliver Langford
STAFF LIST
Chairman - Andy Coleman
Honorary Club President - Alan Curtis MBE
Directors
Andy Coleman, Brett Cravatt, Nigel Morris, Todd Marcelle, Jason Cohen, Tyler Morse, George Popstefanov, Chris Sznewajs, Paul Meller (supporter director), Martin Morgan, 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 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 Supporter Services: Hayley Ford
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, Fraser Dickson, Hayley Ford, Owen Morgan, Gwyn Rees, Julie Kissick, Ian Mitchelmore.
Designers: Callum Rothwell, Lewis Ward
Jordan Morcom.
Photography: Athena Picture Agency,
Natalie John-Davis, Alamy.