Good evening and welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for the visit of Norwich City.

Tonight’s game is our second of a busy week that started with the visit to Millwall and will end with Saturday’s trip to Plymouth.

The nature of the Championship means the games come thick and fast and it’s great that we come into this evening’s game on the back of two straight wins.

I said in my detailed address to supporters last month that we knew it would take time for the squad to come together considering just how much change we had over the summer.

Everyone acknowledged that we didn’t have the start we all wanted, however the last three games have seen so many positives and I’m delighted for Michael, the players and supporters.

In our last game here against Sheffield Wednesday, you backed the team from the first whistle and the energy inside the stadium when we got that first league win was palpable.

We then backed that up at Millwall last weekend with another fantastic three points, despite the injury setbacks that we had in the lead up to the game.

Injuries are part and parcel of the game unfortunately, but that is why you have a squad. We brought in 13 players, it takes time for them to bed in, but we feel we have great depth now to cope with such adversity.

To also have over 800 of the Jack Army there despite train strikes and traffic chaos was once again evidence of how fantastic our fans are.

And the performance wasn’t half bad either!

The first goal – a 40-pass sequence of play that led to the penalty – shows the great work being implemented on the training pitch, while Matt Grimes’ strike was on the end of another flowing passage of play.

And just like against Sheffield Wednesday, it was great to see the entire team celebrating together and showing that team spirit and togetherness that makes this club so special.

As I said previously, there will be ups and downs – it’s the nature of football – but the strength of this club and its DNA is in the collective.

I had the pleasure of meeting so many supporters in the fan zone at our last home game, talking about the work we’ve done and where we want to get to over time.

The passion you all have for our club is incredible and I can assure you that we are working tirelessly to make this a success.

Enjoy the game,

Andy

Good evening and welcome to the Swansea.com Stadium for our Championship fixture against Norwich City.

We come into this game with confidence on the back of our 3-0 victories over Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall.

It was really pleasing to see us follow up the win against Wednesday with a performance at The Den that showed the different sides to our game.

Defensively we were very solid, we defended our box well and showed a good attitude towards our work without the ball. We knew we would have to deal with balls going into our area, but we were able to deal with those periods and come back out of them.

As a result, Carl did not have many saves to make and we were able to get another clean sheet, but that foundation also gave us the platform from which to play some really good football at what is a difficult place to go to.

I think we showed a bit more of what we want things to look like. In the lead up to the penalty for the first goal there is a sequence of more than 40 passes, and then the move for the second goal had around 25 passes in it.

The shape and organisation were good, some of the football we played was good, but we know there is a lot of hard work ahead for us as a group if we are to get things to where we want them to be.

The reaction we have shown over the last few games has been really good, the players have stuck together, and we have been able to put a platform in place that allows us to go and play good football from.

It was great to share the victory with the fans who made the journey too, it’s not easy with train strikes and the distance it takes to travel to a lot of places from Swansea.

They pay their hard-earned money to support us and it’s great to be able to thank them for their efforts with three points and a good performance.

We will be looking to deliver the same for you all tonight, against a Norwich side who are one of the favourites for promotion and have looked good from what I’ve seen of them this season.

They look to try and play a really expansive game, the games come thick and fast in the Championship and they are all hard games.

We will look to build on this platform we have given ourselves and hopefully we can take another positive step this evening.

Enjoy the game,

Michael

Welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for our latest home match of the season against Norwich City.

It’s been 10 days since we played Sheffield Wednesday, and I’m sure you’ll agree it feels as though we are in a better place after two victories in a row.

With two wins, six points, six goals and two clean sheets under our belt in the last two games, it feels like we’ve taken a positive step in the right direction.

I’m under no illusion about the challenge posed by today’s opponents. They may have only won one of their last three league games, but one of those defeats was against league leaders Leicester City, who were a Premier League club a little more than four months ago.

A mid-table finish last season belies the quality within this Norwich squad, which contains a fair dollop of top-flight experience in the shape of Ashley Barnes, Shane Duffy and Josh Sargent among others.

A win tonight would set us up nicely for a run of tough games against the likes of Leicester City, Watford and Plymouth Argyle -who put six past today’s opponents just last month. I’m sure the boys are up for the challenge.

Unfortunately, we’ll be without Josh Ginnelly, Joe Allen and Nathan Wood, who are all out for lengthy injury spells. From all of us on the sidelines, we wish you all a speedy recovery.

Elsewhere, it’s been interesting to watch the situation develop at Sheffield Wednesday over the past few days. For anyone who hasn’t been keeping up with the developments there, chairman Dejphon Chansiri has threatened to stop putting money into the club due to alleged abuse he and his family have received.

As a football fan, I understand how frustrating it can be when it feels like the club is underperforming, underspending or generally being mismanaged. As a distant observer, I’m not close to what is happening there, but there is no place for abuse and threats of violence in football.

From my short time on the Supporters’ Trust board, it is not hard to see there is little financial wiggle room for EFL clubs.

As much as supporters would like to see money from player sales pumped back into the squad in a bid for promotion, the economics of life in the second tier and the running costs involved mean that is not possible.

That is often misunderstood - and until recently, especially by me. It’s our job as a Trust, to maintain good lines of communication with the Swans board to ensure our members have the truest picture of where we are — and where we’re going – as a club. We promise to do that.

In Trust news, in August we started work on the restoration of the iconic former players’ entrance at the Vetch Field. I’m pleased to announce great strides have been made on this front. The wall has been safely rebuilt and painted white; the replica sign has been commissioned; and the old gate is in the final stages of being carefully repaired and repainted in its original yellow.

We cannot wait to show you the final results. In the meantime, we need your help. By sending us any old pictures and cuttings you may have of the entrance, you can help us create a lasting legacy of the remaining areas of the old Vetch Field. Any pictures you have will be gratefully received and will be posted on our website and social media accounts. If you have something you are willing to share, please email them to us at info@swanstrust.co.uk.

If you want to learn more about the work we are doing to preserve the history of our great club, have suggestions about how to improve the matchday experience, or would like to join the Trust, please come and see us at the Supporters’ Trust pod, next to the club shop, before any home match and we’ll be happy to help.

You can also join the Trust online at https://www.swanstrust.co.uk/join-the-trust/. Alternatively, please email us at supporters@swanstrust.co.uk.

Enjoy the game,

Paul

Ollie Cooper enjoyed a season of notable milestones last term, but the Wales international is determined to make sure he does not rest on his laurels after a breakthrough campaign last season. Here. he also talks about the setbacks early in his career that still drive him on, and reveals how his efforts to learn Welsh are coming along.

Ollie Cooper has enjoyed a whirlwind 14 months on and off the pitch, but the Swansea City and Wales midfielder insists there is more to come on the back of a breakthrough campaign.

Wind back to the summer of 2022 and Cooper returned for pre-season duty with the Swans boosted by his impressive showings during his loan spell with Newport County over the 2021-22 campaign.

But there were no guarantees of a first-team spot when he returned to SA1, and the player himself admits he was unsure whether another loan was going to follow.

Instead, Cooper would spend the season ticking off milestone after milestone.

There was a first Swansea City start, a first Championship start, a first Championship goal.

Cooper was on target in a south Wales derby victory, he received a first senior Wales call-up, travelled to the World Cup in Qatar and then went on to win a first cap.

Off the field, Cooper is also set to become a father, with his girlfriend Tanwen Cray expecting their first child.

It has been some rise for the 23-year-old, but he is not about to take any time to reflect on his success; Cooper is determined to kick on.

“I think when we probably had this conversation at the start of last season my goals would have just been to get in the team and show people what I can do,” says Cooper.

“To then go on and make my Wales debut, score in the south Wales derby and make that many appearances. It was mad.

“It’s hard to kind of compete with that season, so really it’s about kicking on now and getting to a consistent level and staying at that level. I don’t want that season to be a one-off, I need to be able to keep improving and moving to a different level as I go through my career.

“Obviously, that means contributing more with goals and assists which is something I think I can definitely improve on from last year, and then game time is similar.

“I want to get myself in the team again and stay in it. I obviously have targets for myself with Wales but they’re ones that as long as I keep doing what I can do at club level they should kind of come hand in hand.  

“Now it’s about pushing on and doing it consistently. Last season it was my first proper season so there were times where it was tough mentally and physically, where I felt like personally I dropped off a little bit.

“Now it’s about trying to hit those levels consistently throughout the season.  

“Towards the end of the loan with Newport, I started picking up niggles and that was because of a lack of game time the season before.

“I hadn’t really played then went to Newport and played a lot of games quickly and it took its toll on my body towards the end of the season.

“Coming back to the Swans, the physicality and demands is a whole new step up again. It was about adapting and being able to do that, now I’ve done that and been able to get a taste of it, it’s about doing it consistently.

“I had some great experiences last season, going to a World Cup was just incredible, even though I did not play.

“But I want to make the most of everything I have learned and push on for Swansea City.

“We have had a lot of change over the summer, and we want to make sure we keep more clean sheets, and stop making the mistakes that cost us goals last season.

“We want to continue to play the way we were, with little tweaks to improve in some areas.

“I think we can see it’s going in the right direction, it’s an exciting time and it’s going to be exciting to see how it develops.

“It will take time, but I think you can see we are developing.”

Cooper’s achievements last season would have made father Kevin, himself a former winger with the likes of Wolves and Wimbledon, very proud.

Kevin - who holds a coaching role in Malaysia – is rarely able to watch his son play in person, but he was at the Swansea.com Stadium to see him score goals against Reading and Cardiff.

And Cooper used the off-season to see his parents, having been unable to visit them during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“They’ve been back recently so I was seeing them as much as I can, but they’re all good,” he said.

“They’ve been so chuffed over the last year. It’s mad because the late games mean they have to stay up until 2am or 3am in the morning to watch them, and even for 3pm kick-offs they have to stay up to 10pm or 11pm depending on time difference.

“If it’s on TV they’ll always be there watching. I always get messages off my father congratulating me or what he thinks about where I can improve. We do talk football a lot, and it’s great to have him to speak to as he’s been through it all himself.”  

At one point, Kevin worked in the Cardiff academy, but Cooper junior would end up on the books of the Swans.

He had to endure some disappointments and setbacks along the way, but those only made him hungrier to succeed.

“I went on trial plenty of times whether they were for six weeks, a few weeks, or day trials. Those were from the ages of seven and eight right up until I signed for Swansea.

“There were lots of reasons, some were just that I wasn’t good enough, and that’s fair enough.

“There were some who said I was not big enough, which is hard to take at that age when you haven’t even hit puberty. But everything happens for a reason.

“Maybe if I had been at Cardiff I wouldn’t be where I am now. I just see it as a blessing that I have ended up in the right place for me.

“I managed to have another few years playing at local level, where I loved playing with my mates.

“I came into Swansea and I didn’t really play much because I was small and hadn’t developed, but I got given a scholarship. If it wasn’t for (former academy manager) Jon Grey fighting to get me one, I wouldn’t be here now. I did not know that until many years later.

“It was from under-16 level, that was where I really kicked on and learnt how to use my body.

“Now I’m at a point where I’m competing at a high level and making my Wales debut, it’s massive and, like I say, everything happens for a reason.”

Away from the pitch, Cooper has been working hard to learn how to speak Welsh.

He has utilised a recommendation from the Football Association of Wales to work with a tutor, while his girlfriend Tanwen is a presenter on S4C.

It means the creative playmaker is getting plenty of practice as he seeks to become fluent in his native tongue.

“I’ve given it a really good go,” he says with a smile.

“I found a tutor that I’m using, the FAW have one that they use so I’m doing it through them.

“Towards the end of the season I started picking up a few sessions, and in the off season I started picking up a few more once a week, whether that was in person or online.

“I slacked off a bit during pre-season because it was just relentless, but now the season is up and running and I’ve got a bit more of a routine I can hopefully get back into the swing of it and continue learning.  

“Whenever I’m at Tanwen’s with her parents, they’re all fluent so they’ll speak Welsh and in conversations I can kind of pick up what they’re saying.

“I can’t quite reply in Welsh yet, but I can start to pick out words and put sentences together when they’re talking, especially words that they repeat.

“I practice quite a bit with Tanwen, whether that’s just on text or whatever. They’ve all been really good helping me.

“It's going really well but it’s just tough like anything. I just think if I keep sticking at it, it will get there.  

“Since I met Tanwen, I have been going to events and people were having to change from Welsh to English just to accommodate me. If they’re in their home I don’t want them to have to change for me, so that’s why I initially started.

“I think since being selected to go away with Wales, and the interviews where I tried to use Welsh, the feedback I got was massive. Since then, it has made me want to push on and learn even more.” 

All of which means it’s the same on and off the pitch for Ollie Cooper; ready to kick on, ready to improve and determined to keep moving forward.

The former FC Twente, Norwich City and Queens Park Rangers midfielder Leroy Fer first joined the Swans on loan in February 2016, making 11 appearances before making his stay in south Wales permanent in the summer of that year.
 

Fer had a successful start to his first full Premier League campaign for Swansea City, scoring the winning goal away against Burnley at Turf Moor.

In total, the Dutchman made 101 appearances for the Swans over the course of six years, scoring 10 goals in all competitions.

He also spent a season at Carrow Road, scoring three goals in 33 appearances during the 2013-14 campaign.

Fer returned to Holland with Feyenoord after leaving the Swans, and is currently plying his trade with Alanyaspor in Turkey.

Swansea City claimed their first Championship win of the season as goals from Jamal Lowe, Jerry Yates and Charlie Patino secured victory over Sheffield Wednesday at the Swansea.com Stadium.

Lowe had given the hosts the half-time lead from the penalty spot, after Josh Ginnelly had been fouled in the area.

Substitute Yates scored his third goal of the season just past the hour mark to double the advantage, before Patino finished off a sweeping attack to find the net for the first time in Swansea colours.

Swansea City: Carl Rushworth, Josh Key, Kristian Pedersen, Ben Cabango, Matt Grimes (captain), Jamal Lowe (Josh Tymon 74_, Josh Ginnelly (Jerry Yates 41), Jamie Paterson, Charlie Patino (Jay Fulton 74), Liam Cullen, Nathan Wood (Harry Darling 10).

Unused Substitutes: Andy Fisher, Mykola Kuharevich, Nathan Tjoe-A-On, Harrison Ashby, Bashir Humphreys.

Sheffield Wednesday: Devis Vazquez, Bambo Diaby, Lee Gregory (Ashley Fletcher 75), Barry Bannan (captain), Pol Valentin (Michael Smith 75), Juan Delgado (Callum Paterson 55), Di'Shon Bernard, John Buckley (Josh Windass 55), Jeff Hendrick (George Byers 77), Akin Famewo, Anthony Musaba.

Unused Substitutes: Cameron Dawson, Liam Palmer, Dominic Iorfa, George Byers, Tyreeq Bakinson.

Referee: Anthony Backhouse

Attendance: 16,867

Swansea City made it back-to-back wins in the Championship with a  handsome victory over Millwall at The Den.

Jamal Lowe put the Swans ahead from the penalty spot in the first half, before Matt Grimes doubled the lead midway through the second with a shot from distance.

The Swans didn’t have it all their own way and some inspired goalkeeping from Carl Rushworth kept Millwall out in the second period, before substitute Mykola Kuharevich rounded off an excellent showing on the road when he headed in from Josh Key’s cross.

Swansea City: Carl Rushworth, Josh Key, Ben Cabango, Harry Darling, Matt Grimes (captain), Jerry Yates (Mykola Kuharevich 46’), Jamal Lowe, Jamie Paterson (Josh Tymon 62’), Charlie Patino (Jay Fulton 70’), Liam Cullen (Ollie Cooper 78’), Bashir Humphreys.

Substitutes: Andy Fisher, Kyle Naughton, Liam Walsh, Harrison Ashby, Cameron Congreve.

Millwall: Bartosz Bialkowski, Murray Wallace (Danny McNamara 81’), Jake Cooper (captain), Kevin Nisbet, Zian Flemming, Ryan Longman (Joe Bryan 46’), Allan Campbell (Aidomo Emakhu 70’), Brooke Norton-Cuffy (Romain Esse 46’), Ryan Leonard, Duncan Watmore, Casper De Norre.

Substitutes: Connal Trueman, Wes Harding, George Saville, Billy Mitchell, George Honeyman.

Prin yw'r munudau mae Mykola Kuharevich wedi'u treulio ar y cae i'r Elyrch y tymor hwn ers symud o Hibernian dros yr haf. Fe ddaeth e i Abertawe ag anaf wnaeth ei orfodi i fethu'r Ewros dan 21 yn Rwmania a Georgia, ac roedd ganddyn nhw gryn gystadleuaeth am ei lofnod, gyda Hibs yn awyddus i'w gadw yn dilyn cyfnod llwyddiannus ar fenthyg o Troyes yn Ffrainc.

Gyda Joel Piroe, Jerry Yates a Liam Cullen yn cael y flaenoriaeth gan Michael Duff fel ymosodwyr ar ddechrau'r tymor, bu'n rhaid i'r Wcreiniad fod yn amyneddgar hyd yn hyn. Ond gyda'r Elyrch hefyd yn ymdopi ag anafiadau a cheisio gwyrdroi eu canlyniadau cynnar, daeth cyfle i Kuharevich oddi cartref yn y Den.

Mae'n deg dweud bod y golled o 2-0 oddi cartref yng Nghaerdydd wedi bod yn drobwynt i dîm Duff.

Ar ôl ennill pedair gêm ddarbi yn olynol, byddai'r golled yn Stadiwm Dinas Caerdydd wedi bod yn ryw fath o alwad i ddihuno, ac maen nhw'n sicr wedi dihuno ers hynny, gyda buddugoliaethau dros Sheffield Wednesday a Millwall yn dilyn gêm gyfartal yn erbyn QPR. Saith pwynt allan o naw - ond dau allan o'r 18 yn unig cyn hynny.

Siaradodd Kuharevich yn angerddol yn ddiweddar am ei famwlad, gan alw ar y "byd gwaraidd" i stopio'r rhyfel yno, 32 o flynyddoedd union ers iddi ennill ei hannibyniaeth. "Rydych chi bob amser yn meddwl am y sefyllfa, sut mae’n mynd," meddai.

"Rydych chi bob amser yn darllen y newyddion. Dw i jyst eisiau dweud bod y rhyfel yn dal i fynd, dydy e ddim ar ben. Mae’n rhaid i’r byd gwaraidd ei stopio mor gyflym â phosib er mwyn galluogi pobol i fyw bywyd arferol."

Os oes angen tystiolaeth fod yr hen ddywediad mai gêm unig yw pêl-droed yn wir, does dim angen edrych dim pellach na'r gŵr sy'n cyfri tîm Rukh Lviv - dinas sydd wedi bod yn y newyddion dros y flwyddyn ddiwethaf am y rhesymau anghywir - ymhlith ei dimau cynharaf.

Ymlaen at y gêm a'r gwrthwynebwyr heddiw, a thra bo'r Elyrch yn cicio'n wyllt o dan y wyneb, roedd y Caneris wedi bod yn hedfan yn uchel ddechrau'r tymor.

Enillon nhw eu gêm ddiwethaf yn erbyn Birmingham, ond cyn hynny roedden nhw hefyd wedi colli tair gêm o'r bron, gan gynnwys y golled annisgwyl o 6-2 yn erbyn Plymouth. Wrth ysgrifennu'r golofn hon, maen nhw un safle islaw'r safleoedd ail gyfle, ond ar yr un nifer o bwyntiau â Chaerdydd, Hull a Sunderland sydd uwch eu pennau.

Does dim angen edrych yn rhy bell yn ôl ar gyfer buddugoliaeth ddiwetha'r Elyrch dros Norwich yn Stadiwm Swansea.com. Daeth honno fis Chwefror 2021. Er bod Norwich ar frig y tabl bryd hynny, roedden nhw wedi colli eu dwy gêm flaenorol. Rhwydodd Andre Ayew a Conor Hourihane y diwrnod hwnnw, mewn buddugoliaeth o 2-0 y tu ôl i ddrysau caëedig oherwydd Covid.

Er bod sefyllfa Covid-19 wedi newid tipyn ers hynny, mae gweld Kuharevich yng nghrys yr Elyrch yn ein hatgoffa o realiti'r sefyllfa yn Wcráin o hyd.

Does fawr all e ei wneud yn y darlun mawr hwnnw, ond fe allai chwarae rhan fawr yn adfywiad tîm y ddinas mae bellach yn ei alw'n gartref.

ALUN RHYS CHIVERS

Swansea City players Liam Cullen and Ollie Cooper recently visited homeless charity Matthew’s House ahead of the upcoming ‘Swans Big Sleep Out’ at the Swansea.com Stadium.

Matthew’s House and Swansea City AFC Foundation are hosting the sleep out on Friday, November 17 to raise awareness of homelessness and some of its causes, and raise crucial funds for Matthew’s House and the Foundation.

Cullen and Cooper took time out from their schedules to attend Matthew’s House, taking the opportunity to have a tour of the facilities, as well as discussing the impact of their work and the issues surrounding homelessness in our city and wider community.

Cullen was proud to see the work that Matthew’s House do in the community and encouraged fans to sign up for the sleep out.

“It’s a really incredible charity,” said Cullen.

“I think it’s brilliant to come and see what they do, to hear about how many people they help, as well.

“It just shows you how good the community is around Swansea, you see it every day when you are going about your day-to-day things and how friendly everyone is, and it’s great to hear how close the community are.

“I think it’s really important, I would urge anyone who does want to do it to take part and have that night experiencing what some people have to do a lot of the time. It’d be really good to see a lot of people down there.”

Thom Lynch, leadership team and project manager at Matthew’s House, was delighted to welcome the players  and was pleased to see how receptive they were to the organisation's work.

“It’s great to have guys who appreciate the city to come and see what we do,” said Lynch.

“We love what we do here, we love to share it, we are passionate about it and I think we got that across.

“Liam and Ollie loved every part of it, asking questions and sharing ideas and talking about Christmas time, which is coming up.

“The sleep out is the big one, it’s so important to us, it’s been so important for raising funds so that we can keep going and keep the lights on, and keep loving and supporting our volunteers and guests.”

Click the link below to find out more about the ‘Swans Big Sleep Out’ and sign up.

This season marks the 30th anniversary of Swansea City’s first trip to Wembley for the Autoglass Trophy final in 1994. To mark it, our club historian Gwyn Rees will take us back through the story of that campaign and some of the key figures involved.
 

The final month of 1993 kicked off with a Welsh Cup third-round replay against Merthyr Tydfil, and the Swans showed their hosts plenty of respect as manager Frank Burrows fielded a full-strength side.

The visitors dominated the match, with Keith Walker and Mark Harris excellent at the back. Darren Perrett capitalised on a poor back pass to put the Swans ahead, before Jason Bowen hooked a cross from Harris into the net.

Former Swan Ian Drewitt did grab a consolation for the hosts in time added on, but it was too little, too late.

Incredibly, the day after the win at Merthyr, the Swans had the ludicrous task of playing at Rhyl in the next round of the Welsh Cup.

Burrows’ team showed their Football League pedigree in the opening half, but missed chances must have frustrated the manager.

But within 21 seconds of the start of the second half, Perrett broke the deadlock with a shot from close range.

To Rhyl's credit they never buckled, and could have snatched an equaliser when Stuart Manders wasted a one-on-one opportunity, but any chance the hosts had was ended when Perrett scored his second of the night eight minutes from time.

Just three days later, and there was yet another cup tie for the Swans.

This time round it was round two of the Autoglass Trophy, in which the Swans welcomed Exeter City back to the Vetch Field.

A scrappy match saw the home side control the game, only to fall behind to a hopeful flick from Gavin Warboys.

Thankfully the lead only lasted seven minutes before Andy Cook levelled, and from here on the Swans created and missed a glut of chances.

The game went to extra-time, and the Swans secured their passage through with a bizarre winning goal. Scott Daniels sent a pass back to his keeper who - under no pressure at all - missed the ball with an air shot, and Bowen was free to walk the ball into an empty net.

Games continued to come thick and fast, and a Welsh derby with Wrexham was next up, and it was an afternoon that would have left Burrows pulling his hair out.

Swansea started well until a rare mistake from Roger Freestone led to Gareth Owen netting the opener, and two further Wrexham goals left the south Wales side with a mountain to climb.

But battling Swansea fought back with Steve Torpey scoring two fine goals to leave the team agonisingly close to snatching a point their efforts deserved.

There was more frustration to come with a dire performance against York at The Vetch. A consolation goal from Shaun Chapple was far too late after the visitors had taken a two-goal lead and the Swans were sliding down the league table.

The mood darkened further with a 1-0 defeat to Cardiff City, with Garry Thompson scoring the only goal amidst unseemly off-field scenes.

The final league game of 1993 – against Brighton & Hove Albion – was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and Swans fans would be hoping that the new year would bring better fortunes for their team.

An incident during the Swansea City v Sheffield Wednesday match reminded me of an issue which has bothered me for quite a while.

What’s happened to the obstruction law in football?

During the first half, the ball was rolling towards the visitors’ by-line with Swans striker Jamal Lowe giving chase in the hope of creating a scoring chance for his team.

But Wednesday’s burly defender Bambo Diaby stepped into his path and stood firm, allowing the ball to run harmlessly out of play.

Such was Diaby’s size and strength, there was no way Jamal was getting around him to reach the ball.

I know players are allowed to shield the ball, but I thought the ball had to be under their control and within playing distance.

Diaby didn’t appear to be attempting to play the ball. He was making sure Jamal wasn’t going to get anywhere near it before it went out of play.

This is absolutely not a criticism of Diaby. He had an excellent game and was just doing what players do several times during every single match played up and down the country.

His manager and Wednesday’s travelling support would have been delighted with his actions as it snuffed out a dangerous situation.

I would probably have applauded a Swans player for doing the same thing.

But taking club bias out of the situation and taking the good of the game overall into consideration, it seems odd that few referees seem to take notice of obstruction any more – especially in attacking situations.

Some incidents can be described as shielding, and I have no problem at all with that. Perhaps in the referee’s - and many fans’ opinion - the incident described above could be argued to be shielding.

But there are many other situations during matches that could clearly be described as what used to be known as obstruction.

And, in the past, they would have been punished as such. Even in playground matches players would shout “obstruction” and an indirect free-kick would usually be awarded by general consensus if the offence was obvious.

I know obstruction can happen anywhere on the pitch, but it’s the incidents like the one above which frustrate me when attacking play is being stifled.

I have to admit that I don’t keep up to date with every new law and tweak announced by the powers that be.

I could well have missed an announcement on this, but having done a quick internet search I can’t find any obvious removal of obstruction from the laws of the game.

What I did find is evidence of it having been renamed as “impeding the progress of an opponent without contact”. But isn’t that the same thing? Just a more long-winded way of describing it.

The FA’s website, under the laws of the game and FA rules section, says:

IMPEDING THE PROGRESS OF AN OPPONENT WITHOUT CONTACT

“Impeding the progress of an opponent means moving into the opponent’s path to obstruct, block, slow down or force a change of direction when the ball is not within playing distance of either player.

“All players have a right to their position on the field of play; being in the way of an opponent is not the same as moving into the way of an opponent.

“A player may shield the ball by taking a position between an opponent and the ball if the ball is within playing distance and the opponent is not held off with the arms or body. If the ball is within playing distance, the player may be fairly charged by an opponent.”

So, it looks like obstruction is still covered by the laws of the game, albeit it under another name. It just doesn’t seem to be enforced with any regularity.

Perhaps referees just can’t be bothered with explaining to players they’ve given a free kick for “impeding the progress of an opponent without contact” rather than just plain old “obstruction”!

I’m not claiming this is something that only happens against the Swans, every team does it, including our players.
 

"I JUST FIND IT FRUSTRATING WHEN A PROMISING ATTACKING SITUATION IS ALLOWED TO HARMLESSLY PETER OUT BY THE ACTIONS OF A PLAYER WHO HAS NO INTENTION OF DOING ANYTHING CONSTRUCTIVE WITH THE BALL.

"EVEN WORSE, THE PLAYER TRYING TO GET TO THE BALL IS OFTEN PENALISED FOR TRYING TOO HARD TO GAIN POSSESSION."

- Jack the Lad

We’ve all seen players tumbling to the ground when an opponent makes the slightest contact with them from behind. Often these players are initially obstructing the player who becomes frustrated and is ultimately punished.

Surely doing something positive with the ball should be encouraged rather than rewarding a player who intends to do little more than allowing the ball to run out of play?

Also, the law seems to allow a player to “fairly charge” a player if the ball is within playing distance.

I know this isn’t the most pressing of problems to get irritated about in the grand scheme of things. The game has far bigger issues to be tackling.

I may have got the whole thing wrong. Perhaps there are those out there who have a far better understanding of the laws of the game than me, who could put me right on this.

But surely anything that encourages positive play and keeping the ball on the field of play should be implemented – especially when there is a law available to be used by referees.

I’d much prefer to see an attacking indirect free-kick being awarded than a goal-kick or a throw-in to a defending team which has made no attempt to play the ball.

And this comes from someone who used to play as a defender!

Anyway, I feel lots better having got that off my chest! I’m sure my friend who sits next to be at matches will be hoping that writing this piece will stop be moaning about the demise of the obstruction rule at every opportunity!

C’mon you Swans!

Kyrell Wilson’s hat-trick helped Swansea City Under-21s retain their unbeaten home record, but they were unable to get the better of Watford despite twice leading a thrilling clash at Landore.

Wilson had given the hosts an ideal start in this Professional Development League encounter with two fine finishes, and the Swans looked well in control when Liam Smith made it 3-0 with 36 minutes on the clock.

However, Watford got one back quickly through Jack Grieves, and goals in quick succession early in the second half from Edward Gyamfi and James Collins had the Hornets level.

Wilson looked to have given the Swans the points when he completed his treble in the closing stages, but Gyamfi got his second of the game for Watford as it ended all-square.

Swansea City Under-21s: Ben Hughes, Harry Jones, Nathan Tjoe-A-On (Zane Myers 62), Liam Walsh (Dan Watts 46), Filip Lissah (captain) (Maliq Cadogan 46), Kai Ludvigsen, Joe Thomas, Liam Smith, Kristian Fletcher (Jack Stafford 78), Ben Lloyd, Kyrell Wilson.

Unused Substitutes: Ewan Griffiths.

Watford Under-21s: Gabriel Ortelli, Alistair Gould, Charlie Stallard (Albert Eames 75), Aidan Coyne, Scott Holding, George Abbott (captain), Michael Adu-Poku, Edward Gyamfi (Josh Mullins 90), James Collins, Jack Grieves (Prince Sikiru 82), Jake Watkiss (Luigi Gaspar 75).

Unused Substitutes: Roraigh Browne, Josh Mullins.

Name
Charlie Veevers

DOB
13/02/2005

Position
Centre midfield.

Left-Footed / Right-Footed
Right-footed.

Nationality (according to UEFA) 
English.

Signed for the Swans
2021

Previous clubs
Manchester United.

What is your best memory in a Swans shirt?
I’d probably say when I came back from injury last season and scored a free-kick in my first game back against Wigan.

What is your favourite thing about Swansea?
Probably the beaches, they are lovely to just go to and chill out.

Who is your football idol?
Luka Modric.

What is your favourite film?
Step Brothers.

Who is your favourite music artist?
Lil Baby.

What is your cheat meal?
Pepperoni pizza.

What subject were you best at in school?
P.E.

Football bucket list
To play in the Premier League.

A stadium you’d love to visit (as player or fan)
I’d love to play at Old Trafford, but visit the Bernabeu.

Your first football memory
Probably signing for Manchester United when aged nine, I still remember going in there and being given all my kit.

First football shirt you owned
It was a United kit from the 2005-06 season.

Other football position you played
Right winger.

Any other sports
I did use to do athletics.

Preferred shirt number
Eight.

Your room-mate for away games
Kyrell Wilson. He’s not too bad, we have a good laugh.

Favourite computer game
EA FC or Call of Duty.

Aim for the season ahead?
To return from injury and be fit for the rest of the season.

Who is the most famous person you’ve met?
Sir Bobby Charlton. I went to watch United play Sunderland, we were in a box and all the players came in. Michael Carrick and people like that came in and so did Bobby Charlton. He is a legend. I did also meet Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard on holiday, but on different days!

An interesting fact about you
When I was at United I scored with a scorpion kick in a game against Stoke.

Swansea City Under-18s fell to defeat against reigning Professional Development League South champions Charlton Athletic in a nine-goal thriller at Landore.

The first half saw five goals, two of which were set pieces for the visitors, both converted by Patrick Casey.

Jack Fanning’s header drew the Swans level at 1-1, before Thomas Woodword put the home side ahead.

The Swans rallied after Casey's second had levelled the scores again, and netted a third before the break as Josh Pescatore finished well after good work from Rohan Davies.

However, Casey completed his hat-trick to equalise again on the hour mark, before Alan Mwamba added a fourth for Charlton three minutes later.

But Charlton found the net again with 10 minutes remaining as Jadon Yamoah found the net from the edge of the penalty area, before Casey slid in at the back of the post to score his fourth and the visitors' sixth in stoppage time.

Swansea City Under-18s: Ewan Griffiths (captain), Jack Fanning (Osian Williams 61), Arthur Parker, Jacob Cook, Ben Phillips, Iestyn Jones, Aimar Govea (Teo Minchev 80), Yori Griffith, Rohan Davies (Sammy Henia-Kamau 61), Thomas Woodward, Josh Pescatore.

Substitutes: Tom Wright, Kiel Higginson.

Charlton Athletic Under-18s: Jude Sadler, Ethan Brown, Luke Ashburn, Mikey Berry, Mason Hunter, David Danso, Kai Enslin, Alan Mwamba, Patrick Casey, Ibrahim Fullah, Micah Black. 

Substitutes: Harmony Okwumo, James Batt, Brook Myers. 

Swansea City Women suffered a first defeat of the season as they were beaten by Cardiff Met Women at the Cyncoed Campus. 

Despite a number of first half chances for the Swans, Ingrid Aadland put the hosts ahead, capitalising on a loose ball after a good save from Claire Skinner.

Met doubled their lead just after the break, Ellie Preece netting the hosts' second to give the Swans a mountain to climb.

Katy Hosford would restore hope for the Swans with 10 minutes to go, tapping home a low cross from Chloe Chivers.

The Swans pushed for an equaliser, but Met were able to take advantage on the break as Erin Murray scored to seal defeat for the Swans.

The Swans had early chances to take the lead, Sophie Brisland-Hancocks trying a shot from distance in the opening stages that was pulled wide.

A great ball from Nieve Jenkins sent Robyn Pinder through on goal, but she also couldn’t find the target.

Chloe Chivers and Hosford had long range efforts, but they both failed to test the goalkeeper.

The Swans were made to pay for these early missed chances. Skinner made a brilliant one-v-one save, but the rebound fell into the path of Aadland to net the opener.

The Swans had difficulty finding a rhythm throughout the first half. Chivers once again trying a distant effort from a free kick before the break, but it was held by the goalkeeper.

Swansea started the second half positively, testing the Met defence with back-to-back corners before Monet Legall almost got onto the end of a great through ball.

But Met would strike once again, Preece finding into the bottom right corner to double the home side's lead.

Hosford pulled one back for the Swans with 10 minutes remaining, she slid in to put Chivers' cross from the by-line beyond keeper Charlotte Smith.

And - with eight minutes of added time signalled - the Swans initially looked the most likely to get another goal. Chivers almost found the equaliser forcing Smith to tip over the bar from a long-range effort.

But, as the Swans continued to push, they were vulnerable to counter-attacks and Met were able to capitalise in the final minute of added time with Murray tapping in to seal defeat for the Swans. 

Cardiff Met Women: Charlotte Smith, Sophie Davidson, Faith Mulenga (Grace Batsford 71), Tiggerraa Webb (Anna Houghton 89), Grace Corne, Emily Bayliss, Amy Long, Chelsea Cochrane, Ingrid Aadland, Erin Murray (captain), Ellie Preece.

Unused subs: Carys Gittins, Emily Nicholson, Kennesha Nanette.

Swansea City Women: Claire Skinner, Alicia Powe, Lucy Finch, Steph Turner, Nieve Jenkins (Jess Williams 58), Robyn Pinder, Chloe Chivers, Katy Hosford (captain), Sammy Wynne, Sophie Brisland-Hancocks, Monet Legall (Rachel Cullen 58).

Unused subs: Saffron Davies, Imogen Harris, Kelsey Thomas.

Name
Sophie Brisland-Hancocks

Do you have a nickname?
Socks

Your date of birth
20/10/1996

Nationality
Welsh

What position do you play?
Midfield

Which clubs did you play for before joining Swansea City?
Pengam Boys & Girls club, Caerphilly Castle Ladies, Troedyrhiw Ladies, Swansea City, Cardiff Met WFC

When did you sign for the Swans?
First time – 2012. Second time – 2023.

What is your best moment in a Swansea City shirt?
From my first spell, it would be winning the FAW Cup against Cardiff City 2-1 at the Cardiff City Stadium. I’m hoping to make similar memories with the club this new season!

What is your favourite thing about playing for Swansea City?

I like the professional environment, the community, and the togetherness as a group and club.

Who is your football idol?

Steven Gerrard. I’m a big Liverpool fan and I grew up watching him play.

What is the first position you played in football?

Striker

What is your first memory of football?
Probably playing football in my living room with a balloon. I used to play the floor is lava and try to keep it up.

I broke too many ornaments, so my mam and dad decided to take me to my local club so that’s how I started!

What is the first football shirt you owned?
Liverpool

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
I usually have a coffee a few hours before the game.

What is your full-time occupation?
General Manager at Bowls Wales

What is an interesting fact about you?
I once queued for two hours in Disney to meet Aladdin - my favourite character -when I was 15. I’m a huge fan of drag artists!

Who is the most famous person you've met?
Shane Ward

Do you play any other sports?
I’m starting bowls.

What is something that is on your bucket list?
Travel across America

What is your favourite film?
Batman Dark Knight Rises

Who is your favourite music artist?
Harry Styles

What is the best TV series you've watched?
Friends

What is the best concert you've been to?
Harry Styles - Love on Tour

What was your favourite subject in school?
PE!

Do you play computer games? If so, which ones?
Yes, I’ll play anything. I love FIFA and Call of Duty.

Goals from Andre Ayew and Conor Hourihane saw Swansea City return to second in the Championship and close to within two points of leaders Norwich by beating the Canaries at the Swansea.com Stadium back in 2021.

At the end of an even first-half Ayew netted his ninth goal of the season as he turned and coolly finished from close range after Norwich had failed to deal with a set-piece.

Hourihane then scored for the third game in a row with a superb strike early in the second half, with the Swans then defending resolutely to collect a 15th clean sheet of the Championship season.

As well as being two points off the Canaries, the Swans also had a game in hand and were 10 games unbeaten in all competitions.

Additionally, they were a dozen games without defeat in SA1.

Hello Junior Jacks,

Welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium.

We really enjoyed the last match here. We got to see the Swansea City Women’s team in the fan zone, cheer lots of goals, and have a dance competition with some of you. We hope you had a good time as well.

This evening’s match is back under the lights and we’re predicting a 2-1 win. We think Jerry Yates and Jay Fulton will score the goals for the Swans. What’s your prediction?

For this evening’s quiz, we’re asking how well you know the badges of other Championship teams. We’ve listed ten championship clubs, and you just have to tell us which animal is on their club badge.

Have a go and let us know how you get on via social media using #JuniorJacks. 

If you see us, don’t forget to come over and say Shwmae!

Cyril and Cybil

Name
Ella-Mae

Age
7

What was the first Swansea City game you attended?
Swansea City Women v Cardiff Met Women 

What is your favourite memory of watching the Swans?
Seeing all the players and I really like meeting Cyril and Cybil!

Who is your favourite player and why?
Matt Grimes - he is Mr Swansea City

What do you like most about supporting Swansea City?
They are the best team in Wales!

Why did you start supporting Swansea City?
My daddy

Do you take part in any sports? What are they?
Yes, kickboxing!

What is an interesting fact about you?
I finished second in regional finals of a Welsh Kickboxing tournament.

What is your favourite subject in school and why?
Art, I love to draw!

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.
 

INCLUSION ROOM

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.

WE ARE ALL JACKS – REPORT DISCRIMINATION

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.

Chairman - Andy Coleman
Honorary Club President - Alan Curtis MBE

Directors

Jason Levien, Andy Coleman, Nigel Morris, Brett Cravatt, Jake Silverstein, Sam Porter, Martin Morgan, Paul Meller (supporter director), Romie Chaudhari, Bobby Hernreich, Todd Marcelle, Gareth Davies.

Director of Business and Legal Affairs: Sam Porter.
Associate Directors: Adam Lewis.

FIRST-TEAM STAFF

Head Coach – Michael Duff

Assistant Head Coaches - Alan Sheehan and Martin Paterson

Head of Goalkeeping – Martyn Margetson

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, Shaun Howl, Connor Lawley, Jonathan Jones, Jono Aveston, Jake Dayus.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT GROUP

Paul Watson (Sporting Director); Andrew Davies (Head of Commercial, Operations, & Facilities);
Gareth Davies (CFO);
James Chiffi (Head of Wellbeing & Development);
Josh Marsh (Head of Football Operations).

CLUB STAFF

Club Secretary: Ben Greenwood
Football Operations &
Administration Manager: Rebecca Gigg
Head of Retail: Andrea Morris
Head of Hospitality, Events & Fan Engagement: Catherine Thomas
Head of Safeguarding: Rebeca Storer
HR Manager: Nicola Butt
Senior Commercial Sponsorship Manager: Lee Merrells
Head of Commercial:
Richard Morris
Head of Media & Communications:
Ben Donovan
Ticket Office Manager: Lewis Bullen
Head of Facilities: Gordon David
Grounds Manager: Evan Davies
Disability Access Officer: Catherine Thomas
Head of Swansea City AFC Foundation: Paul France
Club Ambassador: Lee Trundle

PROGRAMME PRODUCTION

Contributors: Ben Donovan, Andrew Gwilym, Sophie Davis, Hayley Ford, Fraser Dickson, Rachael Tucker, Cerith White, Rhys Kemish, Dom Hynes, Owen Morgan, Alun Rhys Chivers, Sammy Wynne, Gwyn Rees.

Designers: Callum Rothwell,
Jordan Morcom, Lewis Ward
Photography: Athena Picture Agency,
Natalie John-Davis, Alamy.