Chairman's column: Huddersfield Town

14th October
Club

Read Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins' programme notes for today's clash with Huddersfield Town.

Another warm welcome to everyone here at the Liberty Stadium for today's Premier League game against Huddersfield Town.

Having come through another international break, it would be good to get going again with a positive result in front of our own fans this afternoon.

The difference between winning and losing games at this level is so small, as we have found to our detriment against Watford and West Ham recently.

Paul Clement and his staff have been working hard over the last two weeks to try to find that small margin needed to turn these games around in our favour.

Each game at the start of the new season is so difficult to predict with managers and players alike trying to establish themselves and compete in the most competitive league in the world.

In my opinion, competitiveness is the most important single factor that makes the Premier League so appealing across the world – and this must be protected at all costs.

Yes the so-called big six clubs are undoubtedly the main focal point for many, but ask any true football supporter and they will tell you that winning games week in, week out without opposition is no fun. It is certainly not Premier League and EFL football as we all know – and love.

Talking of small margins, it was a really disappointing week for all Welsh football fans after the 1-0 defeat by Ireland ended our World Cup qualifying hopes.

Chris Coleman has managed the Wales team for a number of years now and nobody will ever forget his achievements at the last Euros.

I'm sure all Welsh players and fans alike will be hoping he takes a short break to recharge his batteries and finds renewed enthusiasm to continue in his role as the Welsh team manager for many years to come.

Back to today and I would like to offer a warm welcome to all directors, staff, players and supporters of Huddersfield, who have made the long trip down from Yorkshire to South West Wales.

Huddersfield have performed really well and played some excellent football under David Wagner.

Under the ownership and leadership of chairman Dean Hoyle, Huddersfield have enjoyed a rise to the Premier League which is not too dissimilar to ours and I hope they enjoy the season ahead. I wish them well.

Today's game and next week's home fixture against Leicester City are important for a number of obvious reasons. For me, the most important one is that they provide the opportunity for the manager, staff and players to settle things down and try to enjoy the long season ahead with renewed motivation.

First and foremost we must perform to our maximum levels in order to give ourselves a fighting chance to win Premier League matches, whoever the opposition may be.

Finally, may I take this opportunity to congratulate our very own Mel Nurse on the celebration of his 80th birthday.

I got to know Mel a number of years ago and I really enjoyed working with him, especially during what were often difficult days at the old Vetch Field.

Mel has done a great deal for this football club over the years and I really hope we will continue to see him at the Liberty Stadium for many years to come.

Happy Birthday Mel from everyone at Swansea City.

Enjoy the game

Huw