Chairman's column: Southampton

8th May
Club

Read Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins' programme notes for tonight's clash with Southampton.

A warm welcome once again to everyone here at the Liberty Stadium for tonight’s Premier League game against Southampton.

I have written these notes prior to the Bournemouth game due to print deadlines, but we know the importance of tonight’s encounter will still be enormous for both Southampton and ourselves.

I’m sure the relegation battle will carry forward to the final game of the season on Sunday.

Looking at the table ahead of last weekend, there was still plenty of room for a lot of teams to move a number of positions in the league, making the final week of the season very stressful for everyone involved.

Analysing our last six Premier League games, again prior to Bournemouth, we had picked up three points from three draws against Huddersfield, West Bromwich Albion and Everton, with losses against Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.

Although we all want more, I’m sure the last few games will provide Carlos and the players with the opportunity to finish the season strongly and, with a little luck once again, our points total for the season can be very close to the 40-point mark.

Prior to the appointment of Carlos, we had played 20 Premier League games and were on just 13 points, so the turnaround once again has been incredible.

And, as I’ve written above, the challenge for the team and Carlos on a personal level is to finish his 18 games in charge this season with as many points as possible.

It would make the points-to-games ratio commendable and a credit to him, his staff and the players.

Welcome to all directors, staff, players and supporters who have made the journey from the South Coast to support Southampton in tonight’s game.

I’m sure the chance to enjoy tonight’s game for both sets of club officials looks very unlikely, while I expect all our stress levels will be tested to the maximum.

While it’s nice to have meaningful games at the end of the season, I’m sure everyone connected to Swansea City and Southampton would take a year of mid-table security early in the season.

This would give everyone a chance to take stock and fully prepare for the new campaign ahead.

Maybe it’s the stress and pressures involved in Premier League football that keeps the league product above every other division in the world.

Once again, thank you all for your support. The noise you created against Everton and Chelsea in our last two games here at the Liberty was amazing.

It makes a huge difference to our players on the pitch, so please give it your all again tonight.

Enjoy the game - if you can.

Huw