Charles backing Swans
Vetch legend Jeremy Charles is tipping Swansea City to continue their promising start to the season when they host another of his former clubs this weekend.
The Swans take on Queens Park Rangers at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday (3pm).
And Charles, who will be the special hospitality guest for the game, is looking forward to seeing Graham Potter’s team in action.
Charles made 314 appearances for the Swans between 1976 and 1983, scoring 72 goals, before leaving for QPR.
Injury problems limited Charles to just 12 league appearances during a 15-month stint at Loftus Road before he joined Oxford, with whom he won the League Cup in 1986.
But Swansea-born Charles has kept a close eye on his home-city-club’s fortunes – and he is optimistic about the season ahead.
“It’s been a bit of a mixed bag of results so far,” he said.
“But they seem to be progressing in the right way and will hopefully do quite well this season.
“They’ve had a few injuries which has not made things easy in the early stages of the season.
“Hopefully, once they have got a full squad available, they’ll start to progress nicely up the league.”
Born in Swansea in 1959, Charles was part of the Swans team who climbed from the Fourth Division to the First in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
He came through club’s youth set-up alongside the likes of Alan Curtis, Robbie James and Wyndham Evans, and is delighted to see some of today’s academy products getting a chance under Potter.
“I think the club have done well with the likes of Joe Rodon, Connor Roberts and Oli McBurnie,” said Charles.
“I did it myself, coming through the ranks, and it is nice to see young lads, and particularly local lads, come through into the first team.”
Curtis remains a central figure in the Swans dressing room as a member of Potter’s coaching staff – something Charles believes is a huge positive for the club.
“I think having Alan there is important,” he insisted.
“He has been a mainstay at the club for many a year. He’s got good experience and he’s been at the club through thick and thin.
“He’s always seemed to get on well with the players and it’s always helpful to have somebody there to chat to who has that experience.”
Former Wales international Charles will be guest speaker in the Liberty’s 1912 Heritage Lounge on Saturday and he is hopeful that the Swans can pick up all three points.
“I think it’ll be a tight game,” he said.
“There won’t be much in it, but I think the Swans will edge it.”
You can hear more from Jeremy Charles in the 1912 Heritage Lounge on Saturday.
The 1912 Heritage Lounge embodies the spirit of Swansea while delivering an unrivalled hospitality experience with premium seating, locally-sourced gourmet cuisine and an abundance of in-lounge activity. Hosted by one of Wales’ most popular performers, Kevin Johns MBE and club ambassador Lee Trundle, each matchday promises to offer the peak of entertainment, including the exclusive opportunity for you to meet Swans stars from the past and present. The 1912 Heritage includes:
- Matchday hosted by Kevin Johns MBE and club ambassador Lee Trundle
- Pre-match special guest appearances
- Four-course meal (fourth course served post-match)
- All-inclusive beer, house wine and soft drinks until kick-off
- Complimentary half-time tea, coffee and Welsh cakes
- First-team player meet and greet **
- Private table for your party in the lounge
- Waitress drinks service
- Premium stadium seating
- Exclusive lounge access
- Souvenir Swansea City lanyard
- In-lounge competitions to win signed merchandise
- In-lounge shopping service direct via hostess
- Complimentary matchday programme and teamsheet
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access
- Parking options available
**Subject to availability
The cost: £119 per adult (plus VAT) £99 per child (plus VAT)
Season ticket Holder: £99 per adult (plus VAT) £79 per child (plus VAT) T’s & C’s applicable
For further information or to book your package, please contact our dedicated hospitality team on 01792 616628 or hospitality@swanseacity.com. You can also book online HERE.
