Freddie Woodman | Let's give fans something to shout about

Freddie Woodman hopes to give the Jack Army something to shout about when Swansea City's campaign restarts today in return for their fantastic support this season.

With nine games remaining, the Swans sit just three points from the play-off positions in the Championship as domestic sport gets underway following the coronavirus pandemic.

Steve Cooper's side face Middlesbrough at The Riverside this afternoon (12.30pm) as they take in their first game behind closed doors.

With fans set to watch from the safety of their homes, Woodman, who has built a strong rapport with the Jack Army during his loan spell from Newcastle United, wants to ensure Swans supporters have plenty to celebrate come the end of the campaign.

“I can’t wait to be back playing again, although it will be strange not playing in front of our fans," said the 23-year-old, who has kept 11 clean sheets this season.

“The fans have been fantastic and I feel like I’ve built up a good rapport with them. It probably helps when you put in some good performances and the fans recognise that, but, speaking personally, they have been absolutely incredible to me this season.

“You realise it more when you’re playing away. There have been times this season when it genuinely feels like we’ve got the most fans in the stadium.

“The ones that stick out are the Leeds and Cardiff games.

“At Leeds we put in a big performance and the fans were non-stop all day. And when Wayne Routledge fired home the late winner it was pandemonium in the away end.

“It was nice to celebrate in front of the fans after the game because we wanted them to know how much we want to win for them and to thank them for their support. I feel they know that we are giving everything for the badge.

“The trip to Cardiff was an interesting one for me. Again, during the game the fans were making the most noise and all I could hear was the Jack Army singing away.

“But I came off the pitch a little frustrated because I wanted us to become the first team to do the derby double. I looked up at the fans and they were signing their hearts out and clapping us, and I felt they were proud of us and how we performed. That meant a lot to me."

He added: "We have nine games left, and we are all determined to give the fans what they really deserve - I can't talk highly enough of the support they have given us this season."