Routledge loving life on and off the pitch

23rd April
First team

Wayne Routledge thinks becoming a father again seems to suit him after netting his second goal since the arrival of his baby boy in Swansea City’s win over Ipswich.

The 34-year-old winger missed the recent game against Nottingham Forest to be with his family after his wife gave birth to a little boy.

He scored in the win over Middlesbrough just a week later, and took his tally to the season for four when converting the winner at Portman Road on Easter Monday.

Having been used sparingly over the first half of the season, Routledge has been a regular over recent months and been a real asset to manager Graham Potter on and off the field.

And Routledge – now in his eighth season as a Swan – admits he is thoroughly enjoying his football at the moment.

“I was just looking and I realised that since I became a dad again I have scored two in these last few weeks. So obviously something is working well for me,” he said with a smile.

“You could say It looks like a new lease of life!

“But the bottom line is, I am just enjoying playing football with the boys. It is refreshing to see these young lads out there enjoying playing with no fear, it’s nice to be a part of.

“The message for everyone now is we know where we need to go as a team. You can’t always just play pretty football. Sometimes you have to put in a shift and grind out results.

“We played some good stuff, but it wasn’t pretty at times and we’ve ground out a win away from home and that’s how it has to be in this league.”