Steve Cooper | Let's show our unity and give fans plenty to cheer

Steve Cooper wants Swansea City to welcome fans back to the Liberty Stadium with a show of unity and a performance to match the occasion.

The Swans host Barnsley in the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final on Saturday, with supporters attending a game at the Liberty for the first time since March 7, 2020.

Around 3,000 members of the Jack Army will be in attendance, with the fixture one of a number of pilot events targeted at getting spectators back to sporting and cultural events.

The head coach and his players cannot wait for the return of supporters, particularly having played in front of Barnsley’s fans in Monday’s first leg at Oakwell.

And, while Cooper made clear the thoughts of all concerned will also focus on those who are not able to attend just yet, the Swans boss wants the football club, city and community to be at their very best with a place at Wembley on the line.

“The first thing when the final whistle went on Monday was knowing we now have opportunity to do the same in our own stadium, in front of our own fans,” said Cooper.

“It’s something to look forward to, we’ve missed having supporters in stadiums, particularly our own.

“Having some supporters back is long overdue, it’s an important game and it is something to look forward to and cherish.

“We have to be motivated and ready to play in front of them, it’s just not been the same without them.

“The atmosphere on Monday made everyone realise that is how thing are supposed to be, and it will be even better and more appreciated when we get full crowds back.

“But we have to focus on giving the supporters something to cheer and get behind. We will also be thinking about those who won’t be able to get in too, because in normal circumstances there would not be an empty seat in the place.

“So as players, coaches and staff, we have to represent this community and show our unity and what Swansea City is all about.

“If we do that it should make for a positive performance and result, but only we can do that. It is in our control to do that.”