Vorm: Fans vital in Swans' Euro bid

29th July

Michel Vorm believes the Jack Army can give the Swans a major boost by selling out the Liberty for the Europa League opener with Malmo on Thursday (7.45pm).
European football returns to Swansea for the first time in 22 years following the club's Capital One Cup success last season.
Swedish outfit Malmo visit SA1 this Thursday for the Europa League third qualifying round first leg.
And Vorm believes a sold-out Liberty would set the team off on the right foot.
"This is a great occasion for us as a club - we have worked very hard for this," said the Dutch international. "And I think qualifying for Europe really adds another chapter in the story of the club, considering where Swansea were ten years ago.
"The players are really looking forward to the game. To play in Europe is great for us, but it's also massive for the supporters.
"I think the supporters will be very important in these games. Since I've been here, the home form has been very important to us, and part of that reason has been the incredible noise and backing we get from the fans.
"We will need their full support on Thursday because Malmo will be a big test for us.
"When we walk out of the tunnel for games and see every seat is taken, that gives us a big lift. So to see the Liberty full again on Thursday will definitely give us a boost."
Vorm is no stranger to the Europa League, having gained experience during his time at Utrecht in which they played against Celtic, Napoli and Liverpool.
With the Swans targeting a spot in the group stage in Europe this year, Vorm believes the squad can call on past experiences of knockout competition despite the club not having played in Europe since taking on Monaco in 1991.
"I know the club is new to Europe as we haven't played in it for a few decades, but we have a number of players who are experienced in either the Europa League and Champions League," Vorm pointed out.
"I've played in the Europa League and it was a great competition to be involved in. It's about facing new opposition, playing in different countries and experiencing new atmospheres - it matures you as a footballer.
"We have two legs against Malmo, but I think last season's Capital One Cup semi-final against Chelsea has given us the experience of knockout football.
"It can be strange approaching a game being played over two legs. But those games against Chelsea proved that we have the right mentality for games of this nature.
"Hopefully it will be the same outcome too because I think playing in the Europa League group stages would benefit the players and the club massively.
"There's a lot of hard work to do before then, though, as Malmo showed how dangerous they are when they won 7-0 at Hibernian in the last qualifying round.
"We will have to be very sharp because they are a big challenge for us.
"But with the great support we get here, hopefully we can travel to Sweden with a home win behind us."

Tickets for the game are now on General Sale, and are available online, in person at the Ticket Office and via 0844 815 6665.
Tickets are priced £25 adults; £12.50 Over-60s, U16s and students.
They can be purchased by clicking HERE - when purchasing online, you can view your seat via our interactive seating plan.


Hospitality boxes are available from £50 per person for this game. This price does not include food or drink, but that is available on request.
There are also hospitality packages available, starting from £60+VAT per person.
For further details contact the hospitality team on 01792 616600.