Hello everyone and welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for this early kick-off against Bristol City.
Geographically the Robins are our nearest rivals in the Championship, and these games over the years have always carried an additional edge to them, so this promises to be an exciting contest between two high-energy sides.
It also, of course, pits us against the same opponents we faced when we were in the process of appointing Vitor as our head coach.
I am sure everyone would agree we have come a long way in the nearly three months since that defeat at Ashton Gate, although we are all aware there is still much work to do.
The nature of progress is that it is never linear, and that means that even while we are heading in the right direction there will be disappointing days because that’s the very nature of football.
We were frustrated to lose to two set-piece goals at Derby last weekend, particularly after a first half where it felt like we had control of the contest and were dominating possession and territory.
That had looked like it could give us a base from which to kick on. It was not to be but, in its own way, that disappointment at losing to a side who now find themselves in the play-off spots underlines the change of mindset we have undergone as a club in this recent period and the impact of the positivity of Vitor, his staff and the players.
This will provide another very strong test for us against a Bristol City side with play-off aspirations of their own.
They beat us convincingly in the away fixture but, as I mentioned earlier, we are a very different side now and it promises to be an intriguing encounter. It goes without saying I will want a home win this afternoon, but it would be additionally sweet given my time working across Bristol with Rovers.
Within the last couple of weeks we have also been really pleased to extend Jay Fulton and Andy Fisher’s respective stays with our club.
The pair are diligent, hard-working professionals who contribute so much to the group. They each have important roles to play in our future, as underlined by Jay’s fine run of recent performances.
We are also delighted to have Jason, Brett, George and Arie from our ownership group in attendance today, and that group will continue to grow on Tuesday when we will of course be joined by Snoop Dogg for our game against Preston.
We are tremendously excited for Snoop to make his first visit to the Swansea.com Stadium, and we know he has himself been looking forward to experiencing a Swans matchday in-person.
Given his very busy schedule it has not been easy to find a fixture that he could get to, although his son Cordell visited us for our game against Watford last August, but he has been keenly following the club’s fortunes and wants to do everything he can to help us on the commercial side of the football club.
However, it is not just commercial. Snoop has reiterated his support of our community by purchasing tickets for the game which have gone to various community groups and grassroots teams.
I know you will all give him a very warm welcome.
Locally, everyone at the club was sad to hear the news that our very own Kev Johns has sadly suffered a minor stroke this week.
Kev is an intrinsic part of the club and the matchday experience and his absence will be felt. However, I, and everyone at the club wishes him the very best as he recovers and we look forward to welcoming him back to the stadium as soon as he is well enough.
Enjoy the game and thanks for all of your continued support,
Tom Gorringe
CEO, Swansea City
Good afternoon all and welcome home to the Swansea.com Stadium as we face Bristol City.
We have been in really good form here during these last few months, we are unbeaten in seven league games and we want to keep that going with another game here against Preston North End coming up on Tuesday.
But we also know that just because we have had a good record at home, it does not mean that this will automatically continue.
We have to make it happen, we cannot rely on the past. It’s about making sure that all the hard work we do between games is put out on the pitch in games.
I think the players have been very good at doing that, they are putting in so much effort, but there are always next steps to take and improvements to make.
The game against Derby showed that. I thought we were good in the first half, we had control of the game, but we know set-pieces are massive in the Championship and their goals both came from corners.
There was plenty we could take from the way we performed, but there were also clearly areas we need to improve in and continue to work on, and set-pieces is one of them.
We now have three games in a short space of time, and more opportunities to fight for wins and points, and to keep building this strong connection we have between our team and our supporters.
I was also really pleased to see Jay Fulton and Andy Fisher sign new contracts to remain with the club.
Jay has been an incredible servant to the club over many, many years, he has been such a big help to me since I joined Swansea with all his experience and knowledge. He is a top professional, who has the respect of everyone at the club and continues to be important on the pitch.
Andy is another player who makes a big contribution to the group. He gets on with his job and always wants to find ways to get better. He supports but also pushes Vigs to keep standards high, which tells you a lot about his mindset and it is good to know we will continue to work with them.
I also want to send my best wishes to Kev Johns, who suffered a minor stroke last week. Kev is someone who is loved by everyone at the club, and he has been a friendly face and a very warm person whenever I have been fortunate to have any time with him. We wish him well in his recover and we cannot wait to see him back here at the Swansea.com Stadium.
Enjoy the game,
Vitor
Vítor Matos,
First Team Head Coach
As we enter the final stretch of the season, the Championship is proving once again why it’s one of the most unpredictable leagues in world football.
With 32 games of the season now gone, it feels extraordinary that just a couple of wins can catapult us into the play-off picture. A month or so ago, talk of making the play-offs would have felt fanciful, but with results picking up, the idea no longer feels completely out of the question, even if it remains an outside chance.
Vítor Matos has certainly made a strong impression since stepping into the hot seat. His energy, clarity and attacking intent have created a new sense of belief in the squad – and the fanbase, for that matter. That said, today’s match against Bristol City will be a tough one.
Their form has been mixed of late, but they are a side capable of causing problems for anyone in the division. A positive result today is vital given that three of our next five matches come against teams currently in the top half, including a mouth-watering all-Welsh clash with Wrexham. In a league this tight, every point matters.
Away from the pitch, we were delighted with the turnout, both in person and online, for the Trust’s latest Annual General Meeting. The AGM gave us the chance to update members on the Trust’s work over the past year, including an overview of our new five-year strategy, our finances, the progress of our heritage initiatives to preserve the history and identity of Swansea City AFC, our ongoing investment in local grassroots football.
We also formally announced our continuing charity partnership with Faith in Families, as well as now supporting the Swansea Veterans Hub throughout 2026. All these areas of work remain central to our mission and the support of our members allows us to continue delivering meaningful projects in the community.
We were also very pleased to welcome Swansea City CEO Tom Gorringe, who joined us after the AGM to speak to those in attendance. Tom shared some encouraging insights into the promising commercial opportunities the club is exploring, including the significant impact both Snoop Dogg – who will be making his first visit to the Swansea.com Stadium on Tuesday – and Luka Modric are having on off-field activities.
Perhaps most excitingly, though, Tom discussed the club’s ambition to regain Category One status for the youth academy. This would be transformative for the club, helping us not only to attract top-tier talent but also to provide the facilities and development pathways needed to give local youngsters the best opportunity to fulfil their potential. For a club with a proud tradition of producing top-class players, this commitment to nurturing the next generation is hugely encouraging.
This coming Thursday evening, the Trust is proud to be hosting what will probably be our final public screening of ‘Ivor Allchurch – Golden Days’ before we release it on streaming platforms around Easter. We commissioned this new documentary to honour the greatest player in Swansea City’s history. The film features in-depth interviews with Ivor’s wife, Esme, and their sons, John and David, offering the deeply personal story of the humble and gifted man behind the legend.
With never-before-seen photographs from the family archive and intimate reflections on his life and achievements, the documentary provides a unique and moving portrait of a footballer whose legacy still resonates generations later.
Created by filmmakers David Brayley and Max Webborn, two of the team behind the acclaimed ‘Wonderland – The Alice Street Story’, the documentary has already received a fantastic response. With the support of the Swansea Jack and Swansea City, we are delighted to confirm that the latest screening will take place at 7pm on Thursday February 26 at the Swansea Jack, Little Wind Street, Swansea and you can book your free places online HERE.
Members of the Allchurch family and some former Swans legends will be joining us on the night, and we are thrilled that Mal Pope will help us host the evening, which will include a Q&A session after the film concludes.
We are all looking forward to what promises to be a memorable evening celebrating a true Swansea City and Wales icon.
In the meantime, here’s hoping for three points against Bristol City today.
Paul Thomas
As part of a ongoing feature in our digital matchday programme for the 2025-26 campaign, we are calling on all Swans fans to share their memories and experiences of supporting the club this season by submitting your stories and pictures. We will publish a selection over the course of the season, and you can share your stories with us through the link below.
The start of the 2025-26 season marked 20 years since Swansea City moved into our Swansea.com Stadium home.
To mark the anniversary, club historian Gwyn Rees is profiling members of the first Swans squad to grace the stadium during the 2005-06 campaign. This time, he looks at the career of Leon Knight.
Leon Knight was born in 1983 and brought up in Hackney, London. As a youngster he showed all-round ability in various sports and became a third dan belt in karate, but his promise as a young footballer saw him have trials with Charlton Athletic and Tottenham Hotspur, before signing on at Chelsea as a trainee.
Knight, the cousin of former Bolton Wanderers defender Zat Knight, was short in build but blessed with an explosive turn of speed. However, he found opportunities hard to come by at Chelsea and he was limited to just one senior appearance in an Uefa Cup game against Levski Sofia even though he was a regular for England at age-grade international level.
In 2001, in a bid to gain first-team game time, he went out on loan initially at Queens Park Rangers, then Huddersfield Town, before spending the next season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and Brighton and Hove Albion.
His time at the Seagulls was successful for player and club and though he joined Brighton on a free transfer from Chelsea, a £50,000 clause was to be paid to the Blues if Brighton gained promotion to the Championship.
In the end it was Knight himself who scored the only play-off final goal via a penalty against Bristol City at the Millenium Stadium in 2004, ensuring his former club collected the money from his new club.
However, after three seasons with Brighton he had a disagreement with manager Mark McGhee and Swans manager Kenny Jackett swooped to bring the player to south Wales in January 2006 in a deal worth £125,000.
Knight netted a stunning hat-trick on his league debut against MK Dons, becoming just the fourth player to mark his Swansea debut with a treble.
Goals continued to flow, including another hat-trick at Chesterfield and two more goals against Brentford to help the Swans secure a place in the League One play-off against Barnsley, where they would suffer penalty shootout heartbreak.
Those initial few months proved the high point of his time in Swansea, and he was placed on the transfer list following a series of off-field issues. He initially joined Barnsley on loan before making a full-time move to MK Dons in January 2007.
But Knight was unable to capture his former glories as a player and he continued to have a nomadic existence; in total having spells with Rushden and Diamonds, Thrasivoulous, Hamilton Academical, Queen of the South, Coleraine and Glentoran before returning to English football to play at non-league level.
Some of his departures from that list of clubs were not on the best of terms, and he has since garnered controversy and received a strong backlash following a number of comments made about women’s football.
Established in 1894, Bristol City, affectionately known as the Robins, initially started out playing within the Southern and Western League, before being admitted to the Football League in 1901.
They have lifted silverware on three occasions in their history, winning the Football League Trophy in 1986, 2003 and, most recently, in 2015.
Their early Football League years coincided with the club's best-ever league finish as they ended the 1906-07 season in second place in the top-flight, behind only Newcastle United.
That came on the back of promotion to the First Division the previous season, while they were beaten FA Cup finalists in 1909 as they suffered defeat to Manchester United at Crystal Palace.
Having gone so close to Premier League promotion in 2008 - losing the play-off final to Hull - they are now in their 11th-consecutive season at Championship level having secured promotion from League One in 2015.
ASHTON GATE
Built: 1887
Location: Ashton Road, Bristol, BS3 2EJ
Capacity: 27,000
Austrian Gerhard Struber was appointed Bristol City head coach in the summer of 2025, replacing Liam Manning.
The former midfielder spent most of his playing days on the books of Austria Salzburg (now Red Bull Salzburg) and was capped by Austria at under-21 level.
After retiring he worked in the Salzburg academy from 2007 to 2017, aside from one brief spell away from the club, and was also assistant first-team coach.
He left to take up the reins of FC Liefering in the Austrian second tier before getting his move to Wolfsberger.
Struber had a great time at Wolfsberger, guiding the Austrian top division side to a third place finish, whilst also ensuring a place in the Europa League for the 2019-20 season.
The 49-year-old left to join Barnsley in November 2019, who at the time were bottom of the Championship and seven points from safety, and managed to keep the Tykes in the second tier for a second consecutive season.
Struber spent 11 months in Yorkshire before moving to America and joining the New York Red Bulls. During his time in New York, Struber guided his time to two successive play-off campaigns before departing the club in May 2023.
The Austrian returned to Europe having spells with Red Bull Salzburg and FC Koln before being leaving the German second-tier side in May.
Midfielder Jason Knight took the armband at the start of last season, after the departures of Andi Weimann and Matty James.
The Republic of Ireland international came through the academy ranks at Pride Park – having started his career in his homeland with Cabinteely – to make the breakthrough at senior level.
He made his debut while still a teenager in 2017, and his maturity and impressive performances were such that he would go on to captain the Rams.
Knight won plenty of plaudits for his showings during a turbulent time for the Midlands club, making over 150 appearances in total before his switch to Bristol City after Derby just missed out on the League One play-offs in 2023.
Knight has won 41 senior caps for the Republic of Ireland, having previously featured at under-17, under-18, under-19 and under-21 level.
Scott Twine has been in fine form during his second season with the Robins, scoring eight goals and providing six assists to lead their attacking efforts.
The forward began his career at Swindon Town in 2013, spending eight years with the club after progressing through their academy. During that time, he enjoyed loan spells at Chippenham Town, Waterford, and Newport County - where he first gained a reputation for spectacular long-range goals.
Despite only spending half a season in south Wales, Twine’s impact was recognised as he picked up Newport’s 2020–21 Young Player of the Season award.
Twine then joined Milton Keynes Dons, where he continued to thrive under former Swans manager Russell Martin. The 26-year-old netted 20 goals in 44 league appearances, earning the 2021–22 EFL League One Player of the Season award and a place in the League One Team of the Season.
He then secured a big-money move to recently relegated Premier League side Burnley, but found regular minutes hard to come by. Loan spells at Hull City and Bristol City followed before completing a permanent move to the Robins in 2024.
At the other end of the pitch, Rob Atkinson has been a stalwart in the Robins’ defence, while also contributing in attack with three goals and an assist so far this season.
The defender spent part of his youth in France before beginning his senior career with Basingstoke Town, where he made 30 league appearances in his debut season before joining Fulham’s under-23 side.
Atkinson spent two years with the Cottagers, including a brief loan spell at Eastleigh, before making the move to League One side Oxford United in January 2020.
The 27-year-old enjoyed a successful spell with the U’s, helping them to a sixth-place finish in League One before a 6-3 defeat in the play-off semi-finals, and was named in the League One team of the season.
Atkinson’s impressive spell with Oxford earned him a move to Bristol City, where he has spent the past four years and made more than 80 league appearances. After a short loan spell at Portsmouth in the second half of last season, he has now firmly established himself as a key figure in the Robins’ backline.
Ross McCrorie has been another impressive figure for the Ashton Gate outfit, providing three goals and six assists in the campaign to date.
The Scotland international is approaching the end of his third season with the Robins, having joined them from Aberdeen in the summer of 2023.
A Rangers youth product, McCrorie was on the books of the Ibrox club for nine years and made over 50 appearances for them.
He had loan spells with Ayr United, Dumbarton, Portsmouth and Aberdeen, before making a full-time switch to the Dons.
McCrorie captained Scotland at under-21 level and he won his solitary cap to date in a 2024 friendly against Gibraltar.
Swans legend Alan Curtis once joked the reason he had been at the club so long was only he knew where the kettle was kept.
Well, by that logic, Jay Fulton must know where the tea pot and tea cups are at the Swansea.Com Stadium.
Of course, there is a lot more to Curtis and Fulton than knowing where the tea-making facilities are when it comes to their respective associations with the club.
But I can imagine the modest and unassuming Fulton being equally self-deprecating as Curtis when it comes to explaining his longevity at the club.
Never one to blow his own trumpet, Fulton is the type of reliable and consistent player every club needs. I always feel that little bit happier when I see Fulton named in the matchday squad. Somehow, he provides a comforting presence.
A long line of Swansea City managers have recognised the qualities brought to the club by the no-nonsense, quietly spoken character.
The midfielder has been a player at the club for 12 years – a remarkable achievement in this day and age.
And the Scot is going to extend his stay in Swansea even further having recently signed a new two-year contract.
The extension is no more than Fulton deserves for the service he has given the Swans since he signed on deadline day - January 31, 2014.
Just to give an illustration of how long Fulton has been here, on the day he signed, ‘Twilight’ by Cover Drive was top of the UK charts, while Adele was number one in the US with ‘Set Fire to the Rain’.
David Cameron was leading the country from 10 Downing Street. Incredibly, we’ve had five more Prime Ministers since Fulton signed on the dotted line.
If my maths serves me well, which it generally doesn’t, since arriving at the Swans, Fulton has worked under 16 managers – including temporary appointments.
The facts and figures above underline the level of Fulton’s service to the club – a rarity these days when players tend to move around more frequently than the past.
When I started following football, players would traditionally be offered testimonial matches when they reached 10 years of service at a club – their relatively modest earnings being boosted by the takings from an attractive friendly fixture.
As players’ wages have increased, while the time they stay at any one club has reduced, the testimonial match has become more rare as a reward for long service.
So I was delighted to see Fulton sign a new two-year contract recently – especially as he seems to be enjoying a new lease of life under Vitor Matos, the latest Swans boss to appreciate his quality.
The Portuguese has said of the Scot: "Jay is a player who knows our club so well, and he has been a big help to me and my staff since we arrived here.
"He is a senior player with so much experience and I have been really pleased with how he has taken on board everything we have asked of him and the ideas of how we want to play.
"His ability has been clear to see in how he has been performing on the pitch. Everyone here has so much respect for him and I am really pleased we will continue to work together."
Fulton certainly seems to have thrived under Matos – proving to be a steady and trusted presence in midfield.
Not known for his goalscoring exploits, he even chipped in with one of the goals of the season when he blasted a long-range winner against West Brom to kick off the new year in style.
Fulton is also appreciated by his teammates, summer arrival Melker Widell said: "Since the day I arrived, it was clear that he had been here for a long time. He represents the club in a very good way, that's clear for everybody in the dressing room.
"He has such high standards and if you follow him as a player and as a person, with his values, you can learn a lot. For me, he's been super helpful."
These are the qualities us fans don’t get to see on a day-to-day basis. We tend to set our opinions on what we see out on the pitch.
And while there has been evidence of what a quality player Fulton is during his 300-plus appearance from the Swans, fans don’t always appreciate the wider picture.
What we don’t see is the contribution players make on the training pitch, in the dressing room, on the team bus, in the team hotel.
Fulton is now such a senior member of the playing group, it is so easy to forget the fresh-faced teenager who arrived from Falkirk all those years ago.
I’d forgotten quite how young he was when he made the long journey south to link up with the Swans under-23 squad.
But it’s fantastic to see how he has made the city his home since then.
"My wife and I moved down when I was 19, two of my boys were born in Swansea. The majority of my life, and whole kids' lives have been here.
"It's home away from home."
I always feel a huge sense of pride when young players arrive at Swansea from far-flung locations and set down long-term roots in the city.
It says a lot for the club, the city and the surrounding areas when youngsters like Fulton and the likes of Leon Britton before him, settle so well in a totally unfamiliar environment at such a young age.
Now, a dozen years since he arrived in the city, he is a reassuring figure in the Swans squad for management, players and fans alike.
Long may that continue.
C’mon you Swans!
Catherine Bradley has been recognised as Swansea City AFC Foundation's Premier League 'More Than A Game' Community Captain after her years of volunteering as part of the Premier League Kicks programme.
The Foundation expanded their Premier League Kicks programme up to Newtown in mid-Wales in 2021, and Catherine has been volunteering there since the very start.
Bradley works as a carer looking after adults with learning disabilities, often working long night shifts. However, despite her busy schedule, she always finds the time to show up for the young people of Newtown every Thursday evening.
A mother of five, Bradley’s children have also benefitted from Premier League Kicks as they enjoy the session while their mum is on the coaching team. Mia, one of Catherine’s daughters, was invited to represent the Swans at the Premier League Kicks Truce Tournament in Belgium.
This year marks 20 years of Premier League Kicks – a programme which offers young people free football sessions in a safe environment every weekday evening – and so the Swans Foundation is using the ‘More Than A Game’ campaign to shine a spotlight on the Premier League Kicks programme.
Jamie Bessant is Swansea City AFC Foundation’s lead Premier League Kicks coach at the session in Newtown, and he surprised Catherine with the award he himself had won last year at a session with the participants.
“I’m really shocked and really proud. I didn’t expect it but I’m over the moon,” said Catherine.
“I support adults with learning disabilities. I work long shifts, night shifts, working 12 to 16-hour shifts sometimes. I’m trying to get into the Welsh Masters squad for running and I play football myself. I have five children who are all really active with football, rugby and running.
“The kids that turn up week on week is the reason why I love volunteering here. It could be minus three degrees and they’re still here having fun and they always end with a thank you. What more could you ask for?"
Swansea City and the Swans Foundation invited Catherine and her family to enjoy a hospitality experience at the Swansea.com Stadium for the Championship fixture against Sheffield Wednesday.
On the day, Catherine met the club’s chief executive officer Tom Gorringe, who discussed the impactful work of the Premier League Kicks project with Catherine.
Bessant was delighted that the Foundation, the Swans and the Premier League could recognise Bradley for her contributions to the local community.
“We chose Catherine for the award because of all the hard work and commitment that she’s given over the years,” said Bessant.
“She’s there regardless, always with a smile on her face, always positive. Cath always makes sure she’s free on a Thursday night because she knows the impact Premier League Kicks can have for the children of mid-Wales and Newtown.
“We’re really fortunate to have the funding from the Police Crime Commissioner, allowing us to cover such a wide area from mid-Wales as well as into Aberystwyth and down south to Pembrokeshire. It’s so impactful to reach a wider audience and give children the opportunity to access Premier League Kicks.
“Without volunteers these sessions don’t run, so we’re really grateful to those who give up their time. It’s great to see someone like Cath pick up this award, which she thoroughly deserves.”
FOOTBALL FOR EVERYONE. HATE FOR NO ONE:
THE EFL PUMA RAINBOW BALL IS BACK
Swansea City is proud to play with the EFL PUMA Rainbow Ball in today’s fixture against Bristol City at the Swansea.com Stadium.
The Rainbow Ball is a symbol of solidarity with LGBTQ+ supporters and reflects the ongoing commitment of all 72 EFL Clubs to ensuring football remains a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for every fan, in every stadium.
Last season, goals scored with the Rainbow Ball saw PUMA donate £10,000 to Football v Homophobia (FvH), supporting their education and inclusion work across the season. PUMA will once again make a donation to Football v Homophobia for every goal scored with the Rainbow Ball across all Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two fixtures. The funds will further support programmes designed to tackle homophobia, promote understanding, and strengthen inclusion at every level of the game.
Throughout the season, Clubs, players and supporters stand proudly Together Against Homophobia. The Swans will also be showing their support for Football v Homophobia by wearing warm up shirts which bear the groups logo.
At Swansea City, we are committed to ensuring that the Swansea.com Stadium is a place where every supporter feels welcome and able to enjoy the matchday experience without fear of discrimination.
Homophobia has no place in football. Anyone found guilty of homophobic abuse — inside a stadium or online — may face serious sanctions, including stadium bans and legal action.
If you witness discriminatory behaviour today, please report it:
• To a steward
• Via the anonymous text and Whatsapp number (07886 276015)
• Through Kick It Out
Together, we can ensure our football community remains inclusive, respectful and safe for all.
First football shirt you owned?
Man United Rooney Vodafone Shirt
Best player you've played with?
Kyle Naughton
What's your go-to cheat meal?
Five Guys Burger & A Milkshake
Who's the joker in the dressing room?
Vigsy
If you weren't a footballer, what would you be?
In a rock band
Who's your top artist on Spotify right now?
Justin Bieber
Can you name Welsh word?
Araf (slow)
Toughest opponent you've faced?
Kyle Naughton in small sided
Favourite holiday destination?
Greek Island (any)
Who's your hometown club?
Exeter City FC
Favourite football memory?
Promotion with Exeter
Club stalwart Jay Fulton says this club and city feel like home after the midfielder extended his stay in south Wales for a further two years.
The Scot is set to remain in Swansea City colours until the summer of 2028 after putting pen to paper on a new contract.
The deal will bring Jay's tenure in SA1 to 14 years, having first joined from Falkirk in January 2014, he has already completed a dozen years of service to the Swans and is the longest-serving player in the first-team squad.
"I'm really happy to get it done. I spoke to Tom [Gorringe] and the gaffer, and they were really eager for me to get it done," said Fulton.
"For me, the club's in a good place, the gaffer has come in and he's kicked on really well.
"Personally for me, it's been 12 years already and I'm still enjoying it."
After making his move from Scotland, Fulton made his first appearance as a substitute in the 4-1 win over Aston Villa back in April 2014
In total, he has made 313 appearances and been a popular and trusted member of the squad under a succession of managers.
"I don't think anyone in this profession expects to be at a club this long, and that probably makes it even more special for me," he added.
"All my memories are with this club, and it's a huge achievement to play that amount of games.
"My wife and I moved down when I was 19, two of my boys were born in Swansea. The majority of my life, and whole kids' lives have been here.
"It's home away from home."
On his arrival in 2014, Jay initially linked up with the club's then Under-23's squad, and worked his way up to the senior team, and he is now one of the group's most seasoned professionals.
It is telling that he has been a trusted on-field lieutenant for a number of Swansea coaches over the years, and the responsibility that comes with that seniority and experience is something he is very happy to try and take on.
"That sort of responsibility is probably something I have more of now than it ever has been, with new characters and players coming from different countries," Fulton added.
"It's enjoyable, you get to meet new people and being here this long, hopefully I can help people settle easier and enjoy being part of the club and the city."
That influence was reflected in a comment from teammate Melker Widell who, when asked about Fulton's positive imapct on him as he adapted to life in Swansea, could not speak highly enough of his fellow midfielder.
"Since the day I arrived, it was clear that he had been here for a long time. He represents the club in a very good way, that's clear for everybody in the dressing room," said Widell.
"He has such high standards and if you follow him as a player and as a person, with his values, you can learn a lot. For me, he's been super helpful."
Jay has been among those to catch the eye under head coach Vitor Matos, and has been a regular under the Portuguese since his arrival from Maritimo in November.
And the belief Matos has shown in the Scotsman has paid off with a fine run of form, while he also netted a stunning winner against West Bromwich Albion on New Year's Day.
It was his Fulton's first goal for 13 months, and his first at the Swansea.com Stadium since October 2022, and he praised the Swans boss for renewing his confidence on and off the pitch following a tough start to the campaign.
"He's been massive for me personally. The start of the season was frustrating for me, and he's come in and put confidence and belief in me," he added.
"You can see that from the results and performances, that we're all enjoying it.
"The West Brom was a good moment for me. It's not my main focus scoring goals but when anybody can score a goal to help the team it's important.
"I think things are looking up for us now, we have some important games coming up and we are looking to move up the table.
"We want to be competitive in every game, and put on a run of consistent performances like we have been doing."
Swansea City Under-18s fought back to claim a 3-1 victory over Professional Development League leaders Charlton Athletic at the Joma High Performance Centre.
A second-half brace from Harvey Gray, followed by an added-time strike from Alex Godfrey, secured all three points for the Swans and extended their unbeaten home run to five league matches, while there was also a notable debut as under-14s' player Damian Dabrowski was introduced during the closing stages.
Despite a bright start, the hosts fell behind after 20 minutes as Shia-Lee Burnham netted for the Addicks, but Swansea responded positively and ended the half on top.
A much-improved second-half display followed, with the Swans rewarded for their quality in front of goal while also showing defensive resolve in the closing stages before Godfrey sealed the win in added time.
The Swans had started the game positively, with Wahab Ojetoro trying his luck from distance, but his effort sailed well over the bar.
Charlton looked dangerous on the counter, and after an initial break was cleared by the Swans defence, the rebound fell to Sam Washington-Amoah, whose low strike flashed wide of the left-hand post.
Elis Thomas went close minutes later after a clearance was superbly controlled by Godfrey, who took an excellent touch to advance down the right before playing the winger through. Thomas curled an effort towards goal from 18 yards out, but Finley Woodham was equal to it and parried the ball away.
But Charlton took the lead midway through the half, with Bradley Tagoe squaring the ball to Burnham, who slotted home into the corner of the net.
Jon Beale’s side responded well to going behind, and Kaven Bloniarczyk was denied by a crucial block from Chetam Ezenwata after the full-back looked set to level.
Bloniarczyk went close again five minutes before half-time, meeting a cross from the left by Thomas with a sweet half-volley that crashed against the bar.
Swansea started the second half strongly and nearly levelled within minutes when a delivery to the far post from Godfrey found Thomas, but his low strike was straight at Woodham, who gathered comfortably.
The visitors then grew into the half and almost capitalised on a Swans mistake when a loose pass at the back was intercepted by Raynon Richman. He struck from just outside the area, but his effort continued to rise and cleared the bar.
Instead Swansea found a deserved equaliser with 20 minutes to play. Bloniarczyk drove down the right-hand side before picking out Gray, who got in front of his defender and tapped past Woodham.
The same duo combined again minutes later to give the Swans the lead. Bloniarczyk once more delivered from the right, and Gray showed composure to finish calmly and put Swansea ahead for the first time in the match.
The Swans had to withstand late pressure, with Phoenix Valentine nearly netting an equaliser after a scramble in the box saw the ball fall to him, but his powerful effort across goal was well dealt with.
However, Valentine continued to threaten down the right, driving into the area before fizzing a ball across goal to Burnham, who skied his effort from five yards out.
Substitute Michael Mylona also looked lively, weaving past several Swans defenders before aiming for the far corner, but Jakub Nowak got down superbly to deny him.
And Swansea sealed the victory in added time when a long ball forward was chased down by Godfrey, who found himself in a two-on-one situation alongside Gray. The winger opted to go alone, advancing before firing powerfully past Woodham to secure all three points for the Swans.
Swansea City Under-18s: Jakub Nowak, Kaven Bloniarczyk, Wahab Ojetoro (Brogan Popham 24), Milo Robinson (captain) (Josiah Kallicharan 61), Jack May, Archie Quick, Alex Godfrey, Solomon Baker (Damian Dabrowski 80), Harvey Gray, Bobo Evans, Elis Thomas (Ioan Johnston 60).
Substitutes not used: Tom Wright
Swansea City Under-21s were rewarded for a dominant performance as they claimed a 4-2 victory over AFC Bournemouth at the Joma High Performance Centre on Tuesday evening.
Morgan Bates opened the scoring from close range with just over 60 seconds played, before Josh Pescatore made it two on the half-hour mark with a fine solo finish.
Michael Dacosta-Gonzalez's strike shortly after the restart from Pescatore's goal halved the deficit, but Thomas Woodward made an immediate impact from the bench as the midfielder made it 3-1 just a few minutes after coming on in the second half.
Pescatore then rounded off a fantastic individual performance as he completed his brace in the closing stages. Remy Rees-Dottin pulled a goal back for the Cherries late on, but the Swans prevailed to claim the three points.
Ollie Cooper was named in the starting XI to get some minutes under his belt, whilst new arrival Joe Collins made his debut in between the sticks.
And a fast, pacy start from Sam Parker and Pescatore ensured the Swans were ahead with barely one minute on the clock.
Pescatore’s curling effort was parried away by Danny Dixon and the on-rushing Bates was on hand to direct the ball in to the back of the net for an early opener.
From then on Swansea dominated possession and controlled the game, preventing any real threat from the visitors, but neither side created any further clear chances with 20 minutes played.
Parker looked to create another opening on goal as his curling cross looked to find Bates, but the striker arrived just too late to meet it.
Debutant Collins was called into a crucial save moments later as the Irishman palmed away a tight-angled effort from Jonny Day.
But the Swans went straight up the other end, and it was another goal involvement for Pescatore as the 19-year-old took on two defenders before curling a lovely strike in to the top corner.
However, the Swans' lead was halved almost immediately, as Dacosta's well-worked strike from outside of the area smashed in to the bottom corner.
Swansea had the first opening of the second period. Cooper held off his man down the right before the ball came out to Harlan Perry, and the second-year scholar unleashed a thunderous strike that was deflected wide.
But Swansea did add to their tally when Woodward replaced Kai Rhodes and the attacking midfielder went on to make an instant impact from the bench.
A neat one-two between Woodward and Pescatore on the edge of the area had the former set up nicely to strike from range, and in-form Woodward made no mistake to find the back of the net with a low shot.
Bates would be frustrated when his close-range header was directed just wide from a Billy Clarke delivery.
But the Swans continued their dominance and were rewarded with a fourth goal, and it was Pescatore as he completed his brace with a low finish from Milo Robinson's lay-off.
Bournemouth rounded off the scoring when Day's bobbling effort tumbled over the line, but it was only a consolation.
Swansea City Under-21s: Joe Collins, Sam Parker (Billy Clarke 65), Callum Deacon, Harlan Perry, Iestyn Jones, Blair McKenzie, Josh Pescatore, Dan Watts (captain), Morgan Bates (Brogan Popham 77), Ollie Cooper (Milo Robinson 77), Kai Rhodes (Thomas Woodward 57).
Substitutes: Thomas Wright.
AFC Bournemouth: Danny Dixon, Kendra Mottoh, Noa Boutin, Zac Christie, Harold William, Alfie Merritt, Remy Rees-Dottin, Charlie Stevens (captain), Jonny Day, Michael Dacosta, Eugene Gyedu.
Substitutes: Joseph Solanke, Finn Tonks, Ethan Sills, Charlie Osborne.
There is so much to pack into today’s column – but there is only one place to start and that is to offer my very best wishes for a speedy recovery to Kev Johns, who it was announced earlier this week has suffered a minor stroke.
Kev has been an integral part of our club for many, many years. He is the voice of the stadium, the man who greets so many of us, wherever we are in the ground, with a friendly smile and a big hug.
He’s involved in so many aspects of the club, including as lifetime president of the Swansea City Disabled Supporters’ Association, and while he is recuperating he will no doubt be following his beloved Swans from home.
Kev has done so much to put our club and our city on the map over the years. He’s been an incredible ambassador and someone many of us call a friend. The outpouring of support on the Swans social channels when the news was announced will, I’m sure, have meant a lot to him and his family and be a comfort in the days and weeks ahead when recovery will be their primary focus.
So, a big shout out to you, Kev. There are SO many people sending you their love and prayers. We are all rooting for you and hoping to see you back here at the Swansea.com Stadium very, very soon.
It is never the same here without you. Let’s hope the boys can get three points and plenty of goals for you this afternoon.
And talking of this afternoon, our visitors, Bristol City, have had a strange old start to the year. Five has been their significant number so far in 2026. Last month they twice managed to score five goals, once in the Championship against Portsmouth and then in their third round FA Cup game against Watford, and then at the end of the month Derby County put five past them in the league.
This month has seen a win and a draw for the Robins, and five goals scored – three against Hull City and two against Wrexham. They’re sitting in ninth place in the Championship – five points above us.
After a disappointing result against Derby County last weekend everyone is hoping the home form which has favoured us so far under Vitor Matos will return today, and who knows, maybe it’s our turn to make five our magic number.
Someone who is also (very loosely) associated with the number five, is our investor and minority owner Snoop Dogg, not because he has five letters in his first (stage) name, but because he featured on a song with five in the title; ‘5 Little Puppies’ (feat. Snoop Dogg). If nothing else, I hope my column surprises you on times!!
And, of course, the man himself is here at the Swansea.com Stadium on Tuesday evening. It’s a heck of a trip for Preston North End fans to make in midweek, and certainly not a fixture they’d have thought would see Snoop Dogg making his debut in south Wales.
We don’t want them to return home with points, but I’m sure it will be one of those “I was there” nights for them to remember because of the star guest.
I have absolutely no idea what to expect, but the excitement is building already, and there’s going to be a big crowd – which is fantastic news. And if one of Snoop Dogg’s famous quotes can come to fruition, there will be thousands of happy Jacks in SA1:
JULIE KISSICK
Happy 36th Birthday Adam have the best day! I love you.
________________________________________________
We, the Jordans, are running the 2026 TCS London Marathon to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust — to help fund vital research, raise awareness, and give our daughter, Maya, the best possible quality of life.
Here is the link to our just giving page https://www.justgiving.com/team/maya-jordan-24?utm_medium=TE&utm_source=CL
From the bottom of our hearts — thank you, your support and donations mean the world to us. Every contribution, big or small, helps give Maya and others with CF the best chance at a bright and healthy future. 💛
We are all Jacks is Swansea City’s commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion both within the club and throughout the local community.
Working with international and local charities, as well as supporter groups, Swansea City strives to ensure that a visit to the Swansea.com Stadium is a welcoming experience for everyone regardless of sex, sexuality, gender identity, religion, race, disability, or age.
The club takes a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, harassment, victimisation, bullying and abuse.
REPORT IT – IN THE STADIUM
Supporters are encouraged to report instances of abusive and discriminatory language within the stadium by using the anonymous text and Whatsapp number (07886 276015) providing details of the incident and your location in the stadium.
Messages will be charged at the standard rate for your network provider.
The details from the message will be received at the match control room, where any necessary investigation and/or action will be taken.
The club will also record the mobile number of the individual reporting an incident to aid with any inquiries.
Supporters can also use support@swanseacity.com to report instances of discrimination.
An audio commentary service is available for blind and partially sighted fans – provided by Radio City, the Swansea University Health Board Hospital Radio Service.
Radio City has a long association with the football club dating back to the days when the club was known as Swansea Town.
Since moving to the Swansea.com Stadium, the broadcaster has provided a live descriptive commentary service for free at all Swansea home matches, meaning that blind and partially-sighted supporters in both the home and away ends can follow the action.
In order to book a headset for the match, supporters can contact the accessibility team in advance by emailing accessibility@swanseacity.com, or contacting the ticket office from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm by calling 01792 616629 and selecting option one.
Supporters can also book headsets in person in advance at the ticket office, or on the day by speaking to a Disability Liaison Steward on the day.
To learn more about Radio City, visit www.radiocity1386am.co.uk.
The inclusion room at the Swansea.com Stadium is open every matchday for supporters who may require a quiet space during games.
Supporters will be able to attend live matches at the Swansea.com Stadium with the comfort of knowing there is a designated area should they need it. The room is available to any supporter that may require a quiet space.
The space will be monitored by a designated disability liaison steward and provides a safe space with a disabled toilet, a projector to watch the live game, and dignity packs for those who need it.
While some supporters who require a time away from the crowds may prefer to use this room as a quiet space, it will also be possible to watch the match live on a screen projected onto the wall meaning supporters who require the space for any reason don’t have to miss a moment of the match action.
The room is located in the West Stand and, while supporters who feel they may benefit from the use of the space will be recommended to sit in that stand, it will be accessible for anyone in any part of the stadium.
Any supporter who feels overwhelmed by the matchday environment for any reason can gain access to the room by making themselves known to a steward or disability liaison steward.
PLAYER SPONSORS
Shwmae Junior Jacks,
Welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium!
We are thrilled you could join us this afternoon as we take on Bristol City here at the Swansea.com Stadium! We hope you’ve had a great half term and are ready for an afternoon of action Junior Jacks. The Swans take on the Robins – we hope you’re excited!
Today’s Take Five quiz is about the visitors, Bristol City, and a bit of fun too! Click the button below to test your knowledge!
Our score prediction is 1-0 to the Swans and we think Vipotnik will score!
What do you think the score will be?
Uppa Swans,
Cyril and Cybil
Head Coach Vitor Matos
1 Andy Fisher
2 Josh Key
4 Jay Fulton
5 Ben Cabango (c)
6 Marko Stamenić
7 Melker Widell
8 Malick Yalcouye
9 Žan Vipotnik
10 Jisung Eom
14 Josh Tymon
15 Cameron Burgess
16 Ishé Samuels-Smith
17 Gonçalo Franco
18 Gustavo Nunes
20 Liam Cullen
21 Leo Walta
22 Lawrence Vigouroux
23 Ricardo Santos
25 Joel Ward
27 Zeidane Inoussa
29 Paul Farman
30 Ethan Galbraith
31 OIlie Cooper
33 Adam Idah
35 Ronald
40 NUMBER RETIRED IN MEMORY OF BESIAN IDRIZAJ
41 Sam Parker
42 Dan Watts
43 Yori Griffith
44 Thomas Woodward
54 Iestyn Jones
Head Coach Gerhard Struber
2 Ross McCrorie
3 Cameron Pring
4 Adam Randell
5 Rob Atkinson
6 Max Bird
8 Joe Williams
10 Scott Twine
11 Delano Burgzorg
12 Jason Knight ©
13 Joe Lumley
14 Tomi Horvat
15 Luke McNally
16 Rob Dickie
17 Mark Sykes
18 Emil Riis
19 George Tanner
20 Sam Bell
21 Neto Borges
23 Radek Vitek
24 Seb Naylor
28 Adam Murphy
30 Sinclair Armstrong
32 Lewis Thomas
33 Josh Campbell-Slowey
38 Noah Eile
40 Sam Morsy
44 George Earthy
Referee: Will Finnie
Assistant Referee 1: George Byrne
Assistant Referee 2: Nick Greenhalgh
Fourth Official: Declan Bourne
STAFF LIST
Honorary Club President - Alan Curtis MBE
Directors
Andy Coleman, Brett Cravatt, Jason Cohen, George Popstefanov, Chris Sznewajs, Tyler Morse, Nigel Morris, Todd Marcelle, Keith English, Martin Morgan, Paul Meller.
Chief Executive Officer: Tom Gorringe
Associate Directors: Diane Hughes
Minority Owners: Luka Modrić, Snoop Dogg, Martha Stewart
FIRST-TEAM STAFF
Head Coach - Vitor Matos
Assistant Head Coach - Ryan Maye
Head of Goalkeeping – Martyn Margetson
First Team Coach - Kris O'Leary
Head of Medical - Dr Jez McCluskey
Staff: Leon Britton, Joe Allen, Toze Mendes, Goncalo Ricca, Diogo Mendeiros, Ailsa Jones, Matt Murray, Thomas Gittoes, Michael Eames, Shaun Baggridge, Adam Mahoney, Patrick Orme, Lewis Binns, Chris Watkins, Jack Oliver, Harri Mathias, James Cole.
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Chief Executive Officer: Tom Gorringe
Head of Operations and Facilities: Andrew Davies
Head of Football Operations and Administration: Ben Greenwood
Head of Commercial: George Alston
Head of Media and Communications: Andrew Gwilym
Head of Safeguarding: Rebeca Storer
HR Manager: Nicola Butt
Head of Facilities: Gordon David
Head of Supporter Services: Hayley Ford
Head of IT: Jonathan Jones
Head of Swansea City AFC Foundation: Paul France
CLUB STAFF
Football Operations & Administration Manager: Rebecca Gigg
Head of Partnerships: Lee Merrells
Head of Hospitality: Catherine Thomas
Head of Ticketing: Mari Tucker
Grounds Manager: Evan Davies
Club Ambassador: Lee Trundle
PROGRAMME PRODUCTION
Contributors: Andrew Gwilym, Rachael Tucker, Cerith White, Jack Otter, Sophie Davis, Mackenzie Squires, Sammy Wynne, Hayley Ford, Owen Morgan, Julie Kissick, Gwyn Rees, James Dow.
Designers: Callum Rothwell, Jac Elsey.