Welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for a fixture that needs no introduction.

This is without doubt one of the most important matches of our season, and I can assure you that everyone here is focused on delivering for you, our supporters.

This past week saw the club host its second fans’ forum of the season and it was another great opportunity to meet and chat with so many passionate members of the Jack Army.

Despite the evening throwing up some challenging moments, it only solidified my passion and drive to make sure this club progresses in the direction we all want.

Earlier in the day (March 11) I offered a comprehensive update to supporters on the state of the club, my vision for the future, and some thoughts on how we will get there.

Progress has already been made in certain areas, but we still have a lot to do and we will continue to work hard, every single day, to get to where we want to be.

This season has without doubt been challenging and frustrating for us all.

We certainly aren’t where we want – or indeed expected to be – and we have nine games remaining to finish the season on a high.

And that starts today.

This fixture is one that every supporter looks out for at the beginning of every season, and I know there will be an incredible atmosphere.

Today’s game also sees a very special guest in attendance as we welcome Jason Bowen to the Swansea.com Stadium.

Jason represented both Swansea City and Cardiff City during his playing career and featured over 100 times for this club between 1990 and 1995 – helping the Swans win the Autoglass Trophy at Wembley in 1994.

Last year it was announced that Jason is sadly suffering from Motor Neurone Disease and at this game we will welcome him onto the pitch ahead of kick-off, while both sets of players will be warming up in bespoke t-shirts bearing his image to help raise money for him and his family.

Everyone here at Swansea City continues to send their love and support to Jason and his family.

I know the stadium will be rocking for this game, and you will be right behind Luke and the team and playing your part.

Enjoy the game,

Andy

Welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for our south Wales derby meeting with Cardiff City.

I have been fortunate enough to be a part of this special fixture before, and I am very excited to have the opportunity to be head coach of Swansea City on a derby day.

As a group we are well aware of what this game means to our supporters, our club and our community, and it is down to us to turn in a performance to make you all feel proud and connected to this team that represents you.

When we have that connection it is an incredibly powerful thing, and I experienced it first hand during that previous derby I mentioned earlier.

That game here during the 2021-22 season was an unbelievable occasion, and my clearest memory of it came when Jake Bidwell scored our third goal.

It was a brilliantly-worked goal, and I turned around in the technical area and started shouting ‘Come on’, I am sure I must have looked quite a picture letting out all that emotion.

But, as I looked into the crowd behind the dug-out there was a fan stood there and he was doing exactly the same thing and our eyes just locked in the joy of the moment.

Those are the feelings we want you to have and to share with you, those are the connections we all want and I hope we can make sure we have moments like that in this game.

To do that, we know we will need to improve on areas of our performance against Bristol City.

We had control of much of that game with the ball, but we know we need to make more of that possession and post a greater threat in the final third.

We have shown we are capable of doing that in a number of recent games, and it’s important we show the energy, intensity and aggression required to play the way we want to play.

I also want to take a moment to thank those of you who attended the club’s fans’ forum earlier this week.

It was great to get the opportunity to speak to a number of you before, during and after the event.

A number of you spoke about the importance of this game and what it means to you, and we are fully aware of the responsibility we carry as a group.

We also welcome Jason Bowen and his family to the Swansea.com Stadium for this game.

Jason represented our club and Cardiff with great distinction as a player, and he has shown tremendous dignity in how he has sought to raise awareness following his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease.

Both clubs are raising money for Jason and his family, and I know he will get a tremendous reception ahead of kick-off.

Enjoy the game,

Luke

Well, what a week this has been so far for us all at our club.

Following a few encouraging performances away from home and our home win over Blackburn, there was a feeling of optimism heading into our game against Bristol City and this south Wales derby.

A disappointing second-half performance at Ashton Gate was not what we were looking for as we ready ourselves for a game all supporters look for as soon as the fixtures are released; the visit of our rivals from up the M4.

Being a Jack myself for 60 years, I have attended every one of these home derby games. Having lived in Cardiff (due to work commitments) for more or less 24 years, no game is more important to me than this one.

I’ve also discovered that there are a fair scattering of Jacks in and around Cardiff, and this really is a massive game.

We have a head coach in Luke Williams who has previously experienced and appreciates the importance of the performance and result in the derby. I am sure that he will have spent some time this week calling on our experienced players like Joe Allen, Ben Cabango, Kyle Naughton, Jay Fulton, and captain Matt Grimes to try and impress on the younger players the magnitude of these matches and the expectations of our supporters on days like these.

It was an interesting Fans’ Forum at the stadium on Monday evening, which was a passionate affair.

This is no bad thing as it just serves to underline how deeply people care about this club, and we as a Trust were pleased the club listened to our request to hold this open event. Not many clubs do these fan engagement events nowadays - especially when not having the best of seasons.

The thing that I would attempt to impress on our supporters who want an input into the running of our club is to seriously consider becoming a Swansea City Supporters’ Trust Member, and then go that one step further if you feel you have the time and experience to make a difference by putting yourself forward for election as a Trust Board Member in the summer. 

I made this decision over two years ago when I wanted to put something back into my club. I can say with all honesty that it has been a fabulous experience to be voluntarily working with such a dedicated and like-minded group of people. You can find out more about our annual Trust Board elections by visiting our website HERE.

Following our supporters survey last year and it’s subsequent findings the Trust has been busy liaising with the club in an attempt to improve the matchday experience, and a new working group made up of supporters, club employees and Trust board members has now been established to help take this project forward. 

I can report that for this game there will be a few changes implemented which I am certain will encourage the Jack Army to really get behind the team from the very start and increase the atmosphere immensely. 

Two of our most popular songs ‘Daydream Believer’ and ‘Take Me to The Vetch Field’ will be blasted out before kick-off, and I have no doubt our supporters will not need much encouragement to join in.

That’s all from me, other than COYS!

Howell Williams

Jason Bowen played in a number of south Wales derbies as a player, representing the white and black and blue sides of the Swansea City v Cardiff City rivalry, but walking out at the Swansea.com Stadium on Saturday will be a particularly special and emotional moment.

Bowen and his family will be in attendance for the latest edition of the 112-year rivalry between the Swans and the Bluebirds as he seeks to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) following his diagnosis with the illness, which currently has no cure, and to raise valuable funds to help with his ongoing care and treatment.

The two teams will warm-up in t-shirts bearing Bowen’s image and advice on how supporters can donate to help him and his family, while there will also be a bucket collection in the club shop.

Swansea City’s Former Players’ Association also plan to make a donation to the Bowen family, while the club will also auction off an item of memorabilia to raise further funds later in the season.

The former winger played for the Swans between 1990 and 1995, making over 100 appearances and helping Frank Burrows’ side secure Autoglass Trophy glory against Huddersfield Town at Wembley in April 1994.

He also spent five years in Cardiff colours, suffering a relegation before two promotions saw him help the Ninian Park side climb to the second tier.

In addition, he featured for each club against the other on derby day, and knows all too well how the players will be feeling while he is greeting the crowd.

“It will be a nice moment for my family and I, it will be special, and I am sure a bit emotional,” said Bowen.

“The Swans have had me down there before and treated me and my family really well on a matchday.

“Cardiff City have been good as well with bucket collections for me, Newport have been fantastic and released a kit with MND on the shirt.

“I have had a lot of support from people like Andy Legg, Scott Young, Steven Jenkins, Martyn Margetson, who is with the Swans now, and many more.

“We have had a golf day and black-tie dinner, there is a group of people who try and get some events organised all the time.

“My former clubs and teammates have been brilliant, and to be able to go out on the pitch with both sets of fans and hopefully get a good reception on Saturday will be great.

“I don’t remember too many specifics about the derbies I played in, but they were real fierce occasions back then, and they were very tough games to play in.

“We played at The Vetch and Ninian Park, they were small, tight grounds with the crowd right on top of you, you could hear everything that was said!

“You’d get the big build-up throughout the week, and it is a game you never want to lose. You want the bragging rights.

“Hopefully it will be a good game, and it will help because we just need to raise awareness on MND, all of these events like the matchday Saturday will be really positive for raising awareness and hopefully there will be a cure in the future.

“I just have to keep positive and you never know what could happen, if it doesn’t help me hopefully it does help someone else in the future.”

Former Wales international Bowen, who also played for Birmingham City, Southampton, Reading and Llanelli during his playing career before hanging up his boots in 2013, was first diagnosed with MND three years ago.

He had initially wanted to keep his condition private, but the financial demands of the care and assistance he and his family would need meant he felt there was little option other than to tell friends and former colleagues.

Bowen had been working in the rail industry at the time he was diagnosed, but admits he had little indication of any serious issues when he went to see his doctor after feeling weakness in his left arm.

“I was in work and had done a bit of work on the railway, which is heavy lifting, we had a break in a contract and I had a bit of weakness in my left hand and my muscles were twitching down my left arm,” he recalls.

“My wife Hayley said to go to the doctor and find out what was wrong, she had done research on the internet and thought it was carpal tunnel syndrome.

“I went to the doctor, who checked me over, I went for a brain scan and blood tests, and he sent me for an electromyography (EMG) which probes the muscles and their response.

“My blood tests and brain scan came back fine, but the EMG picked it up, and within six weeks I was diagnosed.

“It was a shock, I was called in and the doctor didn’t want anyone to be with me. He sat me down and said I had Motor Neurone Disease and I was stunned, mainly because I had to tell my wife, whose mother had died from it as well.

“To go back home from the doctors and tell her that I have the exact same disease that her mother had was a shock to the system for her. Telling the kids was also difficult but they can see how I am, and that I’m keeping myself healthy and focused, I’m still laughing and joking with the family and still doing what I am able to do.

“It was a shock for my mum and dad as well, my brother and everyone surrounding us, they never thought that it would come to this, but you just have to stay as positive as you can.

“Mentally I am good, come April it will be three years since I was diagnosed, and it's been slow progressing since then.

“I have lost the use of my left hand and arm, but other than that I am not too bad, I have a little weakness in my right hand but treatment is going well.

“I am trying to keep as fit as I possibly can, so I’m having physio twice a week just to maintain my muscle health to stay as strong as I can for as long as I can.

“I am doing hydrotherapy once a week too, so I’m just trying to maintain strength and fitness.

“That routine does help. It is sort of like being back in training again. It helps me mentally as well as physically, because I have a plan in place and it just keeps me busy and keeps me focused on things.”

Bowen has also been receiving a course of the drug Proleukin – a low dose form of Interleukin-2 - which clinical trials have shown can slow and reduce the progressions of Motor Neurone Disease.

The results of a trial of the drug were positive and provided hope for those living with the condition, bit it is not available on the NHS and the release of further information from that trial has proved frustratingly slow for patients and their families.

And Bowen acknowledges the cost of the treatment, in addition to the physio and hydrotherapy he regularly undergoes, has been a real challenge for him and his family.

“The physio I do twice a week costs £60 an hour. Thankfully in St Joseph’s Hospital in Malpas, where I take part in the hydrotherapy, they don’t charge me,” he said.

“I have started treatment on a new drug which we found out about called Interleukin-2.

“You can’t get it on the National Health Service, the drug is out there and people cannot get hold of it unless you pay for it.

“The cost is coming in at about £1,500 every three months, while I also take different supplements every day to try and keep me healthy at all costs.

“The drug has been around for a while, it's been trialled with a few groups.

“People who have used it have seen an improvement when they are on it. All of the work has been done on it, and hopefully it can become more widely available because it could really help a lot of people.”

Bowen hopes his efforts to raise funds and awareness can also provide support for those impacted by MND, and believes the profile of the derby being broadcast live on Sky can be valuable in that cause.

“It’s definitely important to raise the awareness,” he said.

“And hopefully this game being on Sky, as you say, and being a big game can help spread that message.

“My family and I have been fortunate to have great support from so many people in football, and it will mean a lot to us to be there on Saturday.”

Wayne Routledge spent over a decade at Swansea City between 2011 and 2022, and was part of the side who secured the club’s first major honour with victory over Bradford City in the League Cup in 2013.

A Crystal Palace academy graduate, the winger made 110 league appearances for the Eagles, scoring on his first start in a 4-2 win against West Brom in 2002.

Routledge went on to make a move to Premier League Tottenham, however he only made five appearances over three years at the club, primarily spending most of his time out on loan at Fulham and Portsmouth.

The Englishman then had stints with Aston Villa, Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle United and Cardiff City, making made nine appearances for the Bluebirds during a loan spell, scoring two goals.

Routledge signed for the Swans after his contract ran out at Newcastle, and he would spend the remainder of his career in SA1, making over 300 appearances in all competitions and playing his finest football.

He was one of Swansea’s key players during their seven years in the Premier League, with one of his most memorable goals coming during the 2013-14 season when he opened the scoring in a 3-0 south Wales derby win when he latched onto the end of a Pablo Hernandez pass and calmly slotted the ball past David Marshall.  

He helped the Swans reach the 2021 play-off final, but a serious knee injury picked up in the second leg of the semi-final against Barnsley would sadly signal the end of his playing career.

First-half goals from Joe Allen and Jamie Paterson saw Swansea City complete a first-ever league double over Blackburn Rovers with victory at the Swansea.com Stadium.

Luke Williams’ side had by far the better of the opening half, and deservedly led after Allen netted his second goal of the season from close range early on, before Paterson fired home his seventh this term after fine pressing work in midfield.

Swansea City: Carl Rushworth, Ben Cabango, Joe Allen (Jay Fulton 65), Matt Grimes (captain), Jamie Paterson (Jamal Lowe 71), Josh Tymon, Przemyslaw Placheta (Jerry Yates 65), Liam Cullen (Charlie Patino 82), Nathan Wood, Kyle Naughton, Ronald (Ollie Cooper 82).

Unused Substitutes: Andy Fisher, Josh Key, Harry Darling, Bashir Humphreys.

Blackburn Rovers: Aynsley Pears, Callum Brittain. Harry Pickering (Ben Chrisene 66), Dominic Hyam (captain), Sammie Szmodics, Sam Gallagher, Tyrhys Dolan (Dilan Markanday 66), Scott Wharton, John Buckley (Zak Gilsenan 94), Andy Moran (Yasin Ayari 46), Kyle McFadzean (Arnor Sigurdsson 46).

Unused Substitutes: Leo Wahlstedt, Connor O'Riordan, Jake Garrett, Billy Koumetio.

Referee: Rebecca Welch

Attendance: 15,36

Swansea City extended their unbeaten run in the Championship to three as they played out a draw with Watford at Vicarage Road.

A Ryan Andrews own goal gave the Swans the lead their first-half performance deserved, and they could have had a greater advantage with Ronald and Ben Cabango drawing good stops from Daniel Bachman.

Watford: Daniel Bachmann, Wesley Hoedt (captain), Ryan Porteous, Jamal Lewis, Jake Livermore (Ismael Kone 46’), Ken Sema (Gorgi Chakvetadze 43’), Yaser Asprilla, Vakoun Bayo (Mileta Rajovic 73’), Tom Dele-Bashiru, Emmanuel Dennis, Ryan Andrews.

Unused substitutes: Ben Hamer, Francisco Sierralta, Tom Ince, Mattie Pollock, Matheus Martins, Edo Kayembe.

Swansea City: Carl Rushworth, Jay Fulton (Joe Allen 69’), Ben Cabango, Harry Darling (Kyle Naughton 69’), Matt Grimes (captain), Jerry Yates (Jamal Lowe 60’), Jamie Paterson (Liam Cullen 60’), Josh Tymon, Przemyslaw Placheta, Nathan Wood, Ronald (Charlie Patino 81').

Unused substitutes: Andy Fisher, Josh Key, Ollie Cooper, Azeem Abdulai.

Referee: Tom Nield

Attendance: 16,440

Swansea City suffered defeat at Ashton Gate after a second-half Rob Dickie goal proved the difference.

The Swans had the better of the first half, dominating in terms of possession and chances created, but weren’t able to make the most of their opportunities.

Bristol City: Max O’Leary, Ross McCrorie, Cameron Pring (Haydon Roberts 60’), Joe Williams, Harry Cornick (Mark Sykes 56’), Anis Mehmeti, Jason Knight (captain), Tommy Conway (Nakhi Wells 82’) Rob Dickie, Taylor Gardner-Hickman (Andy King 82’), Zak Vyner.

Unused substitutes: Stefan Bajic, Scott Twine, Jamie Knight-Lebel, Dire Mebude.

Swansea City: Carl Rushworth, Ben Cabango, Joe Allen (Jay Fulton 82’), Matt Grimes (captain), Jamie Paterson (Ollie Cooper 78’), Josh Tymon, Przemysław Płacheta, Liam Cullen (Jamal Lowe 68’), Nathan Wood, Kyle Naughton (Josh Key 78’), Ronald (Jerry Yates 82’).

Unused substitutes: Andy Fisher, Harry Darling, Charlie Patino, Azeem Abdulai.

Referee: Matthew Donohue

Attendance: 20,995

Swansea City AFC Foundation distributed free books to local schools and invited them to a special day at the Swansea.com Stadium to mark World Book Day, and the work of the Premier League Primary Stars education programme.

St David’s Catholic Primary School and Mary Immaculate Catholic Primary School joined the Foundation to celebrate World Book Day with a workshop from author David Brayley, a visit from Swansea City academy players, and a stadium tour.

Rohan Davies, Sam Seager and Osian Williams from the under-18s' squad provided insight into the books they like to read, and about healthy living, by taking part in a question and answer session with the children.

Since Premier League Primary Stars began in 2017, more than 300,000 free books with an estimated value of £2.4million have been gifted to young people, thanks to the initiative's partnership with the National Literacy Trust. 

The Swans Foundation is one of 100 professional football club community organisations across England and Wales to give away the free books to local primary schools, with 2024 alone seeing 50,000 books provided across the scheme.

World Book Day promotes reading for pleasure, offering every child and young person the opportunity to have a book of their own as, according to National Literacy Trust research, children who own their own books are much more likely to enjoy reading, read daily and read to relax.

“To celebrate World Book Day in this way, inviting some of our partner schools to the stadium, has been brilliant,” said Ceri Phillips, education manager at Swansea City AFC Foundation.

“The students were really interested in David Brayley’s workshop as a professional in the field of books, and then for the academy boys to surprise the children added real excitement to the day.

“It’s so important for us to promote reading for pleasure because the children can learn so many skills from just one book.

“When we got the books out for the children to choose from, the excitement was huge. To see that and to be able to give them the opportunity to take a free book home with them is great, so I’d like to thank the Premier League and National Literacy Trust for helping us with that.”

The day of reckoning has arrived.  This is the fixture where form goes out of the window and the fans who find their voice most loudly and consistently become the 12th man, rallying their players on the pitch and making sure the atmosphere off it is everything anyone expects of a derby.

Sky Sports has chosen the fixture for their lunchtime kick-off, which offers the added advantage of a wider audience watching and scrutinising what for fans is the biggest 90 minutes of the season so far.

It’s the fixture everyone watches out for, discusses, and wants their side to win. I’ve never bought into the mentality of questioning whether the players realise the importance of the game. It is a discussion that fills forum threads and questioning whether they’re ‘up for it’ is par for the course in these days when opinion regularly passes for fact and ‘scrutiny’ rarely does more than skim the surface.

Of course, they know the significance of the match where the closest sides geographically get to battle it out for bragging rights. It is the most competitive game of the season most seasons and it turns players into heroes, or villains, at times.

I’m mature (not old) enough to remember when Alan Curtis defected, temporarily, to play for the boys in blue.  The baptism of fire that was his first derby saw him booed by both sets of fans. They were crazy days, but even the living legend couldn’t bypass the strength of feeling generated by the derby.

"I remember Frank Burrows saying I had the experience to handle the pressure of playing for Cardiff against Swansea. It didn't feel like that to me at the time,” Curt told the Swans website ahead of a previous derby encounter.

"It's not the best of feelings being booed by any supporters, but getting booed by both sets was quite unique to say the least.

"It just shows the rivalry between the clubs and cities. Cardiff fans weren't too keen on me playing for their club at the time, and Swansea fans didn't want an ex-player of theirs turning out for their rivals.

"People can say it was split loyalties, but playing for Cardiff was just about doing my job - playing for Swansea was my passion and love.”

And that’s the point, your team, your passion, your emotional connection, but ramped up considerably because every fan wants to win every game of football against their closest rivals.

I’ve referenced before the pleasure or pain experienced post-derby, because as someone who works in Cardiff, with a lot of Bluebirds fans, a loss is never pleasant.

Yet, in the context of the season so far, this is a game we need to win because three points at this stage matters to us a great deal. Cardiff have the mid-table cushion around them but, for us, 15th place in the Championship is not where we want to be.

Bragging rights are all well and good, but we want to be as far away from a relegation battle as we can be, come May.

That, and a win today would be a fitting send-off for our much-loved super-fan Chris Brown, who will be missed at every game, but especially today.

Mae hi wedi bod yn dymor anodd iawn i dîm pêl-droed Abertawe, a chododd tensiynau nos Lun pan gyfarfu cefnogwyr â rhai o ffigyrau allweddol y clwb. Cafodd y cadeirydd Andy Coleman a'r cyfarwyddwr chwaraeon Paul Watson eu holi gan gefnogwyr am ystod o bynciau yn ymwneud â'r clwb, ac mae'n deg dweud bod y cefnogwyr wedi achub ar eu cyfle i godi rhai problemau. 

Ar ôl casglu saith pwynt o’r naw oedd ar gynnig yn erbyn Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers a Watford, fe gynhyrchodd yr Elyrch arddangosfa fflat a chawsant eu curo 1-0 gan Bristol City yn Ashton Gate ddydd Sul. 

Roedd hi'n golled sy'n gadael Abertawe bum pwynt yn unig uwchlaw parth diarddel y Bencampwriaeth wrth fynd i'r gêm fawr gyda'u gwrthwynebwyr, Caerdydd, ddydd Sadwrn. 

Mae tîm Erol Bulut wedi ennill pedair gêm yn olynol cyn y gêm yn Abertawe ac wedi sicrhau buddugoliaeth o 2-0 dros ddynion Michael Duff ym mis Medi - ychydig mwy na dau fis cyn i Duff gael ei ddiswyddo. 

Nos Lun fe bwysleisiodd y prif hyfforddwr Luke Williams fod ei chwaraewyr yn llwyr ddeall pwysigrwydd y gêm yn erbyn yr Adar Gleision y penwythnos yma. Ond o ystyried sut yr aeth y noson ar nos Lun, mi fydd pobl fel Coleman a Watson yn gobeithio weld arddangosfa llawer gwell nag a lwyddon nhw yn erbyn Bristol City. 

Bydd Caerdydd yn teithio i Abertawe mewn hwyliau hyderus iawn o ystyried eu gwelliant diweddar o dan y prif hyfforddwr Bulut. 

Fodd bynnag, mae Abertawe wedi bod ar eu gorau yn y gêm hon dros y tymhorau diwethaf wrth iddynt ddominyddu meddiant ac edrych i chwarae ar y droed flaen. 

Nid yna digwyddodd pan deithion nhw i Stadiwm Dinas Caerdydd ym mis Medi, ac fe gawson nhw eu curo yn y pen draw gan y gwesteiwyr diolch i goliau gan Ollie Tanner ac Aaron Ramsey.

Wrth gwrs, roedd Williams yn rhan o staff hyfforddi Russell Martin pan gurodd yr Elyrch Gaerdydd 3-0 ym mis Hydref 2021, ac mae’n gwybod yn union beth yw pwrpas y gêm hon. 

Byddwn yn disgwyl i Abertawe agosau at gêm heddiw mewn ffordd wahanol iawn i sut aeth y tîm i mewn i’r gêm ddiweddaraf rhwng y ddau dîm. 

Ac ar ôl ychydig ddyddiau caled ar y cae ac oddi arno, bydd ffigurau allweddol y clwb yn ysu i weld Abertawe yn mynd i fewn i’r egwyl ryngwladol ar nodyn uchel wrth iddynt barhau i sefydlogi cyn haf prysur arall.

Diolch!
Ian

This season marks the 30th anniversary of Swansea City’s first trip to Wembley for the Autoglass Trophy final in 1994. To mark it, our club historian Gwyn Rees takes us back through the story of that campaign and some of the key figures involved. Here, he profiles forward Jason Bowen, for whom both clubs are raising money on Saturday following his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease.

Jason Bowen is a Merthyr boy, but was surprisingly not initially picked up by nearby Cardiff City despite having won Welsh schoolboy honours as a teenager.

Instead he would sign for Swansea City as a trainee in July 1990, and went on to make his first-team debut against Exeter City in February 1991.

Though he only featured in the first team on three occasions that season, he was a regular goalscorer for the reserves and, although Terry Yorath had been manager when he joined, it was Frank Burrows who would recognise his talent and make him a regular at senior level.

He may have been short in stature, but Bowen possessed lethal pace and an ability to beat defenders with his close control in tight spaces. By the 1992-93 season was one of the first names on the teamsheet and contributed 12 goals in all competitions, including a hat-trick against Chester City.

During this time he also won the first of his five Wales Under-21 caps, although injury would rule him out of the end-of-season play-off meetings with West Bromwich Albion as the Swans failed to reach Wembley.

With the experience of a full first-team campaign behind him, Bowen continued to impress all at the Vetch Field, and when the 1993-94 season ended the player could look back with satisfaction at finishing the season as the side’s top goal scorer with 11 league goals, and a further six in other competitions.

The highlights of that season saw Bowen and his teammates take the club to Wembley for the first time, where they beat Huddersfield Town in the Autoglass Trophy final.

His performances were rewarded with the first of two senior Wales caps in a 2-1 win over Estonia, but alerted other clubs to his quality and a move to Birmingham City followed in 1995.

The move to St Andrew’s began well but, following a change of manager after two seasons he was loaned out to top-flight Southampton, where he featured in three games.

The move had looked set to be made permanent, but a fee could not be agreed and Bowen returned to Birmingham.

In December 1997 he was sold to Reading, but the switch would prove a difficult one, with Bowen one of a quartet of players to fall out with manager Tommy Burns and end up training away from the first-team set-up.

He returned to Wales and Cardiff City in January 1999, where he was reunited with former manager Burrows.

Although he suffered relegation in his second season at Ninian Park, two more promotions followed that saw the Bluebirds climb into the second tier.

Following the arrival at the club of Sam Hammam, Jason was allowed to leave Cardiff, joining Newport County in July 2004, where he continued featuring regularly on the scoresheet and also having a spell with Llanelli.

Bowen and his family announced in February 2023 that he had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and he has sought to raise awareness of the illness, which currently has no cure, whilst raising money to assist with his treatment and care.

Ahead of this edition of the south Wales derby the two teams will warm-up in to-shirts bearing images of Jason and guidance on how supporters can donate should they wish to.

Having featured with distinction for both club, he is sure to get a great reception when he appears on the pitch before kick-off.

The clock had just clicked onto the hour mark with the Swans leading 2-0 against Blackburn.

The scoreline may have suggested the home side were on their way to a comfortable victory. However, everyone inside the Swansea.com Stadium knew a Blackburn goal could change everything.

And it looked for all the world that one was about to arrive as Sam Gallagher chested the ball perfectly into his own path inside the Swans’ penalty area. The goal appeared to be at his mercy.

As the big front man drew back his foot to shoot, seemingly out of nowhere, Kyle Naughton snaked out a boot to whisk the ball away to safety a split-second before Gallagher pulled the trigger.

If you wanted a dictionary definition of a perfectly-executed, last-ditch, goal-saving tackle, this was it.

As a former centre-half, I know it was the type of challenge defenders want to celebrate like a goal.

Unfortunately, I was a local park league clogger of very little talent, who never made the kind of surgically precise intervention carried out by the 35-year-old.

If I had, I would have been off around the pitch with my shirt over my head, ala Fabrizio Ravanelli!

No such extravagant celebrations from Kyle. Typically, he just slotted back into position and got on with the job of repelling the next threat like the model professional he is.

Whisky, wine, cheese and Kyle Naughton – perfect examples of things that age extremely well.

I have to admit, when Kyle first joined the club in 2015 I never dreamed he would still be here nine years later – let alone performing at the level he still achieves.

Having started his career at Sheffield United, where he joined the club’s academy as a seven-year-old, Kyle moved to Spurs where he made 74 appearances.

The England Under-21 international also had loan spells at Middlesbrough, Leicester City and Norwich City while at White Hart Lane.

When he signed from Spurs, to my shame I assumed, like so many modern-day players, he would probably see out his contract and then move on to another club.

How wrong could I be? With more than 300 appearances for the club to his name, Kyle is moving up the list of the Swans’ longest serving players of all time – approaching the numbers achieved by the likes of Keith Walker, Jeremy Charles and Mel Nurse.

In the old days, when players weren’t paid as handsomely as they are now, an unbroken stint of almost 10 years with a club, would soon be rewarded with a testimonial match to boost a loyal servant’s relatively meagre earnings.

Although these occasions are rarer now, thanks to the increase in wages and players seldom staying for 10 years at one club, Naughton is just the type of club stalwart who would have been honoured with a testimonial in the past.

Despite signing originally as a right-back, Kyle has reinvented himself almost as many times as those renowned pop music chameleons Madonna and Sir Elton John during his time here. Popping up across the back four and even further up the pitch.

I really wouldn’t be surprised that, if called upon in an emergency, he would make a decent fist of playing between the sticks. I’d imagine he would pull on the gloves without complaint and get on with the job in his usual calm, no-nonsense style.

I love to see players like Kyle, with no previous connection with the Swans - or the locality - coming here and making the area their long-term home.

Other signings like Leon Britton, Angel Rangel, Nathan Dyer and the previously much-travelled Wayne Routledge also spring to mind.

I get just as much pleasure seeing the likes of Routledge, who’d had eight clubs before the Swans, settle here long-term as I do from seeing homegrown players cementing their places in the first team.

Talking of homegrown talent and players who retain their quality with age, I feel I have to take a moment to comment on Joe Allen’s return to the first team starting line-up recently.

I know injuries have meant things haven’t gone quite how Joe would have liked since returning to the club he joined as a fresh-faced schoolboy from Narberth.

But we have seen glimpses of what might have been had the 33-year-old been injury free during his second spell at the club.

It was wonderful to see him find the net against Blackburn and celebrate with the same kind of enthusiasm he showed as a youngster first emerging in the Swans team back in the mid to late 2000s.

How could I let this occasion in particular pass without recalling the look of pure elation on his face after hitting the back of the Bluebirds’ net at Ninian Park in 2009?

Joe went on to prove he is a player who has just about everything in his impressive armoury.

The midfielder was an invaluable cog in the team which secured promotion to the Premier League, and shocked all and sundry with their performances during that debut season in the renamed top-flight.

His insatiable appetite and bravery to receive the ball in tight spaces deep inside his own half, and use it intelligently to initiate Swansea attacks, showed the immaculate technical skill he boasts.

But, of course, there is also that burning competitive instinct and steely physical side to his game, which also stood him apart from many in domestic football and, of course, at the highest level of the international game with Wales.

Again, this derby clash is a fitting occasion to recall an example of this side of his game. I’m sure Michael Chopra will attest to Joe’s competitive nature and refusal to back down from a challenge.

We saw last season that Joe’s fiery side shows no sign of being dampened down with age. Preston’s manager Ryan Lowe would surely confirm that.

Naughton and Allen may well be starting to sip at the last of the summer wine in terms of their careers, but I’m sure they’ll inflict a few more footballing hangovers on their opponents with some vintage performances to come.

C’mon you Swans.

Swansea City Under 21s kept their unbeaten home run intact but were denied a south Wales derby victory by a late Cardiff City equaliser at Landore.

Goals from Mitchell Bates and Joe Thomas saw the Swans take the lead twice in the Professional Development League clash, but Cian Ashford scored the first Cardiff leveller before a late goal from Romayne Sawyers saw the Bluebirds snatch a draw late on.

It means Swansea are unbeaten in 17 league games on home turf, but the hosts would have been disappointed not to have taken all three points after being so close to a derby win.

There were several changes to the Swans line-up, with first-team players Harrison Ashby, Azeem Abdulai and Charles Sagoe Jr all picking up minutes, while goalkeeper Evan Watts returned after three months out with a knee injury.

The first chance fell to the Swans within the first five minutes when Maliq Cadogan ran onto a through ball and beat a defender, only to strike his shot at Matt Turner in the Cardiff goal.

The Swanscontinued their bright start with a chance falling to Cameron Congreve, but his low drilled shot was also held by Turner.

The Bluebirds first chance of the game arrived a few minutes later when some good link up play in the box resulted in Cody Twose getting away a strike that drifted wide of the post.

But it was the hosts who broke the deadlock just before the half-hour mark when an Ashby cross was headed in by Bates at the far post.

The Bluebirds had a fantastic chance to level five minutes before half-time when a Callum Robinson header from a corner was cleared off the line by Joel Cotterill.

But they did find the net prior to the interval when Ashford beat the offside trap and slotted the ball past Watts.

However, the Swans responded and took the lead for the second time early in the second half; Thomas’ powerful header rifled past Taylor from a Cotterill corner.

The Swans were dominating possession, and a chance fell to Sagoe Jr whose deflected shot span over the bar for a corner.

The Bluebirds were finding it difficult to contain the Swans midfield with Congreve playing Sammy Henia-Kamau through on goal, but Turner was alert and was off his line quickly to clear the ball.

The Bluebirds first chance of the half fell to Ashford, who received the ball on the edge of a box following a corner but his curling effort went wide of the post.

Congreve then played Ben Lloyd in down the wing for the Swans. The midfielder put in an excellent low ball, but it was well defended by Freddie Cook with white shirts waiting.

Minutes later the Bluebirds had a fantastic chance to equalise when Finlay Johnson met a cross at the back post but struck his effort against the side of the post.

However, the Bluebirds managed to equalise two minutes into added time through Sawyers who saw his low volley beat Watts.

Swansea City Under-21s: Evan Watts, Harrison Ashby (Charles Sagoe Jr 45), Seb Dabrowski, Joel Cotterill, Kian Jenkins, Joe Thomas (Charlie Veevers 79), Azeem Abdulai (Sammy Henia-Kamau 64), Ben Lloyd, Maliq Cadogan, Mitchell Bates, Cameron Congreve (Glory Nzingo).

Unused substitutes: Remy Mitchell.

Cardiff City Under-21s: Matt Turner, Jai Semenyo, Luey Giles, Joel Colwill, Dylan Lawlor (captain), Freddie Cook (Joe Edwards 82), Romaine Sawyers, Cody Twose (Morgan Wigley 66), Callum Robinson (Finlay Johnson 66), Troy Perrett, Cian Ashford.

Unused substitutes: Dakarai Mafico, Joe Thomas.

Name
Ben Hughes

DOB
15/11/2003 

Position
Goalkeeper

Left Footed / Right Footed
Right

Nationality (according to UEFA)
Welsh

Signed for the Swans
2021

Previous clubs
Chippenham Town, Mumbles Rangers, Pontardawe.

What is your best memory in a Swansea shirt?
My under-21s' debut against Charlton, we won 3-2 and I saved a last- minute shot! 

What is your favourite thing about Swansea?
The people, it's my home! It’s where I grew up.

Who is your football idol? Manuel Neuer.

What is your favourite film?
Any Harry Potter film. 

Who is your favourite music artist?
Post Malone.

What is your cheat meal?
Domino's.

What subject were you best at in school?
P.E.

Football bucket list
Win trophies, maybe a golden glove!.

A stadium you’d love to visit (as player or fan)
Old Trafford.

Your first football memory
Playing for Mumbles at the age of seven.

First football shirt you owned
It was a Swans one! The black and red kit away kit from the 2014-15 season.

Other football position you played
I was a centre-back up until the age of 13.

Any other sports
I used to play Badminton and squash quite a bit!

Preferred shirt number
15

Your room-mate for away games
Normally any other goalkeeper.

Favourite computer game
Call of Duty.

Who is the most famous person you’ve met?
Tim Krul.

A fantastic second-half performance saw Swansea City Under-18s defeat 10-man Watford to reach the final of the Professional Development League Cup.

Thomas Woodward and Jacob Cook were on the scoresheet for the hosts at Landore as they progressed to the showpiece for the first time.

The win made it five victories in a row for the development side, and it was thoroughly deserved following a dominant showing after the break.

The Swans had seen Kit Margetson and captain Jack Fanning return from injury, but it had been the visitors who settled quickest.

Indeed, the Hornets wasted several chances to open the scoring, with Zavier Massiah-Edwards seeing a shot cleared away by Iestyn Jones before Jonathan Lawson turned an effort wide from a Michael Adu-Poku cross.

The Swans responded, Sammy Henia-Kamau worked room to get a shot away, but it was straight into the gloves of Gabriel Ortelli.

Swansea’s first sight of goal fell to Henia-Kamau who did well to turn his man and get his shot away, but his effort was straight at Ortelli.

Another chance fell to Lawson five minutes later, but the Watford man once again put his shot from close range wide of the mark.  

The Hornets continued their strong start to the game, with the next opportunity falling to Amin Nabizada, who took down a fantastic ball from Alfie King but saw his deflected strike roll out for a corner.

Massiah-Edwards was the next to have an effort at goal when he cut inside on his right foot and released a curling shot that flew over the bar.

But Swansea began to grow into the game, with Ortelli getting down well to deny Henia-Kamau from Cameron Llewellyn’s excellent delivery.

Llewellyn was soon at it again, with Aimar Govea unable to turn in his low cross to the far post.

The game remained goalless at the break, but the chances kept coming with Margetson making a fine save to deny Adu-Poku.

But it was the Swans who took the lead 10 minutes into the second half after a glorious solo run from Yori Griffith saw the midfielder drive into the box, where he squared the ball for Woodward to slot the ball past Ortelli.

The Swans doubled their lead five minutes later when Cook won the ball high up the pitch and unleashed a powerful driven effort into the bottom corner, leaving Ortelli with no chance to react.

Watford’s task then got even tougher when they were reduced to 10 men after Amar Sanghraijka was dismissed following a late challenge on Woodward.

The Swans had a great chance to add a third when Caio Ifans played a long ball to find Woodward in space, but his shot was held by Ortelli.

However, it did not matter in the final analysis as the Swans advanced to the final

Swansea City Under-18s: Kit Margetson, Tom Searle, Caio Ifans (Jack Cooper 85), Jacob Cook, Iestyn Jones, Jack Fanning (captain), Cameron Llewellyn, Yori Griffith, Sammy Henia-Kamau (Harlan Perry 70), Tom Woodward (Ramon Rees-Siso 85), Aimar Govea (Josh Pescatore 92).

Unused substitutes: Ewan Griffiths.

Watford Under-18s: Gabriel Ortelli, Charlie Bolding, Alfie King (Josh Sala 79), Leo Ramirez-Espain, Josh Mullins (captain), Victor Wachowicz, Michael Adu-Poku (Kristian Shevchenko 62), Prince Sikiru (Amar Sanghrajka 65), Jonathan Lawson, Amin Nabizada (Ollie Stephenson 79), Zavier Massiah-Edwards.

Unused substitutes: Sam Morris.

Katy Hosford’s double helped ensure Swansea City Women made the perfect start to phase two of the Genero Adran Premier as they beat Wrexham at Llandarcy.

Steph Turner had put the Swans ahead after nine minutes, heading home a cross from Hosford for her first goal of the season.

But it wouldn’t take the visitors long to respond as Amber Lightfoot found the bottom corner from close range just a minute later.

However, the Swans would be back in front before the break after a superb solo run from Hosford ended with the skipper firing into the roof of the net to make it 2-1.

Hosford would add her second in the after the interval, heading home from close range to extend the Swansea lead.

Carra Jones pulled one back late on for Wrexham with a low strike, but it wouldn’t be enough to prevent Swansea taking all three points.

The Swans had been in a fine run of league form prior to the break between phases, and they started on the front foot with Sammy Wynne sending Stacey John-Davis down the line, with Hosford unable to control the forward’s final cross.

But, just three minutes later the Swans would be ahead, Hosford found Turner in the box and she headed home her first goal of the season.

It wouldn’t take Wrexham long to respond, though, Rosie Hughes broke into space a minute later and set up Lightfoot to tuck the ball away.

The Swans responded strongly and continued to have control of possession, although Wrexham proved to be a threat on the counter.

Jess Williams’ free-kick delivery from deep found Emily Thomas in the box, but the forward’s headed effort flew over the bar.

But Hosford would make no mistake when she put the Swans back in front before the break, a brilliant dribble into the box creating the room for her to power a shot high into the net.

The Swans were dealt a setback early in the second half when John-Davis was forced off the field following a poor challenge from Phoebe Davies that only resulted in a yellow card for the Wrexham player.

But they were able to add to their tally through Hosford’s second goal of the game, as she headed home a great ball from Ellie Lake for her 18th strike of the season.

Substitute Monet Legall almost made it four soon after being introduced, linking up with Pinder before hitting a lofted effort that was well dealt with by the keeper.

Kelsey Thomas also came agonisingly close to a goal late when a low ball from Emily Thomas picked her out in the box, but her low effort went just the wrong side of the post.

Jones would pull one back for the visitors deep into added time, sending a low effort into the net from the edge of the area.

But it wouldn’t be enough to steal any points from the Swans as they held on for a first win of phase two.

Swansea City Women: Chelsea Herbert, Steph Turner, Ellie Lake, Rachel Cullen, Robyn Pinder, Katy Hosford (captain), Stacey John-Davis (Monet Legall 56), Sammy Wynne (Kelsey Thomas 81), Sophie Brisland-Hancocks, Emily Thomas, Jess Williams.

Unused subs: Lucy Finch, Imogen Harris, Jazz Guymer.

Wrexham Women: Delyth Morgan, Phoebe Davies, Olivia Fuller (Erin Lovett 46), Brooke Kairns (Annie Small 75), Rebecca Pritchard (Ava Suckley 75), Rosie Hughes (Libby Mackenzie 87), Amber Lightfoot, Carra Jones, Lili Jones, Keren Allen (captain), Mari Gibbard.

Unused subs: Charlotte Bolland.

Name
Katie Lee

Do you have a nickname?
Princess

Date of birth
02/08/2005

Nationality
Welsh

What position do you play
Defensive midfielder.

Which is your preferred foot
I’m right-footed.

Which clubs did you play for before joining Swansea City
Pontardawe Town

When did you sign for the Swans?
I played between 2013 and 2017, and then rejoined at the end of 2021.

What is your best moment in a Swansea City shirt?
Becoming captain of the under-19s.

What is your favourite thing about playing for Swansea City?
I love being able to play for Swansea City, that was my dream as a little girl.

Who is your football idol?
I’ve always loved Kevin De Bruyne.

What is the first position you played in football?
I used to play centre back.

What is your first memory of football?
I remember going to watch Swansea City play at the Swansea.com Stadium with my grandparents.

What is the first football shirt you owned?
Swansea City 2006-2007 kit.

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
I always wear the same headband.

What is an interesting fact about you?
I used to be an Irish dancer.

Who is the most famous person you've met?
I met Lukasz Fabianski.

Do you play any other sports?
Yes, I play rugby in university.

What is something that is on your bucket list?
I’d love to go sky diving.

What is your favourite film?
Avatar

Who is your favourite music artist?
Drake 

What is the best TV series you've watched?
Love Island

What is the best concert you've been to?
Coldplay

What was your favourite subject in school?
I loved P.E. and Art.

Watch all of Swansea City's fans' forum as chairman Andy Coleman, sporting director Paul Watson, head coach Luke Williams and head of commercial Richard Morris answered questions from supporters at the Swansea.com Stadium.

Croeso nôl, Junior Jacks!

We hope everyone is excited about south Wales derby day.

Our prediction for today’s game is 2-0 to the Swans and we think Ben Cabango and Przemysław Płacheta will get the goals. What do you think the score will be?

We also want to say hello to all of our mascots! We hope you have a brilliant time.

This week’s quiz is about south Wales derby goalscorers. Can you name the six current Swans players who have scored in the derby?

Uppa Swans!
Cyril and Cybil

Name:
Harri

Age:
12

What was the first Swansea City game you attended?
Preston

What is your favourite memory of watching the Swans?
Winning against Cardiff City in the derby.

What do you like most about supporting Swansea City?
The players always try their best for the club and supporters.

Why did you start supporting Swansea City?
I love football and enjoy watching all the matches.

Do you play football?
Yes. I play centre midfield.

Do you play any other sports?
Yes, I also play rugby.

What is your favourite subject in school and why?
PE, because we get to play football. I love playing football and scoring goals.

Chairman - Andy Coleman
Honorary Club President - Alan Curtis MBE

Directors

Jason Levien, Andy Coleman, Nigel Morris, Brett Cravatt, Jake Silverstein, Martin Morgan, Paul Meller (supporter director), Romie Chaudhari, Bobby Hernreich, Todd Marcelle, Gareth Davies.

Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy: Ken Gude

Associate Directors: Adam Lewis.

FIRST-TEAM STAFF

Head Coach - Luke Williams

Assistant Head Coach - Ryan Harley

Assistant Head Coach – Alan Sheehan

Head of Goalkeeping – Martyn Margetson

First Team Coach Analyst - George Lawtey

First Team Coach - Kris O'Leary

Head of Medical - Dr Jez McCluskey

Staff: Ailsa Jones, Bethany Chaddock, Matt Murray, Thomas Gittoes, Michael Eames, Shaun Baggridge, Shaun Howl, Jonathan Jones, Jono Aveston, Jake Dayus, Patrick Orme, Lewis Binns, Chris Watkins.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT GROUP

Paul Watson (Sporting Director); Andrew Davies (Head of Commercial, Operations, & Facilities);
Gareth Davies (CFO).

CLUB STAFF

Club Secretary: Ben Greenwood

Football Operations &
Administration Manager: Rebecca Gigg

Head of Commercial: Richard Morris

Head of Marketing: Katie Doyle

Head of Partnerships: Lee Merrells

Head of Hospitality, Events and Fan Engagement: Catherine Thomas

Head of Retail: Andrea Morris

Ticket Office Manager: Lewis Bullen

Head of Safeguarding: Rebeca Storer

HR Manager: Nicola Butt

Head of Media & Communications:
Ben Donovan

Head of Facilities: Gordon David

Grounds Manager: Evan Davies

Disability Access Officer: Catherine Thomas

Head of Swansea City AFC Foundation: Paul France

Club Ambassador: Lee Trundle

PROGRAMME PRODUCTION

Contributors: Andrew Gwilym, Hayley Ford, Sophie Davis, Rachael Tucker, Cerith White, Jack Otter, Dom Hynes, Sammy Wynne, Fraser Dickson, Ben Donovan, Ian Mitchelmore, Julie Kissick, Owen Morgan, Gwyn Rees, James Dow.

Designers: Callum Rothwell,
Jordan Morcom, Lewis Ward
Photography: Athena Picture Agency,
Natalie John-Davis, Alamy.