Good evening and welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium as we host Portsmouth under the lights.
This fixture carries a personal significance for me as Portsmouth were the first football club I worked for, and the opportunities I had during my time at Fratton Park were key in providing me the foundations and the skills to build a career in the football industry.
I was also fortunate enough to work with Trevor Birch, who is now EFL chief executive but remains a popular figure here from his time as chairman of Swansea City. I learnt a lot from Trevor and he is someone that I have stayed in touch with throughout my career and he continues to offer me support and guidance to this day.
Our time together was during a very challenging period for the club as they entered administration for the second time in my spell there and dropped out of the Championship, and they have endured a tumultuous spell over much of the last decade.
However, the people and the club will always hold a special place for me so it is good to see them back heading in the right direction, although we hope they do not have too many reasons to cheer tonight as we look to build on the momentum of our victory over Oxford United.
But with Portsmouth as our visitors tonight, it would be remiss of me not to send the sincerest condolences of our club to the friends and family of Norman Barker.
Norman, a devoted Charlton fan who had been attending games since 1968, sadly passed away after requiring medical treatment at their game against Portsmouth on Saturday.
His tragic passing reminds us that, whatever the outcome of any fixture, our sport remains one that is about the people at its heart and the love we all have for it. Rest in Peace, Norman.
It was important for us to return to winning ways at the weekend, and I felt the energy and intensity we displayed in long periods of the game against Oxford showed the sort of team Vitor wants us to be.
It was great to see Marko open his account for the club after what has been a very challenging period for him personally following the passing of his father, and I have no doubt Josh Tymonâs spectacular volley will live long in the memory of everyone who witnessed it.
We know a lot of hard work still lies ahead and that one result does not automatically put us back on track, but Vitor has spoken of needing a starting point and we all hope the three points from Saturday can be exactly that.
It was also great to see our highest home league attendance of the season for that Oxford game, despite the inclement weather.
It is really important for us as a club to be providing the best matchday experience we can and therefore I was delighted to see so many young supporters enjoying the Christmas fan park. I hope we will see many go on to become regular attendees at the Swansea.com Stadium.
I â and Vitor - also look forward to meeting many of you and answering your questions when we hold our second fansâ forum of the season at The Swansea Jack on Monday, December 15.
There have been a number of changes at the club since we last gathered in the summer, and I appreciate it is important we are open and transparent and give you the opportunity to put your views and queries to senior figures at the club so I am looking forward to seeing many of your there on the evening.
Thank you for your continued backing and support and letâs hope for another positive performance and result this evening.
Tom Gorringe
CEO, Swansea City
Good evening all and welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for our second home game in the space of four days.
We were very pleased to get three points against Oxford on Saturday, we needed a result to break the cycle and we got a clean sheet as well, so that means we have something we can build from.
Once we managed to get control and momentum in the game, we put ourselves in better positions, were able to find the players in the middle of the pitch at the right time, and we were able to break the lines.
With that came confidence, with that came chances, and with that came a threat from set-pieces.
We know set-pieces are an area we need to improve on, Markoâs goal was our first from a set-piece in the league this season. So, to have that and to score another goal from a second phase of a set-piece is something that can help us build confidence in this part of the game.
Joshâs goal was brilliant, and I joked with him that I hope he can do that again! It was a massive goal, but his performance was excellent, as well. He defended well, he stopped crosses into our box â which is so important in the Championship â and he joined and supported our attacks in the last third.
It was an important step forward, but the focus has quickly switched to making sure we recover well and are ready for this next test against Portsmouth.
We still need to improve, especially in how we control the momentum in certain parts of the game, but that will come with time and consistency and work in training.
When you build new ideas, it is easier to do it when you are winning because it gives the feeling that you are improving.
Itâs just one step and we need to improve in a number of areas to find that consistency in how we control the game.
The job is not finished, it is one step, and now we need to be ready to take the next ones with you all behind us.
The atmosphere on Saturday was brilliant, your support means so much to the players and the staff, and the connection between us all can be a very powerful thing.
Letâs push to try and have the same feeling tonight.
VĂtor Matos,
First Team Head Coach
Good evening and welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for this crucial midweek Championship fixture against Portsmouth.
We also extend a warm welcome to the travelling supporters who have made the journey from Fratton Park.
As we approach the busy festive period, games are coming in thick and fast. Unfortunately, the results in the last few weeks have not reflected the potential and quality we all know exists within our squad.
However, a change in management can be a testing time for any club, and tonight offers us the perfect opportunity - under the lights and in front of the Jack Army - to build on Saturday's win against Oxford and maintain momentum. Hopefully we can deliver another performance that gives us something to celebrate in this miserable wet weather period.
We have seen flashes of skill and the undeniable talent that the squad possesses, and we are hopeful that under VĂtor Matos we can see this in a more consistent, forward-thinking direction.
At the time of writing, Swansea sit 20th on 20 points and Portsmouth 22nd on 17 points. Pompey come into this game on the back of two defeats without scoring, and are the second lowest scoring team in the league. This should provide our defenders with a bit more motivation to go out there and secure another clean sheet, and prompt our attack to capitalise on what is a truly vital six-pointer tonight.
Matos gained his first win as Swansea City head coach last Saturday with a first goal of the season for Marko Stamenic and a goal of the season contender from Josh Tymon. This was a much-needed victory, and we scored our first set-piece league goal of the season. This provides some encouragement that we will take more of an advantage from dead ball situations going forward.
However, it is important we view the Oxford game as just a first step - the challenge for Matos and the players now is to show consistency, to take the motivation from the result, and come out with attacking intent and a relentless desire to push up the pitch and create opportunities every single time.
One player who consistently sets an example of this through his desire and work rate is Tymon. His outstanding volley during the 2-0 win against Oxford United was a beautiful reminder of the technical ability within our ranks.
Tymonâs tireless energy on the flank and his commitment to contributing effectively in defence and attack make him a vital component of the side. He embodies the grit and determination we need to see across the board, and we hope his tenacity inspires a powerful team performance this evening.
In our last five meetings, the record stands at one win for Swansea, two draws, and two victories for Portsmouth. The scores from our last two league meetings highlight the unpredictable nature of this fixture; we drew 2-2 here at home in November 2024, followed by a tough 4-0 loss away at Fratton Park in January 2025.
History is there to be rewritten, and tonight is a significant opportunity for us to assert our authority at home and ensure our quality shines through to claim all three points.
As always Jack Army, enjoy the game. Letâs be the 12th player today and get those much needed three points.
Ollie
Take a look behind the scenes at the start of Vitor Matos' tenure as Swansea City head coach.
From training to matchdays, from media duties to meeting supporters, it's all here.
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.
Vitor Matos wants everyone at Swansea City to continue to show the togetherness that characterised the weekend victory over Oxford United, and thanked supporters for playing their part in the 2-0 win.
âI THINK IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR US TO HAVE THIS FEELING, AND TO BREAK THE CYCLE,â HE SAID.
âWE UNDERSTAND THAT IF WE CAN CONTINUE TO DO THE RIGHT STEPS THEN WE CAN HAVE THIS FEELING MORE, BUT WE NEED TO BUILD AGAIN.
âWE HAVE A LOT OF GAMES AHEAD AND A LOT OF ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT, BUT IT IS A REALLY IMPORTANT WIN.
âTHE TOGETHERNESS WE HAD WAS WHAT WE HAVE BEEN SPEAKING ABOUT, USING THE STADIUM AS A PLACE WHERE WE FEEL WE HAVE 12 PLAYERS ON THE PITCH.
âWE NEED TO KEEP THAT GOING, AND KEEP TAKING THE STEPS IN THAT DIRECTION.â
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 Marc Goodfellow, a winger who had two spells with Swansea across an often nomadic playing career.
Derbyshire born Mark was born in Swadlincote in 1981 and, over the course of his 15-year career, was a much-travelled player.
He began his career with Stoke City in 2000 but, after a short time at the club, he found himself sent abroad to Iceland and I.B.V.Vestmannaeyja on loan.
Following five appearances he returned to his parent club and made a dozen further outings to round off his maiden season as a professional footballer.
A diminutive but lively left-sided winger, after four seasons and 55 appearances for the Potters Goodfellow made the move to Bristol City for a ÂŁ50,000 fee.
He firmly established himself in the first-team squad at Ashton Gate, and came on as a late substitute in their third-tier play-off final defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in 2004.
However, he found game time harder to come by early in the following season and he was loaned out to Port Vale but again struggled for match action.
Swans boss Kenny Jackett was an admirer of the player and swooped to bring him to south Wales on loan, where he impressed with four goals in eight games.
However, he was soon recalled owing to injury problems at Bristol City, only to then be loaned out again to Colchester United.
But Jackett finally got his man, and he scored the first goal at the now Swansea.com Stadium when he netted in Alan Curtisâ testimonial against Fulham at the new ground in the summer of 2005.
However, once the competitive action started, Goodfellow again found himself in the position of not being a first-team regular and, less than a year after signing he was on his way to Grimsby Town.
While there, he played at the Millennium Stadium in the League Two play-off final defeat to Cheltenham Town before joining Bury on a free transfer.
Spells with Burton Albion â where he helped the side secure promotion to the Football League for the first time in their history â Barrow and Kidderminster Harriers followed.
After being released by Barrow in May 2011, he played for clubs such as Gresley, Kingâs Lynn, Worksop, Mickleover Sports, Belper Town and Basford United.
Portsmouth were formed in 1898 and enjoyed early success in the Southern and Western Leagues before becoming founder members of the Football League Third Division in 1920.
They soon climbed the ranks, reaching the FA Cup final in 1929, before winning the competition in 1939. Post-war they were back-to-back top-flight champions in 1949 and 1950.
A tougher period followed after relegation from the top tier in 1959 but, following a return for a solitary season in 1987-88, they become regulars in the second tier and would go on to enjoy great success after securing promotion to the Premier League under Harry Redknapp in 2003.
Pompey went on to spend seven years in the division, claiming a best finish of ninth and winning the FA Cup by beating Cardiff in the 2008 final.
They lost another final to Chelsea in 2010 but, with the club experiencing financial difficulties, they were relegated after being deducted nine points for going into administration.
Further financial woes followed and by the summer of 2013 they were in League Two, although the purchase of the club by the Pompey Supportersâ Trust did provide some reason for optimism.
They would get to League One under Paul Cook in 2017 and, after a number of near misses, returned to the Championship in 2024 as they claimed the League One title under John Mousinho.
FRATTON PARK
Built: 1899
Location: Frogmore Road, Portsmouth, PO4 8RA
Capacity: 20,867
John Mousinho was appointed Portsmouth boss in January 2023, taking on his first senior managerial role, and led Pompey to within sight of the play-offs over the remainder of the season.
They carried that momentum forward and went on to secure the League One title and a return to the Championship in 2024.
He then faced the task of sustaining Pompeyâs Championship status last season, and a strong second half of the campaign saw them achieve that goal, finishing in 16th place.
Mousinho had an 18-year playing career that included spells with Brentford, Wycombe Wanderers, Stevenage, Preston North End, Burton Albion and Oxford United. He helped Stevenage and Burton Albion to promotions and was holding a player-coach role with Oxford prior to being handed the reins at Fratton Park.
Experienced midfielder Marlon Pack is in his fourth season back with the club where he started his career.
A product of the Pompey academy, Park made a solitary league appearance for them â while also having loan spells with Wycombe, Dagenham & Redbridge and Cheltenham Town.
A permanent move to the latter followed in 2011 and two years later he was snapped up by Bristol City.
Across six seasons at Ashton Gate, Pack helped the Robins secure promotion to the Championship, EFL Trophy success and reach the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
He joined Cardiff in 2019, reaching the play-offs in 2020, but went on to leave at the end of his contract in 2022.
That led to his return to Fratton Park, and he skippered Pompey to the title and promotion in 2024, producing an outstanding series of performances that saw him named in the League One team of the year and named the clubâs player of the season.
Despite being a central defender, Regan Poole has been a real threat in the opposition box this season, already registering four goals.
Poole began his career at Cardiff City before joining Newport County as a scholar, where he became the youngest player to represent the club at just 16 years and 94 days old.
In 2015, he earned a move to Manchester United, though he made only one senior appearanceâa one-minute cameo against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League.
During his time at United, Poole enjoyed two loan spells: one with Northampton Town and another back at Newport County, where he played a key role in their 2019 League Two play-off run, ultimately falling short in a 1-0 defeat to Tranmere Rovers in the final.
He later joined newly promoted League One side MK Dons, spending 18 months there before moving to Lincoln City. His time with the Imps proved highly successful, making over 100 appearances and collecting both the Player of the Season and Playersâ Player of the Season awards in 2021â22.
Poole completed his move to Fratton Park in 2023, where he has continued to develop into a standout defender.
The Welshman also has earned one cap for his country, which came in a 4-0 victory over Gibraltar in 2023.
Winger Josh Murphy has been one of Portsmouth key creative sparks, with four assists to his name so far this season after being a leading light last term too.
The twin brother of Newcastle winger Jacob, Murphy started his career with Norwich City, coming through the academy to reach senior level and feature in the Premier League.
He also had loan spells with Wigan Athletic and MK Dons before Cardiff paid ÂŁ11million to secure his services ahead of the 2018-19 Premier League season.
Initially a regular for the Bluebirds, he eventually fell out of favour following a series of managerial changes and spent the 2021-22 season on loan with Preston before joining Oxford.
He was an important figure in the Uâs promotion tilt, and played a big part in keeping Pompey in the league last season, scoring seven goals, finishing the club's third-highest goalscorer, behind Callum Lang and Colby Bishop.
Australian midfielder Adrian Segecic has enjoyed an impressive debut season in England and currently leads Pompeyâs league scoring charts with four goals.
Born in Australia, Segecic spent time on trial with several European clubs before signing for Sydney FC, joining their academy in 2016. He made his professional league debut in 2021, coming off the bench in a 3-0 win over Macarthur FC.
He went on to make 44 league appearances for Sydney and also gained valuable experience during a loan spell in the Netherlands with FC Dordrecht, helping them reach the Eerste Divisie play-offs.
Before securing his move to Portsmouth, Segecic was selected for the ASEAN All-Stars side that beat Manchester United 1-0, providing the assist for the winning goal.
The 21-year-old has represented Australia throughout the youth levels as well, featuring in the AFC Under-20 Asian Cup where the Young Socceroos reached the quarter-finals, before bowing out to Uzbekistan on penalties.
A WhatsApp message from a fellow Swans fan last Friday night stopped me in my tracks.
âBorini scored for Salford tonightâ it said.
âBorini? Fabio Borini?â I thought to myself.
âIt canât be, surely? How old is he now? He must be well over 40.â
As I pictured Borini, I imagined him long retired. I pictured him relaxing in a stylish villa on the Italian coast, sipping at an Espresso looking out over an azure sea.
Running around Salfordâs modest Peninsula Stadium on a wet Friday night in December was not how I imagined him spending his days now.
As I started to make some mental calculations to work out how old the former Swans loanee must be now, I realised my memory was playing tricks with me.
I was picturing him alongside the likes of senior teammates such as Garry Monk, Alan Tate, Stephen Dobbie, Mark Gower and Leon Britton â all now into their 40s.
I had completely forgotten just how young Borini was when he arrived at the Swans on loan from Chelsea in March of 2011.
In fairness to me, when you think of the instant impact the Italian had on that promotion-winning season, itâs an understandable error.
Youâd expect the kind of influence Borin had on that team to have come from a seasoned pro with a number of Championship campaigns under his belt.
However, Borini was just 19-years-old.
When the Swans announced his arrival in March of 2011, many Swans fans, including me, had little idea of who he was.
But there were there was enough information available to spark some excitement around the new arrival.
The youngster was coming from Premier League Chelsea, where he was on the fringes of the first team, he was an under-21 international and Swans manager Brendan Rodgers had worked with him before in the youth set-up at Stamford Bridge.
Of Boriniâs signing, Rodgers said: "He's a player I tried to get earlier in the season but because of complications with his contract at Chelsea and the fact that he was in and around the first team, he didn't get permission to go out on loan.
"He's a young player with great potential. He's got intensity, passion and a natural goalscoring ability.
"I worked with him in Chelsea's youth and reserve team. I firmly believe he will help us a great deal during the run-in."
That final sentence, of course, turned into one of the understatements of the season.
Just two days after his arrival in Swansea, the teenager made his debut against play-off rivals Nottingham Forest with his new team having taken just a point from their last three matches.
Borini made an instant impression, scoring twice in a huge 3-2 win.
But perhaps the moment that made the Jack Army really sit up and take notice came in the eye-catching 3-0 home win over Norwich City, who went into the game two places above the Swans.
With barely five minutes gone, Borini was brought down almost 30 yards from goal by Zak Whitbread.
The young Italian picked himself up, dusted himself down and carefully placed the ball on the spot where he had been felled.
The former Bologna youth player then produced a free-kick of remarkable technique, power and accuracy with the inside of his right foot, which flew past a helpless John Ruddy into the top corner.
A delighted Borini wheeled away in the brilliant sunshine, marking his third goal in as many games by biting his hand in his famous âknife between the teethâ gesture which accompanied his goals.
Explaining the unusual celebration, Borini said: "In Italy it means youâve got the knife between your teeth. When you want to achieve something so badly that you are angry to reach your goals, you put the knife between your teeth.
âThatâs what I was trying to show by putting the side of my hand in my mouth."
During the closing games of the season, Borini would add another three goals in the Swans final six games as they finished third and claimed a place in the Championship play-offs.
The first leg of the semi-final against Forest saw the Italian limp off after almost an hour of the 0-0 draw, causing Swans fans an anxious wait to see if he would be fit for the second leg at home.
Borini recovered to start that famous second leg victory and although he wasnât amongst the scorers he did hit the bar with a deflected 20-yard strike.
The final against Reading at Wembley saw Borini again take his place in the starting line-up. The scoring headlines were grabbed by Scott Sinclair and Stephen Dobbie, but the Italian made another telling contribution.
With just over 10 minutes remaining, nerves were jangling with the Swansâ 3-0 lead having been chipped away to 3-2 by the resurgent Royals.
Then, Borini was fouled in the box by Andy Griffin and Sinclair stepped up to complete his hat-trick and seal the Swansâ historic promotion to the Premier League.
In just 12 matches, Fabio Borini had guaranteed his place in Swansea City history and the hearts of the clubâs fans.
The Jack Army would have loved to see the Italian represent the club in the Premier League, but a pre-contract agreement with Parma meant he was heading back to his homeland.
Parma loaned Borini to Roma before he was reunited with Rodgers at Liverpool in the Premier League, subsequently moving on to Sunderland, firstly on loan and then permanently.
Later, his career took him to AC Milan, Helas Verona, KaragĂźmrĂźk in Turkey and then back to Italy with Sampdoria.
In October of this year Borini returned to England when he joined Salford in League Two, which brings us to last Friday night when he scored his first goal for the club in a 4-0 FA Cup win over Leyton Orient.
I Googled the goal to see if he performed his iconic celebration and was a little disappointed to see he didnât.
However, his reaction to bagging the third goal did illustrate that all the passion Brendan Rodgers had spoken of when he signed for the Swans was still burning brightly.
At the time of writing the FA Cup third round draw has yet to be made.
I am genuinely hoping we donât draw Salford. Given the history of former players scoring against the Swans, I would hate to see Borini find the net and revive his old celebration by literally biting the hand that used to feed him!
Talking of goal celebrations. I loved Josh Tymonâs reaction to his breathtaking volley against Oxford on Saturday.
As the ball arrowed into the top corner, Tymon set off on a totally unscripted and joyously mazy jog across the Swansea.com Stadium pitch being pursued by his delighted teammates.
Celebrations, rehearsed or otherwise, have been in short supply in recent weeks, Tymonâs certainly whetted the appetite for a few more tonight.
Câmon you Swans!
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU. SIGN UP FOR FIT JACKS NOW
Swansea City AFC Foundation has opened bookings for the 10th cohort of FIT Jacks, starting in January 2026.
FIT Jacks is a free, 12-week health and wellbeing programme, combining physical activity sessions with classroom-based workshops to improve participantsâ overall wellbeing.
Participants can expect a positive, welcoming environment which caters to everyoneâs needs, with the Swans Foundationâs coaches on hand to guide the group through every exercise.
The popular programme, now entering itâs third year, has supported over 300 people to lose weight, gain confidence and become part of a community which continues to support one another through the Foundationâs maintenance programmes.
The details for the next cohort of FIT Jacks are as follows:
- Swansea.com Stadium
- Thursdays at 6pm. Starting from Thursday, January 8
- Separate male and female groups
Start the new year with positive change and prioritise your health and wellbeing. Sign up no HERE.
First football shirt you owned?
VitĂłria
Best player you've played with?
Ronald
What's your go-to cheat meal?
Five Guys
Who's the joker in the dressing room?
Ricardo
If you weren't a footballer, what would you be?
Horse Rider
Who's your top artist on Spotify right now?
Bad Bunny
Can you name Welsh word?
Bore Da, Araf, Prynhawn Da
Toughest opponent you've faced?
Luis Diaz
Favourite holiday destination?
Ibiza
Who's your hometown club?
Porto
Favourite football memory?
Promotion in Portugal
Ethan Galbraithâs face creases into a smile and a chuckle when he gets reminded how in a season where Swansea City have scored a series of stunning goals, he could very easily have been right at the top of the list of goal-of-the-season contenders.
Thatâs not to say that the Northern Ireland international would not be facing some very stiff competition.
Thereâs Zan Viptonikâs thunderous strikes against Plymouth Argyle and Norwich City, Goncalo Francoâs thumping volley at Blackburn and his inch-perfect opener against Manchester City. Adam Idahâs equaliser against Charlton, Jisung Eomâs strike at Preston and Cameron Burgessâ winner against Nottingham Forest â more on that shortly - also stand-out.
Then you have Josh Tymonâs quite brilliant volley just a few days ago against Oxford, the pick of the bunch.
Not that Galbraith hasnât been responsible for some fine goals. His dipping strike confounded West Brom keeper Josh Griffiths, while he opened his Swansea account with a fine volley against Crawley.
Against Oxford he was close to finding the net with a rising volley that just cleared the bar, but it is his strike in the dying seconds of the Forest game that comes to mind.
It was Burgess who scored the winner in that Carabao Cup tie with a brilliantly taken half-volley, but the ball only arrived at the Australia internationalâs feet after it had cannoned off the woodwork; and that was down to Galbraith.
Finding himself the thick end of 30 yards from goal as a corner was half-cleared, the former Manchester United man set his sights, put his right foot through the ball and time seemed to stand still.
With all eyes in the stadium trained on the strike it seemed to take an age as it seemed to be heading for the top corner, before it caught the upright flush and fell to Burgess.
Not that Galbraith was complaining as he was thrilled to knock-out top-flight opposition, and he laughs when itâs pointed out to him that â but for a slight change of trajectory â he might have scored the Swansea goal to be the pick of the lot.
âYou donât need to remind me of that, I know,â he said.
âIt has been incredible the quality of some of the goals we have scored this season. Of course, we would prefer to have more points on the board because thatâs what it is all about.
âBut those goals, like Tymoâs the other day, show you that there is a lot of quality in this group of players.
âThat was just a brilliant goal and a brilliant moment, and he has got that in his locker. Iâve been pleased to contribute a few goals myself but, you never know, thereâs still time left in the season.â
Not that Galbraithâs efforts this season have been limited to goals.
Having arrived from Leyton Orient, he has made the step up to Championship level seamlessly with a series of accomplished performances.
Whether playing in the centre of midfield or at right-back, he has caught the eye and he exhibits a comfort on the ball that a couple of members of the current interim coaching staff â Leon Britton and Joe Allen â will surely appreciate.
Even though results to date mean the club is not in the position Galbraith or any of his teammates want to be in.
He is confident that under Vitor Matos, there are reasons to look forward positively.
"The gaffer has been brilliant you know, the gaffer, alongside obviously Britts and Joey - two club legends, there's not many better people you want to learn off, they've been there and done it, they've been brilliant,â he said.
"I think any lads in any position can speak to them because they've played at obviously the highest level and they were great players but even better guys you know, you can go to them and ask them questions and they'll give you advice and stuff so yeah it's been brilliant.
"The gaffer has given me a bit of licence to, not go where I want, but do what I can... from right-back.
"I've been happy with how I'm performing but football is all about winning, so it's a team game, it's not how individuals are playing and stuff, so we just have to look forward to the next game and hopefully get three points.
âFootball is up and down and we've found ourselves in a sticky patch, but the only way you can get out of it is working hard and that's what we've been doing.
"Everyone was down [after the West Brom loss] but against Oxford we spoke about it at half-time - that we don't want another sort of scene like that because there was a lot of anger after West Brom.
âWe are working hard to put this right and the win at the weekend was the first step towards doing that and we need to keep going.
"Momentum is massive in football; it was a good win [against Oxford] but we have to get straight focused on the next game."
It has not just been Galbraithâs club form that has caught the eye, at international level he has played his part in setting up Northern Ireland for a crack at the World Cup play-offs in March.
They have been drawn in the same play-off pathway as Wales, meaning Galbraith could face off against his Swans teammates Liam Cullen and Ben Cabango in Cardiff should Northern Ireland get through their semi-final against Italy, and Wales see off Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Not that Galbraith is getting ahead of himself.
âThere has been a bit of chat about being in with the Welsh lads, but weâve got a fair bit to focus on with Italy first,â he said.
âI think we have a good squad and experienced players who are ready.
âEveryone works really hard together and we have a great bond in the team, and thatâs something that has really been building.
âIn both games against Germany we went toe-to-toe with them, and particularly in Windsor Park it felt like we put them on the back foot so hopefully there is a lot we can take from that.
âBut thereâs a lot of football to be played over the next few months, and if I want to be involved I know I need to be training and playing well for Swansea.â
Swansea City Under-18s secured back-to-back home league wins after coming from behind to beat Watford 2â1 at the Joma High Performance Centre.
Conceding after just two minutes put the Swans on the back foot, but they responded with a superb goal from Kai Rhodes before Brogan Popham gave the hosts the lead from a corner with ten minutes remaining.
Watford were the stronger side in the first half and might have extended their lead early on if not for several important saves from goalkeeper Tom Wright.
Swansea finished the stronger side, creating several chances to extend their lead, but were repeatedly denied by some outstanding saves from Watford goalkeeper Sebastian Thrussel.
The Swans paid the price after a slow start, falling behind after just two minutes. A pass from the Watford midfield sent Jael Norville through on goal, and the forward rounded Wright before tapping into an empty net.
The Swans looked to respond, with their first chance falling to Rhodes. He found space on the edge of the box and fired a shot that goalkeeper Thrussel initially fumbled, but the keeper recovered quickly and smothered the loose ball.
At the other end, a superb sequence from Wright kept the deficit at one. A loose pass at the back gifted Watfordâs Kiefer Gorman a chance, forcing Wright into a brilliant fingertip save. Norville reacted quickest to the rebound, but Wright denied him again from close range before diving on the loose ball.
Rhodes found the equaliser in the 20th minute with a superb solo run, driving forward 35 yards before curling a shot into the bottom-right corner.
Chances were few and far between in the opening 20 minutes of the second half, with the only real opportunity falling to Bobo Evans. He received the ball from Harvey Gray 20 yards out, but his effort flashed wide of the left-hand post.
Swansea looked the more positive side going forward, with substitute Gray pressing high to win the ball in midfield. He fed Callum Jones, who curled an effort from 20 yards, but the shot deflected off Hornets defender Raphael London and lifted over the bar.
The hosts took a well-deserved lead with ten minutes remaining when a corner into the area was met by substitute Brogan Popham, who rose highest to guide his header past Thrussel and put Swansea in front for the first time.
Another excellent chance came on the break for the Swans when Robinson won the ball in his own half and sent C. Jones down the left flank. The winger squared for Gray, whose powerful close-range strike was superbly tipped over by Thrussel.
The Watford goalkeeper was called into action again moments later, when a scramble in the box left Bobo Evans with a clear sight of goal from 12 yards, but his fierce effort was once more turned over by Thrussel with the last action of the game.
Swansea City Under-18s: Tom Wright, Kaven Bloniarczyk, Wahab Ojetoro (Billy Clarke 46â), Milo Robinson, Jack May, Archie Quick (Brogan Popham 69â), Kai Rhodes (Bobby Lewis 61â), Alfie Jones, Lukas Murphy (Harvey Gray 61â), Bobo Evans, Callum Jones.
Substitutes not used: Jakub Nowak.
Watford Under-18s: Sebastian Thrussel, Marley Clarke, Oluwatomiwa Akinyimika, Jonny Scriven, Raphael London, Charlie McLoughin, Horacio Sticca (Tony Cowie 68â), Kiefer Gorman, Jael Norville, Oluwatobi Akinyimika, Cayden Lamothe (Jamael John-Baptiste 55â).
Substitutes not used: Albert Stevens, Finlay Murray, Oghoghosasere Ogieva-Okunbor.
Swansea City Women fought back from a goal down to claim a commanding victory over Pontypridd United at the USW Sport Park.
A first two goals of the season for Maisie Miller, along with strikes from Stacey John, Taite Trivett and Chloe Chivers, saw the Swans secure the win in Pontypridd after falling behind to an early Maddison Lloyd opener.
It was a dominant display from Yzzy Taylorâs side, who produced a great response after last weekâs defeat at Wrexham.
The Swans started brightly with plenty of possession, but it was the hosts who struck first, as a Jemima Lister through ball sent Lloyd clear to slot past keeper Amelia Forkings.
Chivers almost produced an instant equaliser when she met Trivettâs delivery into the area, but her effort crashed against the crossbar.
The hosts looked dangerous on the break and nearly doubled their lead 15 minutes in as a swift counter saw Lloyd find space in the area once again, but this time Forkings reacted well to parry her effort away from danger.
But the Swans hit back and found an equaliser through Miller after Trivettâs ball across goal from the left picked her out, and she calmly finished for her first of the season.
The Swans took the lead for the first time in the 38th minute when Maddy Murray was brought down in the area by Caitlin Davies. John stepped up and, although Anna Phelps got a hand to her penalty, she couldnât keep it out.
There was a late scare in the half when Lloyd raced through on goal, but she was denied by excellent defending from Eilish Mitchell, who produced a perfectly-timed tackle to prevent a clear shot on target.
The Swans came flying out of the blocks and added a third goal within minutes of the restart. Much like their first, a superb delivery from Trivett down the left found Miller, who tapped in from close range in what was almost a carbon copy of the opener.
Just a minute later, Miller turned provider, playing in Trivett, who drove a shot across goal and into the bottom-left corner, leaving Phelps with no chance.
Miller and Trivett combined again minutes later, with Millerâs cross finding Trivett at the far post, only for her close-range header to be well saved by Phelps.
The Swans continued their strong second half and pushed for more goals, with John denied a spectacular second when her volley from inside the area crashed against the crossbar.
The game entered a quieter spell after a frantic opening 10 minutes of the half, with the result all but confirmed, though Chivers did have a late opportunity. A ball into the box was only partially cleared by the Pontypridd defence, and the midfielder met the loose ball and fired just wide of the post.
A goal would follow for Chivers soon after, with the midfielder receiving the ball in the penalty area before striking a powerful effort across goal into the bottom corner.
A late chance for a Pontypridd consolation fell to Molly Jones in added time following a corner, but her close-range effort went straight at Forkings, who saved with her foot.
Swansea City Women: Amelia Forkings, Lauren Davies, Maddy Murray (Caitlin Seaborne 55â), Emily Richards (Sammy Wynne 67â), Maisie Miller, Chloe Chivers, Stacey John (Aimee Deacon 67â), Ellie Lake, Eilish Mitchell, Taite Trivett(Lowri Jones 79â), Caitlin Williams(Jess Williams 55â)
Substitutes not used: Opal Rayner, Steph Turner.
Pontypridd United Women: Anna Phelps, Caitlin Davies, Molly Jones, Jemima Lister, Maddison Lloyd, Nicole Fenton(Luana DâAmbrosio 46â), Jessica Cockayne(Mali Ackerman 75â), Seren Thomas-Condon(Lauren Hibbert 88â), Torri Grenfell(Mia Sherrard 65â, Saoirse Healey, Ruby Medcraft(Faye Marshall 88â).
Substitutes not used: Alysha Hawkins.
The wait for a win is over â at long last! Now we need to make sure we remember that winning feeling and build, build, build on it â starting with another three points from Portsmouth this evening.
Saturday was something special. It was the first win since Norwich in October and it really did have the hallmarks of something to savour.
Marko Stamenicâs header was superb and the dedication of it in memory of his late father was entirely appropriate. Iâm sure he needed that after such a heartbreaking time and I hope the reaction to his goal made him realise how much we fans appreciate him.
Iâm sure the coaching and playing staff are offering their support, and it was good for us fans to be able to do it as well.
And then of course, came goal number two. Will we ever get over the audacity of Josh Tymon to score that absolute worldie? It was surprising and skillful and utterly spectacular on the eye, and can we please make sure he keeps practicing those because a few more left footed volleys like that one will do nicely this season.
But of course, it was the result that mattered most. It mattered to our new head coach, Vitor Matos, who roared his appreciation of the goals and the result and bear hugged the players as he ushered them across the pitch over to the fans to show their appreciation.
As a fan, I wonder what you thought was different about that game? For me it was the visible passion, the desire to avoid a repeat of West Brom, to get three points no matter what. Results always matter and while I wonât join the âwhat matters most: style of play or points on the board?â argument here, no-one wants to be dancing with the devil that is the bottom end of the Championship.
I was conscious that the muscles in my face were hurting when I was driving home â I had almost forgotten how it feels to smile so widely and for so long after a game.
We all know how difficult this league is and how tight things can get and we have had a tough old run of losses, so naturally weâll go into this eveningâs game with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.
Yes, we beat a side sitting right next to us in the bottom end of the table on Saturday and we cannot get carried away by one win, but we can capitalise on it, and we really must.
This league is unforgiving and relentless and while it is right to revel in the three points, it is also important to remember that those around us are also firmly focused on survival and that needs dedication to the cause.
The club released a new video last night (Monday) âđđťđđśđąđ˛ đđľđ˛ đŚđđŽđťđ | đŠđśđđźđż đ đŽđđźđâ. It was a behind the scenes look at the first few days of the Matos era at Swansea City and again, for me the stand out were the smiles, the passion, the personable nature of our new gaffer.
Christmas is a time for faith and celebration â letâs put the former in the new boss and hope he delivers on results that bring the latter.
JULIE KISSICK
Bereavement
We are sad to announce that Gareth Robert Evans passed away in June aged 35. A huge Swansea city fan, he was an incredible man who will be so sorely missed by his family, friends and other loved ones. All those who knew Gareth, know how much this club meant to him. The Jack Army have lost the most amazing and loyal fan. Rest in peace Gareth. We will love and miss you everyday. We will remember him forever.
We are all Jacks is Swansea Cityâs 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 â 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 â 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 donât 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! âŻ
Weâre so happy your here with us tonight against Portsmouth, we hope youâve wrapped up warm! Itâs been very wet and windy here at the stadium! âŻ
Weâre enjoying getting our feathers wet. âŻ
Today's Take Five quiz is all about theâŻvisitors, and a couple of Christmas questions to get you in the spirit! âŻClick the button below to test your general knowledge!
Our score prediction is 2-0âŻto the Swans and we think Galbraith and Franco will score!âŻ
What do you think the score will be?âŻ
Uppa Swans,
Cyril and Cybil
Head Coach Vitor Matos
1 Andy Fisher
2 Josh Key
4 Jay Fulton
5 Ben Cabango (c)
6 Marko StameniÄ
7 Melker Widell
8 Malick Yalcouye
9 Žan Vipotnik
10 Jisung Eom
14 Josh Tymon
15 Cameron Burgess
16 IshĂŠ Samuels-Smith
17 Gonçalo Franco
20 Liam Cullen
21 Manuel Benson
22 Lawrence Vigouroux
23 Ricardo Santos
24 Bobby Wales
26 Kaelan Casey
27 Zeidane Inoussa
29 Paul Farman
30 Ethan Galbraith
33 Adam Idah
35 Ronald
40 NUMBER RETIRED IN MEMORY OF BESIAN IDRIZAJ
41 Sam Parker
46 Arthur Parker
47 Sebastian Dabrowski
54 Iestyn Jones
Head Coach John Mousinho
1 Nicolas Schmid
2 Jordan Williams
3 Connor Ogilvie
4 Josh Knight
5 Regan Poole
6 Conor Shaughnessy
7 Marlon Pack (c)
8 John Swift
9 Colby Bishop
10 Adrian Segecic
11 Florian Bianchini
14 Hayden Matthews
15 Franco Umeh
16 Luke Le Roux
17 Ibane Bowat
18 Mark Kosznovszky
19 Jacob Farrell
20 Thomas Waddingham
21 Andre Dozzell
22 Zak Swanson
23 Josh Murphy
24 Terry Devlin
25 Makenzie Kirk
26 Josef Bursik
28 Reuben Swann
29 Harvey Blair
30 Ben Killip
31 Jordan Archer
36 Conor Chaplin
47 Minhyeok Yang
49 Callum Lang
Referee - Tom Reeves
Assistant Referee 1 - Ian Cooper
Assistant Referee 2 - Hugh Gilroy
Fourth Official - Gavin Ward
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 ModriÄ and Snoop Dogg
FIRST-TEAM STAFF
Head Coach - Vitor Matos
Head of Goalkeeping â Martyn Margetson
First Team Coach - Kris O'Leary
Interim First Team Coach - Leon Britton
Head of Medical - Dr Jez McCluskey
Staff: Ailsa Jones, Matt Murray, Thomas Gittoes, Michael Eames, Shaun Baggridge, Jake Dayus, 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.