Good evening all and welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for a very important Championship fixture against Preston North End, and an exciting night for Swansea City Football Club.
We are delighted to have our minority owner Snoop Dogg in attendance for tonightâs game, and this is an occasion I know he has been looking forward to for some time.
It was a pleasure to have him come to our Fairwood training base on Monday to meet Vitor, the players and all the staff at the club. He was incredibly gracious with his time speaking to everyone, and he certainly enjoyed the chance to put on a pair of boots and showcase his skills as well as learning about the club and the tactics of the game.
We have all been honest in acknowledging that we hope Snoop can help us boost our exposure and commercial firepower, and those things remain true, but we are all also acutely aware that the bond between Snoop and Swansea City has to be about more than just revenue or social media numbers. It has to be real. To that end, he has fully immersed himself into the culture and the people, and that authentic connection is what makes his involvement in our club special.
I know just how incredibly busy he is and the fact that he has taken time out of his schedule underlines how he feels about being a part of Swansea City. He is a huge sports fan, and I know how much it means to him to have the opportunity to be part of our ownership group, and a club that is from a proudly working class area that has thrived on proving the doubters wrong. He is undoubtably a part of our team.
The impact he can have on the club is underlined by tonight being a home sell-out, and it will be the largest number of Swans fans to attend a game at the stadium since its opening in 2005 owing to our ability to utilise the North Stand â usually our away end in the Swansea.com Stadium â as an area for home supporters to take their seats in. This may be something that we look to repeat again in the future if the circumstances allow.
We hope a terrific night lies ahead, with Snoop also being part of a display he would like supporters to join in with before kick-off, but I also know that for Vitor and our team, the focus is firmly on events on the pitch and making sure we build on an excellent hard-fought win over Bristol City at the weekend.
I thought the players showed tremendous resilience to find the way to win a contest played in difficult conditions and between two evenly-matched sides on the day.
The win perfectly encapsulated the improvement in our fortunes since the reverse fixture in November, and long may that continue.
Thank you once again for your outstanding support and enjoy tonightâs game.
Tom
Tom Gorringe
CEO, Swansea City
Hello everyone and a very warm welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium as we face Preston North End.
We are home again, and we face another important game as we look to keep taking the right steps as a team and a club.
I was really happy with our win against Bristol City on Saturday, the character and the concentration the players showed was unbelievable.
After being disappointed following the game at Derby, this was a really good way to react and respond.
We have really enjoyed being at home, the connection we have between everyone at the club is just massive, and you could really feel that against Bristol City. The last 15 minutes you, the fans, made every tackle, won every header and chased every ball. You gave the players so much energy, thatâs the power you bring to this team.
When we have this we can compete and take on anyone. So itâs been about recovering and getting ready for another tough game, and giving you another performance that makes you feel part of your team.
We also have a special guest tonight as Snoop Dogg comes to one of our games for the first time.
We enjoyed his visit to see us all at the training ground on Monday. He took the time to speak to the players and to meet everyone at the club. It is always important and exciting for the club and the city to have someone like him involved.
But we know that, as a group, our focus has to be on doing our jobs on the pitch and I am really excited about the performance we want to try and put on in front of a sell-out home crowd.
Itâs massive for us to have such a big attendance and we just want to make sure we do well for everyone who is coming to the game.
Of course we hope we can win with Snoop watching on, but we also want to win for the grandchild who might be coming to a game with a grandfather for the first time, watching their team play together. That is a very special thing, something that can be the start of something bright for the future of the club.
So our aim will be to make everyone here tonight proud of this team and proud of this club.
Thank you for your brilliant support, and enjoy the game.
VĂtor Matos,
First Team Head Coach
Today, we welcome Preston North End chairman, Ian Penrose, his directors â including Peter Ridsdale, head coach Paul Heckingbottom and his team to the Swansea.com Stadium for what should be a competitive game despite them losing their Friday evening Lancashire derby 1- 0 to their rivals Blackburn Rovers.
This was clearly a disappointing result to lose a match so late in the game, leaving them 10th in the Championship. However, we should not underestimate their prowess as they challenge for a top six finish.
We also welcome the referee for the match David Webb and his team of officials. He has refereed seven matches at the Swansea.com Stadium with the following outcomes: Swansea City - Won Two, Drawn Three, Lost Two. In total he has refereed the Swans 16 times away where we have won four, drawn five and lost seven.
Meanwhile, the Swans moved up to 14th in the Championship after a Zan Vipotnik strike, his 16th goal in the league, was enough to win a hard-fought contest against Bristol City on Saturday, where possession stats were 57 per cent to 43 per cent against us.
This was our seventh win in nine games at home since Vitor Matos has taken over as head coach. In the early stages it was cat and mouse as the game swung back and fore with Bristol City hitting the woodwork through Sinclair Armstrong, who was a threat throughout the match, and Emil Riis respectively.
This was the fifth defeat in a 10 league game outing for the visitors. The Swans struck with a clear-cut chance when the ball was headed back by the Robins defender Neto Borges for Vipotnik to guide the ball into the net for his 18th goal of the season in all competitions. It just goes to show possession stats are not the sole derivative of the game but if you donât score you wonât win the game. The Swans are just six points off the top six positions, so dare we think we can make the play-offs? On balance the Robins asked questions throughout the game and one may consider they were unlucky to leave without a share of the points.
The game tonight is a sell-out thanks to the attendance of âSnoop Doggâ for the first time since becoming a shareholder in the club.
Bearing in mind the Swans were only outside the bottom three on goal difference in Matosâ first week in charge but since have won 9 out of 15 league games, itâs this impressive form that will have to continue for another six weeks or so If the Swans are to be in play-off contention come the end of the season.
However, we should applaud whatever happens from here on, Matos has transformed the mood of the club with his application of football know how and player transformation, staying organised, concentrated and, with time, found ways to bounce back.
This coming Thursday evening, the Trust is proud to be hosting what will probably be our final public screening of âIvor Allchurch â Golden Daysâ before we release it on streaming platforms around Easter.
We commissioned this new documentary to honour the greatest player in Swansea Cityâs history. The film features in-depth interviews with Ivorâs wife, Esme, and their sons, John and David, offering the deeply personal story of the humble and gifted man behind the legend. With never-before-seen photographs from the family archive and intimate reflections on his life and achievements, the documentary provides a unique and moving portrait of a footballer whose legacy still resonates generations later.
Created by filmmakers David Brayley and Max Webborn, two of the team behind the acclaimed âWonderland â The Alice Street Storyâ, the documentary has already received a fantastic response.
With the support of the Swansea Jack and Swansea City AFC, we are delighted to confirm that the latest screening will take place at 7pm on Thursday 26th February at the Swansea Jack, Little Wind Street, Swansea and you can still book your place.
Finally, itâs very easy to join the Trust online in just a few minutes at https://www.swanstrust.co.uk/join-the-trust/ Alternatively, visit the Trust kiosk outside the West Stand on a matchday. If you have any difficulties with the online system or have any other queries, you can contact us via info@swanstrust.co.uk.
Enjoy the match and a safe journey home.
Peter
As part of a ongoing feature in our digital matchday programme for the 2025-26 campaign, we are calling on all Swans fans to share their memories and experiences of supporting the club this season by submitting your stories and pictures. We will publish a selection over the course of the season, and you can share your stories with us through the link below.
The start of the 2025-26 season marked 20 years since Swansea City moved into our Swansea.com Stadium home.
To mark the anniversary, club historian Gwyn Rees is profiling members of the first Swans squad to grace the stadium during the 2005-06 campaign. This time, he looks at the career of Tom Williams, who signed for the Swans halfway through that memorable season.
Tom Williams was born in Carshalton in Surrey in 1980, and would go on to make over 300 appearances during a career taking in spells with numerous clubs.
A midfielder also capable of playing as a defender, Williams started out in non-league with Walton and Hersham before signing for West Ham United for a ÂŁ40,000 feel
With first-team opportunities limited at Upton Park, he had a spell on loan to Peterborough in March 2001 and that move became full-time the following summer.
He spent a solitary season at London Road before Birmingham City elected to pay ÂŁ350,000 for the player. However, his time in the west Midlands would prove a nightmare for Williams.
He made just four senior appearances for the Blues, having loan spells with Queens Park Rangers and Peterborough, eventually returning to Posh full-time in 2004.
Short spells with Barnsley and Gillingham followed, before he made the switch to Swansea in January 2006.
In total Williams would feature in 34 games, mainly as a substitute although he did start the famous FA Cup third-round win at Premier League Sheffield United.
Mainly a fringe player for much of his time with the Swans, he did manage to achieve a senior international debut during his time in SA1 after being called up to Cyprus through his mother being bron in the country.
A hernia operation would further disrupt Williamsâ efforts to make an impression and push for a starting role, and he eventually left to join Wycombe in the summer of 2027.
Although an hernia operation hindered his time at the club, he was once more on the move in July 2007 signing on at Wycombe Wanderers on a two year deal.
But by the December of that year he was back at Peterborough once more, again on an initial loan before becoming a full-time arrangement.
There were loan spells with QPR and Preston, before Williams went on to play a handful of games for the likes of Bristol City, Colchester United, Walsall, Notts County and Slough Town.
He spent time in the United States with Arizona United in 2016 before returning to the UK and eventually hanging up his boots after a stint with Hashtag United in 2020.
Formed in 1880 Preston were among the founder members of the Football League and won the first two top-flight titles in 1889 and 1890. North End are also two-time FA Cup winners with the first of those completing a double in the maiden EFL season.
That spell proved to be a golden era for the Lilywhites and it is success they have not found easy to replicate during their long history.
The Deepdale club have spent large parts of the post-Millennium period in the second tier of the Football League but have never played in the Premier League since itâs formation.
The closest the club came to promotion was in 2001 and 2005, when they suffered play-off final defeats to Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United respectively.
DEEPDALE
Built: 1875
Location: Sir Tom Finney Way, Preston, PR1 6RU
Capacity: 23,404
The former defender Paul Heckingbottom took over as North End boss following Ryan Lowe's departure in August 2024.
He had previously been in charge of Sheffield United, leading the Blades to the Premier League in 2023, but departing Bramall Lane with them sitting bottom of the top-flight in December of that year.
A 17-year playing career saw Heckingbottom have spells with Manchester United, Sunderland, Scarborough, Hartlepool, Darlington, Norwich, Bradford, Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley, Mansfield, Gateshead and Harrogate before moving into coaching.
Having been born in Barnsley â and helping them beat the Swans in the 2006 League One play-off final as a player â he started his managerial career with his hometown club and he led them to more play-off success and a place in the Championship before an ill-starred spell with Leeds.
A stint in Scotland with Hibernian followed before returning to his native Yorkshire with the Blades, initially as under-23 coach, before stepping up in the wake of the exits of Wilder and Slavisa Jokanovic respectively.
He was handed the full-time reins in December 2021, leading them to the play-offs at the end of that season - where they lost to Nottingham Forest - before securing promotion a year later.
Midfielder Ben Whiteman has proved an impressive acquisition since his arrival from Doncaster in January of 2021 and took on the armband following Alan Browne's departure.
The former Manchester United and Sheffield United trainee made his senior bow for the Blades in 2014, and had loan spells with Mansfield and Doncaster before making his move to the latter permanent in the summer of 2018.
He wasted little time making a big impact at the Eco-Power Stadium, and he was named club captain at the age of just 23 such was his form and professionalism.
His showings put him on the radar of a number of Championship clubs, with Preston securing his signature.
A dynamic player with an eye for goal, he has been a real driving force for North End in time with the club, making 214 appearances and scoring 12 goals since his arrival.
Lewis Dobbin is Preston's top scorer with seven goals so far this season, and has also contributed five assists following his loan arrival from Aston Villa.
The Everton academy product made 20 senior appearances for the Toffees, scoring one goal, and had a loan spell with Derby during the 2022-23 season.
He joined Villa in the summer of 2024, and had stints on loan with West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City last term, before linking up with Preston this time round.
Tottenham loanee Alfie Devine joined Preston on a season-long loan in August 2025.
Devine has plenty of EFL experience under his best with previous loan spells at Port Vale and Plymouth Argyle.
The 21-year-old scored on his home debut at Deepdale in a 2-1 victory over Leicester City on August 16, 2025. He has gone on to feature 34 times in all competitions this season, scoring six goals.
His most goal was the winner in the Lilywhites' 1-0 victory over Portsmouth earlier this month.
Defender Lewis Gibson is in his first full season with Preston, having signed for North End from Plymouth in January 2025.
After initially being among the youth ranks at Newcastle, Durham-born Gibson made the switch to Everton in 2017 and spent six years with the Merseyside club.
He had loan spells with Fleetwood Town, Reading, Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol Rovers, before being snapped up on a permanent deal by Plymouth following their promotion in 2023.
Gibson spent a season and a half at Home Park, before sealing his move to Deepdale.
Some people may have questioned Snoop Doggâs football credentials.
Many have asked; âWhat on Earth does an American rapper know about British football?â
But the fact Snoop is here tonight has proved to me beyond doubt he is a discerning and knowledgeable Swansea City fan.
The A-lister, who is used to glad-handing it in celebrity circles, could have picked a âglamourâ game.
Wrexham, for example, where he might have synchronised transatlantic calendars to share the directorsâ box with the likes of Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney and their Tinseltown pals.
Birmingham City perhaps? The chance to rub shoulders with American football legend Tom Brady.
Or a fixture against one of the recent Premier League big guns.
But no. Our Snoop has gone for Preston North End on a Tuesday night in February.
Now, I mean no disrespect to North End. They are one of the UKâs most historic clubs, but I think it would be fair to say they are short on Hollywood razzmatazz.
But Snoop is obviously a student of Swansea City history.
The Doggfather knows that over the years, this fixture has delivered some of the biggest and most memorable moments in the Swans history.
This is one Dogg who certainly knows his onions!
Look back over the history of Swans v Preston clashes and youâll understand exactly what I mean.
Having caused a massive shock by beating First Division title-chasing Liverpool at Anfield in the 1964 FA Cup quarter-finals, the Swans were drawn against Preston to see who would contest the final at Wembley Stadium.
Some 30,000 fans travelled from south Wales to Villa Park, the neutral venue for the semi-final, to watch arguably the Swansâ biggest match in the clubâs history to date.
Buoyed by their giant killing in the previous round, the Swans were confident they could sweep into the final.
Despite struggling in the second division, they had beaten Preston 5-1 in a league fixture at the Vetch.
It was a massive occasion for the club, witnessed by 68,000 fans, and it seemed an even bigger one was on the way as the Swans went ahead just before half-time.
However, Preston equalised from the penalty spot and then clinched the match through centre-half Tony Singleton, who dug out a remarkable 30-yard rocket on a mud-bath of a pitch.
The Swans may have lost, but the team had done the town proud and come within touching distance of a place in what was still at the time the biggest fixture in domestic football.
However, 18 years later, the Swans were to enjoy the most significant day in their history up until that point when they once again faced Preston.
Again, an army of Swans fans headed north, this time for the final match of the 1980-81 season.
A Swansea win would send them to the top-flight of English football for the first time in their history. The result would also condemn Preston to the old Third Division.
On a never to be forgotten afternoon, a 3-1 win gave the Swans the outcome they dreamt of and the one Preston had dreaded.
One of my own personal favourite fixtures between the Swans and Preston once again came in the FA Cup, this time in 2004.
The second-tier Lillywhites came to the Vetch as hot favourites to win against a side who had narrowly survived relegation from the Football League the previous season.
The tie seemed to be going the way of the higher-placed club when Dickson Etuhuâs near post header put them ahead.
But the Swans hit back with a classic late one-two from two fansâ favourites.
When Andy Robinson lined-up a free-kick in a central position some 30 yards out, the big Vetch crowd sensed they may be about to see something special.
The popular midfielder didnât disappoint, curling an inch-perfect free kick over the wall and into the left hand corner to level the scores with 10 minutes left.
If that had delighted the home crowd, they were positively delirious two minutes later. James Thomas, the man whose hat-trick had kept the Swans in the league the previous season, headed a cross back across the six-yard line.
It seemed all an unmarked and onrushing Trundle had to do was nod the ball past a helpless Jonathan Gould.
But, ever the showman, Trundle took the ball on his chest and calmly side-footed a volley into the back of the net to complete a surprise 2-1 win.
The result was made all the more memorable for me personally as I had swapped my usual place on the North Bank for a spot directly behind the goal where Robinson and Trundle netted those unforgettable goals.
Talking of unforgettable goals. Iâm sure Snoop Dogg and the rest of you reading this, know where Iâm going next!
Yes, itâs back to Deepdale and Ferrie Boddeâs 40-yard wonder strike which helped the Swans to a 2-0 win on a Tuesday night in September of 2008.
The Evil Genius picked up the ball 10 yards inside the Preston half, took a handful of steps forward and caught just about everyone inside the stadium by surprise as he unleashed an absolute screamer which flew into the top corner past a helpless Andy Lonergan.
Bringing things a little more up to date, another midweek encounter between the Swans and Preston in 2023 will live equally long in the memory with the passing of the years.
This was a match which quite literally had everything â six goals, a mass punch-up, two dismissals â including a manager â and an injury-time clincher for the Swans.
Preston arrived in Swansea as play-off hopefuls, but their ambitions were left in tatters after the Swans cruised into a 3-0 lead.
However, the visitors hit back with two goals to set up a grandstand finish â and thatâs certainly what we got!
When play wasnât stopped after Jay Fulton had gone down with a head injury, there appeared to be a clash between Joe Allen, who had been substituted, and Preston manager Ryan Lowe on the touchline. Almost instantly, players and staff from both sides had joined in the fracas.
When tempers had calmed â a little â Joel Piroe put an end to Prestonâs fightback by making the score 4-2 in stoppage time.
So, to the casual observer, Swans v Preston on a Tuesday night may not seem the most attractive of fixtures.
But a man for the big occasion like Snoop Dogg, whose been enjoying the Winter Olympics in Italy for the past few weeks, knows itâs a match not to be missed.
Câmon you Swans!
Swansea City AFC Foundation has released its impact report for the project year running from September 2024 through to the end of August 2025.
The Foundation once again increased its reach in the community compared to the previous reporting year, by supporting over 1,000 more people, who contributed to a 15% increase on the total attendances recorded by the football clubâs charitable arm.
Over 14,500 people engaged with programmes delivered by the Swans Foundation, which included new initiatives to reach those most in need.
âI am immensely proud to introduce Swansea City AFC Foundationâs Impact Report for the 2024-25 season,â said Andrew Rhodes, chair of Trustees.
âIn a year shaped by an ongoing cost-of-living crisis and increasing pressure on public services, Swansea City AFC Foundation has continued to stand alongside our communities.
âThe growth is a powerful reminder of the trust placed in us by our communities and partners, and of the growing awareness of our work. Increasing our reach remains a key priority, ensuring that as many people as possible can benefit from being part of the Swansea City family.
âWhile the data demonstrates our impact, it is the personal stories that truly define our work. These stories capture the heart of what we do and remind us that, at its core, our work is about people, possibility and the power of the community.
âI would like to thank our dedicated staff team, my fellow trustees, Swansea City AFC and all our amazing partners for their continued support in making it another year to remember.â
You can find the full report below, which includes further statistics and key highlights from throughout the year.
SWANSEA CITY AFC FOUNDATION IMPACT REPORT 2024-25
First football shirt you owned?
Bergoni Swansea Kit â Travel House sponsor
Best player you've played with?
Kyle Naughton
What's your go-to cheat meal?
Burger + chips
Who's the joker in the dressing room?
Vigs
If you weren't a footballer, what would you be?
Caddie
Who's your top artist on Spotify right now?
Chris Brown
Can you name Welsh word?
Shwmae
Toughest opponent you've faced?
De Bruyne
Favourite holiday destination?
Albufeira
Who's your hometown club?
Kilgetty FC
Favourite football memory?
Wales vs Iceland.
2 goals 2 assists.
Lawrence Vigouroux has loved the buzz of excitement around the club and the city as Swansea City welcome Snoop Dogg for the first time, but the goalkeeper insists he and his teammates can only have eyes for the three points when they host Preston North End tonight.
Vigouroux has enjoyed another outstanding season in Swans colours, and his clean sheet in the weekend victory over Bristol City was his 10th of the season, and the seventh since Vitor Matos came on board as Swansea City head coach.
Swansea have now won seven and drawn one of their last eight games in SA1, and would love nothing more than to extend that sequence when they host North End under the lights with a special guest in attendance.
There is a home sell-out crowd eager to lap up the atmosphere and, hopefully, another positive performance as the Swans look to continue to climb up the table.
And Vigouroux believes the excitement around Swansea in the lead up has been great to see.
âI think itâs going to be a great occasion, having someone like him come down to be with us is something I am really grateful for,â said the Chile international.
âItâs great to have him as part of our football club, heâs such a big name, not just in America but literally worldwide. It can only be positive and help us grow as a club.
âWe would love nothing more than to get another three points. I am a fan of his, I have listened to his music and he has been in a lot of documentaries that I have watched, so it will be good to have him here.
âIf we get the chance to meet him it will be really good, I remember when it was announced we were on pre-season in Spain and the kitmen had their speaker at training and they were playing a mix of his songs, and Iâm pretty sure there was one on pre-match during the warm-up on Saturday.
âAs I say, it can only be a good thing, weâve been in good form at home so letâs hope he doesnât jinx it and we can keep it going!â
That aforementioned sequence of home results has helped carried Swansea from just above the bottom three into a tightly-compacted mid-table which is closer to the top-six than the lower reaches of the division.
Which means that, for all the off-field attention that a famous visitor has understandably garnered in the build-up; Vigouroux and his teammatesâ focus is very much on the task at hand in trying to beat a Preston side who are firmly in the play-off hunt.
"When you get to this stage of the season it is sometimes about finding a way to win games," said Vigouroux.
"It was not the prettiest of games against Bristol City, the conditions were difficult, but we worked really, really hard, defensively we were outstanding against a really good team and we want to try and make sure we continue to keep things going the right way.
"There is a lot of positivity, we want to be on the front foot and be aggressive. We have a good record, but I still think we can improve in a number of areas.
"To do that, that means we have to just focus on the next game because each and every game matters.
"We have Preston here on Tuesday, and that is going to be tough, so we have to keep focused, to keep working hard on the training pitch.
"We just want to look at each game in its own right and win as many of them as we can.
âWeâll see where that takes us.â
Swansea City Under-18s fought back to claim a 3-1 victory over Professional Development League leaders Charlton Athletic at the Joma High Performance Centre.
A second-half brace from Harvey Gray, followed by an added-time strike from Alex Godfrey, secured all three points for the Swans and extended their unbeaten home run to five league matches, while there was also a notable debut as under-14s' player Damian Dabrowski was introduced during the closing stages.
Despite a bright start, the hosts fell behind after 20 minutes as Shia-Lee Burnham netted for the Addicks, but Swansea responded positively and ended the half on top.
A much-improved second-half display followed, with the Swans rewarded for their quality in front of goal while also showing defensive resolve in the closing stages before Godfrey sealed the win in added time.
The Swans had started the game positively, with Wahab Ojetoro trying his luck from distance, but his effort sailed well over the bar.
Charlton looked dangerous on the counter, and after an initial break was cleared by the Swans defence, the rebound fell to Sam Washington-Amoah, whose low strike flashed wide of the left-hand post.
Elis Thomas went close minutes later after a clearance was superbly controlled by Godfrey, who took an excellent touch to advance down the right before playing the winger through. Thomas curled an effort towards goal from 18 yards out, but Finley Woodham was equal to it and parried the ball away.
But Charlton took the lead midway through the half, with Bradley Tagoe squaring the ball to Burnham, who slotted home into the corner of the net.
Jon Bealeâs side responded well to going behind, and Kaven Bloniarczyk was denied by a crucial block from Chetam Ezenwata after the full-back looked set to level.
Bloniarczyk went close again five minutes before half-time, meeting a cross from the left by Thomas with a sweet half-volley that crashed against the bar.
Swansea started the second half strongly and nearly levelled within minutes when a delivery to the far post from Godfrey found Thomas, but his low strike was straight at Woodham, who gathered comfortably.
The visitors then grew into the half and almost capitalised on a Swans mistake when a loose pass at the back was intercepted by Raynon Richman. He struck from just outside the area, but his effort continued to rise and cleared the bar.
Instead Swansea found a deserved equaliser with 20 minutes to play. Bloniarczyk drove down the right-hand side before picking out Gray, who got in front of his defender and tapped past Woodham.
The same duo combined again minutes later to give the Swans the lead. Bloniarczyk once more delivered from the right, and Gray showed composure to finish calmly and put Swansea ahead for the first time in the match.
The Swans had to withstand late pressure, with Phoenix Valentine nearly netting an equaliser after a scramble in the box saw the ball fall to him, but his powerful effort across goal was well dealt with.
However, Valentine continued to threaten down the right, driving into the area before fizzing a ball across goal to Burnham, who skied his effort from five yards out.
Substitute Michael Mylona also looked lively, weaving past several Swans defenders before aiming for the far corner, but Jakub Nowak got down superbly to deny him.
And Swansea sealed the victory in added time when a long ball forward was chased down by Godfrey, who found himself in a two-on-one situation alongside Gray. The winger opted to go alone, advancing before firing powerfully past Woodham to secure all three points for the Swans.
Swansea City Under-18s: Jakub Nowak, Kaven Bloniarczyk, Wahab Ojetoro (Brogan Popham 24), Milo Robinson (captain) (Josiah Kallicharan 61), Jack May, Archie Quick, Alex Godfrey, Solomon Baker (Damian Dabrowski 80), Harvey Gray, Bobo Evans, Elis Thomas (Ioan Johnston 60).
Substitutes not used: Tom Wright
Swansea City Under-21s were rewarded for a dominant performance as they claimed a 4-2 victory over AFC Bournemouth at the Joma High Performance Centre on Tuesday evening.
Morgan Bates opened the scoring from close range with just over 60 seconds played, before Josh Pescatore made it two on the half-hour mark with a fine solo finish.
Michael Dacosta-Gonzalez's strike shortly after the restart from Pescatore's goal halved the deficit, but Thomas Woodward made an immediate impact from the bench as the midfielder made it 3-1 just a few minutes after coming on in the second half.
Pescatore then rounded off a fantastic individual performance as he completed his brace in the closing stages. Remy Rees-Dottin pulled a goal back for the Cherries late on, but the Swans prevailed to claim the three points.
Ollie Cooper was named in the starting XI to get some minutes under his belt, whilst new arrival Joe Collins made his debut in between the sticks.
And a fast, pacy start from Sam Parker and Pescatore ensured the Swans were ahead with barely one minute on the clock.
Pescatoreâs curling effort was parried away by Danny Dixon and the on-rushing Bates was on hand to direct the ball in to the back of the net for an early opener.
From then on Swansea dominated possession and controlled the game, preventing any real threat from the visitors, but neither side created any further clear chances with 20 minutes played.
Parker looked to create another opening on goal as his curling cross looked to find Bates, but the striker arrived just too late to meet it.
Debutant Collins was called into a crucial save moments later as the Irishman palmed away a tight-angled effort from Jonny Day.
But the Swans went straight up the other end, and it was another goal involvement for Pescatore as the 19-year-old took on two defenders before curling a lovely strike in to the top corner.
However, the Swans' lead was halved almost immediately, as Dacosta's well-worked strike from outside of the area smashed in to the bottom corner.
Swansea had the first opening of the second period. Cooper held off his man down the right before the ball came out to Harlan Perry, and the second-year scholar unleashed a thunderous strike that was deflected wide.
But Swansea did add to their tally when Woodward replaced Kai Rhodes and the attacking midfielder went on to make an instant impact from the bench.
A neat one-two between Woodward and Pescatore on the edge of the area had the former set up nicely to strike from range, and in-form Woodward made no mistake to find the back of the net with a low shot.
Bates would be frustrated when his close-range header was directed just wide from a Billy Clarke delivery.
But the Swans continued their dominance and were rewarded with a fourth goal, and it was Pescatore as he completed his brace with a low finish from Milo Robinson's lay-off.
Bournemouth rounded off the scoring when Day's bobbling effort tumbled over the line, but it was only a consolation.
Swansea City Under-21s: Joe Collins, Sam Parker (Billy Clarke 65), Callum Deacon, Harlan Perry, Iestyn Jones, Blair McKenzie, Josh Pescatore, Dan Watts (captain), Morgan Bates (Brogan Popham 77), Ollie Cooper (Milo Robinson 77), Kai Rhodes (Thomas Woodward 57).
Substitutes: Thomas Wright.
AFC Bournemouth: Danny Dixon, Kendra Mottoh, Noa Boutin, Zac Christie, Harold William, Alfie Merritt, Remy Rees-Dottin, Charlie Stevens (captain), Jonny Day, Michael Dacosta, Eugene Gyedu.
Substitutes: Joseph Solanke, Finn Tonks, Ethan Sills, Charlie Osborne.
When youâve hit a certain age and all of those decades have been spent supporting a football club, there will be tales to tell. Some will be shocking, others heartwarming; some will have caused embarrassment, others will have brought pride and recognition. All will eventually be threaded into the rich fabric of a story that will continue long into the future.
From the headline-making decision of a player with the stature of Liverpool and Wales legend John Toshack to come to Swansea after his hometown club rejected him, to the news that one of the most outstanding footballing talents of a generation, Michael Laudrup, was going to manage the Swans - weâve raised some eyebrows in this little corner of south-west Wales. On, and off the pitch.
No-one who was around at the time or has taken any interest in the colourful history of a club nestled at the heart of Dylan Thomasâ âugly, lovely townâ, would be unfamiliar with the name Tony Petty. He was the man who bought the club for a pound in 2001 and in three months, caused utter, utter chaos.
However, they say hindsight is a wonderful thing, and whoever âtheyâ are, they have it right when it comes to that horrendous time because we can look back on it now and appreciate the progress we made as a club in spite of it. It united us against a common enemy and shaped our history in ways that, at the time, seemed impossible to foresee.
And, fast forward to April 2025, when came the transfer deal no-one predicted - Ballon dâOr winner Luka Modric had become a minority investor and co-owner of our club â and the world looked on in shock. Little old Swansea City had done it again. Out of nowhere, a HUGE name had aligned themselves with us.
The mainstream media and social media couldnât quite believe it and while the cynics insisted that it was a meaningless marketing ploy, Modric said: âMy goal is to support the clubâs growth in a positive way and to help to build an exciting future.â What a coup. How did little old Swansea City manage that?
Then, three months later came the news that global rap sensation, Snoop Dogg, was joining Modric as co-owner and investor. What?! And, tonight is the night he is unveiled, in the flesh, here at the Swansea.com Stadium.
âMy love of football is well known, but it feels special to me that I make my move into club ownership with Swansea City,â he said when the deal was announced.
âThe story of the club and the area really struck a chord with me. This is a proud, working-class city and club. An underdog that bites back, just like me. Iâm proud to be part of Swansea City. I am going to do all I can to help the club.â
Iâm not sure anyone will know what that help looks like in real terms, (maybe not even the global superstar himself), but one thing is for sure and that is tonight will certainly be one of those âI was thereâ moments for everyone involved. Iâve worked with some high profile stars myself and the sheer scale of their âbackroomâ staff is something to behold â and a challenge to rise to in most cases. Oh, to be a fly on the wall, eh?!
So, as we witness another unforgettable piece of the history of our beloved club unfold, and Snoop Dogg writes his name in this next chapter, enjoy it Jacks. I still canât quite believe weâre here, but as so many other parts of our story have shown, as a Swansea City fan, you have to expect the unexpected! This really is a wild ride!
JULIE KISSICK
Happy 11th Birthday William! Love Mum, Dad & AJ xx
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We, the Jordans, are running the 2026 TCS London Marathon to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust â to help fund vital research, raise awareness, and give our daughter, Maya, the best possible quality of life.
Here is the link to our just giving page https://www.justgiving.com/team/maya-jordan-24?utm_medium=TE&utm_source=CL
From the bottom of our hearts â thank you, your support and donations mean the world to us. Every contribution, big or small, helps give Maya and others with CF the best chance at a bright and healthy future. đ
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!
It has been a very exciting week here at the Swans. We got to meet our new friend Bow Wizzle! He has travelled all the way from Doggyland, USA, to visit us. So, we made sure to give him the grand tour of our home. You can visit Doggyland to see Bow Wizzle and his friends spreading the paws-itive vibes!
Weâre so glad you could join us under the floodlights tonight as we take on Preston North End! We have a very special guest joining us for the match! Can you guess who it is Junior Jacks? Weâll give you a hint... heâs a paw-some rapper.
Todayâs Take Five quiz is about the visitors, Preston North End, and our very special guest! Click the button below to test your knowledge!
Our score prediction is 1-0 to the Swans and we think Vipotnik will score!
What do you think the score will be?
Uppa Swans,
Cyril and Cybil
Head Coach Vitor Matos
1 Andy Fisher
2 Josh Key
4 Jay Fulton
5 Ben Cabango (c)
6 Marko 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
18 Gustavo Nunes
20 Liam Cullen
21 Leo Walta
22 Lawrence Vigouroux
23 Ricardo Santos
25 Joel Ward
27 Zeidane Inoussa
29 Paul Farman
30 Ethan Galbraith
31 Ollie Cooper
33 Adam Idah
35 Ronald
40 NUMBER RETIRED IN MEMORY OF BESIAN IDRIZAJ
41 Sam Parker
42 Dan Watts
43 Yori Griffith
44 Thomas Woodward
54 Iestyn Jones
Manager Paul Heckingbottom
1 Daniel Iversen
2 Pol Valentin
3 Andrija Vukcevic
4 Ben Whiteman (c)
6 Liam Lindsay
7 Will Keane
8 Ali McCann
9 Daniel Jebbison
10 Callum Lang
11 Robbie Brady
12 Jack Walton
13 David Cornell
14 Jordan Storey
15 Jordan Thompson
16 Andrew Hughes
17 Lewis Dobbin
18 Jamal Lewis
19 Lewis Gibson
20 Theo Carroll
21 Alfie Devine
22 Milos Lukovic
23 Andrew Moran
24 Michael Smith
26 Thierry Small
28 Milutin Osmajic
34 Kitt Nelson
35 Noah Mawene
42 Odeluga Offiah
44 Brad Potts
Referee - David Webb
Assistant Referee 1 â Daniel Leach
Assistant Referee 2 â Alan Cresswell
Fourth Official â Stephen Martin
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, Snoop Dogg, Martha Stewart
FIRST-TEAM STAFF
Head Coach - Vitor Matos
Assistant Head Coach - Ryan Maye
Head of Goalkeeping â Martyn Margetson
First Team Coach - Kris O'Leary
Head of Medical - Dr Jez McCluskey
Staff: Leon Britton, Joe Allen, Toze Mendes, Goncalo Ricca, Diogo Mendeiros, Ailsa Jones, Matt Murray, Thomas Gittoes, Michael Eames, Shaun Baggridge, Adam Mahoney, Patrick Orme, Lewis Binns, Chris Watkins, Jack Oliver, Harri Mathias, James Cole.
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Chief Executive Officer: Tom Gorringe
Head of Operations and Facilities: Andrew Davies
Head of Football Operations and Administration: Ben Greenwood
Head of Commercial: George Alston
Head of Media and Communications: Andrew Gwilym
Head of Safeguarding: Rebeca Storer
HR Manager: Nicola Butt
Head of Facilities: Gordon David
Head of Supporter Services: Hayley Ford
Head of IT: Jonathan Jones
Head of Swansea City AFC Foundation: Paul France
CLUB STAFF
Football Operations & Administration Manager: Rebecca Gigg
Head of Partnerships: Lee Merrells
Head of Hospitality: Catherine Thomas
Head of Ticketing: Mari Tucker
Grounds Manager: Evan Davies
Club Ambassador: Lee Trundle
PROGRAMME PRODUCTION
Contributors: Andrew Gwilym, Rachael Tucker, Cerith White, Jack Otter, Sophie Davis, Mackenzie Squires, Sammy Wynne, Hayley Ford, Owen Morgan, Julie Kissick, Gwyn Rees, James Dow.
Designers: Callum Rothwell, Jac Elsey.