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Swansea City want to give YOU the chance to win a shirt signed by the first-team squad.

All you need to do is upload your favourite Swans photo of the 2023-24 season in your camera roll via the link below. 

Entries will be accepted until 12pm on April 26, 2024.

Please note, these photos may be used for promotional purposes.

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Good luck!

Welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for our Easter Monday fixture against Queens Park Rangers.

Two weeks have passed since we were last in action here against Cardiff – and what an incredible day that was.

Everyone at the club knew the importance of that fixture, both on and off the pitch, and it didn’t disappoint. 

The atmosphere inside the stadium before kick-off was electric and you, the Jack Army, were the 12th player for on the day as you cheered every tackle, corner, throw-in and chance.

In what has been a challenging season, it was great to see the stadium full. It was an incredible atmosphere, and a well-deserved win against our rivals to set us up for the remainder of the campaign.

Following the draw against Sheffield Wednesday on Good Friday, we have seven games left of what we hope we will be a really positive end to the season as we look ahead to the summer.

Today’s game also sees some very special guests in attendance, all of whom have an important place in this club’s history.

This month marks the 30th anniversary of the club winning the Autoglass Trophy at Wembley – on the club's first visit to the famous stadium – and today we will be joined by several members of the squad, as well as members of the family of the late Frank Burrows, who was the manager of that successful side.

To accompany the upcoming anniversary, the club launched a special commemorative kit last week which will be worn as a one-off in this game.

Due to phenomenal demand, the commemorative kit and anthem jacket sold out online and in-store at the club shop as the designs proved a huge hit with supporters.

We appreciate a number of fans will be disappointed not to have been able to purchase from the original stock, and the club acted swiftly to place a re-order with our suppliers to ensure more shirts and jackets become available.

Over the international break we also announced the appointment of Alice Weekes as the club’s first head of women’s football, and I’m delighted to have her on board.

We are committed to helping grow the women’s game and to give aspiring young footballers opportunities to thrive, not just in Swansea but across Wales, and I hope you join me in welcoming Alice to the club.

We are expecting another high attendance figure for this game, so get behind Luke and the team once more as we go in search of the three points.

Enjoy the game,

Andy

Hello, and welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for our home fixture against Queens Park Rangers.

We are back in SA1 for the first time since our south Wales derby victory, and what a special occasion that proved to be.

The connection between you – the supporters – and your team was an incredible thing to experience.

That bond can be an unbelievably powerful thing, it’s something we have spoken about a lot as a group, and it’s down to us to help create that connection by the manner of our performances out on the pitch.

We know that as a group we have a huge responsibility when we represent this football club and everyone connected to it.

This club is such a big part of this community and we have to give you a team that represents you and the qualities you hold dear, while delivering an exciting brand of football with intensity and energy.

Against Cardiff we certainly had that, and that gives us a platform to build off as we look to move forward and finish the season strongly.

Since we were last here, we played against Sheffield Wednesday and came away with a point from our game at Hillsborough on Good Friday.

We controlled the game well in the first half, but I felt we lacked a bit of intensity in our play with the ball and we didn’t manage to create clean enough actions in the final third to make chances.

We were frustrated to concede from a set-piece and, as we pushed forward to try and get back on level terms, the game became more open and it brought the crowd into it more.

But the players continued to put the effort in for each other and got a goal from Jamal. While the performance was not what we were looking for, I could not fault what the players put in.

Today’s game also sees us pay tribute to a special day and a special team in this club’s history.

The players will wear a one-off jersey to mark 30 years since Swansea City won the Autoglass Trophy on our first visit to Wembley.

A number of members of that side are in attendance today – as are the family of the then-manager Frank Burrows – and I know you will give them the wonderful reception they deserve.

To bring success to this great club is the goal we all strive for, and those who have gone before us and achieved just that deserve tremendous recognition.

Enjoy the game,

Luke

Good afternoon, Happy Easter and welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for this match against Queens Park Rangers. 

What a derby match we enjoyed at our last home game. I can never truly enjoy these games, due to the ongoing anguish across the 90-plus minutes, interspersed with great rushes of adrenalin accompanying our goals. However, there was an overwhelming feeling of joy at the final whistle. 

A mention here too should go to the new Matchday Experience Working Group who, with the support of the club, were able to implement some pre-match changes that helped build up the fantastic atmosphere.

It seemed to all feed into an excellent start to the game. The next working group meeting will take place soon and more information on the project is available HERE

Commiserations go to Wales and in particular to Dan James, whose penalty was saved in Tuesday’s shootout. I thought that Wales were the better side in the play-off final; they comfortably disposed of Finland in the previous week but, unfortunately for most of us, it’s Poland who now progress to Euro 2024.

Queens Park Rangers. Loftus Road. Rodney Marsh; Stan Bowles; the Morgan Twins; Gerry Francis and Phil Parkes. These are some of the names that immediately come to mind whenever this fixture comes along. 

Personally, I have mixed memories of our matches against QPR; they were old Division Three Champions in the 1966-67 season when, as a nine-year-old lad, I first started supporting the Swans. I vaguely recall the home QPR fixture that season, where we were defeated 3-1, thanks to a hat-trick from Mark Lazarus. 

The Swans line-up that day was; George Heyes, Roy Evans, Vic Gomersall, Dennis Coughlin, Brian Purcell, Geoff Thomas, Willie Humphries, Jimmy McLaughlin, John Roberts, Ivor Allchurch and Brian Evans, with Herbie Williams on the bench. 

The QPR team comprised; Peter Springett, Tony Hazell, Jim Langley, Mike Keen, Robert Hunt, Frank Sibley, Mark Lazarus, Keith Sanderson, Alan Wilks, Rodney Marsh, Ian Morgan, with Roger Morgan as sub.*

This was Billy Lucas’ first game in charge of Swansea Town. The match report recalls the Swans had no luck in the opening spell and QPR went into an early 2-0 lead, before John Roberts headed one in before half-time. 

Swansea came close to equalising but Lazarus completed his hat-trick late on. Sadly, the Swans finished 21st in 1967 and were relegated to Division Four, before bouncing back in 1970, followed by a second relegation in 1973 and then the ignominy of re-election in 1975.

Due to the close timing of publication, the outcome of our Good Friday away fixture at Sheffield Wednesday isn’t known, however, a few more performances like the Cardiff game should ensure that we are watching Championship football again next season – so fingers and toes crossed.

Off the pitch, some of the more recent news, including the fundraising to help for Jason Bowen’s treatment in his fight against Motor Neurone Disease, and for Swans super fan Josh Davies’ new wheelchair, has shown the great heart this club has.

Club chairman Andy Coleman is also to be commended for opening his door for one-to-one meetings with Swans fans.

If you want to learn more about the work of the Trust please come and see us at the Supporters’ Trust Pod, next to the club shop, before any home match. You can also join the Trust online at https://www.swanstrust.co.uk/join-the-trust/. Alternatively, email us at supporters@swanstrust.co.uk.

Paul Barrett, Supporters' Trust secretary

*Thanks must go to my good friend Colin Jones who gave permission to reference his Opus – Swansea Town & City Football Club: The Complete Record 1912 - 2012.

Swansea City fans will this week have seen young player Dan Carroll modelling the club’s new commemorative range of clothing, but Dan’s journey to our academy and a photoshoot with his heroes would not have been possible without Swansea City AFC Foundation’s free Premier League Kicks programme.

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Dan will have dreams of following in the footsteps of the likes of Liam Cullen, who was also part of the photoshoot for the new kit having come through the academy himself to reach the first team.

Yet, a little over three-and-a-half years ago, Dan had never played any organised football.

And it was the Kicks programme, which offers free football sessions for 1,370 children across south Wales, that first gave Dan the chance to showcase and develop his talent.

The sessions gave Dan – who attended at Ysgol Pen Rhos in Seaside - the opportunity to try the sport in an environment that is open to all abilities. 

It quickly became clear to the Kicks coaches that Dan was a talented player, and they were taken aback to learn just how little football he had played previously.

“There was something unique about Dan when he first attended our Kicks sessions. His pace and flare stood out to us as coaches and we were surprised he hadn’t really played before,” said Craig Richards, youth engagement manager at the Foundation.

“He’s done incredibly well to sign with the Swansea City academy. He’s a perfect role model for other young children in the area.”

As Dan participated in the weekly sessions, he continued to develop his footballing abilities, and grew in confidence. 

He looked for more opportunities to play, and joined local grassroots side Evans & Williams AFC.

Coach Nick Jones was impressed with Dan’s abilities, and could see him constantly developing as he began playing alongside attending the Premier League Kicks sessions.

“When Dan joined Evans & Williams it was clear that he was a very talented footballer. Dan was a pleasure to coach, and he had a great attitude towards football,” says Nick.

“During his time with us he showed a massive improvement in his understanding of football and his tactical awareness.

“It was great to see Dan progress from there into the Swans academy. It just shows that there is a pathway from grassroots football into professional academies, which is fantastic.”

Dan played for Evans & Williams for 18 months, and his talent was soon spotted by Swans academy scouts. He was offered the chance to attend a trial with the club.

He made an impression during his time at Landore, and he was signed up to the Swans’ pre-academy ahead of the 2023-24 season.

“Dan came in and showed a load of potential. He scored a great goal during his trial, which was really good to see because it was based off what we’d been working on in training so it demonstrated how much of a good learner he is as well,” said Finnley Harris, foundation phase coach at Swansea City’s academy.

“He’s a really hardworking boy and he’s got a really good family around him, as well, which I think has massively helped him get to where he is today.

“At grassroots level you develop that passion for the game so the fact that he started there, found that love for the game, played every position and enjoyed everything about it. It just allowed him to fall in love with football.”

And Dan’s football story started with those Kicks sessions at Seaside in Llanelli.

His aunt, Katie Ssemmanda, spoke of the importance of the programme in opening up possibilities the youngster may not have been able to otherwise explore and experience.

“Starting off at Premier League Kicks was so important for Dan, he absolutely loved going to the sessions every week at Ysgol Pen Rhos,” said Katie.

“I think Kicks was a huge for his development. We saw him grow in confidence and really develop his skills. He loved being involved in the games and playing as part of a team.

“We are all so proud of Dan, he has done extremely well to reach the point that he has, and we can see him developing his skills every single week. 

“Being part of Swansea City is a dream come true for Dan and he is loving every minute of it.”

To add the icing on top of the cake for Dan, he was recently invited to be part of Swansea City’s fourth kit launch, modelling the club’s tracksuit that celebrates the 1994 Autoglass Trophy winning side.

As well as getting an exclusive look at the new kit and tracksuit, Dan had the opportunity to meet Swansea City men’s first-team stars Ronald and Cullen, and Swansea City Women midfielder Sammy Wynne.

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“It was great to see Dan involved in the kit launch, especially as he got to meet Ronald and Liam Cullen, which really topped off the experience for him.” said Richards.

“It was amazing for Dan to be part of it, he absolutely loved doing the photoshoot and it was great to see his face light up when he met the players.” added Katie.

In this special edition of ‘Lifting the Lid’, brought to you in association with Reviva Coffee, former Swansea City captain John Cornforth joins us to mark the 30th anniversary of the club’s historic Autoglass Trophy triumph over Huddersfield Town at Wembley.

From the role Frank Burrows played in getting him to SA1, the build-up to Wembley, playing pranks on the team’s coach driver, lifting the trophy and getting booed off just two days later; Cornforth shares all his memories and much more.

When Swansea City fans think of a club captain lifting a trophy at Wembley, it’s easy to understand why their minds might turn to Garry Monk lifting the play-off trophy in 2011, or Monk and Ashley Williams holding aloft the League Cup two years later in 2013. But the first man to hold aloft silverware at the world-famous venue was non other than John Cornforth.

Nearly 30 years ago, on April 24 1994 to be precise, Cornforth led his side up the steps to the royal box to be presented with the Autoglass Trophy having beaten Huddersfield Town 3-1 on penalties in a final that had ended 1-1 after extra-time.

The story of that team has largely been lost in the success Swansea City has enjoyed in the intervening period, but they were the first. The first Swans team to play at Wembley, the first Swans team to win silverware at the hallowed stadium.

To mark the anniversary the club has issued a limited-edition kit modelled on the 1994 final design - to be worn against Queens Park Rangers, while Cornforth and several of his former teammates will be in attendance at the fixture.

And the Whitley Bay-born midfielder is proud of the place his side continue to hold in Swans history.

“I’ve been quoted a couple of times saying that the Wembley team was the forgotten team,” he says. 

“I’ve said that in the past protecting my team because it was a different game then. We were not paid fortunes and it means the world for us to see the anniversary being recognised like this, and for us to have the chance to get everyone back together and to be back down in a place we love.

“The kit and the tracksuit are fantastic. The one I have is obviously a lot bigger than the one I wore at Wembley, but it’s brilliant and it means a lot.

“I think this is the sort of thing that Wembley team has been crying out for.”

Cornforth’s journey to lifting the trophy at Wembley started in his native north-east where, despite being a Newcastle United fan, he would start out his career with their rivals Sunderland.

He made his debut in the top-flight at the end of a campaign where the Black Cats were in the process of dropping down to the second tier.

Len Ashurst was the man to give Cornforth his break in the first team, but it was a man who the midfielder first worked with in the reserves on Wearside who would go on to be instrumental in his move to Swans; Frank Burrows.

The Scot – who sadly passed away in 2021 - brought Cornforth to the Vetch Field in 1991, and he has nothing but gratitude for his old boss.

“Frank was my career, to be honest with you,” says Cornforth.

“When I was at Sunderland as a reserve-team player, Frank was reserve team manager and obviously, I was a ball player, a ball-playing midfield player, and he used to try to toughen me up by kicking me in training.

“I always remember the day I got a perm, I went in on the Sunday morning for treatment, and he came walking in the treatment room, opened the door with his ‘tash and his Scottish accent, and he just looked and says, ‘I’ve just got you tackling and now you look like Shirley Temple!’

“But from the word go, we had a great relationship – at Swansea, they always used to say I was the son of Frank.

“He played a massive part in my career, and I loved him, and I loved working for him. 

“He was miles ahead of anyone as a coach, and he was the pull when it came to joining Swansea.

“No disrespect to Swansea or anything, but I didn’t know where Swansea was. I didn’t know it on the map. I wasn’t very bright at school to be honest with you, I knew the north-east, and I knew Swansea was in Wales. That was about it.”

Life in SA1 did not start as he may have wanted; Cornforth broke his leg just a handful of games into his Swansea career. But he quickly made up for lost time when fit again, and soon become a fan favourite.

He helped the Swans reach the Third Division play-offs in the 1992-93 campaign, where they lost out to West Bromwich Albion in the semi-finals.

Hopes had been high for another crack at promotion the following season, but a lack of consistency ensured the Swans never really threatened to put themselves in the hunt.

However, as they progressed through the rounds of the Autoglass Trophy, the opportunity to achieve something special began to loom large.

“The West Brom game was a massive downer for me,” recalls Cornforth. 

“I played all the way through the play-offs with a double hernia and I was on the exercise bike at half-time to keep myself going.

“I had to come off against West Brom, we had a man sent off and we lost, and it was a massive downer.

“We didn’t really kick on in the league the next season, but Frank knew how to rejuvenate everyone. He brought another couple of people in, and the squad was just so tight-knit from the word go.

“It was a magical, magical time. 

“I remember us beating Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road and that for me was where you started to have a think that it could be on to go to Wembley.”

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The Swans would eventually face Martin O’Neil’s Wycombe Wanderers side in the two-legged southern aera final.

A dominant performance in the first leg on home soil yielded a 2-0 win, but any thoughts of a comfortable second leg were quickly expelled when the Chairboys scored early.

Swansea had to withstand wave after wave of pressure, but they held out to secure their spot, and the excitement of the build-up to Wembley could begin.

“We were 2-0 up after the first leg and, to be honest with you, we battered them,” says Cornforth. 

“It could have been three or four. I think Colin Pascoe and Jason Bowen scored.

“But then it was the lead up to the second, and the expectation around the town.

“They believed that we could do it, you know what I mean, and you could feel it.

“The second leg at Wycombe, Jason Bowen should have scored, I think I put him through and he was on the edge of the box, and the keeper made a good save. 

“I think they battered us for about the last 30, 35 minutes. Thankfully, we managed to hold on. The hype just went up from there.

“I remember the journey home. You’d always know on the way back if Frank was happy because if we stopped off to get a couple of beers or something, he would let me get a couple of beers, and I would always try to get him a bottle of white wine, because he liked white wine.

“So as soon as he said ‘oh yes, get me a bottle of wine’, you knew for a fact that you were okay. In fact, I think we stopped off at his house in Swindon and we were in there with his family having a drink and celebrating. They were great times.”

With money tight at the time, the Swans had a decidedly no-frills approach to travel and accommodation back in 1994.

But, for the big day in London, the players were measured for Wembley suits, were issued new club tracksuits and travelled up the day before the game to stop in a hotel near the ground.

There was excitement and plenty of nervous energy, some of which got expanded by playing pranks on the team’s coach driver, Ken.

“We’d actually gone down the day before and had a walk around Wembley,” says Cornforth. 

“We had a look at the dressing rooms and I remember standing, looking at the goal and saying, ‘can you imagine if that’s full and you have to take a penalty?’

“Nine days earlier, we had played Nuneaton in the FA Cup, and we were losing 1-0 with about seven minutes to go and we got a penalty. I took the penalties, and I went up and I kicked the ground, and the ball bounced about four times before the keeper saved it.

“I ended up getting us knocked out of the FA Cup, and it’s my fault because I missed the penalty, so to go into Wembley and think…

“You’ve obviously got to think about penalties when you go into these big games, you know what I mean.

“But it was just magical. We went to the hotel and Frank and the staff put beautiful food on for us, and old Ken the bus driver – bless his soul – he died not long ago.

“When we used to go on away trips, we used to play crash cards at the back of the bus and there was no sports science in those days, so we used to have a slab of cheese, a big block of ham, white bread and Branston Pickle. 

“So, that’s what we used to get: Branston Pickle, ham and cheese sandwiches.

“Ken used to get on the mic and say ‘Corney, Roger, makes us a Branson Pickle sandwich’, so we used to get the sandwich, and we used to get a playing card and stick it inside the sandwich. So he’s driving along, biting this playing card.

“But the night before Wembley had a drink – he would never have a drink because we used to go up and back in the same day with Swansea, they didn’t have much money in those days – so I said to Roger, ‘Ken’s left his key by the bar, come on, let’s do his room’.

“Roger and I went up his room and unscrewed the legs on his bed, and just left them balancing. He was having a few pints with Frank, Frank was making him have a few pints and then we clingfilmed the toilet.

“So he’d gone up to bed, we heard a massive thud because the bed had collapsed, and all this and – well, I’m not saying what he did to the toilet.

But it broke the ice in the morning, all the lads were having a laugh and carry on.”

Matchday eventually arrived, with over 18,000 Jacks making the journey to the old Wembley to see if their side could add silverware to what was already an historic day.

The presence of a Welsh side meant the national anthem was played pre-match and, all these years later, Cornforth still recalls the wall of noise that greeted the Swansea and Huddersfield teams as they made the long walk from the dressing rooms behind one goal out to the middle of the pitch.

The skipper presented his players to the then-home secretary Michael Howard – himself a son of Llanelli – and then, finally it was time to go.

“On matchday there was excitement, I never got nervous. The only time I ever got nervous was when I joined the Wales squad. There were so many stars there and I was just like a nobody really,” adds Cornforth.

“But, the Wembley day, getting to the stadium and seeing all the Swans fans was unreal. It was unreal. It’s just what you become a professional footballer for.

“All the lads looked really smart, we went for the suit fittings somewhere in Swansea. I am getting old, and I can’t remember. The lads look immaculate, it was special leading up to it. It was the right time for us.

“It was just such a sense of pride really, and to see how many Swans fans were there. It does not matter if there are 18,000 Swans fans or two Swans fans there, they would always out sing the opposition. So, it was just unbelievable, it was breathtaking in a way. You see your family there and everything, it was just class.

“I introduced the players to Michael Howard, I just told him their nicknames, I cannot repeat on camera what I was calling some of them! 

“But, it was nice to walk them through and obviously introduce them to Frank, the mascot.

“I was sent a picture of the mascot not long ago and he has got his own kids and all that now, and all the Swans kit. It’s unbelievable, it’s amazing. It’s a fantastic story.

“Once all that is done it’s a relief to be ready to play the game. I was a very vocal captain and I would bang a few heads, I was like that. It was game time, you know what I mean. You had to be ready.”

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Swansea could not have wished for a better start. A long ball downfield from Roger Freestone was seized upon by Andy McFarlane, who rounded the keeper to steer the ball into the empty net.

The preference of McFarlane to Steve Torpey in attack had surprised some, but Cornforth felt getting that big call right just summed up Burrows’ acumen and man-management.

“To be honest with you, it was quite tight in the first five or 10 minutes,” says Cornforth. 

“Both teams had had quite a lot of the ball, but when the ball goes back to Roger – and I’ve watched it so many times – he gets a good connection on it, they miss out and Andy McFarlane gets through and I think everyone was more shocked that he showed some composure. 

“To be fair to ‘Big Mac’ he showed a nice bit of skill and he finished it off. 

“He used to live where I lived in Gorseinon, in the same estate as me, and at one o’clock in the morning you would get a knock on the door and he would be after a pint of milk. 

“He was so laid back I don’t think he knew what time it was, I don’t think he ever had a watch. He was that type of lad, but then he scored some important goals for us. 

“He was a great lad, an ex-kickboxer, and ex-bouncer and all that. 

“It was a great start for us, an absolutely fantastic start, and it summed up Frank because he made the decision and he got it right. When he was certain of something he would go with it, as I say he was ahead of his time as a coach.”

Swansea had the better of proceedings, but Neil Warnock’s Terriers grew into the game and eventually got an equaliser when Richard Logan scored from a corner.

The sides could not be separated, with Jason Bowen striking a post and Cornforth seeing a last-gasp free-kick saved, and extra-time could not find a winner either.

That left the prospect of a dreaded penalty shootout.

As mentioned previously, less than two weeks before the final Cornforth had missed an important spot-kick in an FA Cup exit at the hands of Nuneaton Borough.

He was also feeling a calf issue he had picked up in the second half of the final, but there was never any chance anyone else was taking Swansea’s first penalty.

“100 per cent, I always said I would take the first one and obviously they missed theirs,” recalls Cornforth.

“The ball came across and went all the way across in front of the Huddersfield fans, there were no ball boys in those days so I had to hobble over to the Huddersfield fans and I tried to do a little chicken flick and I tweaked my calf again. I had done it in the second half and I had been worried Frank might take me off.

“But I caught it and I went and put the ball down. I had always said I would just be positive, and I think looking back I took the longest run-up in the world, but I just connected with it and it went in the top corner.

Graham Mitchell had struck the woodwork with the opening penalty of the shootout for Huddersfield, and Phil Starbuck did likewise with their third.

Swansea were faultless, Cornforth, Kwame Ampadu and Torpey all scoring from the spot.

All of which meant when Freestone saved Tom Cowan’s effort, the Swans had done it, even if the keeper himself has claimed he didn’t immediately realised.

“If they had kept taking penalties, Roger would have kept saving them,” chuckles Cornforth. 

“He was quite happy saving them. We were on the halfway line and had realised we had won it, it was good. 

“Roger was incredible. The amount of important saves he made. He would shank the ball out of play quite a lot and Frank would sort of throw his cap down and go mental at him, but he was a great lad. He was an absolute great lad, but a fantastic goalkeeper. I thought he was the best in the league for a number of years.

“You share special moments like that, and to be walking around Wembley, seeing the fans, seeing your family and friends. That’s what it is all about.

“When it came to lifting the trophy I was just worried about my calf walking up the stairs! I had gone over to Frank, I had known Frank since I was a young lad. It was touching, to be fair, it was really good.” 

Cornforth had also been named man of the match for a typically bustling and busy display in the middle of the park.

As he and his teammates wearily climbed the stairs to the royal box and he lifted the trophy aloft in the direction of the jubilant Swans fans, Cornforth soaked in every moment.

But any thoughts of quickly joining the celebrations with his teammates had to wait a while as he conducted his post-match media duties.

“To play at Wembley and to lift the trophy, to get man of the match, to score a goal, it was dreams come true really, dreams come true,” he says.

“When we walked up the stairs there was a lot of VIPs but Swans fans so they’re all grabbing you and putting scarves round you and hats on you and things like this. 

“It was just amazing and the Swans fans, the singing for the next half hour was unreal, unreal. 

“But I missed the start of the celebrations! Obviously as soon as it finished I had to go and get my man-of-the-match award and champagne.

“Then Frank and I were carted off to do the media interview. We went in with all the press and we sat, me, Frank, Neil Warnock and his captain, we sat for another 35, 40 minutes answering questions. 

“Then I had to go outside and I was asked to do another interview, and when I came back in Frank had opened my champagne. He was drinking my man-of-the-match champagne! 

“I had to get back in touch with Autoglass and ask them for another bottle. To be fair to them, they sent it. The atmosphere in the dressing room was just unbelievable.”

 Having got back to the sanctuary of the dressing room, even if his man-of-the-match champagne had already been opened in his absence, and spent time with his family before they made the long journey back to the north-east.

And the journey home would prove memorable for the Cornforth clan, and for the man himself, if for very different reasons.

“A funny story is I came out and I gave my champagne to my dad, and all my family were outside and they had all Welsh flags, the Swansea fans had given them Welsh flags because they knew they were my family. 

“They’d been on the drink since five o’clock in the morning - they’d watched the final, they’d actually climbed down sections to get by the pitch and there’s a picture in my local in Whitley Bay of me holding the man-of-the-match award and all the lads are behind. 

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“They’d been elbowing kids out of the way and all this to get to the front. 

“But on the way home they passed the Huddersfield coach up there and they must’ve thought they were drunk and had gone the wrong way with all their Welsh flags waving in the windows, and giving it to the Huddersfield players.

“Our journey back was eventful, too. I lost my suit! 

“I gave my shirt away to a charity, we had won at Wembley but obviously typical Swansea we did not have much cash or anything. There was loads of champagne on the bus on the way back after winning it. 

“But then we stopped in Membury services for a pie or a McDonald’s or something. All the Swans fans were there, I got off the bus and I just got mobbed.  I lost my tie, and I ended up going back on the bus in my boxer shorts and my socks. It was just unreal.

“Looking back on it, 30 years ago, it makes you feel old. They were fantastic memories.”

But reality would soon bite for the successful Swans, with a league game against Port Vale looming barely 48 hours after the final whistle at Wembley.

It was very much a case of after the Lord Mayor’s show, and there even a few boos at the end of the night.

But, as Cornforth looks back, it is the memory of that bright, spring afternoon at Wembley that unsurprisingly resonates the most strongly.

“To be honest with you, we were so bad against Port Vale,” he says. 

“I think he brought a couple of the reserve-team players in, but he brought me off the bench and I remember coming on and it was just one of those things where you’d been on such a high, you couldn’t get yourself going. 

“It was very, very difficult, but the memories I have and savour are all of Wembley. 

“From start to finish of that run, from Plymouth away, all the way to the final. From my point of view, to lead Swansea out for the first time at Wembley, to get man of the match, to score a goal, to lift the trophy, it was like a Hollywood movie and things dreams are made of really.

“Winning at Wembley was the biggest thing in my life outside of my kids being born.” 

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With our home fixture against Queens Park Rangers celebrating Swansea City's 1994 Autoglass Trophy final triumph, we asked you to share your memories of the club's first-ever trip to Wembley. Here, we have selected just a few of the wonderful stories and pictures you submitted.

Simon Williams

"One of the great days in our history, travelling up on the bus from Ynystawe Cricket Club with my mates, arriving at Wembley to the sight of the twin towers was hard to believe after a tough few years in the lower divisions!

"We went straight to the Greyhound pub, Gulf Oil Swans shirts everywhere! Fans belting out 'take my hand, take my whole life too'.

"Seeing Frank Burrows emerge from the tunnel with Corny, Roger and the rest of the team made us all so proud! Then 1-0 up early through McFarlane, we were on our way!

"We never make it that easy…. 1-1 and a nervy finish to the game and extra-time.

"Corny, Kwame and Torpey smashed theirs in and it was down to Roger, who saved from Huddersfield’s Cowan…

"Cue bedlam at the Swansea end of the stadium! Seeing Super John climbing the Wembley steps and lifting the trophy is something I would never forget! To say the bus was lively on the way home would be an understatement, stopping off for a couple of pints and a 16-ounce steak. We knew then that we were a part of Swansea City history. Cornforth, Bowen, Harris, Freestone, Burrows and the rest are club legends forever!"

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Clare Lewis

"My name is Clare Lewis. I was 21 at the time and it was my first away game following the Swans.

"It was a special day as I was in the Swans end, while some of my family were in the Huddersfield Town end. Myself and my friends went by car and petrol was 54.9p a litre. Swans won which made it a special day. They are memories that will live with me forever."

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Delyth Edwards

"I am writing this on behalf of my mother, Helen Edwards, who is sadly no longer with us.

"I was eight years old at the time of the final and Mam was a single mother, she could not afford the trip to Wembley so was pretty devastated that she was going to miss out. While watching the news one evening, a feature appeared about the final and my grandfather asked her why she wasn't going to go. 

"She admitted that she had no spare money to purchase a ticket and pay for travel, the following morning my grandfather woke her up at 6am and told her to get dressed as he was taking her down the ticket office and he'd pay for her tickets and travel.

"Thanks to him, she went to Wembley and it was a glorious day!"

Anon 

"I was 13-years-old and this was my first Swans 'away' game!

 "We nearly didn't make it however as the coach broke down on the way and we had to wait for a replacement! Awesome atmosphere! The place was electric and of course a triumph by the Swans!!!! Need I say more?!"

Anon 

"I remember buying a massive WWF/Gladiators-style foam finger with the Swans logo on it . I thought I was the bees’ knees with that!"

Anon

"Having been a Swans fan for 50 years, I attended the final with my wife and daughter. My wife was pregnant at the time and as a result we subsequently named our child Jack 'Wembley' Phillips much to the amusement of the registrar!

"Jack, who celebrates his 30th birthday this year, became a Swans fanatic and season ticket holder."

Ian Hendry

"One of the best memories of my life, I was 12 years old when my parents got me a ticket for the Autoglass Trophy Final at Wembley 1994.

"Super Swans had made it to the final and it was like a dream come true for the whole city. I remember arriving so excited and seeing the famous white Twin Towers for the first time and suddenly I could see and hear the Swans fans all around us singing 'Frankie Burrows Barmy Army.'

"I couldn't wait to get inside the stadium to cheer on the mighty Swans, the sun was shining a perfect day for a football final.

"Finally inside Wembley I just remember seeing the black and white flags everywhere. Some fans were wearing swans hats and scarves, singing so loud you could feel the passion all around the stadium. Then came the roar of the Jack Army as our captain Super John Cornforth led out the team with the pride of south Wales Swansea City ready to make history.

"Huddersfield took us to a penalties and I just couldn't look until the moment came when Roger Freestone needed to save the last penalty for a Swans win.... one big silence, then within a minute the whole Swansea side of Wembley Stadium erupted.

"The boys had done it, the Autoglass Trophy was ours and as our heroes climbed the Wembley steps lead by our Captain Marvel, John Cornforth, the mighty Jack Army sang out loud and proud, 'For I can't help falling in love with you.'

"It really was a dream come true and a day I will never forget, it only seems like yesterday but I can still hear the proud Swans fans singing as I think back and I can recall the pure joy on the faces of the passionate fans, hero players and the legend - the one and only - Frankie Burrows. 

"It was something so special. The team of 1994 will always have a special place in my heart and those of many others who remember that amazing day. The boys did us proud and I thank them all one by one for the amazing memories shared, as well as a massive thanks to my amazing parents for the ticket that day, I will never forget it.

 "Swansea 'til I die."

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Anon

"We as a family (dad, mum and two boys; Mark aged 13 and Jonathan aged 11) attended the final in Wembley. It was the first time we had been to Wembley. If I recall correctly all the players were dressed in white suits. 

"Ron Walton (what a great guy, still revered in Merthyr) was there and I can remember him lifting his arms in celebration after the match to one of the players (it might have been Andy McFarlane, quite a character!) congratulating him on the win. 

"After the match we met a couple from Huddersfield in the car park outside where we had a good old chat about the rights and wrongs of the game. Proper friendly dialogue with no animosity, just banter. We were on cloud nine for the players. They were outstanding!"

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Angel Rangel spent the first six years as a professional footballer in the lower divisions of the Spanish leagues, before Swans boss and fellow Spaniard Roberto Martinez signed him from Terrassa in the summer of 2007 for a minimal fee. 

It started an 11-year love affair with the Swans as they flew through the ranks and into the Premier League, earning Angel legendary status with the Jack Army. 

In his first season at the club, he would be a regular at right-back in a side that would be crowned League One champions. Such was his success in his opening season at the club, he was one of five Swans players who would make the prestigious PFA Team of the Year. 

A regular name on the teamsheet who also captained the club, Rangel played at Wembley when the Swans defeated Reading to gain promotion to the Premier League in 2011, and was also in the side that won the League Cup by defeating Bradford City in 2013. 

Among the most consistent performers in the Premier League, fans were sad to see him released at the end of the club’s relegation season in 2018 after 374 appearances.

He would make the move to QPR that summer and went on to make 41 appearances over two seasons at Loftus Road.

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Swansea City supporters can get their hands on a rare piece of club memorabilia and raise money for our Former Players’ Association (FPA) with the online auction of the limited edition commemorative kit our players will wear against Queens Park Rangers on Monday.

The design, which marks - and is inspired by - the 30th anniversary of the Swans’ historic Autoglass Trophy triumph on our first trip to Wembley in 1994, will only be worn in our Easter Monday fixture.

And the club are offering supporters the opportunity to secure one of the match shirts, with all money raised from the auction being donated to the FPA.

The FPA launched in August 2021 with the aim to reunite those who have worn the club shirt, and wish to continue or renew their links to Swansea City. 

The association provides opportunities for ex-players, both men and women, to attend matches, meet other ex-players and to come along to social events such as charity walks and coffee mornings.  

It also offers financial aid to members who may be facing challenging circumstances in their lives after football.

Shirts worn by Swansea City players in Monday's match will be available to bid on in a live auction. This will include match-worn and match-issued shirts, which will be available to view from 2pm on Monday, after team line-ups have been confirmed.

The link will be available on our website and social media channels from 2pm on matchday.

The auction will go live and accept bids from 3pm on Monday, it will conclude on Sunday, April 7 at 8pm. 

Liam Cullen and Jamal Lowe got the goals as Swansea City deservedly took the south Wales derby bragging rights with victory over Cardiff City at the Swansea.com Stadium.

Swansea City: Carl Rushworth, Harry Darling, Joe Allen (Jay Fulton 71), Matt Grimes (captain), Jamie Paterson (Ollie Cooper 71), Josh Tymon, Przemysław Płacheta (Charlie Patino 91), Liam Cullen (Jamal Lowe 71), Nathan Wood, Kyle Naughton (Josh Key 58), Ronald.

Unused Substitutes: Andy Fisher, Jerry Yates, Azeem Abdulai, Filip Lissah.

Cardiff City: Ethan Horvath, Dimitrios Goutas, Ryan Wintle (captain), Nathaniel Phillips, Josh Bowler (Ollie Tanner 63), David Turnbull (Rubin Colwill 46), Karlan Grant, Yakou Meite (Callum O’Dowda 46), Manolis Siopsis (Aaron Ramsey 72), Josh Wilson-Esbrand (Famara Diedhiou 78). Perry Ng.

Unused Substitutes: Matt Turner, Mahlon Romeo, Joe Ralls, Jamilu Collins.

Referee: David Webb

Attendance: 20,005

Jamal Lowe struck a late equaliser to secure Swansea City a point against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

Swansea City: Carl Rushworth, Josh Key (Joe Allen 68), Jay Fulton, Harry Darling, Matt Grimes (captain), Jamie Paterson (Aimar Govea 68), Josh Tymon, Przemysław Płacheta (Jamal Lowe 46), Liam Cullen (Jerry Yates 64), Nathan Wood, Ronald (Charlie Patino 82).

Unused Substitutes: Andy Fisher, Ollie Cooper, Azeem Abdulai, Filip Lissah.

Sheffield Wednesday: James Beadle, Liam Palmer (captain) (Dominic Iorfa 70), Will Vaulks, Ike Ugbo (Michae Smith 79), Pol Valentin, Di'Shon Bernard, Marvin Johnson, Michael Ihiekwe, Akin Famewo (Barry Bannan 70), Bailey Cadamarteri (Djeidi Gassama 57), Anthony Musaba (Mallik Wilks 79).

Unused Substitutes: Cameron Dawson, Jeff Hendrick, Reece James.

Referee: Geoff Eltringham

Attendance: 28, 301

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Roger Freestone was the hero for Swansea City after he saved the winning penalty to win the Autoglass Trophy at Wembley.

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The Swans won 3-1 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 following 90 minutes and extra-time. 

Andy McFarlane scoring in the eighth minute with a great finish, Huddersfield then responded on the hour mark through Richard Logan before the drama of the shootout as Swansea scored all three of their spot-kicks, with Huddersfield missing three of their four.

This was the Swans first trip to Wembley, having beaten Plymouth Argyle, Exeter City, Port Vale, Leyton Orient and Wycombe Wanderers in previous rounds.

Manager Frank Burrows made two changes to the team, bringing in Michael Basham to replace the injured Keith Walker and McFarlane was brought into the side ahead of Steve Torpey.

The Swans opened up the scoring in the eighth minute, when McFarlane raced onto the end of a long ball from Freestone, rounded goalkeeper Steve Francis and tapped the ball into an empty net. 

The Swans were the stronger team in the first half and were disappointed to go into the break with only a one-goal advantage.

The Terriers started the second half strongly, equalising just after the hour mark when Logan rose above the defender from a corner to level the score. 

Chances fell to both sides, Jason Bowen striking a post and John Cornforth having a later free-kick saved, but no one could find a winner with the game ending 1-1 after extra-time. 

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The Swans were clinical in the shoot-out with Cornforth, Kwame Ampadu and Torpey all scoring their penalties. 

Huddersfield missed two penalties, with Graham Mitchell and Phil Starbuck both hitting the woodwork before Freestone then made the save from Tom Cowan to see the Swans win the shoot-out 3-1 and pick up the silverware. 

Huddesfield Town: Steve Francis, Chris Billy, Tom Cowan, Phil Starbuck, Pat Scully, Graham Mitchell, Richard Logan, Phil Robinson, Andy Booth, Darren Bullock (Iain Dunn 45’), Simon Baldry.

Swansea City: Roger Freestone, Steve Jenkins, Mark Clode (Jon Ford 69), Mike Basham, Mark Harris, Colin Pascoe, Jason Bowen, Kwame Ampadu, Andy McFarlane, John Cornforth, John Hodge (Steve Torpey 84).

I’m writing this column in mourning for the Wales defeat to Poland, and specifically thinking about former Swan, Dan James. Going out on penalties is never easy, but when you’re the player who missed the decider, that’s really tough.

I’m gutted for Wales, and especially for Dan. John Hartson said on ‘X’, (formerly Twitter) that James will need a lot of support after that disappointment. I find it baffling that people can blame players in those circumstances when they were brave enough to step up, knowing what the consequences could be.

It was a devastating end to a campaign which offered so much until the very end. Sob.

However, when the misery lifts, (that will take some time, I predict), there will be a lot to celebrate about that campaign from a Swansea City perspective. 

Seeing the contribution the likes of our former players Joe Rodon, Connor Roberts, Dan and, of course, Ben Davies, have made is something that makes me proud. Those players were such an integral part of our club, and it played a significant part in their development. Those boys were made in Swansea. 

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I know there are supporters who say once a player leaves for pastures new they’re gone, but I’m not one of them. Football is a game of chances and opportunities and sometimes choices are made for players that are beyond their control. 

I’m immensely proud of the contribution they make to the national team. They may not wear a Swansea City shirt anymore, but they will always be held in the highest regard as far as I’m concerned.

Davies has taken on the Wales captain’s armband in the absence of the injured Aaron Ramsey and has garnered admiration from all quarters.

I heard him described by one pundit as a ‘colossus’.  Gabby Logan, broadcaster and daughter of our former manager Terry Yorath, (happy birthday for last Wednesday, Terry) referred to him as a ‘giant’.

His team talk in the huddle after the defeat brought me to tears. I don’t know what he said, but I remember interviewing him as a young Swan many years ago and I’m not sure I would have believed then that he’d have been doing that on an international stage.

That took some bottle. He’s a true leader on the pitch and decent human being off it - and he’ll always be a Jack to me. 

It was a shame that injury to Ben Cabango meant he missed out on a place in the squad for the final Euro qualifiers. No doubt Liam Cullen will have benefitted from the experience of being part of the squad, despite the final outcome.

However, there is no time to dwell on the disappointment of international defeat when the league is calling again.

Queens Park Rangers are the visitors and no doubt for Liam, he’ll be looking to build on the significant contribution he’s made on the pitch for our club, with the focus today being collecting much-needed points.

We go again. 

Ers rhai wythnosau bellach mae’n amlwg bod Ronald a Przemysław Płacheta wedi creu argraff ar gefnogwyr yr Elyrch, a hynny mewn cyfnod byr iawn. Mae sicrhau bod y ddau chwaraewr wedi symud yma yn ystod y cyfnod trosglwyddo yn hollbwysig i’r ffordd mae Luke Williams eisiau i’w dîm chwarae, ac maen nhw wedi ennill drosodd cefnogwyr yr Elyrch gyda’u dawn ar y cae.

Pan mae Ronald a Płacheta yn derbyn y bêl eu meddwl pob tro yw ei symud ymhellach lan y cae, rhywbeth sydd wedi bod ar goll yn y ffordd rydym ni wedi bod yn chwarae am gyfnod mawr o’r tymor. Ond ers i Williams dechrau chwarae gyda’r ddau yma ar yr asgell mae ein chwarae yn yr ymosod wedi bod llawer gwell, yn fygythiad i dimau.

‘Flair’ yw’r gair sydd yn disgrifio Ronald, heb os. Ond yn ogystal â hynny, mae’n chwaraewr sydd yn brwydro am bob dim, sydd yn elfen efallai nad oedd llawer yn disgwyl pan gyrhaeddodd SA1. 

Mae’r ffaith nad yw’n ildio i unrhyw beth, unrhyw frwydr, yn rhedeg ar ôl popeth yn rhinwedd sydd ar goll gyda nifer o chwaraewyr dyddiau yma, ond nid Ronald. 

Ac mae ei ddawn ar y bêl yn anhygoel, yn focs o driciau sydd yn gadael ei wrthwynebydd yn cwestiynu beth mae am wneud nesaf. Mae’r un peth yn wir am Płacheta, chwaraewr sydd yn brwydro am bopeth ac yn amlwg yn ysu i greu argraff ar Williams a’r cefnogwyr. 

Yn llythrennol mae’n chwarae am gytundeb ac mae’n amlwg i mi ac i nifer eraill ei fod yn haeddu hynny ac yn fwy na barod i chwarae ar gyfer y bathodyn.

Ac i ffwrdd o’r ffordd mae’r ddau yn cynnig opsiynau ymosodol ar y cae, mae’n amlwg bod y ddau wedi setlo ac wedi dysgu am hanes y clwb, yn enwedig yr hanes gyda Chaerdydd. Dywedodd Ronald fod y chwaraewyr wedi dweud wrtho am yr hanes rhwng y ddau glwb, ac roedd dathliadau Płacheta ar ôl gôl Cullen yn adrodd cyfrolau am sut roedd ef yn ymwybodol o’r hanes, a oedd yn rhoi gwen ar wyneb pob un cefnogwr yr Elyrch oedd yn y stadiwm y diwrnod hwnnw. 

Un peth bydd y siaradwyr Cymraeg yn falch i weld yw bod Ronald yn rhoi capsiynau eu posts Instagram yn y Gymraeg yn ogystal â Saesneg a’i iaith frodorol. Efallai ei fod yn gyfieithiad yn unig ac nad yw’n deall, ond mae’r ffaith ei fod yn cydnabod yr iaith Gymraeg a bod miloedd yn Abertawe yn ei siarad, eto yn dangos ei fod wedi cael ei amsugno i ddiwylliant y clwb a’r ddinas yn ehangach.

ALED LLOYD-BISTON

This season marks the 30th anniversary of Swansea City’s first trip to Wembley for the Autoglass Trophy final in 1994. To mark it, our club historian Gwyn Rees takes us back through the story of that campaign, and in this issue he recounts that historic Sunday afternoon in London.

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April 24 1994, a day etched into the history of Swansea City.

This was the day when the club first appeared at the world-famous Wembley Stadium, facing Huddersfield Town in the Autoglass Trophy final.

Some 18,000 Jacks travelled to London on the day, making their voices heard and passionately singing passionately the Welsh National Anthem before the game started. 

And what a start it proved for the Swans, with a goal after just eight minutes.

Striker Andy McFarlane had been recalled to the side and been chosen ahead of Steve Torpey, and he was the one to open the scoring as he met a long kick downfield from Roger Freestone, and chested the ball beyond the Huddersfield keeper before rolling the ball into the empty net.

With captain John Cornforth, Colin Pascoe and Kwame Ampadu enjoying the space given to them on the vast Wembley pitch it was the Swans who, with the early goal behind them, dictated most of the play.

The first half continued in much the same vein, with the Swans having the better of their opponents with some good approach play, but clear chances were at a premium. Huddersfield brought on Ian Dunn in the second half in a bid to provide more pace to their midfield, and it worked. The Yorkshire side began to gain a firm grip on the game, and there were long periods when the Swans were forced to dig in and repel constant attacks. 

The Huddersfield pressure finally brought its reward after just over an hour of play, and not surprisingly the equaliser came from a set-piece. 

Phil Starbuck took the corner, and Richard Logan rose highest in a packed area to send a firm header into the back of the Swansea net. 

The rest of normal time saw little in the way of goalscoring chances, except when the hard-working Jason Bowen raced clear of the Huddersfield defence, and saw his shot crash off the foot of the post and away to safety. 

Cornforth saw a late free-kick saved and so it was on to extra-time with energy levels sapped by the warm spring sunshine.

The sides could not be separated and a penalty shootout was needed to find a winner.

The nerves got the better of the Terriers as Graham Mitchell and Starbuck struck the woodwork, while Cornforth, Ampadu and substitute Torpey all found the net for Swansea.

When Tom Cowan’s poorly-struck penalty was easily saved by Freestone, the Swans knew the trophy was theirs and the jubilant celebrations began.

As the players paraded the trophy in front of their fans, it was announced over the tannoy that captain Cornforth had been named man of the match, and it was a fitting end to an historic day. 

Just two days after the Wembley triumph, the Swans took on Port Vale in a league encounter at the Vetch Field. And the game showed how fickle football can be.

Five changes were made from the team that played at Wembley on the Sunday, but the side was a shadow of the one from 48 hours earlier. 

There was no fluidity to their game, too many passes went astray, and even Wembley hero Freestone made a glaring mistake to gift the visitors a first-half goal as Ian Taylor tapped the ball home from close range.

The visitors went on to claim the three points, and the boos from a section of the crowd at the end told its own story.

But, when the dust had settled, that day at Wembley would be an abiding memory that continues to be looked back on with great fondness by all Swansea fans.

Credit where it’s due, well done to whoever came up with the idea of playing ‘Daydream Believer’ and ‘The Swansea City Song’ before the Cardiff game.

The atmosphere whipped up prior to kick-off was one of the best I’ve heard at a south Wales derby, and I’ve been going to them since 1980.

I don’t think it’s any coincidence that the Swans got off to such a dominant start with the visitors looking shell-shocked and timid from the off.

I had fully expected Cardiff to arrive full of fight and start the game on the front foot.

Having won the reverse fixture earlier in the season, social media had been full of Cardiff fans telling us what their team were going to do to the Swans. How they would be celebrating their first double at the end of 90 minutes.

So, I was waiting for something of an early onslaught from the team in blue as they attempted to drive home the apparent superiority we had been hearing all about.

In fact, nothing could be further from the truth as the Swans had the upper hand right from the start – cheered on by a loud home support.

The fact the atmosphere was so good throughout the match is all the more remarkable when you think the sizeable visiting contingent contributed virtually nothing.

In fact, the biggest cheer that came from the North Stand throughout the afternoon was in reaction to Liam Cullen, who had already put the Swans ahead, rolling the ball narrowly past the post from the spot.

You know when your team’s had a bad day when the biggest thing you have to cheer is the opposition missing a penalty.

And it wasn’t even as if their keeper had made a brilliant save – instead, he had been completely bamboozled and thrown himself in the opposite direction of the ball.

I’m not saying playing a couple of songs minutes before kick-off won the match for the Swans, but it certainly helped create an environment in which the team could show just what they can do.

As I understand it, the decision to play the songs was partly connected to a survey carried out by the Swansea City Supporters’ Trust last year.

They have been liaising with the club in an attempt to improve the matchday experience through a new working group made up of fans, club employees and Trust board members.

I’m not usually a fan of things like working groups and committees. There’s a danger they end up becoming talking shops where nothing practical ever happens.

Wales is known for its love of a committee, but all too often they fail to deliver. Not in this case.

Apparently, there are more initiatives on the way from the working group. Well, if the first couple of changes are anything to go by, bring them on!

New ideas don’t always work, but they are generally worth a try. Another one I like the look of is the club’s decision to slash the prices for this match against Queens Park Rangers.

I’m sure the players – especially some of the newer ones who wouldn’t have experienced what a fantastic atmosphere a full Swansea.com Stadium can generate – will have appreciated playing in front of a capacity crowd.

They certainly seemed to thrive on it against Cardiff anyway.

So, the prospect of a bumper bank-holiday crowd this afternoon has got me really looking forward to the match.

A quick glance at the QPR fans’ forums confirm the discount has been well received by their supporters, who are likely to take up their full allocation of 1,900 tickets.

I bet they’ll be more vocal than our rivals from up the road were the other week.

And I’m sure the QPR fans will be interested in another of our relatively recent matchday additions.

With flags having been in the footballing news a lot in recent weeks, I’m sure they’ll be delighted to see the array of giant Swans and Wales flags being waved enthusiastically along the touchlines!

And, of course, there will be plenty to play for on the pitch, so this will be anything but a late season bank holiday jolly for either club.

Both have managed to put some distance between themselves and the relegation zone in recent weeks – the Swans, in particular.

But we all know what the whacky world of Championship football is like, a couple of poor results and you can be dragged back into the dogfight at the bottom.

The three points on offer will be just as valuable, if not more so, than any we have contested in recent weeks, given how close the two clubs are to each other in the table at the time of writing ahead of the Good Friday fixtures.

So, let’s make sure the atmosphere generated for the Cardiff game wasn’t a one-off and let the boys know we are 100 per cent behind them from the moment they step out of the tunnel.

C’mon you Swans!

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Swansea City is to introduce reusable cups on concourses at the Swansea.com Stadium, starting with Monday's fixture against Queens Park Rangers, after partnering with Event Cup Solutions to reduce emissions and encourage sustainability at the Swansea.com Stadium.

The partnership with Event Cup Solutions, the company behind the ONE Planet ONE Chance Reusable Cup System, will enable the club to reduce its carbon footprint further as it seeks to improve sustainability across all sites.

The new initiative will be available for supporters purchasing alcoholic beverages within the Swansea.com Stadium, and there will be dedicated bins located throughout the stadium concourses for supporters to deposit the cups after use. 

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After each game the Event Cup Solutions’ on-site team will collect the cups for washing at the company’s state-of- the-art facility, where they are put through a specialist wash and drying process to prepare them for use at the next fixture.

As stated above, the new initiative will be in operation for the Swans’ clash against Queens Park Rangers on Easter Monday (April 1) and will remain in place for the remainder of this campaign, and into the 2024-25 season.

A spokesperson for Swansea City said: “Now more than ever, we have a responsibility to try to offset some of the damage being inflicted on the planet, and we believe this partnership will help all of our visitors to our stadium do just that. 

“In excess of half a million people pass through the Swansea.com Stadium each year, so this is an important opportunity to highlight Event Cup Solutions’ ONE Planet ONE Chance Reusable Cup System and make a significant difference from previous years.”

John Reeves, Director of Event Cup Solutions, added: “We are thrilled Swansea City has committed to rolling out the ONE Planet ONE Chance Reusable Cup System. Our aim is to make it easy for visitors to return the cups by providing collection bins which will be positioned in easily accessible and visible areas of the stadium.”

Last month, Event Cup Solutions was awarded Climate Partner status in recognition of the action it takes to reduce its environmental impact through its products. 

Yori Griffith's maiden under-21s' goal was not enough to prevent Swansea City suffering defeat against Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium.

The 17-year-old, on his first start for the under-21s, put the Swans ahead when he turned in a rebound from close range in the first half.

But the hosts levelled the score within the final quarter of the game after a trialist poked home from a corner kick.

And Leo Graham claimed the three points and completed the comeback for the Latics as he headed home a cross with five minutes remaining.

It was harsh on a young Swansea side who gave a good account of themselves.

Scholars Sammy Henia-Kamau, Thomas Searle and Griffith made their first starts for the upper-age group, whilst fellow under-18s Aidan Higgins, Jacob Cook, Josh Pescatore, Thomas Woodward and Ewan Griffiths made up the bench.

The visitors were without Evan Watts - which saw Remy Mitchell return between the sticks - as well as Ben Lloyd, Joel Cotterill and Cameron Congreve, who were all on international duty.

It was the home side who created the first real chance of the afternoon. A one-two sent Luke Brennan in on goal, but his strike was superbly blocked by Seb Dabrowski.

Max McMillian was next to get involved a few minutes later. Kieran Lloyd picked out his run but the Latics player sent his attempted chip agonisingly wide.

Swansea began to settle in possession, but were nearly caught out in their own area when McMillan latched onto a loose ball and sent a powerful strike into the gloves of Mitchell.

The visitors' best chance yet came on the 20-minute mark. Griffith fashioned a shot that looked to be headed for the top corner, only to be palmed away for a corner by Wigan keeper Matt Corran.

But the Swans did take the lead with their next meaningful attack. A low cross was parried by the Latics keeper, and Griffith was on hand to slot home the rebound from six yards.

The visitors then suffered an injury blow before the break with Searle making way for injury victim Pescatore.

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Swansea retained their lead at the break, but Wigan began to have a better spell in the early stages of the second half, with Brennan flashing an effort well over the bar.

A pair of well-worked deliveries saw Henia-Kamau firstly denied by the offside flag, before Cadogan cross was fired across the face of goal. 

The hosts started to commit further numbers forward, with Kian Jenkins and Joe Thomas making important blocks for the Swans, who spurned a brilliant chance to extend their lead when Cadogan failed to find the target from Charlie Veevers' pass.

Instead the hosts levelled when a trialist got the final touch from a corner, and they would go on to snatch all three points courtesy of Graham's header in the closing stages.

Swansea City Under-21s: Remy Mitchell, Thomas Searle (Josh Pescatore 40), Sebastian Dabrowski, Mitchell Bates (captain), Joe Thomas, Kian Jenkins, Maliq Cadogan, Charlie Veevers, Sammy Henia-Kamau (Thomas Woodward 63), Glory Nzingo, Yori Griffith.

Substitutes: Ewan Griffiths, Jacob Cook, Aidan Higgins.

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Swansea City Under-18s fell to their first defeat in seven matches against league leaders Birmingham City in the Professional Development League at Landore. 

Goals from Ellis O’Shea, Cameron Eubank and Will Burrell were enough to defeat the young Swans, with Teo Minchev getting on the scoresheet for the hosts. 

The Blues took the lead early on through an O’Shea penalty, with Minchev equalising 15 minutes later.

Eubank then added a second for the Blues shortly after to restore their lead and, while the Swans had plenty of chances, a second-half header from Burrell secured all three points for the visitors.

The Swans had shown a number of changes from last week’s 1-1 draw with Watford, with Carter Heywood, Harvey Gray, Kai Rhodes and Elis Thomas all making their debuts at under-18 level.

Brogan Popham and Bobo Evans also stepped up from the younger age groups for Swansea.

O’Shea opened the scoring early on from the spot for the Blues after Ben Wodsjov was taken down in the box.

However, Swansea equalised in the 19 minute when a scramble from a corner fell to Minchev, and the Bulgarian tapped the ball into the net.

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The back and forth nature of the contest continued as the Blues took the lead once more when Eubank released a thunderous effort from distance to find the top right-hand corner. 

The Swans had a fantastic to equalise again shortly after the half-hour mark when Aidan Higgins beat the offside trap and was one-on-one with Ty Warmington, but the keeper got down well to deny the Swan. 

The next opportunity fell to Evans, whose shot was parried by Warmington and Ramon Rees-Siso was unable to connect with the rebound. 

Another chance fell to Rees-Siso just before half-time, but he dragged his shot wide of the post. 

Down the other end, O’Shea had a chance to get his second goal of the game, but his shot was well saved by Ewan Griffiths as Birmingham held their one-goal lead at the break.

The first chance of the second half fell to Swansea when Josh Pescatore received the ball on the edge of the box, but his effort curling flew just over the bar.  

Another chance for the home side arrived minutes later when Cameron Llewelyn rounded Warmington, but his goal-bound shot was blocked by a red shirt. 

Instead of a Swansea equaliser, the Blues struck next to add their third goal of the contest through Burrell, who rose highest to meet an O’Shea free kick and plant his header past Griffiths. 

The Swans had a late chance to narrow the deficit when a fantastic ball from Pescatore played in substitute Harvey Gray, but his shot was well blocked by Godfred Boakye as the home side’s impressive unbeaten run came to an end.

Swansea City Under-18s: Ewan Griffiths, Brogan Popham, Carter Heywood (Elis Thomas 76’), Jacob Cook, Teo Minchev, Thomas Woodward, Cameron Llewellyn, Bobo Evans (Kai Rhodes 68’), Aidan Higgins (Harvey Gray 65’), Ramon Rees-Siso, Joshua Pescatore. 

Unused substitutes: Sebastian Dabrowski, Sammy Henia-Kamau.

Birmingham City Under-18s: Ty Warmington, Caleb Saunders, Stoyan Pergelov, Godfred Boakye, Will Burrell, Cameron Eubank, Zaid Betteka (Yusuf Ahmed 82’) , Ellis O’Shea (George Wynne 75’), Frank Tattum, Ben Wodsjov, Alvaro Ruiz Rente (Daniel Isichei 55’).

Unused substitutes: Szymon Terenowicz, Briar Bateman.

DOB:
12/03/2002

Position:
Right-back

Nationality:
Welsh

Signed for the Swans:
2022 

Preferred foot:
Right-footed

Previous clubs:
Cambrian & Clydach, and Newport County.

What is your best memory in a Swans shirt (if applicable)?:
Playing at the stadium with the first-team against Bristol Rovers in a friendly.

What is your favourite thing about Swansea? 
There’s so much to do, I love the beaches. 

Who is your football idol?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Lionel Messi.

What is your favourite film?
Any Harry Potter film.

Who is your favourite music artist? 
Dave.

What is your cheat meal?
Cheeseburger and chips.

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

Football bucket list:
To play first-team football.

A stadium you’d love to visit (as a player or fan):
Nou Camp.

Your first football memory:
Playing down the park with my dad and brother.

First football shirt you owned:
Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Other football position you played:
I’ve played them all, but not in goals!

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

Your roommate for away games:
Normally Josh Thomas.

Favourite computer game:
EA Sports FC

Who is the most famous person you’ve met?
Gareth Bale.

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Swansea City Women suffered a first defeat in nine league games as a loss to Cardiff City Women at the Cardiff International Sports Stadium saw the hosts crowned Genero Adran Premier champions.

Eliza Collie put Cardiff ahead when she tapped home a rebound from close range, before Rhianne Oakley doubled their lead 12 minutes later.

Oakley extended the home side’s advantage with her second of the game after the break, before Molly Kehoe rounded off the scoring as the visitors saw their title hopes ended despite a determined chase of the leaders over much of the season.

The Swans had created the first chance early in the contest, Chloe Chivers picked out Katy Hosford at the back post, but the captain’s ball for Emily Thomas was cut out by Cardiff keeper Ceryn Chamberlain.

But it would be Cardiff who would take the lead, Kehoe forced a fine save from Chelsea Herbert, but there was nothing the Swansea keeper could do to prevent Collie netting the rebound.

Hosford went close to a quick equaliser when Chivers found her in the box, but her headed effort was well held by the goalkeeper.

Another chance went Swansea’s way when a Hosford pass came to Emily Thomas, but the forward hesitated and Chamberlain was out quickly to smother her effort.

And Swansea were made to pay for the missed opportunity as Cardiff surged upfield, with Oakley converting from a tight angle to make it 2-0.

Siobhan Walsh had the chance to make it three just before the break for the hosts, but she headed over the bar at the back post.

The Swans started the second half brightly, Robyn Pinder’s cross from wide forcing Chamberlain to push the ball onto the crossbar.

But Cardiff would m extend their lead when the home side won possession high up the pitch and sent Oakley in on goal to beat substitute goalkeeper Claire Skinner.

Just four minutes later Kehoe would make it four, breaking the line after a long ball over the top and firing home.

Swansea skipper Hosford looked to pull one back for the visitors with 20 minutes remaining, but Chamberlain did well to prevent her right-footed strike finding the net.

With 10 minutes to go, Pinder’s cross picked out Thomas in the box, but the forward’s powerful header struck the post with the keeper beaten to cap a disappointing evening.

Cardiff City Women: Ceryn Chamberlain, Ffion Price, Hannah Power, Siobhan Walsh (captain), Rhianne Oakley (Kelly Adams 63), Seren Watkins, Molly Kehoe (Kerry Walklett 76), Hollie Smith (Megan Bowen 76), Mikayla Cook (Lisa Owen 71), Emma Beynon, Eliza Collie.

Unused subs: Anna Phelps.

Swansea City Women: Chelsea Herbert (Claire Skinner 46), Ellie Lake, Rachel Cullen, Robyn Pinder (Kelsey Thomas 82), Chloe Chivers, Katy Hosford (captain), Sammy Wynne (Imogen Harris 82), Sophie Brisland-Hancocks, Monet Legall (Rhian Williams 46), Emily Thomas (Jazz Guymer 90), Jess Williams.

Name
Halle Brace

Nickname
Bracey

Your date of birth
31/08/2004

Nationality
Welsh

What position do you play?
Full-back

Which is your preferred foot?
Right footed

Which clubs did you play for before joining Swansea City?
St Florence

When did you sign for the Swans?
2017

What is your best moment in a Swansea City shirt?
Probably being the under-19s' captain

Who is your football idol?
It’s got to be my dad, Deryn Brace.

What is the first position you played in football?
Midfielder

What is the first football shirt you owned?
A Wrexham home shirt.

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
I give the dogs a treat for good luck!

What is your full-time occupation?
Dog groomer.

What is something that is on your bucket list?
To go to New York at Christmas.

What is your favourite film?
The Greatest Showman

Who is your favourite music artist?
Adele

What is the best TV series you've watched?
Grey’s Anatomy

What is the best concert you've been to?
One Direction

What was your favourite subject in school?
Physical Education.

Swansea City 4 - 1 QPR
Premier League - February 9, 2013
 

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Michu picked up a brace as Swansea City secured a second emphatic win over QPR during the 2012-13 season as they completed the double over the Londoners in SA1.

Having won the reverse fixture 5-0 on the opening day of the season, the Swans were out of the blocks rapidly as the Spanish duo of Michu and Angel Rangel had them two goals to the good inside 18 minutes. 

Bobby Zamora gave the visitors hope when he pulled a goal back after half-time, but Pablo Hernandez restored the Swans’ two-goal lead just a couple of minutes later, slotting past Julio Cesar in the Rangers goal. 

Michu then netted his second of the game – and fourth against Rangers that season – when he held off Christopher Samba to reach a wonderful Hernandez pass to find the bottom corner.

Pasg Hapus Junior Jacks and welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium!

We hope you’re having a lovely Easter break and you’re looking forward to the game.

Today’s match is all about our 1994 team – that’s a very, very long time ago before any of you were born, but that team was the first Swans team to go to Wembley and it’s great to have them all with us at the stadium for his game.

Today, we host Queens Park Rangers and we think the score will be 2-0 to the Swans. We think Harry Darling and Ronald will score the goals.

What is your prediction for the game?

This week’s quiz is all about our last home match! Can you remember the starting XI?

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Let us know how you get on!

Cyril and Cybil

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Name:
Jax
Age:
Five
What was the first Swansea City game you attended?
QPR
Who is your favourite Swans player and why?
Ben Cabanago - he’s tough!
What do you like most about supporting Swansea City?
I love seeing Cyril the Swan
Why did you start supporting Swansea City?
2019
Do you play football?
Yes
Do you play any other sports?
No – just football!
What is an interesting fact about you?
I have two dogs.
What is your favourite subject in school and why?
Maths - I can count all the way to 100!

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Swansea City's Harry Darling, Kyle Naughton, Jess Williams and Sammy Wynne sat down with some of our junior season-ticket holders for a press conference with a difference at the Swansea.com Stadium.

The young supporters got the chance to ask the Swans quartet about what it's like to play for the club, and also had the opportunity to get autographs and pose for photographs with their heroes

Chairman - Andy Coleman
Honorary Club President - Alan Curtis MBE

Directors

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

Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy: Ken Gude

Associate Directors: Adam Lewis.

FIRST-TEAM STAFF

Head Coach - Luke Williams

Assistant Head Coach - Ryan Harley

Assistant Head Coach – Alan Sheehan

Head of Goalkeeping – Martyn Margetson

First Team Coach Analyst - George Lawtey

First Team Coach - Kris O'Leary

Head of Medical - Dr Jez McCluskey

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

SENIOR MANAGEMENT GROUP

Paul Watson (Sporting Director); 
Andrew Davies (Head of Operations);
Gareth Davies (CFO).

CLUB STAFF

Club Secretary: Ben Greenwood

Head of Women's Football: Alice Weekes

Football Operations &
Administration Manager: Rebecca Gigg

Head of Commercial: Richard Morris

Head of Marketing: Katie Doyle

Head of Partnerships: Lee Merrells

Head of Hospitality, Events and Fan Engagement: Catherine Thomas

Head of Retail: Andrea Morris

Ticket Office Manager: Lewis Bullen

Head of Safeguarding: Rebeca Storer

HR Manager: Nicola Butt

Head of Media & Communications: Ben Donovan

Head of Facilities: Gordon David

Grounds Manager: Evan Davies

Disability Access Officer: Catherine Thomas

Head of Swansea City AFC Foundation: Paul France

Club Ambassador: Lee Trundle

PROGRAMME PRODUCTION

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

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