Good afternoon to you all and a warm welcome to our first home Championship game of the season against Sheffield United at the Swansea.com Stadium.
It has felt like a long week in the build-up to this game on the back of a memorable afternoon at Stoke City last weekend.
History tell us that trips to the Potteries have not been kind to us, so to put in such a positive performance and show that character to overcome an early setback in front of a packed out away end was a superb way to kick-off the Championship campaign.
The 2,765 of you who made the journey sang your hearts out and, given that was one of the largest travelling supports we have taken away from home in the last nine years, it speaks to the belief and positivity that surrounds our club at the moment.
It was an excellent all-round team performance to which everyone contributed, but I would like to make a special mention of Jay Fulton’s performance. Jay is a model professional and is now in his 13th year as a Swansea player.
He may hail from Scotland, but he displays all the values and qualities we want in our players, and his superb display underlines exactly why we extended his contract earlier this year.
Of course, we know that victory at Stoke was game one of 46, there is a long way to go and a lot of hard work ahead, but if we continue to show the togetherness that was so evident at the bet365 Stadium last weekend, we will give ourselves the best chance of getting this club to where we want it all to be.
Off the pitch, there have been some important developments to make you aware of.
You will have seen the announcement of the impending establishment of our Supporter Advisory Board (SAB). The hope is that the SAB will bring together a diverse range of voices and opinions to help inform and drive the club’s decision-making processes.
The application process – which will be reviewed independently by the Football Supporters’ Association, who will also select a final shortlist of candidates for interview ahead of a final democratic supporter vote – closes for individuals at midnight on Sunday.
This is a very important step and will bring us in line with the fan engagement requirements for the Independent Football Regulator, and you can find more information HERE.
Today also sees us begin the trial of a new matchday shuttle bus service, which is available to all supporters and provides free travel for season ticket holders, Jack Army members and supporters aged 18 and under.
The service will run on every home matchday over the remainder of the calendar year, and will comprise of two routes to the Swansea.com Stadium. The first runs from the city centre, and the other from the park and ride site on Fabian Way.
We have taken the decision to implement this travel plan owing to the loss of a significant number of matchday parking spaces operated by third parties, which has been beyond the club’s control.
We are currently unable to make use of the Landore Park and Ride site, or the Virgin Media site, and as we do not have access to any direct replacements for those spaces, we hope the shuttle bus service will prove an effective alternative, although we appreciate for many supporters this will mean changes to long-held matchday routines.
However, we are in continuing positive dialogue with a number of operators regarding alternative matchday parking options, and we will bring you news of any developments when we have them.
This first home league game of the season also sees us remember and pay tribute to members of the Swansea City family we have very sadly lost over the last few months.
Kenny Jackett was the manager who first led us out at this stadium, and he played a vital role in setting Swansea City on a course that would see us rise from the fourth tier to the top-flight, with Kenny leading us to promotion in our final season at the Vetch Field.
Herbie Williams and Jimmy Rimmer were two wonderful servants of this football club. Herbie made over 500 appearances over a remarkable 17-year period in Swansea colours, while Jimmy – a two-time European Cup winner - had two spells here as a player before also serving as a coach and caretaker manager. They were two gracious and humble people with a great love for this club.
Matthew Collins was a dedicated follower of the Swans and Wales, who did so much in recent years to raise awareness of glioblastoma and the lack of treatment options following his own diagnosis with a brain tumor. His bravery in the face of such adversity was an inspiration to us all.
Bonnie Tyler was a global superstar, but she was undoubtedly Swansea through and through, and the deep affection and esteem in which she was held in our community was exemplified in the turnout for her funeral procession through the streets of Mumbles.
As a club we are deeply saddened by their losses, and our thoughts are with their respective friends and families at this difficult time. We will pay tribute to them all with a minute of silence prior today’s game.
Once a Jack, Always a Jack.
Tom
Tom Gorringe
CEO, Swansea City
Hello everyone and it is great to be back with you for our first home Championship game of the season against Sheffield United.
We enjoyed so many great moments here at the Swansea.com Stadium last season, and we are hungry to make sure that this is a place that no team looks forward to visiting.
Of course, we also enjoyed our performance and victory at Stoke last weekend. I was proud of the character we showed after conceding, and I felt we deserved the win.
We know it is not an easy place to play, but we had an absolutely brilliant away support. There were so many Swansea shirts and I probably got a bit over-excited after the game.
It felt like a long way to run, and it might take me a while to move that fast again, but football is about the emotions we feel in these moments, and I felt them very strongly seeing all our fans celebrating and feeling that connection we all share.
It’s so powerful and it is up to us as the team and the people on the pitch to take the first step with that by showing our energy, intensity and desire to work hard for the shirt and for each other.
When we produce that, we know the fans will be with us and respond. It was really important last season and for sure it will be again this season.
We want to be a team that no-one feels comfortable when they play against, and you, the fans, certainly play your part in that.
That’s part of the challenge for us today, to make sure we bring that intensity and produce our football.
We face a team led by a very experienced manager and we will need to be ready for the test they pose.
I also want to take a moment to pass on my sincerest condolences to the friends and families of those we will remember ahead of kick-off today.
I have often said that one of the special things about this club is the connection that makes it feel like its own family, and so we all feel and share in the loss of Kenny Jackett, Herbie Williams, Jimmy Rimmer, Matthew Collins and Bonnie Tyler and I know we will all pay a wonderful tribute to them and their place in our club and our city.
Enjoy the game,
Vítor Matos,
First Team Head Coach
Welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for our first home league fixture of the season. The start of every new campaign brings renewed hope, anticipation and excitement, and there is certainly plenty for Swans supporters to feel optimistic about.
Following a summer of activity on and off the pitch, there is a genuine sense that the club continues to move forward in a positive direction.
The transfer window has seen new faces arrive to strengthen the squad, while others for the most part not challenging the first XI have moved on to new opportunities. As ever, change is part of football, and the integration of data-led recruitment through the club's partnership with Jamestown Analytics gives confidence that decisions on new signings are being made with a clear long-term vision and a commitment to sustainable success.
Probably the best signing this summer has been Vitor’s new contract. Stability is a key ingredient in building success and keeping hold of a manager who understands the club, its supporters and its ambitions sends a strong signal of intent.
Indeed, the season could hardly have started in more encouraging fashion as the Swans produced an impressive comeback win at Stoke on the opening weekend. After falling behind early on, we kept playing our way to turn the game around, with Joseph Opoku equalising before half-time and Adam Idah scoring with his first touch off the bench.
Victory at the bet365 Stadium, Swansea's first league win there for more than five years and first opening day win for six years, was fully deserved and reflected the positive, attacking identity that Vitor is looking to build.
Away from first-team matters, there has been a great deal of positive work taking place behind the scenes. The continued development of the women's team is particularly encouraging whilst supporters will be pleased to see investment in facilities and the wider matchday experience, including the new club shop, and the proposed fan zone.
However, the most significant development has been the agreement to purchase the stadium from Swansea Council. Bringing the stadium under club ownership will provide greater control over the club's future and create more investment opportunities
As the Supporters' Trust enters its Silver Anniversary season, we are looking forward to celebrating 25 years of supporter ownership, engagement and community involvement.
A range of events and activities are being planned throughout the year to mark this important milestone, and we hope as many supporters as possible will join us in celebrating the Trust's achievements and the role supporters continue to play in the life of the club.
Finally, a reminder that Trust Board Members will be at the Trust kiosk before today's match. Whether you would like to renew your membership, join for the first time, ask a question, share an idea or simply have a chat, please do come and say hello.
The Trust remains committed to representing supporters and helping ensure that fans continue to have a strong voice at Swansea City. Enjoy the game, get behind the Jack Army, and here's to an exciting season ahead.
Ymlaen y Swans!
Paul
Msoso's Story - Kellogg's Football Camps
The Kellogg’s Football Camps, delivered by Swansea City AFC Foundation, gave Msoso, from Berlin, Germany, the chance to enjoy football while visiting his grandparents in Swansea.
During his stay, Msoso’s grandparents were lucky enough to find a Kellogg’s code, providing him with a free place at one of the Foundation’s camps and an opportunity to spend part of his visit doing something he loves.
Taking part in the camp gave Msoso the chance to get involved in football in a positive and supportive environment. On the pitch, he could be himself, spend time with other young people, make new friends and continue developing his skills through a sport that keeps him engaged.
The Kellogg’s Football Camps are designed to give children and young people the opportunity to enjoy football, regardless of their ability or previous experience. Sessions combine skills and drills with plenty of opportunities to play, encouraging participants to challenge themselves while, most importantly, enjoying the game.
For Msoso, however, the experience was about more than football. The sport provided a shared interest that helped him connect with those around him, communicate with new people and quickly become part of the group.
Jack Giles, lead coach at the Kellogg’s Football Camp, said: “I think Msoso has really enjoyed being here, just from the smile on his face. I think he’s been smiling from the start of the day to the end.”
For families, initiatives such as the Kellogg’s Football Camps can help make football more accessible, creating opportunities for children and young people to stay active during the school holidays and experience everything that being part of the game can offer.
Msoso believes the free places available through Kellogg’s codes play an important part in giving more young people that opportunity.
“The free places are very important. It gives more of an opportunity to people, especially those who don’t have the money. It gives the opportunity to continue a hobby or a dream and it’s really fun!”
For Msoso, the camp meant spending time doing something he enjoys, developing his football and sharing the experience with others. But it was also his attitude towards those around him that stood out to the coaching team.
His involvement, enthusiasm and willingness to encourage and support other participants led to his coach, Ceiron, naming him Player of the Day for his group.
“He’s not only been a brilliant footballer, but he’s also looked out for the other players. He’s been with some younger players today and he’s been really encouraging with them.”
From arriving at the camp while visiting Swansea to finishing the day as Player of the Day, Msoso’s experience demonstrates how a free place can provide much more than an opportunity to play football – it can create new friendships, build confidence and give young people the chance to feel part of a team.
MATCHDAY SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE TRIAL LAUNCHES FROM SHEFFIELD UNITED FIXTURE
Swansea City is trialling a new matchday shuttle bus service that will be available to all home fans, and free for season ticket holders, Jack Army members, seasonal hospitality guests and younger supporters to travel on.
The introduction of the service is part of an effort to alleviate the impact of the loss of a number of matchday parking options due to circumstances beyond the club’s control.
The shuttle bus service will come into effect immediately for Saturday’s home Championship fixture against Sheffield United, and will be trialled for every home fixture over the remainder of 2026. Further details on the service can be found below.
The club is putting these measures in place due to the loss of a significant number of car parking spaces at the Landore Park and Walk site and the Virgin Media site.
These sites are not owned or controlled by Swansea City, but run by third-party operators.
However, the club is acutely aware that a number of supporters will have relied on these venues to park their vehicles for a number of years, and we are looking to offer an alternative solution.
We appreciate this will mean a change to long-held matchday routines for a number of supporters, but the loss of such a significant number of parking spaces which we are not able to directly replace immediately, means we have to explore new matchday travel options.
We remain in regular ongoing discussions with numerous third-party sites and operators, as we continue to explore options that we hope will provide greater matchday travel choices for supporters in the future.
Shuttle service routes
There will be buses running along two routes before and after Saturday’s game against Sheffield United. These will commence from 1pm for travel to the Swansea.com Stadium, and then run for as long as required for return journeys following the conclusion of the game.
Route 1 (City Centre)
Route 2 (Fabian Way)
Pricing
Supporters should note that travel on the service does not include parking arrangements, and so fans will need to pay for parking separately and independently at whichever site they choose to leave their vehicle in order to join the bus service.
The shuttle service only offers return journeys, and there will be no provision to purchase one-way or single tickets.
Prices are £5 per adult, but a number of supporters will be able to travel on the service for free if they meet any of the following requirements:
- Are a 2026-27 season ticket holder (will require presentation of a digital or physical season ticket card at point of purchase).
- Are a 2026-27 Jack Army member (will require presentation of a digital membership card at point of purchase).
- Are aged under 18.
- Are a seasonal hospitality guest (will require presentation of matchday accreditation at point of purchase).
Please note, payment to use the service will be by card only. A ticket/wristband will be issued at the point of purchase and this must be worn in order to access the return services following the game.
Additionally, anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Feedback
Once supporters have had the opportunity to use the shuttle bus matchday service, we would appreciate any feedback on any improvements that can be made.
Supporters can leave us their thoughts using the form in the link below.
You can find further information regarding the matchday shuttle bus service HERE.
It’s fair to say that Elijah Just has had quite the summer.
At club level, he has made the move to a new league and a new country having joined Swansea City from Motherwell.
That would be significant enough on its own, with the attacking midfielder having long aspired to play in the top tiers of English football.
But the New Zealand international also enjoyed a taste of global fame after scoring three goals for his country at the World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Swansea’s new number eight netted a brace in a 2-2 draw with Iran, becoming the first New Zealander to score two goals in a World Cup finals game, before also finding the net in their last Group G fixture against Belgium.
His performances ensured his name was plastered across social media, mentioned in dispatches on numerous football shows and podcasts, and prominently displayed on the list of the tournament’s top scorers during the early stages of the tournament.
For the calm, humble Just it was a lot to take in, but it also an experience he will remember fondly for the rest of his career and beyond.
“It was incredible,” said Just with a smile.
“It's hard to put into words. I think, you know, obviously you have the build-up throughout the year.
“You know that at the end of the season, you've got that World Cup. So you're just trying to stay fit, put your best foot forward for your club. I was lucky to find myself in some good form.
“Heading into the World Cup, I was just playing with a lot of confidence. I mean, you still don't really know what to expect. We knew all the games were going to be tough. But I think overall we were disappointed to only finish on one point.
“But the performances were good, and I was lucky to have a few nice moments that I remember the rest of my life.
“The first game against Iran was amazing. You kind of walked out, they had like the massive flags on the ground and the anthems, and that's when you could really feel that sense of ‘okay, this is the World Cup’.
“We're playing in, 70,000 seater stadium with massive screens, and then the game kicks off. You have a little bit of nerves. I think Iran had a long ball over the top, one of our defenders slipped, and then they created a chance, and the crowd was just so loud.
“We were under a little bit of pressure, and all of a sudden, the ball goes to Woodsy (Chris Woods), and then a little bit of interplay and it arrives at my foot. When I saw it hit the back of the net, there was just an unbelievable feeling seeing all my teammates and how happy they were going to the corner to celebrate.
“To score at a World Cup is incredible, and to score early in the first game was perfect timing to kind of get not only my nerves but everyone's nerves out the way and say, ‘All right, we're here and like now let's play. We were probably unlucky not to win.
“My phone and social media blew up a bit after that. I got lots of messages from friends and family to congratulate me, then there was a graphic that was going around of like the top goal scorers at the World Cup after the first round of games, and I can’t remember who was on it, but there were some big names and my name was on that list. It was pretty cool, as was all the support we had from back home.”
His move to Swansea followed, and Just admits that once he knew the club were interested, and appreciating what the presence of familiar faces Marko Stamenic and Stephen Welsh indicated about the way Vitor Matos wants his team to play, it was an easy decision.
He is still settling into his new surroundings and building on-field relationships, but Just has thoroughly enjoyed his time in south Wales so far.
And the experience of sharing the opening day victory at Stoke last weekend with nearly 3,000 travelling Jacks has given him a clear feeling of the bond between his new club and its supporters.
“After the World Cup, obviously my agent was quite busy, but the most important thing for me was to find somewhere that I thought suited my abilities and somewhere where I'd enjoy playing,” said Just.
“I was really fortunate that I had Marko that I could I could speak to, so I spoke to him a lot, and he explained everything to me from what the stadium was like, the training ground, the training sessions, and then obviously seeing that Stephen had joined and knowing his qualities just underlined that this club plays a brand of football that will suit me.
“I spoke to the manager. Everything he said really aligned with what I wanted. So it wasn't overly difficult to decide, I was pretty sure that it would be a good fit.
“I wanted to stay in the UK, and play in the top divisions, something that I think everyone wants to do when they come from New Zealand.
“I was really excited once the clubs got everything over the line, and I went to Austria to join the team.
“Starting from the friendly games it was nice to just be out there, put on the jersey and get used to the team, the tempo, and everything.
“The Birmingham game was a little bit disappointing, but when we had the opportunity in the first league game of the season we were able to go one better, and seeing the travelling support was definitely an amazing feeling, and it was an amazing day.
“I'm not super like knowledgeable yet on everything in the Championship, but everyone tells me that Stoke away is a really tough game, and to get a win there is not something that happens often. So yeah, everyone was really happy, and hopefully we can keep the momentum going.”
Just’s football journey started in the city of Palmerston North, on New Zealand’s North Island.
A sport loving youngster, he played rugby, cricket and basketball among other sports with his group of friends, but it was always football that had the strongest pull.
Rather than posters of the All Blacks or Black Caps, Just had pictures of his favourite players from the Wellington Phoenix on his wall, and as he grew up he came to love watching the Premier League and dreaming of the chance to play in that football system.
Just’s talent was quickly identified, and aged 14 he moved away from home to join the Ole Football Academy in Porirua.
A young Marko Stamenic was among the fellow aspiring young footballers Just got to know during his time there, and he believes the on and off the pitch independence that was required as he left home for the first time were very important in his development as a player and a person, particularly as his first sustained experience of senior football came at the age of just 15.
“As a kid growing up in New Zealand, just like everyone else, you know you just want to stay active, get outside. So I was playing football a lot. I enjoyed playing cricket, basketball, a little bit of rugby, just anything to stay active,” he said.
“But football was always the number one, I had posters on the wall of the Wellington Phoenix, I also used to read 4-4-2 magazine and watch the Premier League when I could. When my grandparents went on holiday they would come back with the fake shirts of teams like Manchester United, Chelsea or Arsenal.
“Palmerston North is a smallish city. I think there's about 80,000 people. I had a good group of friends that all played football, we kind of grew up together, and then around the age of 14, it was looking like maybe I had a little bit of potential and if I really committed and kind of you know made some sacrifices, then I could turn into a career.
“My parents were really supportive, they didn't want me to leave home, but they saw there was the opportunity there for me. I went and lived at a football academy from age 14. I was a year and a half there before they ended up moving down closer to Wellington, so I could move back in.
“I had to had to grow up fast. I learned how to take care of myself. I was in a dormitory with a bunch of other boys. Marko was one of the players there. He didn't he didn't live there because he was from Wellington, but he was in every day. I met a lot of players who are now my closest friends, and just had a really a great time there on and off the field.
“Off the field, I guess it was also just learning to take care of yourself.
“You had to do your own laundry. There was food provided only on weekdays, so on the weekends you had to cook for yourself. You had to keep the communal areas tidy, do the dishes and to interact with people and be respectful.
“It was the same on the pitch. There were no youth leagues because there are no professional teams.
“We were affiliated with Western Suburbs, who played in the Central League. I broke through and made my debut at 15. I’m not the biggest now, but I was smaller than and I really had to learn how to handle the physical side, protect the ball, and we managed to be successful.”
From there came the opportunity to move to Europe with Danish club AC Helsingor. Just and two compatriots initially joined on a month’s trial, and had quite the shock when the club – who were in the midst of having dropped from the top-flight to the third tier – parted company with the head coach during their trial.
The situation may not have felt promising, but ultimately all three players would be offered deals.
Just stayed in digs with the Praahl family who, in a country where English is not the first language, made sure their guest had everything he needed taken care of.
Just has always remained deeply grateful for their help and hospitality, and he remains in touch with them to this day.
“Yeah, when I was 19, I had the opportunity to go on trial in Denmark, a club called AC Helsingor,” recalls Just.
“At the time, they had just actually faced double relegation, so they've gone from the top league in Denmark all the way down to the third tier in two years.
“When I got there on trial, I was really, really lucky that two other boys came with me. So we had each other to kind of lean on, and that made a really big difference.
“We spent a month there, it was cool, we were biking to training, but we did also have a bit of a surreal moment when our coach got sacked, which was a new experience.
“He walked into the meeting room and he was crying and apologising, it was when we were struggling and you do wonder what is going on and what will happen but we ended up doing well and getting contracts.
“There were a few boys from America who came over around the same time, so we had a little English-speaking group. My first year, I lived with a host family, so I was in digs, and they were incredible. The Praahl family, and I am still in touch with them and I hear from them. I am so grateful for everything they did to help me with everything.
“The first six months was tough but we improved and things went a lot better, and then it was a big break because of Covid.
“During that time, my girlfriend came over. She actually came to visit from New Zealand, and then Covid happened, and she got stuck with me in Denmark.
“So she came planning to be in Denmark for two months, and the next time she went back home to New Zealand was two-and-a-half years later. So that really sped up our timeline of moving in together! It must have been okay because we’ve been together living overseas ever since and it’s always good to have someone with you to support you.”
A move to another Danish club in Horsens followed before Just got the chance to move to the UK with Motherwell.
It proved a huge success, Just contributed seven goals and eight assists as Well kept pace with the trio Scottish top-flight title contenders in Celtic, Hearts and Rangers, before eventually securing European football.
Playing under Jens Berthal Askou, who had previously coached him at Horsens, Just flourished in their attractive, attacking style of play and his eye-catching form would lay the groundwork for what was to come.
“We were really excited by the move and the chance to come to the UK,” said Just.
“I kind of got there and I didn't know what to expect. The manager that was there, I'd worked with before, but the first time we worked together, he definitely had a different style of play than the one he wanted to use at Motherwell, so I also didn't know how that was going to go.
“But you soon got the feeling that something really special might be happening, we had a high standard of player in the squad, everyone was bought in to how we were going to play, we picked up a little momentum, built confidence and things took off from there.
“For a lot of us, that was an opportunity we had been waiting for, the manager really believed in us and you could sense the positivity growing around the club and the city. It didn’t matter where we played, there was a real belief and the whole city came with us on the journey and it was an incredible year that really helped set me up for the World Cup and then this big opportunity at Swansea.”
Now, Just has his sights set on making a similar impact in the Championship.
“I’ve been really enjoying it here, the lads have really welcomed me in,” he said.
“I definitely don’t take that for granted and I have loved my first few weeks and trying to find out more about the city and explore the area.
“We’ve got a strong squad which keeps you on your toes, the standard is high, I really love the style of play and I just want to continue to grow into the group and the team and show what I can do to help us have a good season.”
As Swansea City get set to face Sheffield United, we look back at some previous encounters against the Blades in years gone by.
Swansea City 1-0 Sheffield United
Championship | August 16, 2025
Swansea City began last season's home campaign with three points at the Swansea.com Stadium as Ronald’s second-half strike settled a closely fought contest against the Blades.
The Brazilian produced a superb finish from 18 yards, picking out the bottom corner to give Alan Sheehan’s side the reward their performance merited.
The Swans remained largely in control defensively, with Lawrence Vigouroux rarely troubled, while there were opportunities at the other end to extend the lead. Josh Tymon, Ronald, Malick Yalcouye and Melker Widell all went close as Swansea sealed a narrow victory.
Swansea City 1-0 Sheffield United
Championship | January 19, 2019
Oli McBurnie’s 11th league goal of the campaign proved decisive as Swansea completed their first league double over Sheffield United.
The striker broke the deadlock in the 65th minute, finishing from close range after Nathan Dyer had worked his way into the box and combined with Mike van der Hoorn.
There was little to separate the teams throughout a competitive evening at the Liberty Stadium, but McBurnie’s finish was enough to secure all three points.
The result lifted the Swans onto 40 points from their opening 28 matches, leaving them six points behind sixth-placed Derby County in the race for the play-offs.
Swansea City 4-0 Sheffield United
Championship | May 7, 2011
Swansea signed off the 2010-11 Championship campaign in style, sweeping aside a relegated Sheffield United side to move into third place and set up a play-off semi-final against Nottingham Forest.
Stephen Dobbie opened the scoring shortly before half-time with a curling free-kick, before the Blades were reduced to 10 men when Shane Lowry was dismissed for handling Scott Sinclair’s goal-bound effort.
Sinclair made no mistake from the resulting penalty, taking his tally for the season to 24 goals and putting the Swans firmly in control.
Dobbie added his second five minutes later with a powerful strike from the edge of the area, before Leon Britton completed the rout with a fine half-volley from 25 yards against his former club.
The emphatic win provided the perfect platform for Brendan Rodgers’ side as they embarked on their memorable play-off campaign, which ultimately ended with promotion to the Premier League.
Swansea City 2-1 Sheffield United
Championship | September 26, 2009
A Lee Trundle penalty and a 25-yard strike from Tom Butler gave the Swans their first home win of the season back in 2009, despite finishing the contest with just nine players.
Trundle put the Swans ahead from the penalty spot after being brought down by Nick Montgomery, but Sheffield United responded when Stephen Quinn turned James Harper’s effort beyond Dorus de Vries with a backheel.
The game descended into a dramatic final 20 minutes. Jordi Lopez was shown a second yellow card after a challenge on Ched Evans, leaving Paulo Sousa’s side with 10 men.
Yet the Swans refused to settle for a point. Butler produced a superb 25-yard finish with eight minutes remaining to restore the lead.
Nathan Dyer was subsequently dismissed for a second bookable offence, but Swansea held firm to secure a vital three points despite the numerical disadvantage.
The victory was particularly valuable given the circumstances, coming after four matches without a win and three consecutive games without scoring. The Swans had also lost influential midfielder Ferrie Bodde to injury after just eight minutes of his first start in 10 months.
Swansea City 4-0 Sheffield United
FA Cup | January 28, 1964
A crowd of more than 24,000 packed into the Vetch Field as Swansea produced a memorable FA Cup performance against top-flight Sheffield United.
The two sides had drawn 1-1 at Bramall Lane three days earlier, but there was little doubt about the outcome in the replay as Trevor Morris’ side made full use of home advantage.
Derek Draper gave Swansea the lead shortly before half-time, and Jim McLaughlin doubled the advantage on 64 minutes.
The visitors briefly threatened a response, with former Swansea winger Len Allchurch seeing a header saved by Noel Dwyer, but the Swans soon put the tie beyond doubt.
Eddie Thomas struck in the 75th minute before Draper completed his brace to seal a 4-0 victory and send Swansea into the fifth round.
The cup run continued with victories over Stoke City and Liverpool before the Swans eventually fell to a 2-1 defeat against Preston North End in the semi-final at Villa Park.
Swansea City 3-0 Sheffield United
Second Division | February 4, 1961
Swansea produced an impressive result against Second Division leaders Sheffield United at the Vetch Field to secure a convincing victory.
Ellis Davies opened the scoring after 22 minutes, giving the home side a deserved advantage at the interval.
Graham Williams then doubled the lead shortly after the restart, before completing his brace with just three minutes remaining to put the result beyond any doubt.
The Swans would go on to finish the campaign seventh in the Second Division and also reach the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Colin Webster was once again Swansea’s leading scorer, finding the net 22 times for the second consecutive season. The Wales international, who had been part of the squad at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, would make 157 appearances for the club and score 66 goals.
A side steeped in history, Sheffield United were crowned champions of the Football League in 1899, and have won the FA Cup on four occasions - in 1899, 1902, 1915, and 1925.
After over a decade of top-flight football, they were relegated to the Championship in 2004, once again in 2007, and spent six seasons in League One before finally tasting Premier League football again in 2019.
They finished ninth in their first season back, but their second campaign ended with them finishing bottom and returning to the second tier.
They missed out on an immediate top-flight return after losing out to Nottingham Forest in the play-off semi-finals, but returned for the 2023-24 season before again being relegated back to the Championship.
The Blades were beaten play-off finalists during the 2024-25 season, losing to Sunderland at Wembley.
Bramall Lane
Built: 1855
Location: Bramall Lane, Sheffield, S2 4SU
Capacity: 32,050
Chris Wilder returned to Bramall Lane for a third spell in September 2025, replacing Rubén Sellés after United’s poor start to the Championship campaign.
A hugely popular figure at Sheffield United, Wilder previously guided the Blades from League One to the Premier League, securing a ninth-place finish in the top flight in 2019/20.
After leaving the Blades in 2021, Wilder had spells in charge of Middlesbrough and Watford before returning to Bramall Lane in December 2023, replacing Paul Heckingbottom.
His second spell ended after the club’s 2024/25 play-off final defeat to Sunderland, with Wilder departing as the club opted for a new direction. However, he was soon back in the hotseat and guided United to a 13th-place finish last season after taking over with the club battling near the bottom of the table.
The former Sheffield United defender also enjoyed spells with Rotherham United, Bradford City and Notts County during his playing career, before moving into management with Alfreton Town.
Wilder went on to achieve promotions with Oxford United, Northampton Town and Sheffield United, and now faces the task of steering the Blades back towards the top end of the Championship.
Japhet Tanganga continues to lead Sheffield United, having taken over the armband following Jack Robinson’s departure to Birmingham City in January.
The defender joined the Blades last summer for an undisclosed fee and quickly established himself as an important part of the side, making 42 appearances in all competitions last season.
Tanganga previously spent time at Millwall, initially joining on loan before making the move permanent in 2024. Before that, he spent 15 years with Tottenham Hotspur after joining their academy at the age of 10.
He made more than 25 league appearances for Spurs, with injuries limiting his opportunities, and also had a spell on loan at German side Augsburg during the 2023/24 campaign.
A former England youth international, Tanganga has also been eligible to represent DR Congo but has previously stated his desire to remain committed to England.
Patrick Bamford joined Sheffield United midway through last season and made an immediate impression, scoring 13 goals in 29 appearances across all competitions.
The striker boasts an impressive goalscoring record, with 132 senior career goals to his name. He began his career at Nottingham Forest before joining Chelsea in 2012, although he never made a first-team appearance at Stamford Bridge.
Instead, Bamford gained experience through loan spells with MK Dons, Derby County, Middlesbrough, Crystal Palace, Norwich City and Burnley before making a permanent move to Middlesbrough in 2017.
A year later, he joined Leeds United, spending six seasons at Elland Road and scoring 60 goals in 205 appearances. He played a key role in their Championship-winning campaigns in 2019 and 2025 before joining the Blades last November.
Callum O’Hare enjoyed another impressive campaign with Sheffield United last season, recording eight goals and eight assists in 46 appearances.
The midfielder played an important role in the Blades’ run to the Championship play-off final after joining from Coventry City, where he had established himself as one of the division’s standout attacking players.
O’Hare came through the Aston Villa academy and made nine senior appearances for the club, while loan spells with Carlisle United and Coventry helped accelerate his development.
He eventually joined Coventry permanently in 2019 and went on to make 164 appearances, scoring 22 goals and helping the Sky Blues secure promotion back to the Championship.
Sydie Peck enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Sheffield United in 2024/25, establishing himself as an important figure in midfield and quickly becoming a favourite among the Blades faithful.
The former Arsenal academy player joined Sheffield United’s youth setup in 2021 before gaining senior experience on loan at Oldham Athletic during the 2022/23 season, making nine appearances.
Peck made his Sheffield United debut as a substitute in a 1-0 Premier League victory over Brentford in December 2023 and signed a new four-year contract with the club the following summer.
He continued to make his mark last season, contributing five goals and five assists in 41 appearances from midfield. The midfielder also opened his Sheffield United goalscoring account in November 2025, finding the net in a 3-0 victory over Portsmouth.
FLASHBACK
January 6, 2007, is a day that will live long in the memories of Swansea City supporters.
The League One side travelled to Bramall Lane to face a Sheffield United team competing in the Premier League, with few expecting Kenny Jackett's side to return to south Wales with anything other than tales to tell of big day out at top-flight opposition.
Instead, the Swans produced one of the great FA Cup shocks in the club's modern history.
And for Leon Britton, it remains a fixture that has stuck with him throughout his career.
The former Swansea captain not only played a starring role in that famous afternoon, converting the penalty that completed the 3-0 victory, but he would later spend six months as a Sheffield United player before returning to SA1.
So, when the Blades are mentioned, Britton's thoughts inevitably return to that unforgettable afternoon in south Yorkshire.
“I remember going up there and we filled the away end. I think it was probably 3,000 or 4,000. Bramall Lane was quite empty apart from Swansea fans,” he recalled.
“People didn't give us much of a chance, them being Premier League and us being League One. But we went up there, and I just remember the atmosphere being incredible. To come away with a 3-0 win was something we could never have expected.
“At that time in my career, it was one of the best away days, for sure. To beat a Premier League team on their own patch 3-0 was an unbelievable result.”
Tom Butler proved to be the difference after the break, striking twice in six minutes to put Swansea firmly in control before Britton stepped up from the penalty spot to complete the scoring.
The quick-fire double changed the mood inside Bramall Lane and gave the Swans belief that they could complete one of the biggest upsets in their history.
“I remember Butch getting two quick-fire goals, and obviously our tails were up, and we were playing with a lot of confidence,” he added.
“There were so many Swans and Jack Army there, and the Sheffield United fans were turning on the team. I think that's when you believe, ‘We can win this game.’ We just got to keep it tight and see the game out. Obviously, we went one better and got the third goal.”
Britton would have the honour of completing the scoring from the penalty spot. With Butler already on two goals, the midfielder remembers offering his team-mate the opportunity to complete his hat-trick before ultimately taking responsibility himself.
“He was obviously on two goals, and we offered him the penalty to get the hat-trick. But for some reason, he said no, and for some reason I was the designated penalty taker at the time,” he laughed.
“It's a great sight because you have plenty of time, you put the ball down and get yourself set to take the penalty, and you look up and see 4,000 Swansea fans.
“When the ball hits the back of the net and you hear the crowd, then you have the celebrations. It was great. I didn't score many goals and especially away, so that for me is definitely up there.”
The result became more than just a memorable cup upset. It was another indication that Swansea had the foundations of a team capable of achieving something significant.
Britton had already been part of the side that reached the League One play-off final the previous season, and believes there was plenty of quality within the squad.
“That squad was a squad that the year before got to the play-off final in League One, which was one of the strongest squads probably in the league at the time,” he admitted.
“We had some brilliant players and a brilliant squad. So I think it was no surprise that we did believe that we could cause an upset going up to Sheffield.”
The season would soon enter another defining period. Just weeks after the victory at Bramall Lane, Jackett departed the club, with Roberto Martínez eventually taking charge.
For Britton, it was a particularly unusual transition. Martínez had shared the dressing room with him as a player before returning to the club as manager.
“A lot of the boys in that squad had played with Roberto. He was our captain, so we played with him for two or three years,” he continued.
“I think a lot of us knew that he would become a manager. I don't know if we thought he'd be at Swansea or as soon as that at Swansea, but I think a lot of us believed he'd become a manager.
“It was difficult at first because we all knew him as Rob. I think he put a fine system in place that every time you called him Rob instead of Gaffer, it was like five pounds or something like that.
“The boys didn't stop calling him Rob! it was a little bit difficult at first but as players you adapt. You get used to it and you get on with it.
“For me, he was my roommate and my teammate, so it was a bit strange. But he handled it well. I think the players handled it really well.”
Martínez's arrival also brought a significant change in Swansea's approach.
Under Jackett, the Swans had enjoyed success with a more direct style, but Martínez introduced a possession-based philosophy built around playing through midfield and from the back.
Britton believes that change helped lay the foundations for the football that would later become synonymous with Swansea City.
“With Kenny Jackett, we were really successful, getting out of League Two into League One, and Kenny did a brilliant job that sometimes get overlooked. We were very organised and a bit more direct in terms of the style of football,” he acknowledged.
“Whereas Roberto came in and changed it to a 4-3-3, signed Angel Rangel and Ferrie Bodde, and wanted us to play out from the back through midfield. He kind of changed the way we played.
“When we talk about the years after that, in terms of Paulo (Sousa) and Brendan (Rodgers) and Michael Laudrup, and a lot of people talking about Swansea, the way we played football, I think it's fair to say that Roberto kind of changed that style of football and he played a big part in it.
“I think a lot of it's down to his background, being Spanish. I think living near Barcelona and having a kind of following Barcelona, I think that was a big part in his philosophy of coaching, which he brought to us.
“A lot of people said at the time in League One that you couldn't get out of the lower leagues playing that style of football. But I think we went and showed that you could, and we did it in style.”
The foundations laid during those months would ultimately prove crucial.
Swansea went on to win League One the following season and secure promotion to the Championship, the next step on a remarkable journey that would eventually take the club all the way to the Premier League.
For Britton, that famous afternoon at Bramall Lane was an important reminder of what the group was capable of achieving.
“Days like that can carry you forward in your season, especially when you go and beat a team two divisions above you, a Premier League team,” he finished.
“I think it gives the squad confidence to show that you can compete. It reiterates that we've got a good squad, and we can compete with a team in the Premier League.
“It just gives you confidence to grow and show that you are capable of getting out of the league that you're in. If we all put our minds to it and play to our maximum, we can achieve something great, which we did the next year.”
Y Clwb Cymraeg | The Welsh Club
Croeso i gornel Gymraeg Clwb Pêl-droed Dinas Abertawe. Ym mhob rhaglen gallwch ddysgu geiriau a brawddegau newydd, dathlu hanes y clwb a helpu i hyrwyddo’r iaith yma yn Abertawe.
Welcome to Swansea City’s Welsh language corner. Whether you’re a fluent speaker or just starting to learn, each programme will help you discover new Welsh words and phrases whilst celebrating the people, stories and culture that make the Welsh language such an important part of our club and city.
Oeddech chi’n gwybod? | Did you know?
Y gair Cymraeg am steel yw dur.
Mae dur wedi chwarae rhan bwysig yn hanes Abertawe a Sheffield. Daeth Sheffield yn enwog ledled y byd fel y “Steel City”, tra roedd dociau Abertawe yn allforio glo, dur a chopr i bedwar ban y byd yn ystod y Chwyldro Diwydiannol.
The Welsh word for steel is dur.
Steel has played a key role in the history of both Swansea and Sheffield. Sheffield became famous around the world as the Steel City, while Swansea’s docks exported Welsh coal, copper, and steel across the globe during the Industrial Revolution.
Y Cyswllt Cymreig | The Welsh Connection
Chwaraewyr Cymreig sydd wedi gwisgo crysau’r Elyrch a Sheffield United.
Welsh players who have represented both Swansea City and Sheffield United.
(Challenge | If you're learning Welsh, use the keywords list to help you navigate the facts below!)
James Thomas
Abertawe: 57 o ymddangosiadau | 16 gôl
Sheffield United: 10 o ymddangosiadau | 1 gôl.
Sgoriodd dair gôl yn y gêm olaf o'r tymor i achub Abertawe rhag diraddiad yn 2003.
David Cotterill
Abertawe: 35 o ymddangosiadau | 4 gôl
Sheffield United: 54 o ymddangosiadau | 6 gôl
24 cap i Gymru | 2 gôl
Rhan o garfan Cymru yn Ewro 2016.
Allweddeiriau | Keywords
Ymddangosiadau = Appearances
Gôl = Goal
Ganwyd = Born
Carfan = Squad
Cymru = Wales
Diraddiad = Relegation
Achub = Save
Tymor = Season
Ffaith Ddiddorol | Interesting Fact
Mae’r band roc Cymraeg Sister Wives wedi’u lleoli yn Sheffield. Mae'r pedwar aelod yn siarad Cymraeg yn rhugl ac yn ysgrifennu ac yn perfformio yn Gymraeg. Yn ystod y blynyddoedd diwethaf, maen nhw wedi helpu i gyflwyno cerddoriaeth Gymraeg i gynulleidfaoedd newydd ledled y DU, gan ddangos bod y Gymraeg yn ffynnu ymhell tu hwnt i ffiniau Cymru.
Welsh-language rock band Sister Wives are based in Sheffield. Although they live in Yorkshire, all four members are fluent Welsh speakers and write and perform almost entirely in Welsh.
In recent years, they have helped introduce Welsh-language music to new audiences across the UK, showing that Cymraeg continues to thrive far beyond the borders of Wales.
Geirfa’r Elyrch | Swansea Lingo
Dinas = City
Abertawe = Swansea
Stadiwm = Stadium
Cefnogwyr = Supporters
Pêl-droed = Football
Dyfarnwr = Referee
Llumanwr = Linesman
Gôl-geidwad = Goalkeeper
Rheolwr = Manager
Hanner Amser = Half Time
Asgell = Wing
Cornel = Corner
Y chwiban olaf = Final Whistle
Enillwyr = Winners
Swansea City Under-21s started their Premier League Cup campaign in emphatic fashion with a dominant 3-0 win over Birmingham City at the Joma High Performance Centre.
New summer arrival Joe Davies opened the scoring with half-hour played before Thomas Woodward added a second deep into stoppage time in the first half.
And Woodward would continue his goalscoring form from last season - scoring 22 goals - as he bagged a brace in the second period, ten minutes from time.
Florian Bianchini was given minutes with the age-grade side, whilst Evan Watts played between the sticks, with Arthur Parker also featuring in defence.
It was a bright start for the both sides, with either team testing each other's backline
But the breakthrough came through debutant Davies who finished smoothly from Woodward's lay-off following great work from the attacking midfielder to dispossess a Blues defender in the build up.
And Woodward would get in on the goal action himself late on in the first half, making no mistake to head home from a well-taken Swans corner.
The second-half started in favour of the Swans comfortable in possession, with the introduction of fresh legs through Kai Rhodes and Harlan Perry.
Woodward added a third and bagged a brace in the closes stages after finishing off with a strike from a mazy, solo run to earn the Under-21s their first win of the campaign.
Swansea City Under-21s: Evan Watts, Billy Clarke, Jack Fanning, Milo Robinson (Harlan Perry 62), Arthur Parker (Jacob Cook 72), Iestyn Jones, Joe Davies, Joel Cotterill, Thomas Woodward, Yori Griffith (captain), Florian Bianchini (Kai Rhodes 62).
Substitutes: Joe Collins, Gregory Asemokhai.
Swansea City Under-21s kicked off their Professional Development League campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United at the Swansea.com Stadium on Tuesday.
Goals from Ehije Ukaki and Sam Curtis were enough to condemn the Swans to their first defeat of the season following last Friday’s win over Birmingham City in the Premier League Cup.
Having named an unchanged starting XI, it was Anthony Wright’s side who made the more assertive start in SA1. Florian Bianchini’s sweeping cross from the left nearly picked out the run of Joe Davies at the far post, but the forward’s header drifted just wide.
Swansea continued to enjoy plenty of possession, but it was the Blades who threatened midway through the half. Christopher Eadie broke the line well, forcing Evans Watts into a strong diving save before Ukaki fired the rebound over the crossbar.
The Swans then had two good chances to take the lead. Joel Cotterill’s cross found Milo Robinson, who rose highest but saw his header blocked, before Bianchini continued to cause problems down the left and curled an effort from distance just wide of Tommy Bett’s goal.
Despite Swansea enjoying the better of the play, the Blades took the lead in the 35th minute. The hosts failed to clear their lines from a corner, allowing Ukaki to fire a low effort through a crowded penalty area and beyond Watts.
On the stroke of half-time, Cotterill looked to draw his side level with a free-kick from distance, but his effort lacked the accuracy required as the visitors took a narrow lead into the break.
Cotterill teed up Robinson with a well-worked free-kick shortly after the restart, but Betts stood up well in the Blades goal to preserve his side’s advantage.
Thomas Woodward then connected with Billy Clarke’s cross, but Betts was again equal to the effort, making a routine save.
Despite those Swansea chances, it was the Blades who extended their lead midway through the second half, with Curtis rising highest from a swinging corner to power a header beyond the reach of Watts.
Wright responded with a double change, with Sebastian Dabrowski making his return from injury and Kai Rhodes introduced. Rhodes made an immediate impact seconds after coming on, cutting inside from the left before curling an effort just wide of the target.
The Swans continued their search for a way back into the contest late on, but could not find a breakthrough as the Blades held on to secure victory in SA1.
Swansea City Under-21s: Watts, Clarke, Fanning (Dabrowski 70), Cotterill, Parker, Jones, Davies, Robinson (Rhodes 70), Woodward, Griffith (C), Bianchini (Cook 60).
Unused substitutes: Collins, Perry.
Swansea City Women continued their winning run in pre-season with an 8-0 victory over Cascade YC Ladies at the CCB Centre for Sporting Excellence.
A five-goal showing from Chloe Chivers, alongside strikes from Aimee Deacon, Lowri Jones and captain Jess Williams, saw the Swans pick up their third victory of pre-season.
Swansea struggled to find their rhythm during the early stages of an evenly-contested opening half, but a brace of Chivers goals before the break gave them a two-goal advantage heading into half-time.
It was a much more clinical second-half showing from Yzzy Taylor's side, who demonstrated their quality by adding a further six goals to round off a convincing afternoon's work.
It would be the hosts who had the first opportunity of the match after Trinity Reakes capitalised on a loose pass and drove into the area before releasing an effort towards Amelia Forkings, but the goalkeeper got down well to deny the forward from around 12 yards out.
The Genero Adran South side continued to look dangerous on the break, winning the ball high up the pitch through Ellis Lunn, who squared to a Trialist, but she lifted her effort over the bar.
Cascade had the best chance of the match so far just before the 20-minute mark, with Lunn beating the offside trap and finding herself through on goal, but Forkings produced a superb fingertip save to turn her effort onto the crossbar.
The match continued to be lively, with the Swans next to go close after a quick break from a Cascade free-kick saw Chivers race forward before finding Lauren Davies. The winger looked up and picked out Richards in the area, but her powerful strike was well saved by Trialist, who parried the ball away from goal.
Both goalkeepers continued to impress, with Cascade's trialist reacting quickly to beat A. Deacon to a ball over the top. At the other end, a misplaced header from Caitlin Seaborne allowed Lunn to race onto the ball, but her strike was again well saved by Forkings, who turned the effort away from danger.
Swansea would take the lead with just under 10 minutes remaining in the half after Chivers received the ball from Deacon on the edge of the area, before turning and firing into the bottom corner.
Chivers would add her second just minutes before half-time, with Richards winning the ball high up the pitch before finding the midfielder, who drove forward and fired a powerful effort into the far corner.
The Swans came flying out of the blocks after the restart and Chivers completed her hat-trick in the 53rd minute, when Deacon drove into the area before finding the No. 10, who turned superbly away from her marker and fired home.
A fourth followed soon after as Deacon raced onto a ball over the top from Sammy Wynne, showing great strength to hold off her defender before slotting past the goalkeeper.
The goals continued to flow when a Cascade tackle inside the area saw the ball fall kindly to Chivers, who reacted quickest to power home from close range for her fourth of the afternoon.
A sixth was then added by substitute Jones, who raced onto a ball from Eilish Mitchell and used her pace to get beyond the Cascade defence before driving into the area. Her initial effort was saved, but the rebound fell back to Jones, who tapped into the empty net to score her goal of pre-season.
The scoring wasn't done there, as Swansea added a seventh through captain J. Williams. A deep Chivers free-kick into the area was met by the Swans' No. 23, who headed home from close range.
Chivers rounded off the scoring in the final minute to claim her fifth of the afternoon, finding space inside the area before unleashing a powerful effort which the goalkeeper got a hand to but couldn't keep out.
Swansea City Women: Amelia Forkings, Lauren Davies, Quianna Wheeler, Emily Richards, Sammy Wynne, Aimee Deacon, Chloe Chivers, Taite Trivett, Caitlin Seaborne, Caitlin Williams, Jess Williams (c).
Substitutes: Rayner, Mitchell, Legall, Trialist, Jones.
Cascade Youth Club Ladies: Trialist, Lisa Owen, Ffion Simmonds, Casey Thomas, Daisy Evan-Watkins, Trinity Reakes, Ellis Lunn, Anny Lewis, Trialist, Trialist, Stella Moreton.
Substitutes: Holly Hughes, Chloe Tiley, Kizzy Budina, Faye Marshall, Liv Townsend.
Swansea City Women's opening Genero Adran Premier fixture against Cardiff City Women on Sunday, September 6 at the ThermaGlaze Ground has been selected for live broadcast by Sgorio, with a new kick-off time of 5.15pm.
The south Wales derby was originally due to kick off at 2pm, but will now get under way at a later time and will be shown on S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer and Sgorio's YouTube channel.
The fixture will mark the beginning of the Swans' 2026-27 Genero Adran Premier campaign as Yzzy Taylor's side get their league season under way against their south Wales rivals.
It will also mark the Swans' first game at their new home, the ThermaGlaze Ground, home of Garden Village AFC.
Further matchday and ticketing information will be communicated ahead of the fixture.
- I’d like to wish my son Liam, his wife Leah and their two young sons Ollie and Theo all the very best when they emigrate to Australia next Tuesday. Liam, you’re 26 now and we’ve been watching our beloved Swans together since you were 3 years old, from the Vetch to our present home, where we’ve been season ticket holders since it opened. We’ve seen plenty of highs as well as a few lows but we’ve definitely had a lot of fun and excitement along the way. As today is the last game we’ll be seeing together for maybe a few years, I just wanted to tell you how much I’m going to miss you being by my side. But I know you’ll be cheering the boys on from Adelaide during every game even with the big time difference. We love you all and we can’t wait to come and visit you in your new home. Thank you son for being with me while we created so many great memories following our team #YJB #STID
- Happy 70th Birthday Tony Evans. Hope you have a great day. Love from all the family #YJB
- Jacob lost his mum to Pulmonary Fibrosis when he was just 18 months old. Since the age of five, he has raised over £30,000 for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust by taking on incredible walking challenges across the UK. This season, he's aiming even higher with ‘Jacob's Ground Journey’. He'll be walking laps at football stadiums across Scotland in an attempt to raise vital funds and awareness, while also pursuing a Guinness World Record. To support 10-year-old Jacob on his fundraising journey please scan the QR code.
“Can he do it on a cold, rainy night in Stoke” has become one of the most popular clichés in British football.
Originally levelled at Lionel Messi, it has become a standard question aimed at technically skilled foreign players, who some might believe are not robust enough for the physical and meteorological challenges of the British game.
Well, last Saturday was certainly not a cold, rainy night in Stoke, in fact, it was yet another balmy, sunshine-soaked afternoon during this long, hot summer.
If you were going to follow footballing stereotypes, playing in 70-degree-plus temperatures should have been a real test for a fair-skinned Scot from Falkirk, who has spent the past dozen years in traditionally soggy south Wales.
Could Jay Fulton do it on “a warm, drought-hit, afternoon in Stoke?”
The answer was a resounding “Yes”!
Fulton shone as brightly as the Stoke sunshine helping inspire the Swans to a rare opening day win and an equally rare three points in Staffordshire.
The longest-serving member of the playing staff, once again underlined his value to the squad with one of his best performances in a Swans shirt.
I have to admit, my head had been turned by some of the eye-catching new signings who have supplemented the squad over the summer. I was really looking forward to seeing how they fared in their first league encounter.
But it’s sometimes easy to forget about the established players you already have at a club when there is an influx of exiting new signings.
So it was a welcome reminder of the existing talent within the squad to see one our stalwarts playing such an assured and influential role in an excellent all-round team performance.
Last Saturday really was the perfect way to welcome league football back after the summer break.
And what a summer it’s been.
A World Cup, sizzling sunshine and one of the busiest close seasons I can remember for many years.
Occasionally in the past, the club has come in for flack after either leaving its transfer business too late, or not doing any business at all . . . or that’s how it sometimes felt to us fans.
But there can be few complaints on that front this summer.
There have been more arrivals and departures than a busy bank holiday at Heathrow.
Of course, only time will tell whether those moves will be successful, but a lack of activity is certainly not a criticism that can be levelled at the owners this year.
And, of course, it’s not just activity involving the playing staff.
There’s also a glut of exciting developments and activity going on off the field as well.
While the potential purchase of the stadium is possibly the most eye-catching for many, the plans to return the club’s academy to category one status is the one that really excites me personally.
Swansea and the surrounding areas have always been a hotbed for producing naturally gifted footballers.
From the club’s earliest days in the 1920s, through the 1950s, when it provided a hefty chunk of Wales’ World Cup quarter-final squad, right through to the past couple of decades, there has been a constant conveyor belt of talent.
That production line has a number of benefits.
Old romantics like me, who love to see a liberal sprinkling of home-grown talent taking to the field are kept happy, while in more pragmatic terms, it helps keeps the books balanced.
The romantic side of me is sad to see some of our recent products like Liam Cullen, Ollie Cooper and Cameron Congreve departing, but those in charge can’t afford to view the club’s fortunes through my rose-tinted glasses.
Whether the players it produces stay or go, the club’s commitment to reinstating the academy to top status has got to be good news all round.
It’s certainly a priority for chief executive Tom Gorringe, who said recently: "We want an academy that attracts the best players from Swansea whilst also being a hub for the best Welsh talent and it is our hope that making this change will further support this aim."
"This club's self-sufficiency has always historically been one of its strengths, even this pre-season that has been evident with a number of the academy graduates performing strongly with 10 of the 11 players on the pitch at the end of the Bochum game coming through our pathway.
"We want that to continue to be the case and we believe this step would give us the best chance of accomplishing that goal."
It’s reassuring to hear that Gorringe “gets it” - how important the youth policy is generally but particularly for a club like Swansea, which has always prided itself on its young local talent.
The CEO’s recent update on the club’s fortunes was one of the most positive and informative we have ever had.
I know every club generally enters a season with an air of optimism. When the first ball is kicked, every team is on the same number of points and anything is potentially possible.
I know things can go awry on the pitch. There are so many unknowns and imponderables like injuries, form and old fashioned bad fortune.
But this year feels particularly positive, mostly because of what is happening off the pitch. It feels like stable foundations are being put down to not just secure the club’s future but to ensure it flourishes. Long may it continue.
On a more sombre note, I’m sure most older fans like me would have been sad to hear the news about Jimmy Rimmer.
I always have a particular fondness for players who sign for the Swans from elsewhere in the country and make the area their home long after their playing days are over.
Rimmer was one of those players. Even after his playing, coaching and management roles were over, it was always good to see the ‘keeper in the stands watching his adopted club.
Rimmer’s best playing days were undoubtedly enjoyed away from the club with spells at Manchester United, Arsenal and Aston Villa bringing him two European Cup winners medals as well as a number of other honours including a senior England cap.
But he played more than 80 matches for the Swans, including during a loan spell from Manchester United early in his career, and as well as his goalkeeping coach duties, twice stepped in as caretaker manager.
Rimmer helped keep the footballing side of the club going as caretaker manager either side of the infamous one-and-a-half match managerial reign of Kevin Cullis during the 1995-96 season. For that alone, we all owe him a huge debt of gratitude.
Come on you Swans!
At last, we're back! After a football-drenched summer, sadly devoid of Welsh interest, we're back in business in SA1. And doesn't it feel good? Vitor Matos has had a full preseason, the boys who played in what must have been one of the most ridiculous World Cup tournaments ever returned unscathed and the new campaign kicked off with a win at Stoke. One down, 45 to go.
Inevitably, there have been changes to the squad. Comings and goings are part of the game and there have been a fair few so far this summer. Most notably, one of our own, Liam Cullen, moved on, to be reunited with Russell Martin, formerly of this parish. I'm sure we wish Liam all the very best at Leicester City, a club that knows about defying the odds and rising like a phoenix from the ashes. They’ll be desperate to get out of League One at the first time of asking and he will no doubt be instrumental in helping them do that. He deserves to thrive and I hope he does.
There have been plenty of new faces, too. Some have already made a mark, others will need a bit more time to get to where they need to be, but we offer them all a warm Welsh welcome and hope their time in this ugly, lovely town, is both happy and fulfilling.
This season, eight is the magic number. The Championship rules have changed and for the first time the playoffs have been expanded from four to six teams. The top two teams will be promoted, as has always happened, but from this campaign, the six teams finishing in third to eighth place are all in with a chance of reaching the Premier League.
We know from experience that a playoff run adds to the excitement of a season, so while the statisticians will tell us that a side finishing in eighth place is unlikely to get promoted, the change will certainly spice things up for those teams involved. And it will extend the campaign. Win, win. Well, not quite …
The two teams finishing in third and fourth place are at an advantage because they progress straight through to the semi-finals. The rest will be part of two ‘eliminator ties’ which will see fifth play eighth and sixth play seventh. Fifth and sixth will play at home and these are one-legged games. That will result in the winners progressing to the semis to play third and fourth in what are two-legged games, this time with the second leg at the home of the side finishing higher in the table. And the team finishing third will play the lowest ranked team in the semis.
It’s a bit complicated until we get to see it play out this season, but the addition of two extra sides vying for a place in the Premier League adds to the excitement and I have no doubt that our aim will be to secure one of those eight places, if we don’t get one of the top two of course.
The great thing about a new campaign is that sense of excitement and optimism, and our summer signings have certainly added to the hope that this might just be our year. I’m sure the stadium will be bouncing today. This side and Vitor and his team deserve to play in front of a packed-out ground and if we can get another three points under our belts this afternoon, It will be the perfect start.
As we return to SA1 and the Swansea.com, let’s remind ourselves that we are the 12th man. Our support matters. Let’s be loud and proud.
Enjoy the game, Jacks.
JULIE KISSICK
We are all Jacks is Swansea City’s commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion both within the club and throughout the local community.
Working with international and local charities, as well as supporter groups, Swansea City strives to ensure that a visit to the Swansea.com Stadium is a welcoming experience for everyone regardless of sex, sexuality, gender identity, religion, race, disability, or age.
The club takes a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, harassment, victimisation, bullying and abuse.
REPORT IT – IN THE STADIUM
Supporters are encouraged to report instances of abusive and discriminatory language within the stadium by using the anonymous text and Whatsapp number (07886 276015) providing details of the incident and your location in the stadium.
Messages will be charged at the standard rate for your network provider.
The details from the message will be received at the match control room, where any necessary investigation and/or action will be taken.
The club will also record the mobile number of the individual reporting an incident to aid with any inquiries.
Supporters can also use support@swanseacity.com to report instances of discrimination.
An audio commentary service is available for blind and partially sighted fans – provided by Radio City, the Swansea University Health Board Hospital Radio Service.
Radio City has a long association with the football club dating back to the days when the club was known as Swansea Town.
Since moving to the Swansea.com Stadium, the broadcaster has provided a live descriptive commentary service for free at all Swansea home matches, meaning that blind and partially-sighted supporters in both the home and away ends can follow the action.
In order to book a headset for the match, supporters can contact the accessibility team in advance by emailing accessibility@swanseacity.com, or contacting the ticket office from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm by calling 01792 616629 and selecting option one.
Supporters can also book headsets in person in advance at the ticket office, or on the day by speaking to a Disability Liaison Steward on the day.
To learn more about Radio City, visit www.radiocity1386am.co.uk.
The inclusion room at the Swansea.com Stadium is open every matchday for supporters who may require a quiet space during games.
Supporters will be able to attend live matches at the Swansea.com Stadium with the comfort of knowing there is a designated area should they need it. The room is available to any supporter that may require a quiet space.
The space will be monitored by a designated disability liaison steward and provides a safe space with a disabled toilet, a projector to watch the live game, and dignity packs for those who need it.
While some supporters who require a time away from the crowds may prefer to use this room as a quiet space, it will also be possible to watch the match live on a screen projected onto the wall meaning supporters who require the space for any reason don’t have to miss a moment of the match action.
The room is located in the West Stand and, while supporters who feel they may benefit from the use of the space will be recommended to sit in that stand, it will be accessible for anyone in any part of the stadium.
Any supporter who feels overwhelmed by the matchday environment for any reason can gain access to the room by making themselves known to a steward or disability liaison steward.
Head Coach Vitor Matos
1 Andy Fisher
2 Josh Key
4 Jay Fulton
5 Ben Cabango (C)
6 Marko Stamenic
7 Melker Widell
8 Elijah Just
9 Žan Vipotnik
10 Jisung Eom
14 Josh Tymon
15 Cameron Burgess
17 Gonçalo Franco
20 Tiago Parente
21 Leo Walta
22 Lawrence Vigouroux
23 Stephen Welsh
26 Filip Lissah
27 Zeidane Inoussa
29 Paul Farman
30 Joseph Opoku
31 Ross Stewart
33 Adam Idah
35 Ronald
39 Evan Watts
40 NUMBER RETIRED
44 Thomas Woodward
49 Moussa Yeo
50 Carter Heywood
Head Coach Chris Wilder
1 Michael Cooper
2 Matt Doherty
3 Sam McCallum
4 Oliver Arblaster
5 Japhet Tanganga (C)
7 Joe Rothwell
9 Tom Cannon
10 Callum O'Hare
11 Romelle Donovan
14 Harrison Burrows
16 Jamie Shackleton
17 Adam Davies
19 Tahith Ching
21 Nils Zätterström
23 Tyrese Campbell
25 Mark McGuinness
26 Ryan Oné
27 Kalvin Phillips
30 Rhys Norrington-Davies
31 Thomas Betts
33 Jamal Baptiste
38 Femi Seriki
41 Ivo Grbić
42 Sydie Peck
44 Jaïro Riedewald
45 Patrick Bamford
Referee: Tom Nield
Assistant Referee 1: Callum Gough
Assistant Referee 2: Michael Webb
Fourth Official: Leigh Doughty
STAFF LIST
Honorary Club President - Alan Curtis MBE
Directors
Andy Coleman, Brett Cravatt, Jason Cohen, George Popstefanov, Chris Sznewajs, Tyler Morse, Nigel Morris, Todd Marcelle, Keith English, Martin Morgan, Paul Meller.
Chief Executive Officer: Tom Gorringe
Associate Directors: Diane Hughes
Minority Owners: Luka Modrić, Snoop Dogg, Martha Stewart
FIRST-TEAM STAFF
Head Coach - Vitor Matos
Head of Goalkeeping and analysis – Pedro Pereira
First Team Coaches - Kris O'Leary and Leon Britton
Head of Medical - Dr Jez McCluskey
Staff: 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
Sporting Director: Ben Stevens
Head of Operations and Facilities: Andrew Davies
Head of Football Operations and Administration: Ben Greenwood
Head of Media and Communications: Andrew Gwilym
Head of Safeguarding: Rebeca Storer
HR Manager: Nicola Butt
Head of Commercial: Katie Doyle
Head of Facilities: Gordon David
Head of Supporter Services: Hayley Ford
Head of IT: Jonathan Jones
CLUB STAFF
Football Operations & Administration Manager: Rebecca Gigg
Head of Partnerships: Lee Merrells
Head of Hospitality: Catherine Thomas
Head of Ticketing: David Enstone
Grounds Manager: Evan Davies
Club Ambassador: Lee Trundle
PROGRAMME PRODUCTION
Contributors: Andrew Gwilym, Rachael Tucker, Mackenzie Thomas, Cerith White, Sophie Davis, Mackenzie Squires, Sammy Wynne, Osian Cleaver, Hayley Ford, Owen Morgan, Julie Kissick, Gwyn Rees, James Dow.
Designers: Callum Rothwell, Jac Elsey.