Hi everyone and a very warm welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for our Championship clash with Sheffield Wednesday.
We return to home soil with plenty of positivity following our victory at Watford last weekend.
That was a result that we all felt had been coming away from home. We have produced a number of strong showings on our travels recently, and it was really important to have that positive reinforcement of three points to go with the performance.
That was only Watford’s third league defeat at Vicarage Road this season, which underlines how difficult a place it has been to go, and the manner in which we were able to be comfortable for long passages of the game is a further testament to how we are developing as a side.
We have since been able to add Leo Walta to our squad, and I am sure you are all very excited to see what he brings to the group after joining us on an initial loan with a view to a permanent move in the summer.
Leo is a player with plenty of quality and assertiveness in the final third, as show by his outstanding 2025 record with his former club IK Sirius, which saw him score 16 goals and set up three more in 30 games.
He has joined while in the middle of a pre-season programme in Sweden, so he will need a little time to adapt and get fully up to speed, but we are looking forward to integrating him into the squad.
We also saw Bobby Wales depart on loan to Huddersfield in a move we hope will benefit his development with regular game time as part of a squad challenging for promotion to the Championship.
His departure has allowed talented young midfielder Thomas Woodward to make the step up to our first-team squad for the remainder of the season.
Thomas, who has just signed a new contract with us, is part of a 10-strong elite player group from our academy who will be regularly exposed to the senior environment as we look to develop and prepare them for the future.
I would also encourage as many of you as possible to get down here on Tuesday night when our under-18s take on their Blackburn counterparts in the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup.
Off the field, this matchday is dedicated to the work of the Swansea City AFC Foundation, the club’s charitable arm.
We pride ourselves on being a community club, and we would not be able to live up to that tag without the dedicated and inspirational efforts of everyone connected with the Foundation.
Their commitment to improving the lives of those within our city and the wider region is tremendous and a key part of what makes our club special, so it is only right that we recognise the significance of their contribution today.
On the subject of issues affecting our community, our thoughts at the moment are very much with the players, staff and supporters at the Ospreys.
Our club knows the challenges and the anguish that facing an existential threat causes, and we want Swansea to continue to be one of the strongest sporting pillars in Wales.
Having a professional rugby side - alongside our football club - representing our city on the biggest stage, offering a hub through which to develop local talent and for young people to aspire to is vitally important.
The fact there were four Ospreys in the Wales squad to face England at Twickenham on Saturday, plus three more who have spent time playing their professional trade in Swansea, just underlines the impact our region has on the biggest sporting stages.
We want Swansea to be a centre for athletic excellence, regardless of the shape of the ball or the activity, and we hope this challenging period can end with a positive outcome for our area.
In personal news, I am delighted to be joined at the game today for the first time by my parents. Given that this week was World Cancer week, it feels appropriate that this milestone is ticked off for my Mum as she continues to tackle the disease with the bravery and positivity that she is known for. Thankfully she is now hearing the end of her treatment so hopefully this is the first trip of many.
Thanks you for your continued support and I hope you all enjoy the game,
Tom Gorringe
CEO, Swansea City
Greetings to you all and welcome to the Swansea.com Stadium as we take on Sheffield Wednesday.
It is great to be back on home soil after two long away trips to Hull and Watford, particularly after getting the three points to go with a good performance at Vicarage Road.
That was an important results for the group and for the supporters. We have played well in games away from home but not managed to come away with the points, so to be able to have a positive outcome was very pleasing and helps with our confidence and belief, which is growing all the time.
We knew we were facing a strong side who are a real threat in open play, so we had to be compact and make sure we closed the spaces. It meant we had less of the ball than we have been used to, but it gave us the base to be more aggressive in the second half. We had more control and we deserved the win.
We now face an opponent who is having a difficult moment, but we would be foolish if we were to lose focus or to take anything for granted. Football has a habit of punishing you when you do that.
Sheffield Wednesday are a proud club and a proud team and, if you look beyond just the results, all of their recent games have been very close and they have been very competitive.
We are not anticipating anything other than a tough test, and we know we need to be fully concentrated if we want to make sure we continue our excellent record at home over the last couple of months.
Since we last played the transfer window has closed and we were very pleased to add Leo Walta to our squad.
Leo gives us a different profile in central areas with his creativity and technical ability, and he is an intelligent player with how he selects his passes and movements.
He was in the middle of pre-season in Sweden so we will need to make sure we give him the time to adapt, but we are excited to have him on board, as well as Joel Ward and Gustavo Nunes.
Today’s matchday is dedicated to the work of Swansea City AFC Foundation and, while I am still quite new to this city and region, the fact that Swansea is such a family club was a big reason why I was so happy to have the chance to become head coach.
That bond between the club and the community is very special and powerful, and it is important that we celebrate that tremendous work.
Enjoy the game,
Vítor Matos,
First Team Head Coach
As we welcome Sheffield Wednesday to the Swansea.com Stadium this Sunday, we look forward to another passionate Championship contest in front of our home supporters.
While today’s visitors arrive rooted to the bottom of the table, it would be a mistake to underestimate them. Wednesday’s struggles this season have stemmed from a succession of severe off‑field issues. The club has been hit with 18 points in deductions for multiple breaches of EFL financial regulations, including late wage payments and entering administration.
Their staff and players, which include ex-Swans Jamal Lowe and Jerry Yates, have endured months of uncertainty with repeated delays to salaries and restrictions on transfer activity. Through all this turmoil, the team continue to fight with pride and we must give them and their supporters full respect.
From our perspective, consistency remains the key as we enter the final third of the campaign. Recent results have shown the character within our squad, and last week’s tremendous 2–0 victory away at Watford was a real statement performance from the squad. After a tightly-contested first half, Watford struggled to cope with our intensity and organisation throughout the second half and we took control through Marko Stamenic’s composed finish in the 55th minute, before Josh Key doubled the lead on 80 minutes, sealing an impressive and fully-deserved win at Vicarage Road.
January is always a challenging transfer window in which to get deals over the line, but the club have gone about their work quietly and effectively. Key players have been retained—despite earlier fears—while experience, pace and excitement have been added through the arrivals of Joel Ward, Gustavo Nunes and Leo Walta.
In particular, Walta looks a real coup for the club. Securing him on a loan to buy arrangement for the next financial year is an astute piece of business. He may need a little time to adjust to the speed and physical demands of the Championship, so patience will be key.
Bobby Wales has headed out on loan to gain the game time he needs to realise his undoubted potential, and the squad place previously used up by Manuel Benson has now been freed up. It is unfortunate that Kaelen Casey was recalled, as he is an excellent prospect, but the squad has several players capable of covering across the back.
Overall, the team now has a far better balance—one that will only improve further when injured players Adam Idah and Zeidane Inoussa return. With the squad strengthened we can look ahead to the remainder of the season with renewed optimism.
As always, the strength of Swansea’s sporting identity extends beyond football. As the Swans Supporters’ Trust, we want to express our full support for the Ospreys rugby team, who play such a significant role in the cultural and economic life of our city.
Swansea’s status as a home of first‑class professional rugby is vital—not only for sport, but for community pride, investment, jobs, and the international reputation of our region.
We stand firmly behind efforts to secure a sustainable future for top-flight rugby in Swansea, because our city deserves nothing less. To help oppose the WRU’s proposed restructuring of the professional game in Wales follow this link to sign the Petition · Oppose the WRU's Proposed Reduction in Elite Teams - United Kingdom · Change.org Fans are also encouraged to show their support by chanting for the Ospreys in the 11th minute of today’s match
Today’s game offers an opportunity for the team to build momentum and show once again what we are all about. Enjoy the match, sing loudly, and help the team to another home win.
Paul Meller
As part of a ongoing feature in our digital matchday programme for the 2025-26 campaign, we are calling on all Swans fans to share their memories and experiences of supporting the club this season by submitting your stories and pictures. We will publish a selection over the course of the season, and you can share your stories with us through the link below.
The start of the 2025-26 season marked 20 years since Swansea City moved into our Swansea.com Stadium home.
To mark the anniversary, club historian Gwyn Rees is profiling members of the first Swans squad to grace the stadium during the 2005-06 campaign. This time, he looks at the career of Paul Connor, a hard-working forward who had a brief but bright time in Swansea colours.
When your grandfather was an ex-professional footballer, and just happened to be a First Division title winner with Portsmouth, then the influence on a young grandson is likely to be considerable.
This was the introduction to the game that young Paul Connor had growing up, and by the age of 14 he had been spotted by local club Middlesbrough and had signed on as a youth team player upon leaving school.
His initial time in the academy set-up was extremely positive and after an very impressive goalscoring record meant he was promoted to the reserve side at just 16.
It was a big jump up for one so young, but one that Paul relished and within a year of his reserve appearances he was called up for the first-team squad.
However, with the team performing well and some big-name players added to the squad, Paul never managed to play in the first team, and he was loaned out firstly to Gateshead and then to Hartlepool United.
He would eventually make a permanent move to Stoke City in 1999 but, after playing in over 30 first-team games, he surprisingly found himself sent out on loan to Cambridge United where he made a further 13 appearances.
On returning back to his parent club he was sold to Rochdale in a record fee for the Lancashire side of £150,000.
His first season at Spotland was a huge personal success for Paul, with his goals taking the team to the brink of the play-offs, but when all seemed to be going fine for player and club a bad injury interrupted his second season and he was forced to watch on as his teammates lost out in the Division Two play-off semi-finals.
He shook off his injury worries to help Dale progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup in the 2002-03 campaign, but with his contract up for renewal a deadline day transfer in March 2004 saw the player move to Swansea City for £35,000.
A hard working player with an eye for goal, Paul quickly linked up well with Kevin Nugent and Lee Trundle, and was soon a fan favourite.
His first full season with the club was Swansea’s final one at the Vetch Field. While not a consistent goalscorer, he did score a number of important goals, while his unselfish work-rate often allowed the likes of Trundle, Nugent and Adebayo Akinfenwa to profit.
With promotion secured, Paul helped the Swans reach the League One play-offs and win the EFL Trophy the following season, but by the end of that campaign he had slipped down the pecking order and a move to Leyton Orient soon materialised.
He made 34 appearances and scored seven times for Orient, but a year later made the move to Cheltenham Town, scoring his first goal for his new club in a 2-1 win over the Swans in February 2007.
After a bright start at his new club, an ankle injury saw him miss the beginning of the 2007-08 season and, though always a hard worker, the goals dried up along with his confidence, and he was released by the club.
A spell with Lincoln City followed but with injuries catching up with the player he spent much of that on the sidelines, and went on to have short stints with Mansfield Town and Gainsborough Trinity.
After his time in football was over, Paul gained a three-year degree in Podiatry, and forged a career in the NHS that saw him return to football via the treatment room, and he has worked with the England national team, while he has become a committed fundraiser via a cancer charity he became involved in following the death of his father.
Wednesday are in their third season back in the Championship after being promoted to the second tier in dramatic fashion at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
The Owls overcame a four-goal deficit to progress on penalties from their semi-final against Peterborough, before Josh Windass' goal late in stoppage time saw them beat Michael Duff's Barnsley team in the final.
Having been a top-flight mainstay for a number of years, they came close to returning to the Premier League twice under former Swans boss Carlos Carvalhal – in 2016 and 2017.
It is now 23 years since the Owls last appeared in the top-flight, and over 30 years since their only major trophy – the 1991 League Cup. They went on to reach the FA Cup and League Cup finals two years later, losing both to Arsenal.
They endured a torrid summer off the pitch due to financial difficulties leading to late or unpaid wages, sanctions from the EFL and fan protests at the running of the club by owner Dejphon Chansiri.
The Owls entered administration, leading to a further points deduction that left them all-but certain to be relegated come the end of the campaign, and their wait for a new owner continues to rumble on.
HILLSBOROUGH
Built: 1899
Location: Leppings Lane, Sheffield, S6 1SW
Capacity: 39,732
Dane Henrik Pedersen - not to be confused with the former Bolton striker of the same name - took over late in the summer of 2025 as Danny Rohl left the south Yorkshire club after an uncertain off-season.
Pedersen built a reputation for developing young players in his homeland before becoming part of the Red Bull system of clubs.
His first senior position came with HB Koge, and he went on to become assistant boss at Union Berlin.
Pedersen then had the reins at Eintracht Braunschweig, Stromsgodset and Vendyssel FF before moving to Hillsborough as Rohl's assistant in 2023.
The experienced Scotland international Liam Palmer has taken over the armband following the departure of club stalwart Barry Bannan to Millwall.
Palmer, 34, has been on the books of the south Yorkshire club his entire career, having joined the academy ranks and made the climb all the way up to senior level.
In total he has made nearly 450 league appearances for the Owls, and his only time away from Hillsborough was a loan to Tranmere during the 2013-14 season.
Capable of playing on the right side of defence or in midfield, Palmer has also set-up a football academy for youngsters in his hometown of Worksop.
French winger or full-back Yan Valery has been a consistent performer for Wednesday after joining them in 2024.
Valery made the move to English football when he joined Southampton’s academy from Rennes in 2015, and progressed to make his senior debut for the Saints in 2018.
Ha made 53 senior appearances in total for the south-coast club, and also had a loan spell with Birmingham City, before returning to France with Angers in 2022.
The Tunisia international joined Wednesday ahead of the 2024-25 season, and was a near ever-present in the league for the Owls.
Midfielder Svante Ingelsson has been a bright spark for Wednesday in a challenging season, with his physicality and ability to break up opposition attacks a key feature of his play.
The former Udinese man is starting his second campaign in south Yorkshire, having arrived from Hansa Rostock in the summer of 2024.
Ingelsson, a former Sweden Under-21 international, came through the ranks with Kalmar FF in his homeland before moving to Italy with Udinese in 2021.
He found game time hard to come by, and had loan spells with Pescara, Kalmar and SC Padeborn before his move to Rostock where he was a regular for much of his three seasons before the move to Wednesday.
Jamal Lowe is a well-known name to Swansea fans following his two spells with the club.
The Jamaica International is one of the leaders in this Owls' squad, and was a vocal figure last summer as the club fought to survive.
Lowe was initially on the books at Barnet and then spent a number of years in non-league - including a period where he trained on his own - before returning to the professional game with Portsmouth.
The rangy forward helped them to League Two success in 2017, scoring a crucial goal on the final day of the season, and an EFL Trophy triumph in 2019, before joining Wigan.
Lowe spent a year with the Latics before joining the Swans and reaching the 2021 Championship play-off final.
A move to Bournemouth followed where he did secure promotion to the Premier League in 2022. loan spells with Queens Park Rangers and the Swans followed, before his switch to Hillsborough in 2024.
For the Birmingham City match programme, I wrote an article which mentioned the problems facing the Ospreys rugby region, who used to play their matches here at the Swansea.com Stadium.
The Ospreys’ future is under threat following the Welsh Rugby Union’s plan to reduce the number of professional teams in Wales from four to three.
I argued that Swansea would be a poorer city sports-wise if the Ospreys ceased to exist.
I wasn’t sure how the piece would be welcomed amongst the Jack Army as football and rugby fans haven’t always seen eye to eye.
While there are many people like me who support both the Swans and the Ospreys, there are many others who don’t have an interest in rugby.
Some might even feel the Swans would benefit from the absence of a professional rugby team based in the same city.
But the general reaction to the plight facing the Ospreys from not only Swans fans, but notable figures from throughout the city and beyond has been overwhelming.
Since my original piece, the crisis at the Ospreys has deepened with the news their Hong Kong-based owners Y11 Sports and Media have put in a bid to buy rivals Cardiff Rugby.
I won’t go into too much detail as the situation is complicated and fast moving.
But Y11 Sports and Media’s move would likely secure Cardiff Rugby’s future within the WRU’s plans, while casting a huge cloud over the Ospreys’ long-term prospects.
As a result, Swans supporters’ groups have been swift in voicing their support for their rugby union counterparts.
Seeing the city’s sports fans coming together in unity has been hugely heartening. The reaction strengthens my admiration for my fellow Swans supporters and the city’s sporting public in general.
Swansea City has certainly been through tumultuous times in the past as far as owners are concerned.
Sometimes, I genuinely have to pinch myself when I see names like Luka Modrić, Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart currently associated with the club’s ownership group.
We’ve had some fantastic owners over the years, but I’m unfortunately old enough to remember some of the not so great ones.
Tony Petty, anyone?
There have been times when the Swans have faced similarly dire straits to those currently being experienced by the Ospreys.
There’s definitely an element of: “There but for the grace of God . . .” about what’s happening as the region fights for its sporting life.
Swans fans have done their fair share of protesting and bucket shaking to keep our club alive during its long history.
And I’m sure those decked out in blue and white in the North Stand this afternoon will have a certain amount of sympathy for what is currently happening to our rugby cousins.
It’s been fantastic to see how the football family has shown support for Wednesday in their hour of need.
Obviously, I want the Swans to pick up all three points today. But beyond that, I have only good wishes for today’s visitors. It would be a sporting travesty to lose such an iconic club from the football landscape.
Just as it would be a huge loss for Swansea’s sporting culture to lose the Ospreys.
So, it’s fantastic to see Swans fans coming out in support of a club in a different footballing code.
The Swansea City Supporters’ Alliance put out the following statement: “As has been widely reported in the press recently the future of the Ospreys is in the balance.
“As a club we have been through similar ourselves in nearly going out of existence and if it wasn’t for the kindness of many people in south Wales helping us, rugby fans included, we may not even be here today being able to watch a professional football team in Swansea.
“All we ask is that in the 11th minute of the game against Sheff Wed we show solidarity with our rugby brothers and sisters and chant for the Ospreys.
“The game being live on TV will be ideal exposure to their fight just to exist.”
A poll arranged by the Alliance found that 82 per cent of fans were in favour of a show of support this afternoon.
The Swansea City Supporters’ Trust has also endorsed the idea of a chant in the 11th minute of today’s game.
Meanwhile, legendary Swans stadium announcer Kev Johns penned an article on the subject in the Evening Post.
Sport – football especially - is built on great rivalries, but it is genuinely heart-warming to see supporters come together when the going really does get tough for one of their own.
When that support extends beyond the footballing community to sporting organisations in other fields, it is even more valuable and praiseworthy.
It’s important that sports fans in general rise against the type of situation the Ospreys currently find themselves in.
These scenarios are becoming more prevalent in all kinds of sports where long established organisations are seen as franchises to be bought, sold, re-branded or simply shut down at the whim of a few calculator-wielding suits sitting behind boardroom doors.
It’s always worth us fans reminding the powers that be of the traditions great sporting clubs have been built on and just how important they are to the communities into which they are so deeply and inextricably embedded.
I’m always proud to be a Swan, but the reaction of the majority of the Jack Army over the past few weeks to the travails of their rugby counterparts, has made me puff out my chest just that little bit further.
I have to admit, it will be strange to hear an Ospreys chant at a Swans match, but what better way for us fans to show our solidarity to a fellow Swansea-based team in need.
C’mon you Swans!
Through Premier League Inspires, Swansea City AFC Foundation has been supporting 13-year-old Jenson through one-to-one mentoring sessions at the Swansea.com Stadium.
Having faced a number of challenges in his young life, Jenson had lost confidence and was no longer the joyful character his family and friends had become accustomed to.
That’s when Jenson’s mother, Vicky, sought help from Swansea City AFC Foundation to help the teenager find a way forward.
“Growing up Jenson’s had a few problems,” said Vicky.
“He was deaf until he was four-years-old, so he has delayed speech. He’s had to deal with a lot of people passing away so he’s quite withdrawn because of that.
“He then had problems in school where something was put on social media and it affected him quite badly, to the point where he wouldn’t come out of his room. He was ignoring us, crying.
“But then we found out about the Swans Foundation, and their sessions which can help him.
“He came home from the first session bouncing, he was happy, laughing, joking with his brother and sister, which we had not seen in a long time. He was just the old Jenson we knew, from the very first session.
“Talking to somebody else who will just listen, someone who isn’t family or friends, about the problems he faced was a massive help to Jenson.”
Nick Grant, targeted interventions officer at Swansea City AFC Foundation, has been working with Jenson since December and is proud of the progress he has made.
“The main aim of the sessions is to help improve confidence, self-esteem,” said Grant.
“What I say to everyone I work with is I want them to become the best possible version of themselves.
“I think myself and Jenson finding things we have in common definitely helped me build a rapport with him, and he’s a lot more confident now, and a lot more engaging in conversation.
“Being able to see a mindset shift, understanding the goals they set for themselves, it’s nice to see that these sessions are working and helping.”
As a passionate Swans fan, Jenson has thoroughly enjoyed the one-to-one sessions being located in the Swansea.com Stadium, overlooking the pitch.
“Having the sessions somewhere where he’s a massive fan of the Swans, he’s coming home saying the view he has is amazing,” added Vicky.
“I have enjoyed the sessions,” added Jenson.
“We talk about how we feel, how we think and about the Swans as well.
“I think the sessions have really helped me by teaching me not to hide anything and to always talk to a trusted adult.”
Grant quickly discovered Jenson’s love for the Swans from early conversations during the initial mentoring sessions.
The Swans Foundation were then able to recognise Jenson's progress with a special mascot experience to highlight the courage and bravery he has shown throughout the programme.
Jenson walked out onto the Swansea.com Stadium pitch with his favourite player, Zan Vipotnik, for the Swans’ FA Cup fixture against West Brom, which was an emotional moment for mum Vicky.
“It was amazing, it brought tears to my eyes especially as he walked out with his favourite player, Vipotnik. It was amazing to see," she said.
First football shirt you owned?
CR7 Man U
Best player you've played with?
Jan Oblak
What's your go-to cheat meal?
Kebab
Who's the joker in the dressing room?
Franco
If you weren't a footballer, what would you be?
Sailor
Who's your top artist on Spotify right now?
Dražen Zečić
Can you name Welsh word?
Araf (slow)
Toughest opponent you've faced?
Højbjerg (Denmark)
Favourite holiday destination?
Croatia
Who's your hometown club?
Dravinja
Favourite football memory?
Euro 2024
Leo Walta had his heart set on a move to Swansea City as soon as he became aware of the club's interest in securing his services.
The 22-year-old Finland international became the third and final Swans signing during the January transfer window, following the arrivals of Joel Ward and Gustavo Nunes.
Walta will bring a direct, creative attacking option to Vitor Matos’ midfield, and he joins Swansea on the back of an outstanding 2025 Allsvenskan campaign where he scored 16 goals and provided three assists in 30 appearances for IK Sirius.
The HJK Helsinki youth product will wear the number 21 shirt in SA1.
"It feels amazing to finally be here, and I am really excited to get started," he said.
"As soon as I knew Swansea were keen to sign me, I was interested immediately. I have been following the team over the last weeks to see how they have been playing.
"I think the way the team plays will suit me, I know the club really wanted me here, and I want to help the team with my ability on the ball, finding the right passes and scoring goals.
"I like to use these qualities, and I hope to bring them to Swansea.
"I am looking forward so much to playing, and showing everyone that I am a good player who can help the team."
Walta’s impressive number of goal contributions across his two seasons with Sirius have marked him out as one of the most exciting young attacking players in Scandinavian football.
He arrives in south Wales having been undergoing a pre-season in Sweden, with the previous campaign having ended in November.
Walta expects he will need to adjust and adapt to a new competition, but is full of confidence following his fine form.
"For sure, I have a lot of confidence after the season I have just had," he added.
"I am really happy I was able to play so many games, and show what I can do, and help the team by getting into positions where I could take on shots and score goals.
"I know this is a new challenge, a big challenge in a tougher league, but I am very excited.
"As I say, I want to help the team win as many games as possible."
He has had the chance to take part in a full week of training with his new teammates as he looks ahead to the chance to make his debut against Sheffield Wednesday this afternoon.
And Walta feels like he has quickly settled into life in SA1.
“It has been a really good first week, I have got to know all the players and the staff,” he said.
“I have enjoyed training and I am really excited because I am going to play in a new league that I know a lot about because it was on the television a lot in Finland.
“The coach has told me what he expects, he wants me to be in those central areas as a number eight or a number 10. I think the way he wants the team to play will suit me, I watched the team a lot during January and I immediately got that feeling.
“I had a really big role at my previous club, I developed a lot and I hope I can eventually have that here.
“Some of the guys who have come from clubs in Scandinavia, like Melker (Widell) and Zeidane (Inoussa) have told me this is a very physical league.
“I think it will have a higher tempo so I will need to adapt quick.”
Swansea City Under-18s progressed to the semi-finals of the Professional Development League Cup after a thumping 12-0 victory over Doncaster Rovers at the Joma High Performance Centre.
A hat-trick from Kai Rhodes, braces from Josiah Kallicharan and Bobby Lewis, along with further goals from Callum Jones, Carter Heywood, Alex Godfrey and Harvey Gray - plus an own goal - ensured the Swans booked their place in the final four in emphatic fashion.
It was a blistering first-half display from the Swans, who showed ruthless efficiency to score six goals in the space of just 23 minutes.
The same standards were maintained after the break, with Jon Beale’s side adding a further six goals in the second half to complete a dominant performance and confirm their place in the semi-finals.
The opener came through Jones, who looked lively from the outset, shifting inside the area to create space before striking across goal and into the corner.
He was involved again just minutes later, advancing down the left flank before squaring the ball to Rhodes, who made no mistake from close range to double the lead.
The Swans showed no signs of easing off and added a third inside 22 minutes. A slick move down the left saw Jones play Billy Clarke into the area, who in turn picked out Lewis to tap home past Luke Stirzaker.
Lewis then grabbed his second just four minutes later in almost identical fashion, as Bobo Evans raced down the left before finding the Swans’ number 10, who calmly slotted home.
Swansea continued to threaten from both flanks and netted a fifth shortly after the half-hour mark. This time Rhodes beat his man down the right before squaring for Kallicharan, who tapped in — the fourth close-range finish of the half.
To cap a superb opening 45 minutes, Heywood added a sixth after receiving the ball in midfield from Kaven Bloniarczyk and driving past several Rovers players, before firing a powerful finish past Stirzaker.
The Swans showed no signs of letting up and came flying out of the blocks after the restart to net a seventh within three minutes. Rhodes produced a superb solo effort, driving 20 yards down the left before cutting inside onto his right foot and unleashing a powerful strike from outside the area that flew into the roof of the net.
Swansea continued to push for more goals as they approached the hour mark. Clarke won the ball high up the pitch and sent Kallicharan through on goal, but the forward dragged his effort wide of the post.
Clarke’s energy continued to cause problems and he was involved again soon after, driving into the area before playing Rhodes down the left. The winger then squared the ball for Kallicharan, who was on hand to tap in from close range and complete his brace.
More goals followed with 20 minutes remaining as substitute Gray headed home from an Evans corner to make it 9-0.
As the match entered the final 10 minutes, the Swans maintained their high standards and found a 10th goal. A slick team move saw Lukas Murphy release Rhodes down the left, and after lifting his head, the winger delivered across goal for substitute Godfrey to convert at the back post.
Rhodes continued to threaten late on and was involved again as Swansea added number 11. His delivery into the six-yard area took a deflection off a Rovers defender before rolling into the net.
The winger then capped a sensational performance by completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot after Lewis was brought down in the area.
Rhodes stepped up and sent Stirzaker the wrong way to round off a superb display and seal Swansea’s place in the last four.
Swansea City Under-18s: Tom Wright, Kaven Bloniarczyk, Billy Clarke (Harvey Gray 63), Alfie Jones, Ben Phillips, Carter Heywood (Brogan Popham 46), Kai Rhodes, Bobo Evans, Josiah Kallicharan (Lukas Murphy 63), Bobby Lewis, Callum Jones (Alex Godfrey 46).
Substitutes not used: Jakub Nowak.
Doncaster Rovers Under-18s: Luke Stirzaker, Harry Glaves, Jonny Tomlinson (Myles Walshaw 70), Aaron Cashmore (captain), Lucas Mckie (Samuel Butler 59), Franklin Middleton, Rhomani Murray (Rohan Chabvonga 70), Ashton Swales, Alex Pavan (Harrison Hird 32), Lincoln Pawlak, Ethan Hodgett.
Swansea City Under-21s exited the Premier League Cup after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colchester United on Tuesday evening at the JobServe Community Stadium.
After a goalless first half, the U's got the winner through skipper Frankie Edwards on sixty-eight minutes.
The U's had the first sight of goal on three minutes but Kiaon Lisbie put his shot just wide before Kien Connelly had a shot comfortably saved by Thomas Wright.
Both sides then found ways to get into scoring positions, but neither could find the opening goal as the half progressed.
Kai Rhodes went closest for the Swans as the second half began when he saw a shot deflected wide, before Edwards almost scored an own goal and needed Colchester's triallist keeper to spare his blushes with a fine save.
But the hosts found the breakthrough 20 minutes from time, as Edwards tapped home from a Freddie Ingram corner.
Swansea had chances to level in the closing stages but were denied by fine stoppages from the U's keeper and backline as Colchester progressed to the quarter-finals.
Swansea City Under-21s: Thomas Wright, Harlan Perry, Blair McKenzie, Dan Watts (captain), Carter Heywood, Iestyn Jones, Josh Pescatore, Callum Deacon, Morgan Bates, Josiah Kallicharan, Kai Rhodes.
Substitutes: Bobo Evans, Evan Anderson, Alfie Jones, Ben Phillips, Billy Clarke.
Swansea City Women will kickstart their 2025-26 Genero Adran Premier phase two campaign with a home fixture against Wrexham Women.
The Swans, who currently sit seven points behind the Red Dragons and eight adrift of league leaders Cardiff City Women with a game in hand, will then travel north to face The New Saints Women on St David’s Day.
That trip will be followed by a south Wales derby double-header in March, before phase two continues with another meeting against the Saints, which will be held at the Swansea.com Stadium on Sunday, March 29.
A visit to The Rock on Easter Sunday will round off the Swans’ league campaign.
Swansea City Women's Genero Adran Premier phase two fixtures *subject to change.
Wrexham (h) - Sunday, February 15 - 2pm
The New Saints (a) - Sunday, March 1 - 2pm
Cardiff City (h) - Sunday, March 15 - 2pm
Cardiff City (a) - Sunday, March 22 - 2pm
The New Saints (h) - Sunday, March 29 - 2pm
Wrexham (a) - Sunday, April 5 - 4:45pm
It seems that many people were puzzled to see this afternoon’s kick-off time listed as 12.01. The ‘why?’ question was asked many times across social media - and that, of course, was the point. Another brilliant marketing campaign for February by the British Heart Foundation, in this ‘Heart Month’.
The point of the one minute ‘delay’ is that it highlights the fact that every minute without Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation reduces the chances of survival for anyone who suffers a cardiac arrest.
As with the previous ‘Every Minute Matters’ campaigns, clubs across the Championship and Leagues One and Two are joining together to support a cause which has impacted football as well as other parts of society.
Many of us will remember when Wales’ Tom Lockyer collapsed on the pitch during the Championship play-off final when his then team Luton Town were playing Coventry City in May 2023. Seven months later he suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch during a Premier League game.
He’s been one of the faces of the campaign, after becoming a BHF ambassador following the incidents. And, closer to home, we’ve seen one of our own, Andy Robinson, hospitalised following a heart attack. Robbo was taken ill last July and had us all worried for a while. Fortunately, he’s back commentating on and supporting his beloved Swans now.
Matters of the heart can affect people of all ages and stages of life – and swift intervention can save lives.
Interestingly, I learned something when I was reading about the campaign, because I assumed (never the right thing to do!) that heart attacks and cardiac arrests were one and the same thing. They’re not. Just as well I checked.
According to the BHF website, a heart attack is when one of the coronary arteries becomes blocked. The heart muscle is robbed of its vital blood supply and, if left untreated, will begin to die because it is not getting enough oxygen.
A cardiac arrest is when a person’s heart stops pumping blood around their body and they stop breathing normally. Many cardiac arrests in adults happen because of a heart attack. This is because a person who is having a heart attack may develop a dangerous heart rhythm, which can cause a cardiac arrest.
The campaign is calling for people to learn CPR and raise funds to support research into heart disease as well as helping to fund defibrillators across the country. Sky Bet will donate £1,000 to the BHF for every goal scored during the campaign.
The BHF website and the social media posts associated with #ShowYourHeart encourage us all to watch a 15 minute video which is designed to help everyone learn CPR. Vital skills which might just save a life.
Former Swans chairman Trevor Birch is now the EFL’s chief executive officer. He said: “The one minute kick-off adjustment is a simple, powerful reminder that swift CPR can be the difference between life and death.”
So, if you can spare 15 minutes and you have access to your mobile phone, do watch the video. It might just be the most important thing you do for a loved one, or a complete stranger.
JULIE KISSICK
JACKS AWAY
Jacks on tour at the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt.
________________________________________________
Once a jack always a jack 🦢. On the 20th of January our father John Nigel Powney lost his fight against Covid he was the biggest supporter & we are hoping to give him the best Swansea city send off we can he leaves behind myself & my five younger siblings who now have to navigate life without our both parents as we lost our mum to the same virus four years ago! I’m reaching out to the jacks army for support no matter how big or small if you could please share or even donate the smallest amount to our fathers go fund me we as a family would be more than grateful 🙏.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/qq6f6e-john-nigel-powney/cl/s?utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&lang=en_GB
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.
PLAYER SPONSORS
Shwmae Junior Jacks,
Welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium!
We’re so happy to have you with us today as we take on Sheffield Wednesday. We hope you’re excited for the match – we sure are! It's a battle of the birds, The Swans v The Owls. Do you think we can beat them Junior Jacks? We definitely do!
Today’s Take Five quiz is about the visitors, Sheffield Wednesday, and a bit of fun too!
Click the button below to test your knowledge!
Our score prediction is 3-1 to the Swans and we think Franco will score them all!
What do you think the score will be?
Uppa Swans,
Cyril and Cybil
Head Coach Vitor Matos
1 Andy Fisher
2 Josh Key
4 Jay Fulton
5 Ben Cabango (c)
6 Marko Stamenić
7 Melker Widell
8 Malick Yalcouye
9 Žan Vipotnik
10 Jisung Eom
14 Josh Tymon
15 Cameron Burgess
16 Ishé Samuels-Smith
17 Gonçalo Franco
18 Gustavo Nunes
20 Liam Cullen
21 Leo Walta
22 Lawrence Vigouroux
23 Ricardo Santos
25 Joel Ward
27 Zeidane Inoussa
29 Paul Farman
30 Ethan Galbraith
33 Adam Idah
35 Ronald
40 NUMBER RETIRED IN MEMORY OF BESIAN IDRIZAJ
41 Sam Parker
54 Iestyn Jones
Manager Henrik Pedersen
1 Pierce Charles
2 Liam Palmer ©
3 Max Lowe
4 Sean Fusire
5 Di’Shon Bernard
6 Dominic Iorfa
7 Yan Valery
8 Svante Ingelsson
9 Jamal Lowe
11 Ike Ugbo
13 Murphy Cooper
14 Nathaniel Chalobah
16 Liam Cooper
17 Charlie McNeil
19 Olaf Kobacki
20 Rio Shipston
22 Gabriel Otegbayo
23 Gui Siqueira
24 Jaden Heskey
25 Logan Stretch
27 Reece Johnson
28 Cole McGhee
29 George Brown
30 Ernie Weaver
31 Will Grainger
32 Joe Emery
35 Jack Phillips
36 Bruno Fernandes
37 Jarvis Thornton
39 Donald Kamwa
45 Tayo Adaramola
Referee: Thomas Kirk
Assistant Referee 1: Johnathon Bickerdike
Assistant Referee 2: Robert Hyde
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
Assistant Head Coach - Ryan Maye
Head of Goalkeeping – Martyn Margetson
First Team Coach - Kris O'Leary
Head of Medical - Dr Jez McCluskey
Staff: Leon Britton, Joe Allen, Toze Mendes, Goncalo Ricca, Diogo Mendeiros, Ailsa Jones, Matt Murray, Thomas Gittoes, Michael Eames, Shaun Baggridge, Adam Mahoney, Patrick Orme, Lewis Binns, Chris Watkins, Jack Oliver, Harri Mathias, James Cole.
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Chief Executive Officer: Tom Gorringe
Head of Operations and Facilities: Andrew Davies
Head of Football Operations and Administration: Ben Greenwood
Head of Commercial: George Alston
Head of Media and Communications: Andrew Gwilym
Head of Safeguarding: Rebeca Storer
HR Manager: Nicola Butt
Head of Facilities: Gordon David
Head of Supporter Services: Hayley Ford
Head of IT: Jonathan Jones
Head of Swansea City AFC Foundation: Paul France
CLUB STAFF
Football Operations & Administration Manager: Rebecca Gigg
Head of Partnerships: Lee Merrells
Head of Hospitality: Catherine Thomas
Head of Ticketing: Mari Tucker
Grounds Manager: Evan Davies
Club Ambassador: Lee Trundle
PROGRAMME PRODUCTION
Contributors: Andrew Gwilym, Rachael Tucker, Cerith White, Jack Otter, Sophie Davis, Mackenzie Squires, Sammy Wynne, Hayley Ford, Owen Morgan, Julie Kissick, Gwyn Rees, James Dow.
Designers: Callum Rothwell, Jac Elsey.