Welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for our Championship fixture against Southampton.

I would like to start my programme notes by paying tribute to the fantastic support you gave Luke and the players at Birmingham last Saturday.

To have a sold-out away end for his first league game in charge speaks volumes of your backing for him, the players and this club, and we are incredibly grateful for that.

It has been a testing time but we are now looking forwards and we are excited about the journey ahead.

I also want to take this opportunity as a club to express our deep sadness at the news that Tata Steel will cut 2,800 jobs across its UK operations.

The town of Port Talbot and the industry have been synonymous with our community for decades and almost everyone there has either worked at the site or has a friend or family member who does work there, or has worked there.

News of these job cuts are a devastating blow and I can assure you that Swansea City will be doing everything it can to open our doors to those affected and offer our support.

This also marks Luke’s first home league game in charge and we want to create a special atmosphere.

Back in October, the Supporters’ Trust launched their Matchday Experience Project, in conjunction with the club, to try and identify and implement changes that make your matchday experience better.  

One striking element from the results of that survey was around supporters wanting the matchday experience to include more elements of Welsh identity, which is something we are extremely proud of.

With that in mind, we are delighted to inform supporters that prior to kick-off against Southampton, Hymns and Arias will return and we encourage everyone to sing that song with everything you have just before the game kicks off and help generate a fantastic atmosphere.

As supporters are aware, we are in the midst of the January transfer window and there is a lot of activity going on behind the scenes.

Our objective is always to make the club stronger in each window and that is our aim this month.

We are actively in touch with clubs and players and we will be ready to act when we can bring in a player that will make us stronger.

Once again, show your magnificent support as you have done all season and let’s hope we are celebrating together come full-time.

Enjoy the game,

Andy

Welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for our Championship fixture against Southampton.

We return to home soil after picking up a point against Birmingham City last weekend, when we were so close to coming away with all three.

To concede so late was obviously disappointing, but there was plenty for us to take from the game; and every time we play we are getting more information to take forward and improve us as a team.

I was pleased with the resilience the players showed, when there were moments where things did not go the way we wanted they fought for each other and for the 2,000 supporters who gave us such tremendous backing in a sold-out away end.

In the second half, apart from one early chance, we were the better side and I think one of the big learnings we will take from that is the need to stay on the front foot in games.

We were playing in a manner that had got us into the lead of the game and given us some control, and then we made the mistake of looking to defend the lead.

It’s an easy thing to do in those circumstances, but if the way you are playing has been good enough to get you in front, then it’s good enough to keep you there.

So, that’s been one of the things we have been clear about as a group this week. We are at the start of a process, so all these moments of learning are a real positive for us as we look to become the team we want to be; one that excites and connects with you, the supporter.

We welcome a Southampton side who have been in excellent form, and one we know will provide us with a stern test.

Their head coach Russell Martin is obviously someone I know from our time working together at MK Dons and Swansea, and he has done a really good job since going to St Mary’s last summer.

There is a great deal of mutual respect between us, and we enjoyed our time working together, but we are our own men each with our own different takes on what we want our teams to look like.

The challenge for us is to show the bravery required to make sure we are in the tussle to dominate the game.

We have to be really focused and brave enough to try and find our moments in the game.

We know they will be a huge threat and we know they are a good side, but we have to be brave enough to try and find a way to get a foothold in the game and establish ourselves.

Off the pitch I know supporters will be eagerly waiting news of any incomings and outgoings during the January transfer window.

I can promise you there is plenty of work going on behind the scenes, and ultimately the aim has to be to make sure that anyone we bring to this football club is going to come in and make an immediate difference, as well as being able to grow and develop further in their time here.

You don’t want to sign players for the sake of it, you want people who can make an impact, and we will see what happens in the weeks ahead.

This fixture is also dedicated to the work done by the Swansea City AFC Foundation in our city and community. We pride ourselves on being a community club, and it is only right that we shine a light on the projects and initiatives the Foundation deliver to help so many people.

I'd also like to wish our under-21 team the best of luck when they face TNS this evening in the final of the Nathaniel MG Cup. I am sure they will do the club proud.

In the meantime, I’m looking forward to hearing you give the players the full-throated, partisan backing the Jack Army are known for as we look to deliver a performance you can be proud of.

Enjoy the game,

Luke

Good afternoon, and welcome back to the Swansea.com Stadium for our return fixture against Southampton.

Ahead of our first game of the New Year against West Bromwich Albion, I delivered a message to supporters in which I said the club needed to act with haste to secure a new head coach.

Well, what a difference 19 days can make! I am delighted to be the first Swansea City Supporters’ Trust board member to extend a warm welcome to supporters to watch Luke Williams’ Swansea City play their first EFL Championship home fixture since his appointment.

Although we did not manage to secure all three points against Birmingham, I was staggered at the magnitude of the support shown by our travelling fans in the away end, and the bravery and desire shown by the team on the pitch. It was a much-improved performance, and I am hoping we can take it into this game.

I know the result against Southampton on Boxing Day will be on all of our supporters’ minds, and everyone will be keen to put in an improved showing this time around.

Southampton are the in-form team in the Championship, having gone 20 games unbeaten in all competitions.

I am under no illusions that this will be a difficult game, which is why it is so crucial that we get behind the team for the full 90 minutes, and build the atmosphere needed to push them over the line.

Against that backdrop, I would like to give a special mention to the Trust’s Matchday Experience Project, which has been running since October 2023.

Earlier this week the Trust released a statement summarising the findings of this project, as well as a full report for supporters to read. The results of our project demonstrate a clear and strong voice for changes fans would like to see made. You can view that release HERE.

So, with that in mind, I would invite supporters to keep an eye out for changes in our pre-match build-up for this game and in our upcoming home games. Additionally, if you have any other thoughts and suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact the Trust at info@swanstrust.co.uk.

Speaking of which, I know supporters are eager for further updates regarding, the January transfer window.

Although the club has not yet signed any new players, it did say goodbye to Brandon Cooper, who has moved on a permanent transfer to Leyton Orient.

Brandon has been some servant for the club, having been in its academy set-up since the age of six. It is always difficult to say goodbye to players who have grown up with the team, but I would like to wish Brandon all the best with his new opportunity at Orient.

Can I also take this opportunity to wish Swansea City Under-21s the very best of luck in their Nathaniel MG Cup final against The New Saints. The game kicks off at 5.30pm at Jenner Park in Barry this evening. It’s been a fantastic cup run for them this season and it would be great to see them bring the trophy home to Swansea.

Finally, as our supporters know, this fixture is live on Sky Sports and, as such, has been moved to 12.30 pm kick off.

Whilst the revenue generated from a game being picked for television coverage is welcome, I believe the EFL needs to do more to give advance notice to fans and work with the FSA to develop an approach which balances fan welfare with the need to bring the action to audiences around the world.

Diolch / Thanks,

James

Swansea City’s home match against Southampton on Saturday (12.30pm kick-off) will be dedicated to the work of Swansea City AFC Foundation.

The Swans host the Saints in the Championship’s televised early kick-off this weekend and, to mark the EFL's newly-launched round of fixtures designed to put the spotlight on the work of club's community organisations.

At Swansea we will focus on the numerous projects and initiatives the Foundation deliver throughout our city and the wider locality, with a number of activations and activities taking place around the ground.

You can find more details below.

GET INVOLVED

Walk to the stadium

Participants from the Foundation’s popular health and wellbeing programme will be walking from The Vetch to the Swansea.com Stadium to promote the mental, physical and environmental benefits of walking and exercise.

Supporters are invited to join in the three-mile walk, which will begin at 10.15am.

Donate to the Foundation

Volunteers from the Foundation will be stationed throughout the concourses on Saturday with buckets for cash donations.

Your support helps the Foundation to continue to support 11,258 people per year around the community.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

Information station

You can speak to Foundation staff about the wide variety of free programmes they offer throughout the city.

Staff will be available for a chat in the family stand (South Stand) from 90 minutes before kick-off.

Warm-up shirts

The Swansea City players will be wearing special warm-up shirts bearing the Foundation's logo ahead of the match.

Guard of honour

Saturday’s guard of honour will be made up of the winning schools from the Foundation's EFL Utilita Kids Cup and EFL Girls Cup competitions.

Addysg Gorfforol Ysgol y Strade have represented the Swans in their regional finals, while Blaenhonddan Primary School will do so in the coming weeks.

Community Heroes

As part of the EFL’s campaign, the Foundation will be unveiling two community champions who encompass the incredible work and support provided to people throughout our city.

The heroes will be interviewed pitchside at half-time.

Blaenhonddan Primary School came out on top and secured a special prize as a number of schools took part in Swansea City AFC Foundation's EFL Utilita Kids Cup finals, and got the chance to show off their skills at Swansea City Academy's Landore Training Ground earlier this week.

Ten schools from Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, and Carmarthenshire were in attendance – having qualified via local heats – looking to earn a place in the regional finals.

The tournament gave participants the opportunity to use the professional facilities at the academy’s training ground, with each side facing off in a round-robin tournament, before semi-finals and a final.

Additionally, a number of academy scholars were on hand to provide advice, lead warm-ups and talk to the aspiring young footballers throughout the day as club, foundation and academy combined to give the schools in attendance a day to remember.

Swansea City AFC Foundation education manager Ceri Phillips was delighted to offer the schools opportunity to use the facilities at Landore, and thanked the academy for supporting the event.

“It’s a really key part of our calendar, it’s a break from working with the schools in the school settings when they get to take part in our tournaments, and we are delighted to have held this event in Landore,” said Phillips.

“We are really grateful to have been here, it’s a fantastic venue and it’s great that our participants have had the opportunity to play here.

“There was plenty of competitive football, a really exciting finish to the tournament and it’s been a great day overall.”

There were 13 scholars on hand to help as Iestyn Jones, Ramon Rees-Siso, Tom Searle, Callum Deacon, Sammy Henia-Kamau, Josh Pescatore, Teo Minchev, Aidan Higgins, Rohan Davies, Ewan Griffiths, Cameron Llewellyn, Jack Cooper and Aimar Govea all attended. 

Head of academy education Jordan Morris was delighted to see the young players engaging with the community and feels it is a key part of their development as people.

“It’s been good seeing them interact with the community, Swansea City is a community club so to see these players interact with young people has been a real highlight and they will take a lot from this,” said Morris.

“The academy players involved will have been in the same position as the participants at one point, so we just want them to share the message of enjoying their football as much as they can.

“We want to work with the community to see our players outside of football and expose them to these environments and develop others along the way.”

Blaenhonddan came out on top after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win in the final.  They will go on to represent the Swans in the regional tournament.

But, as an additional reward for their efforts, they will also be part of the guard of honour for Swansea City's Championship fixture against Southampton on Saturday.

Blaenhonddan's captain Osian was delighted to win the tournament and is excited to welcome the teams onto the pitch at the Swansea.com Stadium.l this weekend.

"We've had an excellent day, loads of goals, loads of fantastic plays and I just want to thank all my teammates, they've been excellent and I'm just landed," said Osian.

"I'm so excited to be part of the guard of honour, I'm so pleased that we've won and just excited for Saturday."

Luke Williams is a matter of weeks into his tenure as Swansea City head coach and his excitement is tangible. Here, he reveals why the lure of a return to SA1 was just too strong to turn down, the emotional connection he wants to foster between the Jack Army and their team, and how spending time working as a minibus driver and loading lorries at a warehouse fostered a hunger to achieve that has never left him.

In a modern age where discussions about football so often centre on systems, formations, structures and patterns, Xs and Os, there is something endearingly refreshing about the way Luke Williams’ eyes visibly light up when he talks about what he wants to achieve at Swansea City.

The 43-year-old is just a couple of weeks into his tenure as head coach at the Swansea.com Stadium, having returned to the club where he previously worked as an assistant head coach.

It has been a whirlwind period for the new Swans boss, who joined the club following a successful and record-breaking 18-month spell at Notts County.

That side secured a club-record points haul of 107, scored a record 117 goals – making them the topscorers in English football last term – and lost just three league games all season on their way to promotion.

Williams acknowledges it was only the pull of a club like Swansea that could convince him to leave Meadow Lane, and his feelings about the Swans become clear when he’s asked what he hopes to give the fans. It’s an answer that comes from the heart.

“I want us to have a team that the fans connect with emotionally,” he says.

“When you play football in a certain way that excites people and it makes them feel emotional, that is when those connections are made.

“When you have a team that is positive and wants to score a lot of goals, and a team that has players working hard for each other, making big recovery runs and hunting for the ball, it gives a real energy.

“I believe when people see and feel that, it is very powerful.

“I remember from my first time here, beating Cardiff 3-0, and the way we played. When you do that, it’s impossible not to connect with the supporters.

“When we scored the third goal that day, I turned round and was shouting ‘Come on’, and locked eyes with a fan behind the dugout who was doing exactly the same thing.

“Those are the feelings we want people to have, and the connection we want to have.

“We need to work really, really hard to ensure we make everyone proud of the team. That’s our mission here.”

During his first stint in SA1, Williams helped produce a team playing a possession-based brand of football in-keeping with the best of the club’s recent traditions.

But his appreciation of what a Swansea team can, and should, look like predates his appointment as head coach by a decade.

He recalls a first visit to the Swansea.com Stadium in September 2013 for a Premier League fixture. Michael Laudrup was the Swans boss as they went toe-to-toe with Liverpool in an entertaining 2-2 draw.

And it left a lasting impression.

“The first time I came to Swansea was when Brendan Rodgers was in charge of Liverpool,” he said.

“I came into the stadium, and I had never been here before. It just left such an impression. 

“It was really impressive and I had good seats and it just looked incredible; the lights were on, the pitch was immaculate. It just felt like a proper football ground and occasion.

“Swansea were in all white, looking like Real Madrid, and Liverpool were in all red, the game started and Swansea started off really on the front foot.

“They played quick combinations and the fans recognised what the team were doing.

“It felt different, it was special and that was my first introduction and I never forget that night.

“That’s what we associate with Swansea, playing attractive football but taking game to opposition and create opportunities to score.

“But it was also the way the fans understood what they were watching, they were willing for the team to be patient and then explode into life when the chances created themselves.

“I loved that, there was an acceptance and belief in it. It was special.”

Williams’ passion for football shines through, his hands are a blur of activity as he talks through his vision of the game, and his enjoyment of being out on the grass working with his players.

That enthusiasm and brightness is partly down to Williams’ experience as a player, where a chronic knee injury curtailed his aspirations following a stint in the Norwich academy.

As he attempted to switch to coaching, Williams spent time working as a mini-bus driver, loading lorries at a warehouse, and coaching a team of young offenders for West Ham.

Williams admits he was “lost” during that period of his life, but it has made him all the more determined and hungry to grasp and make the most of every opportunity that came his way.

“Coaching was a way to make a living or, at the time, to sparsely make a living, to go out and try to do something positive and make a career,” he says as he reflects.

“Then I guess I showed up enough and I tried hard enough that an opportunity came about, then another opportunity and another, and here I am today.  

“I heard the expression there’s no hunger in paradise and loading lorries at 5am in the winter months is not paradise, so then if you start to achieve more you don’t take it for granted.

“The more you achieve, the more you want to achieve, so I’m hoping the start that I had and the journey I had will stand me in good stead to try and continue to appreciate and strive for more.”    

Williams’ big break came when he was interviewed by then-Brighton & Hove Albion boss Gus Poyet, and coached their under-21 and reserve sides, all the time having regular access to and interaction with the Uruguayan and coaches Mauricio Tarrico and Charlie Oatway as the Seagulls started their climb through the divisions.

A move to Swindon as assistant to Mark Cooper followed, with Williams also assisting Martin Ling before being handed the reins himself in 2016.

He left the Robins 14 months later, acknowledging it had been a tough and challenging experience, but he was soon back out on the training field with Bristol City Under-23s, winning praise from head coach Lee Johnson for his work in developing young players.

Stints at MK Dons and Swansea with Russell Martin, who is in charge of Saturday’s visitors Southampton, followed.

During that first stint with the Swans, Williams helped deliver an exciting style of play that produced a number of eye-catching results and performances before departing the club owing to personal reasons.

He joined Notts County in the summer of 2022, and enjoyed a highly-impressive 18 months at Meadow Lane before sealing his return to the Swansea.com Stadium.

"I took something new from every experience I have had as a coach that I didn’t know before, and I tried to take at least one thing with me from each experience," says Williams.

"As long as there’s an opportunity to learn from that it’s all good. The last one was glorious and I’m hoping to recreate that again."

Inevitably his previous working relationship with Martin has dominated much of the talk in the build-up to this game.

The narrative has been shaped around Williams’ position as Martin’s assistant during those times at MK Dons and Swansea and, while the pair enjoyed their spell working together, he is keen to point out he had been coaching for a long time before the pair linked up.

There are similarities in their outlooks, but Williams is his own man with his own views on how the game can be played.

“The notion that you only ever have one idea on what a team looks like is false,” says Williams.

“We have some shared ideas, but we will have moved on from when we worked together because you constantly learn and evolve.

“There is always evolution, they say a week is a long time in football so imagine the difference that can happen in the 18 months since we worked together.

“Everything we have done since we worked together has given us different outlooks and tools to do the job.

“I had been coaching for a long time before I met Russell, I met Russell on week two of his coaching journey.

“He had great ideas, but I had been working at a number of different levels previously.

“We shared a lot of ideas, we spent a lot of time together as were living in the hotel at the stadium at MK.

“We spent a huge amount of time together talking about our ideas. It had a positive influence for both of us, and that’s the most important thing.”

Williams’ own positive influence has already been clear to see in his brief time as head coach, and as he departs ready for his next task those eyes again light up with twinkle of excitement as he sets about making those connections between supporters, players and staff.

Midfielder Jack Cork made 83 appearances for the Swans over a two-and-a-half year spell in SA1, having arrived from Southampton in January 2015.

Cork helped Swansea to a best Premier League finish of eighth at the end of his first season and he would go on to captain the club.

He was sold the Burnley in the summer of 2017, and is still at Turf Moor having helped the Clarets secure a return to the top-flight last season.

A Chelsea academy product, and son of former Swans’ boss Alan, Cork had loan spells with Bournemouth, Scunthorpe, Southampton, Watford, Coventry and Burnley before joining Saints full-time in July 2011.

He helped the St Mary’s club secure promotion to the Premier League in 2012.

Second-half strikes from Charlie Patino and Jerry Yates sealed Swansea City's place in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup with victory over Morecambe, and gave Luke Williams a win in his first game in charge at the Swansea.com Stadium.

Swansea City: Andy Fisher, Kristian Pedersen, Joe Allen (captain) (Matt Grimes 58), Jerry Yates (Mykola Kuharevich 88), Yannick Bolasie (Jamie Paterson 68), Charlie Patino, Nathan Wood, Kyle Naughton, Ollie Cooper, Sam Parker (Liam Cullen 68), Azeem Abdulai (Bashir Humphreys 58).

Unused Substitutes: Carl Rushworth, Nathan Tjoe-A-On, Bashir Humphreys, Kyrell Wilson, Filip Lissah.

Morecambe: Adam Smith, David Tutonda, Jacob Bedeau, Farrend Rawson (captain), Yann Songo'o (Michael Mellon 77), Joel Senior, Jordan Slew (Adam Mayor 70), Chris Stokes (Cammy Smith 78), Jake Taylor, Charlie Brown (Tom Bloxham 69), Oscar Threlkeld (Gwion Edwards 54).

Unused Substitutes: George Pedley, Eli King, Max Melbourne, Saul Fox.

Referee: Tom Nield

Attendance: 7,670

Goals from Harry Darling and Jamal Lowe were not enough as Swansea City were denied just a fifth-ever win over Birmingham City at St Andrew’s by Jordan James' last-gasp equaliser.

Swansea City: Carl Rushworth; Jay Fulton, Harry Darling, Matt Grimes (captain), Jamal Lowe (Jerry Yates 65), Jamie Paterson (Charlie Patino 84), Josh Tymon, Liam Cullen, Nathan Wood, Bashir Humphreys (Kyle Naughton 74), Sam Parker (Joe Allen 64)

Unused Substitutes: Andy Fisher, Kristian Pedersen, Nathanael Ogbeta, Yannick Bolasie, Ollie Cooper.

Birmingham City: John Ruddy, Lee Buchanan, Dion Sanderson (captain), Krystian Bielik, Scott Hogan (Tyler Roberts 65), Koji Miyoshi (Lukas Jutkiewicz 84), Cody Drameh, Siriki Dembele, Kevin Long (Emanuel Aiwu 84), Jay Stansfield (Jordan James 65), Ivan Sunjic (Juninho Bacuna 65).

Unused Substitutes: Neil Etheridge, Keshi Anderson, Gary Gardner, Oliver Burke.

Referee: Matthew Donohue

Attendance: 21,166 (1,986 away)

I have to start this column with a big warm ‘welcome back’ to Luke Williams, as he makes his Championship home debut as our new gaffer.

After plenty of speculation and much anticipation, the next man to steer the good ship Swansea City has overseen a third-round FA Cup win and an away draw in the Championship, before facing a real baptism of fire in his third game in charge.

The new Swansea City boss comes up against his former colleague Russell Martin this lunchtime in a much-anticipated game played in front of a television audience. 

A few years ago, the Sky cameras were a common sight here at the Swansea.com (formerly Liberty) Stadium. But those heady days of the Premier League are long gone and although they left us with some superb memories, much has changed now that Championship football is the norm in this part of south-west Wales.

Crowds of more than 20,000 regularly packed our stadium from 2011 to 2018, and our little (relatively speaking) ground hosted the biggest talents in the top-flight, week in, week out.

Last month upwards of 30,000 packed St Mary’s Stadium to watch this afternoon’s visitors emerge on top.

Southampton, relegated from the Premier League last May, have been on a hugely impressive run – 20 games unbeaten, equalling a 103-year club record.

They’ve played four of their last five games at home, but five of their next six are away, starting here. Their recent home form has seen them produce a series of high scoring results, but there has been a different tale to tell on the road – netting only one goal in each of their past six matches.

They’ve amassed 55 points in their 27 games and occupy third spot, just outside the automatic promotion places. The aim is obviously to go one better and secure second, thus avoiding any doubt about their status come May.

On this form, the Saints are marching towards football’s Promised Land – although there is enough of the campaign to go for no-one to be getting too carried away just yet.

Our season’s story looks quite different. It is one that many of us have lived more times than Bill Murray’s character Phil Connors in Groundhog Day. There’s been struggle and loss, appointments and departures, anticipation and anti-climax, despair and hope.

Twelve places and 22 points separate these sides in the table, but there is more at play here than league positions and current form. On paper, we are the underdogs; our team, our manager.

But this is football and there’s a whole lot of passion and emotion to be thrown into the mix.

I’ve no doubt that Martin and his backroom staff will be given a warm welcome as visitors in a familiar setting. Rightly so. But once the whistle goes, there is no time for sentimentality during those 90 or so minutes.

I anticipate a fantastic atmosphere and a game worthy of the build-up and the audience. I hope that’s what we get, because Williams deserves it, and Martin will expect nothing less.

Mae’n addo i fod yn achlysur diddorol y prynhawn yma wrth i Abertawe groesawu Southampton i Dde Cymru.

Wrth gwrs, mae’r gêm Bencampwriaeth yn gweld Russell Martin yn dychwelyd i’w gyn glwb am y tro cyntaf ers iddo ymuno â’r Seintiau haf diwethaf.

Cafodd Martin groeso mawr gan gefnogwyr Abertawe pan gyfarfu’r timau ar Ŵyl San Steffan, gêm a welodd Southampton yn curo’r Elyrch 5-0.

Mae gan gefnogwyr safbwyntiau gwahanol am gyfnod Martin yn Abertawe, ond does dim dwywaith ei fod yn creu rhywbeth arbennig gyda’r Seintiau - sydd heb colli mewn 20 gêm ym mhob cystadleuaeth.

Ond i'r cefnogwyr cartref, mae'r ffocws yn bendant ar un dyn, ac mae'n rhywun mae Martin yn ei adnabod yn dda iawn.
 

Roedd rheolwr newydd Abertawe yn gynorthwyydd i Martin yn MK Dons a gyda’r Elyrch, ac fe fydd yn cymryd gofal ei glwb newydd mewn gêm gynghrair gartref am y tro cyntaf y prynhawn yma.

Goruchwyliodd Williams fuddugoliaeth gyfforddus o 2-0 dros Morecambe yn nhrydedd rownd Cwpan FA Lloegr yn gynharach y mis hwn, ac roedd ei dîm yn anlwcus i beidio â chipio’r tri phwynt wrth iddynt ildio mewn amser anafiadau yn Birmingham City y penwythnos diwethaf.

Rhoddodd y gêm yn St Andrew's olwg go iawn ar sut mae Williams eisiau i'w chwaraewyr chwarae.
Roedd yr hanner cyntaf yn ddigyswllt, ac Abertawe yn flêr iawn, ond yn dal i lwyddo i fynd ar y blaen trwy gôl Harry Darling o gic gornel.

Gwellodd Abertawe yn yr ail hanner ac aethant ar y blaen am yr eildro trwy Jamal Lowe, a chawsant gyfleoedd i ymestyn eu blaen.

Ond ar ôl methu â chymryd y cyfleoedd hynny, fe darodd Jordan James yn y pumed munud o amser ychwanegol i sicrhau gêm gyfartal i dîm Tony Mowbray.

Roedd yna o leiaf arwyddion cadarnhaol i Williams eu cymryd, ond mi fydd angen iddyn nhw wella pan fyddan nhw’n wynebu tîm Southampton sydd ymhlith y gorau yn yr adran y tymor hwn.

Bydd sôn, yn ddealladwy, am Martin a’i staff hyfforddi pan fyddant yn dychwelyd i’r ystlys yn Stadiwm Swansea.com heddiw.

Ond i Williams, mae’r gêm hon yn gyfle enfawr i roi marciwr cynnar i lawr, ymestyn ei ddechrau di-guro i fywyd fel rheolwr Abertawe a chael un dros rywun yr oedd yn gweithio hefo yn flaenorol.

Ar y cam hwn o'r tymor, bydd llawer o gefnogwyr yn falch o weld rhai perfformiadau cadarnhaol yn dilyn hanner cyntaf hynod rwystredig y tymor.

Ond byddai buddugoliaeth syrpreis neu ddwy yn erbyn gwrthwynebiad cryf dros yr wythnosau nesaf yn rhoi hyd yn oed mwy o reswm i gefnogwyr deimlo’n obeithiol fod y clwb wedi gwneud y penodiad cywir ar ôl mis cyfan heb reolwr.

IAN MITCHELMORE

This season marks the 30th anniversary of Swansea City’s first trip to Wembley for the Autoglass Trophy final in 1994. To mark it, our club historian Gwyn Rees takes us back through the story of that campaign and some of the key figures involved. Here, he profiles defender Michael Basham.

As a youngster Basham won no shortage of international honours, winning 14 caps for England at schoolboy and youth levels between 1989 and 1991.

Basham, a Barking boy, signed on for local club West Ham United and went on to sign his first professional contract in July 1992 when aged just 19, but became frustrated as he found it hard to break into the Hammers’ first-team squad.

He joined Colchester United on loan, only for an injury to limit him to one appearance before he returned to Upton Park.

But Swans boss Frank Burrows had seen enough of the elegant defender, who was comfortable with the ball at his feet and was never afraid to receive a pass in tight situations.

On transfer deadline day in March 1994, Burrows got his man and brought Basham in on loan following injury to Keith Walker.

Basham wasted no time making an impact, winning rave reviews for an accomplished performance on his debut away at Burnley.

After just one further appearance he would be running out at Wembley as the Swans sought Autoglass Trophy glory against Huddersfield Town.

He would leave the home of English football with a trophy and winners’ medal to his name, and forged a solid partnership alongside Mark Harris in the Swansea defence.

A full-time move following that summer, but Basham’s first full season at the club was affected by injury problems.

However, he came back to put in a strong series of displays during a steady league campaign and an exciting FA Cup run, which saw the Swans knockout Middlesbrough before falling to top-flight Newcastle United.

Unfortunately, niggling injuries continued to disrupt Basham’s time in Swansea colours and, after playing the humiliating 7-0 FA Cup defeat to Fulham the following season, he left to join Peterborough United on an initial loan deal.

He signed on at Peterborough in December 1995, but it wasn't until January 20 that he made his first-team debut in a 2-1 win away at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Basham continued to be plagued by injury and he would make 19 appearances for the Posh before joining Third Division Barnet ahead of the 1997-98 campaign.

For the first time in over four years the player was able to put together an injury free run of games, and he helped the Bees reach the play-offs where they were defeated by Colchester United.

In his second and final season at Barnet the club had a nightmare time. Basham remained a regular but was moved on to York City as the Bees headed for the indignity of relegation out of the Football League.

The move to York City initially worked out well for Basham, with the player featuring regularly in the side.

But financial issues at Bootham Crescent saw him loaned out to Chelmsford City before being released by York and making the move a full-time one.

Spells with Thurrock and Gray’s Athletic followed before his retirement from playing, with that Autoglass Trophy success in 1994 being the sole honour of his long career.

Halfway through the second half of a recent Swans match, the temperature started to fall dramatically.

The home side were trailing and the mood in the increasingly chilly stadium was plummeting with the temperatures.

A fan near me stood up and started to stamp his feet in a bid to warm them by getting his circulation going.

I’m not sure whether there is any scientifically supported benefit from doing this, but it’s definitely something I have done myself – especially when I used stand on the North Bank at The Vetch in deepest midwinter.

It seemed to be giving some relief to the fan as he continued to stand for a few minutes, shuffling from one foot to another.

Unfortunately, his warming up routine attracted the attention of the stewards, who quite rightly pointed out that the Swansea.com Stadium is an all-seater arena and requested he sit down.

The fan explained he was just trying to warm up and politely pointed out that there was no-one sitting in the area behind him, so he wasn’t obscuring anyone’s view.

He also pointed out that just about everyone in the away end and the majority of the fans in the northeast corner of the stadium were also standing.

The stewards explained they were just doing their job and the fan complied with their request and sat for the remainder of the game – until the Swans equalised late in the game, which got the vast majority of fans out of their seats in celebration!

The exchange highlighted the difficulties stewards at grounds the length and breadth of the country face in enforcing the no-standing policy at all-seater stadiums and the frustration it sometimes causes when fans see others standing in a ground.

It’s been something of an elephant in the room across the entire country where away fans regularly stand throughout matches, along with sections of the home support.

How are stewards meant to enforce the rule if hundreds, sometimes many thousands of fans in the bigger Premier League stadiums want to stand?

I was reminded of the above exchange when the Swans announced last month that safe-standing areas are to be introduced at the Swansea.com Stadium next season.

The club should be praised for taking this step, which will see independent barriers installed in the north-east corner of the stadium, as well as a section in the north stand for away supporters.

Their introduction will mean 1,431 seats in the home section, as well as around 500 seats in the away end, will have safe-standing barriers installed.

This means almost 10 per cent of all seats in the stadium will have a safe-standing option from the start of the 2024-25 season.

Ticket holders in the safe-standing sections of the stadium will still have a seat, but the independent barriers will give supporters in these areas the option to stand safely during matches.

The club has said it will introduce a code of conduct for the standing areas, which will be shared with fans before the start of next season.

The success of safe standing will depend on us supporters. It’s down to all of us to make sure the code of conduct is adhered to wherever we are in the stadium.

We shouldn’t forget why all seater stadiums were introduced in the top two divisions in 1994, when legislation came into force in the wake of the Taylor Report into the 1989 Hillsborough disaster.

The safety of fans must always come first. None of us ever wants to see the kind of tragedy that unfolded on that fateful day in Sheffield all those years ago.

It’s important all of us who won’t be in the safe standing areas stick to the all-seater rules which will continue to apply in all other parts of the stadium.

And, of course, it’s vital those using the new areas stick to whatever code of conduct the club introduces.

I have to admit, having spent all my Swans supporting days at the Vetch on the terraces, I wasn’t looking forward to taking my seat at our new stadium back in 2005.

Since I first went to the Vetch in 1978, I had variously stood on the old East Terrace, which was little more than a big mound of earth and some railway sleepers, the bottom tier of the Double Decker, and of course the North Bank.

Apart from once sneaking into the top tier of the Double Decker as a teenager for the second half of a Welsh Cup tie against Shrewsbury, I never sat in any of the stands at the Vetch.

So the prospect of having to sit down for matches in the new stadium didn’t exactly fill me with joy.

But, almost 20 years later, I have to admit I’m a total convert to the experience of sitting down at a football match.

That may have something to do with my advancing years! But there will also be many younger fans who visit the Swansea.com Stadium, who will have never experienced standing on a terrace and have no desire to stand at a game.

No matter what your view on the subject, there is no doubt that modern all-seater stadiums like the Swansea.com Stadium have enhanced the matchday experience in so many ways – not just improving safety.

However, that doesn’t mean that those who do want to stand at matches should be denied that experience – especially now there is an option to do so safely. So, well done to the Swans for providing that option from next season.

Whatever your choice next season, let’s make sure we all stand, or sit, together and make sure the Swansea.com Stadium continues to be a safe place for everyone to cheer on the team.

Come on you Swans!​​​​​​​

As Swansea City Under-21s get set to take on The New Saints in the Nathaniel MG Cup Final on Saturday, we take a look at their journey to the final at Jenner Park.

The Swans face the nine-time winners for the first time in their history, in what is the development side's debut campaign in the competition after receiving a wildcard in July 2023.

Tickets for this match are sold by the FAW and can be purchased HERE.

Swansea City Under-21s progressed to the second round of the Nathaniel MG Cup after goals from Iwan Morgan (2), Ben Lloyd and Glory Nzingo sealed a dominant win over JD Cymru South outfit Carmarthen Town.

The Swans had received a wildcard entry to this season's competition, and this first-round tie marked the first time the Swans had featured in the tournament.

And they thoroughly enjoyed their cup bow with all the goals coming in the first half, with the hosts subsequently being reduced to 10 men when Greg Walters saw red at their Richmond Park home.

Second Round

August 5, 2023

Caerau Ely 1 Swansea City U21s 3

Swansea City Under-21s progressed to the third round of the Nathaniel MG Cup with a slick performance in victory over Caerau Ely at The Old Road.

Former Briton Ferry man Mitchell Bates opened the scoring at his old stomping ground, with Kyrell Wilson adding a second for the Swans in the first half.

Ten minutes into the second period, Welsh striker Iwan Morgan continued his fine form by grabbing his third goal of the tournament.

Caerau Ely closed the gap to two goals after a curling strike from James Williams, but it merely proved a late consolation.

Swansea City Under-21s sealed their place in the quarter-finals of the Nathaniel MG Cup by beating 10-man Cardiff City Under-21s on penalties at the Swansea.com Stadium.

The Swans were well-deserving of their first-half lead, which they secured when Maliq Cadogan finished smartly at the near post. And, when Cardiff's Kyle Kenniford was sent off for two bookable offences just before half-time, the hosts looked to be well on top.

But, despite numerous opportunities to extend their lead, the young Swans found visiting keeper Jake Dennis in inspired form and Kieron Evans finished off a counter-attacking move to level the scores with 20 minutes to go and ultimately send the tie to penalties. 

But the Swans were perfect from the spot, scoring all five of their penalties, while Evan Watts made himself the hero in goals when he saved Finlay Johnson's spot-kick to send the Swans into the next round.

Braces from Kian Jenkins, Ruben Davies and Kristian Fletcher helped Swansea City Under-21s book their place in the semi-finals of the Nathaniel MG Cup with an emphatic victory against 10-man Briton Ferry Llansawel at Old Road.

The Swans took an early lead through Jenkins, and were then handed a man advantage when Morgan Hutin was sent off with just 26 minutes played for an awful challenge on Mitchell Bates, who was skippering the visitors against his old club.

Swansea profited with striker Davies netting and Jenkins adding his second in the final minutes of the first half.

Anthony Wright’s team controlled the second half to seal progress with a minimum of fuss; Davies adding his second and Kristian Fletcher also on the scoresheet with two goals of his own as the coach enjoyed a winning return to a grassroots club he has close ties to.

Goalkeeper Remy Mitchell was the hero as Swansea City Under-21s advanced to the Nathaniel MG Cup final with a penalty shootout victory over Cardiff Met at Landore.

The tie had ended goalless after 90 minutes, and the two sides scored four of their regulation five penalties.

But Mitchell got down low to his left, as he had done earlier in the shootout to deny Eliot Evans, and pushed away Thomas Vincent's effort to ensure the Swans prevailed 5-4 and advanced to the final.

Date of Birth

28/10/2003

Position

Winger

Right or Left-footed?

Left

Nationality

Scottish

Signed for the Swans

2023

Previous club

Kilmarnock, Manchester City

Best moment as a Swan

Being on the bench for the first team, and playing in a 10-1 win for the under-21s.

Favourite thing about Swansea

The people, everyone here has been really friendly to me and it’s a lovely place to live in.

Football idol

Lionel Messi

Favourite Film

The 50 Cent one, Get Rich of Die Tryin’

Favourite music artist

Lil Baby

Cheat Meal

Has to be a Domino’s!

Best subject in school

P.E.

Football Bucket List

Playing for Scotland, and to play at the highest possible level in club football.

A stadium you would love to play in or visit

Nou Camp

First football memory

The first game my father took me to when I was six or seven; Rangers v Aberdeen.

First football shirt

It was a Rangers shirt, or might have been an Argentina kit.

Other positions you’ve played

Left-back, central midfield.

Any other sports you play

I like boxing, I used to do some in the gym as a kid.

Favourite shirt number

Seven or 11

Roommate for away games

It was Azeem Abdulai because I knew him before I moved to Swansea. We live together too.

Favourite computer game

EAFC

Aim for season

To try and make my senior debut

Most famous person you’ve met

There’s been a few. Pep Guardiola, Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland.

An interesting fact about you

In school, I once had to sing solo in a play. It was You’re So Vain, by Carly Simon.

Swansea City Under-18s' FA Youth Cup tie against Fulham was abandoned at half-time due to freezing conditions with the young Swans leading 1-0.  

Yori Griffith's goal five minutes before the break had the hosts ahead in the fourth-round fixture against Category One opposition, but – following a pitch inspection at the conclusion of the half – the match was called off.

The Swans had carried a threat all half and, while the visiting side kept the ball for long periods, the home side had looked dangerous every time they got forward.

Griffith had fired over from the edge of the box and Aimar Govea’s cross was just ahead of his teammates racing into the box, shortly before the deadlock was broken.

At the other end, the Swans had defended resolutely while Kit Margetson had made some good stops to deny Jonathan Esenga, Lemar Gordon, and made a key intervention to thwart Callum Osmand.

Supporters can retain their tickets for the rescheduled fixture, details of which will be confirmed in due course.

Anyone unable to make the new date, or who would like a refund, should email ticketing@swanseacity.com with their club account number.

Swansea City Women continued their excellent run of form as they beat Cardiff Met Women in their first Genero Adran Premier fixture of 2024 thanks to second-half goals from Robyn Pinder and Katy Hosford.

The Swans had been frustrated after a number of first-half chances went astray, with Lucy Finch and Hosford coming the closest to finding an opener.

But Pinder would break the deadlock six minutes into the second period, hitting a stunning strike into the top-left corner to give her side a deserved lead.

Hosford then netted twice in the space of three minutes to make the lead unassailable and secure three points.

The Swans went into the game off the back of a dominant 5-0 win over Cardiff Met a week ago in the Genero Adran Trophy, but the visitors were bolstered by the returns of Grace Corne and Ingrid Aadland, as well as the addition of Nieve Jenkins.

The Swans started positively as captain Hosford tried an effort from a tight angle that found the side-netting inside the opening three minutes.

Sammy Wynne then found time on the edge of the box after some nice passing interplay, but the midfielder’s effort went just over the bar.

Finch came closest in the first half, a low effort from range forcing a good low save from the keeper.

Pinder thought she had given the Swans the lead, picking up a loose ball in the box following a corner to find the net, but she was judged to have been offside.

Jenkins had an opportunity for the visitors, her low effort forcing a good save from Chelsea Herbert, who pushed the ball around the post.

But the Swans responded and ended the half by creating two further chances. Hosford struck the post after getting into space down the left, while she and Stacey John-Davis were unable to convert after excellent pressing had won the ball back in the Met penalty area.

The dominance of the Swans continued in the second half, John-Davis sending a strike wide after being set up by Chloe Chivers.

But the hosts would finally get the breakthrough after 51 minutes, an excellent tackle from Ellie Lake winning the ball high up the pitch before Pinder hit a stunning strike into the top left corner of the net.

Hosford came close to doubling the advantage eight minutes later, rounding the goalkeeper only to see her effort cleared off the line by Sally Grimm.

Wynne then came close again, a nice bit of footwork finding her space in the box, but her strike would go over the bar.

However, the Swans would soon have their second, a great ball from Chivers picked out Hosford and she steered the ball into the net with her left foot.

Three minutes later the skipper would have a second, a cross from Lake setting her up to fire home.

Hosford almost had a hat-trick just three minutes later, turning her marker well before striking just past the post.

Pinder came close to her second goal in the final moments of the game following a great flick from Hosford, but nevertheless the Swans ran out comfortable winners.

Swansea City Women: Chelsea Herbert, Lucy Finch, Steph Turner, Ellie Lake, Rachel Cullen, Robyn Pinder, Chloe Chivers, Katy Hosford (captain), Stacey John-Davis (Imogen Harris 89), Sammy Wynne (Emily Thomas 78), Sophie Brisland-Hancocks.

Unused subs: Monet Legall, Kelsey Thomas, Halle Brace.

Cardiff Met Women: Carys Gittins, Sally Grimm, Anna Houghton, Tiggeraa Webb, Grace Corne, Emily Bayliss, Ellie Preece (Ingrid Aadland 46), Chelsea Cochrane (Eve Pearson 68), Esme Kliburn-Thompson, Nieve Jenkins, Erin Murray.

Unused subs: Daisy Farrow, Leah Samuel, Kennesha Nanette.

Do you have a nickname?

Sherbs

Your date of birth

16/11/2000

Your nationality (according to UEFA)

Welsh

What position do you play?

Goalkeeper

Which is your preferred foot?

Both

Which clubs did you play for before joining Swansea City?

Port Talbot Town, Abergavenny Town, Barry United

When did you sign for the Swans?

2022

What is your best moment in a Swansea City shirt?

My first league game which was against Pontypridd United.

What is your favourite thing about playing for Swansea City?

I’ve been a supporter of Swansea City for 18 years - and being able to play for them is the best feeling!

Who is your football idol?

Nathan Dyer

What is the first position you played in football?

Striker!!

What is your first memory of football (either watching or playing)?

Going to watch Swansea against Cardiff away for the first time, with a last minute 3-2 win.

What is the first football shirt you owned?

Liverpool

Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?

I always listen to upbeat music before games.

What is your full-time occupation?

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO)

What is an interesting fact about you?

I like to draw in my spare time.

Who is the most famous person you've met?

I met David Seaman in a goalkeeper camp.

What is something that is on your bucket list?

To travel as much as possible.

What is your favourite film?

Scream 1996.

Who is your favourite music artist?

Right now? Probably iprevail.

What is the best TV series you've watched?

The Goldbergs

What is the best concert you've been to?

Halestorm 

What was your favourite subject in school?

Art

Do you play computer games? If so, which ones?

I like Call of Duty, EAFC and Resident Evil!

Swansea City 3 - 1 Southampton
Championship - October 25, 2008
 

 

The Swans extended their unbeaten home record with a comfortable win over struggling Southampton. 

Swansea's Darren Pratley scored his first goal of the season in the 12th minute with a 12-yard shot following a pass from Tom Butler.

In the second half Jordi Gomez slotted home his fourth goal in five games after Ferrie Bodde's free-kick was parried by goalkeeper Kelvin Davis. 

Butler then sealed the win for Roberto Martinez's side with a right-foot shot from the edge of the box. 

Croeso Junior Jacks!

We’ve both had our hair, make-up and wings done, and we’re ready for our close up in today’s televised game!

Cyril thinks he’s going to be spotted on camera and taken to Hollywood to start a film career, but I’ve told him they’re here for the football, not him. He’s such a silly Swan.

Today’s match has been ‘taken over’ by Swansea City AFC Foundation, and we’re so pleased that they’re getting the chance to talk about all the brilliant things they do in Swansea including the soccer camps which is where we get to meet so many of you.

It’s also the new gaffer – and, thanks to the media team, our new legal guardian’s – first home league match so it should be a great occasion!

To celebrate that it is the Foundation’s matchday, we’re bringing you a quiz from one of their schools programmes ‘Premier League Inspires’.  Enjoy and don’t forget to let us know how you get on.

Diolch

Cybil and Cyril

[CHANGE QUIZ LINK]

Age:
8
 
What was the first Swansea City game you attended?
It was against Crystal Palace in 2017
 
What is your favourite memory of watching the Swans?
It has to be the last minute winner against West Brom away in 2022.
 
What do you like most about supporting Swansea City?
The atmosphere on match days is amazing!
 
Why did you start supporting Swansea City?
My Dad took me to a game when I was three and I loved it!
 
Do you play football? If yes, what position do you play?
Yes. I play for Evans and Williams and I play in midfield.
 
Do you play any other sports? What are they?
Yes, I play cricket and rugby.
 
What is an interesting fact about you?
I have won player of the day twice at Swans soccer camps!
 
What is your favourite subject in school and why?
I love PE because I enjoy all sports.

Chairman - Andy Coleman
Honorary Club President - Alan Curtis MBE

Directors

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

Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy: Ken Gude

Associate Directors: Adam Lewis.

FIRST-TEAM STAFF

Head Coach - Luke Williams

Assistant Head Coach - Ryan Harley

Assistant Head Coach – Alan Sheehan

Head of Goalkeeping – Martyn Margetson

First Team Coach Analyst - George Lawtey

First Team Coach - Kris O'Leary

Head of Medical - Dr Jez McCluskey

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

SENIOR MANAGEMENT GROUP

Paul Watson (Sporting Director); Andrew Davies (Head of Commercial, Operations, & Facilities);
Gareth Davies (CFO);
Josh Marsh (Head of Football Operations).

CLUB STAFF

Club Secretary: Ben Greenwood
Football Operations &
Administration Manager: Rebecca Gigg
Head of Retail: Andrea Morris
Head of Hospitality, Events & Fan Engagement: Catherine Thomas
Head of Safeguarding: Rebeca Storer
HR Manager: Nicola Butt
Senior Commercial Sponsorship Manager: Lee Merrells
Head of Commercial:
Richard Morris
Head of Media & Communications:
Ben Donovan
Ticket Office Manager: Lewis Bullen
Head of Facilities: Gordon David
Grounds Manager: Evan Davies
Disability Access Officer: Catherine Thomas
Head of Swansea City AFC Foundation: Paul France
Club Ambassador: Lee Trundle

PROGRAMME PRODUCTION

Contributors: Andrew Gwilym, Hayley Ford, Sophie Davis, Rachael Tucker, Cerith White, Rhys Kemish, Dom Hynes, Sammy Wynne, Fraser Dickson, Ben Donovan, Ian Mitchelmore, Julie Kissick, Owen Morgan, Gwyn Rees.

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