Swansea City Thread

[davidge]

This from an avid Swans fan who also does some sports journalism pretty much sums up where we are:

Personal take on Swansea? Absolute shambles. They knew for a fortnight Cooper was going. They knew at the start of the summer he was almost certainly leaving. Serious questions need to be asked of Winter. As for the owners, they’re a total waste of time & have been from day one.

[davidge]

Swansea City’s problematic search for a new manager looks like being a two-horse race between Jody Morris and Russell Martin.

 

The Athletic has learned that contact has already taken place between Morris and Swansea, and that Martin is the other candidate being considered by the Championship club.

 

Morris has been out of work since January, after he lost his job as assistant manager at Chelsea following Frank Lampard’s sacking, and further talks are expected with the 42-year-old over the coming days.

 

Martin is currently the manager of League One MK Dons, where he has been in charge since November 2019 and won admiration for the club’s attractive brand of football. Swansea would need to pay compensation for Martin, who is in the final year of his contract.

What is Morris’ coaching pedigree?

Morris, a former midfielder, spent time at Chelsea, Leeds United, Rotherham United, Millwall, St Johnstone and Bristol City during his playing career.

 

He hung up his boots in 2013 and became a coach at Chelsea’s youth academy.

 

He then left his former club to work as Lampard’s assistant manager at Derby County, before following his former team-mate back to Stamford Bridge in the same role. 

What about John Eustace?

The Championship club’s search for a successor to Steve Cooper, who stood down from his role as head coach last week, has turned into a mess after John Eustace informed them on Sunday morning that he would not be taking the job. 

 

Eustace was Swansea’s No 1 choice and the Welsh club were left taken by surprise when he explained that he would be staying at Queens Park Rangers, where he is assistant manager.

Why did Cooper leave the club?

His time at Swansea had run its course. Cooper clearly felt that he had taken the club as far as he could — this promises to be a challenging season with the parachute payments coming to an end and the prospect of more key players departing — and there was also some tension behind the scenes.

 

As for Swansea, they risked going through the motions for a season if Cooper stayed on.

[davidge]

Forty years ago this week Tosh seals possibly the best bit of business in the club's history, bringing Bob Latchford to the Vetch for a meagre £125,000.

 

[davidge]

Swansea City have appointed Russell Martin as their new head coach.

The former Scotland international has signed a three-year deal with the Swans after leaving his post with MK Dons.

A club statement issued on Sunday said: "The 35-year-old has signed a three-year contract at the Liberty Stadium after compensation was agreed with League One side Milton Keynes Dons.

"Martin will be joined in SA1 by coaches Luke Williams, Matt Gill and Dean Thornton, while Alan Tate will continue in his capacity as first-team coach."

[vimto66]

On 25/07/2021 at 17:31, davidge said:

This from an avid Swans fan who also does some sports journalism pretty much sums up where we are:

Personal take on Swansea? Absolute shambles. They knew for a fortnight Cooper was going. They knew at the start of the summer he was almost certainly leaving. Serious questions need to be asked of Winter. As for the owners, they’re a total waste of time & have been from day one.

So the playoffs or thereabouts this season then.😉

[davidge]

15 minutes ago, vimto66 said:

So the playoffs or thereabouts this season then.😉

Given we have no squad, I’ll settle for avoiding a relegation battle.

[vimto66]

21 hours ago, davidge said:

Given we have no squad, I’ll settle for avoiding a relegation battle.

You`ll probabaly be aware i only said it because Swansea generally do seem to pull themselves together and make decent go of it, obviously not being a Swansea fan im just looking on from a distance so wont know the deeper problems, i know you were pessemistic about last season and you came within one game of the prem but this time it sounds a bit worse. 

Anyway it all starts again next week, we`ll know soon enough.

 

[davidge]

1 hour ago, vimto66 said:

You`ll probabaly be aware i only said it because Swansea generally do seem to pull themselves together and make decent go of it, obviously not being a Swansea fan im just looking on from a distance so wont know the deeper problems, i know you were pessemistic about last season and you came within one game of the prem but this time it sounds a bit worse. 

Anyway it all starts again next week, we`ll know soon enough.

 

Cooper performed miracles last season.
 

It looks certain that our Captain, Matt Grimes, will leave. Odds are on Fulham. George Byers, who would be a replacement for him, is on his way to Wednesday. 3 or 4 others are in the last year of their contracts and will be sold if we get offers. Roberts would be sold if he wasn’t injured, Dhanda possibly.

Owners won’t spend money.

We need 4 or 5 signings, probably loans. Let’s see what happens.

[davidge]

George Byers had completed a permanent move from Swansea to Sheffield Wednesday. 

He’s signed a two-year deal with the Owls.

[davidge]

Return of Supporters - Important Information

Subject to Welsh Government advice, Swansea City is hopeful of welcoming back its season ticket holders and seasonal hospitality guests from the start of the 2021-22 season. First Minister Mark Drakeford is due to update the public later this week regarding the potential easing of Covid-19 restrictions in Wales. Swansea City has worked in conjunction with its Safety Advisory Group (SAG), on a slightly reduced capacity allowance for our first two home fixtures, against Sheffield United (August 14) and Stoke City (August 17), on the basis the Welsh Government will move to alert level zero. As a result, the overall capacity for the two fixtures has been set at 16,000. This allocation includes a percentage of away tickets which will be allocated to the visiting clubs. We are hopeful that all restrictions will then be lifted and we will be able to return to full capacity for our home game against Hull City on Saturday, September 11. We are pleased to confirm this means all season ticket holders and seasonal hospitality guests can attend the Sheffield United and Stoke City fixtures. No ballot of entry will be required, as the total number of season tickets and seasonal hospitality guests is approximately 14,000. Once the respective allocation of tickets for the visiting clubs are factored In, we anticipate having a limited number of general admission tickets to make available to non season-ticket holders. Please note that, whenever tickets are issued on general sale, Jack Army members will receive priority to purchase. For clarity season ticket cards will be activated for these fixtures and those who have requested a new card will be in receipt of them by Tuesday, August 10. If you have requested a new card and not received your ticket by this date, please contact the Ticket Office on [email protected]. Digital in-app tickets will be available early next week, and the club will confirm via official channels when these are enabled. Whilst we would love nothing more than to have a full house at the Liberty Stadium, we appreciate that some supporters might have reservations around attending games amidst the still ongoing pandemic. Having a reduced capacity at these events will create additional circulation space for those attending. We also understand that some supporters may have other commitments and will be unable to attend. Therefore, we ask any season ticket holder who is unable to attend one or both of the aforementioned fixtures, to please ‘opt out’ of attending. This will allow for other supporters of the Jack Army, to have the opportunity to purchase general admission tickets. For clarity, opting out will deactivate your season ticket barcode for the fixtures selected. You can opt out HERE. However, the club will not sell seats that belong to season ticket holders if those supporters decide to opt out for the aforementioned fixtures. Asking supporters who do not wish to attend to opt out will ensure other supporters have the opportunity to attend and ensure we give new head coach Russell Martin, together with the players and staff, a vociferous Welsh welcome to the Liberty. We want to maximise the number of fans within the stadium. EFL guidance requires us to ensure there is a 'red zone' in place for the players' safety and protection. Therefore some season ticket holders in selected lower West Stand blocks will be relocated. These supporters will be contacted separately and will be provided an alternative seat in the West Stand for these fixtures. The 'red zone' will remain in place for the foreseeable future, as the team remain in their working bubble and the club must work to keep this as environment as sterile as possible to maintain the safety of the first team and backroom staff. We thank supporters for their understanding and patience with maintaining the 'red zone' and the safety of our team. At these fixtures, there will be no social distancing or seating bubbles, with fans to be sat in their designated season ticket seat. Face coverings will be encouraged when fans are moving around the stadium. However, this will not be mandatory. The club’s code of conduct will be updated in line with the hopeful easing of restrictions this weekend. When updated, this code of conduct will be emailed to all attending supporters, who must adhere to this. Should supporters have any concerns in respect of returning to the Liberty Stadium please contact us at [email protected]. The club is mindful that vulnerable supporters or those with disabilities may feel anxious about returning to the Liberty Stadium. To discuss any concerns in respect of this, please contact the club’s disability access officer, Catherine Thomas, on [email protected]. Limited catering options will be available In the concourses from August 14, with more information to be provided to supporters next week.

Hospitality

As mentioned above, all seasonal hospitality guests are able to attend these fixtures. The hospitality team will be contacting all guests by the end of this week to arrange collection of seasonal accreditations. Accreditations will be available to collect from Tuesday, August 10.

[davidge]

Swansea City sign Jamie Paterson on free transfer

Swansea City has completed the signing of Jamie Paterson on a free transfer, subject to international clearance. The 29-year-old forward has put pen to paper on a one-year deal at the Liberty Stadium, with the option for a further 12 months. The former Bristol City player will wear the number 12 shirt and is in contention to make his debut in Saturday’s Championship opener at Blackburn Rovers. Paterson becomes Swansea’s fourth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Kyle Joseph, Liam Walsh and Joel Piroe, and the first for new head coach Russell Martin. Paterson, who can play a number of roles but has mainly operated as a winger or attacking midfielder, adds to the Swans forward options and boasts a wealth of Championship experience

[davidge]

Swansea City suicide mission in Lancashire 
Saturday, 7th Aug 2021 17:31 by David Cornish 

The Russell Martin era at Swansea City provided an early taste of things to come with what can only be described as a complete change of tactic from Steve Cooper’s ideas of last season. From the off with keeper Steven Benda playing almost at centre back, and far too forwards the scene was set for a frustrating first half. 

 

Swansea City showed no ability to be able to keep the ball in the first half, rarely threatening the Rovers goal, with a distinct lack of pace and awareness when in the opponents half. Time and time again the swans gave away possession to a more spirited Blackburn side who seemed determined to impose themselves on the game from the off. Ryan Bennett and Joel Latibeaudiere were both guilty, but it wasn’t just those two defenders. The weakness in the swans midfield was incredibly alarming for anyone expecting a Russell Martin revolution from the off. It just didn’t happen. A total lack of composure, awareness and it has to be said ability presented Rovers with opportunity after opportunity. Had it not been for the guile of Steven Benda the score could have been three or four by the time the referee blew up for half time.

From another mistake Blackburn scored the opening goal, Benda made a fine save to deny Brereton Diaz, but Sam Gallagher fired in the rebound expertly. It was no more than Rovers deserved, and no more than the swans deserved as well. 

Any swans fans watching this game would surely agree this was potentially the worst display seen in many years, to be continually dictated to by an under strength and young Blackburn side was not only surprising, it was embarrassing at times. When venturing forwards Naughton when in possession turned the ball backwards continually - when clear attacking opportunities were available. This sort of summed up the whole half for Swansea City. 

It took until the last minute of the half before the swans threatened, and cheered on by an estimated 1,400 away supporters a corner from Grimes saw frantic defending and snatched opportunities from Lowe and Smith. It may well have given the travelling support some hope, but it also gave Martin and his coaching team much to think about as the first forty five came to a very welcome close. Everything you don’t want your team to be was exactly what Swansea City were during the first half, it surely couldn’t get any worse ?

Wrong, it did, within two minutes of the restart more ridiculous play by Naughton turning his back on Rovers pressure saw Benda with the ball at his feet. Believing himself to be some form of rejuvenated centre half he lost the ball, brought down his opponent and the penalty was given. Breton Diaz scores the resultant penalty kick. It was a shambles.

And then yes, then it was time for Swansea City to show up. After fifty minutes the swans started to play, pressing forwards, albeit frantic in their passing, a decent move ended up at the feet of new boy Jamie Paterson who scored on his debut to make it 2-1. Sadly within a minute of the swans goal Korey Smith, who was one of the few influential swans players went down unchallenged, and that was the end of his game. Yan Dhanda replaced him. 

Swansea seemed to lose their flow after that, again indiscriminately giving the ball away in midfield, and breaking down moves when it seemed easier to not do so. Pace again seemed to be the issue as Dhanda tried to put Lowe away on the left flank and yet the swans support sang loudly and proudly. It spurred on the swans with Cullen again firing a shot at the Blackburn goal which was superbly saved by Kaminski. If there was any self belief in this swans side it had to come in the final twenty five minutes. 

Again frustratingly Cabango, Latibeaudiere and Dhanda all misplaced passes through to Lowe and Cullen, the Rovers defence reading the play comfortably. Latibeaudiere giving the ball away again saw another effort saved by Benda and a Rothwell free kick got the same treatment. Paterson was then brought down in midfield by Buckley causing the new swans player some pain. Going in to the final ten minutes the swans remained patient, with little flair up front they pressed forwards slowly with Bidwell in a more advanced position. Unfortunately mistakes and even more misplaced passes prevented any hope of an equaliser.

Yan Dhanda came alive on 81 minutes running at the centre of the Blackburn defence before being brought down. Grimes took the free kick on the edge of the area, as Davenport took up ‘ drought excluder’ duties in the home sides wall. Predictably for the swans the kick went over the bar. Content to play the game out Rovers slowed down play as the swans now faced up to a five man defensive back line. More inaccurate passing slowed the swans down with Blackburn putting all ten men and the keeper behind the ball. It all became quite passive and gentle.

Seemingly wandering blIndy in to a 2-1 loss the swans defence again presented the home side with an opportunity. Rothwell firing just wide. It was the story of the game, Swansea give the ball away, Blackburn take advantage and miss, but when they needed to they scored the necessary goals. Morgan Whittaker came on for Cullen and immediately dug out a decent cross which Bidwell failed to connect with. It was at least a chance. The resultant corner was cleared by Rovers and another midfield error by the swans saw Blackburn fail to score via Butterworth. Benda saved at his near post. The remaining six minutes of injury time ticked away with Rovers hitting the post, and Swansea looking demoralised and lost. So that’s the story of the first defeat the swans have had in eight opening day years, and that win in 1971 is the only time the swans have won at Ewood Park.

In summary 
Swansea City were today untidy and messy in almost everything they did. Passing was incredibly poor and defensively they seemed lost and totally out of sorts. Failing to string passes together and play the Russell Martin way they gave the home side a string of chances. A more prolific team would have absolutely buried the swans today. The swans seem devoid of pace and strength on the ball, and without the commitment or individuality to get anything from this game. To play the way Martin wants will take more than a few days training we know, but he needs the players and it’s fairly certain he doesn’t have those players at his disposal at this level. What was missing was that word again, commitment, there just seemed nothing in the legs of the side Martin selected today. It is worrying, but it’s very early days, it’s just that today’s opponents were no great shakes, and far tougher will come.

Match Facts 
Blackburn Rovers: Kaminski; Nyambe, Lenihan (C), Ayala, Pickering; Travis, Buckley (Butterworth 80); Rothwell; Gallagher (Davenport 72), Dolan (Carter 83), Brereton Diaz.

Subs not used: Eastham, Magloire, Garrett, McBride.

Yellow cards: Pickering 16, Buckley 78, Ayala 81, Rothwell 90+2

Goals: Gallagher 35, Brereton Diaz 47

Swansea City: Benda; Cabango, Bennett, Latibeaudiere; Naughton, Smith (Dhanda 55), Paterson, Grimes (C), Bidwell; Lowe, Cullen (Whittaker 86).

Subs not used: Defreitas-Hansen, McFayden, O Cooper, B Cooper, Joseph.

Yellow cards: Latibeaudiere 38, Cabango 87

Goal: Paterson 52

Referee: David Webb

[davidge]

Swansea City have signed Ipswich midfielder Flynn Downes on a four year contract in a deal worth more than £1m.

Downes, 22, will be in contention to make his debut in the Championship against Sheffield United on Saturday.

Since making his debut as a teenager in 2017, Downes has made 100 appearances for Ipswich, scoring three goals.

"I am buzzing to be here," the Brentwood-born player told the club website.

He is new Swansea head coach Russell Martin's second signing, following the arrival of former Bristol City midfielder Jamie Paterson.

"It's a massive club and I cannot wait to get going," said Downes.

"I spoke to the gaffer, and I just liked the way he came across, the players they have got and it all just added up for me.

"The style of play massively appeals to me, I played against the gaffer's side with Ipswich last year and I think we only touched the ball about four times during the entire game.

"So, when this came up, and I knew he was going to be here it was a dream move.

"The way he wants to play football appeals to me massively."

Matt Gill, who is an assistant to Martin, will be familiar with Downes, having previously been part of the coaching staff at Ipswich.

The Swans are also in talks with Manchester United about signing right-back Ethan Laird, 20.

[davidge]

Ethan Laird joins Swansea City on loan

Swansea City has completed the signing of Ethan Laird on loan from Manchester United, subject to international clearance.

The 20-year-old defender will spend the remainder of the 2021-22 season at the Swansea.comStadium, and will wear the number 27 shirt.

Laird is in contention to make his Swans bow in Tuesday’s Championship clash with Stoke City, with the deal having been registered in time.

Should he feature it will not be his first appearance at the Swansea.com Stadium, with Laird having played there on his debut for Manchester United’s under-23s at the age of 16.

[davidge]

Match Report

Swansea v Stoke:

We were shit.

 

End of report.

[davidge]

Swansea winger Jordon Garrick has joined Plymouth on loan for the rest of the season. 
 

[Stokielad]

Watched the whole game on a live stream, you should know that's the best we have played under Martin O Neil in 16 months, it's taken time for him to get the squad he wants and we have shifted out SEVENTEEN senior players this Summer, finally getting rid of the ex premier league and first season Championship dross.

For you, it was shit, for us Stokies it was joyous, Should have been five or six. Average age of the side has shot down as well, the defence average age including the keeper is 21.

You haven't got the players at the back or the keeper to play the style the manager wants, frankly if anyone plays a high press against you, you will get stuffed every week Shame for you guys but looks like this season might be a struggle to get near the play offs whereas we Stokies have hope for the first time in four years, in MON we trust

[davidge]

47 minutes ago, Stokielad said:

Watched the whole game on a live stream, you should know that's the best we have played under Martin O Neil in 16 months, it's taken time for him to get the squad he wants and we have shifted out SEVENTEEN senior players this Summer, finally getting rid of the ex premier league and first season Championship dross.

For you, it was shit, for us Stokies it was joyous, Should have been five or six. Average age of the side has shot down as well, the defence average age including the keeper is 21.

You haven't got the players at the back or the keeper to play the style the manager wants, frankly if anyone plays a high press against you, you will get stuffed every week Shame for you guys but looks like this season might be a struggle to get near the play offs whereas we Stokies have hope for the first time in four years, in MON we trust

Play-offs? I’m already just hoping we don’t get relegated. The new manager will only play one way and we just don’t have the players for that. We’ll give away a lot of cheap goals.
There are likely to be a few changes in players in the next 12 days, but the owners won’t spend much. Lots of rumours at the moment but we’ll see what happens.

Boro meant to want Bidwell for about £2.5m and we’ve apparently got a loan deal with Sheffield Utd set up for a replacement.

Grimes could go for about £5m - Fulham mentioned - but not sure how much of that we’d spend on new players. If Roberts wasn’t injured we’d be selling him. Probably sell him in January.

A couple of youngsters look to be going out on loan and there’s a possibility that Dhanda will leave to join a Dutch club. 

Strong rumours we want Andre Gray which I’m really not keen on and a foreign keeper has been mentioned.

Could be a busy couple of weeks but this season will be difficult.

[Luv2Phuket]

13 minutes ago, davidge said:

Play-offs? I’m already just hoping we don’t get relegated.
 

I am 110% clueless as to any content of this thread, but your comment reminded me of this famous (or is it "infamous"? 555) clip of former NFL coach Jim Mora responding a question about the likelihood of his team making the play-offs...
 

 

[davidge]

2 enforced changes tonight as Cabango & Downes both tested positive for Covid.

2 other changes as Lowe & Dhanda left out (don’t think the manager particularly rates them).

[davidge]

A VERY welcome 3 points.

Bristol City dominated early on and missed some good chances. Piroe scored out of nothing and we didn’t really create too much after that.

We did get more into the game and limited the Bristol chances.

One thing that struck me, considering the new manager’s reputation for possession football, was how many long balls we played.

Hopefully, this result will give the players some confidence though I’m not sure it changes much about our overall prospects this season as Bristol are, at best, a mid table team.

 

[davidge]

Wayne Routledge has announced his retirement from playing.

 

Today promises to be a busy Transfer Window deadline day for the Swans. Lots of rumours but nothing absolutely finalised yet. 

Waiting for news:

Jamal Lowe looks to be on his way to Bournemouth. Fee agree and medical completed;

Fee agreed with Burnley for Connor Roberts but player not decided yet;

Fulham have bid for Matt Grimes but will have to improve the offer to around 4 million;

Middlesbrough offer for Bidwell rejected. Unclear if they will come back with a better one;

Oliver Cooper close to moving to Newport on loan;

Possibility of Elanga coming on loan from Man Utd;

Unconfirmed that we have bid for Hibs striker Kevin Nesbit;

A few loan deals being discussed including Rhys Williams from Liverpool.

[davidge]

CONFIRMED 

Burnley have confirmed the signing of Wales international defender Connor Roberts from Swansea City for an undisclosed fee. Roberts has signed a four-year-deal at Turf Moor and the 25-year-old right-back becomes the Clarets’ fifth senior signing of the summer transfer window.

Swansea City midfielder Ollie Cooper has joined Newport County on loan for the remainder of the 2021-22 season. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder links up with Michael Flynn’s Exiles in League Two after enjoying a breakthrough campaign with the Swans last term.

Swansea City has completed the signing of defender Rhys Williams from Liverpool on a season-long loan, subject to international clearance.

Jamal Lowe’s move to Bournemouth is completed.

Swansea City can confirm Kyle Joseph has joined Cheltenham Town on loan for the remainder of the 2021-22 season, subject to international clearance.

Michael Obafemi has competed medical ahead of move to Swansea from Southampton.

 

[davidge]

Despite lots of rumours, and the manager saying he was expecting a hectic day, it was a quieter than expected end to the transfer window for the Swans.

We sold Lowe to Bournemouth for £1.5m and replaced him with Obafemi from Southampton for about the same price.

We sold Roberts to Burnley for £2.5m and replaced him with Williams from Liverpool on loan.

Two youngsters, Cooper and Joseph, have gone out on loan and we’re meant to be signing Ntcham as a free agent. I haven’t heard of him but, apparently, he’s an unpredictable striker/winger who’s failed at both Man City and Celtic. As a free agent the deal didn’t need to be finalised yesterday.

The biggest surprise was Grimes staying. Fulham made 3 bids, the last being £3m. We wanted £4m. Everyone thought we’d sell him as he’s in the last year of his contract so can leave for free at the end of the season.

Compared to this time last year I don’t think there’s much doubt that it’s a weaker squad. Not expecting too much this season.

[davidge]

Swansea City has completed the signing of midfielder Olivier Ntcham, subject to international clearance and EFL approval.

The 25-year-old becomes the ninth signing of the summer after putting pen to paper on a three-year contract, and will add experience and quality to Russell Martin’s options in the middle of the park.

Ntcham, capped by France at age-grade level up to the under-21s, was snapped up by Manchester City’s academy – where current Swans’ sporting director Mark Allen was director at the time - from Le Havre in 2012.

Aged just 16 when he made the move to the Etihad, Ntcham went on to spend two seasons playing in Serie A on loan at Genoa.

He made 40 appearances for Il Grifone as they finished 11th and 16th in the Italian top-flight.

A move to Celtic to work under former Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers followed in the summer of 2017, and Ntcham would quickly become a key figure in a period of utter domination for the Parkhead club.

He won eight trophies in three seasons under Rodgers and his successor Neil Lennon, made up of three Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cup and two Scottish League Cups. 

Ntcham made 146 appearances in total for the Bhoys, scoring 24 goals and gaining considerable European experience in the Champions League and Europa League.

He had a short stint on loan at Marseille last term, before leaving Celtic at the end of the 2020-21 season.