A 4-1 loss, but at least we know what to do in a fire drill!

Stamford Bridge, a fairly small-looking ground with little character and zero atmosphere generated by the home crowd. Now, I know there are no prizes or points for having the best fans, nor is there a relegation get-out clause for singing the loudest, but I think the traveling Jacks would put a good case together if there were! It really is disappointing to go to the likes of Chelsea and witness 40,000 home supporters on their butts saying naff all.

Before the game we went to The Mitre, a great little pub which used to be my local when I worked in Fulham. We were the only Swans supporters amongst plenty of Chelsea but the atmosphere was friendly and we had a decent chat with some of their supporters.

The ground itself is in a really weird location, where all the fans seem to have to bottleneck to get in and out. A policeman’s reply when asked what would happen in the event of a fire was ‘I don’t know. Run?’ And he was being remarkably serious.

On the pitch the Swans started well, battling for every ball, but after 20 minutes Chelsea had most of the possession and it was really only a matter of time before they scored. A fine piece of skill by Fernando Torres gave the Blues a one-nil lead and a second shortly after following some poor play which lead to a decent break away and finished off by Ramires. It really does go to show that in this league, one small mistake will be punished.

Next up was Torres’ moment of madness. The man is a genius. Or not, as the case may be. Why, five minutes before half time, two-nil up, on the half way line, would you put in such a stupid tackle? Maybe he was terrified at the possibility of Mark Gower skinning him, and the subsequent ridicule by all Swans fans and probably Chelsea too? Or perhaps he needed to get back to the training ground by 4pm in order to master his shooting from the edge of the six yard box? Who knows? Perhaps you could tell us Fernando? Anyway, just for being an idiot, get off the pitch. And why exactly the home crowd thought a potential leg-breaker deserved a round of applause I have no idea.

The second half saw us having a bit more possession of the ball in the traditional Swansea way. Granted, Chelsea were down to ten men, but hey. If Dyer’s deflected effort which hit the bar had gone in, it could have been a very different game. But it didn’t, so it wasn’t.

We can take some positives from the game, and we did score our first away goal which will give the team confidence and at least gave the traveling support something to cheer about (and more to sing about).

Don’t get me wrong, I want the Swans to stay up just as much as the next person, but I’m a realist too. This was Chelsea, away. No, the performance was not fantastic, but the likes of Mata and Ramires did a fine job of snubbing out our midfield, which stopped us playing. A lot of Swans fans often complain that we are not given enough credit by the opposition when we win at home. Usually we’ve outclassed a team and their manager comes out and says ‘we were awful today’ when in fact it was us that made them look awful. Today, Chelsea controlled the game and didn’t allow us to play, even when down to ten men.

Ah well, we should be too despondent about this result or performance. We don’t need to win games like this to stay up. Besides, we did sing the loudest. Do we win a prize?

Next up at the Liberty, Stoke City. It going to be an incredibly tough game against a strong, physical side. Let's hope we can get three points and avoid any more potential leg-breaking tackles.

Jack

A buffoon, a fat man sandwich and 3 goals

September 17th, 2011. More history is made by Swansea City. Sorry, I take that back, we didn't 'make' history. We absolutely SMASHED it! The Premiership's first goal by a Welsh Club, first goal outside England and the first win outside of Englnad... by a Welsh Club!

Leaving the Liberty on Saturday I couldn't help but feel an immense sense of pride in the City, football team and fans. Which sadly, is more than I can say for the minority of West Brom fans who decided to spoil a poignant minute's silence with an idiotic chant. With my benefit-of-doubt hat on, I do think the clowns in question were coming up the stairs onto the concourse, but how they didn't sense they were entering a silenced arena is beyond me. And it's not as if it wasn't heavily publicised that it was happening. I tried to forgive them for this, until the moment they decided to cheer and chant when Neil Taylor was face down on the turf, clearly unconscious. I'm unsure as to where exactly the official 'line' is for football fans (is there one?!) but this definitely crossed it. As did the pillock Odemwinge who decided to wind the Swans fans up, still while Taylor - whom he just clattered - is unconscious in the penalty area. If I am honest, I don't mind players having banter with the crowd. At the end of the day, they take a hell of a lot of abuse, so giving a little back can be expected. But taunting the crowd when there is an opponent on the floor, who's clearly very badly injured, is disgusting and should be sanctioned. Peter Odemwinge, hang your head in shame, you buffoon.

Back to the game now where it must be said that we tore West Brom a preverbal new bum hole. Even though I expected a Swansea win and did in fact predict we'd score 3 or more goals, I expected more from a team managed by Roy Hodgson. I spent a fair amount of time working at Craven Cottage while he was there a couple of years ago and he usually plays with an organised side who actually play some nice football. I saw none of this. I know they were missing two key figures in Tamas and Brunt but they pose any trouble throughout the match. The only time they seemed to have opportunities were when we made mistakes and gifted them the ball.

Swansea on the other hand were a class above. Confident on the ball, precision passing, strong in tackles and most importantly clinical in front of goal! Leroy Lita looked sharp playing the lone striker role (even if he does possess quite possible the worst touch I have ever seen - hang on, not as bad as Rory Fallon) and never gave up. Most importantly, he now challenges Ashley Williams for the biggest guns at the club after his shirtless celebration. Please Leroy, we are aiming for a place in Europe via the Fair Play League, so no more celebrations like that. You can arm-wrestle Ash if you want, but please, keep your shirt on. Thank you.

Leon Britton, take a bow son. Impeccable performance where I don't think you put on foot wrong. Mark Gower, you impressed me lad. After that FA Cup tie against Fulham two seasons ago I wrote you off. I sit here happily eating humble pie after you've shown me that you can cut it at the highest level. No, they weren't Man United or Chelsea, but you cut the mustard son.  Is that even a saying?

This blog post may be descending into a state of madness now as unfortunately I have been forced from my comfortable table-seat on a train to being at the centre of what can only be described as a fat-man sandwich on the back seat of a damp, musty smelling coach. I'm sure First Great Western apologise for the inconvenience, but not half as much as they should be apologising for my decent into a sandwich filling.

However, I'm still feeling somewhat jubilant knowing that Swansea City are out of the relegation zone. Happy days. And West Brom remain rooted to the bottom of the league. Shame.

Final word goes to Brendan Rogers. Brendan, you're the man!

See you all at Chelsea Jacks and Jackesses, where we will keep the dream alive! Not too far for me to travel, 5 stops on the district line. Lovely jubbly.

Jack

Prediction: Chelsea 3 - 1 Swansea

Alan Tate, Arsenal, Wales, Transfer Window - A week without football.

Isn't it funny what can happen in the space of a week? Well, not exactly funny. Not for Alan Tate. Or Arsene Wenger.

Our team of Alan Tate's that we all dream of has been dealt a massive blow as it will not feature the man himself for at least 6 months. The daft bugger didn't break his leg in a crunching tackle against Lee Cattermole or indeed whilst fighting off a grizzly bear in the outback of Australia. No, he somehow managed to break his tibia whilst traveling in a golf buggy, no less. Tatey, you are loathed by some but loved by all Swans fans. Please have a speedy recovery. He will be back, Jacks. And stronger than before.

As far as Wenger goes, he had a great win against Udinese in the Champions League qualifiers on Tuesday and thought everything was rosy. About as rosy as Ryan Giggs' private life.  Then he suffered the unthinkable at the hands of bitter rivals Manchester United. Eight, two. Eight, two. Eight, two. I'm sorry, I have to say that a few times just to confirm that it is actually correct. How embarrassing.

Arsenal's next game is of course... Swansea City. Now, I'd love to be an optimist at this point, but we are definitely facing the Gunners at the wrong time. Not one of that squad will dare play badly for fear of getting the Alex Ferguson boot treatment (although I am surprised none of them received it following their last game!). I honestly think they're going to be up for this game, and although our styles of football are quite similar, I don't think we will have the quality to overcome them. However, with their defensive woes, I would love to think we will put at least one goal past them.  Here's hoping.

I won't be at the game on Saturday, which is quite a sore subject. I have to go to a family wedding in Scotland and if I still want to have my legs next week I've decided it is best that I go. I don't think I'm allowed to write my reaction on a public blog of when I found out that we had Arsenal away on September 10th. Anyway, my ticket has reluctantly been passed on and I'm hoping it's my only non-attendance away from home this season.

This week also saw the closure of the transfer window. Plenty of action up and down the country, but not so much in Swansea. I would have like to see a defensive, yet attacking midfielder brought in. How do I explain that? Players like Joe Ledley or Aaron Ramsey who can both play the defensive midfield role, yet be able to play attacking passes and roles. I love Leon Britton, a great servant and player for Swansea City, but I do think he lacks the ability to play premiership quality attacking balls. I do have faith in Brendan and the team though, and I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store over the next few months.

On a more positive note, I watched Wales playing tonight against England and on Friday against Montenegro, and I must say I was rather proud and excited at what the future holds. We've got a lot of young talent in that team, and I hope Gary Speed can continue to nurture this squad over the next few years. The FIFA ranking of 117 is laughable, so let's show those pillocks that we're better than that. Swansea did it, now let's see the Welsh team do us proud and reach the World Cup 2014. We can hope.

Please Swansea, give us a goal on Saturday. Though not too many, I'm going to miss it.

Prediction: Arsenal 3 - 1 Swansea

For all the latest news on the swans go to http://twitter.com/#!/swansfc

One point gained and a glass half full

As I sit on this train from Swansea to London, I can hear a small group of Sunderland fans singing an obscene song. I'm sure it has offended lots of people already, especially the people standing on the platform at Cardiff Central, but not me. I cannot help but smile as they sing the utterly beautiful lines, "Cardiff's a sh*t hole and I want to go home". Music to my ears as I ponder over today's game versus Sunderland.

I think I'm a glass half full kind of guy. I must be, because I think that was another good point earned today.

I'm sure the half empty brigade will be out in force tonight, berating the Swans as boring, lacking creativity etc. In fact, I heard a particularly supportive bloke next to me mutter (after 30 minutes) that it was 'like watching paint dry'.  It annoys the hell out of me when I hear comments like that around me, how many times do I have to say... IT'S JUST THE WAY WE PLAY. If you don't like it, please give your seat up to someone who wants it to support the team and get behind the lads. There are plenty who want the seat. In my view it was a pretty exciting game. Frustrating yes, watching paint dry? He must have some pretty chirpy paint.

Today's match was very similar to the Wigan game in many respects. Swansea dominated possession for large parts of the game, but still lacked that killer edge in the final third and failed to convert their one big opportunity. Sunderland played some fast counter-attacking football but nothing that really threatened. Michel Vorm saved excellently to his left to deny Gyan and to ensure a second successive clean sheet.

I do think we are missing a key figure such as Ferrie Bodde in midfield. I though Britton was excellent today with Agustien but I don't feel like there's anyone commanding the midfield. No-one can play that gem of a pass through the opposition defence. Whilst I thought Routledge played another good game, he's very similar to  both Dyer and Sinclair and doesn't seem to be the answer. Danny Graham will be disappointed with his header in the first half. He should have scored, but we need to continue to support him because I have faith that he will come good. The worst thing that can happen is that the crowd start to get on his back. Swans fans have a habit of doing that to strikers. He will come good if we get behind him.

I think the fact that we're not leaking goals is a massive positive though. Ok, Wigan and Sunderland don't have the most threatening front lines, but I think we need to build slowly. This is a marathon, not a sprint! It has happened frequently in recent times with Blackpool and Hull being the most memorable. Promoted teams who've got off to a flyer but caved in worse than a Chilean mine shaft after Christmas. If we can build that foundation which is strong enough to last until next May then we're laughing. Let's build our house on concrete, not sand.

We also need to continue to support the lads, as frustrating as it can be sometimes, let's continue the dream, 'Premier and we're having a laugh'. Smile and believe.

Final shout out this week goes to the east stand singers and Señor Drummer. Top notch performance today lads. There was a great atmosphere at the Liberty today, even though the Sunderland fans were very quiet. Let's get behind the team Jacks and Jackesses, we're Swansea 'till we die, aren't we?

Arsenal away up next. I have had to pass my ticket on for this, but I will save that story for another time.

Jack

‘Swansea have ruined football’

There is so much football history being made at Swansea City at the moment. Saturday saw the first ever Premier League match being played outside of England and the first point won by a non-English team. We are also now a fairly short 5000/1 to win the title. Is that a record in week 2? 

A 0-0 draw and one point on the board can be looked at as a positive outcome, but it could have been very different. 

Swansea enjoyed the majority of possession in the game (my sources tell me it was 75% in the first half and 64% over the full 90 minutes) and I am in no doubt that we will continue to out-pass the majority of teams this year. But we do look to be missing that killer edge in the final third. 

This does bring me rather nicely to a quote taken from a football message board post that I came across this week. 'Swansea have ruined football'. A fairly bold statement, I hear you say, and you won't be particularly surprised that it was made by a (probably non-educated) fan of a team not far from Swansea. What a load of codswallop, yet I am impressed that he or she thinks that Swansea City have such an influence on world football. The statement was made in relation to the style of football that we play and the way we like to pass the ball around. I should add that the poster's team had just lost quite comprehensively to another team who play a similar passing game to Swansea.

It did make me wonder however, what do I want to see when I go and watch my team? Good football? Hoof ball? Goals? Possession? Hard tackling? Long throws into the box? A solid defence? I can honestly say that I love watching the way we play. Keeping the ball, passing, being patient, drawing men, finding gaps. Perhaps I'm biased, or maybe I have just gotten used to it. Of course it's frustrating at times when you want your team to press up the field and attack the opposition, but that is how we have played for the last 4 seasons or so and the majority of Swans fans are happy for us to be playing this brand of football. I think it's great that we have continued to play the same way in out first two games at Premiership level, it shows a lot of bravery and courage, but we do need to be able to kill teams off after dominating the game. Ruined football? Do me a favour. 

But is it good football? That's the extraordinary thing about the beautiful game, every single fan can have their own opinion. What is good football, and what is bad? I would be much more inclined to call our style 'good football' as opposed to the way teams like Stoke play. It has served them well to keep them in the Prem, but I think it would frustrate the hell out of me watching that week after week.

Back to yesterday... Disappointing to see almost a thousand empty seats in the away end, which meant fewer fans to witness their poor performance. Wigan didn't show any creativity what so ever, lacked a dominant presence in the centre of midfield and provided no attacking threat. However, I can see how they can snatch wins after being dominated for 80% of the game. I remember the last game of last season against Stoke which saw them grab a goal after being under severe pressure for the majority of the match. That goal saw them stay up, and fair play to them for being able to do that. Soak up the pressure and hit teams on the break. The Swans could learn a lot from this for the rest of the season, and possibly learn to do it the opposite way... dominate the opposition, and finish them off!

Final note should without a doubt go to the Swansea keeper, Michel Vorm. Take a bow son. Obviously not called the Penalty Killer for nothing. Brilliant. Another possible title... The Vorminator!

Onwards and upwards Jacks and Jackesses. Sunderland next up at the Liberty. An opportunity for some points, hopefully all three. But first Shrewsbury in the Carling Cup. C'mon the Jacks!!

Total Mileage: 22 miles

v Shrewsbury prediction: A confidence boosting 3-1 win

Pointless fact about Swansea City: The club fields rectangular corner flat due to not having won the FA Cup. Teams who have won the FA Cup can field rectangular flags. What an honour eh?

I found this fairly amusing chart of passes from the game.  It looks like a terrible child's drawing but shows how much we pass the ball. I think we covered every single blade of grass in the 2nd quarter of the field!

Welcome to the Premier, lads!

BOOM!!! No, that's not the sound of Aguera's second goal flying in the far corner, it's the sound of two and a half thousand travelling jacks coming back down to earth with a bump.

For me though, I think I must have hit a trampoline because I've bounced right back up to where I was. We are in the Premier League and no-one can take that away from us (for about 8 months at least, I hope!). Ok, my 1-1 prediction was rather ambitious but I couldn't publicly predict a pummelling in our first game, although between me and you I did say 4-0 on the way to the ground!

Let's not shy away from the fact we lost 4-0 though. On paper it looks like a drubbing, but in reality we were beaten by a better team of World class players who were stronger than us and had that 'edge'. We held our own for long periods I thought, continuing our footballing mantra throughout. I've never been a fan of Man City, but it was a pleasure to watch them play tonight, and it gave me particular pleasure watching them start to get twitchy bums in the second half when it was still 0-0!

I think it's fair to say that we did Wales proud tonight. I'm sure our dear friends up the road may question that, but as a team with a record transfer fee of a whopping £3.5mil compared to a squad of proven internationals and worth way in excess of £300mil, we can have no complaints.

I do believe, however, we may have stormed the bragging rights for the singing though. I think there were two thousand Tom Jones' and a few Max Boyces' in the crowd tonight. In fact, there was one citeh fan to our left in the upper tier who quite possible threw her verbal knickers at us. It wasn't pretty, believe me.

Well, that was it, game one. No goals, no points. No problem. Our season doesn't rely on getting points from this type of game. Our home form is crucial, as are the away games against the likes of Wolves, West Brom, Blackburn, QPR etc.

I'm not going to single out anyone for praise or criticism as not only was it the first game of a long season, but I feel the boys deserved to enjoy that game as a little treat for reaching the promised land. No more chances though lads, anyone misfires on Saturday and you're toast.

Next up at home is Wigan Athletic. Roberto Martinez makes his first return to South Wales since he ever so kindly left two seasons ago. Tasty!

Keep the faith Jacks and Jackesses.

Total car mileage: 490
v Wigan prediction: 2-1

The race starts now

Saturday August 13. Two days to go to the biggest game in our teams history (in my lifetime at least), and even though I'm a little bit gutted that the Jack Army won't be appearing on the first Match of the Day of the season, I am just a little bit more excited to be making the trip to the City of Manchester Stadium, sorry Eastlands, sorry... what's it called again? Ah, the Etihad Stadium, on Monday.

Having been a Swan since August 22, 1992 (I will get to this in a later post), I am filled with a sense of anticipation, excitement, hope, dread, fear, pride, jubilation ... the list could go on. Of course, I would do anything for us to survive out first season in the big time, but I've said for many years that I 'just want to see Swansea City in the Premiership, and say I was there!'  I can see it being a long, hard season.  Yes, we'll get our drubbings but the sense of achievement surrounding the club at this time is amazing, and I for one will be relishing every single game, and every mile travelled.

The first Welsh team in the Premier League.  It's going to be special.

Swansea Till I Die.

League prediction: 16th
v Man City prediction: 1-1

Jack