Swansea City: Jack to a King

Following an opening day draw against Stoke, Swansea had the chance on a Monday night in front of a televised audience to show their talents. Newly promoted opposition Bournemouth were Trundle's opposition and new signings Demarai Gray and Charlie Austin were handed starts for their new club.

Callum Wilson gave the home side an early lead with a close ranged finish on 5 minutes. But midfielder Jonjo Shelvey scored a fierce shot only 6 minutes later to silence the Dean Court fans. Winger Demarai Gray put his side in front from the edge of the box to give his side a 2-1 lead going into the break. Swansea continued to dominate the second half and a well timed cross from debutant Demarai Grey found striker Charlie Austin who headed in from close range. Grey had a brace on 59 minutes to complete the 4-1 rout. Striker Bafi Gomis did score late on but it was chalked off after being called offside.

Swansea continued their fine start beating second-place Norwich in front of the Swansea fans. The match looked destined for a bore draw until Robbie Brady was sent off after 70 minutes for a badly timed tackle on Matt Grimes. Swansea's attack eventually broke a resolute defence on 85 minutes through Charlie Austin to give the Swans a 1-0 win and 7 points in 3 games!

Trundle suffered his first competitive defeat in a cup upset at home at the hands of Rochdale. The League 1 side were outplayed all game, but a late Lewis Alessandra strike was enough to secure their progression as the Swans had failed to take their chances. Trundle had given debuts to several players who failed to impress including keeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt, Louis Reed (who was one of the better performers) and youth players Tom Dyson and Stephen Fallon.

Southampton away proved a difficult test for Swansea ahead of the international break. Swansea scored an early goal from in-form winger Demarai Gray after only 7 minutes. Southampton, who controlled the game magaed to equalise from a well executed counter attacking move with Sadio Mane scoring the goal. The second half was a dull affair but a late sending off for Spaniard Jordi Amat would have disappointed Lee Trundle and he has said that the club will be working on their discipline in the coming weeks.

Swansea finished August 5th in the league, only 2 points behind leaders West Ham Utd.

September Fixtures:


Player of the Month

Despite signing after the first game of the season, Demarai Gray has been sensational since joining the Swans. At £5m the young winger is already being tipped as one of the signings of the season. Gray scored 3 goals and got one assist in a terrific month. Trundle will be hoping he can continue this form in September when the Swans face some of the top clubs in the league.

Home Form Is Key in Tough September

Swansea kicked off September with a big win against an out of form Manchester United. With Jordi Amat suspended and McNair ineligible to play, Trundle called up Stephen Kingsley at centre back to make his Premier League debut. Ecuadorian winger Jefferson Montego gave Swansea the lead after 24 minutes with a well timed finish from close range. New signing Charlie Austin continued to win admirers in South Wales as he double Swansea's lead with a volley inside the box from a magnificent cross from Demarai Gray. The result was put beyond doubt after 78 minutes with tenacious midfielder Jack Cork heading one in from a Tabanou free kick. The result meant that Trundle's men would go to Anfield on a 5-match undefeated run in league games!

Liverpool away proved to be a task too difficult for the inexperienced manager as he came face-to-face with Clop's side. Liverpool dominated possession throughout and had 26 shots to Swansea's 6. Swansea's defence managed to restrict Liverpool's attacking onslaught to one goal in the first half though. Adam Lallana's strike after 14 minutes was all that separated the two sides at half time. The second half saw Liverpool grab an early goal, with Martin Skrtel doubling the lead from close range after Swansea failed to deal with a corner effectively. There was a late scare for the Kop after a superb solo effort from Dwight Gayle, scoring his first during his loan spell in Swansea. Sadly Liverpool held on to end Swansea's undefeated run but Trundle said he was proud of his teams performance in a difficult match.

Tottenham at home proved to be an exciting battle showcasing some brilliant attacking football. An error from Neil Taylor allowed Erik Lamela to score after 2 minutes. An incredible last 15 minutes of football in the first half saw Swansea go in 3-2 up at half time. Demarai Gray scored twice on 32 and 40 minutes to give his side the lead, before French wide-man Franck Tabanou scored from close range to make it three. Poor defending from former Spurs midfielder Sigurdsson allowed Nabil Bentaleb to head one in right before the HT whistle. The second half was a much cagier affair with the two sides showing much better defensive discipline. With Spurs desperately chasing the game late on, Charlie Austin rounded off the win for Swansea with a header from a counter attacking move.

Swansea ended September in 3rd place, with many football "experts" eating their words having claimed Lee Trundle would be a massive failure as manager of Swansea.


October Fixtures:


Player of the Month:

The award could have been given to Demarai Gray again after his faultless performance vs Spurs. However, this months most consistent performer has been left-back Neil Taylor. Taylor who played in all 3 games this month achieved a rating above 7 in each game during September: Man Utd (7.6), Liverpool (7.1) and Spurs (7.6). He has been the unsung hero so far in Swansea's start to the season and played a key role in securing a clean sheet for his side vs United by keeping playmaker Juan Mata quiet all game.

In Other News:

Swansea have allowed 7 players to join clubs on short term loans to play first team football: Ben Jones (Nuneaton), Dan Jeffries (Tamworth), new signing Louis Reed (Charlton Ath.), Raheem Hanley (Crewe), Henry Jones (Stevenage), and both Daniel James and Liam Shepard have gone to Chesterfield on loan.

Andre Ayew and Eder have resumed first team training with Ashley Williams expected to return to first team action this month too.

Really nice start to the story, and impressive results last month

joethequin - Thanks for reading and really appreciate the comments! I know, I am quite surprised myself. Expected form to dip in September but Charlie Austin and Demarai Gray have been fantastic additions so far!

Swansea Undefeated Through October

Swansea went into the international break on the back of an impressive 1-1 draw away to Newcastle Utd. It only took summer signing Andre Ayew 5 minutes to make an impact off the bench having missed the start of the season through injury. Ayew's through ball was finished off by Charlie Austin who scored a ferocious shot on the edge of the box to beat Tim Krul. Swansea missed a few chances to stretch their lead before Newcastle's Ayoze Perez equalised from a corner kick. The game fizzled out in the final third without any real chances for both clubs who settled for a share of the spoils.

On their return from international duty the Swans failed to put more pressure on the top sides having failed to beat a West Brom side that came into the game having lose every match this season. Both Andre Ayew and Ashley Williams made their first starts under Lee Trundle but neither could prevent an early second half lead for West Brom when defender Craig Dawson headed a cross into the bottom left corner. Swansea continued to press and eventually got their reward after 85 minutes from a long range free kick. Andres Cubas' cross was found by World Cup finalist Federico Fernandez who headed his side back into the game. Full time 1-1. Trundle said after the game "there was a naivety to our game today, credit to West Brom, they deserved a point".

Swansea saved their best performance in October for the Sky cameras against an in-form Chelsea side. Demarai Gray scored a flukey goal after 42 minutes to give his side a surprise lead at half time despite Chelsea's dominance. It didn't take long for the away team to find themselves back in the game though. Falcao's close range finish gave his side a well deserved goal to make it 1-1 on 48 minutes. Swansea held on and a frustrated Gary Cahill's poorly timed challenge on Dwight Gayle gave the referee no choice but to award the Swans a penalty. Andre Ayew scored the winner from the spot to put Swansea 4th in the league! Man of the match was number one, Lukas Fabianski. The keeper only conceded one goal despite facing 23 shots from Chelsea, 15 of those on target. His performance also awarded him a place in the team of the week.


An elated Lee Trundle told the Sky cameras at full time that his team "showed character and pride in wearing the shirt", the manager went on to describe the win as "our best result this season". Swansea are proving many doubters wrong, but Trundle refused to discuss talk of a top 6 finish this season; "there's plenty of football to play yet".

October remained an undefeated month for Trundle's men thanks to a last minute equaliser from an unlikely source. Kyle Naughton. The defender was delighted to get off the mark for the club he joined in January but was visibly disappointed his side didn't come away with 3 points. Greek left winger Jose Holebas had given the home side an early lead that only lasted 6 minutes thanks to a well timed low cross from Andre Ayew that was tapped in from the explosive winger, Jefferson Montero. With 15 minutes to go it did look like Steven Berghuis had won the game for his side when he scored a fine header from point blank range. Full time 2-2 means Swansea are now 5 games unbeaten and 6th in the league as October comes to an end.


November Fixtures:


Player of the Month:

Kyle Naughton wins the award this month. His consistent defensive performances haven't gone unnoticed and a late equaliser at Watford has only added to an impressive month for the full back.


In Other News:

Loanee Botti Biabi won young player of the month for Newport County in League 2.

Modou Barrow (Fulham), Dan Alfei (Swindon), Raheem Hanley (Southend), Stephen Kingsley (Sheff Utd) and Josh Sheehan (Gillingham) have all gone on short term loans to get some first team football.

Fantastic season so far, I'd be very happy to finish within the Europa League places!

Two Points in Difficult November

Trundle's men started the month with a disappointing draw against relegation contenders Leicester City. Leicester, 17th in the Premier League, dominated the game and got their just rewards when Jamie Vardy smashed one past [Lukasz] Fabianski from close range. However, man of the match Jack Cork managed to find super-sub Charlie Austin on 76 minutes to make it 1-1 and salvage a hard earned point for Swansea at home. Trundle was quick to defend his players saying "I'm pleased with the result. We dug in and got a point out of a game that looked like it was only going to go Leicester's way. There are no easy games in this league and we're in the top third of the league in November."

Swansea returned from an international break to suffer only their second league defeat of the season at Upton Park. It was the Enner Valencia show, with the Ecuadorian forward scoring 4 goals against a leaky Swansea defence! Midfielder Michail Antonio also grabbed a goal against Trundle's men. Swansea did score two goals themselves in the 7-goal thriller. Jordi Amat headed his first Swansea goal in the first half from a corner, and a late penalty for Bafi Gomis game the travelling fans some form of consolation.

The Jacks finished November with an impressive display against top of the league Manchester City. An early goal from Demarai Gray gave the Swans a shock lead in the game, but it was Man City that went in with a 2-1 lead at half time after Raheem Sterling (20 mins) and David Silva (38 mins) scored, both inside the box. A second half header from Gylfi Sigurdsson gave the Icelandic midfielder his first goal in a difficult season to make it 2-2 on 58 minutes. Despite the onslaught from Man City's attack, the Swans defence were motivated by the fans support and held on to earn a massive point to finish the month on a high.


December Fixtures:


Player of the Month:

Congratulations to Ki Sung-Yeung on winning player of the month for November. In a difficult month the South Korean midfielder was one of the only consistent performers for the Swans.

In Other News:

Swansea City legend Angel Rangel requested a transfer citing lack of opportunities as his reason to leave. Lee Trundle allowed the player to move clubs as a sign of respect for his services to the Swans. Rangel, 33, will join Italian side Sassuolo for £500,000 on the 1st of January. The Spaniard has had a successful career side joining Swansea from Terrassa in 2007 for a five-figure fee. Rangel played a key role in both promotions to the Championship in 2008 when they won League 1, and in the 2010/11 season when Swansea were promoted via the Play-Offs to the Premier League. Since the arrival of Kyle Naughton though, his game time has been restricted to sub appearances and cup games, at his age Rangel has decided to leave now in order to play before his career finishes. Rangel made almost 300 league appearances for the club and according to Trundle will "be missed by everyone at Swansea City".


Also, Brandon Griffiths has joined Lincoln on loan and RB Dan Alfei has gone on out on loan for the second time to Tranmere on this occasion.

MaxLuxon - Cheers! November has brought us back down to earth a bit now haha. Yeah top 10 is still my target and anything better is an added bonus! Fortunate that Gray and Austin have been class from the get go too!

Swansea Finish 2015 Off Strongly

Swansea kicked off the month with a bore draw at Goodison Park against Lee Trundle's childhood club, Everton. Swansea did dominate the game throughout, having 13 shots (10 on target) to Everton's 5 (2 on target) but couldn't find that final cutting edge to win the game. Defender Kyle Naughton gave a man of the match display keeping skilful winger Gerard Deulofeu quiet all game and Trundle said afterwards he was pleased with a point away to a strong Everton side.

Defeat against Arsenal at home a week later meant Swansea's run of games without a win was extended to six! Arsenal showed they could switch on the style in the first 40 minutes going two up with goals from Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. A Charlie Austin goal from inside the box on 43 minutes gave the Swans fans something to should about in what had been a quiet game for the attack up to that point. Trundle's half time team talk seemed to do the trick and Swansea performed far better second half, dictating the tempo of the game and passing Arsenal off the pitch. Inevitably Swansea equalised through their star striker Charlie Austin! Sadly Arsenal spoilt the party with 5 minutes left. Aaron Ramsey smashed one in from 25 yards to give Arsenal a 3-2 victory away at the Liberty. Ramsey an ex-Cardiff player certainly looked pleased with the goal and let the Swans fans know it!

Manager Lee Trundle looked a relieved man at the full time whistle at Sunderland as Swansea were given an early Christmas present. Jefferson Montero's great solo effort gave his side the lead going in at half time, but Sunderland's Will Buckley hit a belter from the edge of the area on 60 minutes to make it 1-1. Swansea threw players forward for the final quarter of the game, desperate to end their winless run. Who else but Demarai Grey, hotly tipped for young player of the year, to step up and grab Swansea that elusive win they'd been waiting for!

The Christmas period saw Swansea continue their good form with 7 points in 3 games. Jefferson Montero scored the only goal at home to Crystal Palace to secure a 1-0 win for the Jack Army. Boxing Day saw Swansea share the points at home to Aston Villa. Out-of-form winger Anwar El Ghazi made a rare appearance in the starting line-up and took his chance to get his team a goal in the match that finished 1-1. Swansea saved their most polished performance of the month for last. A 3-0 win away to Palace. Charlie Austin scored a volley and a left footer from outside the area to put Swansea 2-0 up, and it was the in-form winger Jefferson Montero that rounded the win off with another great individual effort having ceased on an error from the usually reliable Jedinak.

Swansea go into the new year 6th in the league and fans can be optimistic of the year ahead!


January Fixtures:


Swansea City will face bitter rivals Cardiff City in the FA Cup 3rd Round at the Cardiff City Stadium!

Player of the Month:

This month has to go to Ecuadorian winger Jefferson Montero. The explosive wide-man has finally found his form under Lee Trundle and capitalised on his chance in the first team. Montero scored some vital goals for his side during their hectic Christmas schedule helping the Jacks to climb back up to 6th place. Montero played 4 of the 5 fixtures this month scoring 3 and assisting one goal. With Demarai Gray out for 2 months Trundle will be hoping the winger can continue with this form in the new year.


In Other News:


Charlie Austin has ended 2015 with 10 goals and is currently 2nd top scorer in the Premier League!

Lee Trundle hasn't wasted any time getting his first January signing at the club.

With the imminent departure of Angel Rangel, Trundle has negotiated a deal to sign 25-year-old out of favour defender Kieran Trippier.

The English right-back joined the Swans for £2.5 million having only made one cup appearance for Spurs this season.

Trundle has declared the signing to be a "bargain" and believes the full back will have a great career with the Swans.

In other news, Swansea have approached to sign Real Sociedad goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli who will be a free agent in the summer. Trundle's men are the front runners to sign the keeper who is apparently interested in moving to the Premier League.

Rulli will be class, and Trippier is a steal for that amount

joethequin - Yeah, PSG are also interested in Rulli though so not sure if I will get him yet - but fingers crossed!! Trippier was a bargain too. Between him and Naughton I have good competition in that area now! Thanks for the comment, much appreciated!

It looks like all those new signings have hit the ground running mate in a great first half to the season.

Out of the Cup, But League Form Continues to Please Trundle!

Swansea began 2016 with an impressive win away to Stoke City. New signing Kieran Trippier gave a man of the match performance, but it was top scorer Charlie Austin that added to his impressive goal tally to give the Jacks a well deserved 1-0 win.

Lee Trundle was given a difficult FA Cup draw away to bitter rivals Cardiff. Swansea fielded a strong side but gave rare starts to keeper Kristoffer Nordfelrdt and Modou Barrow. The Jacks scored early through forward Charlie Austin who capitalised on some awful defending from the Bluebirds. Swansea sealed their place in the 4th round and the bragging rights between these two cities with 3 minutes to go when Ghana winger Andre Ayew smashed one into the top corner from the edge of the area. Trundle was visibly ecstatic with the result and praised new signing Kieran Trippier who had now won back-to-back man of the match awards since joining the Swans.

Newly promoted AFC Bournemouth were unable to put an end to Swansea's good run. French striker Bafi Gomis took early advantage of a rare start by heading in a Jefferson Montero cross on 11 minutes. Swansea were level at the break though, after Glenn Murray had tapped one in from close range after 16 minutes. Jefferson Montero gave his side the lead for the second time on 57 minutes cutting inside and bending the ball into the bottom corner. And the Swans weren't willing to concede the lead again and with 5 minutes to go substitute Charlie Austin headed a cross inside the 6-yard box to put the result beyond doubt.

Carrow Road was host to one of the most boring games of the season a week later. Norwich and Swansea only registered 3 shots on target between them and it's safe to say a point was a fair result in this snooze-fest. Manager Lee Trundle did praise his defence though and that he was happy to hit the 40 point mark so early on.

The less said about Swansea's FA Cup 4th round game the better. Lee Trundle decided to rest a few key players ahead of a difficult February schedule and paid the price for his gamble. City scored all 4 of their goals in the first half to ease through to the next round. Swansea's performance was much better in the second and they were rewarded with a conciliation from Bafi Gomis.


February Fixtures:


Player of the Month:

New signing Kieran Trippier took no time adjusting to his new surroundings and showed terrific consistency during January. The defender played 4 games during the month and never failed to receive a rating below 7: vs Stoke (7.7), vs Cardiff (8.0), vs AFC Bournemouth (8.5) and vs Norwich (7.0). The defender showed his attacking threat this month too, recording 2 assists in his first 4 games. Defensively he's been solid too in each match, making 14 key tackles and playing an important role in 2 clean-sheets for the Swans.

In Other News:

Injuries - Jefferson Montero pulled his hamstring and is out in late February. Demarai Gray will return to the first team from his broken collarbone in mid-February.

Swansea Add Keeper For Future

Swansea City signed Polish keeper Bartlomiej Dragowski from Jagiellonia. The Premier League side beat the likes of AS Monaco to secure Bartlomiej's signature for a fee worth £1.2m. The deal does include add ons which could rise the fee to £3m if the keeper can establish himself as Swansea's number 1.

Following this signing Swansea loaned Swedish goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt to Sparta Prague for the remainder of the season (inc. £50k a month fee).

In other January transfer news, Swansea have loaned out several fringe/youth players to gain first team football.

Most notably Matt Grimes and summer signing Louis Reed have joined Huddersfield and Preston respectively.

Winger Modou Barrow has joined Fulham on loan having failed to nail down a starting place in Swansea's team. Eder who doesn't look like he features in Trundle's plans has been shipped out on loan to French club Lorient who'll pay Swansea a monthly fee of £100,000. Eder hasn't made a single appearance for Swansea and will be determined to prove his value in France ahead of the summer transfer window.

Finally youth players Adam King (Ross County), Aaron Lewis (Blackpool) and Tom Dyson (Bury) have also been sent out on loan.