Swansea City: Jack to a King

walkinshaw - Appreciate the comments! I know, Charlie Austin has been a beast! Gary has missed the last 6 weeks though, can't wait to have him back in the team!

Swansea Winless Run Stretches to 6 Games After Difficult February!

In a dismal month of football for Lee Trundle's team, his beloved Swansea only managed to score twice this month.

The first of two goals came in a decent draw at home against Southampton. The Saints took a shock lead in added time in the the first half through midfielder Steven Davis. But a late second half push saw Swansea get a well deserved equaliser through Charlie Austin (his 13th goal in this year's Premier League).

An early goal from Juan Mata on 3 minutes was enough for United against an uninspiring Swansea performance. Despite the scoreline (1-0) Swansea were never at the races and can't have any arguments about losing to the Red Devils.

The Jacks gave themselves too much to do against Klopp's Liverpool having gone two down in the first 19 minutes (Firmino '6, Milner '19 PEN). Swansea played some decent football after a catastrophic start and managed to defend much better after conceding the penalty. Anwar El Ghazi grabbed a goal on 50 minutes to give the home crowd some hope of a comeback but a second goal eluded the Swansea attack who were now five games without a win.

If Swansea fans were hoping Spurs away would be the fixture to end this poor run they were massively mistakes. The "Harry Kane Show" was in town and Swansea had to answers to his questions. Kane's hat-trick was enough to give Tottenham fans a comfortable 3-0 win at home as they continue their push for a first Premier League title.

The Swans spent February sliding down the table, finding themselves in 9th place as the month came to a close! Lee Trundle will be hoping for an improvement in March and the rookie manager has told Sky that he and Alan [Curtis] have held a team meeting to try and rediscover their earlier form.


March Fixtures:


Player of the Month:

In a difficult month for the Swans, there weren't many contenders for this months award. However, Lukas Fabianski did give a man of the match performance in Swansea's only point of February (7.9 vs Southampton). He gave a good account of himself at Old Trafford too, limiting United to one early goal.

In Other News:


Surprisingly Watford defied the odds to lift the first meaningful silverware of the 2015/16 season as they became Capital One Cup Champions! In a dull final that ended goalless, Watford held their nerve to beat Championship side Hull City in penalties. Watford will now play in the Europa League next season, meaning only the top 6 in the Premier League can earn a place in one of Europe's major tournaments for next season.

Striker Alex Samuel has been loaned to Port Vale, Daniel James ha extended his loan move at Chesterfield and Josh Sheehan has joined Bolton on loan.

Midfielder Danny Drinkwater has damaged his achilles tendon and will be out for 2-3 months.

Tough month, but you can hopefully win again this month.

joethequin - It really was! Fixtures are a bit more winnable this month though so I'm hopeful we can move back up the table!

Great story mate!

Hope you can bounce back from the difficult month

Tshepo - Thanks for reading! Hope I can too haha!

Swansea put an end to their dreadful form with a stylish display against Newcastle at the Liberty Stadium. It only took top scorer Charlie Austin 11 minutes to put his side ahead with a fine finish inside the area. Swansea, who dominated the game got their rewards after 56 minutes when Paul Dummett's poorly timed challenge on Andre Ayew won Swansea a penalty. Gylfi Sigurdsson stepped up to smash the penalty into the top left corner to get his second of the season and Swansea's second of the game. The game was beyond doubt after 64 minutes when Jefferson Montero added another goal to his impressive season to make it 3-0. Newcastle gave themselves a late lifeline when Jack Colback scored from close range after 78 minutes as the Swans defence switched off, but that was all she wrote and the Swans took a 3-1 win to start March off with a bang! Lee Trundle looked relieved as he faced the media after the game and praised his team's professionalism and never say die attitude after a difficult 6 weeks.

Poor discipline gave Swansea a comfortable win against 20th place West Brom at the Hawthorns. Despite an even contest an out of character two footed challenge from Darren Fletcher gave the referee no choice but to send the Scot off after 34 minutes. The Swans exploited the advantage in 3 minutes, when Andre Ayew finished a well timed low cross from his opposite winger, Demarai Gray. Just before half time, Claudio Yacob got WBA's second red card of the half with another poor challenge to make it 9 vs 11 for the second half. Swansea looked comfortable throughout the second with their two man advantage. And Demarai Gray scored his first goal since returning from injury after 73 minutes to give Swansea back-to-back wins as they won 2-0.

Swansea's fixture vs Chelsea on the 12/03/16 had been postponed due to Chelsea's progression in the FA Cup. The match has been re-arranged for Wednesday the 27th of April.

With a two week break Swansea's players came up against a League Cup winners Watford in good form. Swansea showed Watford no mercy as they continued their great run and it was top scorer Charlie Austin who opened Swansea's account for the day after 29 minutes, scoring his 15th league goal of the season. Watford tried to get themselves back into the game but goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski, making his first Premier League appearance, was determined to leave the pitch with a clean-sheet. A second yellow for Valon Behrami after 71 minutes gave Watford little hope of equalising in this match and with 7 minutes to go Bafi Gomis scored a ferocious shot from the edge of the area to give Swansea a 2-0 win against the Hornets.

With international duty being played for the last week of March, Swansea finished the month in 7th after a successful month of fixtures!


April Fixtures:


Player of the Month:

This month's award goes to defensive midfielder Andres Cubas. The Argentinian consistently performed for this club during their successful run, giving a man of the match performance against Newcastle (8.7) and then playing well against WBA (7.0) and Watford (7.9). Trundle will be hoping this is the beginning of a bright future for the summer signing from Boca Juniors.


In Other News:

It was a disastrous international break for Swansea, who've lost two key players ahead of a busy April schedule. Defender Federico Fernandez who's already made 28 apps this season will be out for 4 weeks having suffered a back strain playing for Argentina. His South American teammate, Jefferson Montero, who has been in phenomenal form this season, scoring 7 and getting 5 assists, will be out for 7-8 weeks having suffered strained knee ligaments.Trundle will miss both first team regulars but has backed his squad to continue their form despite these set-backs.

After a successful loan spell with Port Vale Alex Samuel has joined Southend on another short term loan spell. Forward James Demetriou will also spend a month on loan at Exeter.

Mixed Results For Swansea as They Hold On to Europa Dream

Swansea started April off with a late two-goal comeback against Leicester at the King Power Stadium. Leicester scored goals on both sides of the half time break through Riyad Mahrez ('39 PEN) and Jamie Vardy (56). But Swansea left their goals late with Jack Cork's header after 85 minutes giving the Swans slim hope of getting a point from the game. The equaliser did come as Trundle threw all his players forward in a desperate attempt to grab a goal. Super-sub Bafi Gomis smashed one into the bottom corner a minute into added time to give Swansea an unexpected point and keep the pressure on the teams around them.

West Ham at home was a chance for Trundle's men to avenge their woeful 5-2 defeat at Upton Park in 2015. Swansea will see this result as an opportunity wasted. Striker Bafi Gomis started the game having shown good form in recent weeks and rewarded Trundle for his bold decision after 7 minutes when he volleyed one past Adrian. A lapse of concentration saw the Hammers make it 1-1 after 10 minutes through Pedro Obiang. Swansea, who controlled the game got their just rewards a minute into the second half when Anwar El Ghazi cut inside to bend one past the West Ham keeper. Once again Swansea's lead was short lived. Michail Antonio scored 5 minutes later to make it 2-2 and even though Swansea were knocking at the door for the majority of the second half Swansea couldn't prevent West Ham from leaving the Liberty with a point.

In a match of few chances on target for both teams Swansea managed to record their third consecutive draw as they held City to a 0-0 draw at the Etihad. Defenders Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor were the most notable performers in a dull affair that saw Swansea go 6 games unbeaten.

The Jack Army had their best performance of the month against Europa League challengers Everton. Demarai Grey gave his side a 1-0 lead at half time having scored from close range after 14 minutes. Defensive midfielder Andres Cubas headed his side two up early in the second half to give the Swans a stronger grasp over the game. But striker Steven Naismith came off the bench to put Everton back in the match after 67 minutes, getting on the end of a Lukaku shot that was parried out by Fabianski. It only took the Swans two minutes to restore their 2 goal lead when Charlie Austin added goal number 16 to his campaign. Trundle's men held on to win despite a late second from Steven Naismith to record their first win of April.

Swansea secured a hard earned point at Stamford Bridge mid-week against Chelsea. The underdogs went 1-0 up after 41 minutes through Swansea star Demarai Grey's strike from the edge of the box. A second half screamer from Nemanja Matic ('51) gave the home fans something to shout about. But keeper Lukasz Fabianski was in fine form and restricted Chelsea to one goal, ensuring Swansea left with a 1-1 draw - their 15th draw of the season!

Swansea's fine run came to an end at the end of April when Trundle's men went to title chasers Arsenal. The Jacks were never really in the game and the 2-0 scoreline flatters them considering most of the match was spent in their own half. One goal in both halves from Theo Walcott ('32) and Alexis Sanchez ('78) was enough to keep Arsenal top of the league with two games remaining. Swansea finished the month in 7th ahead of their two final fixtures with European football still a possibility for next year.


May Fixtures:


Player of the Month:

The captain led by example this month and has earned his first player of the month this season. Ashley Williams played a key role helping his side keep a clean sheet at the Etihad by keeping Sergio Aguero quiet all game. His strong defensive performances were also vital to restricting Chelsea to one goal and under difficult circumstances against Arsenal's deadly attack. Williams played every game in April and Trundle will be hoping the defender continues to showcase his defensive prowess in the last two games of the season.


In Other News:

Bafetimbi Gomis has requested a transfer from the club. The Frenchman has cited a lack of playing time as the reason for the move. Gomes has made 10 starts and 9 sub appearances in this seasons Premier League scoring 7 goals (plus 1 in 3 cup games). Swansea are open to offers with Lee Trundle's team rumoured to be willing to let Gomis leave for an offer around £8 million. Aston Villa are apparently interested in the forward but there's been no offers made yet for the player.

Game 37 - Swansea v Sunderland

Swansea's final home game of the season saw the Swans face bottom half of the table Sunderland in front of a packed Liberty Stadium.

Trundle made 3 changes to the side that last 2-0 at the Emirates last week:


Right-back Kieran Trippier replaced Kyle Naughton, Jonjo Shelvey was in for the ever-consistent Ki Sung-Yeung and there was no surprise to see Demarai Gray return to the line-up in place of Anwar El Ghazi.

It didn't take Swansea long to get going, striker Charlie Austin smashed in his 17th league goal of the season (18th overall) after only 12 minutes to put Trundle's men ahead, getting onto the end of a precisely timed cross from Kieran Trippier.

Argentinian Andres Cubas doubled Swansea's lead before the half-hour mark with a well executed long range finish from over 25 yards against Costel Pantilimon.



The provider turned goal scorer in the second half when Kieran Trippier got on the end of an Andre Ayew cross to score from close range. Sunderland failed to score despite having decent phases in the second half with the ball and Trundle's men finished the game with a 3-0 victory, taking advantage of Manchester City's defeat in the early kick off to keep the European hopes alive. Swansea's players done a lap of honour to thank the fans after the game with the crowd chanting the name of their new manager.



Kieran Trippier - The right-back scored and grabbed an assist for his side. Tripper took full advantage of his return to the first team, helping his side keep a clean sheet by keeping danger man Adam Johnson quiet all game.

Premier League Results:




Mid-week Game:


Latest Table:


With Man City hosting Chelsea on the last day of the season Swansea can guarantee a top 6 finish with a win at 19th place Aston Villa. A Chelsea victory would mean the Swans would only need a draw to achieve this feat.

The title race is going down to the wire. Liverpool only need a point at Norwich to give Jurgen Klopp a Premier League title in his first year in charge at the Reds. Arsenal will be ready to take advantage if Liverpool lose. They host Leicester in the final day of the season.

Man Utd need a point at Southampton to achieve a top 4 finish unless Chelsea fail to win.

At the foot of the table WBA are already down and the last two spots are between Stoke (33 points), Bournemouth (33) and Villa (31). Villa must win at home to Swansea to have any hope of survival. A win for Stoke at home to Newcastle would guarantee their survival and Bournemouth are home to Spurs and must better Stoke's result to survive the drop.

All in all it will be an exciting end to an unpredictable season!

Game 38 - Trundle Guides Swansea to 6th Place Finish!

The Swans made one change from the side that won against Sunderland last week.

South Korean Ki Sung-Yeung replaced Jonjo Shelvey ahead of the biggest game in Lee Trundle's managerial career.

His decision to stick with the same attack was vindicated after 44 minutes when Charlie Austin netted his 18th league goal of the season from close range with a well timed finish from a Franck Tabanou cross.




Aston Villa tried desperately in the second half to claw themselves back into the game and avoid the drop but the closest they came was a Gabby Agbonlahor shot that hit the crossbar.

Swansea's dominance of possession proved enough to hold on to their 1-0 lead and secure a 6th place finish.

The was heart break for captain Micah Richards though as the Villans were relegated from the Premier League despite his fantastic performance.

After the game Lee Trundle sent his commiserations to his opposite number, Remi Garde (who was then fired later this evening). Trundle has said he will be watching the FA Cup final to see if his Swansea side can secure a Europa League place but whatever happens he is proud of his team achieving a top six finish.



Micah Richards

Final Day Results:


Final League Standings:


Chelsea's draw with Manchester City meant that despite losing at Southampton, Manchester United secured the final Champions League spot this season.

There was heartbreak for Liverpool who couldn't get that elusive point at Carrow Road to win their first title. Arsenal won with ease at home against Leicester 3-0 to secure their first Premier League title since 2004 and get crowned the new Champions of England.

All three relegation battlers failed to show any inspiration in the last week of the season with all of them succumbing to defeats. Stoke losing 3-1 at home to Newcastle, Villa 1-0 at home to Swansea and Bournemouth 4-1 at home to Spurs.

As a result Stoke City will return to the Premier League next season with AFC Bournemouth and Aston Villa preparing for Championship football in the 2016/17 season.

In Other News:



Charlie Austin finished the campaign with 18 goals in 27 starts and 7 sub appearances. Trundle's summer signing was joint 2nd top scorer in the league, playing a key role in the Swans' successful season.

Team of the Season:


Other Awards:

Spurs have lifted the FA Cup having defeated Manchester City 2-0 thanks to a Harry Kane brace.

As a result Swansea City will participate in the Europa League next season, with Man City failing to qualify for Europe - unless they can win their first European Cup final later this month.



Burnley have defeated Wolves 2-0 to secure their promotion back to the Premier League.

They will be joined by league champions Leeds United and runners-up Middlesbrough.



Last season's runners-up went one step better this time winning 2-1 in the final against Manchester City. Juventus dominated the game and were worthy winners of Europe's elite competition.

Bad news though for City boss Manuel Pellegrini who was sacked as a result of their defeat, which meant City had a trophy-less season and failed to secure European football for the upcoming season.

Bookies are already linking some big names to the vacant role with favourite Jose Mourinho (5-2) and Carlo Ancelotti (3-1) said to be extremely interested in another chance to manage in England.

In other news, Marseille have defeated Valencia 1-0 (Ocampos '10) to win this season's Europa League.

Swansea City have strengthened their attacking options this summer as Lee Trundle successfully negotiated the £6m transfer of English forward Danny Ings from Liverpool.


The striker struggled for game-time last season at Anfield and was seen as surplus to requirements by manager Jurgen Klopp. Danny [Ings] has taken a massive wage cut to join Swansea ahead of the European campaign and said the lure of first team football at a progressive football club made it an easy decision.

Ings failed to score last season but only made 2 starts for the Reds. Trundle has full confidence in the striker though and believes it won't take long for the forward to return to scoring ways down in South Wales.

With Swansea securing the signing of another striker transfer listed Bafi Gomis was allowed to leave to Championship club Aston Villa for £5m. Lee Trundle was disappointed to see the striker leave, stating he assumed the forward would've shown more fight to re-establish himself as Swansea's number one striker.


In addition to Danny Ings and the arrival of free transfer Geronimo Rulli, Swansea have made a shock signing, persuading Borussia Dortmund centre-back Neven Subotic to join the club. Subotic, who has won two German Super Cups, two Bundesliga's and played in a Champions League final will be seen as a major coup for Trundle's team.

Subotic joins the Swans for £3.4m and similar to Danny Ings has taken a wage cut to join the Jacks. The defender has 44 caps for Serbia and has been a regular in Dortmund's XI for eight years!

In other news, Swansea have allowed out of favour wing-back Franck Tabanou to leave the club after one season to join Serie A side Udinese for £4m. Tabanou made 15 appearances last season for the Swans but was told he could leave the club as Trundle continues to shape his side.

Swansea have also refrained from offering contracts to several youngsters who are now free agents. Most notably defenders Daniel Alfei and Raheem Hanley will play their football elsewhere next season. In addition; Alexandar Gogic, Alex Samuel, Adnan Maric, James Demetriou, Sam Evans, Henry Jones, Alex Bray, Connor Roberts and Keston Davies have all left the club.



The Swans will start their pre-season preparations with an away game against Belgian side Lokeren in the evening on July 7th. The Jacks will then leave for a 10 days training camp in Hong Kong that will see the Swans face Premier League rivals Stoke at the Hong Kong Stadium and local side Kitchee five days later. Lee Trundle will then take his side to the U.S. for a three-game tour when the Swans will face Kaka's Orlando City and second division side Fort Lauderdale Strikers in Florida. The final leg of this short tour will see the Swans go to Kansas to face MLS side Sporting Kansas City before returning to the UK ahead of their season opener against Sunderland at the Liberty.

Swansea Strengthen During July Ahead of European Campaign

Ins:

Manager Lee Trundle has continued to add to his team this summer ahead of his second season in charge at the Liberty. Trundle has managed to negotiate a £5m deal for Brazil under-20 international Guilherme Arana from Corinthians.


Trundle tried to sign the left-back last summer on a loan deal but the youngster favoured a move to Bundesliga side Hoffenheim where he made 16 starts for the German club during their 2015/16 campaign. Arana will be seen as the successor to Franck Tabanou and will battle Neil Taylor for the starting left-back position in the Swans' side.


Swansea have added another attacking weapon to their arsenal by securing Argentine forward Jonathan Calleri from Boca Juniors for £7m. Despite advances from Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan the lure of Premier League football has ensured Swansea negotiated a 5-year-contract for the 22 year old. Caleri scored 14 in 16 games in 2016 and manager Lee Trundle is excited to see what the forward will bring to Swansea as he begins his new adventure in Europe.

The Swans have also secured deals for centre-midfielder Dennis Praet (£3.5m) from Anderlecht and Croatian "wonder-kid" Nikola Vlasic for £6m from Hajduk.

Lee Trundle has also been busy adding youth players to his squad during the summer with defender Ousmane Diouf (£100k from Royal Mouscron in Belgium), Lazlo Benes (£500k from Zilina), Cleider Rendon (£750k from Pasto) and John Hou Saeter (£185k from Rosenborg) moving to the South Wales club.

Transfers Out:

Swansea have allowed fringe player Modou Barrow to join Aston Villa for £2m. The winger spent most of last season out on loan but the Swans will be pleased making a handsome profit on the Gambian forward.

Goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt has also left Swansea to Serie A side Frosinone for £750k.

In addition, having spent a season on loan with Leicester, Swansea winger Nathan Dyer has moved to Premier League rivals Watford for £5m this summer. Lee Trundle, who had played with the winger at Swansea during their time together in the Championship, called Dyer a "club legend" but stated the move was necessary and beneficial to the players future.

Swansea have been forced to sell one first team regular this summer too. South Korean midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung has left Swansea to join Serie A giants AC Milan for £20 million pounds! Lee Trundle said the player expressed a desire to join the San Siro club and was promised by the board that the money would be re-invested into the club. Ki made 32 Premier League appearances for Swansea during their most successful Premier League campaign and chairman Huw Jenkins has declared the sale of a fans favourite as good business having bought the midfielder for £5m in 2012.


Swansea have also allowed veteran goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel and Jack Watts to be released from their contracts and sold Lee Lucas (Leyton Orient) and Owain Jones (Southend) on free transfers.

Loans Out:

Swansea have allowed several players to join their feeder clubs Newport County and Brighton during this summer window:

Newport County loans from Swansea are Botti Biabi, Joe Rodon, Aaron Lewis and Keiran Evans.

New feeder club Brighton have taken keeper Bartlomiej Dragowski, Ryan Hedges, new signing Laszlo Benes and Matt Grimes all on loan for the upcoming season.

Swansea academy prospects Tom Dyson (Barnsley) and Liam Cullen (Portsmouth) have also left the club for loan spells in the football league as Trundle hopes they can get some much needed first team action to continue their progression as potential future players at the club.

Left-back Stephen Kinglsey (Bolton) and Louis Reed (Brentford) have been loaned to Championship clubs too for next seasons campaign, as well as Scot Jay Fulton who's been loaned to Aston Villa for £300k for a year.

Finally Danny Drinkwater, who had an injury plagued season last year has been offered the chance to go on loan to Watford for a year to get some first team football as he continues his recovery. The former Leicester man will spend a season at Vicarage Road, costing the Hornets £1m during his loan spell.

An absolutely brilliant story so far - can't wait to see what comes next for the swans!