Taking Flight Once Again: Swansea City

Information:

Name: Swansea City Association Football Club
Location: Swansea, Wales
Club Status: Professional
Nickname: The Swans
Founded: 1912
League: Sky Bet Championship

Chairman: Huw Jenkins
Owners: Jason Levien & Steve Kaplan
Manager: N/A
Assistant Manager: Billy Reid

Facilities

Stadium: Liberty Stadium
Location: Swansea, Wales
Capacity: 21,088 (20,996 used)
Built: 2005
Under Soil Heating: Yes
Roof: No
Surface: Grass/Synthetic Mix

Corporate Facilities: Average
Training Facilities: Great
Data Facilities: Excellent
Youth Facilities: Good
Youth Level: 1

Training Ground: Fairwood
Location: Swansea, Wales
Junior Coaching: Adequate
Youth Recruitment: Well-established

Club Rivals

Fierce: Cardiff City (South Wales Derby)
Others: Bristol City, Bristol Rovers

History

Trophies Won: 30
Includes: Capital One Cup (2013), Sky Bet League One (2008), Sky Bet League Two (2000), Johnstone's Paint Trophy (1994, 2006)

Last Five Seasons:
2013/14: 12th (Premier League)
2014/15: 8th (Premier League)
2015/16: 12th (Premier League)
2016/17: 15th (Premier League)
2017/18: 18th (Premier League, relegated)

Legends & Icons

Legends: Alan Curtis
Icons: Leon Britton, Ivor Allchurch, James Thomas, Lee Trundle

Others

Favoured Personnel: John Toshack, Roger Freestone, Jan Molby, Alan Tate, Angel Rangel, Chris Coleman, Brian Flynn, Brendan Rodgers

Club Records

Highest Attendance: 32,765 (vs Arsenal, 1st October 1968)
Lowest Attendance: 1,301 (vs Northampton, 18th September 1973)

Biggest Win: 8-0 (vs Hartlepool, 1st April 1978)
Biggest Loss: 1-8 (vs Fulham, 22nd January 1938)

Most League Appearances: 585 (Wilfred Milne)
Most League Goals: 35 (Cyril Pearce, 1932/33)

Highest League Finish: 6th (Division One, 1981/82)
Lowest League Finish: 22nd (Division Four, 1974/75)

Record Transfer: Andre Ayew (£18,000,000 from West Ham, 31st January 2018)
Record Fee Received: Gylfi Sigurdsson (£40,000,000 to Everton, 16th August 2017)

They were such a promising side now so long ago. I'm confident you can help them find their way again!

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Swansea City have parted ways with manager Carlos Carvalhal following relegation from the Premier League.

The 52-year-old succeeded previous boss, Paul Clement, in December; after leaving Sheffield Wednesday on a deal that lasted until the end-of-the-season, which included a clause to extend his deal, should the Swans had wished to trigger it.

However, chairman Huw Jenkins decided that the Portuguese boss isn't the right man to lead the club into their return to the Championship - making him the fourth boss to be sacked within two years; following Francesco Guidolin, Bob Bradley and Paul Clement out the Liberty Stadium backdoor.

There are several high-profile names being linked with the job, in which surprisingly include Laurent Blanc, who was most recently with French side Paris Saint-Germain, alongside names such as Englishman Graham Potter, who has worked wonders with Swedish side Ostersunds.

Jenkins told BBC Sport, "We don't want to rushed into making another wrong appointment. It has caused us to go in the wrong direction and seen our relegation back to the Championship."

"We enjoyed a seven year run in the Premier League - but we don't want it to end at that. We are keen to make sure we oversee an immediate return, that is the aim. For that, we need to find the right man for the job and that will take time."

Despite the club's relegation, Jenkins was keen to thank Carvalhal: "It just didn't work out, unfortunately. Carlos is an excellent manager as he has displayed in his short managerial career thus far and we wish him the best of luck in his future ventures. He has a bright future ahead of him, but that isn't with us."

The club also confirmed first-team coaches Joao Mario and Bruno Lage have left the Liberty Stadium, along with match analysts Jhony Conceicao and Paulo Sampaio.

Whereas the likes of Ki-Sueng-Yung, Lukasz Fabianski and Angel Rangel all look set to join Andre Ayew and brother Jordan in leaving the club.

Replies

Justice: I know, it's a real shame to see the decline over the past few years. Hopefully we can help bring back better days!

There's only one man for the job.

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Swansea City have named club favourite Leon Britton as the successor to Carlos Carvalhal, following his departure earlier this month.

Britton announced his retirement following the club's relegation, however was "keen" to be involved with the club in their quest to return to the top flight.

This will be Britton's first permanent role in management, following a brief spell in caretaker charge last season - where he recorded a point from two games, after the sacking of Paul Clement.

The 35-year-old former midfielder was a regular at the Liberty, making 536 appearances for the Swans after initially joining on a one-month loan deal from West Ham United in 2002.

In two spells with the club, racking up over 15 years of service for the Welsh side, Britton helped the club avoid relegation from the Football League and win three promotions to the Premier League - as well as being a pivotal part to Swansea's first major cup success, as they won the Capital One Cup in 2013.

However, the playmaker had only featured once - in an FA Cup win over Sheffield Wednesday - in Carvalhal's reign, having stood down from his player-coach role when the Portuguese took over.

In a club statement, Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins wrote: "We are delighted to welcome back Leon Britton to the Liberty Stadium. Leon is a familiar face at the club, having served with us for over a decade and his knowledge of the club is second-to-none."

"We received many applicants for the vacant managerial role, but we personally approached Leon and asked if he'd like to be considered. We felt it was important to bring in someone who knew the traditions and history of the club - to almost allow us to win back the image of our football club, that seemed to have been blurred in recent times."

"The expectations are high, but Leon knows what we expect of him. You, the supporters, I know will give him the full support he deserves. Myself, Jason and Steve strongly believe that this is the right appointment at the right time and the aim, as it always has been since the day our fortune was sealed, is to make an immediate return to the Premier League."

"With that said, we would like to wish him the best of luck and we look forward to a bright future under his leadership."

Swansea have also announced the departures of Lukasz Fabianski to West Ham and Ki-Sueng-Yung to Newcastle. Angel Rangel has also departed the club, after spending eleven years in Wales.

Replies

Justice: How can't you love that picture, absolute beauty that is Neil Warnock.

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Recently appointed Swansea boss Leon Britton has spoken for the first-time since being given the role earlier this week.

The 35-year-old takes the reigns at the Liberty Stadium with the club beginning for life back in the Championship, following relegation under the guidance of Carlos Carvalhal last season.

Britton, who made over 500 appearances for the club, retired at the end of last season - making just a single appearance after his two-game spell as interim manager in December.

Speaking to us, he said: "It's a great pleasure to be welcomed back by the club I worked so hard for. I love this club, it helped me enjoy a brilliant career and enjoy every minute of football I played. To be here, as a manager, is a daunting experience but one I am very much relishing."

"I learnt a lot in the brief time I had as caretaker boss last season. It was then that I knew this was the next chapter for me. I didn't expect to be given the invitation by Huw [Jenkins], but I am very grateful for the opportunity and I look forward to working with the players and seeing the fans once again."

"Obviously, it's not going to be a simple task. I know what to expect and I am not expecting an easy ride at all. The Championship is an incredibly difficult league to get out of, as many have found out over the years. We have lost a lot of talented lads, but it's my job to ensure we bring in the right faces in order for us to achieve our aims this season."

"We haven't hid what those objectives are for a reason. We want to make a statement, but we won't be underestimating any side in this division. It's imperative we bring back the good times to the Liberty, as the mood hasn't been the best over the past twelve months, personally."

"I promise that the communication will be there between myself and the supporters. I pride myself on being an honest man, who will accept praise and criticism, whatever it may be. I want to bring an entertainment factor back, similar to what we used to be known as - the Swansea way."

"Like I said though, I am confident about the future here. I am going to learn a lot as the season goes on, but my inexperience in management will be no excuse. I have learnt a lot on the pitch and I will be using the tools available to me, the people around me, such as the staff and personal contacts, to ensure that I am ready."

Swansea will begin their Sky Bet Championship campaign on 4th August when they travel to Bramall Lane to take on Sheffield United. The Swans' first home game back in the Championship will be on 11th August as they host Alex Neil and his Preston North End side.

Good luck mate! I know you'll do well!

The fans will be happy with this appointment, promotion incoming!

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Swansea City have completed the signing of central-defender James Collins on a free, after the former Welsh international was released by West Ham United.

Collins joins on a one-year-deal after his contract was not renewed by West Ham at the end of last season. The defender spent six years at the club, making 134 appearances for the Hammers after joining from Aston Villa for £2,500,000 in 2012.

The 34-year-old made 13 appearances last year, scoring once, as West Ham endured a poor campaign in the Premier League under Slavan Bilic and his successor David Moyes.

Collins becomes the sixth Summer signing for Swansea, following the signings of Declan John, Barrie McKay, Bersant Celina and Joel Asoro, as well as Cameron Carter-Vickers on loan from Spurs.

However, manager Leon Britton has not ruled out further business being conducted."I think we still need to improve in some areas. I'll continue to work hard with my staff to find suitable targets that improve the squad and allow us to achieve our aims this season." He said.

Speaking on the arrival of Collins, who was capped 51 times by Wales, Britton said: "James is an experienced player who has been a regular in the Premier League for many, many seasons. To bring in a veteran such as him is a big boost. We have a young squad and to have someone with his ability and experience will really benefit them and their progression over the course of the season."

There has been activity going out of the club also, with Wayne Routledge and Nathan Dyer both leaving on loan. Routledge, 33, has joined League One side Sunderland, whereas Dyer, 30, joins Millwall. Both have joined until the end-of-the-season. Winger Luciano Narsingh is also close to completing a loan move to Preston North End.

Replies

Jim: Thanks, Jim! Looking forward to a (hopefully) successful spell in Wales.

Justice: I would imagine they are. As for promotion, fingers crossed.

Oh I am so ready for this.

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Leon Britton has further added to his squad, after completing the signings of Conor Washington, Bailey Wright and Lucas Piazon on season-long-loan deals.

The acquisitions take the tally of signings made by the Swans to nine, ahead of their opening day clash with Chris Wilder's Sheffield United; as they make their return to the Sky Bet Championship following relegation last campaign.

Washington, 26, joins from the Blades and therefore will be unable to make his debut on the opening day. The forward joined on a free, after leaving QPR - where he scored six in 33 appearances last campaign.

The Northern Irish international will be making a return to Wales, after making his Football League debut at Newport County. He made 24 appearances for County, in their debut season after joining from St Ives for £10,000, scoring four.

Capped 17 times by his country, scoring three, Britton is confident that Washington will provide as competition for Scottish international Oliver McBurnie and Ivorian Wilfried Bony.

"Conor is a very talented player and has shown what he's capable on both at club level and internationally. He will be massively important to us over the course of the season, but especially in the first half - with Wilfried [Bony] unfortunately being out with injury."

"He will be a huge contributor this season, I believe. He is more than just a striker, as his time with QPR shown."

Defender Bailey Wright has joined from Bristol City, after being made surplus to requirements this season by manager Lee Johnson, following the arrivals of Adam Webster and Tomas Kalas.

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The Australian international made 36 appearances last season, as the Robins recorded a top half finish - alongside a semi-final run in the Carabao Cup, including a historic win over Manchester United.

Wright, 26, joined from Preston North End in 2017 after being an ever-present figure at Deepdale for the previous four campaigns, as they won back promotion to the Championship via the playoffs in 2015.

"Bailey provides further depth to a strong defence," said Britton. "He has a great amount of experience under his belt at a relatively young age and his services will be greatly important to us this season."

"I've admired his talent for some time and I believe he's not far away from breaking into the Premier League - he's that good, in my eyes. There's a lot of competition for places here and that can only be a good thing."

Lucas Piazon is the third arrival to the Liberty Stadium, completing a seventh loan spell since joining Chelsea in 2011 from Brazilian side Sao Paulo. The winger enjoyed a loan-spell with Fulham last season, recording 22 appearances as the Cottagers made their return to the top flight.

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The Brazilian has made 73 appearances in the Championship, across three different loan spells - including a spell with Reading and two separate moves to Fulham, netting 13 times.

"His abilities cannot be doubted. Lucas possess great skill and that's why he's still on the books at Chelsea. He will be a real impact player for us this season."

"I feel like he could be the final piece of the jigsaw, but who knows. There's still time for incomings and outgoings," concluded Britton.

Luciano Narsingh has also completed his loan move to Preston North End. The Dutch winger joined in 2017 from PSV for £3,900,000 but has failed to live up to his value in Wales; making just 18 appearances last season, scoring once.

Replies:

Jack: I hope so.

Some very interesting additions, Piazon especially so. Remember seeing him at Elland Road and he was absolutely outstanding in the Championship for Fulham. Washington also a very good Championship signing, however, I don't believe he can cut it in the Prem if you were to try and make his move permanent if you won promotion back there.

All in all, some very good deals going on here

An awesome start to the story mate, have always had a soft spot for Swansea so hopefully you can take them back into the Premier League playing the type of football they caught everyones attention with when they first were promoted!

Some great additions to the squad too and Lucas Piazon always turns into a real star for me on FM so hopefully he can replicate his fine form for you!

Attack boosted with Washington & Piazon, defence boosted with Collins & Wright. Time to start the party!

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Leon and the players travelled to Portugal during pre-season, where the squad would take on four Portuguese outfits over the course a week, before returning to England to face Yeovil and host German side Werder Bremen.

Leon said, "It has been a successful few weeks for myself and the players. It has been a very important Summer for the club - on and off the pitch. There has been a lot of bedding in needing to take place, but I feel that the team have gelled really well over the course of pre-season."

"It's imperative we got players up to fitness quickly. It's normal for players to often return slightly off the expectations; but we've not really had those problems, admittedly. Everyone is keen to get going and begin life back in the Championship - it's an important season for all of us."

Here are the sides results over the course of the pre-season campaign:

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Replies

Jack: Piazon is a very good player, indeed. I'm surprised nobody has tried to go in for him permanently, or they may have and Chelsea won't allow him to go... hopefully he can soon, since I don't think he'll ever break into the first-team there. Washington is very much a Championship level player for the time-being, totally agree with you there.

Griffin: Thanks mate. I always admired Swansea in the Premier League in the early years too. Under Rodgers and Laudrup they had a great squad and played some fantastic football; even under Monk at first, things weren't too bad. Fingers crossed with Piazon!

Justice: Do they know how to party in Wales?