In The Programme - Scunthorpe United

Well here we are again and an early kick off this time so that we can head directly to the pub, consume copious amounts of alcohol and hopefully start to wonder when the BBC will churn out the next viewing of that 70's classic 'Grand Slam' Football is moved for the rugby again meaning that many Scunthorpe fans will be here today a little bleary eyed at having to get up a little bit earlier for the trip down to the Vetch today.

It's been a tough period for the Swans with just two points taken from the last twelve available (at the time of writing) meaning that we are probably looking at today's fixture as a 'must win' game - but the reality is we should approach all our remaining games with that thought in mind from now on in. It's a wobble at the moment and one that we have to come out of sooner rather than later but we have the manpower to do it so let's do it starting today?

It was disturbing last week to hear of comments aimed directly at players regarding their performance. I get as frustrated as the next Jack when things are not going the way we want them to but handing out serious abuse to our own players is only counter productive and surely must give the opposition player a lift. We have to be behind the team fully if we want to get the goal of promotion and whilst I cannot imagine anyone (myself including) coming up with the line 'Never mind old bean you can do better next time' let's give the encouragement and hopefully the rewards that that will reap?

Scunthorpe come here of course still managed by our old 'mate' Brian Laws. From a side that diced with the Conference last year they have turned it around fully this season and would expect to be in there at the end. They also come here on the back of a game against Yeovil so two tough ties in four days will show their promotion credentials. It promises to be a good game and whilst we took a real battering up there let's hope that we can give one out on the pitch today and send them back empty handed.

Much has been written in this programme about items being thrown on the pitch during Swans games so maybe the people who do this will be interested to see what happens to the more high profile incident at Goodison Park last weekend that saw Roy Carroll felled by a missile from the club. The papers immediately started discussing a £50,000 fine for the Toffee men which is fine when you have most of the Wayne Rooney money in the bank but a fine could happen here as well if a similar incident occurred and I know for a fact that that level of fine would hit us. And hit us hard. Today is a big match and feelings will run high but please keep them missiles away from the pitch - I wouldn't like to have a fine like that on my conscience - would you?

It was interesting to read last weekend that there is apparently a contingency plan in place should we reach any play off final this year that it will be played at Villa Park and not the Millennium Stadium. This brings thoughts that first off I don't want to be in the play offs - I don't think my nerves could take it but secondly, and more importantly, how sad is it that we cannot be allowed a day in Cardiff because of the problems between the two sets of supporters in the past. I stress that this is only a rumour but to be denied a day at what is currently the country's best sporting arena is plain sad and to be denied it for something that shouldn't be an issue. I understand the policing problems and the like but give us a day at the Mill Stad and not Villa Park - older Swans fans probably have bad memories of that place!

Anyway, that is it for another week. Just 5 left at the Vetch after today and just 9 weeks. How quick does time fly in a football season? Enjoy the game, enjoy the rugby after it and here's hoping we are celebrating a double victory come the end of the day. Anyone up for a repeat of Grand Slam?

Phil Sumbler

You can keep updated on the views of the fans by visiting www.jackarmy.net - Supporting the Swans, All Day, Every Day

You can view previous programme articles by clicking here

Photo: Action Images

Middlesbrough Polls