In The Programme - Notts County

Back to league action after the distractions of the FA Cup in midweek and the last game pre-Christmas of the last ever season at the Vetch. After a run that has seen us beaten 3 times in the last four outings it is vital that we get back to winning ways today against Notts County especially after losing ground to leaders Scunthorpe last weekend.

On the face of it a 1-0 defeat at the leaders is not a bad result but those that were there will tell you that 1-0 did not tell the story and only some great keeping from Willy and the woodwork kept the score at a level of respectability. But that is now in the past and we have to look to this busy Christmas and New Year period to stabilise our own ship and put some results together. With three of the next four league games being here at the Vetch we have the chance to do that and I suspect that most of you reading this will also fancy our chances at Kidderminster on Boxing Day.

It's been a strange 12 months here at the Vetch with us going almost six months without a win before putting eight together on the bounce but it was disappointment out last time around when Bury stopped that run and deservedly took the three points off of us. Suspensions hit us hard that day and with Andy Robinson missing again this afternoon we have to hope that this time around we can counter the loss of players and put together the result that we all want for Christmas.

Notts County are struggling towards the bottom end of the table at the moment and are in danger of being sucked into a relegation dogfight that we all know can be painful to watch. As the league's oldest club I would hate to see them go out of the league - their history is too coloured for all of that - but if the visiting fans don't mind I would rather their revival started on Boxing Day rather than today.

It was a massive shame to see Adrian Forbes the subject of racial abuse at Oxford a week or so back but full credit to our hosts on the day for acting so swiftly and investigating the matter. It's a sad reflection that it had to happen and well done to Adrian himself for pointing it out and bringing it to the attention of those that matter. With Adrian one of several coloured players at the club and one of hundreds in professional football we need them in the game and they should be able to enjoy it without this kind of abuse. Banter is one thing, but this is beyond banter and let's hope that he doesn't have to suffer the same again this season, or any season for that matter.

Anyhow, that aside it's Christmas time and I would hope that Mr Jackett has written his letter to the man in the red coat (Huw Jenkins) and asked for the players he needs to strengthen his squad. We are in a great position but most Swans fans would agree that if we were to get one or two players in at the right position then a great position could turn into what we all want come the end of the season and that is promotion. The new stadium continues to develop and we are all desperate to see League One football in it come next August. I don't think we are far off but it is nothing a couple of new players (and a few goals) would see take one step nearer!

I guess the final mention this week must go by way of congratulations to Alan Curtis who links up with both John Toshack and Brian Flynn again within the Welsh set up. Curt has been a superb servant here at the Vetch and I hope that his position within the Welsh set up works for him and that we have a bright future under the team that Tosh has put together. It is about time that the Dragon awoke properly and the dream of a major finals could happen one day. Couldn't it??

That is it from me for yet another game. All that remains is for me to wish all you fans, players, staff and anyone else associated with Swansea City a Very Merry Christmas and see you back on here on Boxing Day where Boston are the visitors.

JACKARMY!

Phil Sumbler

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

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