In The Programme - Notts County
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. VIEW PREVIOUS PROGRAMME ARTICLES HERE What to read next:Saints finished the season with a flourish, to give hope that they can go into the play offs with discipline & organisation as well as the confidence that they can beat anyone that they meet. Leeds United 1 - 2 Southampton - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report. The opponents won't be known until Saturday afternoon, but Southampton FC have announced their ticket pricing structure and how the tickets will be sold to give supporters plenty of time to sort their tickets out. Recent months have seen a number of events and issues divide opinion and split the supporter base but as we head towards the play offs it is time for everyone at Saints to kick in the same direction. Against Stoke City Russell martin selected a side that was very much a second string line up, with the play offs looming should the manager repeat this for the trip to take on Leeds on Saturday. A big big game for just Leeds now, although by Saturday the odds on them going up automatically might have changed slightly so here is all the info for those travelling Saints fans who are still going, The hope of getting back into the Premier League automatically has long gone, but the season is not yet over and we now have a good chance of getting to Wembley and going up through the play offs, here we look at who we could meet. This should have been a celebratory day for Saints fans, there should have been a feeling of positivity, but the truth is that the fight has been knocked out of the supporter base and we go into the play offs with confidence both on and off the pitch at a low ebb. Southampton 0 - 1 Stoke City - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report. In the second part of our pictorial look back at some of our games against Stoke City from the past, here we look back at more recent games, so most of you would have been at them. |