2004/2005 Preview - Swansea City

LAST SEASON

A season that promised so much and delivered so little saw the Swans end in 10th place but miles off the glory end of things.

WHAT HAVE THEY BEEN UP TO THIS SUMMER?

Several in and several out of the Vetch this season as new manager Kenny Jackett ensured the signatures of Willy Gueret, Dennis Oli, Gary Fisken, Garry Monk, Adrian Forbes, Kevin Austin and Sam Ricketts.

Leaving the club at the back end of last season were Michael Howard, Roger Freestone, Jonathan Coates, Stuart Roberts, Karl Connolly, Leyton Maxwell and Kevin Nugent although the latter was straight back as coach and then player/assistant manager.

WHO ARE THEIR FAMOUS FANS?

Max Boyce, Robert Croft, Ruth Madoc, Cerys Matthews, Euros Rowlands and Mrs Michael Douglas. Oh and Tory leader Michael Howard (not the one they released above!)

5 THINGS THE LOCALS SAY ABOUT SWANSEA

1. "Umm The Kingsway is now no place to be "Cruising" as it has the same number of traffic lights in its 900 yard length as in all of Central London. Now adays you might like to pick up a bottle of "hooch" and mix it with the in-set at the Quadrant Bus Centre."

2. "Wow - i came back to Swansea after being away for a few years and it's a different world! Stop whinging - it's really lovely now! But my favourite building has to be Pennard Castle for sheer breathtaking beauty."

3. "The Bus Station! a tribute to how to build bird-nesting sites in the city, but not if people are milling around underneath waiting for buses!"

4. "Bonfire parties on the beach (phone the coastguard and promise no fireworks or flares and they leave you alone) The Gower I never thought I'd say this: the combination of the modern Castle Square with the old Castle behind it actually works! Clyne Woods. The view from the top of Kilvey Hill (radio masts above Bonymaen) Thriving Welsh-speaking communities in and (especially) around Swansea."

5. "The Comix Shoppe is the place to meet and greet some of the most popular of Swansea's underground and non-commercial talented individuals. Ranging from actors and writers to musicians and bands. Each and everyone abiding to the strict ruling of Independent works and non-commercial releases."

ARE WE ANY GOOD AGAINST SWANSEA?

Strangely, Swansea have never met Swansea in a competitive fixture

WHEN DO WE PLAY THEM?

And that isn't about to change this season - the league have not pencilled in this fixture at the time of writing..

IF I WANT TO FIND OUT MORE WHERE DO I GO?

Where else - you are already there.

WHAT ARE THEIR CHANCES NEXT SEASON?

I think Swansea will be better equipped this time around and I can see a play off berth beckoning for them come next May. They will lose in the semis to Oxford.

Why not check out the latest Vetch Verdict on the BBC site?