Swansea City A.F.C.

Swansea City

File:Swansea City AFC.png
Full name	Swansea City Association Football Club
Nickname(s)	The Swans, The Jacks
Founded	1912 (as Swansea Town)
Ground	Liberty Stadium (Landore, Swansea)
Capacity	20,532
Chairman	Huw Jenkins
Manager	Paulo Sousa
League	The Championship
Home colours Away colours

Swansea City Association Football Club (Template:Lang-cy) is a professional football club based in Swansea, Wales, currently playing in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1912, they joined the Football League in 1920, and have been members ever since.

Since 2005 Swansea City have played their home games at the Liberty Stadium, a ground they share with the Ospreys Rugby Union Club. Before 2005 the club's home ground was Vetch Field.

Swansea City and its supporters are unofficially known as the 'Jacks'. One explanation for this name is that during the 17th century, sailors from Swansea were respected and any 'Swansea Jack' was allowed to join the crew based simply on the town's reputation for good sailors. Many, however, believe that the name originates from the renowned life-saving dog Swansea Jack.

History

Nicknamed "The Swans", the club played from its formation in 1912 (as Swansea Town - the club was renamed Swansea City in 1970) until 2005 at the Vetch Field (1912-2005) in Swansea city centre. In the summer of 2005 Swansea City moved to the Liberty Stadium, a 20,532 all seater ground.

The early 1980s were Swansea's most successful years, under the guidance of then player-manager, Cardiff born John Toshack, the Swans gained promotion to the old First Division in 1981, won 3 consecutive Welsh Cups and subsequently appeared in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. In their first season in the top flight they beat Manchester United at home and only a Garry Birtles 25 yarder saw them pipped at Old Trafford. They beat Arsenal, both at home and at Highbury, and also drew 2-2 with Liverpool at Anfield, finally finishing in a highest ever position of sixth, despite topping the table for large parts of the season.

In recent years the club has brought itself up from the decline of the 1980s and 1990s and has re-established itself as a strong force in the Football League. They were promoted to League One in 2004-2005 (as Third) and the League Championship (as Champions) in 2007-2008. 2008-09 was Swansea's first season at this level since 1983-84 and finished two places off the play-offs.

Early years

Swansea traditionally had been a rugby union area, and despite previous attempts by a club named Swansea Villa, there were no notable football clubs until the establishment of Swansea Town AFC in the summer of 1912. They, following the lead of many other South Wales sides, joined the second division of the Southern League for the following season. J. W. Thorpe was the club's first chairman, Walter Whittaker its first manager. Its first secretary was S. B. Williams, who was to serve in this capacity for some 35 years. A site near the town centre owned by Swansea Gaslight Co., called Vetch Field was rented to the be the club's ground, although for the duration of the first season the pitch was made of clinker and kneepads were necessary! Did you know kneepads were made of metal in those days The club's first professional match was at the Vetch Field against arch-rivals Cardiff City on 7 September, 1912; the result was a 1-1 draw. During that first season the Welsh Cup was won for the first time, and the following season the Swans became the first side to reach the First Round of the FA Cup. Blackburn Rovers were the first First Division side to the visit Vetch Field for a competitive game in the 1914-1915 FA Cup - Blackburn Rovers were then the Champions of England, but little Swansea Town from the Second Division of the Southern League beat them 1-0 at Vetch Field, while Blackburn Rovers' penalty taker Bradshaw missed a penalty. There is little remarkable about that, but before the game he had scored with thirty-six consecutive spot kicks. Even more remarkable was that the Swans played most of the second half with ten men and the final fifteen minutes with just nine men as two players were forced to retire through injury The Swans drew at another First Division side, Newcastle United, in the next round, before losing narrowly in the replay.

Following the First World War the Southern League dropped its second division, and with many clubs dropping out due to financial difficulties, the Swans were placed in the first division. After just four seasons in the Southern League, Swansea Town became founder members of the new Third Division of The Football League in 1920 and then Division Three (South) the following season.

After five seasons in Division Three (South) and a few failed bids for promotion, the Swans reached the Second Division for the first time in 1925, beating Exeter City 2-1 at home on the final day of the season to beat perennial runners-up Plymouth Argyle to the Championship. The side had remained unbeaten at home in the league all season - something the next promotion team would emulate over twenty years later. The following season the Swans reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup for the first time - beating Exeter City, Watford, Blackpool, Stoke City, Millwall and Arsenal on the way to playing Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane. Sadly for the Swans, an experienced Bolton side won the game 3-0 and went on to win the cup. The remainder of the interwar period consisted mostly of finished in the bottom half of the Second Division.

Post-war

After just one season back from wartime football, the Swans finished 21st in the Second Division, and thus returned to Division Three (South) for the first time since 1925. The following season was one of consolidation, however in 1948-1949 the Swans stormed their way to winning the division for the second time. Only one point was dropped at home all season as the feat of the 1925 promotion side was emulated, with the side finishing a whole seven points ahead of second placed Reading. Billy McCandless was the manager who led the side to promotion, and in doing so he completed a rare hat-trick of winning the Third Division (South) title with all three South Wales clubs - and without losing a home game with Swansea or Cardiff.

Following promotion, the Swans had another 15-years of Second Division football to look forward to, however despite what successive managers and chairmen were to say, Swansea Town only once during that time looked like they could genuinely challenge for promotion. That came in the 1955-1956 season, when a side containing the likes of Ivor Allchurch, Terry Medwin, Harry Griffiths and Tom Kiley led the table early in the season, before an injury to Kiley, referred to as the linchpin of the side, in mid-November led to a decline in form. He was never adequately replaced, but despite this and the sale of some of the club's best players, the side remained in contention for promotion until the beginning of April. Following a 6-1 win over second placed Leicester City at the Vetch Field at the end of March the side was just two points behind second placed Liverpool with a game in hand - however subsequent results were not as encouraging, and they eventually slipped away to finish tenth.

In 1964 the Swans reached a second FA Cup semi-final, beating Barrow, Sheffield United and Stoke City on the way to a famous sixth round victory at Anfield. Few gave the Swans, struggling for their lives at the bottom of Division Two, any chance of causing an upset against the league leaders. But the Swans were 2-0 up at half time thanks to Jimmy McLaughlin and Eddie Thomas. Liverpool turned up the pressure in the second half, pulling a goal back before being awarded a penalty nine minutes from time. Ronnie Moran had established an excellent record as a penalty taker, but he failed to beat the excellent Noel Dwyer on this occasion. Fellow second division side Preston North End awaited in the semi-final at Villa Park, but despite taking the lead through McLaughlin again the Swans were to be denied by a second half penalty and a wonder goal from nearly 40 yards.

After flirting with relegation on a few occasions during the previous seasons, the Swans' luck finally ran out a season later in 1965, and they were back in the Third Division.

1965-1977: A downward spiral

Following relegation Trevor Morris, who had been manager since 1958, was sacked and Glyn Davies , a former Swansea player, was appointed in his place. Davies re-signed the 36-year old Ivor Allchurch from Cardiff City, but despite winning the Welsh Cup the season saw some of the club's heaviest defeats, and the manager only lasted the season. Relegation to Division Four followed in 1967 and Ivor Allchurch retired. Strangely, the 1967/8 season saw the record attendance of 32,796 at the Vetch Field for an FA Cup Fourth Round match against Arsenal. In 1969 the club name was changed to Swansea City, and Roy Bentley's side celebrated by securing promotion back to the Third Division. A record run of 19 matches unbeaten founded the base of a promotion challenge in 1971-72, but an awful run towards the end of the season result in a mid-table finish. A poor start the following season, combined with falling attendances saw Bentley resign, and he was replaced by Harry Gregg. Gregg failed to stop the rot and the club was back in the Fourth Division for 1973-74 season.

A record low crowd of just 1,358 watch the Swans against Northampton Town, and the following season the Swans were forced to apply for re-election to the football league after a last day defeat at Rochdale condemned them to a 21st place finish. The application was a success, although by now former player Harry Griffiths had replaced Gregg as managed. Malcolm Struel also took over as chairman, having previously been on the board, and promised a return to former glories, stating the he would not sell the clubs best young talent as previous boards had done.

1977-1986: Meteoric rise and equally rapid fall

Despite promising performances during the first half of the 1977/78 season, Harry Griffiths resigned as Swansea City's manager in February 1978, doubting his own ability to take the club any further. The new manager was former Liverpool, Cardiff City and Wales striker John Toshack. On 1 March, 1978, at the age of 28, Toshack became the youngest manager in the Football League, with Griffiths as his assistant. Thus began a remarkable climb from the Fourth Division to the top of the entire league. Despite relinquishing his role as manager before the end of the season, this was Griffiths' team, and the promotion from the Fourth Division was largely his doing. During this season the Swans' record league win was achieved - 8-0 against Hartlepool United. Before promotion was secured, however, tragedy struck when Harry Griffiths died of a heart attack on 25 April, 1978 before the home game against Scunthorpe United.

A further promotion followed the following season and the club returned to the Second Division after an absence of 14 years, with Toshack himself coming off the bench to score the winning goal against Chesterfield and thus secure promotion.

After a season of consolidation, Swansea City again challenged for promotion and travelled to Preston North End on 2 May, 1981 in the knowledge that victory would assure them a place in the First Division for the first time in the club's history. A 3-1 win guaranteed a third promotion in four seasons and Swansea City joined the footballing élite. The goalscorers on that historic day at Deepdale were Tommy Craig, Leighton James and Jeremy Charles.

The 1981/82 season began as implausibly as recent history had suggested it might. The fixture computer handed Swansea's upstarts a first-day home game against Leeds United, which Swansea promptly won 5-1 with a hat-trick by debutant Bob Latchford. Swansea had swept from the basement division to the top of the entire Football League in barely three years. Victory at Stoke City in October put Swansea in first place in the First Division for the first time, and victories over footballing royalty such as Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur followed as the club topped the league on several further occasions. Injuries to key players took their toll, and the lack of depth in the squad meant that the season ended in sixth place finish.

However, a fateful combination of poor form, misfortune in the transfer market and financial problems led to a slump which was as quick and spectacular as the rise had been. Two consecutive relegations followed and Toshack was sacked. By 1985, the club was battling for its very survival on two fronts. Whilst its creditors lined up a High Court hearing with the aim of liquidating the club, Swansea City had come to rely on a combination of old stagers and young professionals.

Wound up by court order in December 1985, Swansea City was saved by local businessman Doug Sharpe who took over the running of the club, although the change of ownership was not enough to prevent relegation to the Fourth Division in 1986. Eight years on from the first promotion under Toshack, the club was back where it had started.

1986-1995: In place of strife

Swansea won promotion from the Fourth Division in 1988 - beating Rotherham United and Torquay United over two legs in the inaugural playoffs. They remained in the league's third tier for the next eight seasons - the longest period of stability the club had seen since the war.

Doug Sharpe may have kept the purse strings tight, but under Terry Yorath and then Frank Burrows, the club managed to stay in the Second Division, reach the playoff semi-finals in 1993 and make their first Wembley appearance a year later.

Burrows guided the Swans to within 180 minutes of Wembley in 1993 - a run of 5 wins in the last 6 league matches (all at home) secured a playoff place, and with five minutes remaining of the first leg of the semi-final against West Bromich Albion, the Swans were 2-0 up and looking comfortable. Andy McFarlane scored an unfortunate own goal when the ball rebounded off the crossbar then into the net off his knee to give West Brom a lifeline, and two early goals in the second leg gave "the Baggies" the advantage, until midfielder Micky Mellon was sent off. Burrows threw on Colin West, however with in minutes of coming on the former West Brom striker was sent off, and ended any hopes of a Wembley final.

Although the league campaign the following season did not live up the previous one, mainly due to the sale of key players, Burrows guided the Swans to Wembley for the first time in their history for the final of the Autoglass Trophy. Wins over Plymouth Argyle & Exeter City in the group stage followed by triumphs over Exeter again, Port Vale, Leyton Orient and Wycombe Wanderers over two legs saw the Swans play Huddersfield Town in a final that finished 1-1. Chairman Doug Sharpe brought back the famous hat, and the Swans went on to win 3-1 on penalties.

The following season failed to live up to expectations, although the club again reached the semi-finals of the Auto Windscreens Shield, eventually going out to Birmingham City, and an eventful FA Cup run saw them win at Middlesbrough in a third round replay, before going out to Newcastle United at St James' Park.

1995/96 ended with relegation back to the third division after 8 years. The Swans were doing fine around Christmas time, but a complete collapse in the second half of the season, including a 7-0 FA Cup defeat at third division Fulham, 4-0 and 5-1 defeats at Blackpool and Oxford United respectively, relegation was inevitable, despite the arrival of Jan Mølby.

1995-2001: The difficult years return

Relegation in 1996 was accompanied by an unfortunate statistic: never before had the club been managed by four men in the same season. Most embarrassing was the appointment of Kevin Cullis as manager by a consortium wishing to buy the club. Cullis, whose previous experience was with non-league Midlands club Cradley Town youth team, was certainly not the "big name" manager promised by the new owners. Alarmed at developments at the club, outgoing chairman Doug Sharpe invoked a contractual clause to cancel the deal and resumed control himself: Cullis was promptly sacked after just six days. During his short-lived reign, senior players Christian Edwards and Dave Penney took over the half-time team talk due to Cullis' complete incompetence.

Cullis's successor was the Dane, Jan Mølby, a former Liverpool player taking his first steps in management. His appointment inevitably prompted comparison with the Toshack era which began nearly 20 years earlier. Despite relegation in 1996, the club reached the final of the 1997 Third Division promotion play-offs but lost to Northampton Town, whose goal came from a re-taken free kick by John Frain in the final minute. Mølby was sacked just weeks into the following season, with Swansea struggling near the foot of the league. After the initial optimism, the Liverpool connection had not caused history to repeat itself.

Alan Cork was appointed as manager, but was dismissed after leading the club to its lowest league finish for 23 years. John Hollins was appointed, and things soon started to improve. In 1999, the club reached the promotion play-offs, only to lose in extra time at Scunthorpe United. The season was also notable for a third round FA Cup victory over Premiership opponents West Ham United, whose team included Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinand and John Hartson. Swansea thus became the first bottom division team to defeat a Premiership club in the FA Cup since the re-organisation of the league structure in 1992.

The club was promoted in 2000 as Division Three champions, following a nail-biting championship decider on the final day of the season against second-placed Rotherham United. Hollins' side certainly proved to be effective and functional, rather than pretty, seemingly winning 1-0 ever week on their way to the title. The side conceded just 32 goals all season, largely due to the form of excellent centre-back pairing Jason Smith  and Matthew Bound, as well as 'keeper Roger Freestone. During the season the side set a record of nine consecutive league victories, and, during the same period, seven consecutive clean sheets. Jamaican striker Walter Boyd also set an unwanted record of being the fastest substitute ever sent off, when he was red-carded for striking a Darlington player seconds after being brought on and before play had resumed, therefore being officially recorded as zero seconds.

Promotion was secured courtesy of a 3-0 win over Exeter City at a packed Vetch Field. The 1-1 draw at Rotherham United, however, was overshadowed by the death of supporter Terry Coles, trampled to death by a police horse in narrow Millmoor Lane before the game.

Despite significant optimism on the terraces, it was clear that the team was not strong enough to survive in the higher division and relegation occurred in May 2001, just 12 months after promotion. Hollins had failed to strengthen the side at all during the summer, and despite a decent start, a 5-1 defeat at big-spending Reading in September led to a disastrous slide down the table, and the side won just eight games all season, and were saved from bottom spot only by Oxford United being even worse. Hollins' certainly wasn't helped by lack of investment from the board and injury to key players, but the fans patience wore thin as his continual insistence that the squad was good enough to survive grew more comical by the week. Relegation seemed certain following a 5-3 defeat at fellow strugglers Luton Town, where Giovanni Savarese scored a hat-trick, however Hollins' maintained that the side could stay up, even when 18 points were needed from the final six matches, and for two other teams to pick up no more points.

2001-2003: meltdown

In July 2001, following relegation back to Third Division, the club was sold to managing director Mike Lewis  for the princely sum of £1.00. Lewis subsequently sold on his stake to a consortium of Australian businessmen behind the Brisbane Lions (Australian rules football) football team, fronted by outspoken Londoner Tony Petty. The move prompted perhaps the most controversial period in the club's history as seven players were sacked and eight others saw their contracts ripped up. Supporters were incensed by the loss or sale of key players, and amid threatened sanctions by the Football League, a rival consortium headed by ex-player Mel Nurse sought to buy out the new owners.

The crisis led to the creation of the Swansea City Supporters' Trust, which sought to save the club and ultimately guarantee supporter representation on the club's board.

It was during this period, that the famous slogan "Judas Mike Lewis, Sir Mel, Petty Out" appeared not only at the ground, but around the city as well.

The Petty group sold its stake in January 2002 after a bitter stand-off with the Nurse consortium, which was supported by the majority of the club's fans. Despite the turmoil off the pitch, Colin Addison's side had managed a respectable mid-table position, however lack of funds led to his dismissal in early March, and under Nick Cusack the club slumped to a 20th placed-finish. Cusack lasted just eight games into the following season, and was sacked after a 1-0 defeat at league newboys Boston United put the Swans on the bottom of the Football League for the first time ever. He was replaced by Brian Flynn.

In May 2003, Swansea City avoided relegation to the Football Conference only on the last day of the season, at the expense of Exeter City. By a cruel irony, Exeter's then vice-chairman was none other than Mike Lewis, who was widely seen as responsible for the Petty crisis at Swansea. Flynn's side had lost six games in a row in December and January, and had seemed destined for relegation, before the arrival of players such as Leon Britton from West Ham United, Roberto Martínez from Walsall, and Alan Tate from Manchester United helped turn things around. Morriston-born James Thomas  netted his first senior hat-trick in the final day victory over Hull City that kept Swansea in the Football League.

Even now, many Swansea supporters find it very difficult to be objective about the Petty era. It is clear, however, that the opposition which was galvanised by Petty's reign was translated into increased attendances as the people of Swansea rallied to the club's cause. The risk posed to the future of league football in Swansea, through both mismanagement and footballing failure, were a powerful incentive for supporters and the new owners to create a brighter future.

2003-2005: rebuilding & goodbye to Vetch Field

The following season Brian Flynn's side achieved a respectable 10th placed finish, and also reached the fifth round of the F.A. Cup for the first time in 24 years, eventually losing 2-1 at Tranmere Rovers. Flynn, however, would not last the season - he was dismissed following a 2-1 defeat at Macclesfield Town on March 16, 2004, his failure to move to Swansea permanently from Burnley being a major factor. Flynn was replaced by former QPR assistant manager Kenny Jackett, however his start to the job was far from impressive - he lost his first six matches in charge, ending any hope of a play-off place.

During the summer Jackett recruited a number of new defensive players to complement the attacking talent already at the club. Goalkeeper Willy Guéret was to prove a huge success during the season, saving a number of penalties, while Garry Monk, Kevin Austin and Sam Ricketts formed part of a formidable defensive unit, which set a record of seven consecutive home clean sheets (all victories) during the season.

Swansea's last League match at the Vetch Field was a 1-0 win over Shrewsbury Town on 30 April, 2005 in front of a full house; 11,465 people were present to say farewell to the asymmetrical ground and its crooked floodlights.

Many thought it fated that Swansea would win promotion during the final season at the Vetch, given so many prior false hopes both for promotion and for the new ground itself. One week after the Shrewsbury game, Swansea did indeed clinch promotion to Coca Cola League One with another 1-0 win, this time at Bury, where over 5,000 Swans fans had made the journey north to out number the home fans. The last game of any sort at the Vetch Field was a 2-1 win against Wrexham in the final of the 2005 FAW Premier Cup.

2005-2008: relocation and promotion

The club took up residence at the impressive new Liberty Stadium during the summer of 2005, and the first competitive game was a 1-0 victory of Tranmere Rovers on August 7, 2005. In their first season back in League One Swansea finished in sixth place, and competed in the play-offs. After beating Brentford in the semi-finals, they lost out to Barnsley in the final at the Millennium Stadium on 27 May. 2006. Although Swansea dominated the final for long periods, the match finished 2-2 and Barnsley won a penalty shoot-out 4-3. The club also tasted cup success on two fronts, winning the Football League Trophy for the first time since 1994 and the FAW Premier Cup for a second successive year. Also in this season Leon Knight broke record's, he scored a hat-trick on his debut against MK Dons and also the first ever player to score a Hat-trick home and away, MK Dons at the Liberty and Chesterfield at Saltergate. Also Lee Trundle scored a hat-trick against Chesterfield at the Liberty Stadium, thus breaking another record.

The 2006-2007 season brought further disappointment as the Swans again failed to achieve promotion from League One. After a poor start Jackett's side brought themselves into play-off contention in November and December, however a poor run of form in the new year led to Jackett's resignation in February, after a home defeat to Oldham Athletic meant that automatic promotion was unlikely. At the time the club was just outside the play-off places, but Jackett cited a lack of support from the fans as a major part in his resignation. Roberto Martínez took over as manager a fortnight later, beating off competition from Gary Megson. Under Martínez the side went on a late surge for the play-off places, taking 24 points from his 12 games in charge, but failed to reach them on the final day after losing 6-3 at home to Blackpool, despite winning a point more than in the previous season.

Over the summer many new faces arrived, including Dutchmen Dorus de Vries and Ferrie Bodde, as well as Spanish right-back Àngel Rangel and Trinidad & Tobago striker Jason Scotland, who replaced the departing Lee Trundle. Although Scotland was originally brought to the club to partner the Scouse striker, Trundle left made a million pound move to championship side Bristol City during pre-season. After an average start to the season the Swans soared to the top of League One with an 18 game unbeaten run from November to March. Despite being unable to continue their excellent run through to the end of the season, the Swans were promoted on April 12 following a 2-1 success at Gillingham, and crowned Champions the following week despite a home defeat by Yeovil Town. The club amassed a total of 92 points over the course of the season, the highest ever by a Welsh club in the Football League, as well as breaking club records for most away wins in a season (14), most goal scored away from home in a season (42) and fewest away defeats in a season (3). They also equalled the records for most wins in a season (27) and longest sequence of league away games without defeat (12). In addition to this, they came within one game of equalling the club's longest ever unbeaten run (19 games) and one fewer defeat would have equalled the club record for fewest defeats in a season. The club also boasted five players in the PFA Team of the Year and the division's top scorer in Jason Scotland, with 29 goals.

Swansea were also a penalty shootout from another visit to Wembley in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, after a largely second string side had reached the semi-finals and lost the first leg 1-0, a first choice team won the return leg 1-0 at Milton Keynes Dons, before losing 5-4 on penalties, with former Swansea 'keeper Willy Guéret saving the decisive penalty from Scotland.

2008-Present: Back in the Championship

Swansea began life back in the second tier of English football with a 2-0 reverse at Charlton Athletic on August 9, 2008. Since then, however, they have adapted well to the new league. In January, the team knocked out FA Cup holders Portsmouth at Fratton Park, beating them 2-0 in the fourth round. They were rewarded with a home tie against Fulham in the fifth round, drawing 1-1, but Swansea went on to lose 2-1 in the replay. They also challenged for the play-offs but narrowly missed out, despite being in contention up to the penultimate game of the season. They finished the season in 8th place, one position behind arch-rivals Cardiff, although the Bluebirds failed to beat the Swans during the course of the season - both league games ending in 2-2 draws. However, the Swans claimed the 2008/09 local 'bragging rights' with a 1-0 League Cup win at the Liberty Stadium in late September; on-loan midfielder Jordi Gómez scoring the winning goal in the first South Wales derby since the 2002 F.A.W Premier Cup final.

Swansea lost their first game of the 2009/10 season 2-1 at newly promoted Leicester, and after five games sit in 18th position with five points.

Stadia

Main articles: Vetch Field and Liberty Stadium

The Vetch Field was home of Swansea City for 93 years.

Before Swansea Town was established, children would play football on waste ground in which a cabbage-like plant, called "vetch" was grown. The site was owned by Swansea Gaslight Company in 1912, but was deemed surplus to requirements at the Gas Company. So Swansea Town moved in when they were established in 1912. The ground originally held 12,000, but hit its peak attendance of 32,786 in an 1967 FA cup Fifth Round against Arsenal. The last league goal ever scored at the Vetch was scored by Adrian Forbes, on 30 April 2005, as Swansea beat Shrewsbury Town 1-0.

File:Liberty stadium.DSC00520.JPG

Swansea City's new home since 2005.

With a rapidly deteriorating Vetch Field, Swansea looked to relocate. As Swansea and the Ospreys did not have the capital to invest in a new stadium, the Swansea City Council and a developer-led consortia submitted a proposal for a sustainable 'bowl' venue for 20,520 seats on a site to the west of the river on the site of the Morfa Stadium, which the Council owned. It was funded by a 355,000 ft retail park on land to the east of the river. The final value of the development being in excess of £50m. On July 23, 2005, The Liberty Stadium was officially opened as Swansea faced Fulham in an friendly game.

The Liberty Stadium holds a capacity of 20,532, and the highest attendance recorded was 19,288 at league game against Yeovil Town on 11 November 2005. The stadium has since hosted a Wales international against Georgia which ended in a 2-1 defeat for Wales.

Rivalries

Main article: South Wales derby

Swansea City's main rivals are Cardiff City. Matches between these two clubs are known as the South Wales derbies and are usually one of the highlights of the season for both sets of supporters. To a lesser extent, Swansea City's other rivals are Bristol City, Bristol Rovers, Millwall F.C., Leeds United, Wrexham F.C. and Newport County. However, Swansea very rarely meet Newport as they're currently separated by four divisions.

The rivalry between Swansea and Cardiff, often regarded as one of the most hostile football rivalries in British football, has been marred by football hooliganism and matches between clubs have resulted in violence between both sets of supporters. A contingent of Cardiff City's support call themselves the Soul Crew, which became notorious through their actions. Also, in September 1988 a group of around thirty Cardiff fans were chased into Swansea Bay by a larger group of Swansea fans. Since then, Swansea fans frequently suggest to their neighbours that they "swim away", in reference to the event.

Swansea have won 18 of the sides league meetings, compared to Cardiff's 16, with a further 16 drawn. Following Swansea City's promotion to the Championship, the clubs were drawn in the Carling Cup which would be the first meeting between both sides for nine years.. Swansea City won the tie with a solitary goal from a deflected free-kick taken by Jordi Gómez. The match saw sets of supporters from both clubs clash with police after the match. The two most recent league games both finished in 2-2 draws. However, the derby game at Ninian Park was marred with controversy as referee Mike Dean was struck by a coin from a Cardiff City supporter.

Honours

Swansea City's Historical League Positions 1921-2009

A list of all major honours that Swansea City have won over the years.

Competition	Achievement	Year(s)
League One (3rd tier)	Champions	2007/08
Third Division South (3rd tier)	Champions	1924/25, 1948/49
Third Division (4th tier)	Champions	1999/00
FA Cup	Semi-finalist	1926, 1964
Football League Trophy	Champions	1994, 2006
Welsh Cup	Champions Runners-up	1913, 1932, 1950, 1961, 1966, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1989, 1991 1915, 1926, 1938, 1940, 1949, 1956, 1957, 1969
FAW Premier Cup	Champions Runners-up	2005, 2006 2001, 2002

Other honours won by the youth, reserve and senior teams:

• FAW Welsh Youth Cup
  • Winners 1999, 2003, 2008
  • Runners-Up 1990, 1991, 1994, 1996, 2004, 2009
• West Wales Senior Cup
  • Winners 1923, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1930, 1934, 1949, 1950, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1975, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1995, 2002, 2003
• Welsh Football League
  • Division One champions 1913, 1925, 1926, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1951, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1976
  • League Cup winners 1931, 1933
• Football Combination
  • Reserve Division Two champions 1955, 1961
  • (Reserve) Cup winners 1947, 1950
• Macbar (Reserve) Cup
  • Winners 1987
• Southern Football League
  • (Reserves) Western Section champions 1925

Club records

Swansea City's average, and record attendances since moving into the Liberty Stadium.

• Biggest Win
  • 12-0 v Sliema Wanderers, European Cup Winners' Cup First Round First Leg, 15 September 1982
  • 8-0 v Hartlepool, Football League Fourth Division, 1 April 1978
• Biggest Defeat
  • 0-8 v Liverpool, FA Cup 3rd Round Replay, 9 January 1990
  • 0-8 v AS Monaco, European Cup Winners' Cup First Round Second Leg, 1 October 1991
• Highest Attendance (Vetch Field)
  • 32,786 v Arsenal, FA Cup Fifth Round, 17 February 1968
  • 29,477 v Leeds United, Division Two, 1 October 1955
• Highest Attendance (Liberty Stadium)
  • 19,288 v Yeovil Town, Football League One, 11 November 2005
• Highest Final Position
  • 6th (Division One), 1981/82
• Lowest Final Position
  • 22nd (Division Four), 1974/75
• Most Points In a Season
  • 92 - 2007/08 (League One) (3pts for a win)
  • 62 - 1948/49 (Division Three (South)) (2pts for a win)
• Highest Transfer Fee Paid
  • £500,000 for Craig Beattie (August 2009)
• Highest Transfer Fee Received
  • £2,000,000 for Roberto Martínez (Manager) and Jason Scotland (June 2009)
• Most Appearances
  • 586 - Wilfred Milne (1920-1937) (League Only)
  • 699 - Roger Freestone (1989-2004) (All Competitions)
• Most League Goals
  • 146 - Ivor Allchurch (1950-1958 & 1965-1968)
• Most League Goals In A Season
  • 35 - Cyril Pearce (1931/32)
• Most League Goals In A Match
  • 5 - Jack Fowler vs. Charlton Athletic, 27 September 1924

Players

Current squad

As of 20 September 2009.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules, some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player
1	GK	NED	Dorus de Vries
2	DF	WAL	Ashley Williams
3	DF	IRL	Marcos Painter
5	DF	ENG	Alan Tate (vice-captain)
6	MF	NED	Ferrie Bodde
7	MF	ENG	Leon Britton
8	MF	ENG	Darren Pratley
9	FW	SCO	Craig Beattie
10	MF	ESP	Andrea Orlandi
11	FW	NED	Cedric van der Gun
12	MF	ENG	Nathan Dyer
14	FW	SCO	Stephen Dobbie
15	MF	ESP	Jordi López
16	DF	ENG	Garry Monk (captain)
17	GK	WAL	David Cornell
18	FW	ESP	Gorka Pintado
19	FW	ENG	Lee Trundle (on loan from Bristol City)

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player
21	DF	ARG	Federico Bessone
22	DF	ESP	Àngel Rangel
23	FW	ESP	Guillem Bauzà
24	MF	WAL	Joe Allen
25	MF	WAL	Matthew Collins
26	DF	ESP	Albert Serrán
27	MF	ENG	Mark Gower
28	MF	IRL	Thomas Butler
29	MF	WAL	Ashley Richards
30	FW	WAL	Chad Bond
33	FW	WAL	Kerry Morgan
34	MF	WAL	Scott Evans
35	DF	WAL	Daniel Sheehan
36	MF	WAL	Casey Thomas
37	DF	TRI	Radanfah Abu Bakr
39	DF	WAL	James Burgin
40	FW	AUT	Besian Idrizaj

Out on loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules, some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player
4	MF	WAL	Kristian O'Leary (at Leyton Orient)
20	MF	WAL	Shaun MacDonald (at Yeovil Town)

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player
31	MF	WAL	Kieran Howard (at Neath Athletic)
38	DF	ENG	Jamie Grimes (at Haverfordwest County)

Club officials

Boardroom

Position	Name
Chairman	Huw Jenkins
Vice Chairman	Leigh Dineen
Directors	David Morgan Brian Katzen Gwilym Joseph Martin Morgan Huw Cooze Steve Penny
Associate Directors	John van Zweden Will Morris

Management

Position	Name
Manager	Paulo Sousa
Assistant Manager	Bruno Oliveira
Goalkeeping Coach	Adrian Tucker
First Team Coach	Colin Pascoe
Reserve Team Manager	Colin Pascoe
Chief Scout	Lil Fuccillo
Coach & Scout	Alan Curtis
Director of Youth Football	Tony Pennock
Physio	Cerian Parham
Football Utilities Co-ordinator	Suzan Eames

List of club managers

See also Category:Swansea City A.F.C. managers

Name	Tenure Began	Tenure Ended	Total	Won	Lost	Drawn	Win %
Walter Whittaker	1 August 1912	31 May 1914	2	1	1	0	50.00%
No Manager	1 June 1915	31 July 1919
Joe Bradshaw	1 August 1919	1 May 1926	271	128	71	72	47.23%
No manager	2 May 1926	31 January 1927
James Thomson	1 February 1927	31 May 1931	193	63	84	46	32.64%
No manager	1 June 1931	30 June 1934
Neil Harris	1 July 1934	1 May 1939	218	71	98	49	32.57%
Haydn Green	1 May 1939	1 September 1947	50	13	28	9	26.00%
Billy McCandless	1 November 1947	1 July 1955	294	113	120	21	38.44%
Ron Burgess	1 July 1955	1 August 1958	129	50	57	22	38.76%
Trevor Morris	1 August 1958	31 May 1965	327	112	138	77	34.25%
Glyn Davies	1 June 1965	1 October 1966	57	16	26	15	28.07%
Billy Lucas	1 February 1967	1 March 1969	96	33	39	24	34.38%
Roy Bentley	1 August 1969	16 October 1972	153	56	52	45	36.60%
Harry Gregg	1 November 1972	1 January 1975	101	34	44	23	33.66%
Harry Griffiths	1 January 1975	29 October 1978	126	53	45	28	42.06%
Harry Griffiths	22 November 1975	1 February 1978	9	4	3	2	44.44%
John Toshack	1 February 1978	29 October 1983	250	104	87	59	41.60%
Doug Livermore	29 October 1983	21 December 1983	8	1	6	1	12.50%
John Toshack	21 December 1983	4 March 1984	11	2	6	3	18.18%
Colin Appleton	16 May 1984	6 December 1984	22	4	15	3	18.18%
John Bond	16 December 1984	20 December 1985	54	15	28	11	27.77%
Tommy Hutchison	21 December 1985	1 May 1986	23	6	10	7	26.09%
Terry Yorath	12 July 1986	2 February 1989	139	58	46	35	41.73%
Ian Evans	27 February 1989	13 March 1990	58	15	24	19	25.86%
Terry Yorath	15 March 1990	21 March 1991	51	15	26	10	29.41%
Frank Burrows	23 March 1991	31 July 1995	230	85	81	64	36.96%
Bobby Smith	1 August 1995	8 February 1996	49	12	23	14	24.49%
Kevin Cullis	8 February 1996	14 February 1996	2	0	2	0	00.00%
Jimmy Rimmer	14 February 1996	22 February 1996	2	0	1	1	00.00%
Jan Mølby	22 February 1996	8 October 1997	80	31	33	16	38.75%
Micky Adams	9 October 1997	22 October 1997	3	0	3	0	00.00%
Alan Cork	22 October 1997	30 June 1998	35	10	15	10	28.57%
John Hollins	1 July 1998	12 September 2001	170	63	60	47	37.06%
Colin Addison	13 September 2001	7 March 2002	35	11	16	8	31.43%
Nick Cusack	8 March 2002	19 September 2002	18	2	11	5	11.11%
Brian Flynn	19 September 2002	18 March 2004	82	28	32	22	34.15%
Alan Curtis	18 March 2004	5 April 2004	4	1	2	1	25.00%
Kenny Jackett	5 April 2004	15 February 2007	156	69	47	40	44.23%
Roberto Martínez	24 February 2007	15 June 2009	125	63	25	37	50.40%
Paulo Sousa	23 June 2009	Present	5	2	2	1	40.00%

PFA Team of the Year

The following have been included in the PFA Team of the Year whilst playing for Swansea City :

• 2004 Lee Trundle (Third Division)
• 2006 Andy Robinson, Lee Trundle (League One)
• 2008 Jason Scotland, Andy Robinson, Ferrie Bodde, Garry Monk, Angel Rangel (League One)
• 2009 Jason Scotland, Jordi Gómez (Championship)

Football League 100 Legends

The Football League 100 Legends is a list of "100 legendary football players" produced by The Football League in 1998, to celebrate the 100th season of League football. Four former Swansea players made the list.

• Trevor Ford
• Ivor Allchurch
• Cliff Jones
• Tommy Smith

Welsh Sports Hall of Fame

The following have played for Swansea and have been inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame :

Ivor Allchurch Ron Burgess Cliff Jones John Toshack

Notable former players

See also Category:Swansea City A.F.C. players

Current players in bold.

Players with over 200 Football League appearances for Swansea

Wilfred Milne 586 Roger Freestone 563 Herbie Williams 510 Robbie James 482 Ivor Allchurch 445 Harry Griffiths 421 Wyndham Evans 389 John King 370 Alan Curtis 364 Geoff Thomas 357 Brian Evans 355 Len Allchurch 347 Billy Hole 341 Harry Deacon 319

Joe Sykes 312 Sidney Lawrence 312 David Thomas 296 Kristian O'Leary 281 Alex Ferguson 280 Jonathan Coates 278 Jimmy Collins 275 Colin Pascoe 270 Keith Walker 270 Leon Britton 268 Mel Nurse 257 Nigel Stevenson 257 Jeremy Charles 247 Mel Charles 233

Brian Hughes 231 Dudley Lewis 230 Reg Weston 229 Mark Harris 228 Michael Howard 228 David Hough 227 Dave Gwyther 216 Roy Evans 214 Alan Tate 214 Joe Lloyd 211 Steve Watkin 206 Billy Lucas 205 Harry Hanford 201

Other Notable former players

Inclusion criteria: Attained international caps or is notable for a specific reason.

Radanfah Abu Bakr Reuben Agboola Kevin Austin Hugh Blair Jason Bowen Walter Boyd Ronnie Briggs Ronnie Burgess Tommy Butler Ian Callaghan Giorgio Chinaglia Chris Coleman John Cornforth Tommy Craig Alan Davies Dai Davies Willie Davies Richard Duffy Mikel Alonso Roberto Martinez Noel Dwyer Christian Edwards Roy Evans Jim Feeney Warren Feeney Trevor Ford Jack Fowler Gerry Francis David Giles Džemal Hadžiabdić

Barrie Hole Emlyn Hughes Willie Humphries Tommy Hutchison Leighton James Steve Jenkins Roy John Mike Johnson Barrie Jones Cliff Jones Ernie Jones Ivor Jones Rory Keane Ray Kennedy Alan Knill Frank Lampard Bob Latchford Dennis Lawrence Andy Legg Dai Lewis Wilfred Lewis Chris Marustik Terry Medwin John Mahoney Sammy McCrory Andy Melville Tony Millington

Jan Mølby Ernie Morley David Nicholas Jack O'Driscoll Jack Parry Des Palmer Roy Paul Leighton Phillips Ante Rajković Ronnie Rees Sam Ricketts John Salako Dean Saunders Giovanni Savarese Jason Scotland Frank Scrine Mamady Sidibe Tommy Smith David Stewart John Toshack Owain Tudur Jones Ian Walsh Jack Warner Ben Williams Graham Williams Tommy Williams Jamie Wood

League Positions and Cup Results Since 1920

Season	Division	Position	FA Cup	League Cup	Welsh Cup	European Cup Winners' Cup	Football League Trophy
1920-1921	Third Division	5th	2nd Round		3rd Round
1921-1922	Third Division South	10th	3rd Round		5th Round
1922-1923	Third Division South	3rd	4th Qualifying		Semi-final
1923-1924	Third Division South	4th	2nd Round		5th Round
1924-1925	Third Division South	1st (promoted)	2nd Round		Semi-Final
1925-1926	Second Division	5th	Semi-final		Runners-up
1926-1927	Second Division	12th	6th Round		5th Round
1927-1928	Second Division	6th	3rd Round		6th Round
1928-1929	Second Division	19th	4th Round		5th Round
1929-1930	Second Division	15th	3rd Round		6th Round
1930-1931	Second Division	20th	3rd Round		Semi-final
1931-1932	Second Division	20th	3rd Round		Winners
1932-1933	Second Division	10th	3rd Round		8th Round
1933-1934	Second Division	19th	5th Round		6th Round
1934-1935	Second Division	17th	4th Round		Semi-final
1935-1936	Second Division	13th	3rd Round		7th Round
1936-1937	Second Division	16th	5th Round		7th Round
1937-1938	Second Division	18th	3rd Round		Runners-up
1938-1939	Second Division	19th	3rd Round		5th Round
1946-1947	Second Division	21st (relegated)	4th Round		6th Round
1947-1948	Third Division South	5th	3rd Round		5th Round
1948-1949	Third Division South	1st (promoted)	2nd Round		Runners-up
1949-1950	Second Division	8th	4th Round		Winners
1950-1951	Second Division	18th	3rd Round		6th Round
1951-1952	Second Division	19th	5th Round		5th Round
1952-1953	Second Division	11th	3rd Round		7th Round
1953-1954	Second Division	20th	4th Round		Semi-Finals
1954-1955	Second Division	10th	5th Round		6th Round
1955-1956	Second Division	10th	3rd Round		Runners-up
1956-1957	Second Division	10th	3rd Round		Runners-up
1957-1958	Second Division	19th	3rd Round		6th Round
1958-1959	Second Division	11th	3rd Round		6th Round
1959-1960	Second Division	12th	4th Round		6th Round
1960-1961	Second Division	7th	5th Round	3rd Round	Winners
1961-1962	Second Division	20th	3rd Round	2nd Round	Semi-final	1st Round
1962-1963	Second Division	15th	3rd Round	2nd Round	Semi-final
1963-1964	Second Division	19th	Semi-final	3rd Round	6th Round
1964-1965	Second Division	22nd (relegated)	5th Round	4th Round	Semi-final
1965-1966	Third Division	17th	1st Round	1st Round	Winners
1966-1967	Third Division	21st (relegated)	2nd Round	3rd Round	5th Round	1st Round
1967-1968	Fourth Division	15th	4th Round	1st Round	6th Round
1968-1969	Fourth Division	10th	3rd Round	3rd Round	Runners-up
1969-1970	Fourth Division	3rd (promoted)	3rd Round	2nd Round	Semi-final
1970-1971	Third Division	11th	4th Round	2nd Round	6th Round
1971-1972	Third Division	14th	4th Round	1st Round	5th Round
1972-1973	Third Division	23rd (relegated)	1st Round	1st Round	4th Round
1973-1974	Fourth Division	14th	1st Round	1st Round	4th Round
1974-1975	Fourth Division	22nd	1st Round	1st Round	5th Round
1975-1976	Fourth Division	11th	1st Round	1st Round	5th Round
1976-1977	Fourth Division	5th	1st Round	4th Round	5th Round
1977-1978	Fourth Division	3rd (promoted)	3rd Round	1st Round	4th Round
1978-1979	Third Division	3rd (promoted)	3rd Round	3rd Round	5th Round
1979-1980	Second Division	12th	5th Round	2nd Round	Semi-final
1980-1981	Second Division	3rd (promoted)	3rd Round	1st Round	Winners
1981-1982	First Division	6th	3rd Round	2nd Round	Winners	1st Round
1982-1983	First Division	21st (relegated)	3rd Round	3rd Round	Winners	2nd Round
1983-1984	Second Division	21st (relegated)	3rd Round	2nd Round	Semi-final	Preliminary Round
1984-1985	Third Division	20th	1st Round	1st Round	Semi-final		3rd Round
1985-1986	Third Division	24th (relegated)	2nd Round	2nd Round	5th Round		3rd Round
1986-1987	Fourth Division	12th	4th Round	2nd Round	3rd Round		2nd Round
1987-1988	Fourth Division	6th (promoted via play-offs)	2nd Round	1st Round	4th Round		Group Stage
1988-1989	Third Division	12th	2nd Round	1st Round	Winners		Group Stage
1989-1990	Third Division	17th	3rd Round	1st Round	3rd Round	1st Round	Group Stage
1990-1991	Third Division	20th	3rd Round	1st Round	Winners		2nd Round
1991-1992	Third Division	19th	2nd Round	2nd Round	5th Round	1st Round	Group Stage
1992-1993	Second Division	5th	4th Round	1st Round	3rd Round		4th Round
1993-1994	Second Division	13th	1st Round	2nd Round	Semi-final		Winners
1994-1995	Second Division	10th	4th Round	2nd Round			4th Round
1995-1996	Second Division	22nd (relegated)	1st Round	1st Round			2nd Round
1996-1997	Third Division	5th	1st Round	1st Round	FAW Premier Cup		2nd Round
1997-1998	Third Division	20th	1st Round	1st Round	Quarter-final		1st Round
1998-1999	Third Division	7th	4th Round	1st Round	Quarter-final		2nd Round
1999-2000	Third Division	1st (promoted)	2nd Round	2nd Round	Quarter-final		2nd Round
2000-2001	Second Division	23rd (relegated)	1st Round	1st Round	Runners-Up		4th Round
2001-2002	Third Division	20th	2nd Round	1st Round	Runners-Up		1st Round
2002-2003	Third Division	21st	1st Round	1st Round	Quarter-final		1st Round
2003-2004	Third Division	10th	5th Round	1st Round	Semi-final		2nd Round
2004-2005	League Two	3rd (promoted)	3rd Round	1st Round	Winners		2nd Round
2005-2006	League One	6th	1st Round	1st Round	Winners		Winners
2006-2007	League One	7th	4th Round	1st Round	Quarter-final		2nd Round
2007-2008	League One	1st (promoted)	3rd Round	2nd Round	Quarter-final		Semi-final
2008-2009	Championship	8th	5th Round	4th Round

External links

• Official club website — Swansea City's official website
• 32Red website — 2009-10 Swans shirt sponsors