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March 27, 2008

Swansea Signing Williams?

There's been rumours of it all week but it seems Swansea WILL be signing Stockport's Ashley Williams before Thursday's loan transfer deadline.

The highly-rated defender made his Wales debut last night in the comfortable win in Luxembourg and was expected to head straight to Swansea for talks after landing at Cardiff Airport.

The chances of a move for the 23-year-old have been played down all week by Swansea, both manager Roberto Martinez and chairman Huw Jenkins distancing themselves from a deal to land some much-needed defensive cover.

But it is understood there is a strong possibility of a loan move being thrashed out to beat the midnight deadline - with a view to a permanent deal at the end of the season.

The composed, ball-playing centre-back has courted interest from various clubs all year but Stockport are reluctantly accepting Williams will now move on sooner rather than later.

And after having their fingers burned by going public over moves for centre backs before (Dean Leacock and Roger Johnson anyone?) perhaps Swansea are just staying schtum over the whole thing for fear it might not happen.

The only thing we do know for sure is to watch this space.


 

March 21, 2008

Points Away . . .

The Swans couldn't quite make it a great Friday - although as I'm writing this they're still ten points clear after their draw in Southend.

But I'm one of those that believes in the old saying that points away - promotion in May.

And even if the March return of results might have dampened hopes of record-breaking seasons, it's still been enough to keep top-two rivals at bay.

Talking to a few of the players on Tuesday night and they clearly knew how important a result it was against Rovers.

And the fans should acknowledge it too because it could have been quite easy for that team to slip into a nervous wreck of a side after the first signs of a blip.

They didn't, they got the win, taken a decent little point from their trip to Roots Hall and now face a home clash with Bristol Rovers in front of the Sky cameras.

For me, it says a lot about the mentality of Martinez's men.

Wrexham and Cardiff wins tomorrow will go down quite nice with the chocolate feast awaiting most of us too.



 

January 15, 2008

Hats Off to Swansea . . . and Cardiff

You had to feel for Luton last Saturday - and fair play to Swansea, they obviously did.

Luton's fans had turned up having seen two of their best players sold - including Wales international David Edwards - just two days before the game.

And 24 hours prior to kick-off they were left reeling from the news Kevin Blackwell had resigned and would be leaving on February 9, effectively giving a one month's notice.

Supporters and media alike were even more confused when Lewis Emanuel was named as a sub even though he was supposed to have joined Lincoln on loan.

But the Hatters fans were defiant and gave a lengthy chant declaring "Luton Town will never die" against the backdrop of the 3-1 defeat and the financial worries.

If any set of supporters knows what it's like to see your club go through the mill it's Swansea's, and in a break of play they turned and applauded the home fans and their efforts.

In return, the whole of Kenilworth Road then applauded Swansea's gesture. In a sport that often gets a bit murky and underhand, it was a refreshing sight.

So hats off to Swansea, but also to Cardiff who are on a resilient run of form at the moment.

Just a couple of points off the play-offs and a world away from the troubles of just a few weeks ago.

It's amazing how worries (Langston have not gone away, remember) are easily forgotten when the team are picking up results.

There's still work for Jones to do, of course. The ever-changing Championship league table can see teams slide down as quickly as they can spring up.

The criticism of Jones and his side back in December was right, though, even though he has changed things around.

But the calls for his head were always premature - and I think I went on record for saying that.

Still, now's not the time for feeling smug, Dave. There's plenty of work still to do with plenty of time to do it in.


 

January 8, 2008

Back with a Bang. . .

It's been a while - but trust the FA Cup to get the blogging blood stirring again.

Havant & Waterlooville didn't quite land the knock-out blow to Swansea on Saturday, even if they did have a guy called Rocky playing up front.

But looking at this picture, thanks to the excellent www.scfc.co.uk (scroll down about half way to the ninth image), you can see they had a good try of flooring Darryl Duffy by other measures.

Now I'm up for the cup as any man, but you don't want to see this kind of thing on park pitches let alone Semi-pro or the Football Leagues.

No wonder Roberto Martinez was a bit annoyed after the final whistle, claiming the part-timers were out to rough the Swans up.

Looks like the replay is going to have a bit of edge about it - and that's before the possibility of Liverpool in the next round came about.

There's a good chance the game at Westleigh Park will be televised, with every neutral in the country behind the Conference South side.

It's all adding up to another test of Roberto Martinez's managerial skills - the majority of which the rookie has passed with flying colours so far.


 

November 3, 2007

Ridsdale, Refs and Ringside - The Week That's WoS

What a week it's been - and still could be - in Welsh sport.

Apologies for those who've logged on and not seen much updating recently - this blog's author has been on a Halloween holiday.

But with Guy Fawke's Night almost upon us, the fireworks are all set to go off tonight at the Millennium Stadium as Joe Calzaghe takes on Mikkel Kessler in a super-middleweight slug-out.

If you stay online (and awake), this blog will take a veer away from football for a few hours to give you live updates.

Then you can read the very first detailed reports from Wales on Sunday's top boxing writer Pete Shuttleworth on www.icwales.co.uk, or in later editions of tomorrow's paper.

Still, it's not all about boxing and Welsh football held its own in terms of an explosive week.

First we had Peter Ridsdale's launch of his new book United We Fall, a great insight to the life at the top of a Premier League football club and his early days at Cardiff.

Wales on Sunday has spoken to the City chairman, who admits there could be a few more chapters to add yet, plus exclusive extracts from the book.

It comes on the back of Cardiff's trip to Anfield and the official start of work on the club's new stadium - but results around the Championship today mean eyes will very much be on Tuesday night's game against Palace to lift them away from the bottom places.

In League One, Swansea dropped points at home to Gillingham last night but could still hold their heads up high after a superb performance against the odds.

Referee Stuart Atwell - 25, in his first year as a ref and in his first ever League One game - gave one of the most woeful performances from a man in black I have ever seen. Ever.

But the ten men Swans still really should have won the game - even before Andy Robinson's last gasp penalty miss.

There's the fall-out from that game in tomorrow's paper - plus a look ahead to next week's FA Cup game.

We look forward to Wrexham's big cup clash with Peterborough and a certain reunion with Darren Ferguson, plus the big derby clash with the Shrews tomorrow.

See, told you it was a hell of a week.

Now, C'mon Joe - make it even better.


 

October 8, 2007

What a Weekend . . .

So rugby unites as a nation then, does it?
Well, the smiles on faces this morning suggests football plays a small part too.
Try telling Cardiff fans it's a miserable time to be a Welshman after their first home win in seven months.
And try pulling Swans supporters down off cloud nine after faith in promotion was restored five times over at top-of-the-table Orient on Saturday.
And even Wrexham followers - down in the dumps for weeks - are seeing things a bit brighter after Friday night's success.
Now all we need is for Tosh's team to follow suit against Cyprus on Saturday and we're done!

Continue reading "What a Weekend . . ." »


 

September 29, 2007

Saturday Stars

It may still only be September but you can't help feel all three of our clubs need big results already today.

The Swans - complete with Cardiff exile Warren Feeney in attack - host Brighton, knowing a win will restore the confidence of pre-season that they can play their way to promotion.

Wrexham will take anything against Lincoln to somehow scramble out of the relegation rut - although recent performances suggest that might be easier said than done.

And Cardiff can start creeping up the table and making their rivals nervous with a win in Yorkshire against Barnsley.

Listen to Dave Jones often enough and he'll tell you (ad nauseam) this is the toughest division to get out of, anybody can beat anybody, etc etc

Now, that is probably true - but you can't get away from the fact some games are easier than others and the Tykes are one of them.

Ask any Swans fan and they'll tell you they shouldn't even be here (penalties take a long time to get over!)

Simon Davey has done a great little job on hardly any money but this could be a season too far for the club - and Cardiff have to take full advantage of that if they are to build on recent results.

So early in the season it might be - but these next set of 90 minutes are the most important yet.

Then again, isn't that always the way . . .


 

September 25, 2007

Catching Up

How about a little catch-up. . .and I don't mean the prospect facing bottom of the league Wrexham at the moment.

Just in case you missed some of the big stories from Wales on Sunday this week, here they are again.

Can the Hart Go On? -We look at what's next for Big John Hartson, and hear the views of David Pleat - the manager who gave the super-sized striker his big break.


Hughes a Clever Boy- We spoke to former Wales boss Mark Hughes, looking every inch the Premier League manager at Blackburn, and found out what Jose's last words were.

The Three Amigos! - It's all gone a bit Club Med at the Morfa.

By the way, apologies for the lack of updates last week - computer gremlins got the better of the blog but normal service has resumed.


 

September 15, 2007

Trust Swansea to come good at the end

Just returned from watching Swansea complete a comeback against Carlisle to snatch a 2-1 win, courtesy of late goals from Darryl Duffy and Paul Anderson.

One worrying note was the sight of the again-impressive Joe Allen limp off in the second half - if there's anything serious you'll hear about it in this week's Wales on Sunday. I'm sure Wales manager John Toshack will be keen to see if the 17-year-old's okay - he was at the Liberty tonight to keep his eye on the highly-rated midfielder.

But I have to mention the new campaign aimed at recruiting fans for the Swans Trust.

It simply states:
May 2 2001 Leeds Utd v Valencia - Champions League Semi Final
May 3 2008 - Leeds Utd v Gillingham - League One.

"It can happen to anyone at any time with little warning.

"Remember, when you watched that game on TV you had never heard of Tony Petty - more evidence of how quickly things can turn"

What a great way of ramming home the message to any fans that think Trusts and fans' support only matter when things are going against you.

The Trust at Swansea has done some great things - and I'm sure will continue to do so.

Continue reading "Trust Swansea to come good at the end" »


 

September 4, 2007

Crossing the Divide - Feeney aims to copy Mo

Warren Feeney crossed the big divide last week when he joined Swansea on loan from arch rivals Cardiff.

It's happened plenty of times when icons at Ninian Park have ended up at the Vetch (or now the Liberty) - but it's not been too often when they've gone directly to the other side.

Ivor Allchruch, Alan Curtis, Robbie James, Leighton Phillips, David Giles, Chris Marustick, Colin Pascoe, Terry Boyle, Paul Brayson, Dai Thomas, John Cornforth, John Williams, Kevin Nugent, Jason Bowen, Steve Jenkins, Tony Bird, Jimmy Gilligan, Andy Legg - just a few of the more memorable names who have played in both white and blue.

But there is one name that stands out - and for a while he was universally hated both sides of the Bluebird & Swan gap. Dave Penney.

Continue reading "Crossing the Divide - Feeney aims to copy Mo" »


 

August 21, 2007

Wales Could Have a Cup of Cheer

In all the excitement of Saturday's games, the draw for the second round of the Carling Cup got overshadowed.

But the games - scheduled for next week - are all bound to cause a stir soon enough with our Welsh clubs for different reasons.

Cardiff - albeit doggedly - got past League One side Brighton in last week's first round and now face another lower division opponent in Leyton Orient.

Swansea will play the Premier League's unlikely high-flyers Reading after seeing off a strong Walsall outfit last week.

And finally Wrexham have landed the plum draw when they were handed a home tie with Martin O'Neil's Aston Villa.

Continue reading "Wales Could Have a Cup of Cheer" »


 

August 15, 2007

No Hartson for Swansea

John Hartson won't be joining Swansea City despite rumours that the ex-Wales international is ready to come home.

The Swansea-born striker has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Liberty Stadium since Lee Trundle's £1m move to Bristol City last month.

But sources inside the club are adamant there has been no movement to bring Big John to Swansea, even with Roberto Martinez on the look out for a new striker to add to his front-line ranks.

Continue reading "No Hartson for Swansea" »


 

August 11, 2007

Wales Fantasy Football

Fantasy Football? That's what we're hoping for this season in Wales with our three Coca-Cola League clubs all with promotion on their minds. Can this be the year for Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham?

Predictions have been flying around for weeks and last week's Wales on Sunday had a few from myself, sports writer Pete Shuttleworth and Wales' most capped player Neville Southall.

For me, Cardiff are capable of a top six place despite being up against the millionaires row of West Brom, Sheffield United and the rest, while Roberto Martinez's Spanish-influenced Swans are good enough for an automatic spot. Wrexham - although they'll push - could fall away so I've left them in ninth.

Wales great Nev is a bit more optimistic - predicting play-off places for Cardiff and Swansea and a title year for the Red Dragons.

Continue reading "Wales Fantasy Football" »


 

August 8, 2007

Swansea BIG Season Preview

Swansea City are all set for their third-time lucky attempt on League One and manager Roberto Martinez is feeling optimistic.

He told Wales on Sunday just how much this week, and you can read it again in full here . .

ROBERTO Martinez’s optimism is infectious.

Perhaps, more importantly, it is genuine.

There is a sense of excitement in the voice of the Swansea manager as he awaits his first full season in charge, an enthusiasm that exposes a feeling for the football club whose future he can help shape.

There can be no doubt, Martinez is in love with Swansea City.

“If it wasn’t this club, if it wasn’t Swansea City who asked, then I wouldn’t yet be in management,” said Martinez.

Continue reading "Swansea BIG Season Preview" »


 

July 28, 2007

Trundle belongs to Bristol, says so-long to Swansea

Lee Trundle is a Bristol City player - and has made his Bristol City debut to signal an end of an era at Swansea.

But before the game he caught up with me to pen an emotional open letter to the Swansea fans he's left behind.

It gives his reasons why he had to quit the Liberty Stadium and details just what went on over the last week that saw him become a £1m player.

And if you needed reminding why he was worth that much - or why he was called Magic Daps - have a look at this YouTube clip.

For the full and exclusive Trundle verdict - plus all the pre-season latest - see tomorrow's Wales on Sunday.


 

July 27, 2007

Trundle's Bristol Saga Continues for Swansea

The saga of Lee Trundle's transfer from Swansea to Bristol City took a new twist when a Bristol press conference had to be abandoned in farcical scenes.

But it is now believed the deal HAS gone through - and the striker is now a Bristol City player.

Bristol officials had to back track after calling a press conference to unveil Trundle at Ashton Gate, but then had to admit the deal could not be completed due to hitches in some minor details of the £1m plus deal.

Chief Executive Colin Sexton confirmed he had agreed personal terms with Trundle and a fee had been agreed - but the minor details meant contracts could not be signed.

But then just hours later it is thought the issues were ironed out to pave the way for Trundle to quit the Liberty.

For the full details and the latest on the saga see Wales on Sunday this weekend.


 

July 27, 2007

Swansea Hero Trundle Ready to Sign for Bristol City

Lee Trundle is poised to officially become a Bristol City player in the next hour as he stands on the verge of quitting Swansea City.

Trundle is at Ashton Gate now and has already met his new team-mates after completing talks over the last few hours.

The Scouse striker did not travel with Roberto Martinez's men to Holland this morning as the Swans prepare for their pre-season tour of the Netherlands.

Instead, after reportedly asking for a transfer request following an estimated £1m bid from the Robins, Trundle is ready to end four years at the Welsh club by agreeing a move to the Championship.

Swansea officials are still refusing to comment on the situation and there are doubts whether the full details of the fee have been agreed on.

But a press conference has been called for 4pm at Ashton Gate and it looks as though Trundle has now played his last game in a white shirt.

Stay logged on for any further updates - but get the real story in this weekend's Wales on Sunday.


 

July 25, 2007

Trundle Latest. . .

Lee Trundle has to make up his mind whether to leave Swansea City after a dramatic turn in events and a fourth transfer bid from Bristol City.

Confusion still surrounds the future of Trundle following the striker's absence from the friendly at Port Talbot.

Swansea drew 1-1 thanks to a late Steve Watt leveller, but the main talking point was whether Trundle will sign for Bristol City.

The Robins look like they have met the price tag laid out by Swansea in last week's Wales on Sunday - a minimum of £750,000 up front for the 30-year-old. The club are thought to have again knocked the bid back but it could be down to the player himself to decide whether he wants to move.

Swans chairman Huw Jenkins refused to comment on the speculation after the match, while manager Roberto Martinez toed the party line in insisting the club were not looking to sell Trundle.

Club officials all stayed tight lipped as did Swansea players who claim they did not know whether the rumours were true.

The ball is now thought to be in Trundle's court - with the next 48 hours due to bring an answer to a transfer that could rock Swansea's season before it's begun.


 

July 25, 2007

Trundling Off?....

Could Lee Trundle be leaving Swansea City?

Rumours are spreading around the Talbot Ground in Port Talbot that Bristol City could have snatched the star striker in a sensational deal.

Reports in the Bristol press suggested the Robins have significantly upped their bid for the 30-year-old that could have swayed the club to say yes.

And Trundle's no-show at tonight's game has only fuelled speculation the Scouser is about to leave the Liberty Stadium.

Readers of WoS will know the Championship side have come nowhere near Swansea's valuation of Trundle with their three previous bids.

But Swansea would be prepared to sell if they offered around £750,000 up front, or if Trundle had been tempted by the chance to step up a level.

Roberto Martinez certainly sees the striker as part of his plans and was telling me such just a few hours ago.

But things could have moved quickly in the last few hours which could yet see Trundle quit South Wales.

There has been no official confirmation of the situation - stay logged on for any updates live from the game.


 

July 20, 2007

Ferrie Good . . . .

They may have been pre-season friendlies, but there was enough to get excited about at Swansea's two games against Welsh Premier opposition this week.

One was the speed, skill and sheer confidence of winger Paul Anderson who has left his team-mates all standing in all of the pre-season training sprints so far (Read WoS this week for more on the wing whizz-kid).

The other was the outstanding ability of Ferrie Bodde in midfield.

Continue reading "Ferrie Good . . . ." »


 

July 16, 2007

Oh and another thing . . .

Internet talk has been rife of Swansea looking to sell Leon Britton and Lee Trundle.

Well Trunds looked more eager to kick-on with Swansea than ever when I spoke to him recently while Britts has just had a little girl and I'd be surprised if he was looking to move anywhere.

Sure, Roberto has been told he will have to sell one or two players to trim the fat of his squad after his summer spending.

But I'd eat my cyberwords if he would be prepared to let these two leave - and it would take £600,000 at least for either of them for the board's money men to be even tempted.

Seems like rival fans have been doing a bit of fishing. Just like the Swans have been doing in Sweden .

By the way, the lads only managed to catch one fish between them - and it was Andy Robinson who landed the catch.


 

July 14, 2007

Fun in the sun

Two games and two wins for the Welsh teams today.

Cardiff looked impressive by all accounts in their 1-0 win over Vitoria while Swansea steam-rollered the Swedes of Ostersund 5-2. It's too early to judge yet, mind. These games are little more than a fitness exercise and a chance to get a football back at the players' feet.


But, winning breeds confidence and that's never a bad thing when you're heading into a season where promotion or play-off pushes are on everyone's minds.

For the full details of the two games - plus some lovely pics of the stars sweating it out in the sun - see tomorrow's Wales on Sunday.


 

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