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Tuesday, March 22, 2005The waiting is finally over.The waiting is finally over. We have our magnificent new stadium at last and Saturday's 1-1 draw with Fulham was an absolutely fantastic day and very fitting that it was also Curt's testimonial. As emotional days go this was up there with the best of them and one of the finest players to ever pull on the famous white shirt deservedly received several standing ovations from over 12,000 adoring fans. Kenny obviously doesn't rate Curt as a coach but can I just say that Curt is one of the nicest blokes you coud ever meet. After idolising him on the North Bank as a 16 year-old I am very fortunate to have met Curt briefly on several occasions and what a smashing, genuine gentleman he is. I just hope that his new matchday PR role at the New Stadium leads to something more substantial because he really does love the club and the club needs people like Curt.. "The New Stadium, Swansea". What an absolute joke. The working title of White Rock Stadium was unceremoniously removed "to encourage potential stadium sponsors" but none have been found. So, although common sense would suggest reverting back to White Rock, Stadco have put their heads together and come up with the original name of New Stadium, Swansea. For this they deserve to be horsewhipped. We have the most advanced new stadium in Europe and the worst name in the world. The name of White Rock Stadium must be restored before the visit of Tranmere before we become the laughing stock of British football. I honestly can't see how a potential sponsor would be more dissuaded by the name White Rock Stadium than New Stadium - more likely the opposite, surely? As a very vociferous anti-smoker I was understandably delighted when I read that the stadium was to be non-smoking. So imagine my shock and horror on Saturday when I attempted to visit the gents at half time to be greeted by a wall of foul cigarette smoke and dozens of fans happily puffing away. Needless to say, I had to abandon my visit. Seriously, what is the point of introducing a very important rule but not enforcing it? We now live in a refreshing, new anti-smoking world, where lighting up is mercifully banned in public places in many places, such as Ireland, California and New York (and about to be outlawed in many other places worldwide) so the rule simply must be upheld to protect the vast majority of us who do not smoke. The only way to do this is to reinforce the policy via highly-visible signs and for stewards to monitor the toilets. This must begin immediately. Adebayo Akinfenwa. My young 2 year-old son James loves saying it and I predict the East Stand will be regularly chanting it after watching the muscular striker terrorise the Fulham defence on Saturday. The powerful lad is built like a heavyweight boxer and has the sublime first touch of a Brazilian. He appears to be the perfect strike partner for Trunds and should become a new cult hero. Do we still need a new central midfielder? I think so, though the lads in the middle of the park performed quite well on Saturday so I wouldn't be too unhappy if we kicked off the season with what we have. The better standard of football in Coca-Cola League 1 and huge pitch at the stadium should suit both Robbie Martinez and Leon Britton, Kris O'Leary continues to baffle his critcs (myself included) by regularly producing stirring performances and Andy Robinson can do a job there. That said, the addition of someone like Andy Burgess wouldn't do any harm whatsoever. These are very exciting times indeed. Ianto
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