Don't want to spread doom and gloom,but what's the forecast looking like in the Histon area for Sat afternoon?.I can't imagine they have expensive undersoil heating installed,and if it's anything like my back garden then it's been frozen solid most of the week.!

Well 2008 started with a draw and ended with 8 of them. This time last year I was looking forward to the game at Swindon on New Year's Day which ended 1-1. Big Den played in that game but now looks like his time as a Swan has come to an end. He played a big part in our promotion last season, so thanks Den, if you leave it's with our best wishes.

So 9 defeats in 51 games during 2008, that is an awesome statistic. Roberto, you are a magician.

This year has been an amazing year for Swans fans, at least for those that recognise that fact it has. The next 4 weeks will be very interesting as we seem to be only a few tweaks away from being one of the best sides in this division when 6 months we were wondering how we would cope with the step up.

Happy New Year to all Jacks, wherever you are and lets hope that 2009 is as good as 2008 was for us.

Gosh, this ruby port is very nice. Cheers all!

All

As I'm off out to get drunk in about 20 minutes, hope all of you have a very Happy New Year- even Jeff from 'Udders Feeled!

Just read an interview in The Western Fail with Roberto.

Concerning the Histon game.
He states:

"There are certain moments,when you need to make sure that you do the ugly things in the game...We need to be strong,dominate the game, and, we are aware of their dangers"

You can bet we aint going to see "pretty" football,we are going to plan B.

My money's on The Messiah to come up trumps.

My money's also on 4-4-2, with Kris O'leary(U J B) midfield,never lets you down.

Think we might see Costa in goals also,
To deal with the Hoofball tactics.

Dimi extends for another month

TO ANDY ROBINSON ,HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT NEW YEAR,IT CANT BE WORSE THAN 2008 FOR YOU. OR I FORGOT YOU #@*%!ED IT UP YOURSELF

Mark,

Thank you mate. You are a 'gentleman and a scholar.'

As we all gaze drunkenly into our last pint of the year later on tonight and before attempting one last cheesy chat up line on that blonde piece by the bar. Please take a minute or two and think back over this magnificent last 12 months for the Swans. Rejoice and give thanks to the board for having the foresight to appoint Roberto, who has inspired both the team, the fans and the club as a whole.

'Hic' "Same again please barman..."

Happy New Year to all you Jacks out there, wherever you may be.

Let's hope 2009 is equally as memorable!

Im a real close friend of shaun macdonalds and have been for 15 years and i can tell you that the thoughts of him having to leave a club that he has supported since he could walk and is actually a swansea born footballer is killing him his heart and soul are in this city,i personally think that with a bit of guidence and him being played in his correct position that he would be good enough to get in almost any side, roberto has opted in the past to play unfit players instead of building shauns fitness and confidence up eg; britton had injections in his back for him to play, butler came back lacking in fitness and otj played after being out injured for god knows how long.since shaun has been playing football his position is more in the centre of the field which means either central midfield or pushing on towards the strikers more which i think could solve our scoring problem or help solve it with shauns quick feet i think he could be a problem playing behind scotland. . Shaun is currently trying his best for a loan move and then who knows but thats all i know is that he loves this club.

Hello my Welsh friends,

Did I hear that you've just broken the league record for consecutive draws?

Before you start moaning, spare a thought for us, one division lower. Wasn't that long ago we were giving you a lesson in football.

With our new manager now installed, you can all relax in the knowledge that your Spanish wizard is staying put and not tempted by a move to a bigger club as oursleves !!

Have a good 2009 safe in the knowledge that if your seasons goes completely tits up from this point onward, you'll at least be able to come to Hudders once again with allthe culture we have to offer

Jeffrey
HTID

P.S. Cardiff are doing well I see. Would you be happy in a wider Welsh football sense if they went up? I suspect not.

Following our exit from the Carling Cup, due to playing a weakened squad, Roberto will be playing a full strength squad against Histon on Sat.
Tickets go off sale at 2pm on Fri, with non available on the day at Histon.

Jackland, I have to disagree with your opinion mate,sorry. I think Brandy is a striker?, and so if he plays 5,10 0r however many mins,h eshould still be a "striker"? I have watched this guy squander every opportunity that he has had?, countless amounts of 1 v 1 with the keeper, and to be honest, i just don't think he's good enough. If he was that good then we would have come away with 3 pts against Birmingham!
One thing is for sure tho!, we do need that extra bit of quality in a striker, and i hope that RM gets one in Jan.
Everyone's allowed their own opinion, and this is just mine!
Merry Xmas!

Here you go Khadexstan, though we've not been added.

[www.football-league.co.uk]

Good to see Jenkins saying that he's giving RM permission to splash cash on a new winger, and we are looking at home and abroad, though the continental approach is not a rosey as it was back in August as the pound plummets against the Euro

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

/hopeful Pat

I apologise if this has been discussed or asked about previously. But I wondered if anyone could provide a link, or the answer to what other clubs have also drawn eight league games in succession?

I would appreciate a speedy response, as it's going to one of my quiz questions down the pub tonight. Thanks.

Steve (Cov)

9 defeats from 51 games is quite amazing....regardless of the draws.

I wonder how many other teams can boast better? Not many, I'm sure.

Just before I run out the door to London for NYE and the weekend, Blwyddyn Newydd Dda to all Swans fans, wherever they were born and wherever they may be. Can this excursion get any more exciting?

Be honest. Did you think we'd only lose nine league games out of 51 in 2008?

hey again, please feel free to visit www.osheasport.co.uk for latest opinion on the swans, some interesting features, particularly for those who enjoy the odd accumulator, a sporting and swans column, as well as an archive of articles on the swans and one recently published in the local paper on Port Talbot and Paris. Please leave opinion so I can improve the site, its just 3 days old!

www.osheasport.co.uk

Dominic, Happy New Year all Jacks!

Re Tom Butler

Mark, I think you're overreacting there. Clearly some journo asked him his feelings and he replied. It's not as if he penned a letter in red ink...

Also, I fail to see them getting overly upset about being called "ignorant" over their reaction (as viewed on television). I think they're more likely to take the line that he's got a point.

It'll make nick-all difference anyway. They're the non-league "heroes" against the Championship "big boy villains" and they'd be as up for it as they can be already.

Just read a news article on Wales Online quoting Tom Butler saying that Histon were 'ignorant' (for tutting when they drew us in the cup).

Now he may have thought that, and he does put his quote into context later in the article, but did he really need to say those words prior to the game?

Their manager need only pin the headline and the first para from Cardiff's finest rag up on the dressing room wall for an instant gee up to his team for Saturday!

It reads:

Butler labels FA Cup opponents ‘ignorant’

SWANSEA CITY’S Tom Butler has described non-league Histon as “ignorant” ahead of their potentially powderkeg FA Cup clash.

DOH!

Be interesting to see what kind of reception Tommy gets if he's picked on Saturday.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, it looks like we've seen the last of Dennis Lawrence in a Swans shirt.
He's had his ups and downs with us, but he played a big part in the League One Championship campaign and I'd like to put on record my thanks for all his efforts. My favourite Big Den moment - his headed goal to open the scoring against Bristol Rovers away at their place last season. After all the humilitations and reverses we've suffered there over the years, the victory that night was very special. Thanks, Den, and the best of luck for the future.

What is happenning with our old players guy's. No place like SWANSEA.Yes.

[www.scunthorpe-united.co.uk]

UP THE SWANS.

I know what you mean, Jackland.

I thought he would use Brandy's pace more when chasing a game late on and the opposition's defence would be tired, but he seems to prefer Pintado's strength than Brandy's pace.

Still, RM seems them all in training every day and I know I trust his judgment more than mine when it comes to pick a team!

"Will Brandy have one last chance to shine before his probable departure back to ManU?"

Come on m8, what chance has RM given this guy, he's normally brought the boy on with 2 mins to go, so how can they see what he can do in a match. You can do things in training yes, but it's no substitute for playing the match. The guy has never had a chance, don't know why RM has had him here, to much loyalty to some players if u ask me.The guy has pace, what do we not have in the team at the mo up front (PACE).

Jason - Risca,

Great posting!

Good to hear stories of Jacks living in Card**f too. I bumped into a Card**f fan here in Moscow a week ago - he was so full of sh*t telling me about how many millions he was worth and how many hundreds of people worked for him. It just didn't seem to match the way he spoke, looked or acted.

He mentioned the name of one guy who I know quite well so called him and asked about my rich scummer "friend". It turns out that this is the story he blurts out every time he's new to a city and that he's a normal manager for the company!!!

The truth is he's skint but loves to make people feel smaller than him.

Sounds familiar!

Re the FA Cup game - I think we'll see RM keep a mixture of first XI and second XI but how he'll mix it is anyone's guess.

Scotland and Pratley both benefit from regular games....but both probably need a little break too.

Leon's knackered and Allen can take his place but who would take Pratley's?

Could this be another chance for OTJ or would KOL be brought in from the cold?

Will MacDonald be given another chance to shine out wide on the right or will Gower/Butler be given a run out considering (a) their lack of confidence and (b) their lack of playing time in the last two/three weeks?

Will Brandy have one last chance to shine before his probable departure back to ManU?

Will Bussy get a chance to show the form which earned him rave reviews towards the end of last season?

Will Rangel be deservedly rested...and who will replace him?

Will Orlandi get a chance to show he's recovered from his calf injury sustained 6 months ago? Is this the right type of game for him?

Will Dimi get a game?

Hopefully, whatever team RM picks, we'll get past this team of thumpers. Their reputation isn't good but our lads are no softies either....not many footballers at the top level are.

Personally, I'd take a 1-0 victory if it means that we have no further injuries.

Happy New Year to all fellow Jacks, everyone at the club....especially the wonderful Roberto Martinez and his players.

In Roberto We Trust - In the Swans We Love

Hi Eveyone, Happy new year.
Its been a long time since I've posted on here, as I have been reading another board. Reason? I was fed up of the phorocial nonsence that I had to wade through to get to a decent article. EG You cannot be a Jack unless you are born within so many miles of the Centre of Swansea...what utter nonsence, or what constitutes a large club???? or how about picking up on people's spelling, OMG lets shoot them!!!
This Guestbook had turned into a battlefield for a couple to spout out the usual rubbish and inflate their egos by pulling apart everyones thoughts and ideas if they did not match their own. Personally, I gained very little reading all this tripe and often wondered if some of the protangonists where actually from along the M4.
Do not correct me if I am wrong as this is my personal opinion, however the guestbook should be about SCFC, what happens on the pitch and what effect the club off it. Until then, I will continue to post on the "other" side.

I live many miles outside Swansea where I encounter Cardiff fans all the time. The vast majority are okay, however I still have to deal with the usual idiot who screams at me to "get back to your ****ing caravan", in a very intimidaing manner, this is usually due to the fact that I am wearing a Swans shirt of coat. This has happened twice in the past month and the fact that I am 6.3 and 15.5 stone solid, it didnot go any further.
So dont some kid come on here and tell me I'm not a Jack or that if I didnot attend a game that make me less of a swans supporter that someone else. I have supported the Jacks since 1977 and have attended too many games to remember and I have no second team...never have.

Special mention to Dai, thanks for the site as I often read the paper section, match reports and the rumours,(though you got to laugh at some of them).

HNY everyone, I will pop in again in the new year and will continue to post, as long as the topic is about Swansea City Football Club.

There, as they say on the other side...Rant over.

Dave :
I understand that you're a Histon Supporter and that you're having a great run in the league and if this message goes out in time then you will be second, hoping for promotion.
I say, good for you, good luck in getting up the next division and getting in the football league. That is the respect we give to a team below us.
But, if you think, for one minute that we have forgotton where we come from and the fact that we almost went out of the league 5 years ago then you can think again fella.
Most of the players we have will have been there and done that on the Vetch in far worse conditions that you will dream about.
So if you want a dogfight, then the players on the pitch will be more than happy to answer your questions of hoof ball.
Bring it on.

Colin you are right.
But will Martinez be intrested in the cup as we have a massive league game away to Burnley. i think martinez will go half and half, cos he cant afford any injures going into the Burnley game .

My Team
Dorus
Rangel Serran Monk Tate
Butler Allen OTJ Olandi
Brandy Bauza

Subs.
Williams
Scotland
Gower
Pratley
Dimi (If signs an extention or a deal)


Come on city!!!!

Just got back on the guest book after having major computer problems and would like to thank the posters who supported me in the 'racist issue'

Andy said I was digging a hole comparing a "black" man to a Martian. Personally I view the term 'black' worse than the term 'coloured', but it looks like the PC brigade differ. Anyway Andy I have no desire to argue the point further. I have been a little educated into what is, or is not an acceptable description so shall we agree that this is at an end.

Back to the football I was at Birmingham and what a performance from the whole team. We made a team of premiership 'names' look very ordinary. The crowd only seemed to wake up when somebody produced a Villa shirt.

Nice to speak to Haydn before the game as well. He obviously still reads this guestbook if he does not post.

Look forward to many more debates in the new year.

I think this debate about whether or not we should play most of last Sunday's team against Histon or fill most of the team with stand-ins highlights one significant problem that we as a club have at the moment and that is totally inadequate reserve team football.

There is no doubt in my mind that a team consisting mainly of our second string players would potentially be good enough to win this match except for that fact that very few of them will be match sharp. It's Ok putting one or maybe two at most into a team that is already firing on all cylinders as that can help individual players get the right intensity (to use one of RM's favourite words) quicker. However, if too many have to spend time getting up to speed together, it can take a long time.

I think I'd go with maybe 8 of last Sunday's team with rests given to those that need them most (e.g. Leon) and match time also given to those that need it most. Personally, I'd like to see Orlandi start as I still feel he has a lot to offer the 1st team and was unlucky to get injured after a good performance against Wolves.

As for the rest, I don't know, Brandy to start maybe, but it's a good feeling to have such faith in the manager to do the right thing for the club.

Guto,
the game against Hull will be totally different to one against a non-league outfit who are currently playing extremely well, besides playing on a pitch totally unlike the Liberty stadium pitch.
That is why I have gone for players who play week in, week out, rather than players who's only game time, apart from the infrequent reserve team outings, are on the training field.
Yes, the players were excellent against Hull, but do you think those players will have the same time, composure on the ball against a non-league side that really fancy their chances, and on an uneven surface.

Dave G, I don't see the condescension you mention in most posts below regarding Histon. There are some saying don't risk the first team because we can't afford the injuries and our league campaign is more important. That's not
showing disrespect to Histon, that's just being pragmatic.

As far as I'm concerned, I'm saying that an FA Cup run is important, so we need our best team possible out there in what will be a very tough and physical test on what will probably be a rough playing surface, pumped up opposition and a loud partisan crowd in our faces.

Colin

The players you named played in the victory against Hull, where we were brilliant. They all worked well together. Yes, it's been a long time since that victory, but I think they're the best players to include for this fixture.

The first-teamers have been going through a hard few games, and it would be unfortunate if they played against Histon and thought it would be an easy-ride. The reserves will be relishing their chances.

I think a scrappy game would also benefit the likes of Collins and Serran. They'll be wanting to show Martinez that they offer different options.

Players like Bauza and O'leary will be more than up for this game after the humiliation of last season's whole FA Cup experience.

After last season's let-down in the cup I'm nervous about the Histon match, but the first-teamers probably need a break after a difficult run of less than deserved draws.

Colin

Fair enough but one point (ok a few)....parachute payments did no good to the likes of Leicester, Charlton, Southampton, Coventry etc.

The game WBA and Birmingham play is basically an exclusive club because of the finances they have (by BTW West Brom do not have a financial backer nor a sponsor so basically just rely on gate money as we would have to but they get it on a bigger scale). What they have is paitent support and boardroom which does not panic and sack the manager when times go wrong. That we can learn from.

You are right to say no team has outplayed us but so what points are what count not pretty football, flattery from the opposition etc, it is not a crticism but I'm sure clubs prefer playing us to many others as they know exactly what they are going to get and know we do not have any plan B or such like up our sleeves that a more robust side might have. I did not criticise the playing side at all and will happily accept our position for the next few seasons at least.

As for big clubs in administration Leeds are far bigger than anyone you mentioned and there was no sizemic panic or a rash of others following suit and I'm sure if another big club does so again it will be a similar story.

Now if a "big" club was to go out of business that would be a totally different story (just look at the high street for a precident) but clubs that have gone under over the years have been the small fry football as a whole have not cared two jots about and that is the way of the football world and only the clubs that go's supporters are really effected.

Reading the postings about Histon, I see that it's taken many only 30 hours or so in the Championship to become condescending twots.

Never forget where you came from and if the players underestimate Histon as much as our fans do, then we'll have no interest in any further FA Cup draws.

Take a look at their league table and playing record.

Reading the players mentioned in earlier postings my main concern regarding considering the likes of Serran, Collins, OT Jones, O'Leary, Orlandi, Bauza, Brandy etc to start Saturday's tough encounter at Histon is that they will be turned over. I fear after seeing these players in action this season, and in last year's FA Cup competition, they will not be strong enough to play together as a team. Include one, or two, but don't start the game with a completely different eleven from the Brum game.
Make no mistake about our opponents, they are a tough side, well organised, and playing on their own unpredictable turf.
Leon is the only current first teamer I believe carrying an injury from game to game, and perhaps, apart from him, Roberto should put out his full first team line-up. After all, there is a full seven days before the next game at Burnley.
One other factor to consider is, for the first time in years the Swans are entering the competition in the third round, unlike being paired with non-league clubs in previous seasons. No comparison can be made with the selection of a reserve line-up in the Carling Cup tie v Watford, the rewards for progressing to the next round will be measured in thousands should the Swans make progress.

17579)
I agree with you Mark, Looney Leighton (who never watches us play) trotted out 'we're gonna 'ammer someone soon' on Real Radio a couple of weeks back...... and it's been repeated endlessly since.

I'd be happy if we just got a few 1-0's

Reminds me of those other often repeated classic cliches:-
'Fallon will score a shed full once he gets off the mark'
and 'The Liberty will be sold out for every game in the Championship'.

Who advises these players as to what to say to the press?? JS has just trotted out the old chestnut "We are due to give someone a hammering soon" .From what I have heard of the guy in interviews he is not going to trouble the Royal Shakespeare Company in terms of public speaking (I dont care really,if he is scoring goals),but someone really needs to take him to one side and advise him that it's far better to trot that statement out after the fact,as in "I knew we were due to give someone a beating,and we did!!!".As cliche's go it really does tee me off.

And whilst on the subject of blandness and cliche ridden interviews,what has happened to the personalities in football??,the managers who get really passionate,let rip and tell it like it is.As with everything else,football is being sanitised and run by PR consultants.

I listened to Sammy Lee being interviewed after the Liverpool game against Newcastle.How could one man talk so much and say so little,it was absolute garbage.

Unfortunately,for all his undoubted skills,our own El Senor is probably one of the worst culprits,with "many positives","superb workrate","new to this division","doing it all for the fans" etc etc etc etc being tripped out every game.We are not stupid Mr Martinez!!.

Roberto,if you read this site,the occasional "No excuses,we were shocking from back to front.Dorus had a mare,Tatey was fast asleep for both goals,and that Scotland couldn't hit a barn door today!!!" would go a long way to elevating you,well in the mind of this poster anyway,to even higher god like status!!!

And before anyone says "You wouldn't want to be publicly criticised by your boss",a) footballers dont strike me as being shrinking violets,they like the plaudits,they should be able to take the brick bats and b)the man in the street doesn't pay my wages!!!

As commendable as Kick Racism out of Football is,and whatever the reason the players have to shake hands before the start of a game and then kick lumps out of each other for the remaining 90 minutes,why dont we alternate it week in week out with Kick Cliche's out of Football! It would certainly get my vote,and would hopefully go someway to ridding football of it's most insidious menace!!

Anyway,rant over,I will just go back now to taking every match as it comes,knowing that it is a game of two halves and that if we score first then they have to score twice to win,and that the home crowd will really be a 12th man for them.!!!

Happy New Year to one and all.!!

More Local Pubs :

Boot Inn: Opens at 11.00 a.m. with food from noon.
Boot Inn, 1, High Street, Histon, Cambridgeshire, CB4 9LG. Tel: 01223 566446.

King William IV:
King William IV, 8, Church Street, Histon, Cambridgeshire, CB4 9EP. Tel: 01223 233930.

Red Lion: Cambridge & District Pub of the Year, 2003. Free house divided into a quiet lounge, where food is served at lunchtimes, and a livelier public bar. Ales include Milton Minotaur, Everards Beacon and Tiger, Oakham Bishops Farewell, a range of Belgian bottled beers, plus guests. There is a strictly enforced ban on using mobile phones on the premises. Has own parking. Saturday opening is 11-11, with food in the English style from 12.00.
Red Lion, 27, High Street, Histon, Cambridgeshire, CB4 9JD. Tel: 01223 564437.

Rose & Crown: Open from 11.00. Food limited to the sausage and bacon filled roll variety.
Rose & Crown, 2, Glebe Way, Impington, Histon, Cambridgeshire, CB4 9JB. Tel: 01223 232448.

The Barley Mow: Specialises in Thai food, but unfortunately on Saturdays not at lunchtime. Evening meals start from 6.00 p.m.
The Barley Mow, 7, High Street, Histon, Cambridgeshire, CB4 9JD. Tel: 01223 234071.

The Railway Vue: Closest pub to the stadium. Open all day from 11.00 a.m.
The Railway Vue, 163, Station Road, Impington, Histon, Cambridgeshire, CB4 9NP. Tel: 01223 232426.

Are there any pubs in Histon?

If ever there was a question for you Daf there it was! And you come back and question my team selections?

Railway Vue - Station Road. Closest by far.

Rose and Crown - Glebe Way.

Boot Inn - probably an omen - near the R&C.

This place looks like a village on Google Maps.

Car Parks A, B, C and D signposted. They fill A first and then the others in turn.

Sounds like a slow get-away!

You must be joking Richard!

Given Leon probably needs to be rested, I think Pratley must start alongside Allen.
Was our midfield having its own private tackling competition t Birmingham? I can't recall any Swansea midfield ever displaying such controlled, strong and ferocious tackling. Absolutley superb.

Pratley continues to improve. I don't know what was said at half time but I thought he came out looking much more lively in his running into the box. I just hope he can keep improving even if it means at the end of the season a big bid comes in from the premiership.

We need a run in the fa cup and Pratley must start. In fact other than Leon out and maybe the patient serran given a go in defence and change on the wings I would not change anything

My approach might be to try to achieve a balance of continuity, game-time and muscle.

.......De Vries.....
Rangel Monk Williams Tate
Orlandi KOL Allen OTJ Gower
........Brandy.......

Anyone know if there are any pubs in Histon?

Nick - it could be:

........De Vries......
Tate Monk Serran Bessone
Orlandi Allen OTJ Gower
....Brandy Bauza....

Too scary? I wouldn't do it, but we will need to pick a team to play on a ploughed field with ice on the ball as it drops out of the sky from a great height.

Time for KOL to earn his keep?

Richard,

I think I'd add Scotland in your need for continuity. The more he plays the better he gets, (dead leg aside), and ROberto keeps saying his stop/start season is one reason for his lack of form.

Colin,

top posting, though I would add that we have already seen Leicester go into administration in 2002 with 30m in debts, and who can forget Leeds?

The current economic downturn will certainly see one of the more 'established' teams in the mire. But what would really shake things up if one of them does a Woolworths and goes under. Then we'd see some interesting times!

As for us, I'd rather see us continue to grow organically, and achieve promotion to the Premiership the way Mandaric and Coppell have at Reading, so as not to bankrupt the club.

RoW,

I think Rangel and possibly Williams need to be rested. They've played a lot of games this season already.

The question is, who would come in for them?

We have players who would benefit from a rest:

Leon. Gomez. Scotland. Pintado. Pratley.

We have players who would benefit from a game:

Allen. Orlandi. Brandy. Bauza. OTJ. Gower. Bessone.

We have players who will benefit from continuity:

De Vries. Rangel. Tate. Williams. Monk.


Easy, easy, easy

I understand the 'don't risk injury to our first-teamers' arguement for the Histon game, but I think we need to look at the bigger picture for this fixture. Apart from those carrying knocks who maybe need a rest, the rest of the team need to go out and taste victory. They need to put on a hard-working professional performance and put the ball in the back of the net as many times as possible. They have a full week to recover for the Burnley game.

And as we're likely to end up mid-table, we as a club and as a set of fans need something to set our season alight like the scummers achieved last year. A good FA cup run and a match or two against the leading lights of the Premiership would be fantastic. It would give a huge lift to everybody. Conversely, another humiliation like we suffered last time would be a real body blow. Don't take chances, Roberto, let's go out and win it. No excuses.

Leicester Swan,

I think you are missing the point I was trying to make in setting out the relevant financial stats about both sides, and I also think you need to take a good look at clubs in your neck of the woods, like Birmingham who, along with Coventry, Wolves and Leicester in League One are relying totally on the likes of their benefactors, Gold, Sullivan, Ransom, Hayward/Moxey and Mandaric who continually gamble on getting and staying in the Premiership using the same ‘model’ football clubs have used year after year, and are not too far off the brink of administration, Coventry especially, as they do not receive the luxury of parachute payments. The wages and transfer fees these clubs continue to pay does not compute to the size of their attendances, let alone the sponsorship money they bring in, and yet more importantly, make no inroads on reducing each club’s debts.

If you feel that I personally am gloating, then you are right, because for the first time in my memory of the Swans the club is being run as a business and not by directors who are being guided by a manager who always demands more cash for players. At this moment, fans like myself who have witnessed the bad times can feel happy in the fact that the club is going to be there for the next generation. Why has it taken until this season for the club to have it’s own training complex. Just one example of what a six figure investment is required for a modern football club, a fact which the successful era of Toshack failed to achieve during the successful years, and who were quite content to use other club’s training facilities. So, where do you think that six figure investment for the training complex came from. A rich benefactor?

Yes, Brum will get back into the Premiership, as will Wolves, as will Reading, but if the Swans should ever get there, which club do you think will benefit most from the finances that are on offer.

If you think that Swans fans should not gloat over Cardiff, then just ask yourself, what would the vast majority of fans rather their club have, continued progress on and off the field, or continue to increase the club’s overdraft with the hope that some of the overdraft will be paid off when the club attains promotion to the Premiership. Yes, Cardiff have a new stadium to look forward to next season, and yes there will be increased revenue, but how much of the club’s overdraft will be paid off, very little.

Look at it another way, should Brum fail to achieve promotion, the easy solution is to sack the manager, but the pressure increases week in, week out until the huge finances on offer in the Premiership are obtained. One day a club the size of Leicester, Coventry, Ipswich or Norwich will go into administration, and send shock waves through the Football League. At the moment these so called ‘big’ clubs are working to a model which is a recipe for failure, and perhaps only then will other clubs in the League take note. These so called ‘big’ clubs think they are different to the likes of Luton and Rotherham, but in reality they are not, they still have debt, and one day the patience of Bank managers will come to an end.

For fans like myself who can remember the financial hardships under both Struel and Sharpe, and the lack of real investment by so called ‘moneymen’ at the Vetch Field, I can also remember how many times Cardiff have had their backs to the wall, not quite in the High Court, but one or two steps from administration.

As for you suggesting that the current board will fall into the trap of gambling and inducing a large overdraft, then who knows what will happen, 1, 2 or 3 years down the road. But there again, who knows what benefactors could be drawn to the football club if the admiring remarks from the media, and football world continue. Nobody knows that answer, but there again the Supporters Trust are already in position to ask questions should that eventuality arrive.

What you are also failing to notice, but there again you probably don’t see many live games, and depend on second hand information on matches, is that, apart from Reading(away), no team this season has taken the Swans apart over 90 minutes, not even Wolves. Why is that? OK, there is a lack of goals being scored, but if Roberto continues with his prudent approach of signing players, who knows what the next half dozen signings will be capable of. But the one thing is for sure, there will be no players arriving at the club with inflated wages and egos to burn, they will be the type who are affordable within the budget and better than what is there at the moment. So, if there are better players on the horizon the club can afford, then promotion to the Premiership is attainable, and once there we will do no worse than the ones who routinely go up one year and down the next, and who are ever so thankful for the parachute payments along the way.

The quality of football being played this season is the finest in my living memory of following the Swans, and OK, frustrating that games have been drawn, but all I will say is this, let the so called ‘big’ clubs carry on with their reckless journey, the Swans under Roberto will do it their way and within their own means and continue to surprise the media.

No way should we play our first team on Saturday at Histon, I hope the majority of them are at home with their feet up resting for the Burnley game which is far far more important. Imagine the outcry on this and other boards if we came back from Histon with a 1-0 win and Leon,Jordi and Joe out for weeks with injury sustained at Histon. Our reserve team should play,they are all professional footballers and should be capable of beating a non league side.

I don't agree with that either Mark. But what he said was 'ask a random, neutral manager'.

He is probably right that the 'random' managers would pick the big names.

Thank goodness we do not have a 'random' in charge.

We have Roberto

I can't remember leaving a ground for a long time where the crowd was so quiet. We were quite looking forward to the walk back towards the City Centre surrounded by their lot. Eavesdropping on their angst is always entertaining!

But this lot of Brummies were almost completely silent. Not a word spoken in the main.

Brummies are known to be a bit morose but this was bordering on depression.