I think tomorrow night's game is a really difficult one to call. Although I fancy us for a hard fought 1-0 I feel it's one we could easily lose it 3-0.

Mr Sousa said our players are looking mentally and physically tired which is not surprising considering the way we play, and the hard games we've had. Wasn't it about this stage last season we looked to be running out of steam?

If WBA manage an early goal we could find ourselves chasing and leaving gaps which they have players capable of exploiting. What will the 'boo boys' be saying then? Will they enourage?

Having said that I think they will be more apprehensive than us and would be more than happy with a point.

Whatever team Mr. Sousa puts out we know they will give their usual 100%. Let's hope we can keep the momentum going.

Paul,

I agree - it's working and working really well.

It's something that we've added to our armory since PS joined - something we lacked last season (and for several seasons, actually).

I would be interested to know how it would work in the scenario I described below though....

I haven't got the faintest idea how zonal marking works whatever the opposition do.

I do know that we've kept 21 clean sheets in 36 games so it'll do for me.

My prediction after the Forest game that 70 points would be enough for the play-offs looks a bit high now. The pack need more than 2 points a game to beat that over their last 10 games and having failed to manage 1.4 points a game to date that looks a tall order.

68 is looking enough right now.

Mike,

Hypothetically, let's say, for example, they put 8 of their tallest players on the back post where one of our defenders usually stands, is he supposed to beat those 8 to the ball?

Tony:

>>I think also that excessive alcohol consumption makes things worse because it loosens their inhibitions (and sense of common courtesy)<<

Would it help if I ask Dai to cut it out when I see him tomorrow night?

Hi Nick, it'll be interesting to see if he's got any attacking qualities if he signs up.

Regarding zonal marking, I think the whole point is that you occupy a zone rather than mark a player, and it's your responsibility to make sure your head is on the ball first if it comes to your zone. The position of attackers is irrelevant as far as that goes. I must say it's worked pretty well - apart from at Forest!

Mike,

I think Tosic could be a Swans player by the end of the day.

He's an experienced player and has been training with us for a few weeks so should have settled a bit. I presume that working out the zonal marking must be the hardest part.

He could well be part of the game tomorrow evening.

I like the fact that he's got something to prove and is not just here for the money or to make up numbers. He really wants to be part of his team's world cup squad.

Let's hope it's an inspirational signing by PS.

Ps - with zonal marking, what happens if ALL of the opposition's players go to one place...for example the back post? Does logic allow for the players to move from their zones or is one/two men supposed to challenge 5 or 6??

Any more news on the walking wounded? It would be a big boost if Bessone was fit. Jazz Richards has done very well filling in for him, but we have certainly missed his bursts up the wing and wicked crosses. We could really do with them tomorrow night as another way to unlock WBA, and Kuqi is the kind of bloke who will thrive on them.

christhejack
Re-calling Macdonald & Painter or Dobbie for that matter, is not an option, as to the best of my knowledge, all are on season long loan agreements at their respective clubs.

As far as tomorrow's game is concerned, lets just hope we get a good crowd, and we all get behind the team, and give a loud message to the boo boys that their behaviour is not, and will not be tolerated.

Paulo's team selection for tomorrow, must be a nightmare for him, so lets just pray that the injury crisis has eased a little, and not escalated.
3 points would be very welcome, especially after Saturdays result, and with 2 very dificult away games coming up, games that we will have to do really well, if we are to come away from with any points.

We're in a fantastic league position, so lets not start getting twitchy, I know thats its easier said than done.

By the way, has anyone heard if the Tosic deal has moved any closer?

The result on Saturday could end up as a good,hard earned point for the total.

Personally I thought Paulo picked the wrong starting line up,which was proved when Kuqi and Van De Gun came on.

But he is The Master,leave it to him.

I read his post match comments, concerning educating the masses.

Most fans can see when a player is having a mere,and its not working for the team as a whole,so they get frustrated by it.

I think its just human nature,and you even heard it with the fans of Man Utd recently on MOTD,and they surely cant have much to moan about.

The noise from the fans in The East stand,in the second half,was really good i thought,and really got behind the team.

Other teams are going to drop points,and beat each other,so every point is precious.

I do think that a couple of class loan players is needed though,to get us through our injuries.

22442) steve

I agree with perhaps bringing back our loaned out players such as Macdonald and Painter as I mentioned a few days back. But if we don't manage to sign some loans by the deadline we should get behind the players who are here, especially ones such as Gower and Jazz who are playing out of positions. Also I think we should show support towards Butler who at the start of the season came on as a sub and scored a winner against sheffield utd.

In case there was any ambiguity in that last message, I did not mean to suggest that the potty-mouths at Watford were racially abusing anyone.

Ascot Jack - thanks for the post about fans who cross the line. I was the dad at Watford who moved because of the idiots behind us and got a mouthful of abuse for my pains. I've taken my kids to Swans away games all over the south east (we live in London and although they were born there they are Jacks for life) and will continue to do so - we already have our tickets for QPR next week and are looking forward to it. They aren't shrinking violets and the odd four letter word doesn't phase them at all. I remember a brilliantly funny away game at Barnet a few seasons ago when there was constant banter with the away fans. But when it's full-on, non-stop swearing or worse, racial abuse, by someone who's clearly had more to drink than they can handle, it's a different story. Particularly when the culprits then turn on their dad.

For the record, a Watford steward asked why we were moving and I told him. A senior steward then asked if we wanted the culprits ejected and I said no, they were prats but they'd paid their money and I didn't want them to miss the game. I was quite impressed with their attitude. Still not sure I made the right decision though!

I like a good ol' sing song at the football. Reading all of the comments below I will make an effort to watch my language a bit; bad lanuage has never really bothered me and it's easy to forget that others don't want to hear it.

I hope that all of the atmosphere doesn't get sucked out of the ground when we're all sat down, drinking diet pepsi and applauding every stray pass. It's a passionate game and sometimes your emotions get the better of you. But I'm not advocating or defending bad behaviour.

I haven't heard much racism recently (thankfully). It's been a few years since I heard anything really racist at the football (not since we used to sing the Sam Haman song). I'm sure other people might have heard some stuff though and if that's true then that's awful; there's no place for racism.

To football...

I was disappointed not to win on Saturday but its great that we're making chances. The goals will come and the defence is staying solid even with all of the injuries which is great news.

looking at the league table I think we're looking pretty solid for the play offs. I think that 12 points (total 72) will do it because the teams that are chasing are so far behind and they all have fixtures against each other. One of them may go on a storming run but I can't see 2 of them doing it so I think we'll be ok. 12 points...3 wins and 3 draws and 4 of those other things we've forgotten about. That should be doable.


It was a shame to hear the poor support over the radio an saturday. In the dying moments with the swans taking a corner I expected to hear the crowd roaring but instead it just sounded impatient and tense, angry even. I know I shouldn't throw stones because I wasn't even there but I'm a poor starving student and I do the best I can.

I'll be going on Saturday and I can't wait. I'll be right behind the boys, cheering my loudest.

"One Nil, To The Swansea Jacks, One Nil, To The Swansea Jacks!!!"

Christhejack
Quite right what you say about the fans gettuing behind the club, but the club must show something to the fans. We have a massive injury list and we need to freshen things up. We are despeasrte for central midfielder to play our system along with Leon and Prats, we are struggling there and that is where we normally over run teams. It has not been happening since Newcastle, we are playing wide players in central positions and it is not working. Also at left back we are playing Jazz Richards, he is not a full back and nevre wil be, we are not offering anything on the overlap, Bezzone was playing really well and we are missing him, we need a left footed left back, bring Painter back from Brighton. Yesterday Gower did not look interested and it was a suprise to see Cotterill go off when it should have been Gower. If we are serious about going up lets bring in some fresh faces, if not which I think is more probable then leave it as we are. We did not play well yesterday but we still could have and should have scored three. The last two home games the away team both bottom three had more possession than us.

On the issue of bad language, I can't say it's very obvious where I sit, in the West stand. It only comes out occasionally when people get really fired up over something. It's not the rule. I agree that youngsters and females should not have to hear it. When I was a lad, back in the 50s, I used to go sometimes in what was called a 'Boys enclosure' (I won't say where!), and that was a very safe environment. I don't know if there's any mileage in having such a thing at the Liberty. It would have to be a Youth enclosure nowadays, of course, given the number of young females who attend matches. No doubt there'd be some ruling against that.

by all means express anything you want to on this site but let's hope Butler doesn't read it!
i wasn't actually accusing you of booing..that was another thread. i would say though that sometimes we need, all of us to be measured in our criticism. we need to create an atmosphere of solidarity, even on these pages. and Sousa is right our fans do need to be educated.

22438) taff stuart

Sorry Taff it was not my intention to single out an age group who were behaving in an abusive and low life manner. I'm certain that there is an element of young fans who act in the same way but what example do they have to follow?

When I last went to the liberty there were both young and old and you'll just have to trust me that when a certain racist song was being sung, I turned around and the majority singing it fervently were not youngsters.

Ok I agree there can be a certain amount of humour gleaned from the wording of some songs but whilst minors are present that doesn't make it acceptable.

In truth I'm dumbfounded that this kind of racist, abusive and vile behaviour is allowed in a place where there is such a large public gathering. You tell me where else this kind of behaviour would be acceptable in life where minors are present?

I personally believe that if this immoral and low form of behaviour was curbed then we would start to see families attend adding a few more thousand to the home gates. I for one would advocate the police dishing out spot fines by the hundreds to curb the problem if necessary.

Now I'm no goody two shoes but there is a fine line I wont go beyond and that is when young children become victims of irresponsible adults who possess extremely low moral standards.

Anthill

I totally agree with everything you say, but I think you're a bit off the mark in identifying the culprits. I have been a Swans fan for longer than I care to admit and have seen a decline in behaviour and manners at grounds that correlates with the decline in behaviour and manners generally in society at large.

I was at Watford last Tuesday night in the away end. When the Watford mascot (a hornet?) appeared in front of the stand he was met with chants of "What the f*****g hell is that!". Considering its rather pathetic appearance, I must admit, against my better nature, I did find it amusing. Then we had the old favourite "Your support is f*****g sh**!" Not so amusing, just obscene. These were not 40+ former hooligans - they all looked pretty young to me.

Until useless, gutless stewards enforce the law, (which would be incredibly unpopular amongst a large proportion of the crowd), football matches will remain no place to take the family. Having said that as long as you avoid the away end when the Swans are away, and one end of the East Stand at the Liberty you can avoid most of it. It doesn't bother me - I was in the forces - but fellas there is a time and a place.

Taff

Club, stadium officials and supporters must work together to ensure foul-mouthed fans know their behaviour and language is not welcome.

The usual group were at Watford midweek that I see at every away game, drunk and almost incoherent except for the foul language. One dad had to move his 2 young kids, only to be abused and threatened and told, at full volume, that he couldn't be a "proper Swans fan" be cause he was various other things beginning with 'f' and 'c'. I saw him complain to a steward but they were not interested.

These 'fans' must spend a fortune and genuinely believe they are the best fans we have. But if you challenge them there's a real threat of violence. What should that dad risk bringing his kids again? That's 3 potential paying supporters we probably won't see again.

Whether it's foul language, racism, threatening abusive behaviour, I'd like to think ordinary decent supporters could let them know it's unacceptable, confident in the knowledge that other fans and stewards would support them if the culprits turn violent. Otherwise we'll never change them or get rid of them.

Anthill,

those 40+ guys you talk about, have been around the club for years... no doubt they were in their late teens early 20s with their dads during the bad old days in the 80s and were free to abuse all and sundry from the safe surrounds of the north bank.

Watch any Sky1 "football's hardest clubs" type of rubbish "documentary" or search swansea city fc on youtube, and you'll see plenty of examples of the sorts of people you are talking about.

Unfortunately, there is a fine line until you can price these sorts out of the ground and they get replaced by the infamous "prawn sandwich" brigade that roy keane famously commented about.

If we went up to the prem, would we want to be known globally as having the most racist, abusive fans in the league? Because the cameras and microphones of the world's media would easily pick it up. Perhaps then the club would have to act??

Media Relations Officer will be an interesting role the club should be looking to recruit for....

It has been well documented on this guestbook over the last day or so that the boo-boys were back at the Liberty yesterday, despite our league position.

As a club, we have - hopefully, 13 games to go. All we can do as fans is get to whichever games we can and give the team that we SUPPORT 100%. At home let us have the support we had on the last day at home to Hull, away from home lets have the support (Ok perhaps not in numbers) we gave on that sunny day in Preston so many years ago.

Come on you Swans (players and supporters). We're almost there!!!

22432) Dr. Jack

You posted as I was writing and I concur with what you wrote. The only exception I would have would be the pricing. At present compared to many other grounds we are reasonably priced.

In regard to everything else you wrote you are spot on. I was outraged by grown men 40+ many who no doubt have families behaving like pack animals shouting obscenities. People would not be allowed to do this in other public places without being reprimanded so why should it be allowed in the Liberty????

I think the police should be encouraged to enforce spot fines of 60 pounds or more on people who continually shout abuse and obscenities and who have no care and consideration for minors or decent people.

I think once that problem is resolved you'll start to see more family orientated people attend the liberty with their children.

I would love to go and see the Swans more often but due to working patterns I would be forced to take my two young girls with me who are 9 & 11 respectively.

The last time I went I was outraged by the extreme vile language shown by many elements of the crowd which was also perverted and twisted. No children in my view under the age of 16 should be exposed to that kind of filth.

Footy just like rugby should and could be a family affair. However responsible parents for all the right reasons do not attend with their children. enough said I hope.

It's simple economic theory (supply and demand) cut ticket price, get more people in.

I personally believe the whole game needs re-branding. Too frequently have I heard racist comments gestured to opposition, expletives and hand gestures aimed at officials and opposing supporters. Frankly, it makes me uncomfortable and its certainly not something I would wish to expose family or friends to.

It was interesting to witness the utter condemnation that was levied against the rugby fans that booed Wilkinson, something that would be expected at a football match.

RoW 223383 - I for one will be very interested in your survey.

You are right that the way match tickets are "marketed" by the Swans costs the club customers - but I am in intrigued to see how much.

I too was disappointed by the size of the crowd the lack of atmosphere and unbelievably fans who boo moan and constantly get on the backs of players who are obviously trying their best.

Without wishing to sound like the preverbal stuck record the club has to have a serious creative clever inventive look at filling the stadium week in week out at the moment I feel we are simply tinkering round the edges. Some good ideas seem randomly thrown into the mix with no plan or overall structure.

Not only is it negative and counter productive people have to have a reality check we are not only punching above our weight we are doing so with one hand tied behind our back lets face it, an injury list as long as ours would cripple most teams yet thanks to a fantastic team spirit and a manager who is fast become a tactical genius we are still in the mix.

Yes, there are players who to be honest are not up to this division but do you know what I for one am fully prepared to give them my total support for as long as they are prepared to put on the shirt and fight for the cause then at the end of the season I will thank them for their efforts as they move on to pastures new ...... not too much to ask is it ?

Re: 22428) Matthew asked, "Can I ask where you got those dates from?"

I don't remember, Matthew. I think from the official site several weeks ago.

If I'm wrong, I stand corrected, thanks.

Tony,

Can I ask where you got those dates from?

I emailed the Football League a week or two ago to ask the question.

Their reply is below.

The dates for the Play-Off Finals are as follows:

Championship – 22nd May 2010
League 1 – 29th May 2010
League 2 – 30th May 2010

The dates for the semi-finals cannot be determined until the participating Clubs are known. The final scheduled matches in the Championship take place on Sunday 2nd May and in League 1 and 2 on Saturday 8th May and the Play-Off Semi-Final dates will not therefore be determined until this time.

We hope this is helpful and thank you for contacting The Football League.

Regarding Beattie's performance yesterday I think when Sousa would normally bring on Beattie for Kuqi he should bring on Bauza to have a chance to show his potential.

If you listen to the post-match interview on the BBC sports page then Sousa is completley right about our support. We need to get behind our players at every oppurtunity and perhaps given the pressure on them at this time cheer for them when we wouldn'y normally. This little extra bit of support makes them believe in themselves to get the results needed.

re: 22423) Mike: First leg 6/7 May, Second leg 12/13 May.

My two cents on negative attendees (I can't call them "fans" or "supporters").

It has been my experience that the negative attendees are trying to show their neighbors (and themselves) how much they know about the game and the players, because in reality they know very little. It's in the same general category of "whistling past the graveyard."

I think also that excessive alcohol consumption makes things worse because it loosens their inhibitions (and sense of common courtesy) - particularly in the young and inexperienced.

I come a long way to enjoy my two games a year and am disappointed when a small handful of attendees take away from the joy.

Help, does anybody know the dates of the semifinal playoff games after the last game of the season. I know the final at Wembly is the 22nd May, but not the other 2 possible dates. Having watched all the games this season I dont want a holiday to clash with these two possible unknown dates. Many thanks.

On the subject of booing players I had to listen to people around me yesterday moaning at Richards and shouting for him to be replaced, have these people forgotten that he is what 18 and not a left back, he is not the answer but is doing the job to the best of his abilities and I for one salute him for that. Oh yeah and the same people started having a go at Tate when he made what one poor pass. I wish these people would stay at home we don't need them.

Not scoring yesterday is a bit disappointing.

If we weren't making chances it would be concerning.

If we weren't scoring, but conceding it would be worrying.

I'll take 4th spot and be a bit disappointed. There are 20 teams below us who would like to feel the same I'm sure.

It's great to see the positive reports on here, despite the fact that we are all a little disappointed not to have won yesterday.
I had the feeling we were saving ourselves a bit for Tuesday. I also thought the flank combinations could have been changed. Butler was playing in front of Rangel, our more attacking fullback, while Cotteril, our most dangerous winger, was in front of Jazz, who, though good, was clearly under orders to make defence his priority.

Wednesday were there for the taking IMO: their defence has a soft underbelly (namely Purse) which could be taken apart on the floor rather than in the air (most likely by a Rangel-Cotts pairing). In general I thought we played too many long/hopeful balls, taking the easy option.
But we have no divine right to 3 points, and, given the toll of injuries, the rush of games, and the fact that Irvine has instilled some belief in his new charges, the draw is more than undestandable/acceptable.

I'd go along with previous posters' analysis of performance (though I don't see how you can give Dorus only 7 on grounds that he ddn't have much to do, when in fact he did nothing wrong and kept his 21st clean sheet. Tate was excellent, and Williams very good, especially given his fitness problems. I'd also rate Cotterill, who was a threat in the first half, when brought into the game. Gower, for me, is a tidy player, but he needs to show more movement and more threat. I'm not convinced he links well with Leon. Prats was Prats, our main source of movement throughout. The Gun looked class again, without ultimately hurting them. Beattie and Kuqi make a good alternating pair, while Trunds was starting to expose Wednesday's weaknesses with the ball on the floor. Maybe he could have had longer.

In all, the team was slightly disjointed for a lot of the match, and not firing on all cylinders. Joe, Fede and Nathan will bring back more zip, and be there, with Monk, for the most vital games at the end of the season. It's looking good.

Mully why do you bother going? we really don`t need people like you

just a tad dissapointed with sousa saying fans didnt help yesterday,not a great show to get exited for,but 00 or 40 ill be there tue an at qpr so roll on dust down an get on with it by the way beattie isa crap buy an a crap player what a waste of space

Paulb + Mork
Firstly let me say, I was certainly not one of those stipid bunch booing any of our players, I dont see the point in going to a match to lower the confidence of our own players, very counter productive to say the least IMO.
But I honestly come on this great GB of ours to express my opinion on the match I have just watched, whether some feel my comments are negative or positive, is imaterial, what would you like me to say "Butler had a wonderful game, his ball control was excellent, his ball distrubution was a delight to watch, not to mention beauty of his attacking flair"
Encourage him on the field, in an attempt to raise his game? Yes.
Come on this GB and lie about my feelings? NEVER.
This GB is all about opinions, if your opinion is, Butler had a good game, then great.
I use this GB to voice my opinions here, rather than at the ground.
I will be there cheering on Tuesday night, and if our SUPER manager decides to play Butler I will be cheering him as loudly, or maybe even louder than most.
Even though, as you've gathered, Im not his biggest fan.

RE: 22413) jack

Hear, hear. Well said.

Let's all stand together for the remainder of this, quite possibly, most exciting season of late for the Swans.

I believe that EVERY single one of our players is committed to our cause. Paulo wouldn't pick them otherwise.

We have a very real chance of realising one of the greatest accolades of the game - playing in the Premier league.

So let's all do our bit, whether it's attending games and positively supporting the boys, or making sensible comments on-line.

Think positive...positive things will happen.

STID.

Mork, i totally agree with your point....to have a go at players is not the best way to instill confidence in them.....and .come on Vera, it's a bit strong to say Butler should never wear a swans shirt again! poor bloke hardly gets a look in these days, and like a few others are just bit part players in the squad. it must be tough sitting out for so long then having to perform when asked.
i had to listen to the commentary on the radio yesterday...the commentators choice for MOM was Gower.
it's tough going from now on....things will get a bit squeaky, but the worst possible contribution a fan can now make is to get on the backs of players. it's been said before...get behind the TEAM after all we are 'supporters' ie we offer support.

I have to say I am amazed at the reaction of some of our crowd yesterday. We are competing at the top end of the 4th best supported league in the world in 4th position 10 points clear of 7th team Blackpool and you have people booing the team. I have a message for you lot "stay away" we dont want you. If you are not clever enough to realise we have a chance of realising the ultimate achievement of playing in probably the best league in the world "stay away" you have a negative effect on the hardest working Swans side I have ever seen in 50 odd years of "supporting my team. I have to say I have rarely seen a player whom gets better when he is jeered at and have seen many lose their confidence as a result. Luckily we have a great manager with more intelligence than these people and realises that encouragement can give a player that extra 10% needed in the game , its a pity the boo boys cant understand that to win we supporters have a big part to play and at this stage should be cheering every BAD ball as well as the good. Nobody comes here to give us three points and Sheffield Wednesday are a huge club with good players who certainly dont look a bottom three side. therein lies a lesson, how difficult a league we are in when a club of that size can be near the bottom. what a season we are having in contrast, even with all the injuries our manager still puts out a side capable of producing fantastic results. Best of luck to the management and squad for the last push, we can help, lets support the best little team in the land to a successful conclusion to the season and look forward to the promised land.
Onwards and upwards the Swans.

With reflection, I can only see positives now. We have another point, another clean sheet, we are now 8pts clear of THEM and the thousands who slagged off Gower's ever ball don't appear to be continuing their abuse on here.

I know most sides have their scapegoat, but this is getting ridiculous.

Virtually every time he touched the ball!
When Leon put passes astray, or Kuqi, or 'fans favourite' Trundle, we didn't hear the same abuse.

Gower provided some of the best passes of the match to feed the front line and yet he got the most critisism.

The more we voice our negatives at him, or others, the more pressure is heeps on them.

I'd love to see some more glowing reports from fans that actually watch the hard work and creativity the Gower, Butler and others put in on their shift.

We are not watching Premier League stars as we are not playing in that League, (and even Premier stars make errors).

Tuesday should be an awesome match and atmosphere. There will be quite a few Baggies fans to bolster the crowd of 'big game' Swans fans that don't normally do midweek games.

If I can drag myself away from Chelsea v Inter on ITV then I might even pop down myself

Off to work now.

Rich
Very good assesment of yesterday's individual performance.
You definitely watched the same match as I, although I would be a little harsher on Butler, a total inept performance by him, he should never be let near a SCFC shirt again, the ball boy contributed more to the game than he did, it's blatantly obvious he hasn't got the heart, motivation or the skill to be of any further use to the team.
Whilst taking into consideration, as you stated, Ashley Richards is playing out of position, and is a good prospect for the future, he did look very shaky at times, this position needs to be filled sooner rather than later, whether that be with a return of injured players, or an experienced loan player.
Yes we did take a point, which pushes us onwards, but the optimist' among us, which, I am one, but unfortunaly I can only find more positives from the results of other games, rather than our own performance yesterday.

Flat performance yesterday as I think we all may have expected.

Still on the positives we are still looking very good for the play offs which can't be bad!

One thing to run across my more learned friends.

After Tommy Butlers lack lustre performance does anyone agree with me that Shaun MacDonald could do an equally good if not better job?

I thought we looked a bit flat yesterday, though to be honest that is understandable with the number of injuries we have got. A number of players looked a yard short. I can't say I agreed with the selection of Butler and Beattie (both dreadful), but then again what can he do but try and freshen it up a bit when players are knackered or playing with minor knocks. At least he has an excuse for 'rotation' at the moment, unlike at some points during the season where I thought he has made changes with no real need to.

I think a play off place is secured with just 5 wins from the last 10 games so that is more than achievable. I don't want to tempt fate by saying we won't 'do a Cardiff' but I think we have a bit too much mental strength for that thanks to Paulo.

I just worry we're looking buggered going into it. Desperately need to get some of the injured players fit to give the likes of Williams and Tate a rest who are also getting by on injections etc at the moment.

Not too disappointed with yesterday, plenty of positives to take. Another clean sheet and solid defensive display, good crisp passing, several good chances created compared to Wednesday's one (that I can remember). If only one of ours had been on target, it would have been another of our famous one-nils.

All I'd say is that we are still missing several of our most creative attacking players (Allen, Dyer, Orlandi and, yes, Bessone) and we need to get them back and firing on all cylinders.

Great to see the scummers losing ground, I expect them to be out of the play-off palces come 10.00pm Tuesday. Also great to see Derby losing and getting sucked into the relegation battle. I haven't forgiven them for crocking Joe and Andrea by a long chalk....

My ratings and a few comments from todays game-

Dorus- 7- Safe when called upon which wasnt often. Decent distribution apart from one or two sloppy kicks.

Rangel- 6- The very impressive Jermaine Johnson gave him a bit of a tough ride but there were some glimpses of the old Rangel going forward and he didnt defend to badly.

Tate- 8 (MOM)- Solid as usual. One of the first names on the team sheet this year and you can see why.

Williams- 7- Decent display from Ash but hes starting to make a few sloppy mistakes and is lucky Tatey covers so well. Need Monk fit and hopefully this pompey defender in to keep him on his toes.

Jazz- 6- Looks a great prospect and had a decent game. One or two mistakes but hes still young and playing out of position so difficult to be to harsh.

Leon- 7- Some nice typical Leon stuff in the middle but looks like he misses Joey or Bodde and the creativity they bring in there with him.

Gower- 6- Looks more comfortable in the middle than he does out wide but isn't the answer when Joey and Bodde and even Orlandi are out. Definitely not as creative without these players.

Pratley- 7- Where does this boy get his energy from. Ran and ran again and made some good probing runs but nothing seemed to go our way today.

Butler- 5- Offered us nothing today. Taken off at half time and for good reason. Not up to this standard for me.

Cotterill- 6- Some nice runs and a couple of long range shots. Looks our only threat from long range.

Beattie- 5- See Butlers comments apart from I think he is useful at this level on his day but today was definitely not his day.

Subs-

Van der Gun- 7- Very comfortable on the ball and he looked dangerous.

Kuqi- 7.5- Great enthusiasm and looks a geniune threat everytime he's on the ball. Won a few headers and free kicks and I always feel we are going to score when he's on the pitch. 10 times better than Beattie.

Trundle- 6- A couple of flashes of the old LT but I cant help thinking that he may not be up to it anymore. Should have scored late on but dragged it wide and then wasted the last attack of the game.


Overall- very frustrating, they seemed to get all the lucky bounces but we were off colour today and need to improve for WBA on tuesday. Looking forward to that game now though!

S.T.I.D

My first response to the result yesterday was disappointment. My second response was 'how great the lads are doing, that we can anticipate, and yes expect the Swans to beat a big club like Sheffield Wednesday.'

This is the pinnacle of what we've achieved in my 20 years as a Swansea City fan, and I for one am enjoying the ride, even if we hit the odd speed bump on the way. We're certainly heading in the right direction at the moment. Bring on the Baggies!!!