SWANSEA CITY A.F.C.

The Vetch Field:

Before the Football Stadium was built, children would play football on the dirt ground which had vetch growing on it. This was a cabbage like plant also used as cow feed. By 1911, the field was available for rent as the owners of the land, SWANSEA GAS LIGHT COMPANY, had failed to use a Parliamentary sanction to utilise it for the installation of a Gas Plant. A committee of the Swansea League, which had been formed in the same year, rented the field and the present football club emerged.

The 'Swans' club as a professional outfit was formed in 1912 at the Vetch Field, being played on a clinker surface. But it is a well know fact that soccer was being played in Swansea many years before this event happened.

At that stage, and until the first season after the First World War, the club was in the Second Division of the Southern League. For the 1912-20 season they were in Division One of that league, then for the season 1920-21 they joined the new Third Division of the new English league and finished in 5th position. For 1921-22 the Division became 3rd Division (South) and, after finishing 10th on that occasion, they were 3rd, 4th champions respectively. 1924-25 was that premier season when the club sat proudly at the top of the league.

At the end of the 1925-26 season the Swans reached the Semi-Final of the English F.A. Cup for the first time, only to be beaten by Bolton. After that Season the club had a middling spell, but maintained its Second Division status right up to the War. After the war, and a memorable season of free and easy football in the Victory League, the club was relegated to Division Three (South).

Nevertheless, the nucleus of a fine side was in place and two seasons later they were champions once more and were promoted, again, to Division Two.

From there until 1964-65 that status was retained. Once or twice outstanding footballing sides flattered to deceive, Ivor and Len Allchurch, Terry Medwin, Cliff Jones, Des Palmer, Tommy Kiley and so many more graced the Vetch but did no better than finishing 7th. Once again, the side got to the semi-finals of the English F.A.Cup, only to lose to Preston North End.

At the end of the 1964-65 season the club slipped into Division Three and subsequently into Division Four. There was a brief revival in 1969-70, when promotion to the Third was achieved but three seasons later the Swans were relegated again.

The new management team of Malcolm Struel and Harry Griffiths then reverted to fundamentals and to the joyful true Swans supporters, the start of that fantastic rise was evident. From 22nd in 1974-75, Harry used his bunch of free transfer men and got to 11th in the following term and 5th in 1976-77. In the March of 1978, John Toshack came as player-manager and the 'rocket' was fired.

1977-78 - promotion to Division 3, 1978-79 - promotion to Division 2 and in 1980-81 for the first time, to Division One. What was more, in that first season, the club headed the table three times and were never out of the top 6.

Sadly, after that, things went wrong on and off the field, and the club slipped to Division Two and then Three in successive seasons. Indeed, it was necessary to get a point from the final game of the 1984-85 season to stop the team slipping from one to four in successive seasons.

In retrospect, 1985-86 proved to be the blackest in the clubs seventy odd year history. On 'Black Friday' - 20th December, 1985, Swansea City A.F.C. Ltd. was 'wound up'. It was said that it ceased to exist.

However, thanks to the hard work of a group of former directors, there was a resurrection and permission was granted for the club to play at Cardiff on Boxing Day. What a Christmas present that was! Whilst the Swans were beaten in the final minute, the supporters went home with their heads in the air.

From then until March 1986, several visits to the High Court were necessary in order to keep the club alive. Meanwhile, no players could be obtained on loan, and several who were 'on the books' were living elsewhere. On top of that no fewer than six players had their legs in plaster at one stage or another. Still, Manager Tommy Hutchison blooded some fine youngsters whilst showing them a tremendous example of dedication and skill.

In May, Doug Sharpe and his team put their rescue package to the clubs creditors. Whilst the Swans had now been relegated to Division Four.

Saturday, a weight was lifted when the voting was 10-1 in favour and subject to final High Court approval, Swansea City was alive again.

Season 1986-87 under Manager Terry Yorath, saw the Swans finish in 17th position but this was just the forerunner of a remarkable season to follow under his guidance and inspiration. Reaching the play-offs they deservedly won promotion to Division 3 with a capacity crowd at Plainmoor, Torquay cheering the 3-3 draw to lift them out of Division Four.

February 1989, saw the departure of Terry Yorath for Bradford City and the club came under temporary managership of Tommy Hutchison before the arrival of new Manager Ian Evans from Crystal Palace. Swans were lying in 7th position, finished midtable but winning the Welsh Cup gave them a money spinning entry into European football, and losing to Greek team Panathanaikos in the European Cup Winners Cup after a 3-3 draw at the Vetch was a great disappointment to the supporters.

Mighty Liverpool arrived at the Vetch for the Third round of the F.A.Cup on January 6th, 1990 and a ground full attendance and Swans held the reds to a 0-0 draw, only to lose 8-0 in the replay at Anfield. Swansea never quite recovered from this hammering and finished the season just above the relegation line, with Ian Evans sacked and Terry Yorath brought back to manage the Swansea City team on 16 March, 1990.

This controversial decision by Chairman Doug Sharpe to bring back Yorath clearly upset the loyal fans and a record run of nine consecutive defeats saw the attendances drop to a critical level. Frank Burrows took over at the vetch on the acrimonious departure of Terry Yorath in March 1991 and delighted the crowd with a Swans victory over Stoke at the Vetch to end the dramatic losing run. The new Manager put new life into the team; relegation was avoided and the Allbright Bitter Welsh Cup won by beating Wrexham 2-0 at the National Stadium on 19 May, 1991 and entry once again into European Football.

Swansea City have competed in 18 previous Welsh Cup Finals - 1913, 1915, 1926, 1932, 1938, 1940, 1950, 1956, 1957, 1961, 1966, 1969, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1989, 1990 and were winners 10 times - 1913, 1932, 1950, 1961, 1966, 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1989, 1990.

A.S. Monaco arrived at the Vetch on 17 September, 1991 and won 2-1 in the European Cup Winners Cup in front of a 6208 crowd and His Serene Highness Prince Rainier. The return leg in Monaco saw the Swans go down 8-0. A 20,000 attendance at Tottenham on October 9 gave Spurs a 5-1 win and our exit from the Rumbelows Cup. Knocked out of the F.A. Cup in Round 2 by Exeter City, the Swans fell victim to arch rivals Cardiff City in the Allbright Bitter Welsh Cup on February 18, 1992 by 1-0.

The 1991-92 season ended with Swansea City finishing just two places above the relegation line in Division Three.

1992-93 proved a more successful season for the Swans. Although knocked out by Merthyr 2-0 in the Welsh Cup at their Penydarren Ground on 27th October 1992, Swans reached round 4 of the F.A. Cup only to lose 2-0 in the replay at Grimsby on 9 February 1992. Reached the semi final of the Autoglass Trophy before losing to Exeter City after extra time on 23 February 1992. However, in Barclays League Division Two Swans ended in fifth position and a place in the play-offs.

A thriller at West Bromwich Albion gave the "throstles" victory and promotion.

1993-94 was a memorable season for the Swansea City Football Club with a trip to Wembley on April 24 1994 and victory over Huddersfield in a penalty shoot out before 47,733 spectators in the Autoglass Final.

Non leaguers Nuneaton knocked Swans out of the FA Cup in the replay at Nuneaton on 23 November 1993. Cardiff City repeated their win over Swansea City in the Allbright Bitter Welsh Cup Semi-Final on April 14, 1994 with a 2-1 scoreline at the Vetch Field.

At the vetch on 4 May 1994 the reserves won 2-0 against Cheltenham Town to finish runners up in the Neville Ovendon Football Combination Division 2, whilst the Swans edged towards mid table in the Endsleigh Insurance League Division Two. A much better season for the Club and Manager Frank Burrows.

1994-95 Swansea City finished 10th in the Endsleigh Insurance League Division Two and would have secured a place in the play-offs had it not been for a dramatic run of four successive defeats starting at Bristol Rovers on 1 April 1995. Nevertheless, a good season for the Swans.

In the Cup Competitions 20,326 spectators witnessed a thriller at Birmingham when the Swans lost in extra time in the Auto Windscreens Shield Semi-Final on January 31, 1995.

Once again Cardiff City defeated Swans in the Allbright Bitter Welsh Cup Semi-Final at Cardiff on May 2, 1995. The 0-0 draw giving them a 1-0 win on aggregate. The Swans won the West Wales FA Senior Cup. The reserves took the Avon Insurance Combination Division Two League Championship and The League Cup. The Youth Team sponsored by the Army Careers Office Swansea, won the National Macwhirter Youth League Championship, The League Cup and Astoria Cup.

John Cornforth, Swans captain played for Wales and Roger Freestone, Steve Jenkins were chosen for the Wales Squad with Shaun Chapple, Christian Edwards and Jonathan Coates were regulars in the Wales U/21 squad.

What of 1995-96? Jason Bowen moved to Birmingham City for £375,000 and ever present in 1994-95 John Ford signed by Bradford City for £210,000!

Frank Burrows resigned as Manager Monday 2nd October and Bobby Smith takes over as Caretaker Manager just before his Testimonial which Eric Cantona pulled out of through injury but Bruce Grobbelaar jumped in at very short notice to guest for the Swansea team in which Des Lyttle also appeared, in a match which Swansea beat Wales 3-1.

Bobby Smith resigned as Manager in December 1995 after just 80 days in charge and Jimmy Rimmer was handed the job of Caretaker Manager.

At the same time a period of uncertainty arose in the Swansea City Football Club hierarchy with the arrival of Midlands millionaire Michael Thompson and his bid to take over the Club. On Wednesday 17th February 1996 KEVIN CULLIS was appointed Manager of Swansea City Football Club along with PAUL MOLESWORTH as Assistant Manager. CULLIS, with no previous experience in senior football management and his assistant lasted just seven days. Amid great media activity just as THOMPSON was about to take over the Club, he dramatically withdrew his offer and Doug Sharpe once again resumed command.

His appointment of Danish International and Liverpool star JAN MOLBY as Manager on 22nd February saw the Swans play five consecutive games without defeat. Unfortunately MOLBY'S efforts came just too late for survival in the Endsleigh League Division 2 and Swansea City Football Club relegated to Division 3 for 1996/97

Swansea were lying one from bottom in October 1996, but a superb run of form saw them qualify for the play-offs by virtue of a 5th place finish. Swansea easily overcame Chester City in the semis, drawing 0-0 away and winning 3-0 at home. So it was to Wembley for the final against Northampton. A cruel piece of luck - a twice taken free kick 3 minutes into injury time - saw Northampton break Swansea hearts with a 1-0 win.

The 1997-98 season began full of optimism with Doug Sharpe finally being bought out by Silver Shield. Pre-season form indicated an exciting season ahead and Swans took maximum points from their first two games (both at home).

However, a combination of injuries and suspensions (exacerbated by the sale of 4 senior squad players) saw Swansea drop to 5th from bottom with no away points from their first six games on the road. As a result, Jan Molby and Billy Ayre were sacked on Wednesday 8th October and 24 hours later, former Fulham manager Micky Adams took over appointing Alan Cork as his assistant.

Well, just 13 days later Micky Adams walked out on the Swans after claiming he was refused money to bring in new players. Alan Cork accepted the offer the Manager's job and appointed Alan Curtis as his assistant with Ian Branfoot - chief scout.

He lasted until the start of the 1998-99 season when John Hollins was appointed with Alan Curtis as his assistant.

Thanks to Peter Charles for the following update

The 1998/99 season was very much one of highs and lows for the club. Clearly the team was beginning to show more resolve than the hapless side which finished fifth from bottom of the entire football league the season before, but it was in cup competition that the team made its immediate impact.

A battling performance against Norwich City in the Worthington Cup was not enough to prevent a first round exit, but it did bring about the debut of promising young winger Stuart Roberts. But in the FA Cup, we saw some real glory - convincing Vetch Field victories over higher league opposition in rounds 1 and 2 saw us pitted against the might of premiership West Ham Utd at Upton Park in a third round tie.

More than 2000 Jacks made the trip, and sang their hearts out throughout an enthralling game. They went wild when young centre half Jason Smith, bought from Tiverton Town in the close season, headed the Swans into a second half lead. But then our hearts were broken when a speculative shot from the Julian Dicks squeezed under Roger Freestone's body to give West Ham an undeserved replay.

But this did not go to plan for them - in front of 11,000 screaming souls at the Vetch Field, the Swans toppled West Ham out of the cup, courtesy of a 20 yard drive from Martin Thomas, and a world class save from Roger Freestone. Our cup run ended in round 4 when we were beaten 1 - 0 at the Vetch by premiership Derby County, but for the first time in many years, some genuine cup glory had returned to the club.

More glory followed in the league. 1 - 0 down at half time to rivals Cardiff City, the team showed great character to recover for a terrific 2 -1 victory with goals from Martin 'psycho' Thomas and Matthew Bound. This win formed the spring-board for a run of form which saw us reach the third Division play-offs. We entertained Scunthorpe United in the semi final, gaining a one goal home advantage courtesy of a Matthew Bound header, but a 3 -1 away defeat destroyed our Wembley hopes.

The 1999/2000 season indeed started brightly, with four wins in the first five games. But a slump in form saw us fall to below mid table by November, leading to calls for the sacking of Hollins and assistant Alan Curtis. However, the team responded to the criticism with a remarkable run of 9 consecutive wins, a club record, and period of more than 700 minutes of play without conceding a goal. One of the highlights of this spell was a remarkable away victory at Peterborough in January - 2 goals down at half time we battled back for a 3 - 2 win courtesy of a late winner from Captain Nick Cusack.

By this time, the squad had been buoyed (!) by the addition of the flamboyant Jamaican international striker, Walter Boyd, who made an immediate impact with two goals on his debut. But it was to be a frustrating season for this star, who failed to secure a regular place, and who set an unwanted record in a home match with Darlington by being sent off within just 1 second of arriving on the field as a substitute. Instead it was veteran striker Steve Watkin who led the line. But our real strength was in defence. With a centre half pairing of Matthew Bound and Jason Smith, we achieved the best defensive record in the entire football league. Goalkeeper Roger Freestone set a club record for clean sheets and was rewarded with a full Wales cap against Brazil.

This defence was the foundation for a season which ultimately brought not only promotion but also a divisional championship. Promotion was secured with a convincing 3 - 0 home win over Exeter, but the title was achieved in a dramatic last day thriller at Rotherham, our closest rivals for the championship. In a game marred by pitch invasions, two late penalties gave a 1 - 1 result, which meant the Swans pipped the Millers for the title. The celebrations were unfortunately marred by the death of a Swans supported, killed when trampled by a police horse. But overall the season was a triumph both for the team and for the manager, John Hollins, who in two years had taken the side from the foot of the football league to the third division championship

2000/2001 season:

"It was a slightly strange atmoshphere which greeted the new season following our championship glory the previous year. There was not so much a wave of optimism as a sense of cautious anticipation among Swans fans, who seemed divided into two camps. There was the school of thought that we were woefully understrength to face the new campaign, having rid ourselves of two experienced strikers and only strengthened with the acquisitions of the youthful Mumford and Mutton. And there was the other school of thought that believed that the management and players who had won the title should at least be given a fair tilt at the second division. There was almost unanimity though, in the belief that this was going to be a far tougher test than the season before, and that with little money in the coffers, our squad was going to have to perform well above itself in order to achieve even mid table respectability.

Ultimately, it proved a forlorn cause, but the early weeks brought some promising signs. Dour but solid efforts in our opening fixtures against much fancied Wigan and spendthrift Brentford brought two goalless draws, with the width of the post denying Nick Cusack a late winner at the London club. There were sound performances also over two legs against first Division West Brom in the Worthington cup, who overcame us only with a last gasp winner at the Hawthorns, and in the league against Bristol City at home, Millwall away (where we narrowly and harshly lost to the eventual champions), and Notts County away, where a terrific long range effort from Martin Thomas delighted a handful of Jacks who had made it to a deserted Meadow Lane during the notorious "fuel crisis". When Luton Town were despatched 4 - 0 at the Vetch, our glances were towards the play-off zone rather than back to the third division, but it was then that the lack of depth in the squad, and the general limitations of our team, began to tell.

A real turning point was the away fixture at spendthrift Reading, in the splendour of the Madejski stadium. Indeed, one of the tell-tale signs of the greater strength and wealth of the second division is the quality of the grounds - Millwall, Notts County, Stoke and Wigan all sport magnificent stadia that would not be out of place in the premiership, but the Madejski is a glorious arena which puts them all into the shade, and which sports a team to match. But for 45 minutes the Swans outplayed their more illustrious opposition, and should have been ahead. But some clinical finishing from the likes of Cureton and Butler saw us end up on the wrong end of a 5-1 thrashing, which highlighted the difference in class which we were going to have to bridge. The travelling Swans applauded the team off the field, knowing that they had performed pretty much as well as they could - which perhaps says it all!

It was clear at this stage that squad strengthening was essential. Much of the internet discussion at the time suggested we needed a quality striker, and a midfield playmaker. And lo and behold, in an enexpected swoop, both were delivered in one package, with the arrival of French midfielder David Romo and Venezuelan striker Giovanni Savarese - both on free transfers and short term contracts, but nonetheless a promising piece of business. And both made an impact in their home debut against Stoke, who were defeated 2 -1 with a brace from the Venezuelan. Suddenly there was real hope that we had found the necessary quality that would enable us to survive. But sadly this was not to be - Romo proved a little too lightweight for the robustness of the Division, whilst Savarese failed to hit the target with enough regularity to keep us afloat. Similarly, some of our other better players began to desert us - the back four was finding life far more difficult at this level and failed to provide the bedrock for the team, despite Roger Freestone's continued high standards. Walter Boyd was largely anonymous as we entered the colder winter months, and the likes of Price, Watkin and Casey performed far too fitfully to make any real impression. Indeed, only Stuart Roberts was performing consistently to his potential, and this form was ultimately to bring him the internet player of the season award.

Further disappointing results followed - a thumping at Rotherham, a narrow defeat at Wrexham (in which we missed an open goal), and home defeats against lowly Port Vale and Oxford saw us plummet toward the foot of the table, and only a stirring comeback at Cambridge, from 3 - 0 down to draw 3 -3, gave any glimmer of hope. A first round FA Cup exit at Bournemouth did little to lift the gloom.

By this stage there was much dissent among the fans, many of whom were calling for the management team, and the club's owners, to be removed. But with no money to spend it was difficult to see how any alternative manager could have been attracted to the club, even though plenty of names were mentioned.

A fine performance on boxing day at home to Walsall brought some Christmas cheer to the Vetch, as the Midlands club were soundly beaten 3 - 1. But then the relegation battle was really on, and suddenly many of the teams around us started to put a run together. Port Vale and Swindon began to show some form, and even Luton began to get some results, most notably a 5 -3 victory over the Swans in February. We had responded by bringing in some loan players in a late bid to strengthen the squad, and Nicholas Fabiano in particular showed some great skills in our late season rear-guard action, But it was too little too late- there were further home defeats to Notts County and Reading, and by the time we visited Stoke City on a Tuesday evening in March, we really were in the last chance saloon. Amazingly, this triggered one of our finest performances of the season - a battling 2 -1 win against the play off hopefuls which brought us our only double of the season and which raised hopes that the drop could still be avoided. Again it was a false dawn. Further disappointments followed, including a devastating 2 - 1 defeat at Northampton in which we had held a 1 - 0 lead until the 89th minute. Eventually, our fate was sealed in a lame defeat at Port Vale, and once again the the third Division beckoned. There was still time for a late season flurry, as we knocked six past Brentford at the Vetch, in a result which by that stage seemed almost ironic!

Reflecting back on what was a stresful and tiring season for players and fans alike, there did seem to be an air of inevitability about it. We came up against some good sides with some remarkably good players - Lua Lua of Colchester (now Newcastle), Cureton and Butler of reading, Leitao of Walsall and Liddell of Wigan for example, all made our side look fairly artisan by comparison. There was never going to be any money to spend to bring in top quality players, but the dealings in the free transfer and loan markets were actually quite shrewd - Savarese hit fourteen goals, Romo did what he could, and Fabiano brought some real spark to the team. Also, there was no lack of effort on the part of the players - they couldn't be faulted for the amount of work they put in, and the commitment they showed, and we weren't helped by injuries to some key players, most notably Jason Smith. But there is no escaping the fact that in the final analysis we were just not up to the mark - we didn't perform well enough or consistently enough when we needed to, and we paid the price. This is not to say that we will never be able to make that grade again - many of our younger players are much better for the experience, and will be stronger in future. But did leave many Swans fans feeling that if we are going to climb the league ladder again, we will need one commidity, and we will need it by the bucketload.........cash! Oh well....when's the Torquay away fixture then?"

2001/2002 season:

This season gave Swans longsuffering fans no let up in the depression. Ninth Floor hand control of the club to Mike Lewis for £1. After a handfull of games, and very few wins John Hollins and Alan Curtis were dismissed. Their replacements are unvieled as Colin Addison and Peter Nicholas.

Mike Lewis sells the club for £1 to Australia based businessman Tony Petty.

As soon as Tony Petty took over the club he sacked the goalkeeping coach, the youth team coach, 7 players and he also reduced the pay of a further 8 players. This caused an uproar with the players and fans.

Petty then sold Stuart Roberts at a knockdown price of £100k

The club went from one crisis to another under Petty, and is on the verge of bancrupsy when a consortium led by Mel Nurse took control of the club at end of January.

With Nationwide League survival secured in mid-March, Addison and Nicholas and were then dismissed by the new coonsortium.

After a spell as caretaker manager, Club captain Nick Cusack is appointed manager, with Alan Curtis returning as his Assistant. Season ends with a 1-0 defeat against Cardiff in the FAW Premier Cup Final best remembered for Cardiff owner Sam Hammam's offer to transport Swans fans free to the game.

 

2002/2003 season:

Nick Cusacks reign lasts just 9 games into the new season and is dismissed following a 4-0 defeat at Wrexham. A 1-0 defeat at Boston sees the Club sink to last place in the Football League for the first time in their history.

Brian Flynn and Kevin Reeves are appointed to the club and set about improving the squad. A new record of 21 debuts in a season is set as the club's league status remains in the balance until the final day. Swans secured three points, beating Hull 4-2 in the most vital game of the club's history in front of nearly 10,000 fans at the Vetch and saw local boy James Thomas score a hat-trick.

2003/2004 season:

After such a close shave the previous season, the Vetch faithful hoped that they would not be flirting with that area of the table this season. An so it proved to be … Brian Flynn's newly assembled squad played an attractive and attacking brand of football in the early months of the season.

Unfortunately this was not to last. A superb FA cup run which saw us into the fifth round masked some disappointing league form. Matters weren't helped by a horrendous injury list which highlighted the squad as being paper thin. It was just a matter of time before thing came to a head for Brian Flynn.

Flynn was sacked half a dozen games before the end of the season and was replaced by former Welsh international Kenny Jackett.

The Swans finished the season in 10th position.

Thanks to Jim White for the following update

2004/2005 Season

The 2004/2005 season proved to be one of immense joy for the club and its fans as it was promoted on the final day of season to League 1. The team had endured a mixed season with some terrible early season form complete with a style of football that many fans disliked. The fortunes changed however after some internal discussions and the club went on to record a number of victories which hoisted them to the top of the table in mid to late October. Whilst the club was ousted from the top spot by a strong Yeovil outfit, they did stay within the Top 3 for the majority of the Winter period by grinding out a number of good victories.

Success was based on a miserly defence, a strong, hard working midfield and the enigmatic skills and goal scoring of Lee Trundle up front. The predictable season ‘loss of form period’ came in the February timeframe where the 9 point gap the club held in 3rd place over the playoff hopefuls was whittled away. An inability to win away from home hampered the club although they managed to maintain a majestic record at the club’s old fortress Vetch field. The club was at the grand old stadium for the last ever season and there were many occasions when the roar of the North bank gave the team the momentum they needed to get 3 points.

The club were unable to progress as far in the FA Cup this year but they did receive over £250,000 from their cup exploits throughout the season which will help them invest into the team as they prepare for League 1. A £150,000 payday was awarded as Sky TV came down to the Vetch for the last time to watch the team narrowly lose to Reading in an FA Cup replay while the club also picked up £100,000 for winning the FAW Premier Cup in what was to be the final game ever played at the Vetch.

As the season came to an end, the club wrapped up promotion by having the best form record over the last 10 games. There were some very nervy moments with 3 of the last 4 games being won by 1-0 margins. However, backed by some 5,000 traveling fans, the club went to Bury on the final day of the season, got the 3 points they needed for promotion and condemned Southend to the lottery of the play offs!

All in all a great season. Sad to leave the Vetch but the start of the 2005-2006 season in a new division and new stadium is great news for all Swansea fans!

2005/2006 Season

After beating Brentford in the semi-finals, they lost out to Barnsley in the final at the Millennium Stadium on 27 May 2006. Although Swansea dominated the final for long periods, the match finished 2-2 and Barnsley won a penalty shoot-out 4-3. The club also tasted cup success on two fronts, winning the Football League Trophy for the first time since 1994 and the FAW Premier Cup for a second successive year.

Swansea did try to push for the Championship in the 2006-2007 season despite a slow start which yielded 1 point from the first 3 games.

They made FA Cup headlines on 6 January 2007, by beating Sheffield United 3-0 at Bramall Lane with Thomas Butler grabbing two goals before Leon Britton slotted home a penalty to put the Swans into the 4th round.

Unfortunately, their FA Cup run was ended when they lost 1-0 to Ipswich Town away from home, when Alan Lee scored a controversial penalty against the Swans. A change in management followed after Kenny Jackett walked out on the club, claiming a lack of support from the board, players and fans. Kevin Nugent took charge for three games but despite three good performances the Swans failed to pick up a win.

Roberto Martínez was appointed the new manager after coming to an agreement with his then club, Chester City. Roberto Martinez's team won its first game with him under management against Rotherham United on February 27, 2007. He has taken the Swans onto a run of 11 games with only one loss against Millwall. After a last gasp win (1-2) against Carlisle away, it goes down to the last game of the season against

Blackpool at the Liberty Stadium to decide the final play off position. After 45 league games, they sat 7th in League 1 level on 72 points with Oldham Athletic, with Oldham having a better goal difference of two. In order to achieve the last play-off position Swansea had to better Oldham's result against Chesterfield. If both teams won their respective matches, Swansea must better Oldham's scoreline by three goals.

The season ended in disappointment, the Swans lost 3 - 6 to Blackpool, and with Oldham winning 1 - 0 against Chesterfield, it left the Swans in seventh place just outside the play offs. Now the Martinez era begins in earnest ready for the 2007 - 2008 season.
 

Swansea City 2007 - 2008 (Ref Wikipedia)

The Swans signed a number of players over the summer including Dorus de Vries and Ferrie Bodde, as well as Spanish right-back Angel Rangel and Trinidad & Tobago international striker Jason Scotland, who replaced the departing Lee Trundle (1million to Bristol City).

After an an indifferent initial two months the Swans soared to the top of League One with an 18 game unbeaten run from November to March.

Despite being unable to continue their excellent run through to the end of the season, the Swans were promoted on April 12 following a 2-1 success at Gillingham, and crowned Champions the following week despite a home defeat by Yeovil Town.

The club amassed a total of 92 points over the course of the season, the highest ever by a Welsh club in the Football League, as well as breaking club records for most away wins in a season (14), most goal scored away from home in a season (42) and fewest away defeats in a season (3). They also equalled the records for most wins in a season (27) and longest sequence of league away games without defeat (12). In addition to this, they came within one game of equalling the club's longest ever unbeaten run (19 games) and one fewer defeat would have equalled the club record for fewest defeats in a season.

The club also boasted five players in the PFA Team of the Year and the division's top scorer in Jason Scotland, with 29 goals.

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

Swansea City 2008 - 2009 (Ref Wikipedia)

Back in the Championship Swansea began life back in the second tier on English football with a 2-0 reverse at Charlton Athletic on August 9, 2008.
 

Since then, however, they have adapted well to the new league. In January, the team knocked out FA Cup holders Portsmouth at Fratton Park, beating them 2-0 in the fourth round.

They were rewarded with a home tie against Fulham in the fifth round. The match, on Saturday, 14 February, 2009, ended in a 1-1 draw. If they managed to beat Fulham they would have a "glamour tie" against Manchester United, but Swansea went on to lose 2-1 in the replay.

They also challenged for the play-offs but narrowly missed out, despite being in contention up to the 45th game of the season. They finished the season in 8th place, one position behind arch-rivals Cardiff, although the Bluebirds failed to beat the Swans during the course of the season - both league games ending in 2-2 draws.

However, the Swans claimed the 2008/09 local 'bragging rights' with a 1-0 League Cup win at the Liberty Stadium in late September; on-loan midfielder Jordi Gomez scoring the winning goal in the first South Wales derby since the 2002 F.A.W Premier Cup final. Swansea's close-season signings so far are striker Stephen Dobbie and last seasons on loan winger Nathan Dyer.
 

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