FEBRUARY
Double joy for Swansea
Swansea City were today reassured that Michael Dale will remain with them until at least the end of the season. He was believed to had said that his intentions were to get Swansea promoted and he isn’t going anywhere until that has been done.
With this news, the Swans have had exciting news that winger Nathan Dyer has finally started full training once again after a three month layoff. It is believed he won’t play yet until the end of February but he’s determined to pull through the injury quicker than thought.
View attachment 59813 Preston North End, H; Coca-Cola Championship – 2-0 (van der Gun, Pratley)
Swansea City’s stunning home form continues as they beat a healthy Preston side 2-0 at the Liberty Stadium. Cedric van der Gun’s 9th goal of the season opened the scoring on the hour mark, and in-form Darren Pratley scored with 5 minutes to spare to close the game and see off another opponent in their quest for automatic promotion.
View attachment 59814 Crystal Palace, A; Coca-Cola Championship – 2-1 (Rangel, Beattie)
Crystal Palace gave Swansea City a tough time at Selhurst Park today. With the temperature at freezing (I don’t kid – it was actually 0°C) and the rain pouring heavily on this miserable Wednesday night, the most unlikely of scorers turned a few unconvinced faces into joyous ones. Angel Rangel surged forward and played a nice one-two with Craig Beattie and slotted into the net past the oncoming keeper. Assistant Craig Beattie got on the scoresheet only ten minutes later to see the score at half time 2-0 to Swansea. Danny Butterfield’s strike on 66 minutes was only a consolation goal.
Dale approached again
Michael Dale is proving to other teams that he is doing an immaculate job in south Wales, so much so Bolton have approached him with a contract offer after Owen Coyle lost his job. It is thought Dale will rush to sign a contract to manage in the Premier League – a lifelong dream.
‘I don’t want to leave!’
Michael Dale released this statement:
“I have no intention to leave Swansea. I didn’t come here to do a half a season job. I want Swansea in the Premier League, and I am not leaving the club until I do so. It might be this season, next season, 5 years’ time.. I will not step down to a stupid rush of blood and sign for a ‘bigger’ club when I intend to make Swansea the biggest Welsh club in history. I am publicly rejecting the move to Bolton and I am warning every other team who approach me in the same way to stay away as I’m a Swansea manager until I’m satisfied.”
Swansea launch bid for youngsters
Swansea City have publicly bid for ASEC’s Serge Fofana. The full back has impressed scouts at the south Wales club and is thought to be listening to contract offers in the next few days.
The club have also enquired about Home Farm’s Simon Ferry, who, according to Dale, has massive potential and would be welcome to join Swansea. The price tag is thought to be around £200 for the 15 year old.
View attachment 59815 Plymouth Argyle, A; Coca-Cola Championship – 4-2 (Williams, van der Gun, Cotterill, Doherty OG)
A spectacular performance by both clubs; you could argue Plymouth were unlucky to be a losing side. Ashley Williams climbed above everybody to head the first goal on 38 minutes. Only 3 minutes later, Mackie got the equalizer. Cedric van der Gun and David Cotterill put the Swans 3-1 up before Kenny Cooper pulled one back for the hosts, but the away side ensured the win after forcing Gary Doherty to put one into his own net with 25 minutes to go. This takes Swansea’s win record to six on the bounce, and pushes them to the top of the league.
Ferry put on hold, Fofana snubs Wales
After two of the most promising stars today were bid for, both moves were rejected. Simon Ferry chose to stay at Home Farm for another season before thinking of taking one huge step up to the Champinoship, and Serge Fofana declined interest in moving to Swansea and decided to sign for Borussia Monchengladbach instead.
View attachment 59816 Derby County, A; Coca-Cola Championship – 1-0 (Trundle)
Swansea are showing signs of great improvement away from home, and it didn’t end here where they beat Derby at their home ground. It was another tale of penalty decisions where Swansea were given one and Derby not. Lee Trundle made no mistake from the spot as the away side edged a narrow 1-0 win.
Watford want Dale
Watford become the latest team to want Swansea manager Michael Dale. He instantly declined the move and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Match Update
View attachment 59817 Peterborough United, H; Coca-Cola Championship – 3-1 (Williams, Pratley, Beattie)
The win was there for Swansea on a plate to maintain their stay at the top of the table. Ashley Williams scored a 35 yard scorcher after Bodde lay him on perfectly. Darren Pratley doubled Swansea’s lead with an equally good strike with a curling effort from 25 yards. Striker Beattie closed the scoring with a header from a corner on 53 minutes. It has to be noted that straight from the kick-off, Craig Mackail-Smith scored from the centre spot!
Results
A full house for this month, and how pleased I am. Beattie seems to be scoring for fun lately, and a few unlikely goalscorers with it. Couldn’t be happier with the lads.
View attachment 59818
Table
Sitting at the summit, just what I like to see. Couldn’t be prouder with the position. Thankfully, Newcastle have drawn and lost a few games this month and we’ve taken advantage.
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