Swansea won their first ever Welsh Cup in 1912-13 at the same time as entering the second division of the Southern League and acquired the Vetch Field, a piece of land near the town centre owned by the Swansea Gaslight Company as their home ground. In 1920 'The Swans' or 'The Jacks' as the club are nicknamed became founder members of the Football League Third Division.
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Within five years, the team were promoted to the League's second tier, going on to reach the semi-final of the 1925-26 FA Cup, where they lost out 3-0 to Bolton Wanderers at White Hart Lane under manager Joe Bradshaw.
Further Welsh Cup triumphs came in 1931-32, 1949-50 and 1960-61 as The Vetch paraded some of the club's most famous names, including Ivor Allchurch, Terry Medwin and Harry Griffiths. The managers throughout the period were Jimmy Thomson, Neil Harris, Haydn Green, Billy McCandless, Ronnie Burgess and Trevor Morris.
In 1963-64 the Swans reached a second FA Cup semi-final when a fine run was ended with a 2-1 defeat to Preston North End at Villa Park, following a quarter final win at Anfield against Liverpool.
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The 1964-65 season ended in relegation with manager Morris departing to be replaced by Glyn Davies who oversaw a fifth Welsh Cup victory in 1965-66 with victory against Chester. The team were relegated to Division Four in 1966-67 after Billy Lucas had come in as manager to try and avoid the drop.
In 1969 the club changed names to Swansea City AFC, as Roy Bentley replaced Lucas in charge of the team; taking them to promotion at the completion of the 1969-70 campaign. Former Busby Babe Harry Gregg became manager in November 1972 but he couldn't save the side from relegation back to the bottom tier at the end of the season.
Crowds dwindled and record low League gate of just 1,358 saw The Swans entertain Northampton Town. Former star Griffiths had a spell as boss until he stepped back to assist former Cardiff City, Liverpool and Wales hero John Toshack who arrived as player manager in Februrary 1978.
Promotion was soon won, but with a sad note. Club legend Griffiths had died of a heart attack just before the end of the season. A further promotion was achieved the following season as Swansea returned to the League's second tier after an absence of fourteen years. Toshack chipped in with some vital goals.
Quality players began to join the club to link up with the youth system. After a season of consolidation, a 3-1 win at Preston North End sent The Swans to the top flight for the first time in their history.
Stars of the time included Ian Callaghan, Tommy Craig and Leighton James, Robbie James and Alan Curtis as the Welsh Cup was also lifted in 1980-81 and 1981-82 with victories against Hereford United and bitter rivals Cardiff City.
City hit the ground running and in their first match in Division One, they demolished Leeds United 5-1 at The Vetch, with debutant Bob Latchford netting a hat-trick. Watch the massacre, click here. The side finished the season in sixth place, despite topping the table on several occasions and defeating the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Arsenal along the way.
Sadly, the success came at a massive cost. Too much money was spent on players and some poor transfers. This, coupled with injuries, led to relegation in 1982-83, with slight consolation coming by way of an eighth Welsh Cup triumph; this time over Wrexham. A second successive relegation came in 1983-84 as the Swans found themselves in the third tier.
Toshack remained in charge until March of that season before he was dismissed and replaced by Les Chappell. Worse still, the club was under severe threat owing to the crippling debts it racked up. The club was saved by local businessman Doug Sharpe in December 1985, by which time Colin Appleton and then John Bond had spells as manager.
Swansea found themselves back in Division Four at the end of the 1985-86 campaign as Tommy Hutchison endured an unsuccessful spell as team boss. Within eight years, City had gone right from the bottom of the League to the top, and then back again. Terry Yorath was appointed as manager in May 1986.
He led the side to promotion in 1987-88 with a playoff final victory over Torquay United. Sharpe kept the purse strings tight, but Yorath and then Frank Burrows from March 1991 did well with what they were provided. Further Welsh Cups were won in 1989 and 1991 with victories over Kidderminster Harriers and then Wrexham.
Burrows' side lost out in the semi-final of the playoffs in 1992-93 against West Bromwich Albion. In 1994, City made their debut appearance at Wembley Stadium when they lifted the Football League Trophy against Huddersfield Town. Burrows was replaced in July 1995 by Bobby Smith, who remained in charge until new owners came in and employed Kevin Cullis as boss in February 1996.
His only previous experience had been as a youth team coach of the small non-league club, Cradley Town. Sharpe triggered a clause in the sale when he didn't receive his promised cash and returned to the helm. Cullis was sacked after just six days. Jimmy Rimmer stepped in as caretaker boss before former Danish international and Liverpool star Jan Mølby took over.
His only previous experience had been as a youth team coach of the small non-league club, Cradley Town. Sharpe triggered a clause in the sale when he didn't receive his promised cash and returned to the helm. Cullis was sacked after just six days. Jimmy Rimmer stepped in as caretaker boss before former Danish international and Liverpool star Jan Mølby took over.
He took the side to the playoff final at Wembley in 1996-97, where the Swans lost 1-0 to Northampton Town. Mølby lasted until October 1997, with Micky Adams taking care of the team, before Alan Cork was appointed in his place. The experienced John Hollins came in to settle the ship in the summer of 1998.
Premier League West Ham United were dumped out of the FA Cup, and in 1999-00 City were promoted as champions, a year after missing out in the playoff semi-finals against Scunthorpe United. They lasted in the higher division for just one season. A new owner, Mike Lewis and his company, The Petty Group, based in Australia, took over the club and immediately cut back on staff, angering fans who set up a Supporters Trust.
The following season, Kenny Jacket took over as manager, with promotion won on the final day of the 2004-05 season in the final ever game at the now dilapidated Vetch Field. A new ground had been in the pipeline for many seasons, and at last the club moved to the sparkling Liberty Stadium at White Rock, named after Liberty Properties Ltd won the naming rights. The stadium was to be shared with the franchised regional rugby club, Ospreys.
In 2005-06, The Swans won a second Football League Trophy against Carlisle United at the Millennium Stadium, but missed out on promotion after losing to Barnsley in the playoff final back at the Welsh national stadium. Former playing hero Roberto Martinez moved into the managerial hot seat in February 2007, immediately installing a delightful style of passing football, with the ball being kept on the deck as much as possible.
The tactics worked as Swansea won promotion as League One champions in 2007-08. Martinez was lured to Wigan Athletic, with replacement Paulo Sousa being more conservative. Sousa was replaced by the highly rated Brendan Rodgers in July 2010. The side finished in third place in Rogers' first season, going on to win a wonderful playoff final at Wembley 4-2 against Reading.
Premier League West Ham United were dumped out of the FA Cup, and in 1999-00 City were promoted as champions, a year after missing out in the playoff semi-finals against Scunthorpe United. They lasted in the higher division for just one season. A new owner, Mike Lewis and his company, The Petty Group, based in Australia, took over the club and immediately cut back on staff, angering fans who set up a Supporters Trust.
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| Statue of club legend Ivor Allchurch, outside the Liberty Stadium |
Another experienced boss, Colin Addison, replaced Hollins in September 2001, as a consortium led by former star player Mel Nurse tried to buy the club. They succeeded in purchasing The Swans in January 2002, but Addison and then Nick Cusack were sacked as manager.
The club only stayed in the League on the final day of the season under Bryan Flynn at the expense of Exeter City following a win against Hull City, where Lewis was Vice Chairman and was about to be jailed along with his sidekick, John Russell for fraud. To see the historic Hull City game, click here.
In 2005-06, The Swans won a second Football League Trophy against Carlisle United at the Millennium Stadium, but missed out on promotion after losing to Barnsley in the playoff final back at the Welsh national stadium. Former playing hero Roberto Martinez moved into the managerial hot seat in February 2007, immediately installing a delightful style of passing football, with the ball being kept on the deck as much as possible.
The tactics worked as Swansea won promotion as League One champions in 2007-08. Martinez was lured to Wigan Athletic, with replacement Paulo Sousa being more conservative. Sousa was replaced by the highly rated Brendan Rodgers in July 2010. The side finished in third place in Rogers' first season, going on to win a wonderful playoff final at Wembley 4-2 against Reading.
Swansea City became the first Welsh club to reach the Premier League, just eight years after staying in the Football League by beating Hull City. Their first season in the top flight saw the club impress and finish comfortably in mid-table. At the end of the campaign, Rodgers departed to be replaced by Michael Laudrup, whose side played some scintillating football throughout his first season in charge as Spaniard Michu scored goals aplenty.
The Swans lifted the League Cup at Wembley as Bradford City were swept aside, after Chelsea had been defeated in the semi-final. This meant Europa League football for the fans at the Liberty Stadium.
Wilfried Bony took over as top scorer in the 2013-14 season as Michu departed. In a shock to most people, Laudrup was dismissed in February 2014 to be replaced by former player favourite Garry Monk. Bony departed in the January 2015 transfer window, but the Swans continued to impress.
Guidolin was dismissed in October 2016 amid unrest among the players. Former USA national boss Bob Bradley was his replacement.
The Swans lifted the League Cup at Wembley as Bradford City were swept aside, after Chelsea had been defeated in the semi-final. This meant Europa League football for the fans at the Liberty Stadium.
Wilfried Bony took over as top scorer in the 2013-14 season as Michu departed. In a shock to most people, Laudrup was dismissed in February 2014 to be replaced by former player favourite Garry Monk. Bony departed in the January 2015 transfer window, but the Swans continued to impress.
Bony's contributions were replaced by the skills of André Ayew and Bafétimbi Gomis, while Jonjo Shelvey continued to blossom in midfield. Monk was dismissed in December 2015, with Alan Curtis once again filling in until the appointment of Francesco Guidolin helped steady the ship and take the side to a safe position.
An American consortium led by Jason Levien and Steve Caplan became the new owners of the club in the summer of 2016, while chairman Huw Jenkins remained in his position. 
Guidolin was dismissed in October 2016 amid unrest among the players. Former USA national boss Bob Bradley was his replacement.
The appointment, possibly through the new ownership at the club, proved a disaster as the American lasted just eighty-five days at the helm. Paul Clement came in to lead the team in January 2017, with the team in deep relegation problems. He managed to steer his side to safety on the penultimate set of matches thanks to some tremendous performances.
Veteran captain Leon Brittan was put back into the centre of midfield where he controlled the game, while being ably assisted by Gylfi Sigurðsson with the goals and classy performances of former Athletic Club and Juventus striker Fernando Llorente doing the job.
My visits
Swansea City 3 Scarborough 0 (Saturday 16th January 1988) Division Four (att: 4,366)
It was Scarborough's first ever season in the League and they were doing reasonably well. I was lucky at the time that a mate Jon Doomie Dyer went to every game in his car. I was working as a Postman at the time and had to work and do a delivery that morning before setting out on the mammouth journey.
Doomie was a driver of Grand Prix proportions. He picked me up at The Angel pub in Scarborough at 10am, with Mick Young and my brother Nick on board. I expected us to just about make it for kick-off. I little I knew!
To cut the story as short as the journey, we passed the Boro team coach near the Welsh border and were waiting for them for half an hour at around 1.45pm in the cramped streets behind the ground and by the old jail when they arrived.
If I were to ever visit the town again, for cricket perhaps, then I'd definitely look to head to The Mumbles of an evening. It has a great reputation, but it wouldn't have to be much to beat the pubs of Swansea!
Sunday 28th May 2017
My return to Swansea was not for football, but for the County Championship cricket match between Glamorgan and Durham.
I'd arrived the day before and noted from my bus ride in shocking weather from the railway station to the St Helen's Ground that I went past William Street. I was pretty sure that was where the Vetch Field was located?
My only visit to the ground when it was still standing was pretty hazy in terms of its exact location, but Google Maps put me right. Sure enough, other familiar street names surrounded what looked like open space.
On Sunday morning the weather was looking promising for the cricket as I set off on a pre-match walk in search of breakfast and a little bit of football history. I was staying at the Tudor Court Hotel, along the waterfront on Oystermouth Road.
I'd noted the night before that the old Swansea Jack pub was now boarded up. My Durham pals had told me another nearby pub; The Builders Arms was not exactly salubrious. The closing of the Vetch had seen once thriving establishments suffer badly.
Allotments had taken over down the side where the Main Stand once stood. A concrete circle path showed where the old centre circle once was. Much of the old hill from the North Bank had gone, although there was still a slope. A kids playground at least meant there was still some recreation on site.
As I wandered further down Glamorgan Street it was good to see the signage for the East Stand had been left for future generations to learn where their club history was forged and for older fans to remember.
Further evidence was found on Madoc Place and Madoc Street where the exit gates were still in place; while it was clear to see where the turnstiles once let in fans by their thousands for City and Wales games as the entrances had been bricked up.
It had been a good start to the day. I love retracing my footsteps many years later; especially if I'd been a little unprepared on previous visits. The cricket, company and some decent pubs added to a cracking day and weekend away.
I even picked up a free independent magazine; 'The Jack' in a local pub at night. It showcased local businesses and pubs, while also containing lots of articles about the club from a fans point of view. I thought it was a fabulous innovation.
The pictures of the Vetch, apart from those courtesy of Bunner, have been taken from the internet, as I didn't take a camera with me at the time.
Veteran captain Leon Brittan was put back into the centre of midfield where he controlled the game, while being ably assisted by Gylfi Sigurðsson with the goals and classy performances of former Athletic Club and Juventus striker Fernando Llorente doing the job.
City replaced Clement with Carlos Carvalhal in December 2017, but it wasn’t enough to save the Swans from relegation to the Championship a few months later. Graham Potter became the new manager, stabilising the squad to a midtable finish as Oli McBurnie top scored.
Steve Cooper took over as team boss in June 2019, with his side, partly through the goals of André Ayew, reaching the playoffs in his first season at the helm. A defeat to Brentford in the semifinals ensued. In 2020-21, Barnsley were defeated in the playoffs before Brentford denied Swansea promotion in the Wembley final.
Russell Martin was appointed as manager in August 2021 taking the side to two midtable finishes before departing for Southampton. Michael Duff was the new man in the hot seat who was replaced by Luke Williams in January 2024. He was replaced by Alan Sheehan in February 2025.
Swansea City AFC will play in the EFL Championship in the 2025-26 season.My visits
Swansea City 3 Scarborough 0 (Saturday 16th January 1988) Division Four (att: 4,366)
It was Scarborough's first ever season in the League and they were doing reasonably well. I was lucky at the time that a mate Jon Doomie Dyer went to every game in his car. I was working as a Postman at the time and had to work and do a delivery that morning before setting out on the mammouth journey.
Doomie was a driver of Grand Prix proportions. He picked me up at The Angel pub in Scarborough at 10am, with Mick Young and my brother Nick on board. I expected us to just about make it for kick-off. I little I knew!
To cut the story as short as the journey, we passed the Boro team coach near the Welsh border and were waiting for them for half an hour at around 1.45pm in the cramped streets behind the ground and by the old jail when they arrived.
I was friendly with Boro winger Steve Adams at the time, and he would leave me a ticket on the gate when there were any available. I saw Addo as he went through, and he told me to hang on. Ten minutes later, manager Neil Warnock came out and gave us sixteen tickets.
He told us to distribute amongst the travelling support as none of the players had any relatives going to the match. We went to the pub for a couple of drinks. I found the locals to be very friendly, and they were keen to tell us how much better supporters they were than Cardiff City's.
He told us to distribute amongst the travelling support as none of the players had any relatives going to the match. We went to the pub for a couple of drinks. I found the locals to be very friendly, and they were keen to tell us how much better supporters they were than Cardiff City's.
An older gent told me that when Swans fans had returned on the trains from clinching promotion at Preston, Cardiff fans hurled missiles at the carriages, smashing lots of windows as the train went through the city. I'd hears about the intense and bitter rivalry, but I didn't realise it was that bad.
We returned to the Vetch having handed out the tickets and took up our seats in the Main Stand. The Vetch really was a strange cramped ground, but I liked it. The Main Stand was quite low and wooden, with a terraced block at the far end. To our left The West Terrace was a double decker stand, with a steep seating deck over a terrace for visiting fans.
Eventually, the seating was closed and then built over towards the stadium's final days. Opposite was The North Bank, which was a large covered terracing where most of the noise came from. The final end held the East Stand. This was an unusually shaped large seating deck over a small terrace, which ended level with the far penalty area. It also had an unusual floodlight on it, which stood out for some distance.
It had been the final development at the Vetch as the club went on its promotion run. We were optimistic of Boro getting a result, but we were well and truly put in our place as The Swans got revenge for their 2-0 defeat in North Yorkshire earlier in the season.
We returned to the Vetch having handed out the tickets and took up our seats in the Main Stand. The Vetch really was a strange cramped ground, but I liked it. The Main Stand was quite low and wooden, with a terraced block at the far end. To our left The West Terrace was a double decker stand, with a steep seating deck over a terrace for visiting fans.
Eventually, the seating was closed and then built over towards the stadium's final days. Opposite was The North Bank, which was a large covered terracing where most of the noise came from. The final end held the East Stand. This was an unusually shaped large seating deck over a small terrace, which ended level with the far penalty area. It also had an unusual floodlight on it, which stood out for some distance.
It had been the final development at the Vetch as the club went on its promotion run. We were optimistic of Boro getting a result, but we were well and truly put in our place as The Swans got revenge for their 2-0 defeat in North Yorkshire earlier in the season.
Boro had new signings Kenny Lowe and former Irish keeper Seamus McDonagh in their lineup. They were totally outclassed on the day, with veteran Robbie James scoring with a long-range effort past the flailing McDonagh, who was well past his best. City eventually finished sixth in the table, but were promoted courtesy of an aggregate win over Torquay United in the playoff final.
Swansea City 2 Arsenal 2 (Sunday 6th January 2013) FA Cup Round Three (att: 18,848)
The third round of the world's greatest cup competition is always one of my favourite weekends of the football season. When I saw that the game at The Liberty Stadium was scheduled for live TV on my day off, I began to make plans to try and attend.
Swansea City 2 Arsenal 2 (Sunday 6th January 2013) FA Cup Round Three (att: 18,848)
The third round of the world's greatest cup competition is always one of my favourite weekends of the football season. When I saw that the game at The Liberty Stadium was scheduled for live TV on my day off, I began to make plans to try and attend.
On my way to Bournemouth the previous week, I'd eventually got through to the ticket office and managed to secure a ticket for £30, which I was told was on the half way line. I couldn't wait! As ever, I booked my train in advance, although not as early as I'd wished.
The only service that would get me there in time left Paddington at 8am and was likely to be busy with travelling fans, looking at the price. As I expected, there were large groups of 'Gooners' mingling and waiting to board on the actual day. I moved from the supposed 'quiet' carriage after groups of obnoxious youngsters took it over.
The only service that would get me there in time left Paddington at 8am and was likely to be busy with travelling fans, looking at the price. As I expected, there were large groups of 'Gooners' mingling and waiting to board on the actual day. I moved from the supposed 'quiet' carriage after groups of obnoxious youngsters took it over.
I feared the worse for the four hour ride, but in fairness the fans were excellently behaved. The journey was long, stopping at lots of towns along the way. Travelling through Cardiff I saw the Millennium and Cardiff City Stadiums' before he took in the highly industrial scenery of Port Talbot. It was grim.
From Neath, the train wound down towards the coast, going past The Liberty and into the station. I had read in advance that the ground was up to two miles from the terminus, but with no buses being due for twenty minutes I followed the crowds and walked it. Now I know that I can get a march on, but I really didn't expect to be in the queue to collect my ticket within twenty five minutes.
The queue was dealt with expertly so I had an hour to kill before kick off. The nearby Harvester pub and the Frankie and Benny's selling alcohol were so packed that I didn't fancy the effort, so instead I walked round to my gate and went inside.
I had a beer for £3 and then took the meal deal of a good pie and a beer for £5.40. The concourses were showing the ESPN build-up to the game on the TVs, while I flicked through the excellent programme, which cost £3. I had put a bet on the game ending 2-2 before I went in, but when I saw that Swansea were starting without Michu and Pablo Hernandez while Arsenal were fielding their full-strength line-up up I put a cover bet on a 3-0 away win.
When the lady told me that my seat would be on the half way line I was happy, but I remembered buying tickets elsewhere with similar endorsements, only to find myself in a corner. Therefore when I went upstairs and saw where I was to sit I was delighted. I was just a few seats off the centre.
I really liked The Liberty Stadium. It was well designed and every seat had good legroom, no doubt to cater for the well built rugby fans who visited to cheer on the Ospreys. The stadium was a continuous bowl, with the seating on two tiers seperated by a walkway. The far West Stand had corporate facilities at the back, while scoreboards hung from the roofs at either end.
Because it was the FA Cup, the visitors got an extra allocation of seating, and Arsenal had a following that filled the North Stand. They were in good voice, as were The Swans' faithful, as the game kicked off. The first half was lacking in too much goalmouth drama, but it was lovely to watch so many technically gifted players on show. Swansea were so good to watch as their players always seemed to have time on the ball. Leon Britton, Chico and Ben Davies impressed me the most.
After the interval, both sides moved up a gear and the pace increased, although chances were still at a premium. Swans boss Michael Laudrup introduced the missing two before an hour was out, and this move had an immediate effect when Michu used great skill to get away and finish past Wojciech Szczęsny.
They looked in control until Laudrup gave Britton a rest,no doubt with that weeks League Cup semi final against Chelsea in mind, after sixty eight minutes and this changed the game. Arsenal gained more and more possession and brought mistakes from the home team.
Lukas Podolski was introduced as a substitute with nine minutes remaining, and this had just as dramatic an effect as when Michu came on, as he equalised two minutes later with a classy finish. Arsene Wenger's side had the momentum, and it was no surprise when Kieren Gibbs smashed home a volley, completing a clever one-two to send The Gooners behind the goal wild with delight. I couldn't see a way back for Swansea.
However, I failed to take into account Arsenal's defence, which drove their fans mad in frustration on several occasions throughout the season. Korean international Sung-Yong Ki had a good chance to level the scores, which he fluffed, but from the ensuing corner he teed up Danny Graham, who belted the ball into the roof of the net.
No-one was more delirious than myself with my bet very much on the forefront of my mind as I mentioned it to those around me. "It's not over yet" replied a local, and indeed the home team had another half chance. I forget myself and groaned when it came to nothing along with everyone else. After five minutes of stoppage time Howard Webb brought an end to proceedings as both teams received a well deserved ovation.
I left and rung my Dad. Sometimes when at a game you can see it to be better than it actually was as you get carried away in the atmosphere but he confirmed that it was a cracker. I also concurred that my winning betting odds of only 10/1 were extremely skinny. I arrived back in the city centre within twenty minutes with my train not leaving until 6.50, giving me the best part of three hours to kill.
Now I love pubs and even more so in towns I've never been out in before. Often, time beats me, but Swansea definitely proved to be the exception. I was advised that Wind Street was the place to be, and indeed, there were lots of bars, but it seemed more suited to weekend evenings.
In the end, I opted for the Wetherspoons Bank Statement. It was OK, but nothing startling, and I wanted to see some of the Mansfield v Liverpool match. After two pints, I went in search of a pub with hand pumps. I was to fail.
It was rather ironic that I'd been earlier involved in a conversation on Facebook regarding on how the price of drinks in Australia had gone through the roof since some of us had visited. I entered the Aussie themed Walkabout as I knew that I could get a small bottle of Tooheys New in there, which was at least palatable.
I nearly fell over as I was charged £3.70, and then young Sophie poured it into a plastic pint glass. She apologised but said it was pub policy. I was not hugely happy, and it was only her charm and looks that saved her from a rant. To make matters worse, the bar appeared to be filled with screaming young drunks.
I moved on to The Varsity, having used other establishments of that chain in the past. Alas, there was no proper ale, but at least it was a decent place. I noticed that all the pubs had doormen on despite hardly anyone being out! I still had time for one more on the way back, so I chanced on The Adam and Eve.
From Neath, the train wound down towards the coast, going past The Liberty and into the station. I had read in advance that the ground was up to two miles from the terminus, but with no buses being due for twenty minutes I followed the crowds and walked it. Now I know that I can get a march on, but I really didn't expect to be in the queue to collect my ticket within twenty five minutes.
The queue was dealt with expertly so I had an hour to kill before kick off. The nearby Harvester pub and the Frankie and Benny's selling alcohol were so packed that I didn't fancy the effort, so instead I walked round to my gate and went inside.
I had a beer for £3 and then took the meal deal of a good pie and a beer for £5.40. The concourses were showing the ESPN build-up to the game on the TVs, while I flicked through the excellent programme, which cost £3. I had put a bet on the game ending 2-2 before I went in, but when I saw that Swansea were starting without Michu and Pablo Hernandez while Arsenal were fielding their full-strength line-up up I put a cover bet on a 3-0 away win.
When the lady told me that my seat would be on the half way line I was happy, but I remembered buying tickets elsewhere with similar endorsements, only to find myself in a corner. Therefore when I went upstairs and saw where I was to sit I was delighted. I was just a few seats off the centre.
I really liked The Liberty Stadium. It was well designed and every seat had good legroom, no doubt to cater for the well built rugby fans who visited to cheer on the Ospreys. The stadium was a continuous bowl, with the seating on two tiers seperated by a walkway. The far West Stand had corporate facilities at the back, while scoreboards hung from the roofs at either end.
Because it was the FA Cup, the visitors got an extra allocation of seating, and Arsenal had a following that filled the North Stand. They were in good voice, as were The Swans' faithful, as the game kicked off. The first half was lacking in too much goalmouth drama, but it was lovely to watch so many technically gifted players on show. Swansea were so good to watch as their players always seemed to have time on the ball. Leon Britton, Chico and Ben Davies impressed me the most.
After the interval, both sides moved up a gear and the pace increased, although chances were still at a premium. Swans boss Michael Laudrup introduced the missing two before an hour was out, and this move had an immediate effect when Michu used great skill to get away and finish past Wojciech Szczęsny.
They looked in control until Laudrup gave Britton a rest,no doubt with that weeks League Cup semi final against Chelsea in mind, after sixty eight minutes and this changed the game. Arsenal gained more and more possession and brought mistakes from the home team.
Lukas Podolski was introduced as a substitute with nine minutes remaining, and this had just as dramatic an effect as when Michu came on, as he equalised two minutes later with a classy finish. Arsene Wenger's side had the momentum, and it was no surprise when Kieren Gibbs smashed home a volley, completing a clever one-two to send The Gooners behind the goal wild with delight. I couldn't see a way back for Swansea.
However, I failed to take into account Arsenal's defence, which drove their fans mad in frustration on several occasions throughout the season. Korean international Sung-Yong Ki had a good chance to level the scores, which he fluffed, but from the ensuing corner he teed up Danny Graham, who belted the ball into the roof of the net.
No-one was more delirious than myself with my bet very much on the forefront of my mind as I mentioned it to those around me. "It's not over yet" replied a local, and indeed the home team had another half chance. I forget myself and groaned when it came to nothing along with everyone else. After five minutes of stoppage time Howard Webb brought an end to proceedings as both teams received a well deserved ovation.
I left and rung my Dad. Sometimes when at a game you can see it to be better than it actually was as you get carried away in the atmosphere but he confirmed that it was a cracker. I also concurred that my winning betting odds of only 10/1 were extremely skinny. I arrived back in the city centre within twenty minutes with my train not leaving until 6.50, giving me the best part of three hours to kill.
Now I love pubs and even more so in towns I've never been out in before. Often, time beats me, but Swansea definitely proved to be the exception. I was advised that Wind Street was the place to be, and indeed, there were lots of bars, but it seemed more suited to weekend evenings.
In the end, I opted for the Wetherspoons Bank Statement. It was OK, but nothing startling, and I wanted to see some of the Mansfield v Liverpool match. After two pints, I went in search of a pub with hand pumps. I was to fail.
It was rather ironic that I'd been earlier involved in a conversation on Facebook regarding on how the price of drinks in Australia had gone through the roof since some of us had visited. I entered the Aussie themed Walkabout as I knew that I could get a small bottle of Tooheys New in there, which was at least palatable.
I nearly fell over as I was charged £3.70, and then young Sophie poured it into a plastic pint glass. She apologised but said it was pub policy. I was not hugely happy, and it was only her charm and looks that saved her from a rant. To make matters worse, the bar appeared to be filled with screaming young drunks.
I moved on to The Varsity, having used other establishments of that chain in the past. Alas, there was no proper ale, but at least it was a decent place. I noticed that all the pubs had doormen on despite hardly anyone being out! I still had time for one more on the way back, so I chanced on The Adam and Eve.
This pub was superb if you enjoyed screaming kids, 80's music and ale that tasted like it had been in the pump for a week. It was that bad I left half of it. There was still time to buy some food from one of the many tatty takeaways near the station. I purchased a supposed meat feast 9' pizza, fries and a can of Coke for £5.70!
It was only when I got on board the train and began it that I realised I'd been overpriced by about £2 on quality. It did a job, and I slept like a baby until we approached Reading. It had been a long day out, but I really enjoyed the game of football and the stadium.
If I were to ever visit the town again, for cricket perhaps, then I'd definitely look to head to The Mumbles of an evening. It has a great reputation, but it wouldn't have to be much to beat the pubs of Swansea!
Sunday 28th May 2017
My return to Swansea was not for football, but for the County Championship cricket match between Glamorgan and Durham.
I'd arrived the day before and noted from my bus ride in shocking weather from the railway station to the St Helen's Ground that I went past William Street. I was pretty sure that was where the Vetch Field was located?
My only visit to the ground when it was still standing was pretty hazy in terms of its exact location, but Google Maps put me right. Sure enough, other familiar street names surrounded what looked like open space.
On Sunday morning the weather was looking promising for the cricket as I set off on a pre-match walk in search of breakfast and a little bit of football history. I was staying at the Tudor Court Hotel, along the waterfront on Oystermouth Road.
I'd noted the night before that the old Swansea Jack pub was now boarded up. My Durham pals had told me another nearby pub; The Builders Arms was not exactly salubrious. The closing of the Vetch had seen once thriving establishments suffer badly.
Allotments had taken over down the side where the Main Stand once stood. A concrete circle path showed where the old centre circle once was. Much of the old hill from the North Bank had gone, although there was still a slope. A kids playground at least meant there was still some recreation on site.
As I wandered further down Glamorgan Street it was good to see the signage for the East Stand had been left for future generations to learn where their club history was forged and for older fans to remember.
Further evidence was found on Madoc Place and Madoc Street where the exit gates were still in place; while it was clear to see where the turnstiles once let in fans by their thousands for City and Wales games as the entrances had been bricked up.
It had been a good start to the day. I love retracing my footsteps many years later; especially if I'd been a little unprepared on previous visits. The cricket, company and some decent pubs added to a cracking day and weekend away.
I even picked up a free independent magazine; 'The Jack' in a local pub at night. It showcased local businesses and pubs, while also containing lots of articles about the club from a fans point of view. I thought it was a fabulous innovation.
The pictures of the Vetch, apart from those courtesy of Bunner, have been taken from the internet, as I didn't take a camera with me at the time.
