Overview

Swansea City Football Club celebrates its centenary in 2012. This book traces the history of the club and gives details of momentous events on and off the pitch since 1912.

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9781847716798

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Reviews

This is a must for any Swansea City supporter as the book charts the ups and downs of the Swans from the early years at their run-down Vetch Field home to their plush surroundings at their new stadium at the Liberty. Proud to be a Swan follows the difficult early years when the club was formed in 1912, but the club was admitted to the old Third Division South league in 1920. In April 1925, in front of 24,000 fans, they achieved their first promotion, and for the next few years there were many climaxes and disappointments. The book also follows the Swansea 'babes' who were born in Swansea between 1923 and 1937, and many played in the famous all white shirts. The great John Charles, Jack Kelsey and Trevor Ford slipped the net but gifted local players like Ivor Allchurch, Mel Charles, Cliff Jones and Terry Medwin graced the Vetch Field during the 50s. If these players had remained together, the Swansea 'babes' would have been the topic of conversation for many years. In 1964 the Swans reached the semi-final of the FA Cup but sadly fell at this hurdle and could not make Wembley. This began the decline as players were sold, attendances fell, and the club went into freefall, entering the lowest division in the football league. All this was to change in 1978 when John Toshack was appointed player manager, and what a transformation. Toshack took the Swans by the scruff of the neck and this proved to be one of the most remarkable periods in the club's history. Swansea climbed to Division Three in the first year and in the second year promotion was achieved again and at last they were back in the second tier of British football. After a stable year in Division Two the Swans were then to embark on the promotion trail again and on 2 May 1981 at Preston, Swansea City were promoted for the first time in their history to Division One. Toshack had fulfilled his dream. The first year in this league saw the Swans beat the likes of Manchester United, Leeds, Liverpool and topped the league at the end of March. They were sadly to fall away but still finished a credible sixth. The following year saw the Swans back on freefall again as they were relegated. Toshack then left the club and in no time they were in financial difficulties, with the club being petitioned for a winding-up order in 1985. The club was close to folding mid season but in March 1986 they received a reprieve. Then followed a number of years of promotion and relegation. In the 2002/3 season Swansea had to win their last game of the season to remain in the Football League and a 4 - 2 victory saw the start of better things to come. They were now on the upward curve again and with a change of management, beginning with Roberto Martinez to finally Brendan Rogers, Swansea were to achieve another milestone by being promoted to the Premiership at Wembley on 30 May 2011. This is a real must for any Swansea fan as all the ups and downs are followed in Geraint Jenkins's excellent book. Clive Davies It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgment should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council. Gellir defnyddio'r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatad Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru. -- Welsh Books Council

This is a must for any Swansea City supporter as the book charts the ups and downs of the Swans from the early years at their run-down Vetch Field home to their plush surroundings at their new stadium at the Liberty. Proud to be a Swan follows the difficult early years when the club was formed in 1912, but the club was admitted to the old Third Division South league in 1920. In April 1925, in front of 24,000 fans, they achieved their first promotion, and for the next few years there were many climaxes and disappointments. The book also follows the Swansea 'babes' who were born in Swansea between 1923 and 1937, and many played in the famous all white shirts. The great John Charles, Jack Kelsey and Trevor Ford slipped the net but gifted local players like Ivor Allchurch, Mel Charles, Cliff Jones and Terry Medwin graced the Vetch Field during the 50s. If these players had remained together, the Swansea 'babes' would have been the topic of conversation for many years. In 1964 the Swans reached the semi-final of the FA Cup but sadly fell at this hurdle and could not make Wembley. This began the decline as players were sold, attendances fell, and the club went into freefall, entering the lowest division in the football league. All this was to change in 1978 when John Toshack was appointed player manager, and what a transformation. Toshack took the Swans by the scruff of the neck and this proved to be one of the most remarkable periods in the club's history. Swansea climbed to Division Three in the first year and in the second year promotion was achieved again and at last they were back in the second tier of British football. After a stable year in Division Two the Swans were then to embark on the promotion trail again and on 2 May 1981 at Preston, Swansea City were promoted for the first time in their history to Division One. Toshack had fulfilled his dream. The first year in this league saw the Swans beat the likes of Manchester United, Leeds, Liverpool and topped the league at the end of March. They were sadly to fall away but still finished a credible sixth. The following year saw the Swans back on freefall again as they were relegated. Toshack then left the club and in no time they were in financial difficulties, with the club being petitioned for a winding-up order in 1985. The club was close to folding mid season but in March 1986 they received a reprieve. Then followed a number of years of promotion and relegation. In the 2002/3 season Swansea had to win their last game of the season to remain in the Football League and a 4--2 victory saw the start of better things to come. They were now on the upward curve again and with a change of management, beginning with Roberto Martinez to finally Brendan Rogers, Swansea were to achieve another milestone by being promoted to the Premiership at Wembley on 30 May 2011. This is a real must for any Swansea fan as all the ups and downs are followed in Geraint Jenkins's excellent book. Clive Davies It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgment should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council. Gellir defnyddio'r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatad Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru. -- Welsh Books Council

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