With the disappointment of some of our want away players how refreshing it is to see the contrast in Angel Rangel, who was so excited and pleased to sign a new contract. He stated to the Western Mail "I'm delighted to have agreed a new contract," "From the moment I started talking with the chairman, he knew that I wanted to sign. "I want to thank the chairman and manager too, because they have made me feel wanted - that is very important for a player. "I believe in what they want to achieve and these are exciting times. Myself and the club have made massive strides in the past few seasons, and now we are focusing on the Premier League." We all know how much interest there has been in Rangel in the past from Premiership clubs, and it has always been an attraction for him as he readily admits, but he stayed with us, as he admitted, "There was interest from clubs in the past who were in the Premier League, and I must admit I got a little frustrated with things," he said. "That was because I had such a big desire to play in the Premier League. It is where you want to be. But I didn't let it affect my performances and I gave 100 per cent to help the club. Here is a genuine lad that was taken from obscurity by Martinez, and remained focused on his football, through all the head turning distractions, and now he gets to finally play in the Premiership, and see his dreams fulfilled with Swansea city, the club that gave him his break, so how does he feel, and how does he say thank you, well he concludes by saying, "Now we have got to the Premier League together and I am delighted with that. That is very, very satisfying. "I really love it here in Swansea. Myself, my partner Nikki and our two boys love the area, so we are very settled." "When I arrived here I wanted to be part of a club that had big plans to play in the Premier League, and now we have accomplished that," added Rangel. "We have done things the right way. We play the right style and the squad enjoys it." I'm sure all Jacks will be pleased with him staying at Swansea City, great lad indeed, well done Rangel.
It's a shame that others don't see the value Rangel has in ambitions realized, his achievements along the way, happiness and settlement in family life, and the value proposition of the club as a whole.
He is a very approachable guy and considering he spoke no English when he came here just four years ago he now speaks as a native with a Welsh accent! Really pleased he's staying on and fulfilling his dream with us.
call me an old cynic. but i just wonder whether anybody actually bothered to come in for him this year and thats why he signed. still, i am glad he has its one less position we have to worry about.
Yes it was Bauza who was a teacher and is now doing a medical degree. Not sure where he is playing his football these days.
Signed for Exeter in May. He should do a decent job for them in League 1 I hope. Always liked the guy.
Yes, this is the way it should be. Rangel said "I want to thank the chairman and manager too, because they have made me feel wanted - that is very important for a player.". But let's not forget that it's not like this for all players. From what I've read, Pratley want to start contract negotiations last season but was turned down. Did that make him feel wanted? Maybe that is partly why he left. Also, Rangel says he feels settled in Swansea. Not all players will feel the same. Swansea is a small town and it doesn't suit everyone. Much as I like Swansea, I know I could never live there again, as it is just too small for me. I'm sure many players would think the same, especially if they've come from a bigger city.
Pratley had the opportunity to sign a contract a year ago during the Forest bait n' switch. He didn't.
When ever I visit a big city, it's not long before I can't wait to get out from these places, so I must be different, but give me the quaint and compact life at Swansea & Gower any day of the week, maybe it's the feeling of freedom one gets here, in this area, maybe it's the lack of congestion, and relatively clean air too, that I miss when I'm stuck in some huge traffic jam in these big cities, and I've been to quite a number in my time! .............. please log in to view this image
There is a lot to be said about living in Wales away from the cities, I have lived and worked in some huge cities around the world, but was always glad to come home to the pace of life here, people run down wales a lot, but there is some quality places here, this is where I have been in the last few days with work Solva, Cardigan, Newgale, St Ishmaels,The Gower, Builth, Welspool All lovely places, tomorrow I work in the Swansea rea, tell you what people don't realise how lucky they are living here, I have been to some **** holes around the globe and they don't match up!
Dragon I completely agree with you...I think it's the air. It's so fresh, you don't realise untill you've gone somewhere else. Any time I have gone back to Swansea I have always really enjoyed my self. I appreciate it soo much more now. It's beauty. The only problem is not a huge amount happens there. Just in terms of acting. I can't make a carear for my self in Swansea, so maybe I shall retire back there. Get my self a season ticket. Ahhhh Living the dream. Could have to wait 50-60 years though! hahaha
The difference between Prately and Rangel is Prateley was out of the starting eleven. Then decided that Dobbie was going to be the 1st name on the team sheet. Rangel wasn't under that pressure. Was on the sheet every game and will be again this season. Rangel is class best RB in the NPC.
I might be wrong on this Premier, but my observation early season, was he took himself out of the starting eleven, with his poor under par performances that followed his public press release, and his gesture on the pitch to Jenkins, he had allowed the politics to effect his game and Rodgers had no alternative, but subsequently Dobbie has turned out to be the better player behind the striker, more direct and with a lot more to come too in my view!...... please log in to view this image Jager, and Rhysj spot on lads!.................. please log in to view this image
The difference between Rangel and Pratley is that Rangel is guaranteed to be making money and playing Prem football next season. Pratley ... To be determined. Rangel has accepted the challenge of playing Prem football. Pratley has chosen the challenge of getting signed.
Who knows what happened with Pratley and his negotiations with Jenkins, obviously talks broke down over his contract and he's walked away which saddens me somewhat. Brendan will probably have realised that Darren wasn't staying on and already started playing him less and less towards the end of the season. Dobbie came into his own during this time and as has been said, he is more direct and helped create and score some important goals. Will never forget Darren's last for us though and the euphoria it created. As for Rangel am really pleased he has committed to us as to replace him would have cost a couple of million easy. He fits into our team perfectly and hopefully will continue to improve his game to meet the needs of the prem. With regard to living in Swansea, as it was such a lovely evening went over to the marina area and then drove along the Mumbles road down as far as the pier and if there is a nicer view anywhere you'd be hard to find it. We live in a beautiful area and I for one appreciate what we have and also the friendliness of the people. Let's not forget either that we now have a premier league team playing in a modern stadium right on our doorstep. Wouldn't want to live anywhere else.
Yes, I've heard many people say the same thing. And it's true that there is something about being beside the sea and being to breathe cleaner air. I love visiting Swansea for short breaks, but just couldn't live there. And that's what I mean about footballers. Some are like you and can settle somewhere like Swansea and love it. But other people (like me) thrive in big cities. So I'm just saying that not all players are able to settle somewhere like Swansea. I suppose I'm used to living in London and seeing everything it has to offer. But don't get me wrong, parts of London are the pits and I wouldn't want to live there at all. But some parts are the best places in the world, and footballers can afford to live in those places. And for people who earn massive amounts of money (like footballers), there doesn't seem to be much on off in the way of decent restaurants, etc. It all comes down to what life they want. But you are very lucky if you love Swansea, because you have very affordable housing. People who love London are stuck with astronomical property prices.
Excellent point. People are never satisfied with their lot, not matter how well off they are. Too many people complain about what they don't have rather than being grateful for what they do have.
