There was a game on last night right folks? Because last night and this morning the majority of media and news outlets gave the Swans - Middlesbrough game the inch column treatment while Arsenal continue to get the double spread treatment. This is a sorry state of affairs when a League Cup Quarter-Final tie comes a distant priority in the sports news to Arsenal's poor decline this season. What's more, I noticed there was nearly no recognition of the good defending by Bradford, or the great win by Aston Villa. Three clubs have been viciously snubbed by football elitism. In fact, go to Soccernet and you will have to strain your eyes looking for the link to last nights game. It looks like the soap opera is now more important than the live performance. Such a shame.
I think it strengthens resolve at Swansea City. Some luke warm press from the usual quarters but we're gaining support through British Isles and beyond. We're a humble yet ambitious club. From Chairman through to management Laudrup , Curt and to the fans I think the steely determination looks to be there when it matters. Another huge step for us last night given our poor history in the League Cup. But as Leighton James correctly pointed out - we have had many exciting adventures in Europe in the Cup winners Cup (via Welsh Cup of old ) and it would be a delight to see the Swans in europa action. Anyway we're in the last four lets see that resolve win us through to Wembley. Not a classic against Middlesbrough in the quarter. (hope Tony Mowbray takes them up - the passionate Teesider has them playing an organised and attacking way ) Now onto the minor matter of Spurs and man Utd in the Premier league. Enjoy
What do we really care about the media coverage. We all recognize the duffers most are. The important thing .... Every day we can look at the league table and it always gives us fair press. We can look at the fixture list. We can look at our results. I can watch any number of football streams or live TV over here on the weekend and see us play. We have the top scorer in the league. We have one of the top managers in the league. We are the top team in Wales, better than all but 8 teams from England, and the last time we played Celtic we beat them. We know these things. We don't need to be told these things by the media or anybody else. We are living the moment and for the most part we get to watch some of the most entertaining football played anywhere on any given weekend. Much rather get no coverage and be a Jack than be an Arsenal fan and see my misery everywhere I look.
Let's face it, last night's game would only have been newsworthy had Boro won. Swans, being the Premier League team, were expected to win. We duly did in a forgettable match where Boro gave as good as they got for 70 minutes. Other than the fact that we reached our first ever semi final in this competition, there was little else of note. However, lets's not forget that our overall performance for the last season and a bit, together with our style of play, has won us many plaudits world wide. Swansea and its great football team now have admirers everywhere and, as Yankee said, the important thing is that WE know what we've got. If Michael Laudrup can add some decent quality in January, we might yet finish in the top eight, which would establish us as a recognised force in British football. That achievement will make it easier for the club to attract even better, higher quality players, something that should cement our status for years to come. And who would have believed that just a few years ago?
Don't worry about it. I went to the game and froze my bits off watching it. Believe me buddy, I couldn't write anythng about the game that would extend passed two inches. Swansea imitated a training match against a toothless Boro. Both rarely threatened each others goal. After 90 with both sides struggling to get warm the difference between them was an unfortunate home goal. The Liberty groundsman advised that he would have to re-paint the centre circle as it was rubbed out by 20 players running on it for 90 minutes. END......
As an aside Why is Arsenal imploding yet Liverpool is rebuilding. Why is a consistently reliable, fiscally secure, honest manager in Wenger under constant attack. Arsenal always qualify for the CL, always finish in top 4. I cant remember the last time Liverpool achieved either. Both teams announced end of last season that they were entering a rebuilding process, which could take a while so, why is Wenger constantly attacked by certain areas of the press e.g. Talksh*t radio (sorry should read sport) yet Rodgers is regularly stroked off by the same?
Because for the most part Wenger calls it the way he sees it and doesn't give any blarney and doesn't take any from the press. Rogers is the media's little darling child, full of lazy quotables, who hasn't been soundly criticized by the core media .... yet! Once it happens and he snaps back, then let's see if there's any make up sex.
you have to be a big club steeped in history that has a wide volume of fans interested in your club to get the lions share of press coverage.....we are the minnows who has some interest besides local media interest,,,, that's the way it is..... don't worry about it it means nothing and done to sell papers and magazines...
Jeez Stumpy you have a very short memory, try 2009. As for 'rebuilding', Arsenal only fell into that category on the playing side of their club, they have the 2nd longest serving manager in the prem, a new stadium, an average home attendance of almost 60,000 and are financially solvent. Meanwhile LFC almost went into administration, went through a court battle with our previous owners, were in massive debt due to our previous owners and have had 4 different managers, all in 3 and a half years which coincides with the length of time we've been absent from the top 4/CL. Just saying like.
Thats why Brendan has a 3 year plan to rebuild and he is doing a grand job so far...he is ahead of schedule I believe and the owners are very pleased...he may even get a top 4 spot in his first season if things carry on as they are....good luck to him and liverpool F.C....
I'd like to win it but I would take finishing 4th over it! Not realistic but what the hell, if Liverpool can do it this year... I'm worried about the Europa league, it will stretch the squad and is not financially rewarding like the CL. Look at Newcastle this year. It would be a great adventure but it WILL affect our league form next season (if we win the milk cup that is or whatever it's called nowadays).
If Liverpool can finish 4th they we have as good if not better chance. Liverpool are not going to be 4th unless they climb over us first - anybody holding their breath on that one.
