please log in to view this image Trust Statement – January Transfer Window Swans Trust please log in to view this image It has been 48 hours since the Transfer Window closed, and we have spent much of that time engaging with the club to share the disappointment that we have heard from Trust members and supporters. We have been here before, and it is frustrating to be having similar conversations about readiness/preparation from the club, and the messaging to supporters before, during, and after the window. From our conversations over the last 48 hours, we are in no doubt that those within the club worked extremely hard to try and get deals secured and are bitterly disappointed – but supporters will rightly say that effort and intention counts for nothing when results aren’t achieved. At a time when we desperately needed to get stronger in multiple positions, we have not done so. Last week we published a statement highlighting the challenges of the last 5-6 weeks, with a public call for the club to announce a Fan’s Forum, and to set them in stone in future seasons. In our discussions yesterday, we pressed the club to schedule the forum as quickly as possible which we believe they will now announce a date for imminently, and be prepared to answer questions publicly on: When a Director of Football / Sporting Director will be announced. This role is vital in today’s game to oversee scouting, build relationships with clubs and agents, and create scenario plans for multiple windows. It requires a specific type of experience of the game, with someone who has a deep network and specific skills in negotiation. The club must update supporters on the search for a DoF/SD and when they hope to make that appointment. Again we understand more will be announced on this very soon. The recruitment process and how this will be improved going forward. A frank and honest review of our recruitment policy and leadership team as once again those in charge have failed to break a cycle that supporters have become all too familiar with – promises that we are ready for the January window, poorly-timed departures of influential players, rife speculation on potential targets, waiting until Deadline Day to try and sign players, and ultimately the failure to close the right deals. We know that Deadline Day is a busy time, but less than a third of incoming players to the championship were signed on Deadline Day. Our playing style and the future of the “Swansea Way”. Supporters require clarity on how the club define this, and a clear plan on how they plan to improve performances and results. It is no secret that support is waning, which has serious consequences on season ticket sales, attendance, and ultimately the followership that the club needs to be commercially successful. The club simply cannot afford for supporters to become disinterested or ambivalent. Andy Coleman’s plan to rebuild trust with supporters, which he promised when the new ownership group came in. We have spent a lot of time with Andy and have seen how deeply he cares and wants to succeed – but this has not borne out into action for supporters. The club need to create more regular opportunities for meaningful engagement where frank and honest discussions can be had. This is the only way to build trust. The above reflects the direct and indirect feedback we have received and has been shared in private with the club. The Jack Army continues to be a loud and loyal supporter base who we know will continue to get behind the team, but they need something to shout for – passion, possession-based football with a purpose, attacking football, and a strong and resilient defence. We have 16 matches left and plenty of time to see this come to fruition, even if we didn’t manage to bolster our squad as anyone associated with the club had hoped. It is absolutely essential for the club to play their part now too and provide full and frank answers to the type of questions we are asking above. As we said last week, if Swansea City is to be successful, we need more open communication, a clear strategy, and a willingness to provide transparency when we need it most. That way we can perhaps begin to feel that the club, ownership and the Jack Army are once again pulling in the same direction. And that will benefit us all. Swansea City Supporters’ Trust 5th February 2025
Swansea City will hold an open and free-to-attend fans’ forum on Tuesday, February 18 at the Swansea.com Stadium. The event is open to all supporters and will run from 6pm until 8pm. The Q&A event will be compered by Kev Johns and will give supporters an opportunity to put their questions and feedback to club chairman Andy Coleman, and head coach Luke Williams. Doors will open from 5.30pm and there will be complimentary tea and coffee available.
Trust the Trust Board to speak after the event...the supporters voice lol. They have no influence in what the main owners do or say.... the fans forum will be hostile I would imagine with statements of non fact and questions from fans that will be given the usual positive answers to appease them . Unfortunately the club is being run like a business. If there is no money coming in there will be no money spent....or there could eventually be bankruptcy.....
