THE first ever Swansea City Fan Forum to be held in Pembrokeshire proved a resounding success as more than 200 people crammed into the Hook Sports and Social Club last night.

Tickets for the event, organised by the Pembrokeshire Jacks, had sold out well in advance, and an enthusiastic audience were given a unique opportunity to put questions to Swansea Chairman Huw Jenkins, Supporters’ Trust director Huw Cooze, club ambassador Lee Trundle, and current player Leon Britton.

The evening was compered by James White, who himself serves as vice-chairman of Swansea City Supporters' Trust.

And in an era where football clubs are often criticised for not engaging with the public, the quartet were refreshingly honest as they fielded a variety of queries.

Jenkins spoke on the ongoing negotiations between the club and the local council with regards to the potential expansion of the Liberty Stadium, and aired his views on the Europa League, scouting in professional football, and the possibility of making away tickets more accessible to supporters’ groups such as the Pembrokeshire Jacks.

He also spoke about the injury problems which plagued Michu’s time at Swansea, and outlined the qualities of the different managers he had appointed, saying Paulo Sousa’s contribution to the club’s recent success is often understated.

He added he was confident the Swans could soon return to the performance levels of earlier in the season.

Cooze meanwhile, spoke about how the Supporters’ Trust would like to eventually expand on their 21% stake in the club, and said there may come a time when the board have to accept outside investment into the club. He added the club were in favour of a return to safe standing in stadiums, but understood the concerns of authorities.

Both Cooze and Jenkins recalled their memories of Swansea’s famous win against in Hull in 2003, which kept the club in the football league.

Trundle meanwhile, spoke of his affiliation with the club and the local people, and explained why he opted to join Bristol City at the end of the 2006/2007 season.

He outlined his joy at being asked to return to the club in an ambassadorial role, named Britton as the best individual he had played with, and spoke of his regret of never playing in a South Wales derby against Cardiff.

Britton himself, labelled Ashley Williams as the best he had lined up alongside, recalled his memories of the old Vetch Field, and spoke about how the dressing room has coped with losing some star players since reaching the top flight.

All four panel members were also unanimous in naming Swansea’s play-off final win over Reading, at the end of the 2010/2011 season, as their most memorable club moment.

There was also an emotional speech from audience member Patsy Bentley, who thanked Swansea as a club for saving the life of Paul Griffiths, who she cares for at Apley Lodge, Pembroke Dock, by helping raise funds for him to have a critical operation as a youngster.

The pair now regularly attend Swansea games.

Also in the audience were host of Trust members, who spoke to those present about the work they undertake, and offered Pembrokeshire fans the chance to join them.

At the end of the evening, the panel members posed for photos with fans, while Chairman of the Pembrokeshire Jacks, Phil Griffiths, thanked them for travelling and said he hoped the forum would become an annual event.

“It was fantastic of the club to send down such a strong panel,” he told the Western Telegraph.

“For the Chairman especially to come down and face more than 200 people, and openly answer every question, was great.

“The attendance tonight shows the fantastic support there is for Swansea City in our area – and it is refreshing in this day and age, with many complaining about their clubs losing touch with the fans, that the club offered us this fabulous opportunity.”

A prize raffle, with a signed Swansea City shirt and football amongst the items on offer, then rounded off a hugely successful night.
 

  • For more information on the Swansea City Supporters Trust, and how to join, visit www.swanstrust.co.uk.
  • The Trust also run a Disabled Supporters Association. For more information, contact mark948@virginmedia.com.