SCFC2 has asked a number of our site users for their views on our League cup winning season. We asked 15 questions about the season, their favourite moments and their thoughts on new players for next season! Here is part two of three of those responses but first an update who’s who of those answering the questions and the second set of questions we asked!
1. Shawn Bevan (SB) – A Swans fan who now lives in Hereford but who has been a Jack since the early 80’s
2. Cellan Thomas (CT) – A 46 year old Swansea man who has been watching the Swans for over 40 years
3. Richard Lloyd (RL) – A 52 year old exiled jack who has been watching the Swans since 1969 but who now lives in Cheltenham
4. Daniel Edwards (DE) – A 28 year old Swans mad fan who has relocated recently to live in Vienna, Austria
5. Nick Cole (NC) – 31 years old, living in Dunvant but with memories of his first game at the Vetch when Curt’s wonder goal finished off Leeds in 1981!
6. Lisa Phillips (LP) – A 23 year old ‘jackette’ who follows the Swans all over the country
7. Michael Esau (ME) – A 39 year old Swans fan who now lives in Cheshire
8. Darren Grifiths (DG) – A 33 year old Swans nut from Trallwn – Twitter ID @dazthejack
9. Paul Smith (PS) – A 25 year old Jack bastard who has supported the Swans since he can walk! Twitter @paulo11smith
10. Peter and Amanda Rowe (PR) – A 56 and 52 year old married couple who support the Swans from Waunarlwydd
11. Ryan Smith – A 19 year old jack from Dunvant – Twitter @Ryan_Smith93
12. Neil O’Connor (NOC) – A 40ish year old jack who lives in Oxford
13. Lyn Williams (LW) – A 50 year old Swans fan from Llantrisant whose first game was in 1976
14. Adrian O’Connor (AOC) – A sprightly 68 year old Swans fan who has been rooting for the Swans for more years than he cares to remember!
15. Owen Midha (OM) – A 16 year old Jack living in Mumbles
16. Clive Mitchell (CM) – A 59 year old from Skewen who has been supporting the Swans since the early 60’s
17. Jonathan Taylor (JT) – A 55 year old Gloucester Jack who was one of the original founders of the MAGS
We asked 13 questions in all – These were the next 4
What was your favourite goal of last season and why?
Michu aside, which other new signing made the most impact and why?
Who was your player of the season and why?
Who was your most underrated player of last season?
What was your favourite goal of last season and why?
SB – Ben Davies goal- the lad has been incredible all season he brought a tear to my eye with that goal he’s a fantastic lad
CT – Michu’s first goal at the Emirates. I was lucky enough to be there and i can tell you i went absolutely mental! It was an amazing moment and it will stick in my head until the day i die. I remember seeing him through, knowing it was the 88th minute i thought if he scores, we win. Everything felt slow motion, and then the ball hit the back of the net. The rest is history.
RL – Nathan Dyer’s second against QPR in the first game of the season
DE – Our 2nd goal against West Brom was magnificent! Pure football, untainted and divine! It was an amazing team effort. Michu’s goal against Arsenal was also magical. Beating Arsenal on their own turf was just indescribable.
NC – I think home was when Hernandez equalised against Chelsea because it was Chelsea, enough said. Away was Michu’s second goal against QPR on the opening day. Absolute quality.
LP – Jonathon De Guzman against Stoke – proper team goal
ME – Michu away against Chelsea in the Capital One Cup – it was so clinical, almost a half chance and summed up how good we were at that time. De Guzman at home versus Stoke was pretty special.
DG – Technically, De Guzman’s VS Stoke or Michu’s 2nd VS QPR or Arsenal. But the one i enjoyed the most was Hernandez’s late equaliser versus Chelsea. It was totally deserved and felt it coming for a while. A huge sense of relief but a bit of class as well.
PS – I’m going with Michu’s 2nd against QPR away. Not just because of the quality of the goal, which was quite brilliant, a first time strike, with a huge curl right in to the top corner. But, the fact it was at Loftus Road, a ground I’ve been to hundreds of times and we always seem to get stuffed. All the talk before the game was about QPR and the money they’ve spent, it really announced us under Michael Laudrup and that we were to be taken seriously this season. It also proved a team needs to be built, not bought!
PR/AR – Peter Michu’s goal at Man U which brought us back into the game and got us starting to really play
RS – De Guzman’s second goal against Stoke. Just showed what were all about, an amazing passing move, fast paced and great technique throughout. His first goal wasn’t bad either.
NOC – Jdg v stoke; it’s what we are all about!
LW – My favourite goal was Michu’s second at QPR on the first day of the season. His two at Arsenal and one at Man Utd were absolute class too.
AOC – Michu’s last goal against Arsenal at the Emirates when he coolly clipped it around the ‘keeper
OM – Various Michu goals have been top quality, one of the best was his second against QPR on the opening day. Ben Davies’ first career goal against Stoke was something special, but I think De Guzman’s in the same game topped the lot. I don’t think we’ve ever had a free-kick taker like the Dutchman, certainly not in my lifetime. As Leighton James described it on BBC Radio Wales following the game, ‘It was almost Brazilian’.
CM – De Guzman’s goal against Stoke the move epitomised Swansea City and the way we play.
JT – Michu’s second against Arsenal at the Emirates. Not the best goal we scored this season, but its significance was huge – the second I heard the net ripple, realisation that we had actually won at the mighty Arsenal, for so long the masters of the passing game in the UK, hit home.
From Nathan Dyer chasing down the hapless Jenkinson like a rabid wolf, to the ball running to Michu, to me yelling “Finish it! Finish it!” to that calm, calculated placement of the ball into the net, it has become one of my favourite Swansea City moments, ever.
Michu aside, which other new signing made the most impact and why?
SB – Chico has been the best new player for me. He’s been outstanding and given so so much even when broken he gave it his all to be fit for Wembley and getting in with the away fans and supporting the swans -YJB
CT – Without a doubt Chico, he has been a real rock at the back and is a clear fans favourite. He is a nutter!
RL – Chico
DE – Gotta be Chico. Yes, he started off a little shaky, what with his clumsy challenging and booting Saha in the face, but since he returned he’s looked better than ever. He’s had his slip ups, but he’s incredibly reliable overall. He never seems to get intimidated by bigger teams and he’s well up for getting stuck in to a challenge. Great defender!
NC – Chico I think, after a slowish start he’s definitely a fans favourite. And a complete buffoon. Fantastic!
LP – Chico. Great partnership with Ash and you can’t help but love him – he’s a legend
ME – Jonathan De Guzman – we didn’t miss Joe Allen as a result and I thought we would.
DG – Chico. Shaky start but he has steadied the ship and has been the animal to Ash’s beast. Big man with a big heart and happy to put it on the line for the ‘Jack Bastard’s’. You can see he enjoys his football here and feeds off the crowd.
PS – Chico – Like many European players, it took him a while to settle in to the Premier League. But once he did – his ability on the ball is as good as a midfielder and along with his passion and commitment in the tackle, he has really become a fans favourite.
PR/AR – Peter – Chico, another bargain signing. He gives his all every game from start to finish. Amanda – Chico, excellent defensive player, full of enthusiasm and commitment.
RS – Chico, a real fan favourite. A great tackler and all round defender, he has composure, pace and can be threat at set pieces. He has built a good partnership with Williams at the back
NOC – Chico – after a dodgy start, including sending off v sunderland, settled as a solid partner for Ash.
LW – Saw Chico play in America and knew he would be a good signing and a hit with the fans. He is a good player who is going to get better and better
AOC – Chico Flores – fast, skilful, resolute – excellent partner for Ash and mad as a box of frogs!
OM – De Guzman is the standout candidate for me. Not sure how we would have done without him. Pablo Hernandez has been a bit lacklustre, whilst Ki still hasn’t scored – however he had the best pass success rate in the League this season and has raised our profile in South Korea. Dwight Tiendalli and Chico Flores have both made their mark, but De Guzman has made the biggest impact and we will have to sign him from Villarreal in the summer, no matter how high the price.
CM – Chico. Without a doubt. I went to work after the Sunderland game and they pulled my leg about the clown we had signed. I said you wait this guy is going to be a legend at Swansea Cit. His drive, his enthusiasm , he seems to love Swansea as much as Swansea Loves him.
JT – Has to be Chico Flores. The odd moment of madness aside (e.g. the attempted beheading of Saha), Chico’s attitude, approach to playing the Swansea way, and his huge personality made a significant contribution to last season. Not to mention the opening goal at Anfield in October!
Who was your player of the season and why?
SB – de guzman
CT – It is hard to pick anyone but Michu, he has scored so many of our goals this season and i wonder, where would we be if he wasn’t there to smack the ball in the back of the net.
RL – Angel Rangel
DE – It would be wrong to choose anyone other than Michu. His goals alone got us to a wonderful 9th position. Routledge has also been incredibly consistent this season. He’s been one of my favourite players this year.
NC – It can only be Michu, surely. Hit the ground running with a double against QPR away and tireless throughout the season with some BIG, BIG goals. Left foot, right foot, headers the lot. Great season.
LP – Has to be Michu
ME – Ben Davies – to step in like he did in a difficult position at such a young age in the Premier League spoke volumes for his talent and temperament.
DG – Ben Davies. MIchu may get the headlines for his goals but for the 19 year old to be thrown into the team and come out the other side as a seasoned international full back is phenomenal. I’ve been impressed everytime i see him play and can see the progress he makes each game. Laudrup says he can play centre back? I say why not left wing? He’s quick, strong, skilful, can take players on and has a beautiful left foot. New Gareth Bale?
PS – Michu – Who else! 22 goals with 18 in the league says it all. I’m sure even the older generation would agree he is one of the best finishers the club has ever had. And along with his incredible work-rate and trademark celebration he really is idolised by Swans fans.
PR/AR – Peter – Chico for his skill in defending, his willingness to push forward and he is always a team player. Amanda – Chico as his overall performance is outstanding.
RS – It has to be Michu, his goals and overall work ethic has been incredible this season and an absolute steal at £2 million. He is a great finisher and should have been nominated for PFA player of the year.
NOC – Michu; for being Michu.
LW – My player of the season is Michu for his class goals. His workrate is pretty good too. Ben Davies is a very close second for me.
AOC – Leon Britton – never had a bad game (that I watched anyway)
OM – Ashley Williams. Solid isn’t quite the word. Blocked more shots than anyone else in Europe’s top five leagues this term, and heading towards the peak of his career. Another player we would have struggled to get on without and another whom it is imperative we hold onto this summer. Why does it always seem that we go into transfer windows more worried about losing our current players than bringing in new ones?
CM – Michu for his goals and his rapport with the fans. Both he and Chico have charisma in spades.
JT – Whilst Michu’s a strong candidate, I’m going for Leon Britton; because when Britts wasn’t in the side for any reason, we never looked quite as solid, quite as in control. He plays such a massive role in stitching the team’s play together and giving the more advanced midfielders and strikers the confidence to play with the freedom that they do, because they know that if they lose possession, Leon Britton’s going to be right behind them challenging to retrieve the ball. He had another great season, very, very consistent. And the news that Leon’s been playing through the pain barrier for several months without any noticeable drop in his very high standards just reinforces my choice.
Who was your most underrated player of last season?
SB – Rangel needed more credit he was fantastic for me
CT – Chico! Only Swansea fans really know of his talent, other fans who just watch us on MOTD listen to the papers and online articles. Basically only taking notice of Ashley Williams.
RL – Wayne Routledge, too many people focus on his shortcomings
DE – Tremmel. Has to be the Ginger German Guardhouse. When Vorm came off with that injury I worried when Tremmel filled in. Thought we’d be saying goodbye to clean sheets for a few months. Instead, he put on some terrific performances, and let’s not forget his 2 clean sheets against Chelsea. He played all the way through the cup games and definitely gave Vorm a bit of competition now.
NC – Routledge or Britton. Both were sorely missed when not playing, but I’d have to plump for little Leon. Thank god we didn’t lose him instead of Joe Allen, nothing against Joe but I think we would have been worse off if Leon would have gone.
LP – Britton. Does his job well but never gets the credit he deserves
ME – Leon Britton – you can see the difference when he isn’t there – knits the team together and so unselfish.
DG – Wayne Routledge. Threat going forward as a winger or recently as the striker. He works hard for the team and plays some wonderful passes. If only he could use his left foot!
PS – Gerhard Tremmel – I’ve been to every Carling Cup game this season and towards the start of the season, especially against Barnsley and Crawley, I thought he was poor. So when Vorm went down in a heap in front of me at the Etihad in October, I feared the worst. But not only did he keep a clean sheet for the remaining half-hour against Man City but he really stepped up during the stretch of games that Vorm was out injured, with his most notable performance coming in our 2-0 win against Arsenal at the Emirates. When Vorm returned to league duties he continued his form in the League Cup with another couple of big performances in the Semi Final against Chelsea.
PR/AR – Peter – Tremmel. He stepped up to the mark. Amanda – Wayne Routledge as I never feel that he gets the credit he deserves as for me he is always the most consistent player.
RS – I think Routledge has had a great season, and at times hasn’t had the credit he deserves. He doesn’t get as many goals as other midfielders but I think his overall contribution and his quality on the wing has really helped the team this year, I think he is the best winger at the club.
NOC – Tiendalli – didn’t do much wrong, When he was given a chance.
LW – Although Ben Davies has had recognition, I think people forget that he is just 19 and his contribution last season may be taken for granted.
AOC – Angel Rangel – always likely to break a deadlock
OM – Although I believe Angel Rangel has performed consistently and has long gone without praise, the stand-out for me is Michel Vorm. Whilst it seems he’s had a quiet season, if you compare it to last year under Brendan Rodgers, you could say he’s improved. The difference is we now know what he’s capable of and perhaps take it for granted more than we did last season. Some great performances in crucial games have carried us through this season, and despite his injury at the end of 2012, he has been called up to the Dutch international squad twice in 2013 already.
CM – Rangel the guy gets a lot of unfair criticism for his defending but again another Ace in our pack, He proved very efficient when playing in front of Tendalli and this is something not one of our previous mangers have spotted and developed
JT – Tempted to say Gerhard Tremmel, but I think Dwight Tiendalli actually made a much bigger contribution than anybody realises last season. He slotted straight into the team ethic, having had to hit the ground running after being drafted in, supposedly as a replacement for Neil Taylor. Possessed of pace and athleticism, he enabled the tactical switch allowing Rangel to go to right midfield on several occasions, notably at the Emirates – indeed, Dwight nearly scored in that game after an overlap. And his part in the League Cup run was so important; not only a terrific performance at left back up at Anfield, but more importantly the burst down the right flank at Crawley to fizz that brilliant score-me cross into the far post for Danny Graham at Crawley. That brought the score back to 2-2, setting the stage for Monk’s last-gasp winner, and the rest, as they say, is history.