A football app that rewards its users
Only Swans and Directors’ Box are offering football supporters the chance to win this amazing framed and signed Welsh shirt.
The shirt was signed after the matches against Germany and Finland in 2009 and comes with an official letter from the Welsh FA to confirm its authenticity, and the team sheet also with signatures.
To have the change to win this amazing shirt, keep checking the app as the only way to enter is via the official apps.
More information to follow soon.
Kyle Naughton’s loyalty to Swansea City stands as a testament to the kind of dedication and commitment that is often hard to find in modern football, where player movements are often dictated by financial incentives or career opportunities. Naughton’s eight-year spell at the club was not just a period marked by consistency on the field but also by a deep connection to the club, its supporters, and the community.
Kyle Naughton joined Swansea City in January 2015, initially on loan from Tottenham Hotspur before making the move permanent that summer. At the time, Swansea was in the Premier League and Naughton was looking for more regular playing time. His arrival was met with cautious optimism. He was a versatile defender, primarily known for his ability to play both at right-back and as a right-wing-back, which suited the Swans’ tactical needs under then-manager Garry Monk.
From the outset, Naughton’s performances were solid. He brought a level of reliability to the Swansea backline, combining defensive solidity with an ability to push forward and support the attack. However, it was his work ethic and consistency that made him stand out over time. In a club that experienced several managerial changes, including the departures of figures like Monk and Francesco Guidolin, Naughton’s commitment to the cause remained unwavering.
Swansea’s fortunes fluctuated during Naughton’s time at the club, and the team often found itself battling relegation in the Premier League or fighting for promotion after their drop to the Championship in 2018. Through these turbulent seasons, Naughton was one of the constants for the Swans. He showed resilience, adapting to the team’s needs, whether it was in the top flight or trying to help Swansea regain its Premier League status.
During the Championship years, especially in the 2018-2019 season, Naughton’s role as an experienced head in a young and often inexperienced squad became more prominent. His leadership on and off the pitch was invaluable, and it was clear that his loyalty to the club was never in question. While other players may have looked for opportunities to move to more established or financially rewarding teams, Naughton chose to remain at Swansea, fighting alongside his teammates for promotion back to the Premier League.
Naughton’s loyalty wasn’t just demonstrated in his decision to stay during tough times but also in the way he carried himself as a professional. Even when the club went through managerial changes, including the appointment of Steve Cooper in 2019, Naughton remained a central figure in the dressing room. Under Cooper, Swansea enjoyed a resurgence, and although Naughton was not always the most glamorous player on the pitch, his performances were always dependable. His no-nonsense defending, coupled with his ability to contribute offensively when required, made him an essential part of the team’s defensive setup.
In fact, despite the revolving door of talent at the club during the 2010s, Naughton’s unwavering presence in the squad made him one of the longest-serving players at Swansea, earning him the respect of fans, teammates, and coaches alike. His adaptability—playing both as a right-back and right-wing-back—made him an invaluable asset, particularly in a tactical system that required flexibility.
Off the field, Naughton’s relationship with Swansea City’s supporters solidified his image as a loyal servant of the club. He was a player who always gave his best and was never afraid to give his all for the cause. This connection with the fans was vital in an era when many players can often seem distant or disconnected from the clubs they play for. Naughton, on the other hand, demonstrated a strong emotional connection to the city and the club, with many supporters recognising his unwavering commitment to Swansea City during some of the toughest years in the club’s recent history.
Kyle Naughton’s loyalty to Swansea City transcended mere appearances on the pitch. He became a symbol of what it means to stick by a club through thick and thin. In an era where loyalty in football can often be fleeting, Naughton’s long-term commitment to the Swans—despite the many changes around him—marked him as one of the club’s most dedicated players in recent memory.
Ultimately, Naughton’s time at Swansea City may not have been filled with the silverware or individual accolades that some players dream of, but his loyalty, professionalism, and dedication left a lasting impact on the club. For many supporters, Kyle Naughton’s name will always be associated with those seasons of grit and determination, a reminder of a player who gave his all to a club that he clearly held close to his heart.
Swansea City, a club that once epitomized success and ambition in English football, has found itself in a difficult position in recent years. The journey from a lower-league team to Premier League contenders is a remarkable tale, but the subsequent decline raises important questions: When did the rot start, and why has it gone so wrong?
Swansea City’s ascent began in the 2010-2011 season when they secured promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history. Under the management of Brendan Rodgers, the club showcased an attractive brand of football that resonated with supporters. This period was characterized by the effective recruitment of talent, including players like Scott Sinclair and academy player Joe Allen, and a commitment to a possession-based playing style that became a hallmark of the club’s identity.
The crowning achievement came in 2013 when Swansea won the League Cup, beating Bradford 5 – 0 at Wembley, a historic moment that solidified their status in the Premier League and the following season an exciting European campaign. However, the seeds of decline were already being sown during this successful period, as managerial changes, ownership shifts, and financial mismanagement began to take their toll.
Many argue that the decline truly began after the departure of Michael Laudrup in 2014. Laudrup had successfully guided the team to a top-half finish in the Premier League, a trophy, and a good performance in Europe, but his contentious relationship with the board and players led to his dismissal. The appointment of Garry Monk as his successor initially seemed promising, with Monk managing to stabilize the team and even achieve a record start to a season. However, the following years under Monk became tumultuous, culminating in his sacking in 2015.
This managerial instability marked the beginning of a downward spiral. Subsequent managers—including Francesco Guidolin, Bob Bradley, and Paul Clement—struggled to replicate the team’s earlier success, leading to a lack of direction and coherence. Each new appointment brought different philosophies and tactics, which left players confused and unable to perform at their best.
The ownership changes that began in the mid-2010s also contributed significantly to the club’s decline. The transition from a community-driven ownership model to a more commercial approach was a pivotal moment. In 2016, the American consortium led by Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan acquired a majority stake in the club. While the intent was to secure financial stability, the reality has been different.
The new owners seemed more interested in profits than in nurturing a footballing culture. This shift in priorities resulted in a focus on short-term gains, leading to questionable transfer policies. The club’s failure to maintain a sustainable financial model became glaringly apparent when they were relegated from the Premier League in 2018. The subsequent financial repercussions of relegation forced the club to sell key players, eroding the squad’s quality and depth.
Swansea’s recruitment strategy has often been criticized for lacking foresight and coherence. In recent years, the club has made a series of signings that failed to integrate well into the team. The focus on signings without adequate consideration for how they would fit into the existing squad has led to a disjointed and underperforming team.
The club also struggled to retain homegrown talent. Players like Joe Rodon and Daniel James were sold shortly after emerging as key figures, weakening the squad and depriving fans of the local connection they cherished. The emphasis on quick fixes through replacement signings has not only failed to deliver results but has also alienated supporters who take pride in the club’s rich history of developing talent.
The managerial merry-go-round has been a significant factor in Swansea’s decline. Each new appointment brought fresh tactics and philosophies, creating a lack of continuity. Under Steve Cooper, who took over in 2019, there was a glimmer of hope as he guided the team to the Championship play-offs in 2020. However, after failing to secure promotion, Cooper departed, leading to another managerial change and the continuation of instability.
The lack of a coherent tactical identity has hampered the team’s ability to compete effectively. Players have often looked lost on the pitch, unsure of their roles and responsibilities. This tactical disarray has manifested in poor performances and inconsistent results, leading to fan frustration and dwindling attendance.
As results on the pitch deteriorated, so too did the relationship between the club and its fanbase. The disconnect between management and supporters became increasingly apparent. Fans have voiced their discontent over ownership decisions, including the perceived prioritization of profit over the club’s heritage and identity. The once-vibrant atmosphere at the Liberty Stadium has suffered as a result, with many supporters feeling alienated.
The loss of cultural identity has been particularly painful for long-time fans. Swansea City has always been a club rooted in its community, with a strong emphasis on local talent and connection. The shift towards a more commercial, profit-driven model has diluted this identity, leading to a sense of disillusionment among supporters.
In summary, the decline of Swansea City is a multifaceted issue that began with the managerial upheavals following Michael Laudrup’s departure and was exacerbated by ownership changes, financial mismanagement, and recruitment failures. The club’s inability to maintain a cohesive strategy has led to tactical confusion, alienating fans and eroding the sense of community that once defined Swansea City.
To reverse this trend, the club must focus on long-term planning, stability, and rebuilding its connection with supporters. By re-establishing a coherent footballing philosophy and prioritizing sustainable recruitment, Swansea City can aspire to regain its former stature in English football and build a brighter future for both the club and its loyal fanbase.
When comparing two of Wales’ most iconic footballers, Ryan Giggs and Gareth Bale, the debate often sparks passionate discussions among fans. Both players have left an unforgettable mark on the game, but their styles, achievements, and contributions to Welsh football can lead to differing opinions on who deserves the title of the better player.
Ryan Giggs had an illustrious career entirely with Manchester United, spanning from 1990 to 2014. Over this period, he made 963 appearances, scoring 168 goals and amassing an impressive collection of silverware, including 13 Premier League titles and 2 UEFA Champions League trophies. Giggs known for his incredible dribbling ability, pace, and tactical intelligence, Giggs was a quintessential winger whose performances often defined important matches.
Gareth Bale, on the other hand, has enjoyed a more varied club career. Starting at Southampton, he made a significant impact at Tottenham Hotspur before moving to Real Madrid in 2013, where he became a crucial part of one of the most successful teams in history. Bale’s career is highlighted by his explosive speed, powerful left foot, and ability to score from almost anywhere on the pitch. His accolades include multiple Champions League titles and numerous individual awards, including the PFA Player of the Year.
Giggs was renowned for his ability to take on defenders in one-on-one situations, often creating goal-scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His vision and creativity allowed him to thrive in various tactical setups, making him a versatile asset for Manchester United. He was particularly effective in high-pressure situations, often rising to the occasion during critical matches.
Bale, on the other hand, redefined the role of a modern winger with his combination of speed, strength, and technical skill. His ability to score spectacular goals, such as his long-range strikes and free kicks, set him apart. Bale’s physical prowess allowed him to dominate games, and his performances in crucial moments, particularly in Champions League finals, have made him a household name.
When it comes to their international careers, both players have had significant impacts on Welsh football. Giggs, despite his immense talent, never led Wales to a major tournament during his playing days, which somewhat diminishes his international legacy. However, he remained an essential representative of his country, amassing 64 caps and 12 goals. He did however appear to miss a few games through “injury” but would then be back playing for Manchester United a few days later.
Bale, in contrast, has enjoyed a more fruitful international career, helping Wales reach the semifinals of Euro 2016 and the quarterfinals of Euro 2020. His leadership and crucial goals in these tournaments have endeared him to fans and cemented his status as a national hero, especially as his number one commitment was always Wales.
Both players have made remarkable contributions to Welsh football, and their legacies will endure for generations. Whether one favours Giggs’s remarkable club career or Bale’s international and Real Madrid heroics, it’s clear that both are legends in their own right, representing the best of Welsh talent on the world stage. Ultimately, the choice between them may come down to personal preference, but their places in football history are assured.
Providing free footballs to not for profit grassroots football teams is one of the many ways in which Directors’ Box is supporting local football teams.
The core ethos of Directors’ Box is to support grassroots football and football related charities, and one of the main initiatives is to provide free match balls to local football clubs.
We have other initiatives too that provide benefits to local clubs who use the Directors Box app and take part in the weekly quiz.
Grassroots football teams are an essential part of communities and over the years have produced a number of world class footballers. Without the hard work and support of these local league clubs, would we have seen these brilliant football stars?
Directors’ Box want to help to ensure that grassroots football can continue to thrive, as we realise the financial costs of keeping these clubs running can be a burden. We hope that our support goes a small way to help the continued existence of these clubs.
One of the clubs we have recently started to support with free footballs is Solihull based Glades Football Club (https://www.facebook.com/solihullfootball/) which has around 300 players.
Chairman Paul Donlon explained “When I heard about Directors’ Box free match ball scheme and how straight forward it was to get support , it was a no brainer really. Initiatives like this really help to take the pressure off budgets which ultimately helps to keep club fees as low as possible which is something that I’m sure isn’t just an aim of Glades but grassroots teams in general.”
Paul continued “In a nut shell, the more club members that downloaded the app, the more free match balls that we received! The app itself is great anyway and created a load of banter with a poll on ‘Who are the most passionate Midlands fans’. Blues came out on top of that, so just need to move up the table in the real world now. We received our match balls in time for a quarter final and unfortunately went out 5-4 on penalties , but at least the match balls looked good! Thanks so much for the support from Directors’ Box – it really is appreciated.”
To find out how your football club can get free match balls, email info@directorsbox.app and we can provide the information. To qualify for our scheme, you simply must be running a not for profit community football club.
The more you participate on the Directors’ platform, the more points you earn, and these points could get you some amazing football rewards including:
Once you download the app, you also have access to the full features available, each of which earn you points, these include:
When using the Directors’ Box platform you earn points for different actions that you carry out, these are listed below.
Directors’ Box operates a ticketing system for management of support. This is the best and quickest way to make sure your support queries are dealt with quickly and efficiently. Click Here to log a support ticket.
If you prefer to send your support queries by email, email to info@directorsbox.app with details of your support enquiry.
To delete your account in Directors Box follow these steps:
Option 1
From your mobile phone click this link https://directorbox.page.link/delete-account and this will take you to the delete process within the Director’ Box app.
Option 2
Login into the app. You must login to ensure correct account is deleted.
Click on the menu in top right hand corner.
Click Settings from the menu options.
Scroll to the end of the page and click the “Close Account” button.
Enter the word “ACCEPT” into the input box.
Click the “Close Account” button.
Your account and data will be deleted within 7 days.
If there are any difficulties in closing your account, contact info@directorsbox.app