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FC100000 on TalkSPORT.

FC100000 (https://www.fc100000.com) is an innovative initiative aiming to revolutionize football club ownership by empowering fans to take the reins of a professional football club.

 

There have been many articles written and social media discussions on this over the last few days.

 

This was a very interesting interview with Michael Brady from FC100000, who fully explains the concept, it can be watched on YouTube at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn6RmFEiyfo 

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EPL

FC100000 want 100K fans to guide a football club to glory

FC100,000 (https://fc100000.com) is an innovative initiative aiming to revolutionize football club ownership by empowering fans to take the reins of a professional football club.

 

By uniting 100,000 fans, each contributing a modest membership fee, FC100K seeks to acquire and manage a club, guiding it toward success both on and off the pitch. 

 

The Vision Behind FC100,000

 

The core vision of FC100,000 is to democratize football club ownership, shifting control from traditional proprietors to the fans themselves. This model ensures that decisions are made with the supporters’ best interests at heart, fostering a deeper connection between the club and its community. By leveraging the collective passion, knowledge, and resources of 100,000 members, FC100,000 aims to create a sustainable and successful football club that truly represents its supporters.

 

How FC100,000 Operates

 

The operational framework of FC100,000 is designed to be transparent, inclusive, and efficient:

 

Membership Enrollment: Fans are invited to register for free on the FC100,000 platform. Once the membership count reaches 40,000, a monthly fee of £5 is initiated to fund the club’s acquisition and operations.

 

Club Selection: Members participate in selecting a target club for acquisition. Factors such as the club’s history, potential for growth, and community impact are considered.

 

Decision-Making Process: Post-acquisition, members have a say in key decisions, from managerial appointments to strategic planning, ensuring the club’s direction aligns with the collective vision of its supporters.

 

Digital Engagement: An exclusive app facilitates real-time communication, voting, and updates, keeping members engaged and informed.

 

Why FC100000 Is a Game-Changer for Football

 

The FC100,000 model offers several compelling advantages:

  • Fan-Centric Governance: By placing fans at the helm, the club’s policies and strategies are inherently aligned with supporter interests, leading to heightened satisfaction and loyalty.

  • Financial Sustainability: The collective financial input from 100,000 members provides a stable revenue stream, reducing reliance on volatile funding sources and promoting prudent financial management.

  • Enhanced Community Engagement: Fan ownership fosters a strong sense of community, as supporters are more likely to engage in club activities, attend matches, and participate in community outreach programs.

  • Transparency and Accountability: With a broad base of stakeholders, the club is held to high standards of transparency and accountability, promoting ethical governance and operations.

Current Progress and Future Aspirations

 

As of now, FC100000 has outlined the following milestones:

  • Membership Drive: The initiative is actively recruiting members, with a target of 100,000 supporters to commence the acquisition process.

  • Club Acquisition: Upon reaching the membership threshold, FC100,000 will finalize the acquisition of a club, with members playing a pivotal role in the selection process.

  • Long-Term Vision: The ultimate goal is to elevate the chosen club through the football league system, achieving competitive success while maintaining financial health and community roots.

Conclusion

 

FC100,000 represents a bold reimagining of football club ownership, placing fans at the core of decision-making and club management.

 

This model not only democratizes the sport but also ensures that the club’s trajectory is guided by those who cherish it most. By harnessing the collective passion and resources of 100,000 supporters, FC100,000 aspires to create a football club that embodies the true spirit of the game—a club owned by the fans, for the fans.

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EPL

Win a Welsh shirt signed by Bale, Bellamy, Ramsey, Williams and more

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.

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EPL

Kyle Naughton, deserves a testimonial after almost 10 years?

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.

 

The Early Years: A Steady Foundation

 

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.

 

Navigating Tough Times

 

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.

 

A Symbol of Stability

 

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.

 

More Than Just a Player

 

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.

 

A Legacy of Loyalty

 

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.

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EPL

What’s gone wrong at Swansea City and when did the rot start?

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.

 

When Did the Rot Start?

 

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.

 

Ownership and Financial Mismanagement

 

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.

 

Recruitment Failures

 

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.

 

Managerial Instability and Tactical Disarray

 

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.

 

Fan Discontent and Cultural Identity

 

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.

 

Conclusion

 

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.

 

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EPL

Ryan Giggs vs. Gareth Bale: Who was the better player?

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.

 

Career Overview

 

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.

 

Style of Play

 

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.

 

International Contributions

 

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.

 

Conclusion

 

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.

 

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EPL

Do schools do enough to encourage girls to play football?

Football is often praised for its ability to unite, enrich, and diversify communities, but what happens when it does the opposite—when it reinforces the patriarchal structures present in broader society?

 

Mainstream media, schools, and football culture often create the impression that football is more important for boys, offering a space where strong masculine identities can be expressed.

 

Even when parents encourage girls to take an interest in football—by buying them football shirts, taking them to matches, and encouraging them to play—it doesn’t take long for the game’s rhetoric of “man up” and its pervasively masculine atmosphere to affect how girls perceive the sport and their place in it.

 

What Discourages Girls and Women from Participating in Football?

 

Over the last 30 to 40 years, football has been forced to reevaluate how it treats marginalized groups. In the United Kingdom, there have been infamous incidents, such as bananas thrown at John Barnes, racist abuse directed at Raheem Sterling from the stands, and derogatory language aimed at Chris Hughton by fellow professionals.

 

As a result, the football community has had to change. While racism is still an issue, campaigns like “Kick It Out” and “Black Lives Matter” have led to improvements in how ethnic minorities are treated in the sport. Today, racist abuse at a football match is widely regarded as unacceptable.

 

But can the same be said for sexism? Have there been similar improvements in how girls and women are treated in football? While men’s football is ethnically diverse, women are still largely absent from the men’s game, which means it hasn’t had to confront how it treats women. As a result, they aren’t held to the same standard of equality as other marginalized groups.

 

If sexist remarks are heard at a men’s football match, they’re often brushed off as “banter.” This creates an unwelcoming environment for women interested in the sport.

Progression of the Women’s Game


Despite the prevalence of sexism in men’s football, women’s football is thriving. Remarkably, the FA banned women’s football from 1921 to 1970, but the sport has since made a strong comeback in the United Kingdom.

 

The England Lionesses won the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 and finished as runners-up in the FIFA World Cup 2023. These successes have inspired girls and women in the UK, offering them footballing heroes and much-needed representation.

 

Women’s football matches at Wembley Stadium, The Emirates, and Old Trafford are now regularly sold out, breaking attendance records. The continued growth of the sport feels both natural and inevitable.

 

Are Schools Doing Enough to Respond to the Growing Representation of Women in Football?

 

Despite the increased interest and participation in women’s football, girls still have fewer opportunities to play football than boys. FA studies show that only 41% of secondary schools offer equal access to football for girls during PE lessons. Additionally, a surprising 51% of secondary schools don’t have girls’ teams or extracurricular football clubs for them.

 

However, some progress is being made. The next generation of girls may grow up in a culture where football is a more widely accepted and accessible hobby for them. For example, 71% of primary schools now have a girls’ or mixed football team, up 10% from 2022.

 

The “Raising the Bar” campaign, backed by a £600 million investment in women’s football at all levels in the UK, aims to further improve match attendance, equality, and broader engagement with the women’s game.

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EPL

The English star who’ll earn MORE than Jude Bellingham this season

Ivan Toney has become one of England’s highest-paid athletes of all time after completing his £40M transfer to Saudi Arabia side Al-Ahli, where the forward will reportedly earn over £400,000 a week – a wage only currently bettered by Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane.

 

The once hopeful Northampton Town academy striker’s rise to footballing prominence is incredible. Only four years have passed since Toney, the scorer of England’s third penalty during their EURO 2024 quarter-final shoot-out trump against Switzerland, was playing his trade for Peterborough United in League One, where he was considered little more than an exciting talent prospering in the lower depths of English football.

 

Yet the 6ft1’ forward made the transition from League One to the Premier League (with a brief goal-filled season in the Championship in between) look seamless in a way that few others do. After signing for Brentford in 2020, Toney has found the back of the net 36 times in just 85 Premier League appearances.

 

Toney attracted interest from Europe’s biggest clubs

 

By his admission, Toney was ready for the world stage. The forward regularly discussed on podcasts and interviews ambitions of leading the line for Europe’s biggest clubs and eventually replacing the ageing Harry Kane as England’s most dependable striker.

 

There was the sense that Toney had outgrown Brentford; no player has scored more Premier League goals for the West London club and speculation surrounding moves to Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, or Liverpool had been consistent throughout his time with the Bees.

 

Eventually, and perhaps partially due to a move to one of England or wider Europe’s top clubs failing to come to fruition, Toney opted to switch the Premier League for Saudi Arabia, a type of transfer unprecedented for elite-level English players still at the height of their powers.

 

It represents the first time an English Premier League sensation, still only 28 years old and in the process of defining the legacy they’ll have within the game, has chosen to turn their back on dreams of elite-level silverware and success, opting for an obscenely financially lucrative move to the Middle East instead.

 

Why Toney made the move to Al-Ahli

 

Toney, as an individual who’ll have his motivations, can’t be blamed for making the switch to Al-Ahli. After all, the forward, who endured mixed spells at Peterborough United, Barnsley, Shrewsbury Town, and Scunthorpe United during his early career, will know more than most how unpredictable football can be.

 

An injury, fall from grace, or, in Toney’s case, the exposition of another betting scandal, could make the type of money currently on offer entirely unattainable at any other point in his future career, making the eyewatering £400,000-per-week contract hard to refuse.

 

However, from the perspective of any football purist, Toney’s move to Al-Ahli represents one of many issues within the modern game. The threat of losing talent to largely uncompetitive leagues is abundant. It makes one wonder, had these types of opportunities been available to players at earlier stages of the Premier League era, which fondly remembered stars might have become forgotten, or which memories may not have been made, had players been tempted by lucrative Saudi Arabia contracts instead.

 

Toney’s current wage is higher than that of Ballon d’Or candidate Jude Bellingham, a player who, one would imagine, will have to refuse mouth-watering amounts of money throughout his career, if he is to become the titan-like figure of European football he dreams of being. 

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EPL

Nathan Tjoe-A-On Set for Swansea Breakthrough This Season

Swansea City’s 22-year-old left-back, Nathan Tjoe-A-On, is a player many within the game are excited by.

 

The Rotterdam-born Indonesian international arrived in South Wales in the summer transfer window of 2023 for a fee of £300,000, having already made 33 Eredivisie appearances for Excelsior.

 

But Tjoe-A-On, a superstar in Indonesia with over two million Instagram followers, has found game time limited since making the switch to the Swans. Josh Tymon, a skilful left-back regarded among the best in his position in the Championship, blocked Tjoe-A-On’s pathway into manager Luke Williams’ team.

 

The four-time capped Indonesia was forced to settle for a loan move at SC Heerenveen, another Eredivisie club, where he made a handful of substitute appearances.

 

What can we expect from Tjoe-A-On during the 24/25 campaign?

 

The 2024/2025 season looks to represent something different for the 22-year-old. Despite a season spent away from the starting line-up of any club-level side, several clubs, including newly promoted Championship side Oxford United, inquired about the availability of Tjoe-A-On during the off-season.

 

Despite the ongoing interest, Williams, who got the opportunity to closely observe the fullback for the first time during the recently completed pre-season, appears to view Tjoe-A-On as part of his first-team plans this campaign.

 

Tjoe-A-On finally made his Swansea debut during a 3-1 EFL Cup victory over League Two side Gillingham before receiving his first Championship minutes in the closing stages of a 3-0 win against Preston North End four days later.

 

Reflecting on Tjoe-A-On’s amplified involvement in the Swansea first team, Williams claimed:

 

I don’t have any complaints about his performance. He’s been training really well with the first team.  He’s a really good guy. A really hard-working guy. He has a huge following on social media. So, I’m sure there will be a lot of people really happy to see him play.”

 

The 22-year-old has shown enough promise to potentially challenge Tymon for a starting spot this season,

 

What will Tjoe-A-On bring to Williams’ Swansea team?

 

Swansea have started the season in, on paper, a 4-2-3-1 formation, but during build-up and while in possession in the opponent’s half, players rotate into more of a 3-2-5 formation.

 

First-choice full-backs Josh Key and Josh Tymon have operated in inverted roles while in possession, with emphasis on the pair’s passing range along with their defensive abilities.

 

This is something that could suit Tjoe-A-On perfectly. The 22-year-old’s footballing education at Excelsior’s youth academy, a club renowned in the Netherlands for developing technical footballers, equipped Tjoe-A-On with technical skills suitable for the role of an inverted full-back.

 

During the Indonesian superstar’s full debut against Gillingham, as well as footage observed from spells at Excelsior and SC Heerenveen, Tjoe-A-On regularly demonstrates the ability to play progressive, line-breaking passes to forwards from his own half.

 

The 5ft11’ defender has impressive ball-carrying skills, too; like Tymon, who has received the freedom to take risks in the attacking half under Williams’ management, Tjoe-A-On is comfortable in offensive one-on-one situations and can cause opposition defences problems with his wicked deliveries into the box.

 

Tjoe-A-On is one to keep an eye on this season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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EPL

If it wasn’t for Mel Nurse would Cardiff be the local team? Pt2

‘Mr Swansea’, the man who saved his boyhood club from the brink of liquidation on two separate occasions is among the most influential figures in the Swans’ history.

 

But without the generosity of Mel Nurse, who willingly lost over £300,000 of his own money to keep Swansea City alive in 2002 and whose business know-how helped launch a consortium that radically altered the club’s trajectory forever, would there be a professional football club in Swansea today?

 

There is every chance Swansea, a 246,000-person sport-loving community, would be left stranded without a professional football club representing it. Something almost impossible to comprehend today, as the 21,000-capacity Swansea.com Stadium stands proudly on the edge of the city, with 19 years of history already representing it.

 

So, in an alternate reality where Nurse decides to retire quietly, leaving Swansea to drift into oblivion, who would young supporters, left without their local team to cheer on, turn to support?

 

The rise of Cardiff City without Swansea

 

Despite reluctant parents and grandparents, with 20th-century battles against archenemies Cardiff still fresh in their minds, the lure of nearby professional football might’ve been too hard to resist for new, football-obsessed children born in Swansea beyond the earliest part of the new Millennium.

 

In 2003, one year after Nurse saved the Swans from extinction, Cardiff won the League One play-off final in their home city, an achievement that, without a professional football club in Swansea, could have grimily been celebrated by national media as an ‘all-Welsh footballing success.’

 

These kinds of messages could’ve enticed impressionable young, otherwise Swansea supporters, desperate to belong to a football club that represents their local community and, if not, country.

 

Cardiff, despite hundreds of miles worth of hatred, is only a 34-mile, 50-minute train journey from Swansea. With the eventual opening of the 33,000 all-seater, family-friendly Cardiff City stadium in 2009, which would also house the national team, it is probable that the Bluebirds would have become an emblem of Welsh football, something challenging for new families of supporters to turn down.

 

Cardiff, like Swansea, reached the Premier League in the mid-2010s and, despite regularly threatening to, hasn’t dropped out of the top two divisions since. With the club occupying an even larger catchment area without the existence of Swansea, their matchday attendances would swell, filling the otherwise unoccupied, red-seated top tier of their stadium, helping to finance a Welsh super club that could sustain regular Premier League football.

 

Swansea railway station would be filled with blue and white shirts on Saturday lunchtimes, as thousands of young supporters pass the empty site where the Swansea.com Stadium stands today on their way to the Welsh capital to get their weekly football fix.

 

Cardiff would win trophies year-on-year, bypassing the real-world achievements of the Swans, and accomplish footballing supremacy as a mainstay in the upper reaches of the Premier League. Sky Sports refer to Cardiff as ‘The Welsh Club’ as the years of success made by Swansea Town & then later, Swansea City would slowly become a piece of forgotten 20th-century history.

 

Time for a statue?

 

Thankfully Nurse saved the club, and the rest is history. Swansea has since been able to enjoy promotion from each of the three English Football Leagues, spend seven glorious seasons in the Premier League, win a historic League Cup, and spend a season in the Europa League that created life-lasting memories for supporters.

 

Nurse prevented Swansea from extinction and, indirectly, thwarted the development of a mega club in the capital. For that, he deserves his legacy to be made immortal with the recognition of a statue outside the club’s stadium, standing as a reminder of his genericity for generations to come.