Planet Swans ArchivesLee Trundle was the star of the show last night as over 100 people crammed into the social room at Carmarthen’s Richmond Park ground to hear what the main man had to say at the latest fans forum from the Supporters Trust.
Flanked by Trust chairman Ron Knuszka and vice-chairman of Swansea City, Leigh Dineen, Trundle was quick to answer all questions with the honesty we have come to expect from the Swans leading scorer.
Everybody knew that it would be a busy night but it was literally standing room only as the fans from West Wales packed in proving the need for a Swans presence further West than the land occupied by them Turk people.
And so of the questions that were asked? The predictable was “Are you leaving us Lee” to which we had the answer that we all knew that he wants to play at the highest level and if the chance comes then he will have to consider it. It has only been Sheffield Wednesday that have made a public bid which was turned down by both club and player. We all knew that if Everton came in then Trundle would be off for a shot but if he had the chance would it be Liverpool or Cardiff. “Liverpool of course” came the answer but he would have to tell Everton first!
Trundle was also full of praise for his 8-goal strike partner, Bayo Akinfenwa, stating the work that Bayo does for him in taking defenders away from him and creating chances which Trundle is burying with apparent ease at the moment. He was asked about Grant Holt and although he was aware of Grant’s talents, he felt Bayo was doing a great job.
Trundle was quick to admit that his favourite Swansea goal was the FA Cup winner against Preston although it was hard not to see the enjoyment on his face as the goal from Friday’s win over Yeovil was replayed on the big screen. He was also quick to praise Kenny Jackett for the work that he had done in working with the players on their diets and fitness which he felt makes him fitter now than he has ever been.
He was asked if there was a chance of him ever playing internationally for Wales but this was where he was firm in wanting to play only for the Republic of Ireland. He had turned down the chance to represent Northern Ireland when Brian Flynn was in charge at Swansea for this very reason. Principles. I like it.
And what of the other Leigh? Well, surprisingly he had his fair share of questions and maybe the most revealing part of the night was Leigh admitting that they had been asked by one “then top 5” championship club for permission to speak to Kenny Jackett. They asked Kenny if he wanted to speak to them and Kenny’s answer was a quick “No thanks” – someone else recognising that the club potentially stands on the verge of great things?
There were other comments. The club are looking to sell merchandise via Tescos and Leekes in Cross Hands in the future catering for those West and East of Swansea. There will never be a deal with the likes of JJB Sports because the big chains want to set their own prices. Leigh cited the ‘crazy’ situation where you can buy an Ospreys shirt in the superstore for £40 and cheaper in Asda across the Retail Park. If there is to be an income it may as well be ours. They only want to tie with places where the club can set the prices. Logical? Very.
If we went up, Leigh felt our budget would be amongst the top 10 in the championship in terms of playing and the board have also started to discuss ticket prices and whilst they cannot place a guarantee they are feeling that they would not like to increase prices if they can manage it. Again, good news if it comes off.
More good news came with confirmation that the budgeted crowd at White Rock this season was between 10 and 12 thousand. With an average gate closing in on 15,000, this makes for a cash rich club. Leigh even admitted that they “will have to force Kenny to spend soon” with a tongue very firmly in cheek. Top of the league having spent sod all has a nice ring to it at the moment.
There were other things that can be looked at for the future – training at Carmarthen for the first team, friendlies against West Wales side (a Swansea team plays at Carmarthen on December 12) andsome new people signed up to fill the West Wales Bus. If the Trust can fill this then we will look to put other buses on on differing routes.
There were the usual questions as well but all in all a good night was had by those in attendance and it fully justified the decision of the Trust to head West with the fans forums. Having now been to Swansea, Port Talbot and Carmarthen so far this season, we are slowly reaching our support and bringing them closer to the club and vice versa.
Good times to be a Jack?
