Planet Swans ArchivesThe last game at the Vetch made for interesting viewing what with four sendings off an another defeat. I don’t think that I have seen too many games of football that have included a spell like those last ten minutes so it is difficult to know what to say. There is no doubting that Southend deserved that victory and it now becomes vital that we put this right against one of our promotion contenders as Yeovil visit the Vetch for the first time as a league club.
Due to printing deadlines I am writing this ahead of both the Doncaster and Torquay games which I hope gave us some joy as we look to cement our place as the second half of the season starts today. It is a difficult period for us with many games against sides not just in the Top 10 but the Top 6. With the small matter of a FA Cup tie in between next weekend it is certainly a busy time for the football but would we have it any other way?
It is also good to note that the injured players are starting to force their way back into the reckoning (here’s hoping that’s not a kiss of death) and you never know we may have the resemblance of a fully fit squad to choose from before too much longer – a luxury not afforded to Brian Flynn too often in his time in charge at the Vetch.
As we reflect back over 2003, it’s been a traumatic year which has also been filled with some great football. The first half as we all know was built around what turned out to be a successful fight against relegation. Few that were there will ever forget the Hull game at the beginning of May and I can still remember that sick feeling I had when Hull were leading 2-1 and we were quite possibly heading out of the league. Thankfully that didn’t happen and at the start of this season it was definitely a case of watching a different team as we rolled in the goals with some apparent ease and the football was some of the best that I have seen in 25 plus years watching the Swans. Those goals have dried up a little in recent weeks but it’s been a good first half to the season – we now need to make the most of it going forward into 2004.
It’s always at this time of year that the award ceremonies for best this and best that of 2003 come around so I thought I would share a few with you from what I have seen of the Swans in 2003.
Best goal – without a doubt not just for the way it was finished but for what it meant was Thommo’s third against Hull. The goal that sealed safety. A classic strikers chip over an advancing goalkeeper. Runner up – Kieron Durkan in the FA Cup against Rushden – still not quite sure where that one came from.
Player of 2003 – What a tough choice. I’m going for Roberto Martinez purely because he steadied the ship last season and provided the experience to those that needed it. There is little doubting that we have missed him while he has been injured. Runner up – has to be Lee Trundle for bringing the entertainment factor back to the Vetch.
Moment of 2003. There is no doubting it. The final whistle against Hull. The relief and emotion was there for all to see and everyone’s worst nightmare thankfully didn’t come true.
Low Point Of The Year. Has to be losing at the Vetch to Exeter at the end of last season. At that point I honestly thought we were down.
2003 was definitely a year that will live long in the memories of Swans supporters everywhere but we are still here, we are looking in much better shape and a new year is just around the corner. Here’s to another Vetch party at the end of next season but this time for all the right reasons?
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO JACKS EVERYWHERE.
