S25/26 | The Official Match Thread | Middlesbrough 1 Swansea 0 | Att: 26,035 (Away 685) | 3pm | Saturday 9th August 2026

[Andrew - North Hill]

To be fair to him, he put in some decent shifts under Sheehan last season. Worrying that he seems to have reverted in the pre-season games to that ponderous, backward passing type of football we saw too much of when he was partnering Grimes, but he is capable of better.
Not saying you are guilty of this, but I think some posters may be having a go at Fulton as a proxy for Sheehan, knowing it is far too early to be expressing doubts about the manager but this allows them to criticise his judgement in selecting Fulton in the guise of criticising Fulton himself.

I've always disliked Fulton so you're right, that doesn't apply to me. Can't speak for others, so I wouldn't know if there's any truth in what you're saying.

As for Sheehan, I was more than happy with his appointment. He very much earned the job by getting results. The fact it wasn't always aesthetically pleasing didn't bother me, because after Williams the players needed a kick up the arse about being professional. This season I'd like to see him be a bit more expansive, but hopefully that'll come in time.

 

[JackSomething]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Sheehan pick a lot of more defensive teams for away games last season, often featuring Fulton getting plenty of minutes on the pitch? That approach yielded some excellent results.

I'm more worried about Cabango's fitness, plus whether Burgess and Galbraith can replace Darling and O'Brien.

 

[cadleigh]

I've always disliked Fulton so you're right, that doesn't apply to me. Can't speak for others, so I wouldn't know if there's any truth in what you're saying.

As for Sheehan, I was more than happy with his appointment. He very much earned the job by getting results. The fact it wasn't always aesthetically pleasing didn't bother me, because after Williams the players needed a kick up the arse about being professional. This season I'd like to see him be a bit more expansive, but hopefully that'll come in time.

Yes, you have been very consistent in that regard. I can see why people don’t like Jay, I just don’t share that view.

 

[cadleigh]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Sheehan pick a lot of more defensive teams for away games last season, often featuring Fulton getting plenty of minutes on the pitch? That approach yielded some excellent results.

I'm more worried about Cabango's fitness, plus whether Burgess and Galbraith can replace Darling and O'Brien.

He did, particularly against Derby as I recall (much to people’s annoyance but it did the job).

 

[Itchysphincter]

Fulton will put a shift in, 100%. Not a bad shout IMO.

 

[Captain_Sham]

Fulton will put a shift in, 100%. Not a bad shout IMO.

He not fking Pele but the grief he gets on here is comical.

 

[Dr. Winston]

As others have mentioned, Sheehan made good use of Fulton in our run of form last season so not a massive shock to see him start again as a defensive shield today, especially given Cabango's lack of pre-season minutes.

 

[jackathome]

Fulton is like a bad stain isn't he. You think you've got rid of him, but no he's still there. Always a even money shout for a red card. My only conclusion is he must know where all the bodies are buried, or he has photos of people. There can be no other explanation.

I'm convinced that he is a genuinely exceptional person and a leader during training. He then just completely shits the bed each time he's put in a match. There's no other explanation. He even worked his way off Martin's naughty list, which no one else was able to do

 

[CygnusX1]

And we’re back
We don’t have a good record up there, so I’d take a draw right now.
I assume Cabango will probably be subbed early due to his lack of fitness

 

[Swans Jack]

I'm no Fulton Fan, but imagine he is in due to help cover with Cabango coming back and they Didn't want to throw Widell into the first game and ease him into the championship.

 

[Michu78]

I'm no Fulton Fan, but imagine he is in due to help cover with Cabango coming back and they Didn't want to throw Widell into the first game and ease him into the championship.

Fulton is there for experience while the newcomers get upto speed with this league. The team looks set up to keep the game tight and use the bench from 60 minutes on.

 

[Blackpooljack]

I'm no Fulton Fan, but imagine he is in due to help cover with Cabango coming back and they Didn't want to throw Widell into the first game and ease him into the championship.

Your last sentence is why we should have better opponents in pre season

 

[Longlostjack]

Swans TV - purchased subscription - what do I bloody click on to view match?

 

[Epaul]

FawaNews - Middlesbrough vs Swansea City - Your Home of Sport

Fawanews Latest sports and football news , English Premier League , Boxing , Formule 1 , Moto GP , NBA and be sure to explore more on fawanews now

www.fawanews.sc

 

[Andrew - North Hill]

Fulton will put a shift in, 100%. Not a bad shout IMO.

What does a shift look like though?

An early yellow card?
Appalling distribution, unless passing 5 yards to his side or backwards?
Going to ground unnecessarily?
Not having the legs to compete against sides with lots of energy and drive in midfield?

People can highlight the half a dozen good games he's had for us as much as they like, but far more often than not it's like playing with 10 men.