Welcome. Welcome. Welcome. And Welcome Back.

Ceri Stone

This season, writing of the trust’s programme page is being shared between Ceri Stone and Terry Sinnett. This week Ceri writes…..

This last transfer window seemed to last forever. It has certainly been one of the most interesting in recent history. We’ve seen another academy graduate move to a top six club in the Premier League and we have been able to bring in some talented young players to bolster the squad. We have also seen changes to the structure of the club at boardroom level.

Just your average Swansea City start to a season. Now that the dust has settled this seems to be a good time to welcome all the new faces.

Firstly, we extend a very warm welcome to all of our new signings. You are now officially Swansea Jacks (I don’t think I am allowed to use the term we use on the East Stand). At first glance it looks like we have done some excellent business in the transfer market and we have a side that the Jack Army can get a little excited about. Despite the now traditional post-internationals blip against Huddersfield.

We have youth, pace, skill and a bit of bite in the team. As a purist I am delighted that we are maintaining the ‘Swansea Way’ and the first six games (at the time of writing), have given us plenty of cause for optimism. The only sad note is the injury to Morgan Gibbs-White. We wish Morgan a speedy recovery and can’t wait to see him in a white shirt soon.

Julian Winter

Secondly, we would like to welcome our new Chief Executive, Mr Julian Winter. Julian took time out of his busy schedule to meet the Swans Trust at our last board meeting and we had some very productive conversations.

It is early days in his tenure but we were impressed with his knowledge of the club and how thorough he has been so far. As a Trust it is important for us to be in regular contact with the club so that we can ensure that the fans voices are heard. We appreciate how busy Julian’s first month has been (starting at the end of a transfer window cannot be easy), and we look forward to working with him and maintaining a positive relationship. As a Trust, and as fans, we just want to be kept involved in the running of our club.

Thirdly, welcome to all the new members of the Swans Trust. By the weekend of the Huddersfield match we had surpassed 1,450 members, which is an increase of roughly 30% compared to last season, and this number is growing by the week.

What I find interesting is that we have over 8,000 followers on Twitter and over 12,000 followers on Facebook but only a small proportion are members of the Trust. Some fans (a small minority) are very quick to criticise the club and/or the Trust after a defeat; or a club decision that they don’t understand, but they are not prepared to support the Trust and contribute to the club’s wellbeing.

There hasn’t been a better time to join, with a 50% discount for new members running right up to the end of December. By doing so you can actively contribute to the club as well as having your say on social media. All Jacks are welcome and you can enlist at https://www.swanstrust.co.uk/join-the-trust/

Joe Rodon

Finally, we want to wish Joe Rodon all the success in the world at Tottenham. He is one of us and will always be welcome back home at the Liberty. As is a returning favourite this evening in the form of Joe Allen. I have a big soft spot for Joe because my father was his Headmaster at Narberth Primary School and we have followed his career closely through the years. If he’s fit, let’s hope he hasn’t come back to haunt us.

I think not with the great squad we have for this season.

With the dust settling on a busy transfer window it is time for us to be entertained. COYS.

Ceri