Tickets for league opener go on sale
Today you can get your mitts on tickets for the opening day clash against David Moyes' Manchester United. It's a typical staggered release; Non-season ticket holding Jack Army members with 26 loyalty points have first preference, then Non-ST holding Jack Army members with any points, then ST holding JA members with 26 points or more, before ST holders with any points and finally, next Monday (if there are any left) they'll go on general sale. Priced at £45 (£22.50 for concessions), you can order online here: http://www.swanseacity.net/news/article/tickets-man-utd-away-936604.aspx?Chico close to return from thigh injury
This is the news that Chico Flores is expected to return to training towards the end of this week, following a thigh injury which kept him out of the Swans' most recent friendly (the 2-0 win away at Exeter). Jordi Amat was also suffering the effects of injury, carrying a shoulder injury to the game against the Grecians, however he completed 45 minutes and should be fully fit for the Europa League tie next week.
Speaking to the Evening Post, Laudrup was confident he'd have his full compliment of central defenders available for the beginning of the season:
There have been rumours surfacing in the last day or two that we're interested in Espanyol centre-back Hector Moreno (certain Spanish clubs may start getting sick of the sight of us!), a Mexican international who enjoyed a solid season last term. It's even been suggested in certain media outlets that we've had a £5million bid rebuffed - if that's true there's a strong possibility that Arsenal have firmed up their interest in Ashley Williams, which isn't a surprise given their injury woes (and inactivity thus far in the transfer market). Thomas Vermaelen is rumoured to be out for three months, while Laurent Koscielny has picked up an injury which leaves Arsene Wenger with Per Mertesacker his only fit registered centre-back. A bid for Ash may now be imminent, if it hasn't arrived already.
There's the distinct possibility Arsenal haven't made a bid earlier because Huw is developing a reputation as a shrewd negotiator who'll always squeeze every penny out of the bidding club - Arsenal are famously stingy and it's likely any negotiations would be lengthy, however if Ash does fancy the move the chances are the two clubs will come to an agreement. There's no point retaining a player who wants to be elsewhere, and you can forgive any Swansea player who wants to play for a club who've spent the last 10 years playing at Champions League level. Obviously I hope this doesn't come to bear, but with Arsenal in desperate need of defensive reinforcement it's hard to imagine they won't make a serious offer.
Speaking to the Evening Post, Laudrup was confident he'd have his full compliment of central defenders available for the beginning of the season:
"Jordi came into the game with a shoulder injury, he had a knock the other day. He wanted to play like everyone else so he had 45 minutes, but he was not 100%.
"I think he will be okay for Europe. We will have to see with Chico as well, I hope he will be back in training on Thursday. We will have all four centre-backs back again for the start of the Europa League. We have very good depth in our squad this season." Michael Laudrup
There have been rumours surfacing in the last day or two that we're interested in Espanyol centre-back Hector Moreno (certain Spanish clubs may start getting sick of the sight of us!), a Mexican international who enjoyed a solid season last term. It's even been suggested in certain media outlets that we've had a £5million bid rebuffed - if that's true there's a strong possibility that Arsenal have firmed up their interest in Ashley Williams, which isn't a surprise given their injury woes (and inactivity thus far in the transfer market). Thomas Vermaelen is rumoured to be out for three months, while Laurent Koscielny has picked up an injury which leaves Arsene Wenger with Per Mertesacker his only fit registered centre-back. A bid for Ash may now be imminent, if it hasn't arrived already.
There's the distinct possibility Arsenal haven't made a bid earlier because Huw is developing a reputation as a shrewd negotiator who'll always squeeze every penny out of the bidding club - Arsenal are famously stingy and it's likely any negotiations would be lengthy, however if Ash does fancy the move the chances are the two clubs will come to an agreement. There's no point retaining a player who wants to be elsewhere, and you can forgive any Swansea player who wants to play for a club who've spent the last 10 years playing at Champions League level. Obviously I hope this doesn't come to bear, but with Arsenal in desperate need of defensive reinforcement it's hard to imagine they won't make a serious offer.
Dyer hoping new contract will be tied up soon
As mentioned previously, the Swans are in negotiations with Nathan Dyer's representative(s?) regarding a new contract for the diminutive wide-man. Remarkably, he's the only member of the current "first-team" squad whose contract is set to expire at the end of season; that to me would indicate that all the hyperbole from Huw and the board regarding "only having players who want to be here" is very much true. You can't make a player sign a contract, and given how unlikely the Swans are to award bumper contracts the feel-good factor in SA1 is clearly evident:
"Swansea are a great club and I've always felt at home here, so I hope something can get sorted out soon. I don't think about my contract situation too much; I just try and play football.
"I'm really happy at Swansea. Every year since I've arrived, we have improved and improved. It's been great to be part of the rise of Swansea." Nathan Dyer
Since arriving on loan from Southampton he's gone from strength to strength, and as I've said a couple of times he has improved his finishing (and final ball) dramatically in the last 18 months. Hopefully there's still more to come from Dyer as if he can add a touch more savvy to his game he could be a top, top player, and one who could realistically expect to gain international recognition at some point. If Matt Jarvis can get into the England squad, so can Dyer.
Fingers crossed, this will be wrapped up soon and we'll be seeing Nathan Dyer charging around for years to come. We love you Nath!