[SOMS] From Wales with Love
- Thread starter rebelinho
- Start date
rebelinho
Moderator
SQUAD - as of 1/2/2016
GK - Łukasz Fabiański
GK - Jack Butland
GK - Kristoffer Nordfeldt
CB - Federico Fernández
CB - Eric Dier
CB - John Stones
CB - Filip Helander
CB - Mark Hudson
LB - Anton Robinson
LB - John Riise
RB - Calum Chambers
RB - Kyle Naughton
RB - Andre Wisdom
DMF - Rúben Neves
CMF - Ruben Loftus-Cheek
CMF - Jeff Hendrick
CMF - Will Hughes
AMF - Jonjo Shelvey
AMF - Gylfi Sigurðsson
SS - Torgeir Borven
WF - Gonçalo Guedes
WF - Jordon Ibe
WF - Wilfried Zaha
CF - Danny Ings
CF - Harry Kane
CF - Stremer
Transfers History
2014 Summer
IN
- Jack Butland
- Eric Dier
- John Stones
- Filip Helander
- Anton Robinson
- Calum Chambers
- Rúben Neves
- Ruben Loftus-Cheek
- Gonçalo Guedes
- Jordon Ibe
- Wilfried Zaha
- Danny Ings
- Harry Kane
OUT
- David Cornell
- Gerhard Tremmel
- Jordi Amat
- Ashley Williams
- Dwight Tiendalli
- Àngel Rangel
- Kyle Bartley
- Stephen Kingsley
- Curtis Obeng
- Leon Britton
- Ki Sung Yueng
- Wayne Routledge
- Nathan Dyer
- Modou Barrow
- Bafetimbi Gomis
- Marvin Emnes
2014 Winter
IN
- Will Hughes
- Stremer
OUT
2015 Summer
IN
- Mark Hudson
- John Arne Riise
- Andre Wisdom
- Jeff Hendrick
- Torgeir Borven
OUT
- Neil Taylor
- Jack Cork
- Tom Carroll
- Jefferson Montero
- Nélson Oliveira
2015 Winter
IN
- Kristoffer Nordfeldt
OUT
IN
- Jack Butland
- Eric Dier
- John Stones
- Filip Helander
- Anton Robinson
- Calum Chambers
- Rúben Neves
- Ruben Loftus-Cheek
- Gonçalo Guedes
- Jordon Ibe
- Wilfried Zaha
- Danny Ings
- Harry Kane
OUT
- David Cornell
- Gerhard Tremmel
- Jordi Amat
- Ashley Williams
- Dwight Tiendalli
- Àngel Rangel
- Kyle Bartley
- Stephen Kingsley
- Curtis Obeng
- Leon Britton
- Ki Sung Yueng
- Wayne Routledge
- Nathan Dyer
- Modou Barrow
- Bafetimbi Gomis
- Marvin Emnes
2014 Winter
IN
- Will Hughes
- Stremer
OUT
2015 Summer
IN
- Mark Hudson
- John Arne Riise
- Andre Wisdom
- Jeff Hendrick
- Torgeir Borven
OUT
- Neil Taylor
- Jack Cork
- Tom Carroll
- Jefferson Montero
- Nélson Oliveira
2015 Winter
IN
- Kristoffer Nordfeldt
OUT
rebelinho
Moderator
rebelinho
Moderator
Swansea appoints Monk
The english centre-back Garry Monk has been officially presented as the new Swansea City A.F.C. interim manager. This is the solution found by the board to replace Michael Laudrup, who was sacked following the terrible form the Swans were presenting in the pre-season.
Monk has the difficult task of building a winning team
"This is where I want to be", said Monk to the Wales. "I know the team, the board has confidence in my skills, and I'm ready to take Swansea to the top.". In order to achieve the expected results the englishman will have 15m£ available to spend in reinforcements during the next month, plus money from future sales. Swansea's boss has given Monk full freedom the build a squad matching his taste, given that the players bought are from the UK, Ireland or Scandinavia. "The board told me to try and bring the best young talents our country has to offer. There is no need to spend money elsewhere when we have so many good prospects right here".
Rúben Neves is the exception to the rule
Despite the desire to bring all the best England has to offer, Monk already has one targeted youth from abroad: "Neves is the future. I'm sure he will be a star.". The portuguese youngster, of just 17 years of age, has convinced both Garry Monk and the board, which gave green light to the signing.
The Wales had access to inside sources stating that during the day Swansea will issue a list with their targets for this transfer window.
Silver Surfer
Registered User
[MENTION=215711]rebelinho[/MENTION] Nice format. I'm not sure I'll be able to post mine in such a professional way, but i'll give it a go. Its good to clear out all the 'dead wood' and start a fresh ML isn't it! Will Hughes is doing really well for me, out on loan atm but progressing nicely, a joy to play with in the centre of the park.
rebelinho
Moderator
Thanks, and indeed it is a great feeling to start a brand new ML.
As for Hughes I didn't have the chance to buy him, as I was in need of other players, but either way I'm not sure I'll like him. We'll see what happens in the future.
rebelinho
Moderator
Monk operates complete makeover
After the drastic transformation in the Swans defence, Garry Monk has now turned to midfield. English international Jonjo Shelvey is secured in the team, as well as recent signing Jack Cork, but experienced holding midfielder Leon Britton will be allowed to leave. "I can't and won't confirm any transfers, but we do have a few players we are following closer", Monk says. Despite the reluctancy in giving any more details the Wales knows that an agreement has been reached for Chelsea's box-to-box Ruben Loftus-Cheek, while the transfer fee remanis undisclosed. The defenders Calum Chambers, Filip Helander and John Stones have also been secured. A few others might be revealed during the day, as we can look for more changes up front.
Kane is expected to shine in the welsh club
When asked about his expectations for the squad, Monk was assertive: "I want them to win. I know the new players will need time to adapt, but time is a luxury we can't afford. Premier League games are drawing closer. This is the time to find out who's prepared". One of the players expected to deliver is english forward Harry Kane: "He's a powerful young striker. Physically he's just above everybody else, now we only need to help him improve tactically".
And what about tactics? One of the most discussed topics is the formation Monk intents to use, but the manager keeps his secrets: "That's classified. (laughs) Seriously, I won't be disturbing the team's focus by saying who's going to play and where. You'll have to wait and see.".
rebelinho
Moderator
OFFICIAL: Guedes to Swansea
It's official! Swansea AFC have revealed the signing of portuguese wonderkid Gonçalo Guedes. An agreement for the 18-year old winger has been achieved with SL Benfica, which had already loaned Nélson Oliveira to the welsh club. On his arrival to Wales Guedes couldn't contain his enthusiasm: "I feel this is the right move for me. The team has shown interest in young, quality players, so competition will be tough, but will give my best to get a first team chance. My only goal is to be successful at the club". Garry Monk followed the lines of his newest signing in his presentation: "I expect great things from him. He has the pace, technique and irreverence necessary to become a top class forward. The team is stronger with this kind of talents".
Another Portuguese arrives at Wales
Despite the huge expectation around the new Cristiano Ronaldo, as some have called Gonçalo, both the manager and the player know they can't give steps bigger than their legs. Guedes is well aware of that, and adds: "I know my limits, my strong and weak points. Every good footballer needs to know how far he can go, and push himself to overcome those boundaries. By working in what I'm good will become better, but it's only by learning new things I'll become the best."
Following the arrival of Gonçalo Guedes, Swansea have also announced the signings of Danny Ings, Wilfried Zaha and Jordon Ibe, ending this way the rebuilding of the team's squad. During Guedes presentation, when asked about the possible lack of experience within such a young squad, Monk assured the press that issue is controlled. "When I played for Swansea my job was not only to play, but to be the manager inside the pitch as well, someone to guide the team and help in the less secure moments. I've had a conversation with Gylfi (Sigurdsson) about it, on how he needs to help the new players adapting to the club, and help them when they are struggling. It is a difficult task, but he'll be up to it". The "Iceman" has been named captain, with the likes of Lukasz Fabianski and Rúben Neves next on the list. "Im impressed with Neves' maturity", said Monk. "There are some players that have a kind of aura, whose presence is special and can drive the whole team forward. Neves is one of those players. I could tell from the very first moment he was something else".
The captain has one of the lowest wages of the squad
With the first game of Premier League rapidly approaching, Monk was peremptory: "The team will be ready. There is no room for mistakes from now on. The first game will show us the way for the whole season, so a victory is the only result acceptable.". Swansea's first fixture is against Hull City, in the KC Stadium, on the 18th of August.
rebelinho
Moderator
Swansea, Champions of England!
At last! After a truly epic season where the champion was only decided in the very last game, Swansea City AFC have been crowned the best team in England.
Since the beginning of the season a group of six teams showed to be a step above everyone else, and quickly broke apart from the main peloton. From this group, Manchester's teams City and United followed Swansea to the top, and battled each other equally for the first quarter of the season. Despite the theory Swansea managed to battle the big teams with impressive strength, while losing more points in supposed easier games. After winning against a sub-par Chelsea at Stamford Bridge for 1x2, a difficult 0x1 win at Ethiad against City, and a surprisingly easy win by 2 nil at the Theatre of Dreams, the scenery looked favourable to the welsh team.
While Man City struggled to keep consistent results, Swansea struggled to keep the ball off their own net, conceding goals almost every game. The first weeks were of testing for Garry Monk's side, and despite the great attacking displays the defence left much to be desired. Man United took the chance and got to the winter transfer window 10 points clear in the lead, with their local rivals and the welsh club battling for second place, having just one point separating them.
North London trailing, Wales shining.
Swansea approached the winter transfer window less violently than that of summer, only seeking to complete some sections of the squad. Following the slower than expected adaptation of RLC, Monk brought in Derby's wonderkid Will Hughes, who proved essential in the second run of games with his above average technique and movement. In order to substitute Kane in case of injury or just in normal squad rotation the young swedish center forward Stremer arrived at Wales. The fees for both transfers remain undisclosed.
Another star in the making?
The second half arrived with a shocking loss against Hull by 3 nil, quickly put behind their backs in a 4x2 win against Liverpool at Liberty. Monk's pupils managed to overcome the defensive gaps, Manchester United form declined, and the previously "safe" advantage of 10 points didn't seem enough. Helping Swansea was the presence of both Manchesters in european competitions plus the FA Cup, from which Swansea was early withdrawn after a loss to Arsenal in the 3rd round. The less demanding schedule surely played a part in the excellent form the welsh club presented domestically since January, and therefore reducing the distance to Manchester United.
With 8 games to go Swansea finally got to first place, only being stopped by Chelsea (1x2 at Wales) along the way. After 5 consecutive draws and some shock losses (including a 4 nil at the hands of the welsh...) from Man United, the underdogs dethroned United for the first time since the season's start. In the remaining 8 games both clubs switched places frequently after draws from either side, and reached the last fixture with Swansea upfront by just 2 points.
Swansea to face Crystal Palace at Liberty. Only one victory away from glory. Monk remembers the talk in the locker room before the action took place: "I only told them «Have fun. This is your time, but it doesn't matter if you don't enjoy it. This isn't a job, this is your passion. My passion. There is no pressure, we have already done more than we were supposed to. Play like this is the last game of your lives, and you'll make it unforgettable.» Well, they sure did (laughs). They played marvellously, beautiful paced action. I was so proud of those kids. So young, so committed, but yet so clam. This was my goal, not to make them great players, but to aid them in doing what they like, in the best way possible. This is their victory.". Swansea won 3x1, and for the first time in English football a welsh team took the trophy home. The first of many, Monk hopes. And so do we.
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rebelinho
Moderator
2014/2015 Season Archives
The Wales Online Goal Of The Month Award (Wales GOTM Award)
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Barclays Premier League relevant games:Under construction
Barclays Premier League Honours
Winner: Swansea City AFC
Final standings:
Winner: Liverpool FC
Individual Titles:
rebelinho
Moderator
About these last updates: bloody hell that took so much time! Mostly due to persisting troubles in getting my video editing software up and running, then the files from PES got corrupted... Anyway, here they are, only missing the most important games, it might not even be done as it doesn't matter that much.
More updates tomorrow, with the start of the new season, board and manager's opinions on the squad, and all the fuss about the transfer market. Stay tuned.
More updates tomorrow, with the start of the new season, board and manager's opinions on the squad, and all the fuss about the transfer market. Stay tuned.
rebelinho
Moderator
No, it's just because I don't remember (in these last transfers I do remember, 4.4m£ for Hughes and 2.8m£ for Stremer) and it's quite normal in english normal for clubs not to disclose how much they payed for the players. It's the perfect excuse
