Friday 24th February 2006 is probably not a day that means much to the majority of Swans fans. But that was the last time that we were given the honour of live television coverage. I know in that same season we were shown in the Football League Trophy and Playoffs but whoever was in them would’ve been on live anyway and even then I think we might’ve been the only side who’s first playoff game wasn’t shown live.

So why have we continued to be overlooked for so long? The answer is I have absolutely no idea. It’s been very frustrating when some clubs from our division seem to be on around three or four times a season. Take Yeovil for example they were on at Swindon earlier this season, at Torquay in the FA Cup and now their on this weekend again against Gillingham. And that’s just an average League 1 club, the likes of Leeds and Forest always seem to be favoured to everyone else because their seen as so called “glamour clubs” in our league.

I was particularly disappointed in the last round when we were overlooked for a live game. Hereford V Leeds being shown especially was frustrating when you consider that Hereford aren’t even a non-league side. The only reason it was shown was because it was Leeds first ever first round cup match. I could kind of understand why the BBC wanted to show Torquay v Yeovil seeing as it was non-league v League 1 and it was a derby match. But wait a minute wasn’t Newport v Swans last season exactly the same thing? Yes it was but the BBC showed Weymouth v Bury. I mean come on us losing would’ve been a much bigger upset.

Just as it would’ve been on Saturday if Billericay had won but for some reason the derby match seemed to appeal to the Beeb this time around. Oh well I look at it as their loss as when we’ve been on live in the past it’s usually been entertaining. Anyone remember Northampton losing 4-1 to us despite them being the better side? Thought that might raise a smile. Anyway before our trip to Horsham it’s back to the league with Huddersfield visiting us on Friday before a bit game at Tranmere and Hartlepool visiting us on the 27th.

I’m hopeful we can get seven points from these three games to hopefully carry on our good run which has seen us unbeaten since our visit to Elland Road in September. It really is time that we beat Huddersfield, it seems an eternity ago since Trundle did the shoulder roll which wound up my pal Peter Jackson so much. Since then we’ve endured the agony of losing five of our last six against them squandering a 2-0 lead twice and having three players sent off. Surely we’ve got to be due a change of luck?

Right that feels better I’ve had my rant now, let’s hope its not another 21 months before we’re on live again.

John Hartson – Good or Bad Signing?

10-10-2007

Well the speculation still refuses to go away linking Big John with a return to the City he grew up to play, his beloved Swansea City. Following an article saying he was on the verge of signing, Huw Jenkins moved to slam the Western Mail stating that the statements made are “untrue” and “an irresponsible piece of journalism”. Despite this he did confirm that the Swans have held talks with Hartson but they were at his request rather than the club’s. Roberto Martinez has tried to play it down when asked about the topic but has refused to rule out the possibility of Hartson signing at the Liberty Stadium, saying that while he has had an excellent career he would not necessarily fit into our game plan, as well as being on high wages that we probably could not afford. Fans’ opinions are also quite split on whether a life-long Swans fan would be a good addition to the squad. But what are the pros and cons of Hartson becoming a Swan? Let’s have a look at the pros first:


His ability to hold the ball up could help create chances for the other members of the team as well as relieving pressure on the defence
His experience could prove vital to the side
He has won medals for Celtic which shows he knows what it takes to win the majority of his sides games
Scored over 200 goals in his career which he should continue at our level
Sounds as if he wants to play for us and play a part in our success on the pitch
The gates and merchandise sales would increase
His aerial threat would make us a much better threat from corners and the amount of headers won in general would rise considerably
Different type of player to other players at the club and gives the manager a Plan B option
We have money in the bank so we could probably pay him accordingly


Now for the cons:



His wages would probably be a lot more than other players and would be a waste if he could not do the business
He has barely kicked a ball since February which means his fitness will be low
He does not necessarily fit in with the manager’s game plan
He has achieved a lot but will his hunger to succeed still be there


So there are all my positives and negatives about John Hartson becoming the Swans latest signing, and in my view there are much more positives than negatives. The option of signing Big John on loan with a view to permanent deal in January is simply too good a chance to ignore, providing his wage demands are reasonable. Up front Jason Scotland has started well but our other strikers have not hit form yet. But the main problem is their all quite similar in that they are all pretty good on the floor but bring no aerial threat whatsoever. This is one of Hartson’s main strengths and he should be able to cause havoc in the penalty area. Whereas his fitness may not be great at the moment he could possibly be used as a sub for the last 20 minutes to come on to win the ball in the air when things are not going well. The money from the sale of Trundle is in the bank and it is surely worth taking a gamble for four months and then decide whether to make the deal permanent, all depending on how much of a success he has been.



So come on Martinez, hand over the number 10 shirt to the life-long Swans fan.

Cazzas
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Steven Carroll is 19 and from Manselton in Swansea and has been a season ticket for holder the last 10 seasons.

He is currently studying Journalism at University of Glamorgan and has been to almost every league game in the last 2 seasons

Read Previous Cazzas Columns

• Cazzas Column 1
• Cazzas Column 2
• Cazzas Column 3