Your Swansea City headlines for Wednesday, March 2.
Ntcham: Shutout crucial for Swansea
Olivier Ntcham admits keeping a clean sheet at West Brom will do wonders for Swansea in their bid to end the 2021/22 campaign strongly.
Russell Martin's men ended a run of six away games without victory by overcoming the Baggies at The Hawthorns on Monday night.
They kept their 13th league shutout of the campaign against Steve Bruce's men - with only four teams in the Championship boasting a higher tally this season.
And Frenchman Ntcham - who registered an assist for Joel Piroe shortly after being summoned from the bench on Monday night - paid a special tribute to the Jack Army following their recent support on the road in recent weeks.
“It’s a great feeling to win the game,” Ntcham told the club website.
“I think it was good for the team. We haven’t had great results away from home, so that was good to show how we want to play.
“That game was an opportunity for everyone to show what they can do. I’m really happy with the result.
“We showed a lot of togetherness. The manager asks us to do stuff in training and it all went really well in that game, and we played the way we want to play.
“That was a good reaction to the previous games, for us to get a clean sheet.
“I think the clean sheet was really important for the confidence of the lads, the coaches and for everybody.
“The fans were so loud – it sounded like there were thousands of them.”
Christie's nod to Smith
Cyrus Christie paid tribute to the Jack Army after Monday's win at West Brom while also delivering a tongue-in-cheek message of thanks to Korey Smith.
Christie netted the second of his side's two goals in the Midlands as Swansea earned their first away win since November.
The Swans were backed by more than 700 supporters against the Baggies - with players and coaches alike taking time after the game to applaud the fans.
Substitute Smith was unable to make contact with Hannes Wolf's cross late on, although the midfielder's failed shot allowed the ball to run through to Christie who drilled home his second goal for the club.
"Clean sheet on the road. Away support was class," Christie wrote on Instagram."
"Goal and a nice assist from the boy @ksmudgehabsxo (Korey Smith)."
Smith responded: "Vision 10/10."
It comes after Martin praised the impact of his whole squad while captain Matt Grimes highlighted the efforts of Smith and Ntcham who both contributed after being called from the bench.
EFL concerns over Derby's plight
The English Football League have highlighted deep concerns over the lack of clarity given by administrators regarding the future of Derby County.
The Rams have been docked a combined total of 21 points this term for breaching profitability and sustainability rules, and for entering administration.
Their very existence has been plunged into doubt - with the EFL still needing proof that Wayne Rooney's side can financially see out the remainder of the campaign.
They are also seeking clarification on the status of the administrators' preferred bidder.
A statement published on Wednesday afternoon read: "The EFL notes the statement issued today by Quantuma (Derby County Administrators) but remains deeply concerned at the lack of any form of substantial progress in respect of the outstanding matters affecting the Club.
"Despite requesting an update almost 48 hours ago, there has been no communication from the Administrators with correspondence and calls from the EFL going unanswered.
"As a result, the EFL still has no further information on the preferred bidder status or evidence of funding until the end of the season and has advised the Administrators that the lack of progress on these two critical issues, amongst others, is threatening the very future of Derby County Football Club.
"The EFL has once again written to the Administrators requesting an immediate response to its questions so that the necessary and outstanding clarification is provided, not only for the League, but also for the benefit of the Club’s other stakeholders, including its supporters and the local community."
Since the statement was issued, it has been reported that there has been communication between the two parties, although a resolution is yet to be reached.
Swansea are due to face Derby in south Wales on April 9.
The Rams are currently eight points adrift of safety following their 1-0 loss to Cardiff City on Tuesday night.
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