Your Swansea City headlines for Friday, April 8.
Latibeaudiere defends Obafemi after Ledley tweet
Joel Latibeaudiere says Swansea's squad are "all together" after several players leapt to the defence of Michael Obafemi who was criticised by Joe Ledley on social media.
Obafemi struck twice as Swansea thumped local rivals Cardiff 4-0 last weekend, although former Bluebirds and Wales star Ledley was not impressed with the visitors' display. He also took aim at two-goal star Obafemi on Twitter, describing the former Southampton man as a "shocking" player.
The Swansea striker duly responded to the social media post, with others including Latibeaudiere and Jamie Paterson backing up their team-mate. “We are all together," said Latibeaudiere. "Mike’s a big part of this team. To see how he has come is great so yeah, I had to have his back there."
Latibeaudiere backed up his own fine display against Cardiff with another impressive performance in the 1-0 win over Millwall on Tuesday night. And the young defender reckons it has been the best week of his club career.
“Two away wins, two tough places to go. The boys are together and looking finish strongly," he added. “The derby means so much to us as a club, the fanbase and the city itself, then backing it up by going to one of the toughest places to go and beating Millwall – it’s been a great week."
Rooney expecting tough Swans test
Wayne Rooney says Derby County know what they have to do ahead of a "tough" test against Swansea.
The Rams are nine points adrift of safety with only six matches left to play. It comes after the Pride Park outfit were docked a total of 21 points earlier this season.
However, Rooney says his side's preparations for this weekend's game in Swansea have not been affected by Chris Kirchner's proposed takeover of the club.
“I think we know what we have to do, and we’ve known what we have to do for some time, with six games left,” Rooney told RamsTV. “All we have to do is focus on the next game, which is a tough one against Swansea on Saturday, and that’s what we’ll do.
"We’ll keep focusing on that, try to pick up three points and we know it’s going to be a challenge. I’ve said all season that I’m extremely proud of the players and how they have handled the whole situation.
"This isn’t just a one-off thing where you are hit with the deduction of 21 points, there have been different issues throughout the season and the players have had to deal with that and cope with it. They have put in performances, so I am really proud of them and how they have handled themselves.
"We have six games left to make sure we continue that, work hard and try to pick up as many points we can so we will see where we are at the end of the season. We have prepared well, the team have trained well this week and we will go into the game trying to get three points.
"Nothing changes in terms of the preparations; we have analysed Swansea, worked out how we want to play against them and we will do all we can to get the win.”
How will Swansea get on against Derby? Give us your score predictions in the comments section below.
Fan engagement event planned
Russell Martin and Mark Allen will attend a fan engagement event at Port Talbot Town FC next week.
Swansea boss Martin and sporting director Allen have regularly communicated with the fans during the course of the campaign and it has been confirmed the pair will answer questions from supporters from 7pm on Monday at Port Talbot’s Victoria Road stadium.
“The way the supporters have been with us since we arrived has been incredible,” said Martin.
“They are understanding of what we are trying to do and I’m really looking forward to the opportunity of speaking to them and answering some questions alongside Mark.
"I know how important this club is to the community, we have such a passionate fan base and hopefully this will be an opportunity to further engage with the Jack Army.”
Entry is free of charge and supporters are urged to book their seats by calling Rhiannon at Port Talbot Town FC on 07800 967920.
Obafemi misses out on award
Nottingham Forest ace Djed Spence has pipped Michael Obafemi to the Championship Player of the Month award for March.
Swansea striker Obafemi, Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke and Luton Town's James Bree were among those nominated for the gong. However, Forest flyer Spence took home the prize.
Obafemi netted four goals and registered an assist in his five outings in March and backed up that fine month with a double in last weekend's 4-0 thrashing of Cardiff City. Bluebirds boss Steve Morison took the Manager of the Month award for March, although Cardiff's first match of April saw them beaten by Russell Martin's men who became the first side to clinch a league double in the history of the South Wales derby.
