And so here we are. Two months after Adrian Forbes' wicked volley at Gigg Lane, the now legendary arrest of Willy Gueret by Manchester Police and the numerous pitch invasions that followed, Swansea City are in League One. In little over three weeks time, the club's new 20,000 all-seater stadium will host it's first competitive match against Tranmere Rovers, which will be played in front of a record number of season-ticket holders. There is a new kit, made by new Italian manufacturers, a new shirt sponsor and, if what we are led to believe is true, a new stadium sponsor set to be unveiled within the next few weeks. Swansea City is certainly riding on the crest of a wave at the moment.
 | 04/05 - A season to celebrate..... |
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It is extremely difficult to draw comparisons with the club's situation 12 months ago. Kenny Jackett's reign at the club was still in it's infancy as he brought in a whole range of new members to the playing staff, while the club geared up for it's last ever season at the ageing Vetch Field. The season must be deemed as a success, with the ultimate goal of promotion being achieved on the last day of the season, although the Swans' poor form of the early months of 2005 threatened to shatter that dream. In truth, Swansea just dragged themselves over the finishing line after a long and weary battle against physically demanding League Two opposition.
With that in mind, Kenny Jackett has been on the look-out for players that could improve his squad since he returned from his summer holidays, although he has failed in the bid to sign any of his main primary transfer targets. Rochdale just wouldn't budge over their valuation of target-man Grant Holt, whilst it appears that Andy Burgess just couldn't make up his mind where he wanted to play next season. The Chairman's involvement in highly publicised "slanging matches" can hardly be viewed as professional, although Mr Jenkins' love for the club cannot be questioned and his desire to help Jackett improve the squad is there for all to see.
 | L1 is likely to be far less "physical"! |
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However, there have been additions to the squad - most notably Torquay striker Adebayo Akinfenwa who will most definitely boost the club's attacking options next season. The tall, strong, speedy striker appears to have the perfect attributes to compliment the skills of Lee Trundle, although his arrival could raise a few doubts as to Lee Thorpe's future at the club. The familiar face of Marc Goodfellow was the only other new face at pre-season training, as the ex-loanee returned to South Wales on a free transfer after finding himself surplus to requirements at Ashton Gate. The club also welcomes a host of trialists who could become permanent White Rock figures, including highly-rated young Australian Matthew Gordon, Congolese International Jean-Paul Kamudimba and Bangor's Owain Tudor Jones, who recently enjoyed a trial at Premiership outfit Chelsea.
It is with sadness though that forgotten Vetch Field hero James Thomas prepares to depart the club, as a career-threatening knee injury has virtually finished his chances of winning a new contract at the club. Just two seasons ago, Thomas saved the club from relegation with a last-day hat-trick against Hull City, yet an injury-crocked time since has meant that the striker may be forced to hang up his boots and retire from the professional game.
 | What will Leon's role be in L1? |
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Youngsters Stuart Jones and Antonio Corbisiero have become the other two summer casualties, although senior squad members Andy Gurney and Gary Fisken both remain unwanted and on the transfer-list.
But what else has the summer had in store for Swansea City supporters? Well, of course no transfer period would be right without speculation regarding Lee Trundle's future, with Southampton, Leicester and Hull City all allegedly making enquiries into the cult-hero's availability...and it appears that all have been met with a polite "Thanks, but no thanks" from Mr Jenkins. Speculation regarding the futures of the out-of-contract Izzy Iriekpen, Leon Britton and Kristian O'Leary appeared to be nothing but tabloid-talk, with all three signing new deals alongside Brian Murphy and Kevin Austin, whilst the club is hoping to tie newly-capped Welsh International Sam Ricketts to a long-term deal before the new season commences, after reported interest from the Premiership.
Finally, after over 9 weeks without football, Swansea's pre-season campaign kicks-off on Saturday with a friendly against non-league Merthyr Tydfil, giving Kenny Jackett's troops some much-needed match fitness for the long journey ahead. Those travelling to Penydarren Park will witness a match along similar lines to that played at Worcester City in last summer's pre-season opener, with two different elevens set to play in each half. Around 400 travelling Jacks are expected to make the short journey into the valleys, with many looking forward to forging their first opinions on Adebayo Akinfenwa, Marc Goodfellow and the five trialists currently training with the club.
 | This time last year - away at Worcester. |
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So here we are...we achieved the goal of promotion and now its time to sit back and see where this season takes us. Its been a roller-coaster 12 months and the club will be hoping to build upon the momentum that it has created, with Kenny Jackett targeting a top-six finish. This will be viewed by many as extremely ambitious, based on the fact that Swansea will have to compete against bigger clubs and better players than they have been used to over the last few years and emulating the likes of Plymouth and Hull with successive promotions will be no mean feat. They are tough goals but not completely unrealistic and who knows...in 12 months time we could all be sat here with smiles on our faces once again. Only time will tell.