Brendan wins Manager of the MonthPosted on: Fri 03 Feb 2012
Swans boss Brendan Rodgers is the proud winner of the Barclays Manager of the Month Award for January.
Victories over Aston Villa and Arsenal plus a draw against Chelsea clinched Brendan his first Premier League award since guiding the Swans into the top flight.
"I'm very proud to receive this award,'' beamed Brendan. "However, the award should be renamed Team of the Month.
"My players have been incredible in their courage to gain results while defending our footballing principles.
"The award recognises a lot of hard work by many people and we aim to continue our challenge to retain our status in this wonderful league.''
The winner was selected by the Barclays Awards Panel, which includes representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans.
The Swans won praise from the panel for the manner in which they have "adapted to the demands of the top flight without compromising their fluid, passing style of play".
The Swans began January by registering a first away victory of the season at Aston Villa, their first win on the road in the top flight since 1982.
The highlight of the month then followed as Brendan's boys returned home to defeat Barclays Premier League giants Arsenal 3-2, with goals from Scott Sinclair, Nathan Dyer and Danny Graham.
Despite suffering defeat away at Sunderland, the Swans bounced back to register an impressive 1-1 draw against Chelsea at the Liberty, finishing the month well clear of the danger zone in 14th place.
http://www.swanseacity.net/page/Latest/0,,10354~2599410,00.html
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GARETH WINS BARCLAYS PLAYER OF THE MONTHPosted 03 February 2012 5:15pm
Gareth Bale has been named Barclays Player of the Month for January.
The award caps an outstanding month for the flying Welshman.
Gareth scored one of the goals of the season, let alone the month, in our agonising 3-2 defeat at Manchester City on January 22 when he hit as first-time curler from 25 yards over Joe Hart and into the top corner.
He then scored twice in Tuesday's 3-1 win against Wigan at the Lane.
"It's always nice for it to be recognised when you've been playing well," said Gareth.
"The team has been playing well and I'm just happy to be playing my part in that."
It's the second time Gareth has won the prestigious award after being named Barclays Player of the Month in April, 2010.
January's award for Gareth follows a club double when Harry Redknapp and Scott Parker won the Barclays Manager and Player of the Month respectively in November.
Gareth was also named in the UEFA.com users Team of the Year for 2011 last month.
http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/spurs/News/gareth-wins-barclays-player-of-month-030212.page?