Here's your round-up of all the latest Swansea City headlines for Thursday, April 20.
Lloyd eager to make dreams come true after signing new Swans deal
Swansea City youngster Ben Lloyd says he's ready to make his dreams come true after signing a new deal at the Swansea.com Stadium.
The young midfielder has put pen to paper on a deal that will keep him at his boyhood club until June 2026.
READ MORE: Fan video footage shows moment Swansea City v Preston descended into chaos
The 18-year-old is yet to play a competitive first team game for the Swans, but has been a regular for the club at under-18, under-21 and under-23 levels in recent years.
He also found the net just 20 seconds after coming off the bench during a pre-season friendly win at Forest Green Rovers in 2021.
And he says he's ready to get his head down and make his mark over the coming years.
“It’s a really good feeling to know that the club have so much faith in me, and I just cannot wait to try and repay that faith and all the hard work the staff and coaches have put in to help my development,” he said.
“The aim for me now is to continue to work hard and try and achieve my dream of playing for the first team here, I back myself, I believe in myself and I believe I can do it.
“If I do get the chance it would be such a big moment for me, and a proud moment for my family as we are all Swansea fans. I hope there are exciting times ahead.
“This club means a lot to me and my family, I think you could see that from the video of us celebrating the win at Cardiff.
“I will give my everything for this club, for the supporters and I just want to try and make my dream come true.
Martin - Allen has big role to play next term
Russell Martin says midfielder Joe Allen's man-of-the-match performance in the win over Preston North End demonstrated his potential importance to Swansea City next season.
Allen set up Joel Piroe for the opening goal during Wednesday night's win, and then found the net himself, scoring his first Swans goal in 11 years, before being withdrawn to a standing ovation on the hour mark.
A red card following a confrontation with Preston boss Ryan Lowe means his season has now come to a premature end, but Martin believes the quality of the 33-year-old's display showed what a big role he still has to play in his plans.
"The red card won't overshadow his performance, he was outstanding,” Martin said.
“He's not ready to play 90 minutes yet, the plan was to play 60 against Preston and 60 at Norwich, although that will have to change now.
“But I was so, so pleased with him. After a full pre-season he's going to be a different animal.
“You saw exactly what he is about and what he has always been about as a player. He had so much composure, and that finish for his goal is such a high-quality finish.
“I am so pleased that he scored. I'm really disappointed with how the night ends because all he was trying to do was protect his team-mate and get the attention of the fourth official.
“We need to get Joe ready for next season, he needs a full pre-season and he will be incredible for us next season."
Piroe eager for more
Joel Piroe says he has little intention of taking his foot off the gas over the final few weeks of the season, after taking his tally to 19 for the current campaign with a brace against Preston North End on Wednesday.
The Dutchman's record of five goals in five games has been at the heart of a solid run for the Swans, who have now picked up 13 points from a possible 15.
“I said I want to reach 20 for the season, but that doesn’t mean I have to stop at 20. The more I score, the happier I am, and hopefully it helps the team win too, which is the most important thing.
“We want to win every game until the end of the season, we just want to keep going.”
Preston release statement after Swans melee
Preston North End have broken their silence following the mass brawl that marred their recent defeat to Swansea City.
Joe Allen was sent off for his part in the fracas. So too was Lilywhites boss Lowe, who declined to face the press after the game.
It was a move that was criticised by some sections of the media, but Preston have now explained their decision in a short statement released on Thursday afternoon.
The club said: "Preston North End would like to offer clarity with regards to the post-match press obligations following the match at Swansea City on Wednesday 19th April 2023.
"Manager Ryan Lowe did not appear for his post-match press conference following Wednesday’s fixture having taken instructions from the club not to do so. Emotions were running high following incidents towards the end of the match which included Ryan having been given a red card.
"On this occasion it was decided that it was better that any press questions for the manager be handled at the press conference scheduled for Friday 21st April in advance of the Blackburn Rovers fixture."
Webb to take charge of Canaries clash
Lancashire official David Webb will oversee Swansea City's trip to Norwich City on Saturday.
This will be the third Swans game Webb has officiated this season, having already taken charge of the 1-1 draw at Stoke City back in August, as well as the 2-1 defeat to Millwall in March.
Webb will be assisted by Andrew Fox and Richard Wild.
Sam Lewis is the fourth official.
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