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2020 saw the previous football season being interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic which continued in late summer.
Working as the exclusive photographers for the south Wales Club, we have witnessed first hand what has been happening behind the scenes since 2008.
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It has been almost a year since Paul Clement took over as manager of Swansea City AFC, from his predecessor Bob Bradley.
Athena Picture Agency were there as the exclusive sports photographers working with the only Premier League Club in Wales, to offer them a great service of documenting his work, from taking charge of training sessions, speaking to the media, during match days and even when new signings would arrive at the Club.
It is always sad when a manager leaves. He loved Wales, and it’s such a shame that the line of work of a football manager can be so cruel, in less than 12 months, he effectively became from hero to zero.
We, at Athena Picture Agency, love sports photography and access in most Swansea City events was exclusive to us.
To access, more than 1000 images of Paul Clement, please click here
Swansea City AFC said in a statement about the departure of Paul Clement:
Swansea City chairman, Huw Jenkins, confirmed: “To change the manager, especially at only the halfway point of the season, is the last thing we wanted to do as a club.
“We had three different managers last season and as a result we all wanted to give Paul as much time as possible to turn things around.
“But we felt we couldn’t leave it any longer and needed to make a change to give us the best chance of an uplift and a turnaround in fortunes with the club bottom of the Premier League.
“Paul has been at the club for 12 months and what he achieved in the second half of last season to keep us in the top flight was a tremendous feat. For that, and his effort and commitment this season, it goes without saying that the club thanks him for his work, together with Nigel (Gibbs) and Karl (Halabi).
“I have had an excellent working relationship with Paul and we are all, including the owners, surprised and disappointed it hasn’t worked out this season.
“We wish Paul every success in his career going forward.’’
ON THE TRAINING PITCH
DURING MARCH DAYS
Paul Clement walks on the pitch of the Liberty Stadium, Wales, UK
DURING PRESS DAYS
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]]>You could tell he was returning back to where it all started for him, after all, his Premier League debut was with Swansea City in 2013.
Football medicals are not easy or quick but thorough and detailed. Club doctor Jez McCluskey always allows for a few pictures to be taken while he examines all the footballers arriving.
After which head physiotherapist Kate Rees examined that every single moving part on Wilfried’s body was operational.
What made this medical special though, was when first team head coach Paul Clement came in the physiotherapy room, embraced Wilfried and had a brief chat.
You could tell the two had a lot to talk about and it was obvious that both were very happy to see each other.
Ritson Lloyd of the coaching staff then made sure that Wilfried was fit enough on the pitch, it all happened under the watchful eye of Paul Clement.
Wilfried was more than happy to co-operate with the numerous requests by the club videographers and media team, by which time they all had a smile on their faces, Wilfried’s happiness became so contagious.
Although Wilfried had literally only about two minutes to pose for the customary pictures of new signings holding a home shirt he obliged willingly.
Head physiotherapist Kate Rees examines Wilfried Bony
Wilfried Bony during his medical at the gymnasium
Wilfried Bony on the pitch
Wilfried Bony holds a home shirt
Athena Picture Agency is the exclusive supplier of sports pictures to Swansea City AFC feel free to browse through our archive here.
© Athena Picture Agency Ltd, proud suppliers of news and press photography, pr public relations photography, sports photography, features photography, stock and aerial photography in Wales, UK
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