By David Williams
Jerry Yates believes Swansea City showed their true personality in victory at Rotherham in their first match since the dismissal of Michael Duff.
Rotherham academy product Yates came back to haunt his former club as he grabbed the winner in the Swans’ 2-1 victory.
Defender Daniel Ayala was sent off for the Millers after 17 minutes and that changed the complexion of the game, with Swansea eventually taking full advantage to secure all three points.
Ayala received two yellow cards in quick succession, one for delaying an opposition throw and the second for a foul on Charlie Patino.
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It was a first win in his first match in charge for caretaker coach Alan Sheehan, who admitted he is in the dark over how long he will remain in the role.
“It’s always a tough place to come. I was here at the start of my career so I know about how hard it can be,” said Swansea striker Yates.
“The lads dug in, showed good personality and got this win so it’s a nice feeling.
“The result gives us a big boost. Obviously goals win games so I’m pleased to score but, even better, I thought we defended exceptionally.
“Luckily the ball fell to me for my goal, and I just concentrated on putting the ball in the back of the net.
“When it fell to me, I was over the moon and I always try to stay calm and collected in front of goal.”
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The Swans number nine praised the 495 members of the Jack Army who made the long journey to south Yorkshire for the part they played in helping the Swans get the victory.
“I thought the fans were exceptional,” he added.
“They were really loud from the get-go and it was non-stop all game. We could hear them singing Yannick Bolasie’s song. It was nice to hear my song as well, that’s always a nice moment.
“But when the fans are loud and proud, it gives us a boost. They do the travelling, and they pay their hard-earned money to watch us, so we always make sure we say thank you.”
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Interim head coach Alan Sheehan said: “I’m so proud of the players, staff and the whole football club. The support I’ve had from everybody has made that possible.
“We have stood up to a physical team. I think if we had been more clinical it could have been easier. We needed that second goal.
“They score from a long throw. They’re a big physical team and we had to football our way out of it.
“We got the win. It has been a very difficult week and an emotional week. The overall feeling is pride.”
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The victory lifted Swansea up to 16th in the table, five points clear of the relegation zone and six points adrift of the play-off positions.
Sheehan added: “This will never be about me, it will be about Swansea City. If it’s another day or two or three, whatever, I’ll do it to the best of my ability.
“It’s a club effort. Everyone deserves the ability to celebrate with the fans. It’s important we have that connection with them because that win was for them.”
Swansea City overcame a spirited effort from 10-man Championship strugglers and fellow managerless club Rotherham United ⚽
Match report ⤵️ #BBCFootball
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) December 10, 2023