Swans Striker Preparing For City Clash

Swansea City striker Stephen Dobbie is already preparing for the new Premier League campaign and especially the opening fixture against Manchester City.

The former Hibernian, St Johnstone, Dumbarton and Queen of the South forward has for years been plagued with the 'battle of the bulge' but now the 28-year-old Scot is determined to leave the burgers behind and concentrate on his waist-line and fitness.

The Swans travel to the City of Manchester Stadium on August 13 and Dobbie for one can't wait.

'Going to Manchester City on the opening day is just unbelievable,' Dobbie told NewWalesonline.

'Our first three away games are them, Chelsea and Arsenal.'

'After hearing that, I just wanted to get back to work, get started and be ready for the new campaign.'

'But I could never have imagined - especially when I was at Queen of the South and Dumbarton - I'd be preparing to line up against Manchester City. I've worked so hard to get here and I'm now relishing it.'

'I've lost just over two stone since my days at Queen of the South. I've put in a lot of time at the gym and moving away from home has helped.'

'Down here it's just myself, my wife Susanne and my wee boy Jack. I had afternoons and nights to myself when I was at Queens so I'd go for a game of golf and have a few beers with the boys.'

'I used to drive home from Queen of the South and stop at the McDonald's and get a take-away. But, being at Swansea, the boys here are conscious of doing gym work every day. I've bought into that and it has worked for me.'

The former Palmerston Park fans' favourite finished off by saying...

'Now my time is dedicated to an extra hour in the gym or taking my son to swimming or soft-play.'

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