DERBY DAYS: Vic Gomersall
28th October
Each day this week, as part of our big Welsh derby build-up, we put a former Swan under the spotlight as they recall their memories from past meetings with Cardiff.
To kick off our coverage, recent Hall of Fame inductee and former Swans left-back Vic Gomersall gives the view of a Manchester lad during derby day and the range of emotions he experienced.
"These are the kind of football matches you look forward to - be that as a player or part of the coaching staff and, of course, a supporter.
"I was fortunate enough to experience the Welsh derby during my time with the Swans.
"I can remember drawing in Ninian Park in the Welsh Cup and then losing the replay at the Vetch 2-0. It was an amazing experience - I suppose I can say that now, although it felt like the end of the world back then because we lost.
"I'm a Manchester lad, but I could sense the importance of those games to the Swansea supporters. It meant everything to them.
"As a player, you try and keep it cool but the mixture of emotions is incredible. You're frightened you could lose, nervous because of what's at stake but excited and full of adrenaline all at the same time.
"I expect the squad will have all those emotions on Sunday afternoon.
"You have got to enjoy the whole occasion - the atmosphere, the seconds before walking out of the tunnel, looking at your own supporters and then looking to make a good first touch, pass or tackle in the opening few seconds to settle yourself into the game.
"I just wish I was 40 or 50 years younger so that I could play in these games again.
"I've been in the area for 47 years and I'm an adopted Welshman now. I love Swansea and, as we say here, once a Jack always a Jack.
"I won't be at the game but I'll be watching it on the box. I'll make sure I eat my dinner before the game because if the result goes against us then I won't be able to eat. My appetite goes.
"When you lose you're absolutely devastated - even more so than losing any other game - and that goes for both players and supporters.
"But I think the Swans will come out on top this Sunday. They have the Premier League experience, their passing style is very different to what Cardiff will have faced in the last few years and I think that will be the difference.
Gomersall was recently inducted to the club's hall of fame as he was among 20 former players to be included in the Swans' latest honour roll.
Of his induction, he added:
"I was absolutely stunned. For me to be honoured by the club like that was very humbling.
"I got quite emotional and I am now just thinking about it.
"I have very fond memories of Swansea, and I hope the supporters have some fond memories of me too.
"To be inducted into the hall of fame along with players like Cliff Jones, Terry Medwin, Ivor Allchurch, Len Allchurch - they are absolute legends - was the ultimate honour.
"Players like Curt and Leighton James played massive roles in the club's rise to the top, but I was just a player in the old third and fourth division, so it was incredible for me to be honoured in that way."
Popular left-back Vic Gomersall was an influential figure in Swansea's 1969-70 promotion success. Signing professional for Manchester City in July 1960, he contested a first-team slot with Cliff Sear and moved to the Vetch Field for £5,000 in August 1966. He played against Arsenal and Leeds United in FA Cup matches and was a Welsh Cup finalist in 1969. Scoring six times in 178 League games for Swansea prior to joining Chelmsford City in August 1971, he helped them win the Southern League title in 1971-72. He also played for Llanelli, Haverfordwest and Pontardawe.
