DERBY DAYS: Wyndham Evans
29th 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.
Today, former Swans right-back Wyndham Evans talks about his experiences as both a player and supporter.
"We were fortunate to play in the top division against some great sides during our fantastic run under Tosh while we also had derbies with Newport and Wrexham before that, but the Cardiff games always carried more importance.
"They were often higher up in the divisions when we played them in the Welsh Cup, so we didn't have the best return of results.
"But, as players, you just couldn't help but have the game in the back of your head a few weeks before the derby itself.
"In a way, I was lucky because I was living in Llanelli - as I still do - so I was slightly outside of it all unlike the rest of the lads.
"It would be the only thing supporters would talk about, and you do well to be out in public without someone telling you how much it meant to them.
"I guess it also worked out for me if we lost, because everyone would be so disappointed in Swansea, but where I was there wasn't as much focus on Swansea.
"The feeling of winning a derby, though, is an incredible high.
"Back then, we had a team packed full of local lads while Cardiff were the same, so each and every one of us realised what was at stake.
"And, of course, there were plenty of players who went on to feature for both teams. Those players got their fair share of stick - it was good banter.
"But the games themselves were fantastic occasions. I can remember the atmosphere at Ninian Park, and it was the type of atmosphere that really spurred you on as players.
"As I'm from just down the road from Swansea, I knew exactly what this meant to supporters - I am one myself.
"To beat your rivals is such a great feeling, yet losing is the totally opposite end of the scale. That's what is great about these games - they give you huge memories of either ecstasy or agony.
"And that is what will happen this Sunday.
"Swansea fans will head back up the M4 either celebrating three points - or a point - or with their heads in their hands.
"It makes for an exciting game, and it's great to see Welsh football's leading clubs facing each other in the top flight.
"Swansea have really excelled in the top flight, and it's great that Cardiff have joined them now.
"I'm hoping it will be a real classic on Sunday, because the whole world will be watching.
"But I think Swansea will have enough to win it - their style will prove too much for Cardiff to deal with."
Long-serving defender Wyndham Evans was ever-present in Swansea City's 1977-78 promotion success. Signing professional at the Vetch Field in February 1971, he made his League debut in Swansea's 3-1 defeat at home to Bristol Rovers two months later. He featured in Swansea's meteoric rise under John Toshack, playing in all four divisions and helping to win the Welsh Cup in 1981. Returning from a brief spell as Llanelli's player-manager, he netted 15 goals in 389 League games for Swansea before becoming Pembroke Borough's player-boss in August 1985. He later managed Llanelli and Carmarthen.
