Fan focus: Andrew Concannon
Members of the Jack Army go under the spotlight in our regular feature where one fan recalls their favourite memories and stories of following the Swans over the years.
NAME: Andrew Concannon
AGE: 45
WHERE ARE YOU FROM? Bristol originally, but now living in Taunton.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SUPPORTING THE SWANS?
I've been following the Swans for 34 years.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST SWANS GAME YOU ATTENDED?
My first game was when we played Notts County on January 15, 1983.
WHY DID YOU START SUPPORTING THE SWANS?
I started following the Swans quite simply because of my dad. He's from Swansea originally and once he took me to the Vetch, I was hooked. It has cost me a lot of money over the years, but it’s always the one common denominator we have.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE SWANS MOMENT?
The most memorable, predictably, is between Reading and Hull. Hull just nicks it because of the total anxiety. I remember thinking 'what are you doing?' when James Thomas took that shot, just before it sailed over the keeper’s head and into the net!
WHAT IS THE BEST GAME YOU’VE SEEN AT THE VETCH/LIBERTY?
Maybe time means the games are fading in the memory but it is really hard to pick a favourite. As strange as it sounds, I remember the 0-0 draw with Bristol City at the end of the 1984-85 season. I can vividly recall Jimmy Rimmer badly cutting his hand, but staying on and putting in a hero’s performance.
WHAT IS THE BEST GOAL YOU’VE SEEN AT THE VETCH/LIBERTY?
The best goal I’ve seen was Jonjo Shelvey’s strike against Aston Villa a few years ago. I was right behind it and I just knew it was in from the moment it left his boot.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE GREATEST SACRIFICE YOU HAVE MADE TO WATCH THE SWANS?
My greatest sacrifice is that there is no such thing as a home game for me. I have lived in Bristol, Exeter and now Taunton, but continue to travel and support the Swans.
DESCRIBE TO US YOUR TYPICAL PRE-MATCH RITUAL?
Normally, it involves papers, coffee and an early train! I then have food and a few beers at the pub, before heading into the stadium via the club shop.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE SWANS PLAYER OF ALL TIME, AND WHY?
Growing up, my favourite was Joe Allon, but now it has to be Leon Britton as he has the attitude every player should aspire to. Our club is far better for it.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE CURRENT PLAYER, AND WHY?
Other than Leon, it would probably be Wilfried Bony. If he is fit and scoring goals then we have a chance against anyone.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SWANS KIT FROM OVER THE YEARS?
My favourite shirt is the Hummel kit from the 1985-86 season, when we were sponsored by DP Fit for Life. It was very old school and I loved it.
IF YOU COULD SIGN ONE PLAYER FOR THE CLUB, WHO WOULD IT BE?
I don't want to be predictable and say Lionel Messi, so I won't. Therefore, let's go for Andres Iniesta.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST DISAPPOINTING MOMENT WATCHING THE CLUB?
There have been many disappointing moments and, in a way, that's what football is all about. The most disappointing at the time was when we lost 1-0 at home to Exeter City in April 2003. I stood on the North Bank at the end of the game thinking 'that's it, we're gone', but the rest is history. Ironically, I ended up living five minutes from Exeter's ground.
WHAT MAKES SWANSEA CITY SPECIAL TO YOU?
Swansea City have always been a huge part of my life. They have the ability to make or break weekends, but we love them all the same without hesitation. Recently, a guy saw me wearing a Swans shirt and said to me: ‘You must be embarrassed to be a Swansea fan this season?’ My response was: 'I'm NEVER embarrassed to be a Swansea City fan.’
