FAN FOCUS: Chad Dingman
We continue our weekly fans feature as we put our loyal supporters under the spotlight!
Fan Focus gives every member of the Jack Army a chance to share their favourite tales, games and goals from supporting the Swans over the years.
If you want to be involved in the feature, email jackwells@swanseacityfc.co.uk
Name: Chad Dingman
Age: 18
From: Pennsylvania, USA
How long have you been supporting the Swans?
I have been a huge Swansea City supporter for just over two years, and I remember keeping an eye on them during the Capital One Cup run, in which I vividly remember rooting for them to beat Chelsea in the semi-finals.
The 2013-14 season was when I really started to follow the club and I have watched every game since. While I have not been supporting them for too long, the Swans are a big part of my life, and even though I can only watch from this side of the pond, I feel like I belong. This is made possible by the all of the wonderful Swans fans that I communicate with every day on Twitter.
What was your first Swans game?
Unfortunately, I am yet to see the Swans in action 'live', but I hope I can soon. It would be a once in a lifetime experience for me to be able to feel the unparalleled aura of the Liberty.
The first game I watched on TV as an ardent football fan was an early season game in 2013-14 against Arsenal. The Swans lost, but that match solidified them as my team.
Why did you start supporting the Swans?
I had gathered that Swansea were considered one of the ultimate underdogs in the Premier League. But when I really sat down and watched them play, I was naturally attracted to everything about the team. I believe I was born to be a Jack.
What is your most memorable Swans moment?
It has to be Wilfried Bony's winner in the FA Cup match against Manchester United in the 2013-14 season. I have never screamed that loud in my life, and I will always remember that moment. There really are so many though. Sigurdsson's winner in the opening game this season is up there as well.
Best game you've seen at the Vetch/Liberty?
The best home game I've watched was probably the win over Arsenal this year, or the win over Manchester United this year. The derby victory last season was obviously great as well!
Best goal you've seen at the Vetch/Liberty?
The first one that comes to mind in terms of skill is Sigurdsson's free-kick goal against Arsenal this year. I get equally excited for each and every goal, but I'd say that was truly the best one I've seen.
Your greatest sacrifice to watch the Swans?
I can't complain because the fans on the West Coast have it much worse than me, but having to get up at 7am for the occasional early match is pretty rough, but always worth it. I would, however, sacrifice pretty much anything to see a game at the Liberty.
Your typical pre-match ritual?
I usually just put on one of my Swans shirts and try to kill some time before the game. Games are usually at 10am here, which is great because I wouldn't be able to control my nerves in anticipation for the game if I had to wait until around 3pm like the extremely dedicated fans in South Wales and other parts of the UK.
Who is your favourite Swans player of all time, and why?
I didn't get to see too much of his early playing days, but Garry Monk is my favourite of all time. I realise how important he was to the Swans' rise to the top, and I can tell he is an extremely personable guy. To add to my answer, if I could meet one player, past or present, it would definitely be Monk.
Favourite current player?
My favourite current Swan is a toss-up between Gylfi Sigurdsson and Neil Taylor. The former has brought me great joy in the way of goals and assists during his time at Swansea. Come on, who doesn't love Gylfi? On the other hand, Neil Taylor hasn't produced as much offensively, but that may be part of the reason why I like him so much. He is a great full-back, and he makes the team a lot more appealing.
Favourite Swans kit from over the years?
It's hard to look past the purple and yellow away kit from the 2013/14 season. The colours looked really good together, and I liked how it was exotic but not over the top.
If you could sign one player for the club, who would it be?
Realistically, or maybe not, I would sign Danny Ings. He has been fun to watch this season, and I think he would do really well for the Swans.
Your most disappointing moment watching the club?
Being knocked out of the League Cup by Liverpool this season was absolutely awful. It took me a while to get over that one as I truly believed it was a tournament that we could win again, and it looked so promising after going 1-0 up.
