FAN FOCUS: Dean Thomas
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: Dean Thomas
Age: 29
From: Baglan Moors
How long have you been supporting the Swans?
I've been supporting the Swans for 24 years.
What was your first Swans game?
The first Swans match I attended was in April, 1991. Considering we were on the receiving end of a 6-1 hammering to Wigan Athletic at the Vetch, it wasn't the best start for me, but I was hooked straight away. I quickly learned that winning wasn't everything.
Why did you start supporting the Swans?
My father is a lifelong Swans fan and started taking my older brother to games at a young age, so it was always only a matter of time before he took me along to start my love affair with the club.
What is your most memorable Swans moment?
The play-off final at Wembley to achieve the dream of Premier League football comes close, but beating Hull City to preserve our Football League status was a memorable day. Conference football would have been unthinkable.
Best game you've seen at the Vetch/Liberty?
The second leg of our play-off semi-final clash with Nottingham Forest had everything. A collectors item goal from Leon Britton and Brendan Rodgers doing a Mourinho-esque sprint down the touch was fantastic. The atmosphere the day was incredible.
Best goal you've seen at the Vetch/Liberty?
Jonjo Shelvey's superb goal against Aston Villa last season. Superb vision and effort from Jonjo.
Your greatest sacrifice to watch the Swans?
I would have to say finishing from playing football at a young age because the kick-off times clashed with Swans games. I would never be able to not watch the Swans.
Your typical pre-match ritual?
I normally watch the early lunchtime game before heading to the Liberty. Upon arriving, I always try to use the same turnstyle if we won the previous match, while I will change if we lost.
Who is your favourite Swans player of all time, and why?
Lee Trundle. Magic Daps put the fun back in to watching Swansea and raised the profile of the club. Great player and now ambassador of the club. He's always willing to stop for autographs and photos.
Favourite current player?
Leon Britton. Apart from a brief spell away, he has been a Swansea legend since the day he arrived in League Two.
Favourite Swans kit from over the years?
The red away shirt that was used in our promotion year. It contained the names of Swans supporters on it, and I was lucky enough to be of those names!
If you could sign one player for the club, who would it be?
Cristiano Ronaldo. He'd be a great addition to the squad here, I'm sure.
Your most disappointing moment watching the club?
Losing to Northampton in the play-off final at Wembley was heartbreaking. That John Frain free-kick lives long in the memory, and the journey home down the M4 was a never-ending one.
