FAN FOCUS: Heidi Louise Gallacher
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: Heidi Louise Gallacher
Age: 51
From: Swansea, but living in Switzerland
How long have you been supporting the Swans?
I have been supporting the Swans for 35 years - ever since I was 16.
What was your first Swans game?
That would have been in 1979 when the Swans were in the old Third Division. I don't recall my very first game, but this is where it all began.
Why did you start supporting the Swans?
Local friends of mine encouraged me to go along to the Vetch. I enjoyed the atmosphere and walking to the games with the crowds, whom were all full of excitement and anticipation.
What is your most memorable Swans moment?
April 26, 2014, when the Swans were at home to Aston Villa. Our whole family were at the Liberty, including my sons John and Tim and all the grandparents.
This was the day my eight-year-old youngest son Alex ran out as a mascot for the club. He ran out with Jonjo Shelvey, who, during the match scored an incredible goal. I was especially proud because little Alex was born early, weighing only a kilo and was in hospital for his first four months. I never dreamed then that we would see this day.
Best game you have seen at the Vetch or Liberty?
It would have to be the 2-1 win against Chesterfield in May 1979. Win this and, if other results went our way, we would be promoted to the Second Division!
It was thrilling to be there. A game with plenty of tension, and I remember they scored first. Luckily, John Toshack brought himself on near the end and scored the winner with eight minutes to go. It was utterly unbelievable. I remember running onto the pitch with hundreds of others at the end to celebrate, and getting sprayed by champagne!
Best goal you've seen at the Vetch/Liberty?
That would definitely be Jonjo Shelvey's amazing effort from the centre circle against Aston Villa last year, which I mentioned above. The crowd was totally stunned. We couldn't believe it. And to think my son Alex had run onto the pitch with him that day!
Your greatest sacrifice to watch the Swans?
Probably monetary! Goodness knows how much it cost for my husband Andrew and I to fly over from Zurich for a couple of nights to see the League Cup final against Bradford City at Wembley in 2013. But it was worth every penny - and more!
Your typical pre-match ritual?
Working and living in Switzerland, we don't attend as many games as we'd like. But when we do, the first thing we do is to sort out tickets, which can be tricky as the Liberty is always full!
Often, we find it easier to attend away games. We always try to see a game when we come over to Wales. An important part of the ritual is lunch before the game, prior to walking to the stadium to drink in the atmosphere.
Who is your favourite Swans player of all time, and why?
Leon Britton. Our stalwart. My eldest son had a photo with him when he was a mascot in 2007.
Who is your favourite current Swans player?
That's a tricky one because there are too many to choose from. At a push, I would pick Gylfi Sigurdsson.
Favourite Swans kit from over the years?
The current 2014-15 away kit. It's eye-catching and fabulous.
If you could sign one player for the club, who would it be?
That's an easy one. It would be Cristiano Ronaldo, for sure.
Your most disappointing moment watching the Swans?
Well, we weren't watching, but we were listening to a match on the radio at home. We were excited because it was the play-off final against Barnsley in 2006, which the winner would earn promotion to the Championship. In the end we went out on penalties. It was such a low point.
