FAN FOCUS: Jason Cuthbert
We continue our weekly feature putting the spotlight on you - our loyal supporters - with the latest installment of Fan Focus.
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: Jason Cuthbert
Age: 46
Where you are from: Born and bred in Swansea, but now living in Wiltshire
How long have you been supporting the Swans?
I've been supporting the Swans for 36 years, ever since I was just ten years of age.
What was your first Swans game?
Although I can't really remember too much about it, my first Swans game was the historic 8-0 thrashing of Hartlepool United. I was taken to the match by a friend's dad as a treat. We watched on from the Centre Stand and, ever since, I've been hooked.
Why did you start supporting the Swans?
I started 'properly' supporting the Swans after my playing days with Treboeth United came to a premature end due to a knee injury that forced me to stop playing. Prior to becoming a regular attendee of the Swans' game, I did enjoy playing against the likes of Andy Melville and a certain Chris Coleman during my playing days.
What is your most memorable Swans moment?
For me, it has to be the Play-Off final win over Reading at Wembley. That game is simply my best footballing memory ever. It's also the happiest I have ever been travelling a long distance on the M4. Having said that, our visit to Wembley is closely followed by the final game at the Vetch Field, when we played Shrewsbury Town on beautiful sunny day.
Best game you've seen at the Vetch/Liberty?
Without a doubt, it has to be the 3-0 win over Cardiff last season. I completely lost my voice through singing for the full 90 minutes. It was the best atmosphere I've witnessed at the Liberty by a country mile.
Best goal you've seen at the Vetch/Liberty?
The best goal I've seen at the Liberty has to be Jonjo Shelvey's unbelievable goal against Aston Villa last season. At the Vetch, I would go with Andy Legg's volley past Stoke City's Bruce Grobelaar. That was a great strike.
Your greatest sacrifice to watch the Swans?
Whenever I get the chance to go, it's special, so nothing is a sacrifice. It's always a privilege.
Your typical pre-match ritual?
Before my Swans-mad twin boys came along, it was always a pre-match ale in the pub to calm the nerves. Now, when I take my lads along, I try to always find something to wear with an aspect of the away teams' colours. I started this ritual last year against Cardiff at the Liberty, with my red Ironman Wales jacket - for which I totally got berated for, I must add - but we know what happened on that day! Since then I have worn my classic retro Swansea.com green-striped shirt against Norwich, which achieved similar results, before choosing purple for the match against Aston Villa. Can you see where this is going?
Who is your favourite Swans player of all time, and why?
Robbie James. He was one who set the example in simpler times, and he will never be forgotten.
Favourite current player?
For the last four years, it has been Nathan Dyer. He had a great start to this season too. Class!
Favourite Swans kit from over the years?
I loved the yellow strip with diagonal stripe when Tosh arrived in the late 70s, which was one from the classic collection a couple of years back. Also, I really liked the Real Madrid-esque white centenary strip with gold trim.
If you could sign one player for the club, who would it be?
Leighton Baines - very good player.
Your most disappointing moment watching the club?
That's an easy question to answer - the play-off final defeat to Northampton Town. After their match-winning free-kick was retaken and scored, I just got up, walked out and didn't speak for about five hours all the way home.
