Fan focus: Jon Osterland

8th October

The Jack Army go under the spotlight in our regular feature where one fan revisits their favourite memories and stories of following the Swans over the years.

Name:  Jon Osterland

Age: 32

Where are you from?

I was born Cardiff, but moved to Swansea aged four so have always considered myself a Swansea boy. I’m currently living near Newport.

How long have you been supporting the Swans?

24 years.

What was the first Swans game you attended?

Swans v Burnley in 1993. We drew 1-1 on a Friday night under the lights.

Why did you start supporting the Swans?

My dad was a massive Swans fan and took me to my first game. That was it, hooked!

What is your most memorable Swans moment?

A toss-up between beating Hull in 2003 or winning at Wembley to reach the Premier League. It always comes back to 'that' Hull game – the pressure, the dread, the fear. Whilst that feeling at full time at Wembley was incredible, it won't come close to the feeling after Hull.

What is the best game you've seen at the Vetch/Liberty?

At the Vetch I’d say Hull. The best performance I've seen at the Liberty was against West Brom in 2012. We were utterly sublime that day.

 

What is the best goal you’ve seen at the Vetch/Liberty?

At the Vetch, James Thomas sealing his hat-trick against Hull, which is one of my life's top-five moments.

At the Liberty, Jonathan de Guzman against Stoke in 2013.

Can you tell us about the greatest sacrifice you have made to watch the Swans?

I missed my wife's birthday to see us play the home leg in the Europa League against Napoli. To make up for it I offered to take her to Naples for a romantic break, but she twigged that we were playing them whilst we'd be there. That one cost me dearly.

Describe to us your typical pre-match ritual?

Once upon a time it consisted of a bacon sandwich for breakfast, watch the early kick-off to half-time and then up to the stadium for a pint and the remainder of the early game. Now, with two children, the day starts earlier and there's seldom a pint and the early kick-off, if I'm going at all!

Who is your favourite Swans player of all time, and why?

Ferrie Bodde. He comes out top of a quite decent list including Lee Trundle, Stuart Roberts, Andy Robinson, Martin Thomas, Matt Bound, Michu and Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Who is your favourite current player, and why?

I’d pick Leon Britton and Alfie Mawson. There are no words to describe the former, and the latter is a Swans captain in the making.

What is your favourite Swans kit from over the years?

The yellow and blue Gulf Oil away kit is a classic.

If you could sign one player for the club, who would it be?

Gareth Bale. He is the sort of player we would want both on and off the pitch. Plus he's Welsh. You know, in case the owners are reading and fancy a splurge in January...

What has been your most disappointing moment watching the club?

Getting into the position we were when we beat Hull to survive was disappointing, as was not scoring a goal we more than deserved at home v Napoli.

What makes Swansea City special to you?

It's the only club I've ever supported. The way we've got to where we are without a billionaire backer, invested in amazing facilities and played our own brand of football makes me proud.

I look forward to the day I take my children to their first game and pass on the gift that is Swansea City.