FAN FOCUS: Mark Hirons
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: Mark Hirons
Age: 16
From: Godalming, Surrey, England
How long have you been supporting the Swans?
I have supported the Swans properly from the 2009-10 season - ever since I got an Angel Rangel sticker in a packet of football stickers.
What was your first Swans game?
Living in England and being a young fan, I have not always been able to attend as many Swans games as I would have liked.
My first game was an away fixture against Fulham at Craven Cottage during our first year in the Premier League. Swansea enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win, with Gylfi Sigurdsson scoring two and Joe Allen getting the other.
I went to the game with my dad after we managed to get tickets through a friend who is a season ticket holder.
I will always remember walking up the steps to our seats with a programme in one hand and a hot dog in the other, hearing the chants of the Swansea support. I love that buzz. Each game I go to I get that feeling. It is fantastic.
I also remember Swansea making about 35 passes without losing the ball. After roughly ten in a row, each pass thereafter was greeted by cheers from the Jack Army.
Why did you start supporting the Swans?
I first started supporting the Swans because of my Dad, who lived in the city when he was younger and had a great passion for the club. He still goes on about his days at the Vetch, where he used to watch the likes of Alan Curtis and Robbie James play. I properly fell in love with the club ever since I got that Angel Rangel sticker for my collection.
What is your most memorable Swans moment?
It has to be the 2013 Capital One Cup final. What could be better than winning a final 5-0 after an almost faultless performance? It was such an amazing day out. The songs and chants sung by the Swans fans was the best thing I had ever hear, and to watch my heroes lift the trophy was an unexplainable feeling.
Best game you've seen at the Vetch/Liberty?
This is a bit of a controversial one, but I'm going to say the home Europa League tie against Napoli at the Liberty Stadium. Despite it being 0-0, the atmosphere was incredible that night. Napoli are a top European club, so it was a special game to be in attendance.
Your greatest sacrifice to watch the Swans?
I suppose having to travel four hours every time I watch the Swans at home. But I love it, so it certainly doesn't feel like a sacrifice. For me, it's all part of the matchday experience.
Who is your favourite Swans player of all time, and why?
It's a close one between Angel Rangel and Leon Britton, but I'm going to have to go with Angel as he plays in the same position as I do for my local team. He's a true role model, and I try to play like him.
Favourite current player?
Apart from Angel and Leon, it would have to be Lukasz Fabiański. I think he's one of the best goalkeepers we've had during my time as a Swans supporter. He's proven a great signing so far, especially seeing as he arrived on a free transfer.
Favourite Swans kit from over the years?
The full black away kit from the 2010-11 season. It was very smart and looked classy.
If you could sign one player for the club, who would it be?
It would have to be Gareth Bale as he is a Welshman and such a good player. We don't really need another winger to add to the fantastic players we already have in that position, but he is on another level.
Your most disappointing moment watching the club?
Most recently, the 2-1 loss to Liverpool in the Capital One Cup. To be a goal up with ten minutes left of play, it was very disappointing to end up losing the game to a last-gasp goal.
