Fan focus: Nicholas Evans
Members of the Jack Army go under the spotlight in our regular feature where one fan recalls their favourite memories and stories of following the Swans over the years.
NAME: Nicholas Lee Evans
AGE: 43
WHERE ARE YOU FROM? Port Talbot
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SUPPORTING THE SWANS?
I’ve supported the Swans since around 1982.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST SWANS GAME YOU ATTENDED?
I think it was against Scunthorpe United during the mid-1980s.
WHY DID YOU START SUPPORTING THE SWANS?
I got the Patrick kit and tracksuit for my ninth birthday, and Swansea were also in my Panini sticker album.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE SWANS MOMENT?
It would have to be winning the League Cup in 2013.
WHAT IS THE BEST GAME YOU’VE SEEN AT THE VETCH/LIBERTY?
Beating West Ham United in the FA Cup at the Vetch in 1999. I was on the North Bank when it erupted at the final whistle.
WHAT IS THE BEST GOAL YOU’VE SEEN AT THE VETCH/LIBERTY?
Gylfi Sigurdsson’s free-kick against Arsenal in 2014 stands out in my mind.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE GREATEST SACRIFICE YOU HAVE MADE TO WATCH THE SWANS?
Aside from the financial cost, I have been unable to play football myself on a Saturday. That said, it’s what my son and I do together, so it’s never a sacrifice.
DESCRIBE TO US YOUR TYPICAL PRE-MATCH RITUAL?
We drop my wife and daughter at the shops, then my son and I usually try to guess the team, what the score will be and who is featured on the front cover of the match programme. Sometimes, we stand at the front and watch the warm-up too.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE SWANS PLAYER OF ALL TIME, AND WHY?
Gylfi Sigurdsson for his goals and work-rate.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE CURRENT PLAYER, AND WHY?
Tammy Abraham. He appears to be well-grounded, passionate and works hard. He has a big future. I also like Jordan Ayew for his work ethic.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SWANS KIT FROM OVER THE YEARS?
For sentimental reasons, the white Patrick kit from when I was little. But, this season’s black and gold kit is a close second.
IF YOU COULD SIGN ONE PLAYER FOR THE CLUB, WHO WOULD IT BE?
On current form in the Premier League, it would have to be Mo Salah.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST DISAPPOINTING MOMENT WATCHING THE CLUB?
Losing against Barnsley in the play-off final in 2006.
WHAT MAKES SWANSEA CITY SPECIAL TO YOU?
Since my granddad bought me that tracksuit and I went to those first matches, it is just a feeling inside. Making memories with my son makes it extra special.
