FAN FOCUS: Owen Davies
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: Owen Davies
Age: 25
Where you are from: Fforestfach
How long have you been supporting the Swans?
I have been supporting the Swans since I was seven, which would make it the 1996-97 season - back in the good old days!
What was your first Swans game?
It's a very vague memory, but from what my dad says, it was a home game against Fulham. All I can remember is walking up the steps to the East Stand seats, and as soon as I arrived at my seat, it was glorious weather, showing the Vetch in all its splendor. It was like a true religious experience!
Why did you start supporting the Swans?
At first, it was because I was being dragged to the Vetch by my dad. But after falling in love with the atmosphere at the Vetch, it was more of a case of me dragging my Dad to the matches.
What is your most memorable Swans moment?
Having witnessed the club go through a rollercoaster of a ride over the years, there are many moments to pick from - from that Hull game to winning at Wembley twice to Trundle's volley at the Millennium Stadium. But I am going to go with my very first memorable moment, which was winning the Division 3 title in Rotherham. The atmosphere was electric at the ground that day! But as great as the high was on the pitch, it will still be overshadowed by off-the-field issues. Once a Jack, always a Jack.
Best game you've seen at the Vetch/Liberty?
In recent times, I would say the second leg of the play-off semi-final against Nottingham Forest. That was the first time when I actually thought Swansea City would become a Premier League club. Plus the fact Darren Pratley's goal is one of the finest moments at the Liberty Stadium in recent memory. Other than that game, in terms of pure entertainment, it was a real treat for Swans fans when we beat Bristol City 7-1 in 2005.
Your greatest sacrifice to watch the Swans?
I haven't really had to sacrifice anything to watch the Swans, but I must admit that I did have to sacrifice the Swans for a university meeting once. I had tickets to watch our game against Derby County in the Carling Cup, but, through gritted teeth, I had to give up my ticket. But once the meeting was finished, I sprinted to the student union to watch the game. Fortunately, I had only missed few minutes, and it was still a great night!
Your typical pre-match ritual?
I don't really have a pre-match ritual. I usually watch the early kick-off on the television prior to our game - occasionally venturing to the pub to watch the match with a fry up and a pint or two. I then make my way to the Liberty, arriving at 2.30pm, where I soak up the atmosphere in the East Stand before kick-off.
Who is your favourite Swans player of all time, and why?
Ferrie Bodde. Although he only played for the club for a few seasons before his career-ending knee injury, I have never seen such a great talent in all my life. The way he sprayed the ball about with ease, fired rocket-like shots at goal and was never afraid of challenges made him a beast of a player that truly deserved the Premier League. I also have a football signed by the man himself, which made quite the giddy 20-year-old man that day.
Favourite current player?
Jefferson Montero. His rapid pace and never-say-die attitude causes many teams problems. However, if I was to choose a player from last season it would be either Wilfried Bony or Jonjo Shelvey.
If you could sign one player for the club, who would it be?
Despite his roots, I would pick Gareth Bale. I feel we are lacking a bit of pace, and he would provide that - and more!
Your most disappointing moment watching the club?
The Play-Off final against Barnsley would have to be my most disappointing moment. We were so close to promotion but for the dreaded penalty shootout. Unfortunately, we just couldn't hold our nerve to go through. The last I heard, Bayo Akinfenwa's ball is orbiting the planet, along with Sergio Ramos' convoy of lost balls.
