FAN FOCUS: Robert James

18th October


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: Robert James
Age: 29
From: Townhill           

How long have you been supporting the Swans?
I've been supporting the Swans for 23 years.

What was the first Swans game you attended?
My first match was on August 22, 1992, when we beat Mansfield Town 4-0 at the Vetch Field. We were in the Double Decker stand. I can't remember much about the game, but my dad claims I got chocolate over his white jeans!

Why did you start supporting the Swans?
My love for the Swans began on the North Bank of the Vetch Field. Alongside a few of my mates, singing and going absolutely mental when we scored was - and still is - highly addictive.

What is your most memorable Swans moment?
That Hull game was of course one of them, but I didn't really grasp how important it was until afterwards.
The trip to Bury was one the best away trips I've been on, as was Brighton away.
But the most memorable has to be the play-off final. I drove there and back, so experienced the whole day sober and still had tears of joy.



What is the best game you've seen at the Vetch/Liberty?
There has been so many! Garry Monk's first game against Cardiff was pretty special. To beat our rivals was a great way to start, and it also kept them towards the bottom of the table.

What is the best goal you've seen at the Vetch/Liberty?
Jonjo Shelvey's goal against Aston Villa in 2014 still takes my breath away. What an unbelievable goal that was!

Can you tell us about the greatest sacrifice you have made to watch the Swans?
My greatest sacrifice was probably paying someone to do my guard duty £100, so that I didn't miss the Cardiff away match.
I left my base in Wiltshire early in the morning to go back to Swansea. Because the game was a "bubble match", I drove past Cardiff, only to drive back up there a few hours later. 

Describe to us your typical pre-match ritual?
I watch my brother play football in the morning, before making my way down 'The Railway' for a few beers.

Who is your favourite Swans player of all time, and why?
There are a few notable mentions. Roger Freestone was a good goalkeeper, and I will always remember the way he would shout at everyone in front of him.
I loved Richie Appleby too. I remember thinking: 'why doesn't he play in the Premier League?'
Finally, Lee Trundle was the catalyst for the change at the club. He put us on the modern-day football map. 



Who is your favourite current player, and why?
Gylfi Sigurdsson. He gives 100 per cent every game and can change a match in a moment.
Sigurdsson shows so much passion, especially when we concede. He shows just how I feel - pure frustration.

What is your favourite Swans kit from over the years?
My favourite Swans kit was the 'Action' kit - the one with a big plastic heavy panel across the front. I remember playing many matches at Paradise Park with that shirt on.

If you could sign one player for the club, who would it be?
Gareth Bale. He's rapid and is a Welsh legend. 

What has been your most disappointing moment watching the club?
The Tony Petty period was difficult time. After he sacked six of our top earners, the uncertainty surrounding the club was scary.

What makes Swansea City special to you?
Swansea City is everything to me. When my missus plans anything, the first thing she does is check the fixture list.
The feeling and goosebumps I get from when the Jack Army is in full voice is addictive.