Joe Rodon | From singing on the terrace to having his own song

He spent years singing about his Swansea City heroes, now Joe Rodon has a song dedicated to him and he still can’t believe it.

A former Swansea season ticket holder, Rodon is now living the dream as he plays for his home city club.

He is just one appearance shy of 50 games for the club he used to cheer on while standing on the terraces at the Vetch and sitting in the stands at the Liberty.

He progressed through the academy system alongside Connor Roberts, another to have held a season ticket in SA1, and has caught the eye with some fine performances in the heart of the Swans defence.

International recognition has also followed for the 22-year-old, yet it is one day back in August which has really stuck in his memory.

Steve Cooper’s side were taking on Queens Park Rangers in a game where they would end up 3-1 winners thanks to goals from Bersant Celina, Borja – from the penalty spot – and sub Sam Surridge.

And it proved a memorable occasion for all those who made the midweek trip to west London. More so for Rodon, for it is where the “Joey Rodon’s Magic” song was born, with former team-mate Oli McBurnie leading the rendition.

“It came out of nowhere. It was so unexpected, but it’s great knowing the fans think enough of me to sing a song like that,” said the centre-back.

“It was a mad day at QPR. The fans travelled in their numbers that day - Oli was in the crowd with my brother Sam - and where we were in the table at the time was matched by the song.

“When you’re from the city it means that little bit extra to you. Connor will say the same.

“I’m really grateful the fans sing about me. I’ve had a few kids sing it in the street too, which is nice.

“It’s crazy because I remember watching the Swans play and singing the songs then. Now I’ve got a song, so it’s a bit surreal to hear the fans singing about me.”

With the season on hold due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Swans squad are doing their best to keep fit at home.

Cooper’s side sit just three points off the Championship play-off spots with nine games remaining.

And Rodon has been keeping in touch with his team-mates during the lockdown period.

“I have a little gym set up in my house. I have a treadmill too, so I do a lot of running,” he added.

“We have to stay on top of things in order to be ready for when football eventually does resume.

“We’ve all had programmes sent to us, and we use a running app which records your session.

“You also have to make sure you are doing things to keep your mind occupied and stimulated.

“I play Call of Duty quite a bit. I play with my closest pals as they are really good at it. We all have a proper COD set up in our houses.

“I also play with George (Byers), Ben (Cabango), Kyle (Naughton), Mike (van der Hoorn) and Oli (McBurnie).

“So it’s good fun and keeps you busy during these times.”