FAN FOCUS: Craig Davies

We continue our fan 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: Craig Davies
Age: 29
From: I'm originally from Llansamlet, but I'm living in Perth, Australia at present.

How long have you been supporting the Swans?
I'd say it's been about 13 years, the season after the famous Hull game - although, I was not there!

What was the first Swans game you attended?
It was a League Two match at the Vetch - wow, that was a buzz. We beat Yeovil Town in an absolute 4-3 thriller. I remember Gavin Williams taunting the North Bank with the ayatollah celebration when they went 3-2 up and how mad the crowd went when we went ahead, singing "Gavin, what's the score? Gavin, Gavin What's the score?"

Why did you start supporting the Swans?
I spent most of my Saturday afternoons at St. Helens watching "The All Whites", and I'd always be the one who'd be giving the players stick. One of my mates said that I'd fit in down the Vetch Field, and that I should go down there one day. 
There was a bit of a buzz about the Swans at the time, especially about Lee Trundle, so I went to watch the aforementioned game, and I just loved it! The crowd chants, the way you'd be knocked around like a bowling pin when the Swans scored - everything! I've been absolutely hooked ever since.

What is your most memorable Swans moment?
It's a difficult one because there have been so many. Even though we have had arguably bigger moments since, for me, it has to be the FA Cup game against Preston North End at the Vetch Field. They were flying high in the First Division (Championship) at the time, while we were mid-table in League Two.
The Swans were trailing by a goal for most of the game, but a perfect Andy Robinson free-kick levelled the scores. Then, cometh the man, Lee Trundle scored in the dying seconds and the place went absolute bananas.
I then had to go to Morriston Hospital after the celebrations to be treated for a broken arm, but it was worth it.



Who is your favourite Swans player of all time, and why?
Lee Trundle. He was a major part of our rise, and he was one of the main reasons that there was such a buzz about the Swans at the time, due to his unbelievable tricks and his crucial goals.
Although he did leave for Bristol City for £1million, the money enabled us to buy players like Angel Rangel, Ferrie Bodde, Jason Scotland and Ashley Williams. 
Trundle has been such a fantastic ambassador for our football club.  He even bought me a few drinks once in Oceana, which is when I asked him about why he left. If he's patient enough to listen to me jabber on for two hours - when I've had a few - then he has my vote.

Who is your favourite current player, and why?
Leon Britton embodies what the club is all about. Despite his small stature, he never backs out from a challenge. A bit like me really, although I am taller.

What is the best game you've seen at the Vetch/Liberty?
At the Vetch Field, it would have to be the Preston game, while the best game I've watched at the Liberty would be the League Cup tie when we beat Cardiff 1-0. The atmosphere was absolutely electric that night.



What is the best goal you've seen at the Vetch/Liberty?
It's probably not on everyone's list, but it sticks out for me: Jason Scotland's goal against Leeds United in League One, when we beat them 3-2 during the title-winning season.
After a run from the halfway line, beating two players as well as the goalkeeper, Scotland slotted home. It was an important goal too, because were down to ten men and Leeds had us on the backfoot. 

Greatest sacrifice you have made to watch the Swans?
I've been in trouble in work a fair few times because of the Swans, I handed my notice in at work because they would not allow me annual leave for the play-off final at Wembley.  Luckily someone volunteered to do my shift for me two days before I was actually going to walk out.

Describe your typical pre-match ritual?
If I'm not rushing from a game I had been playing in myself, it would normally be playing the Swansea City song on repeat in the car before going to the Coopers for a few refreshments. Since I've been in Oz-land, I have to have at least three cups of coffee to stay awake to watch the game.

What is your favourite Swans kit from over the years?
I'd have to say the green and black kit from the League One title-winning season.



What has been your most disappointing moment watching the club?
My most disappointing moment would have to be losing to Cardiff at home in the Championship when Craig Bellamy scored that screamer - it was absolutely sickening.

What makes Swansea City special to you?
Swansea City has given me the best memories of my life. I've been to so many different places to cheer on the Swans and enjoyed so many nights out.
I've also met so many people through supporting the club, and there is no better feeling than being in that crowd singing your heart out.
It makes me really proud to wear the shirt anywhere in the world and hear someone say: "oh, you support Swansea? They play good football."