FAN FOCUS: Craig Speakman
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: Craig Speakman
Age: 31
From: Mayhill
How long have you been supporting the Swans?
I've been supporting the Swans for 25 years. I started when I was six. My Dad would tell me about the Toshack years when the Swans were playing the likes of English football giants, such as Liverpool, Manchester United, Leeds and the rest.
What was your first Swans game?
My first game was the 1990 FA Cup fixture against Liverpool. I remember sitting on my Dad's shoulders and being in awe of seeing so many people in one place and the non-stop singing!
Why did you start supporting the Swans?
It was through my Dad and also a friend. My Dad would talk about the old Division One days, while my friend used to tell me about Andy Legg and his monster throw-ins. It all started from there.
What is your most memorable Swans moment?
It has to be the Hull game! I didn't sleep the night before the match because I was so nervous. I had a massive barney with the girlfriend before leaving for the game, so I feared the worst. But then the legend that is James Thomas popped up with a hat-trick! I remember finishing off such a memorable day celebrating with the players in Time & Envy.
Best game you've seen at the Vetch/Liberty?
Probably the Hull match - for obvious reasons! However, another game that lives long in the memory was when we beat Cardiff 3-2 at the Liberty Stadium. After going 2-0 up early on, they clawed it back to 2-2 before half-time. But we managed to go on and score a winner in the second period, which was such a sweet moment, especially against our rivals!
Best goal seen at the Vetch/Liberty?
Lee Trundle's goal against Yeovil. I was sitting on the West Stand, directly behind Trundle when he hit it, and knew straight away it was going in. I think I started celebrating before it hit the net!
Your greatest sacrifice to watch the Swans?
I don't know if this classifies as a sacrifice, but my son was born very prematurely - just days before the the play-off final against Reading. It was in the early hours on the day of the game that I finally decided I had to leave his hospital bedside and go to the game.
Another sacrifice was leaving my wife to go to Valencia when she was due to give birth to our second baby. Luckily she held out until I got home to have the baby.
What is your typical pre-match ritual?
Normally I meet up with friends then head down to Frankie & Benny's or Harvester before the game.
Who is your favourite Swans player of all time and why?
Lee Trundle - tricks, flicks and goals! He was a pure entertainer and played for the shirt.
Who is your favourite current player?
Leon Britton. For a small player, he's such a pivotal part in the way we play. He's our most consistent player and a nice guy too!
Favourite Swans kit from over the years?
It's a toss up between the home 'Action' kit of 1992 or the orange 'Gulf Oil' kit of 1993.
If you could sign one player, who would it be?
Lionel Messi. For me, he's the world's best. He possesses everything.
What is your most disappointing moment watching the club?
That Barnsley game is up there, but, for me, not being presented the League One trophy at the Liberty due to Leeds' appeal against their points deduction was a disappointing moment. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to be at the Brighton game for the presentation, albeit in the Brighton end of the ground, but it still left a bitter taste in my mouth.
