FAN FOCUS: Gus Rachels
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: Gus Rachels
Age: 19
From: Savannah, Georgia
How long have you been supporting the Swans?
I have been supporting the Swans since the 2013-14 season.
What was the first Swans game you attended?
Unfortunately, I live in America and haven't yet managed to fly over to Swansea to attend a game. It's a dream of mine, though.
Why did you start supporting the Swans?
I wanted to start watching Premier League football and, in selecting a team, I fell in love with Swansea pretty much immediately. I love the club's history and style of play, and it didn't take long before I was watching every game.
What is your most memorable Swans moment?
My most memorable Swans moment is probably watching our win over Manchester United at the beginning of the 2014-15 season. It combined the joy of watching my favorite team for the first time in so long with the upset victory, and it made me so happy.
What is the best game you've seen at the Vetch/Liberty?
I've never been to the Liberty, but my favorite game was our 2-1 win over Arsenal during the 2014-15 campaign. To go down in the second half and then come back to win in a matter of minutes is one of the most exhilarating ways to win a game. The two goals came from two of my favourite players as well, so it was fantastic to watch.
What is the best goal you've seen at the Vetch/Liberty?
Gylfi Sigurdsson's free-kick goal during the 2-1 Arsenal win is by far my favourite Swansea goal. It was a perfectly placed kick from so far outside the box and launched a fantastic comeback.
Can you tell us about the greatest sacrifice you have made to watch the Swans?
Apart from having to wake up at 6.30am on a Saturday to watch some of the really early matches, on occasion I've had to stream a game on my phone while in one of my college classes - if it's a midweek game. I thought it might get me into trouble, but one professor didn't seem to mind and another pulled up a chair and watched with me!
Describe to us your typical pre-match ritual?
I'm not sure if I have a ritual, but I always treat the games like I'm at the stadium, even though I watch in my living room or bedroom. I deck myself out in my jersey, hat, and scarf and cheer along to games by myself every Saturday morning.
Who is your favourite Swans player of all time, and why?
Wilfried Bony was the star of the team when I first started watching, so he was my first favourite. I loved his playing style and the power of his shot, and he really seemed to love what he was doing.
Who is your favourite current player, and why?
I have a lot of favorites on the current team, but over the past couple years I would have to say Gylfi Sigurdsson stands out the most as my favorite. He's always there to spur on the team's attack and he's one of the best free kick/penalty takers I've ever seen. I hope he's with the team for a long time.
What is your favourite Swans kit from over the years?
I think our current away kit is one of the best kits I've ever seen. The deep navy and bright green go so well together and changing the sponsor logo to white is a big upgrade from leaving it gold, like it was on last year's away kit. I always look forward to the release of our away kits because I never know what to expect and am always pleased with what comes out.
If you could sign one player for the club, who would it be?
At the moment, we need a player who can score a lot of goals. Any of the top scorers from around Europe would work. Messi, Suarez, Lewandowski - anyone. I want goals!
What has been your most disappointing moment watching the club?
Our 3-0 loss to Leicester this season was probably the worst moment for me. At that point, everything seemed pretty much hopeless, and it resulted in a club legend having to be let go. Our play has improved since though, and I love Guidolin, so hope has been restored for me since then.
What makes Swansea City special to you?
So much about the club is special to me. I think all the players and fans have a connection that you don't really see in other clubs around the world.
You constantly see players agreeing to sign for Swansea because the philosophy and energy of the club stands out from the rest of the teams in the Premier League, and I believe that.
Although I'm a relatively new fan, Swansea means so much to me and I'm looking forward to supporting them for years to come.
