FAN FOCUS: Josh Kilmister
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: Josh Kilmister
Age: 17
From: Penllergaer, Swansea
How long have you been supporting the Swans?
Though not as long as most who have featured on 'Fan Focus', I've been following the Swans for most of my life. I never visited the Vetch and that still frustrates me, but I've been a regular sine the move to the Liberty. I got my first season ticket in the 2008-09 season - our first in the Championship - and haven't looked back since.
What was the first Swans game you attended?
My first Swans game was in 2006, which was a 2-1 win over Crewe Alexandra. I was only eight at the time and found the whole thing pretty overwhelming, but I still remember the feeling of leaving the ground. By then, I had already started asking for tickets for our next home game!
Why did you start supporting the Swans?
Nobody in my family has ever really been a big football fan until I found a love for it.
The first game I really sat down and watched was that spectacular 2005 Champions League final between Liverpool and AC Milan, and after that I think it was only natural that the Swans found their way into my life.
What is your most memorable Swans moment?
This is an easy one. My most memorable Swans moment is when Scott Sinclair stepped up to put us 4-2 up against Reading in the Championship Play-Off final. I can safely say I've never had so many emotions running through me in my life!
I'm quite lucky in the fact that, since I've started supporting the Swans, I haven't experienced many negatives. We've had our ups and downs, but all-in-all I think my time as a Swansea City fan has been an exceptionally successful one!
What is the best game you've seen at the Vetch/Liberty?
This one is slightly trickier, simply because there has been so many!
I think I'm going to have to stick with our promotion season and say that the second leg of our play-off semi-final against Nottingham Forest is the best I've seen.
After a courageous effort in the first leg, coming away with a draw after playing most of the game with ten men, I felt that we were really out to prove a point.
The second leg had it all: four goals, last-minute drama with Darren Pratley's screamer and even a rare, tidy finish from Leon! Apart from all of that, the fact that it took us to Wembley made this game the best I've seen.
What is the best goal you've seen at the Vetch/Liberty?
There's been a few screamers of late, with Shelvey's against Aston Villa being up there with one of the best.
I think I'm going to be a bit controversial though and go for a free-kick goal. I'm a big fan of efforts from dead-ball situations, and there are three that really stand out to me: Gylfi Sigurdsson against Arsenal last season, Fabio Borini against Norwich in our promotion season and Andy Robinson against Leeds in 2007. Three fantastic goals from three players who have done - and in Gylfi's case is still doing - amazing things for our club.
Can you tell us about the greatest sacrifice you have made to watch the Swans?
I've been lucky enough over the years that I've never really had to make too many sacrifices, mainly because I've always planned well ahead to avoid anything clashing with Swans fixtures. I suppose the only sacrifices I make are for Boxing Day matches, where I've forced the whole family to change plans to fit around a home game.
Describe to us your typical pre-match ritual?
I'm a bit of a Twitter addict, so from 9am onwards I'll have my eyes glued to my phone, discussing tactics with some of the excellent people I have got to know through discussing the Swans online. My Twitter feed will be frantically refreshed every match day at 2pm, waiting for any team news!
My dad, my younger brother and I usually get to the stadium for about 2.15pm, ready for a 3pm kick-off. We'll spend 20 minutes or so watching the televised game downstairs, then make our way up to watch the players warm up.
Who is your favourite Swans player of all time, and why?
It'd be easy to go with a sentimental choice here. Leon Britton, Garry Monk, Lee Trundle and many more have given so much to the club over the years, but as for my favourite player, I'd have to say Wilfried Bony.
Bony had everything that we required from a striker with the way that we play. He was strong, could bring our creative players into the game and most importantly could score goals - many, many goals!
Who is your favourite current player, and why?
Currently, my favourite player would probably be Gylfi Sigurdsson. Gylfi is technically excellent and has proven he can score goals, but most importantly to me has an outstanding work ethic. He gives 110% every single game and gives us real energy in the final third.
When I heard that Gylfi would be rejoining us at the beginning of last season I honestly had to pinch myself, and he showed exactly why I value him so highly with his performances - a truly class player.
What is your favourite Swans kit from over the years?
I was a big fan of the navy and light blue away kit during the 2007-08 season - it was reminiscent of the kit we wore in 1981 (although I must admit, I was a bit dubious over the colour choice at first).
If you could sign one player for the club, who would it be?
At the moment, Robert Lewandowski. I think he's got everything we (or any club, for that matter) need in a striker, and I certainly wouldn't mind seeing him link up with Sigurdsson, Ayew and Montero!
What has been your most disappointing moment watching the club?
The recent home game against Leicester is probably up there.
After a promising performance at Liverpool the week before, I think everyone was full of optimism. It was a real shame to see us get beaten 3-0, especially in the manner that it happened.
Besides that, I remember bawling my eyes out when we lost on penalties to MK Dons in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Southern Final!
What makes Swansea City special to you?
I love, and will always love, Swansea City Football Club. What makes Swansea City special to me is, well, Swansea City.
The club on the whole is fantastic, from ground level upwards. The board have been superb since taking over and I'm sure that will continue for many years to come.
The club has given me some of the best moments of my life so far, and I just know that there are going to be so many more.
Watching the Swans win makes the tougher times worth it. In fact, I think it makes the good times even better!
