FAN FOCUS: Samuel Evans

As part of a new feature on our website, we put the spotlight on you - our loyal supporters.
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: Samuel Evans
Age: 22
Where you are from: Abercarn

How long have you been supporting the Swans?
I've been supporting the swans since I was 16, so only 6 years for me.

What was your first Swans game?
It wasn't the best of games, I must admit. My first visit to the Liberty was to watch the Swans against Blackpool, back when Charlie Adam was playing there. Although it ended 0-0, that game will always be in my memory because it was the first of many trips to the Liberty.

Why did you start supporting the Swans?
Being from South Wales I was obviously brought up a Manchester United fan, but a group of lads from my high school regularly went to watch the Swans. I wanted a taste of what the fuss was all about, and ever since I have been in love with them!



What is your most memorable Swans moment?
It has the be the play-off final in 2011 - the whole weekend was incredible.
With the score 3-0 at half-time, I remember turning to my mate and saying: "I wouldn't mind Reading getting a consolation goal because their fans deserve something to cheer." 
They scored quite quickly from the restart before scoring another soon after, and I began to eat my words. Then Garry Monk made that incredible tackle.
Scotty Sinclair sealed the deal, making it 4-2, to cap off an amazing game.
After the match, when we were making our way back home, the atmosphere at the Severn Bridge tolls was amazing. Thousands of Swans fans were queuing to cross the border, and all you could hear were the sounds of horns and chanting - there were even a couple of streakers! Amazing.

Best game you've seen at the Vetch/Liberty?
For me personally, the best game I've seen was the 3-0 derby win over Cardiff last season. The whole day was amazing.
Before kick-off, the chanting and drumming from our very own prince of ginger Stephen Jones in the gangway was brilliant.
Then came a fantastic performance from our boys in Garry Monk's first game in charge. Wow!
 
Best goal you've seen at the Vetch/Liberty?
It's hard to look past Jonjo's stunning effort last season, but I think Darren Pratley's goal in the play-off semi-final was my favourite. The way the fans reacted to the goal and what the goal actually meant made it simply unreal.



Your greatest sacrifice to watch the Swans?
My wedding day was booked for some day in March (can't remember exactly the date), but the Swans were playing at home.
After a very short conversation with my wife-to-be, the date got swiftly changed to April 5 when Swansea were playing Hull away - a game we couldn't travel up for.
I was just pleased that my wedding day wasn't clashing with a home fixture!
 
Your typical pre-match ritual?
I make a 110-mile round trip with four fellow Jacks, and I always insist on entering the same turnstile (number 26) when arriving at the Liberty.
It's not the greatest of pre-match rituals, but I walk into the men's toilets through the entrance while my mate enters the men's through the exit. We cross paths, he goes to the urinals and I go to the cubicles. I do my business then wash my hands pressing the same cold tap - although hot water comes out - before drying my hands under the hand dryer. All of which whilst wearing my lucky pants!
 
Who is your favourite Swans player of all time, and why?
Ferrie Bodde - what an absolute legend! He was such a strong player in the heart of our midfield, but it was such a sad way for him to end his career. Everyone remembers that goal against Preston.



Favourite current player?
I admire Angel Rangel. For someone who is not highly talked of in world football, the way he has progressed since he joined us back when we were in the lower leagues to his performance levels now is something that is to be admired.
 
Favourite Swans kit from over the years?
For me, it's the plain white Umbro kit from when we won promotion to the Premier League. Simple yet classy - just like me!
 
If you could sign one player for the club, who would it be?
Andrea Pirlo. Imagine his passing ability in our style of play!
 
Your most disappointing moment watching the club?
Some of our performances towards the start of last season weren't good enough. But as soon as Garry stepped in it was evidently much better.