20Questions - Swansea City
Last updated : 19 October 2005 By Bigrich.....
Who are you; where are you from and how long have you supported your club?
Richard Evans, Swans MAD Editor, 20 years - been living away from Swansea for 3 years but still make roughly 30+ games per season.
What was your first game?
Swansea 2-0 Lincoln. 1987 - think Lincoln went down that day if my memory serves me right!!!
Describe the most memorable and worst game you've seen and why?
Memorable was probably the 4-2 victory over Hull on the last day of the 02/03 season - a game we had to win to maintain our football league status.
There have been loads of really bad games, although losing 4-0 to Kidderminster at home in that very same season was up there, along with a 7-1 away defeat at Hartlepool the season before. Consequently, I refuse to ever go to Victoria Park again.....
Who do you consider as your current local rivals, and why?
Cardiff - isn't it obvious??!
 | Lee Trundle |
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Who are the best and worst players you have seen?
The best - John Cornforth was a bit special in the 90's and of course Mr Trundle nowadays. There have been plenty of donkeys over the years, as tends to be the case in the lower leagues.
How did you fare last season?
3rd in League Two
How do you think you'll finish up this season?
Top 10
If Swansea were a TV personality, who would it be and why?
Good God. I have absolutely no idea!!
So what do you think of The Millers?
Seems like they've been punching above their weight for the last few seasons in the the Championship and a return to League One could be a blessing in disguise. From an outsider's perspective, a season of stability should be the club's main aim....and a prediction?? Top 10.
Which current or former Rotherham player impressed you most?
Deon Burton is probably your most high profile player this season and was suprised to see Brentford let him go. Neil Cutler is a player that most Swans fans will be familiar with, as he was on loan at the Vetch during the 02/03 season and helped keep the club in the league with some fine saves on the last day of the season. But many were left unimpressed with his decision to sign for Stockport for "financial reasons" at the 11th hour in the summer of 2004 and he has become largely unpopular in South Wales ever since.
Are you happy with your Chairman/Backroom staff?
Very. After years of no-hopers and almost going out of business a few seasons ago, the current board have pushed the club to fantastic new heights. A new stadium, attendances that have rocketed over the last few years and some fantastic playing staff - how can we complain!!!!
Which team do you want to beat the most this season and why?
It has to be Forest doesn't it?! There are a few others though, particularly Bristol City (who we thumped 7-1) due to the fact that they are sort of local rivals (ish) and Tranmere for dumping us out of the FA Cup in the Fifth Round two years ago. Personally, I'd love to beat Huddersfield as I cannot stand Peter Jackson.
 | The Liberty Stadium |
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Hows the new stadium? and are there plenty of drinking holes near?
The new stadium is a complete culture shock for those familiar with the Vetch Field - the facilities really are first class. Fans are still finding their favourite watering holes and a new Wetherspoon's pub is rumoured to be opening in the area soon.
Do you expect Trundle to be still with you at the end of the season?
Its a difficult one. It really does all depend on the club's league position at Christmas. If we're up there then there is a very good chance, if we hit a dodgy patch of form and are sitting mid-table, then there is every chance he might take the opportunity to move up a level. He really has become a legend at the club and is certainly a super-star at this level.
What sort of line-up can we expect from you?
We've had quite a few injury problems recently and its no suprise to see the club struggling a little bit of late. We've been particularly struggling up front, with injuries to the likes of Paul Connor, Akinfenwa, Kev McLeod and Forbes....but hopefully we'll have a few back for the weekend.
Who's your strongest / Weakest link??
Strongest would be the likes of Trundle and midfielder Leon Britton. If the latter is on form, prepare to be wowed by one of the most skillful players in the lower leagues (you can't miss him - he looks like a 10 year old boy).
Weakest - a couple of the defenders tend to have moments of madness, whilst Willy Gueret has been struggling with form of late in goal. Right back Alan Tate will either be fantastic or horrendous.
Predicted score?
Hopefully we'll have a few players back, but I think Kenny will settle for a draw here.
Who's going up?
Still too early to say but I think Huddersfield and Brentford will be there or thereabouts. I'm expecting a strong late surge from Forest too.
Who's going down?
Swindon and any three of a number of clubs!! Blackpool might struggle and I think Scunthorpe (as unlikely as it may sound now) could get sucked into trouble later this year.
Meat & Tatty, Steak and Kidley or Chicken Balti?
Chicken balti everytime
MillersMAD would like to thank Richard for his time, his site is at www.swanseacity-mad.co.uk
