I’m Matt Jacob, I’m twenty-three and I’m going to be writing for SCFC2 as the East Stand Voice!
Swansea City is my local club, my pride and my passion. It’s more than just a football club to me, its a family tradition. I’ve followed them from the North Bank terrace at our old home – the lovely, ugly Vetch Field – to the vociferous East Stand at our new Liberty Stadium. My first game would have been when I was about four years old (home to Bradford City so my dad tells me) and my love for the club has grown ever since.
My claim to fame? I once held a door open in a restaurant and to my surprise Lee Trundle walked through it. He said thanks and I was so starstruck I couldn’t respond!
Went to Swansea University in 2007 until 2010 but continued to follow the club all over the country. Graduated with a degree in language and communication and am working towards making a career in football journalism.
Best memories? Too many good ones to mention in recent years! Surviving relegation to the conference in 2003 is pipped by being reduced to tears by Scott Sinclair’s penalty to make it 4-2 at Wembley. There have been just as many dark times: the Tony Petty fiasco, relegation in 2001, Craig Bellamy’s last gasp derby winner for Cardiff to name but a few.
I still have to pinch myself sometimes when the teams walk out and we’re lining up against Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal after all that I’ve seen in nearly twenty years following the club. What a far cry from away days at Lincoln City and Boston United!
Swansea City have never done things the easy way, but whatever happens next with this club, I’ll be there!
You can follow me on Twitter @OriginalMattyJ