To start off I think it would be natural for me tell you a little about myself. First and foremost I am a Swansea City fan. Why? Well, quite simply I was born and raised in the City. So, going by the unwritten law that apparently applies to (true) fans, my heart is forever tied to the club.
However, growing up in South Wales, during the late eighties and early nineties, surrounded by distant and relatively unsuccessful football clubs, Welsh kids were (and still are) often compelled to support one of the 'bigger clubs' from across the border. The ones which appear in Merlin sticker albums, feature in video games, star week in week out on TV and hog the headlines in national newspapers.
I was one of those kids.
Despite the odd trip down to the Vetch with my father, to watch Swansea
Being very young at the time (8 or 9), my choice boiled down to a simple decision:
Which club badge did I like the most?
Flicking through my Merlin sticker album I was torn between two: Arsenal and Norwich City. Daft eh?
Back then I really couldn't decide. The majority of my friends were massive Liverpool fans (Ian Rush, Dean Saunders etc). League matches weren't televised in the same way as they are today, which didn't help me with choosing... and Welsh footballers played for the wrong teams ;).
Eventually though I adopted Arsenal as my 'Premiership' team - only after falling in love with the 91-93 yellow away kit (even dafter!). I have since followed the Gunners religiously.
Looking back, despite the successful period under George Graham, I only really have a few vague memories of that particular early period. The most notable moments that stick out in my mind are
the European matches because as they were televised by ITV. I'll never forget the absolutely devastated and sick feeling I had when Nayim scored for Real Zaragoza, against Arsenal, in the Cup Winner's Cup Final of 94-95.
It wasn't until the arrival of 'The Premiership' and 'SkySports' at home (Thanks Dad!), that my unhealthy obsession with Arsenal really took
off. Watching George Graham/Bruce Rioch come and go, the arrival of Dennis Bergkamp, the prolific Ian Wright, Patrick Vieira and err... Glenn Helder. I also vividly remember
being angered by the SkySports 'pundits' for dismissing Arsenal's chances at the start of the 98-99 league campaign. They accused the back
four of being 'too old' and predicted a mid-table finish for the club. Oh how wrong they were (and usually still are!).
Now, in 2008, Swansea City have gained promotion to the Championship (it's been a long time since
they were last at that level), Arsenal just missed out on a few trophies this season (I blame the referees!) and my passion for both clubs
hasn't faded.
In fact, over the years, my love for football has grown significantly. Welsh football, as low of a standard it may be, has really developed in the past few years. I admit I have a hankering for
Carmarthen Town these days!
Also, with the success of the Champions League and excellent coverage of foreign football on TV in the UK, I'm starting to follow
more European clubs than ever - Mostly Valencia, A.C. Milan to name a few.
It's also worth pointing out I'm hopelessly addicted to 'football management' games on the PC.
So... to sum up. I love football... perhaps a little too much.