The article that appeared in the Cambridge United programme on Saturday 20/12/97 is reproduced here.
Following on with our Jack Outpost series, Mattias Neander gives us his view of the Swans from Stockholm, Sweden.
Jack Outpost
I became a Swansea-fan in August 1990. I was nineteen and away from home without my parents for the first time, at least in another country. I was studying English at the university for two weeks with a group from a Swedish rehab-centre; I can't walk so I need a wheelchair in my daily life.
However, me and a few other football fanatics heard that Swansea had a pre-season game one night during our stay so we decided to go along and see it. I am not sure, but I think the opponents were Portsmouth. I don't even remember the score but I do remember that Swansea were the better team and that they had a fantastic right-sided defender - Chris Coleman I think.
I bought a towel and a scarf from the club shop and after that my favourite "english"/welsh team was decided.
I had quite a problem for a few years trying to keep up with news of the team. Then I read an article in a Swedish newspaper that Glenn Hysèns roommate in Liverpool, Jan Mölby, had taken over as manager. To get more info, I had to buy English football magazines, but these were very expensive and did not give much information on teams outside the top division.
The first thing I did when I got hooked up on the Internet, to be honest, was to look up and bookmark the homepage of my favourite Swedish team, Hammarby IF. Second thing to do was search for the Swansea City FC page. (Yes, your page, Gary). I also joined the mailing-list.
The Swans homepage is one of the best I've seen on the net - frequently updated and very informative. Via the mailing list I have been able to keep up to date with match results and the debate in the club. It is very interesting to read even though I don't contribute that much personally. However, if you ever buy a Swedish player, I might be able to give YOU some information.
If any of you come to Stockholm or if I come to Swansea again perhaps we can get together. Any Jack is welcome at my place as long as they give me advance notice.
UP THE SWANS!!!
Mattias Neander
Stockholm, Sweden
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