Back to our roots
By Phil Sumbler
As a former longstanding Chairman of the Supporters Trust Phil Sumbler saw the rise of Swansea City and then the fall from grace of the previous owners right up close. But in this piece for ATFV the PlanetSwans webmaster rejoices in the club’s return to its community roots after too long away…….
Much is said and written about things like ‘The Swansea Way’ when we look back on some of our glory years of the past 15 years but that relates to things on the pitch which saw some of the greatest football that many of us have witnessed from a Swans team.
For me though it was as important to have a ‘Swansea Way’ off the pitch as well which isn’t in relation to the decisions taken in a boardroom (or at least not those that relate to the football side of the club) but the way that we recognise the importance of the football club in its local community, and not just appreciate but celebrate our heritage and history.
I class myself as fortunate (although don’t tell my stress levels that at times!) to have been involved so heavily with the Supporters Trust for such a long period of time. During that time as well, I certainly count myself as hugely privileged to have played my part in the organisation (and unveiling) of things like the Robbie James bust, the subsequent wall of fame, the WWI memorial plaque and there are many notes to our history in and around other areas of the stadium that were as important to us as anything that was happening on the pitch.
And this wasn’t always a simplistic thing to do.
A shared stadium meant the management always had a “nod” towards the Ospreys for this kind of thing (who of course had a short history) and there was a definite resistance to making the stadium look like a shrine towards the Swans. Largely though we ploughed on and the results are clear for all to see.
We had family days, open days, awards dinners built for fans, forums, social nights with players and everything that for me made Swansea City stand out as #notjustanotherfootballclub.
Promotion to the Premier League brought an extra spotlight to the football club and the city, but with it the pressures of increased expectation on the pitch saw focus go much more onto the money side of things.
The launch of the Community Trust was something to be proud of, but the focus of the club was different, the focus of the board was different, and we slowly started to lose touch with our roots.
Whether we chose to accept it or not people were feeling far less close to the club. I spoke to many people I had known for years who just didn’t feel the passion they once had, and supporters were starting to feel like just another number on a ticket rather than part of a club that we could be proud of.
The club being sold (and the ongoing dispute relating to that) did not help with new owners not necessarily interested in the heritage but certainly not aware of it.
And that is why it is pleasing for me that the last twelve months have seen a huge jump back to having a club that we can be proud of.
It has been small steps but when you read stories of the manager and players checking in on fans during the first lockdown, free mascot places to children of bravery, a monthly award for a fan who has made a difference and just a general feeling that people are back to being closer to their club again, it’s hugely encouraging.
The last 12 months I am sure have taught many of us many things, but certainly credit must go to all those involved in this side of the club for their part in bringing Swansea City back to its fanbase – or at least taking several large steps towards that happening.
I feel a sense of pride again every time I see a picture of a shirt on a seat of a departed fan and I watch videos of players wishing a happy birthday to fans and taking time out of their day to do this.
Of course, it will not be possible to do this for everyone but for some people it makes such a difference to them and the pride in the football club goes up a few levels as a result.
Combine this with our great form and results on the pitch from Steve Cooper and his team and we have a football club that has gone back once again to the #notjustanotherfootballclub mantra and this time – promotion or not – we must make sure we keep that going and remember Swansea City is part of our community.
