David Cotterill lines up for his first taste of a Welsh derby next week ready for the abuse that goes with it

The Swansea City man had abuse last season - he says not just personally but his family as well - when he lined up and scored for Sheffield United against Cardiff.

Cotterill - who was born in Cardiff though - says that it does not bother him as he told Wales on Sunday “I got a quite of bit of stick in that game from some of the fans.

“I don’t know why I was singled out. I’m a Cardiff boy, but didn’t snub them as a kid or anything like that.

“I didn’t turn them down to go elsewhere, they weren’t even interested in me.

“I never played for them and I don’t owe them anything so it was a bit ridiculous really.

“That’s not a problem and I can handle that and get on with my job.

“But my family got a bit of trouble at the game; my wife and little one got abuse and threats and that’s too much.

“I know it’s going to be worse for me on Saturday and that’s fine. But when it comes to your loved ones it’s a different ball game."

Cotterill has already been taken into the hearts of the Swansea fans after his record move from Bramall Lane and he added

“I’ve heard the songs and it’s great – it’s a badge of honour,” said Cotterill.

“When the fans start singing that at you it shows what you’re doing is being appreciated.

“I want to help this team do well and the more they sing it the better because it proves I’m doing that.

“I’m from Cardiff – I’ve never hid that fact – but it doesn’t mean anything when it comes to the derby.

“I didn’t support them when I was younger, I was always more of a Manchester United fan.

“Yes, I used to look for their results when I was a kid growing up and hoped they did well.

“But now it’s different and this is about the team I’m playing for. Nothing else matters.

“It’s a huge game for everyone in the area.

“When it comes down to it, it’s just another game and another three points.

“But you can’t deny the fact everything that goes with it makes it special and gives it a real edge.

“I’ve always watched the game on TV and it’s looked electric. A lot of derbies do but it’s obvious this is up there with the best.

“A few of the lads have talked about it, they all agree it is the game you want to play in.

“Garry Monk told me it’s the best game of the season and I’m sure that will be the case. We’re both up there pushing so that will only add to it I’m sure – but both teams have a great chance regardless of what happens on Saturday.

“But we’ll be definitely going for a win because you can’t take anything for granted in this division, especially with the number of teams waiting for us to slip up.

“We want to win it and I’d obviously love to score. I’m a Cardiff lad but I’m a Swansea player and I want to do well for this club.

“We’ll have to wait and see what I’d do if I did. I’m more focused on trying to score rather than what I’d do if I managed it.

“It’s more important for the team to keep on progressing and hopefully that means three points.”

SOURCE: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/swansea-city-fc/2010/03/28/swans-ace-cotterill-ready-for-derby-stick-91466-26122287/?

Photo: Action Images

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