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Preston - 25 Years On

Is It Really 25 Years Ago?

Back then I was in my early days as a Swans fan. I didn't see a huge number of games, and I guess as well maybe it was little more than a passing interest at the time but I do remember the excitement that I felt that Saturday afternoon as the radio broke the news that the Swans were one up, then two up - the first division beckoned.

Football was a rarity in those days. Television coverage was minimal, radio coverage I seem to remember was restricted to a score update every 10-15 minutes but with the passing of time I guess that particular memory could become a little bit blurred. I'd seen games in the lead up to Preston and watched the Swans maybe only 3 or 4 times that season but the knowledge was there, if we beat Preston, we would relegate them and also take our places amongst the elite of British football. And with it, the elite of European football based on the fact that English clubs were dominant in Europe in those days

It sounds odd now but dancing around the living room as the radio reported the goals - probably several minutes after they happened. Feeling the tension as Preston pulled one back and then the elation as we went 3-1 to the good. Happy days. Since then I have wished that I had been there, enjoyed the day. Looked on with envy at those that were and laughed at the picture of Tosh with Dudley Lewis encompassed with a picture of a fan's arm - my brother's arm ironically.

Those that were there will share countless tales of the day, the transport and the sheer euphoria of being at one of the club's biggest days. And I know for sure that if we ever got another day like that that wild horses would not keep me away from the occasion.

What I do find hard to believe is that 25 years have passed by since that day. Especially when you think of all the things that have gone on during that time. Bankruptcies, near misses, relegations - too many of them, promotions - not enough of them, chairmen I would rather forget and more managers than I can remember. The Swansea City rollercoaster.

Maybe its just me but I look on the players from 25 years ago with awe. Last week I shook hands with Jimmy Hadziabdic - at 35 I felt like a 10 year old again and almost lost for words. Tosh was interviewed on this site a few years back, I was in awe of him for the whole time we discussed. And Curt, well he will always be a legend to me - and my first Swansea hero - just ahead of Robbie. Oh Robbie, we still miss you.

For someone that wasn't there, Preston holds so many memories for me - what memories does it hold for those that were there? Share them in "Burning Issues" by clicking here

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