your comments
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Mike McCandless, formerly Fforestfach
I'll never forget seeing as a football mad 9-year-old my hero Georgie Best playing for Northern Ireland against Wales at the beloved Vetch in 1970; it was a dream to see him; even better though that we won! (enillodd Cymru 1-0)
Thu Jun 11 15:55:05 2009
Smed NZ
Sixteen-years-old, got dragged there by a friend, was hooked from then on. It was 1980 so I was fortunate enough to see the Tosh glory days. I'll never forget the visit to old Trafford on our first year up...Good days. I watch the Swans results now from here in NZ.
Fri Nov 7 11:54:15 2008
G Evans,Bristol
A nice memory of Herbie scoring a 'hat trick' before moving to Australia.
Tue May 27 14:18:01 2008
Ray Jones from the Hafod
Left Swansea 1947 - rest of my life in New Zealand. Fond memories of dad taking me to the Vetch before the war 1936-37-38. Then with my mates after [for] faggots and peas - four pence in High St. Good luck to The Swans, Cymru am byth
Tue May 6 09:12:28 2008
Malcolm in Chicago
Used to go with my dad and my grandad. Started out in the West Bank and moved to the East Bank when that was built. Remember someone in front of us in the WB smoked a pipe loved that smell. Then in 1981 I was goalie in one of the the halftime penalty shootouts they used to have between local school teams. It was a Swans v Cardiff game and sadly the Swans fans were cheering the other team and we had the Cardiff support. Still a fantastic time. I was amazed the posts were oval not round or square.
Tue May 6 08:41:55 2008
Matt Munro, New Zealand
The Vetch - the Theatre where dreams came true. I lived in Neath and caught the train to watch my first Swansea Town game at the Vetch in 1968 and was instantly hooked. The North Bank became my second home. I was there the day we were robbed by Arsenal's million-pound team. What a place, I can still feel the electric excitement of night games. Herbie Williams was our hero and then of course along came Toshack who had been our nemesis when he was a 19-year-old at Cardiff City. He made our dreams come true - we got to the very top of the football league.
Fri May 2 12:48:06 2008
Barbara in Swansea.
Reply to Dave Thomas, Swans fan in Burnley: I support Burnley FC and live in Swansea! Looking forward to going to the Liberty Stadium next season. Glad the Swans have reached the heights of the Championship.
Tue Apr 22 12:35:41 2008
Cliffy from Canada
Remember being down the Vetch with about 2,000 others as we struggled in Div 4 but the great memories of standing behind the goals on the east bank as a kid - Herbie Williams was my favourite. My Dad knew his brother and he got him to take my autograph book with him for the opposition to sign. Used to run around to the players entrance at the end of the game.
Played for Clase Colts in a local final in 1967/8 - hit the bar at the east end. Then the Toshack era and the biggest disappointment - moved to Canada when the Swans won promotion - couldn't believe the Leeds result when I heard it.
Took a video camera to the Vetch when on holiday - the day Terry yorath left - everyone thought I was with the press and kept telling me to leave. Ah the Vetch - such memories.
Tue Apr 15 10:04:54 2008
Josh Thyer of Swansea
The Vetch was an ugly-looking place but what a football ground every team and fan that came was intimidated by the roar of the North Bank - I miss the Vetch so much.
Mon Apr 14 10:15:32 2008
Dave Thomas of Burnley
I have been a Swans fan since 1954 but have been living in a football backwater for nearly 40 years. I visited the Liberty last year after being away from Swansea for25 years. I must be the only Swans fan in Burnley and I am looking forward to them playing Burnley next season. Well done lads you've done me proud.
Mon Apr 14 10:11:22 2008
Leggy (ex h/west)
Once a Northbank boy always a Northbank boy the Vetch will never die - while we still live our memories live inside us if you ever stood on the Northbank you'll know what I mean. Great memories especially derby days against our sworn enemies! Atmosphere electric. Northbank boy until the day I die.
Fri Feb 22 11:06:14 2008
Loz - Telford
Born in Swansea and a fan since a young man. My dad and I followed the Swans together and went the breadth of the UK beginning in the late 70's, only missed one game in four seasons home or away, it was away at Sunderland in the old Division 2 as the bus we used to travel with forgot to collect us! I also scored penalties at half time on the hallowed turf (all 3 of mine) it was at the Stoke match think 82/83 possibly. I remember the thumping handed out to Leeds on that sunny day. Love the club and Waddle, Robbie James, Tommy Craig, Bob Latchford et all were for a fleeting period a match for anyone. Come on you Swans...
Mon Dec 17 10:46:30 2007
Paul Duffy, Thailand
Born in Swansea. Best memory was the atmoshere when Swansea beat Leeds United in the first game in league 1. Good luck S.C.F.C.from Thailand.
Mon Dec 10 13:21:57 2007
mike swansea
The real home of The Swans and if you're from Cardiff, you could always go for a swim....
Mon Nov 26 12:23:00 2007
Jordz Mcguire, Llanelli
The Vetch was probably the worst looking ground in the leugue, but everyone who went there had fallen in love with it!I went there in may this year (2007) for a look around. It was a huge shock at the state of it, anyway its still in better condition than ninian park!
Mon Oct 1 14:31:54 2007
Ivan Williams from Fiji
I'm surprised not to find Ken Owens name on the list. He and I were on the tanner bank nearly every game through the forties, Welsh League included. The Swans were our lifeblood. Ivor Allchurch of course, and Trevor Ford, but what about our halves -- Paul, Weston, and Burns! Great memories.
Mon Sep 3 09:33:43 2007
Chub from loughor
Worked there as assistant groundsman for 8 years. Best job I've ever had. Loads of happy memories and many friends made. Place is sadly missed. The Liberty is a great stadium but doesn't have the same atmosphere. Hope they build a park there for the local community to enjoy.
Mon Sep 3 09:22:46 2007
Malcolm from Chicago
Was fortunate enough to be a huge fan as a kid during the glory years. Remember a couple of games before Tosh, then of course went to every game during the Toshak Era. Was even in the West Stand before it was closed especially remember the infamous 3-1 win over Spurs, the 3-1 away to Preston giving us promotion to the old 1st division.
Last game I think I saw was just avoiding relegation in 85 vs Bristol Rovers, thanks to a huge save by the then goalie who I sadly can't recall.
Even played as a school kid one of the half-time penalty shootouts in front of the East Bank - I was the goalie! It was a game vs Cardiff just to add some spice, unfortunately the Swans crowd were on the side of the other team and the Cardiff fans on ours. We lost 6-3.
Tue Aug 28 10:58:56 2007
Godfrey Fielder London (Loughor boy)
So many wonderful memories - what about the 4-4 draw with Fulham when Johnny Haynes and Jimmy Hill played for them? Or one of Ivor's last matches before leaving for Newcastle when he got 4 himself? I think it was against Sunderland. Or Mel Nurse playing Brian Clough out of a game against Middlesbrough? My memories are vivid down the years but the most treasured of all are the silky skills of the golden boy - our Ivor, never to be forgotten.
Fri Aug 10 07:54:49 2007
Stuart James from Shrewsbury
I was born in Swansea and used to go to the Vetch. I stood behind Roy Paul when he took a free kick against Plymouth (no wall in those days), and the ball flew into the goal, nearly broke the net. Those were the days. Good luck to the Swans. Always the 1st result I look for on match days.
Thu Aug 9 10:14:47 2007
LlanJack
Saw a game from The North Bank in '76 and I was hooked!Missed five home games between '76 and our last game on the hallowed turf. When the North Bank rocked....it ROCKED!Night games, FA Cup games, promotion / relegation battles....AWESOME!
Wed Jun 27 10:11:44 2007
Nick - Canada
When I die I hope to go to heaven. Heaven will be Saturday morning at home in Swansea, breakfast with mam and dad, off to the Vetch for a few hours and home in time for tea.
Those times are gone now, but if I could have anything, when everything is said and done, it would be saturday home games every day. Swansea 'til I die.
Wed Jan 3 09:59:08 2007
James Williams from up the Hill
You will never beat night games at the Vetch Field or a F.A cup games.
Thu Dec 7 09:41:10 2006
Nathan from Swansea
The first time I went to the Vetch Field was only in 2003, at that enthralling relegation escape against Hull City. It was amazing the North Bank were mad, and I instantly fell in love with the ground. I only got to watch about 10-15 games there but I thoroughly enjoyed my visits to the ground, I really wish that they'd open the ground one last time for all those Vetch-loving fans to say a proper goodbye.
I much rather the Vetch Field to the Liberty, the atmosphere down the Vetch was electric. There is hardly any atmosphere in the Liberty, yes it's a good looking stadium, but I think the Vetch will always be home of Swansea City. Two of my friends, Callum and Darren, who are the most die-hard Swans fans you'll ever meet, completely agree with me.
I really miss the North Bank, and it's chanting, it was awesome, but all I can say is - LONG LIVE THE VETCH!
Tue Aug 29 09:51:57 2006
Jordan McGuire from Llanelli
Remember: swansea o swansea o city said i ill stand along the NORTH BANK untill the day i die! take me to the VETCH FIELD way down by the sea, where i will follow swansea, swansea city!!! i think they should sell the seats and part of the pitch to us loyal fans!!! and they should open the vetch for one last time!!!
Mon Aug 21 08:55:14 2006
Viv Ellis from Calgary,Canada
I was 5years old when dad took me to the Vetch for the first time(1948). We lived at the time in Baglan and we used to catch the # 42 bus, it would take us over an hour to get to Swansea.We would stand on the mound by the corner flag under the north stand.I was a loyal Swans fan for 20 years then left in 1968 for Canada
Tue Jun 20 09:27:04 2006
Dai Rees from Swansea
Can't believe I miss The Vetch so much...The Liberty is amazing and better than we could have hoped for - its moved us on so much as a club...but rewatching Hull 2003 just brings back so many memories and sums up the atmosphere to a t, but Im just so glad we are a million miles away from that game right now. Still, we'll always sing take me to the vetch field, our true home.
Mon Jun 12 09:21:31 2006
Josh in Llanrhidian
What I always loved about the North Bank was winding up they're left back! We would give him so much grief that we would always get a reaction and distract him!
The best atmosphere I have ever felt is probably in the FA Cup against Preston. The game was even that good, but the last 10 minutes were unbelievable! Also, I think Leon Hylton saved us in that match! He came on and did brilliant, pity that was his only ever half decent game!
I will never forget The Vetch, I will always remember my first time on the North Bank. I hope they open up The Vetch one last time, one last stand on The North Bank.
Thank you Vetch Field, memories will never be forgotten.
Wed Mar 15 19:17:51 2006
Richard from Mount Pleasant
I still cant believe we have left the vetch, a fantastic ground with an electric atmosphere, I will never forget, Thank you for the memories.
Fri Feb 17 12:16:34 2006
Jordan Cooper and Jordan Davies
We miss the Vetch Field and we like the Liberty Stadium its class I think Cardiff are jealous.
Wed Feb 15 10:34:28 2006
Cyril swan, Singleton Hospital with bird flu
Only a few words are needed I believe to sum it all up what she did and does still mean to us all 'Standing on the north bank, until the day I die, take me to the Vetch field, way down by the sea, where I will follow Swansea, Swansea city' perfect!
Tue Jan 10 05:14:52 2006
Stu from the Marina
Its been half a season since we've left, and looking back at pictures and reading what others have wrote brings a tear to my eye. White Rock may look good but give me stood squashed in the north bank chanting so much till we loose our voices! An amazing place with a fantastic atmosphere, you could always guarantee that when you've just bought a hot drink that Swans would score and it would end up all over you! As well as missing the goal with the pillars in the way! Ha ha but thats the fun and thats what we all miss, vetch field we love you and want you back! I just feel sorry for all the new Swans fans that they didn't get to experience the Vetch-factor
Tue Jan 10 05:10:30 2006
Raz from Swansea
Iv'e played at The Vetch on many occasions
it's a great atmos it will be sorely missed.
Thu Dec 8 14:05:37 2005
Rhiana Swansea
The Vetch will always be a part of our lives and our memories it was always a place to enjoy a place of joy,though it will be deeply missed by many, the new stadium will be able to be enjoyed by many others. I never thought it possible to fall in love with a place~*~ family traditions will never be the same xxxx
Fri Dec 2 18:54:24 2005
Matthew Swansea
It was the best place in the world.
Fri Nov 25 17:00:36 2005
Alex Swansea!!!
I miss the Vetch but love the Liberty.
Tue Nov 22 20:20:16 2005
Hussain Anas from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Stayed at Richardson Street when I was studying in Swansea. Went to the Vetch on cold nights to watch them play. Now halfway around the globe, and with Swansea FC near the top of League 1, how I wish I could be back!!
With a nice stadium, the finances need to be well managed. I hope as the silverware piles up, so too the funds. And who knows, maybe the club can visit me here on a lucrative Far East Tour instead!!
GO, GO SWANS!!
- Malaysian Jack
Thu Oct 27 06:13:08 2005
Rob from Gorseinon
I saw many home games at the Vetch in the 60's and always thought it was a special place, even reserve games when we would be waiting for the first team score from Derby, Plymouth or Workington (who remembers the deadly Kit Naiper?) I was a big fan of Jimmy Macloughlin and Herbie Williams although it was great to witness 'Ivor' when he came back to the Vetch.
Having been to the new stadium I enjoyed the facilities and the excellent view, and the 7-1 win! The Vetch will always be special though.
Thu Oct 6 21:44:06 2005
John Rees from Carmarthen
I never actually went to the Vetch but I heard the chants coming from the stadium last year when I was Christmas shopping and even that was unbelievable. I can't imagine what it would be like if I was inside. It's a shame I will never have the chance to go there.
Mon Oct 3 14:08:34 2005
Kim from Swansea
White Rock is the place where we play but The Vetch will always be our home.
I, for one, just cannot seem to adapt to this New Stadium malarky! I've been suffering withdrawl symptoms ever since that final game against Wrexham, and I think I will for the rest of my life!
Thu Sep 8 19:58:17 2005
Pete Jones now in North London
My first Swans match against Liverpool in the FA Cup on my ninth birthday in January 1982. Three years of nagging to be taken my dad finally submits and the feeling walking to the North Bank over the old wasteland where the flats are now, the noise was deafening and my brother covered my ears from some rude chanting concerning Bob Paisley. We lost 0-4 but standing at the front of the terrace I was hooked for life. The Vetch was like nowhere else...sadly missed.
Sat Aug 27 18:14:07 2005
Joshua Richards
I am very excited to go to the new stadiam, I think it looks wicked. Come on the Swans!
Mon Aug 8 13:37:46 2005
Some 1 from Mumbles
I've got a season ticket 4 the new stadium, come on the Swans and let's show Cardiff what we can do.
Mon Jul 25 22:47:46 2005
Nicola Williams Swansea
My most memorable moment at our beloved Vetch field has to be the nail biting, gut wrenching Hull game. I'll never forget the feeling of bitter devastation when it seemed we were going down. Then... up pops James,such a hero. The goals for me looked almost in slow motion. Giving birth to my three beautiful girls (mini Jacks) was very special, and that wonderful day is up with it. Once a Jack always a Jack, thank you our Vetch for such sentimental memories.
Tue Jul 12 00:30:26 2005
Beverley from Milford Haven
My dad took me to my first match in December 1979 when I was just 10. We watched from the North Bank as The Swans beat Charlton Athletic 1-0 (Ian Callaghan's 50th goal) and by the time the final whistle blew I was totally hooked. I remember my dad treating me to a black and white bobble hat as we left the Vetch, promising me that next time I could have a scarf...
Promotion to the First Division followed and I will always remember the day I came home from school to find an envelope addressed to me containing a Season Ticket, I was overjoyed.
The Leeds match was fantastic though one of the goals that sticks in my mind the most was the one scored almost from the half-way line by Gary Stanley against Man City.
I also recall buying a match day programme, to find that we were on the front cover, shown in the background standing on the North Bank!
These days I rarely get to attend the matches, I watched the last match on TV and cried when the 90 minutes were up.
Some of the best memories I have are from those Glory Days at the Vetch Field, no-one can take them away.
I hope the new stadium will generate just as good an atmosphere, I'll look forward to finding out next season...
Thu Jul 7 10:46:51 2005
Bert from one eye lid
If the Vetch could sing a song it would be 'Swansea Till I Die'.
Mon Jun 27 16:09:57 2005
Steve B from the Hill
I will never forget Robbie James' goal against Arsenal.
Sun Jun 26 16:21:21 2005
James Craven from Swansea
The Vetch will be missed with out a doubt but now we have to look ahead to a new life in a fantastic staduim. And if we try really hard and get behind the team we could be looking a championship football so come on the Jacks, lets make it a good one!
Wed Jun 22 16:44:49 2005
Jim Clifford - Brisbane
I stood behind the goal watching the Swans in the rain and cold in the days of Rawcliffe Burns Paul and a wonderful Irish right winger. What a great team! Do they still play Woody Woodpecker before the team comes on?
Mon Jun 13 15:14:01 2005
Big Wayne Morriston
The Vetch was S.C.F.C. for me. North bank in particular. The atmosphere, wit and passion will never be equalled, never mind bettered. Been to new stadium today, impressive, but not for me. Stewards telling me u can't go here and there... 28 years a jack... who are they? And u can't even smoke in the entire stadium...why? It's a concrete jungle in there. It may be Swansea City F.C...but not as we know it. And yes i was there when we only had 3 thousand turning up. Hope it never returns...
Sat May 28 00:16:59 2005
Rhys Jones, Cardiff
well done Swans. looking forward to the day of the clash between the two giants of Wales. Come on Blues!
Wed May 25 10:10:35 2005
Jack Underwood from Port Talbot
The Swans have been excellent this year I want to congratulate them on being promoted. Well done boys...
Sat May 14 21:44:44 2005
Gareth J Jones from Nant-y-Glo
I fell in love on the North Bank. That love is still true and strong today. When they knock the old girl down, a part of me will be buried too. Thanks for the memories...
Tue May 10 13:34:28 2005
Jonathan from Sweden
I'm so happy about all those things that happened at our Vetch field. All those goals for Swansea made Vetch field the best place in the world !!!
Mon May 2 19:20:41 2005
Thomas Craven from Swansea
I saw the last match in the Vetch today, the support was massive and we won 1-0 which was the only way to end the era at the Vetch field. I also ran on the pitch and celebrated with everyone else. The vetch will be missed but I will always be Swansea till I die!!!
Sat Apr 30 20:48:16 2005
Steve from Swansea....
I really don't know where to begin. We all have our own great memories of the Vetch, all as special as the ground itself. If I were to pick one, it would be beating Leeds United 5-1 in our first game in the old First Division, it doesn't get much better than that...although beating Liverpool 2-0 was a little bit special too! There are many many more.
Yes, "THE VETCH" , will be sadly missed.
Mon Apr 25 23:39:27 2005
Jo from Swansea/Townhill
I can't believe the Vetch is going, I cheerleaded down there once for a local team and I have never got to see the Swans play. Oh well I'll be watching the last game and a lot of memories will be held with me forever.
Fri Apr 22 17:08:17 2005
Roger Porch from Keynsham, Bristol
Friday night's last league floodlit league match was coincidentally against the same opposition as my first ever game at The Vetch (under lights) in early 1973 (Oxford United).
Many highlights from The Vetch, including a fightback from 0-4 down to 4-4, the various promotion years, but the tension and elation following the win against Hull City takes some beating. That day lives on in our family with a grandson having the forenames James Thomas!!!!
There is so much about The Vetch that is old, decaying, outdated etc, but it has a unique atmosphere which I hope can be recreated in future seasons, but whether it will be as intimidating for the opposition remains to be seen.
Wed Apr 20 14:45:38 2005
Leo from Trimsaran
I love the Vetch, I was born an Oxford Utd fan and the one game I look forward to every season is Swansea Vs Oxford. The atmosphere is amazing and I will miss going there.
Sat Apr 16 22:42:33 2005
Ian Walker from Trelewis
I first went down to The Vetch in 1978 when Tosh was made manager and from that day to this I've been a fanatic. The best memory is the day we beat Leeds 5:1 and the worst is that man Petty. I'll miss the place but we need to move on.
Tue Mar 29 20:43:18 2005
Michael from Blaenymaes
The fist game that I can remember was the first game in the old First Division, when we played Leeds and we won 5 one with Bob Latchford hitting a hat trick. The next good memories was when we won the Third Division title under John Hollins.
Wed Mar 16 17:38:37 2005
Phil McDonald from Melbourne Australia
My memories go back to the 50's & 60's at the Vetch standing on the side wall under the old double decker - Ivor Allchurch playing for Newacastle in a bad tempered game, Giorgio Chinaglia playing in the youth team when they played in the FA Youth Cup Final, the great cup run of 64 and queuing for tickets then getting soaked at Villa Park when we lost to Preston NE, George Best playing for Northern Ireland against Wales, Malcolm McDonald scoring 5 for England in an under 21 game, losing to Arsenal 1-0 in the FA Cup and then the away fans wrecked the town .... thanks for the memories.
Mon Jan 17 00:52:30 2005
Sharon Goodwin from Sketty
I watched my first game on the North Bank as a young girl in 1965, a 4-2 win over QPR. I was hooked from that day and had my first "boys" season ticket which cost two pounds ten shillings (£2.50) for season 66/67. Forty years on I still have a North Bank season ticket, over the years I've been on a roller coaster ride of highs and lows at the Vetch with the Swans. There have been many memorable matches but also many best forgotten! More than a few tears will be shed at our final game in April. It has been like a second home to many supporters and it will be difficult leaving our famous old ground for the last time. Hopefully, we can generate the same atmosphere at the new stadium and it should encourage a new generation of fans to become life long supporters.
Thu Jan 6 00:05:05 2005
Dave Jones from Rhos-on-Sea
I remember the hospitality shown by the club to myself and other members of the armed forces during the 1977/78 firemen's strike when we manned the Green Godesses in Swansea. We were billoted in the TA centre in Richardson Street backing onto the Vetch. We used the club's training rooms for showering and had complementary entry to the matches. I've followed Swansea from afar ever since and hope the new stadium helps bring new success.
Tue Jan 4 12:04:11 2005
Shaun Harries from Leighton Buzzard
Parry, Feeney, Keane, Paul, Weston and Burns ( Ray,Paddy,Rory,Roy,Reg and Frankie) were always the first 6 names in the first Swans teams I watched with my Dad over fifty years ago. What memories the Vetch holds for this exile. I hope the magnificent new stadium provides future generations with the same entertainment.
Good luck the Swans and the Ospreys!
Thu Dec 30 15:49:40 2004
Martin from London
I too remember the great cup run (1963-4 I think it was), beating Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield but then sadly losing to Preston NE I think). The first game I saw Swansea play was a 2-2 draw at Stanford Bridge... about 1961 I think. The only player I can remember then was Noel Dwyer in goal if I remember correctly. However, back to the present... when will Swansea along with most other clubs learn, that indiscipline is counter productive. What's the point in having first team players watching from the stands when they would otherwise be playing. You your brains and stay clear of bookings !
Tue Dec 28 00:37:40 2004
Ennylg Newo from Celtic England
The great goal keeper Frank Swift was playing but I do not remember his team.
Parry, the Swans goal keeper, Mad a couple sides which caused Frank Swift to clap. It's a pity we lost 1-0. That was 1945 or thereabouts.
Fri Dec 24 11:49:52 2004
K Richards - Perth Western Australia
Hi I'm a Swansea Jack, I have just returned from 6 weeks in town where I saw 5 games. I remember back in '64 when we had a great run in the FA Cup standing on the North Bank when we beat the likes of Sheffield United and Stoke and we then went on to beat Liverpool, to reach the semi final. That's when we had a crowd of 35,000, what an atmosphere that was. Also I remember the time I was home and saw Wales play Western Somoa in the Rugby League World Cup. What a Welsh atmosphere that was I can tell you, I had tears running down my face.
The Vetch has had some good memories for me like the year we got to the First Division and played Leeds in the first home game. We beat them 5-1, what a game that was.
I've got my ticket for the Shrewsbury game so I am hoping to be back in Swansea by then, what a match that should be for the Swans - could already be champions by then. We should carry on the good support to the White City, it's going to be great for the city, come on the Swans ... all the very best.
K Richards - a fan for over 50 years!
Wed Nov 10 10:21:01 2004
Huw
Yep, when she's gone, she's gone... catch her while you can.
Mon Nov 1 21:54:37 2004
Bungalow Bill from the hill
We'll miss the old girl when she's gone - so many memories...
Fri Oct 29 17:02:54 2004
What are your memories of the Vetch? What was the first game you saw there? Add your comments and stories here.
