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Glasgow has its old firm games and Merseyside may come alive at the thought of Liverpool v Everton. But when it comes to local rivalry, nothing comes remotely close to a South Wales derby. It’s a fixture was has caused heartbreak and elation in the 23 years that I’ve supported the Swans and I’m sure that everyone reading this has their own special derby memories. But why is the rivalry so intense? The reasons suggested for this over the years have been numerous and varied, ranging from political to monetary. It’s no secret that the people of Cardiff have enjoyed favouritism from both the government and the Welsh Assembly for many years, as we all know, the people of Cardiff actually voted against the Welsh Assembly but somehow managed to have its home built in their own backyard. But it’s on the pitch that the rivalry really raises passions. No matter what the clubs relative league positions are, this fixture has always been the one to win. The chance to revel in the glory of a local derby victory, an opportunity to wind up opposition supporting workmates for weeks on end and the satisfaction of knowing who is the best team in South Wales. Well until the next derby at least! This game belongs to the real supporters, the faithful fans who have followed their teams through thick and thin for more years than they can remember. The glory hunters who tagged on to the Swans against West Ham and Derby in recent years and the Cardiff fans who were only present at this seasons Leeds and Stoke games simply wouldn’t understand what this game means to the hardcore fanatics who remember so many past derby encounters. After surviving the nightmare of the last 9 months, for many jacks the FAW Premier Cup Final has an added importance this year. Not only is it a chance to win some silverware and a very useful £100,000 cheque. It’s also a chance to regain some pride and to show the Cardiff fans who are riding on Sam Hammans bandwagon that the balance of power in South Wales hasn’t shifted as much as they like to think. At 6.55pm tomorrow night eleven players in white will run onto the Ninian Park pitch with the hopes of every Swansea fan on their shoulders. Every one of the 1500 jacks packed into the Grange End will kick every ball, feel every tackle and nothing short of 110% commitment from every Swansea player will do!!! Matches like this are what being a Swans fan is all about. So if your going to Cardiff tomorrow night, get behind the team, sing your hearts out and let’s show the scum where the real power lies in Welsh football. After all, it’s……………………..DERBY DAY!!! JACKARMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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