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I write this piece on behalf of myself, my two sons, Gareth & David, and hopefully every Exile who can’t make the game on Tuesday. Let’s start with my two sons. They have been brought up for the majority of their proper footballing life with the phrase that has echoed out at many grounds throughout the country. ‘Today’s Swansea line-up is in goal – Roger Freestone’. They haven’t known any better and why should they, you can’t get any better than that. It doesn’t seem that long ago that I wrote a piece, for your 500th game for the Swans. It was meant to be away at Northampton, it didn’t go to plan, much like your testimonial year, well extended year actually. That game was postponed allowing ‘the faithful’ at the Vetch to greet you on that milestone’. The Chelsea game has not been straightforward either, but now that it’s arrived, it’s a game you richly deserve. You couldn’t have chosen a worse time to celebrate your service. It has come at the darkest days of the club, many people have shown loyalty in getting the club to survive, you are included in this. Not only could you have moved on, as the offers were there, but you also stepped in as joint caretaker manager when needed. Your loyalty is now being recognised, officially, as it has been recognised by the fans for years. You have shared the few high’s and many low’s with us, the fans. You are held in high esteem, naturally by us, but it’s not only us. Opposition fans that we have met always praise you. In fact even when your not playing, A Rochdale fan, took time out after our game there to comment that you kicked every ball and on occasions were too nervous to watch. It’s this attitude that has endeared you to Swans fans, you are one of us. It seems strange that it’s only a couple of days since we nearly went the way of your own Newport County. From what we read and hear, you still show loyalty to them. I am honest enough to say that I think Testimonials are a thing of the past, except in exceptional cases. You Roger, are in that category. You deserve this night, again it’s a shame it has been tainted along the way. Many will call it a game of football. They can call it what they want, but Roger, when you come out of the tunnel, it will not be for a football match, it will to be greeted by friends. Friends that are in the most cases, just faces in the crowd, but each will have their own special reason for being there. Each will have memories that you have given them, and this is their chance to say a big thank you. For every fan that is there, there will be hundreds, if not thousands, countrywide and world wide, that echo the sentiments that will be bestowed on you Enjoy the evening, and please remember that when your football playing career comes to end, another awaits you. The Wales Rugby team are still looking for an expert player who can drop kick to touch. Even Mr Perfect has a few faults. That time is way, way in the future, there are many, many years still left in Mr Swansea. Enjoy the night, the plaudits are deserved |
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