Autoglass Memories Pt II

Autoglass Memories – The Goalkeeper Speaks

Ten years is a long time in football. Well, five minutes is a long time sometimes but ten years is definitely that. Roger Freestone is the only remaining member of the Swans side of April 1994 still playing at the club.

Indeed, you could say it was Roger who won us the Autoglass Trophy with his save in the penalty shoot out – a moment that he classes as one of the best moments of his career. When you consider that he has won championships with both Swansea and Chelsea as well as played against Brazil in front of a capacity Millennium Stadium crowd, that is no small feat.

As part of our features leading up to the 10th anniversary of the Autoglass Final win, we caught up with Roger after a Sunday evening meal at home to talk to him about his memories of the great day

"It’s hard to believe that it is ten years ago. Indeed, until you just pointed it out to me I hadn’t realised. Some of the moments of that game stick out in my mind like they were yesterday in particular the noise that was being made from the Swansea end. There was no doubting that Huddersfield may have had the advantage in terms of number of support but, as ever, the travelling Jack Army made themselves heard.

"We dominated the first half of that game after Andy (Macfarlane) gave us the early lead and I thought we could have been another goal or two clear at the break but fair play to Huddersfield they came back strong in the second half and deserved their equaliser. Extra time was a nerve wracking affair and I remember Jason Bowen cracking a shot against the post towards the end of the game.

"Then it was down to the penalties – I guess they can make or break a goalkeeper’s career. They hit their first against the bar and we were taking what I can only say were superb penalties. Then it came down to the last one. My mind was in a blur at the time but I have since watched the video and Frankie Burrows was on the bench and he murmured ‘come on Rog’ as Cowan, I think, stepped up to take it. You’ve said to me before that it seemed in slow motion but I still guessed right didn’t I?! Of course you know I saved it but I honestly didn’t know that was it until big Lee Jones came and jumped on my back. I wondered what had hit me.

"To me that was the culmination of a lot of hard work that had gone in from everyone at the club and most of all it was a reward for the supporters that had been through so much to be there. When you think of the troubled times of the club then all credit to Doug Sharpe and everyone else for turning it round to that.

"For me, playing at Wembley was a massive occasion. You always wonder whether you will make it when you start up in the game and I am lucky to play at the two best stadiums in the World. For me the game against Brazil was massive – it’s bound to be representing your country – but playing at Wembley for the Swans I would say generated a better atmosphere.

"Walking up those steps after the game to collect the trophy sent shivers down my spine. When I took it from Corny and lifted it you could just see the banners and the joy on the faces of the supporters and that is something that will live with me forever.

"Then there was the traditional walk around the pitch to show it off to the fans that had made the trip. You know me, I’m not the best looking bloke in the world but without my teeth in I’m untouchable – maybe I should have put them in for that part of the day! And when I did the Nobby Stiles type jig with the trophy, well that was an utter disgrace!

"It’s a day that I can’t forget and I suspect that most that were there won’t forget in a hurry either. It all passed so quickly but thanks to those nice people who produced the video I have something to show the grandkids one day that their grandad graced one of the most famous stadiums in the world. Swansea were the champions."

Roger talks with great fondness of the day at Wembley and it is clear that he holds the day in very high esteem. This was of course the Swans’ first appearance at Wembley and for someone that we know holds this club so highly it meant as much to him as it did to the supporters that were there.

Pictures Produced with thanks to Colin Jones, Phil Sumbler and Jamie Robinson

Why not check out the latest Vetch Verdict on the BBC site?