| The old days v the current day 23:12 - Aug 22 with 4995 views | KeithHaynes |
Views ?
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| The old days v the current day on 10:43 - Aug 24 with 1212 views | Catullus |
| The old days v the current day on 08:40 - Aug 24 by Dr_Parnassus |
The Liberty may be louder due to sheer number but it’s all very polite and orderly. I was always disappointed with the Liberty when I lived in the U.K. No real energy or spontaneity, just the same old songs that die out as quick as they start.
The Vetch was raw and I would say louder than the Liberty pound for pound. I remember “Johnny Hollins Barmy Army” song started in the first minute and didn’t finish until half time, unheard of now. The crowd was more at one back then, or certainly on the North Bank it was anyway. |
It's nothing to do with sheer numbers, not when we're talking about back in the 70's and early 80's when the Vetch still held well over 21000.
Back on that August day in 1981 when we thrashed Leeds 5-1 the crowd was given as around 23,500. The North bank was packed, it was that throng, that atmosphere that helped generate the noise. In the all seater people around you can start singing and you don't feel as inclined to join in. On the North bank it just felt wrong to not join in. Mind you I was a teenager, youth played it's part. |  |
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| The old days v the current day on 10:46 - Aug 24 with 1182 views | onehunglow |
| The old days v the current day on 10:43 - Aug 24 by Catullus |
It's nothing to do with sheer numbers, not when we're talking about back in the 70's and early 80's when the Vetch still held well over 21000.
Back on that August day in 1981 when we thrashed Leeds 5-1 the crowd was given as around 23,500. The North bank was packed, it was that throng, that atmosphere that helped generate the noise. In the all seater people around you can start singing and you don't feel as inclined to join in. On the North bank it just felt wrong to not join in. Mind you I was a teenager, youth played it's part. |
It's the same with all grounds.
I remember going to Anfield to see St Etienne.
Nothing remotely resembles those days no matter what warlocks pundits ay about the atmosphere at Anfield. I remeber it being pretty placid when we fronted up to them there whilst in the Prem. | |
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| The old days v the current day on 10:54 - Aug 24 with 1192 views | swan65split |
| The old days v the current day on 10:43 - Aug 24 by Catullus |
It's nothing to do with sheer numbers, not when we're talking about back in the 70's and early 80's when the Vetch still held well over 21000.
Back on that August day in 1981 when we thrashed Leeds 5-1 the crowd was given as around 23,500. The North bank was packed, it was that throng, that atmosphere that helped generate the noise. In the all seater people around you can start singing and you don't feel as inclined to join in. On the North bank it just felt wrong to not join in. Mind you I was a teenager, youth played it's part. |
It was the compactness and closeness to the pitch, along with the "low" roof on the NB , there's no doubt it was special on occasions, as stated they can never be re created way stadiums are now
was lucky enough to be at the Arsenal game reported over 32,000, bet there was more than that there knowing those turnstiles.......  |  | | |
| The old days v the current day on 11:04 - Aug 24 with 1183 views | Catullus |
| The old days v the current day on 10:54 - Aug 24 by swan65split |
It was the compactness and closeness to the pitch, along with the "low" roof on the NB , there's no doubt it was special on occasions, as stated they can never be re created way stadiums are now
was lucky enough to be at the Arsenal game reported over 32,000, bet there was more than that there knowing those turnstiles....... |
When I worked at the Vetch many of the turnstyles were hopeless. Some of them you could remove the plate that covered the counter, many a time I checked the numbers and my cash indicated I had let a lot more people in than the counter showed. Some of the gate men made a fortune because they'd check the numbers and make the cash match them. Some of them got vaught and were sacked, Doug Sharpe used to pay some of his staff from his other business to walk around watching the gatemen. they caught several people stealing. | |
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| The old days v the current day on 11:13 - Aug 24 with 1177 views | 1983 |
| The old days v the current day on 19:45 - Aug 23 by onehunglow |
What do you mean "whatever".
Cast aside your agenda and comment accordingly.
The Vetch was appalling as it was dangerous (hence blocked off north bank) and facilitie were third world. If you are old enough,you know it is true so do not try to kid others on here who were too young for the Vetch.
I started going in 1958 ,Champ and seen it all. Ive even got the Ugly Duckling advertising material in my attic.
The Lib/Swansea .com is a lovely stadium a most away fans will tell you.
It pays to be honest in life if only for your own sanity. |
Silly old man go and duff someone up  |  |
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| The old days v the current day on 11:39 - Aug 24 with 1168 views | JJJack |
| The old days v the current day on 07:43 - Aug 24 by Dr_Winston |
No atmosphere I ever experienced at the Vetch compared to the playoff semi against Forest at WR.
If all seaters are the price we pay to end the dart/banana throwing, then it's a price football should pay gladly. |
Agree. The idea that somehow all-seaters don't generate much noise is a total fallacy. It's a bit more hassle for most to get to The Liberty but the reality is we'd have struggled to get a capacity bigger than 11k in the Prem if we'd stayed. We wouldn't have progressed in anything like the same way. |  | | |
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| The old days v the current day on 12:01 - Aug 24 with 1118 views | Dr_Parnassus |
| The old days v the current day on 10:43 - Aug 24 by Catullus |
It's nothing to do with sheer numbers, not when we're talking about back in the 70's and early 80's when the Vetch still held well over 21000.
Back on that August day in 1981 when we thrashed Leeds 5-1 the crowd was given as around 23,500. The North bank was packed, it was that throng, that atmosphere that helped generate the noise. In the all seater people around you can start singing and you don't feel as inclined to join in. On the North bank it just felt wrong to not join in. Mind you I was a teenager, youth played it's part. |
I’m talking about the Vetch as we left it.
Liberty in sheer decibel form will of course be louder when in full voice, there’s more people.
But louder doesn’t mean more passionate. |  |
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| The old days v the current day on 07:52 - Aug 25 with 1066 views | Swans9 |
Walton Hersham away in cup on a foggy night on the pop and crisp bus and we won 2 0. I think Ampadu scored. Don't think he made it back in time for Ritzys that night. | | | |
| The old days v the current day on 11:26 - Aug 25 with 1027 views | howenjack |
| The old days v the current day on 23:04 - Aug 23 by Badlands |
Not way back but I remember playing Rhyl in the F A Cup (71) and their fans decided to attack the North Bank, tried to get on the pitch then hit on the police dragging them into the East Stand. North Bank to the rescue straight into the East dragging police out to safety (& having a bit if a ruck) then on the way out getting arrested or kicked out by the same police! |
There was trouble at the game the preceding round as well v. Telford utd . fa cup r. 2.
I remember a pitch invasion from the west terrace all the way to the east . | | | |
| The old days v the current day on 11:55 - Aug 25 with 1023 views | Thrasher6 |
| The old days v the current day on 23:04 - Aug 23 by Badlands |
Not way back but I remember playing Rhyl in the F A Cup (71) and their fans decided to attack the North Bank, tried to get on the pitch then hit on the police dragging them into the East Stand. North Bank to the rescue straight into the East dragging police out to safety (& having a bit if a ruck) then on the way out getting arrested or kicked out by the same police! |
Made me chuckle....wouldn't have expected Rhyl to be up for it....fair play |  |
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| The old days v the current day on 21:53 - Aug 25 with 938 views | bonymine |
| The old days v the current day on 11:55 - Aug 25 by Thrasher6 |
Made me chuckle....wouldn't have expected Rhyl to be up for it....fair play |
Bognor Regis FA Cup game back in the 70’s with Pompey boys backing them was ‘interesting’ to say the least , West Ham away in FA Cup 1980 was tasty lost count of the number of Eastenders asking me what the time was after the game to suss out my accent !!
Liverpool away in Div 1 after Shankly’s death and Tosh wearing that Liverpool shirt total bedlam after the game.
I’ve done over 60 FL grounds watching the Swans so ‘been there and done it’ some amazing memories which have stayed with me throughout my life ….. my childhood years, youth, teenage years, early 20’s, late 20’s 30’s etc each stage has a different dynamic for example my decade plus as a ‘responsible Dad’ taking my two sons to the Vetch/Lib contrasts greatly with my earlier years following the Swans in the ‘bad old days’ yet I still reflect fondly about those days it was what it was at the time and I loved every minute of it !!
I never imagined my sons would witness us achieving top flight football again in 2011 following our exploits back in 1981 so I feel I am blessed having followed my beloved Swans since 1974 to have witnessed such a rollercoaster of a ride following my team and I wouldn’t change it for the world ….. ðŸ‘👊🦢 YJB |  |
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| The old days v the current day on 22:16 - Aug 25 with 915 views | swan65split |
| The old days v the current day on 21:53 - Aug 25 by bonymine |
Bognor Regis FA Cup game back in the 70’s with Pompey boys backing them was ‘interesting’ to say the least , West Ham away in FA Cup 1980 was tasty lost count of the number of Eastenders asking me what the time was after the game to suss out my accent !!
Liverpool away in Div 1 after Shankly’s death and Tosh wearing that Liverpool shirt total bedlam after the game.
I’ve done over 60 FL grounds watching the Swans so ‘been there and done it’ some amazing memories which have stayed with me throughout my life ….. my childhood years, youth, teenage years, early 20’s, late 20’s 30’s etc each stage has a different dynamic for example my decade plus as a ‘responsible Dad’ taking my two sons to the Vetch/Lib contrasts greatly with my earlier years following the Swans in the ‘bad old days’ yet I still reflect fondly about those days it was what it was at the time and I loved every minute of it !!
I never imagined my sons would witness us achieving top flight football again in 2011 following our exploits back in 1981 so I feel I am blessed having followed my beloved Swans since 1974 to have witnessed such a rollercoaster of a ride following my team and I wouldn’t change it for the world ….. ðŸ‘👊🦢 YJB |
Hammers in 80 , yeah dodging the sharpened 50ps they sending us!
Pool at Shanks death, that chant in unison directly when the Jack shouted during the silence , I can hear it now, tasty after , bricks smashed windows , bottles. | | | |
| The old days v the current day on 22:34 - Aug 25 with 907 views | Thrasher6 |
| The old days v the current day on 22:16 - Aug 25 by swan65split |
Hammers in 80 , yeah dodging the sharpened 50ps they sending us!
Pool at Shanks death, that chant in unison directly when the Jack shouted during the silence , I can hear it now, tasty after , bricks smashed windows , bottles. |
Was at that match....got in an hour before kick off and little West Ham runts were picking on the biggest of our lot....just to get brownie points when they got turfed out by the Old Bill. Mental afternoon...with 10 minutes to go I remember seeing the players on the pitch.....the next time I looked there was no one there....think I'm joking? Not a bit...we were in a battle. The line of cops were shite and we had to fend for ourselves...unreal. [Post edited 25 Aug 2021 22:36]
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| The old days v the current day on 22:40 - Aug 25 with 901 views | dobjack2 |
| The old days v the current day on 22:16 - Aug 25 by swan65split |
Hammers in 80 , yeah dodging the sharpened 50ps they sending us!
Pool at Shanks death, that chant in unison directly when the Jack shouted during the silence , I can hear it now, tasty after , bricks smashed windows , bottles. |
At both games - two of the roughest away games for numbers wanting it I’ve been to. Walking from the Boleyn pub to the ground was an eye opener and no matter how much I needed it, a visit to the toilet was a no no. Other fun days out were Millwall when the Queens bus went on their bank and being walked through the estate behind Tottenham after the evening league cup game was really iffy as the police were bricking it.
But it could be dodgy with smaller numbers at places like Burnley, Lincoln, Exeter and of course both Bristols. Away days - even when you weren’t looking for it. | | | |
| The old days v the current day on 23:01 - Aug 25 with 888 views | GeoffThom |
You had to have been there years ago to understand it
Magical times for a boy to man |  | | |
| The old days v the current day on 23:18 - Aug 25 with 881 views | KeithHaynes |
| The old days v the current day on 22:34 - Aug 25 by Thrasher6 |
Was at that match....got in an hour before kick off and little West Ham runts were picking on the biggest of our lot....just to get brownie points when they got turfed out by the Old Bill. Mental afternoon...with 10 minutes to go I remember seeing the players on the pitch.....the next time I looked there was no one there....think I'm joking? Not a bit...we were in a battle. The line of cops were shite and we had to fend for ourselves...unreal. [Post edited 25 Aug 2021 22:36]
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Thrown out of the game twice when on the kop. Both times when we scored, friendly Scouse welcome that day 😂 However, I put it down to being young and indestructible, or so I thought. | |
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| The old days v the current day on 01:10 - Aug 26 with 862 views | Treforys_Jack |
Travelling away was a genuinely scary experience back in the day, something almost impossible for todays younger fans to relate to. The adrenaline rush was something else. |  | | |
| The old days v the current day on 03:05 - Aug 26 with 842 views | Dr_Parnassus |
| The old days v the current day on 22:40 - Aug 25 by dobjack2 |
At both games - two of the roughest away games for numbers wanting it I’ve been to. Walking from the Boleyn pub to the ground was an eye opener and no matter how much I needed it, a visit to the toilet was a no no. Other fun days out were Millwall when the Queens bus went on their bank and being walked through the estate behind Tottenham after the evening league cup game was really iffy as the police were bricking it.
But it could be dodgy with smaller numbers at places like Burnley, Lincoln, Exeter and of course both Bristols. Away days - even when you weren’t looking for it. |
Been to many grounds, but most trouble our lot have got was away to Mansfield. They just beat us 1-0, an Iyseden Christie goal in 1997 I think.
Walking to the car, having to walk past all the Mansfield fans coming out of the stadium, the amount of people wanting to have a go out of what must have been a small crowd (5000 maybe) was crazy. Seemed like there was a group round every turn wanting to square up. | |
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| The old days v the current day on 22:37 - Aug 26 with 756 views | PatchesOHoulihan |
| The old days v the current day on 03:05 - Aug 26 by Dr_Parnassus |
Been to many grounds, but most trouble our lot have got was away to Mansfield. They just beat us 1-0, an Iyseden Christie goal in 1997 I think.
Walking to the car, having to walk past all the Mansfield fans coming out of the stadium, the amount of people wanting to have a go out of what must have been a small crowd (5000 maybe) was crazy. Seemed like there was a group round every turn wanting to square up. |
You probably kept telling them your opinions were facts and they got a bit annoyed 😂 |  |
| This is Patches O'Houlihan saying "Take care of your balls, and they'll take care of you." |
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| The old days v the current day on 05:40 - Aug 27 with 721 views | Dr_Parnassus |
| The old days v the current day on 22:37 - Aug 26 by PatchesOHoulihan |
You probably kept telling them your opinions were facts and they got a bit annoyed 😂 |
Oh I never do that Patches.
Facts are facts. My opinions however are largely based on common sense and factual evidence. Slight difference but not too much. | |
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| The old days v the current day on 09:25 - Aug 27 with 679 views | onehunglow |
| The old days v the current day on 23:18 - Aug 25 by KeithHaynes |
Thrown out of the game twice when on the kop. Both times when we scored, friendly Scouse welcome that day 😂 However, I put it down to being young and indestructible, or so I thought. |
I went there with my father and we have tickets in the Centre Stand.
We had no problems
I cringed when when the silence was broken.
It's still a matter of dispute.
Best forgotten | |
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| The old days v the current day on 10:05 - Aug 27 with 667 views | jackrmee |
| The old days v the current day on 08:40 - Aug 24 by Dr_Parnassus |
The Liberty may be louder due to sheer number but it’s all very polite and orderly. I was always disappointed with the Liberty when I lived in the U.K. No real energy or spontaneity, just the same old songs that die out as quick as they start.
The Vetch was raw and I would say louder than the Liberty pound for pound. I remember “Johnny Hollins Barmy Army” song started in the first minute and didn’t finish until half time, unheard of now. The crowd was more at one back then, or certainly on the North Bank it was anyway. |
Vetch definitely felt louder.
Much better atmosphere.
I agree totally.
Bring back standing places! |  |
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| The old days v the current day on 10:08 - Aug 27 with 663 views | jackrmee |
| The old days v the current day on 21:40 - Aug 23 by Catullus |
Nobody can argue that we needed to move and the Liberty/Swansea.com is a far better stadium in most respects. It doesn't mean we can't miss the old girl and just cast aside the many, many wonderful memories.
My memories of beig there as a fan, of working there, they are cherished. Just as cherished are the memories of friends we used to go there with who are no longer with us and the pubs we all used to meet in that are now gone too. The Clarence, the Gari.
I take my son to the Lib/Swan.com but I tell him what it was like at the Vetch. I've told him of darts and bananas being thrown, of people on the North bank taking a pee where they stood, of a packed North bank and us scoring could mean you ending up 20 ft from where you were standing, of the hairs on your neck standing up when the North bank was in full voice, of pitch invasions and charging at the away fans. He didn't believe it until I found evidence on youtube. |
Yeah, The Vetch was falling apart. I do like the new stadium, but so much has been lost.
There is not the same atmosphere. Not the same feel and buzz. I will never forget the days down the vetch. Many of them. I can't say I'll have anywhere near the amount of remembrances from the Liberty era. | |
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