It's been a strange old year and one that I certainly will never forget. After that momentus battle last season to stay in the league we have witnessed a transformation this season that purely sees us looking at the relegation battle out of a matter of interest rather than being stuck in the middle of it. What a nice change that makes?
I will certainly never forget last season, least of all that magical day in May when Hull were beaten at the Vetch to preserve league status. Sure on another day it could have gone a different way but the most important thing is that it didn't and I am sure I will take the memories of Thomas' hat-trick goal with me throughout my life. I will also remember for some time the start to the season when the Swans were free scoring and we were witnessing football of the standard that we haven't seen at the Vetch for quite some time. Sure, the euphoria has all died down a bit now but at the end of it very few sides could play football like that for a 46 match season.
We have witnessed some strange games already at the Vetch this season - Southend being one of the strangest I have ever seen - but it's been entertainment for most of the time. We have some of the divisions most exciting players in the side and Soccer AM frequently refer to Lee Trundle as "Soccer AM's Lee Trundle" but they can get their hands off - he is ours and grateful we are for that. I don't remember seeing too many strikers in my time watching football creating chances for themselves and showboating as much as Lee and he really is a joy to watch. I remember Lua Lua coming to the Vetch a few years back and the place buzzing with anticipation when he got the ball - you get a similar feeling now when Trundle gets the ball.
Brian Flynn has done an exceptional job in bringing these players to the club. I admit that I remain critical of him for his tactical decisions at times but thats part and part of football - fans will always remain critical and remember, a football supporter always believes that they know best - it wouldn't be the same if we didn't.
As far as the web site goes I have enjoyed this year. JackArmy.net has moved to new levels with over 7 million page views registered on the site in 2003 alone. That is in spite of problems with the speed of the site and the closure of the message boards earlier in the season when allegations against Premiership footballers were circulating around the internet world. We have had some great discussions on the message board and some ridiculous comments alongside them as usual. Proof that the Rivals network works has come in the form of StagMad who, despite his un-nerving hatred for one club, makes one valid comment in ten (is that generous?) and of course there was the comments from the Bury fans after the opening match of the season who complained that the match report was written from a Swansea perspective. Think that may be because I am a Swansea fan but I'm sure one day they will get it. And of course in the middle of the year, JackArmy.net was proved to be the most popular site on the network outside the top two divisions with over 1.7 million page views registered in August and September alone.
I am sure that the other regular contributors to the site will agree with me that the site is hard work but it is made what it is by the fans and for that I thank each and every one of you (not with presents I hasten to add!)
Life as a Swansea fan is never dull and I doubt it ever will be. It's 26 years for me next year as a fan and I can't remember too many periods when we were one of those sides playing out a mid table position. In my time I have witnessed 4 promotions, 5 relegations, 2 Wembley appearances and 4 appearances in the play offs with only one leading to promotion and even two trophies being won outside the Welsh Cup. Not bad for 26 years huh?
To cap it all as well this year witnessed the birth of my first child - something which I will never forget and puts this football lark into perspective - well at least until 3pm on a Saturday afternoon when nothing else seems to matter!
It's not been a bad year in reality and I hope you've enjoyed the way that JackArmy.net has taken you through the year (OK, forget Big Jack Brother for a moment!) and hope that you will keep all coming back next year for more.
But for now, it just remains for me to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and plenty of points for the Swans over the festive period. We're not perfect by any means but a step up from the performance levels at the moment could see us okay come next May. If you fancy a bit of a giggle on this Christmas Eve then please take a look at the 12 days of Christmas (warning for younger viewers - strong language contained)
Have a great Christmas everyone and if you get bored at 3pm on Christmas Day read this again instead of listening to the Queen!!!! (Sorry Ma'am!)
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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