5 Reasons why Americans should (and are beginning to) love the Swans
Yet another TSW debut today. Warren Smith, an American who's been converted to The Swansea Way, has got in touch with some reasons Swansea are endearing themselves Stateside
As football (or soccer as we Americans call it) continues to emerge in the United States many newcomers to the sport have begun to seek for a team to follow - as evidenced by the high ratings for the NBC TV coverage of the EPL, and
the enormous zeal with which Americans got behind the national time at this summer's World Cup. Although for the sake of this country’s future international success it would be best for American fans to find a passion for MLS teams, it is still a welcomed consolation prize for us to see many finding an interest in arguably the most competitive and established league - the Barclays Premier League.
In the past, the few interested fans clung to the success of top six teams with a rather fair-weather dedication, but now the increase in interest and exposure has led to a greater variation in fandom. As many have mentioned, one of the teams that has grown in popularity is Swansea City, and I thought I'd have a look at some of the reasons for this growing trend.
1) True Underdog Story
It is a pretty universal fact that people love an underdog. In the United States, however, this fact rings even more true. We cherish stories of small mid and major college basketball teams that make it to the final four. We praised the New York Giants for upsetting the undefeated (and seemingly unbeatable) New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
There is nothing we love more than a good “David and Goliath” sports story, and there is no better sports story to represent that cause than Swansea City’s rise over the past 12 years. From imminent demotion out of the football league to winning the League Cup, Swansea was saved by its very own small town in South Wales. Sparing all the details that many of you probably know, this success is surely unparalleled by any other story in sports.
2) Emotional and Loving Fanbase
One of the main factors that drew so many to the U.S. men’s national team at this World Cup was the dedicated cult-like following that surrounded it in the United States. While vociferous chanting throughout the entirety of a game is not uncommon in European sports, Swansea has one of the most passionate fan bases of them all, something I believe is added to by it's hometown ownership. In my one experience at the Liberty last fall in the 3-3 tie against Stoke City, I would be the first to express my amazement at the atmosphere in the stadium.
Despite falling 2-nil down at halftime, the fans continued to sing their lungs out in encouragement for the team. When Bony scored the go-ahead goal in the 86th minute, the stadium rumbled onto the Richter scale.Then when Swansea tied due to an unfair penalty call, the fans stood strong in support for their spirited team. It is also worth noting that Swansea fans consistently overrun the stadiums at away games as their chants can even be heard over those of their home counterparts while watching on television at home
3) Well-run club that lives within its means
Despite common stereotypes of American excess, we are actually typically repulsed by excessive spending. Unless one has close ties to the team, fans hate teams like the New York Yankees who buy all of the best players for exorbitant fees, and we praise teams like the Oakland Athletics (as seen in the movie Moneyball) who do the most with little money and a small market. Swansea City is famous for its end of year positive profit margins as many teams lie in debt, and Swansea’s dedication to making the most of journeyman type players who they buy for small fees (Ashley Williams, Wayne Routledge, Michu etc) is something most definitely worth applauding.
Finally, when they did spend a high price on a player as they did last year with Wilfried Bony, they do their research and their investment is now worth arguably double it's initial £12million fee. Huw Jenkins has stayed true to value buys rather than expensive risks to influence the steady growth of Swansea City as he dedicates himself to the adage that “no player is worth more than the team”.
4) Team Spirit and Player Loyalty
Americans cherish loyalty to one club. We praise the Derek Jeter’s and Tim Duncan’s of the world who remain at one team for the entirety of their career, and it's seldom you find a club like Swansea City who have this theme engrained in their culture. Players like Leon Britton, Gary Monk, and Alan Tate have remained with Swansea through all 4 divisions. Ashley Williams recently rejected higher wages and possibly more prestigious clubs to try and end his career with Swansea, and Jonathan De Guzman has recently expressed his desire to return - giving the atmosphere at the club as one of the motivators behind this. The team spirit and family atmosphere have made Swansea a place that players don't want to leave.
5) Bitter Rivalry
Finally, Americans love rivalry. We never pass up a chance to watch a game between Alabama and Auburn in college football or Duke and UNC in college basketball, but the South Wales Derby trumps any rivalries that exist in the United States. When the two Welsh teams come into combat, there is no more exciting scene as emotions run high and fan bases clash. Players become legends and stories are made from every single match. There is surely no better sight to be seen. While Cardiff’s relegation may have put a temporary hold on this exciting battle, we will surely witness these two competing again in the future.
In conclusion, as a 21 year old college student from Nashville, Tennessee, my geographical and demographic stature alone should be a testament to how this club’s prevalence is growing in the United States. Roughly four years ago, I fell in love with this team as I watched a 4-0 defeat against Manchester City on the opening day of the 2011/12 season. Despite the loss, Swansea’s fluent football and spectacular heart drew me in.
I write this article so current fans may be able to witness the growth of this club and to show new fans why there is so much to love about this team, but if you are still not convinced after reading this blog then I challenge you to watch just one of their games.
That is all it will take to make you fall in love as well.