Pre-Match Chat - Swindon Town Fan
By Deadly Submarine
August 6 2008
Returning for the new season, our Fanfile section begins with an interview with Lawrie Harding - a Swindon Fan who is looking forward to Saturday's match against Tranmere at the County Ground for the season opener. Deadly Submarine took time out to speak to him.......
What is you name and for how long have you supported Swindon Town?
My name is Lawrie Harding and I have supported Swindon Town FC since 1966. My first ever match was home to Oldham Athletic on Saturday 3rd December 1966, we won 6-3 and I have been a Town fanatic ever since!
ABOUT YOUR CLUB
What is your most memorable Swindon Town moment/match?
My most memorable Swindon Town match was the 1969 league cup final played at Wembley against the mighty Arsenal in front of a packed house of 100,000. Arsenal were very strong favourites but we beat them 3-1 after extra time, Don Rogers scored twice for us that day.
What is your worst moment supporting Swindon Town?
My worst moment watching Swindon was when reached the old 2nd Division play off final at Wembley on May 29th 1990 when we beat Sunderland 1-0 in a game we dominated so were promoted to the old 1st Division (now the Premiership) only to be demoted to the old 3rd Division as punishment for financial irregularities.
On appeal we were put back into the old 2nd Division and Sunderland took our place in the top division - they were promptly relegated.
EDITORS NOTE - A certain other team were mixed up in that whole mess as well as many of us will know!!
In your eyes who is Swindon's All-Time Greatest Player and why?
Swindon's all time greatest player? This is very easy without doubt it was the Great Don Rogers. He was in our first team at 17 and played for us for about 10 seasons, even though he was a left winger he was top scorer most seasons he played for us and his dribbling ability and pace made him a fearsome opponent in the lower leagues.
Taxi For? (To which Player would you pay a Taxi Fare to leave the Club?)
Who would I pay a taxi fare to leave Swindon? I can't honestly say there is any player we currently have who I rate so lowly as to do that, and as a true Town fan the thought of upsetting one of our players is unthinkable anyway - sorry.
Which Swindon player can do most damage to Tranmere Rovers on Saturday?
The player who can do most damage against you on Saturday? I would say it is between our little left winger Anthony McNamee and our striker Simon Cox. I will go for Simon Cox as he has scored in all the pre-season friendlies and is a lethal finisher.
Is Maurice Malpas the right man to get Swindon out of League One?
Maurice Malpas, I must be honest and say we were surprised he was chosen as our new manager last season. He has been building a new squad this summer and has brought in some good players, so the jury is still out on him. Personally I would be surprised if he gets us promotion.
Any Swindon Chants we should try to listen out for at the game?
In my experience the best chants are reserved for big away matches i.e. at Leeds last season the main chant was "There's only one Peter Ridsdale".
LEAGUE ONE VIEWS
What is your Top Two Prediction for League One this season?
My top 2 tips for League One promotion this season has to be Leeds and Leicester.
Play-Off Winners?
I will go for ‘Sarfend' United!!
Your tip for the Bottom Four places?
Stockport, Yeovil, Crewe and Cheltenham.
THE TWO CLUBS
Where do you think Swindon Town will finish this season?
I think Swindon will improve on last season's 13th place, I predict 8th.
Do you think Tranmere will be Promoted/Relegated from League One and why?
There is no way Tranmere will be relegated; I think they will be up there fighting it out for a play-off place.
What is your Prediction for Saturday's game between the sides?
I will go for 2-1 to Swindon (sorry lads)!
Any other comments to add?
I'm looking forward to the match and good luck to Tranmere for the coming season.
FINAL RANDOM QUESTION
I've successfully driven the Magic Roundabout in both directions! Have you?
Being a Swindonian I have negotiated this infamous roundabout many times and am now quite used to it, but for someoneusing it for the first time my advice is close your eyes, drive through and hope for the best!
EDITORS NOTE: That sounds just about right from my experience last season!!
Thanks very much for your time and enjoy the game (but not too much) and good luck for the rest of the Season after Saturday.
It has been a pleasure conversing with you and good luck on Saturday...as long as we win! Are you going Mike?
I am indeed yes! Thanks Again!
I have to disagree with Stockport as a tip to go down though, only if they keep hold of Dickinson!
id be suprised if we win but itll be agood day
Not sure for definite though!
(Sm127)