"We are nobody's whipping boys" - Exclusive interview with Kevin Johns!

He's one of the city's most recognisable faces, a film/theatre/radio star, and - most importantly - a lifelong Swans supporter... it's Kevin Johns of course!

And it was my great pleasure to catch up with Kev this week to chat about his involvement with Jack to a King, the Arsenal game, Swans managers, and his passion for the club.

Kev Johns - a true Jack through and through!

Chris: It took me long enough, but I finally saw Jack to a King in October. What a brilliant film! I know you've seen it a few times, so what are your thoughts now the dust has settled?

Kevin: I've seen the film five times and every time I watch it I see something different or I see somebody different. I can honestly tell you that I've not watched the film once without having tears in my eyes. And I often see people in there who are no longer with us. I saw the minister Caradog, who married my parents and did my Christening when I was a baby – he was a Swans fan and he sadly is no longer with us and there are others [who feature in the film] that have passed away. They would have all loved to see us where we are today. But I do see something different every time I watch it.

C: It's a great advert for Swansea City isn't it? Such a gripping, almost fictional storyline!

K: I think it's great for the club and introduces us to an international audience. It tells the story that shows that we have not forgotten those who are hugely responsible for saving this club. There were some ugly, dark moments during the Tony Petty period and we fought through. I also think it's a very funny film and very emotional. But the story hasn't finished yet – there's a greater story still to be told!

C: Sticking with film, you were part of Barclay's Spirit of the Game heroes and starred in your own short video for them last month. Tell us about that?
 
K: Well it's a bit embarrassing really. I was aware something was going on since last March. I had a few phone calls from Barclay's asking for an interview and we did that, then they asked if I would take part in their podcast - again something I happily did. But then I was getting more phone calls and more interviews, asking more questions, so I said to the guys at the Liberty “do you know anything about it?” but they said no. Then, after hearing Barclay's wanted to do some filming with me for the Stoke game, I had a phone call explaining what it was all about and that they were making four short films about passion in football. It was all very humbling - there are so many people who do so many things, but I am the guy the club suggested for it.

C: And that led onto the signs flashing around the sides of the stadium on match days that say 'Thank You Kevin Johns'?

K: (Laughing) A friend of mine who I've not seen for 30 years, who works in the British Embassy in Bucharest, sent me a screen shot of the television and said “I'm just watching the match in Bucharest, and look what I see!” Those signs are quite humbling and quite nice. My mum and dad were very proud, and I'm happy for them that these nice things happen.

C: You do have a reputation for being ultra passionate about the club, so you deserve it.

K: I'm just a Swansea City fan. I'm just a supporter of the club who's been given the opportunity to serve the club and do what I do. I still have a season ticket. I was actually asked a few years ago, when we were in the Championship, if I would be interested in doing what I do for a Premier League club. An agent rang me to see if I was interested but I said no I'm not, only because I think a real supporter needs to do that job. I have no second team, I am a Swans supporter – always have been, always will.

C: Moving onto what's been happening on the pitch and the Swans seem to be doing brilliantly at the moment. Garry Monk is clearly the right man for the job. What's gone right this season?

K: I think there seems to be a great team spirit there. In the Arsenal game – in an age where we talk about the salaries the players are on and some of the negative aspects of their lives – I watched a team play for the shirt. They were playing for the badge. And Garry Monk is a Swansea City man, and there are people like him – Alan Curtis and Kristian O'Leary – all in the dressing room, motivating the players. All are passionate about the Swans. I never doubted that one day Garry would be involved with coaching and management with the club. But I didn't think it would happen so soon.

C: I guess no-one expected it to happen that quickly did they? He was just thrown into it.

K: No, it happened much quicker than we thought, but I have no doubts that he's the right man for the job. And of all the managers we've had though the era of success, it's the new, young managers that have done the best job for us. Brendan Rodgers, Roberto Martinez, and now Garry - all are guys who have punched above their weight and succeeded.

C: I couldn't have put that better myself! Now, Man City on Saturday – do you think we'll come away from the Etihad with something?

K: Well I believe anything is possible now. To be honest with you I think why I get so disappointed when we lose is because I never actually think we are going to lose! I expect us to win every game. When we looked at the fixtures at the beginning of the season we kind of thought “oh we've got a run of easy games there,” but they're actually not easy games because teams like Stoke, Newcastle and Sunderland will all be saying “Swansea is a game that is winnable for us.” They have the same mentality as we do. I also thought “Everton, Arsenal and Man City – that's a tough run,” but we've picked up four points so far and I'm thinking now that if we only get four points from these three games I'm okay with that. But I also think that Man City have had better times, it's a different Premier League this year, so anything is possible. I don't think we are anybody's whipping boys. I think we'll come away with credit and the supporters will have seen a good game of football. There's a great team spirit, so there's no reason we can't beat Man City.

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Make sure to get to this year's panto at Swansea Grand Theatre to catch Kev in action on stage! You can follow Kev on Twitter and keep up to date with all Forza Swansea news on my Twitter page.
 

ForzaSwansea Exclusive: The Lee Trundle interview!

After my interview with Alan Curtis proved popular among ForzaSwansea readers, I hunted down another Swansea City legend for an exclusive chat - Lee Trundle.

The former fan favourite striker was a prolific goalscorer for the club, notching up 83 goals during 166 appearances over two stints. But it wasn't just his goals that sees him dubbed a star - his confidence, charisma, club pride and, of course, his big bag of tricks really did it for Swans fans!

He remains with Swansea City as the club ambassador and a youth squad coach, though he was kind enough to take some time out of his busy schedule to meet up and give us an exclusive interview about his current role, his past games and other footballing issues. Enjoy!

Lee in his new role as club ambassador

Chris Carra: So, you've settled into your new role as club ambassador - how are you finding it?
Lee Trundle: It's brilliant. Obviously when I was a player I used to try and get out to as many things as I could, like schools and hospitals, but now it's part of my job and this is what I do day in, day out and there's nothing better. I've always loved mixing with the Swansea fans so to have that as my job now is a dream come true.

CC: You do the match day hosting too don't you?
LT: Yeah, I do the match days up in the lounge, but my main day-to-day stuff is going out and meeting people. I've been out to a soccer school this morning and that was brilliant. I'm always really busy - every single day I'll be working in the morning and afternoon. I'm over at the club shop this afternoon, so I'm always doing something.

CC: And you still play football from time to time?
LT: Yeah, I play in Liverpool for my two local teams, where I grew up. When Swansea are away it gives me chance to travel back. Because I've got a young daughter in Liverpool it gives me a chance to go back and see her and my family. So if I'm back I'll have a game for the local teams as well.

CC: I'm sure I heard you signed for a team in Swansea too?
LT: I had signed for Brunswick, but I needed international clearance to play for both, so I never played a league game for them.

CC: Moving back onto the Swans - it hasn't been the best of seasons. It was great being in Europe, but it's been a really poor league performance. What was behind everything falling apart?
LT: I think the Europa League has taken its toll. We haven't got the biggest squad and the extra games were tough. Although we loved the experience of being in Europe, and I think the Swansea fans did as well, I think it's the same thing – every team that's in the Europa League always struggle in the [domestic] league. They always find themselves in the bottom half, most of them, so I think that played a massive part in where we were this year. It's a lot of travelling and it takes its toll in the end.

CC: When you were a player, what was your favourite game with the Swans?
LT: It would have to be the Millennium Stadium final (vs Carlisle United, April 2006), with the early goal and winning the cup and everything that went on – it would have to be that one.

CC: And the worst you played in?
LT: That would probably have to be... the Barnsley play-off final (May 2006), getting beaten on penalties. Although I was subbed that game, I'd done well myself but just the feeling of getting beaten that way, I'd never felt like that in any other Swansea game, even when I'd played my worst.

CC: Who is your favourite player to watch in the squad at the moment?
LT: Obviously Wilfried Bony has been brilliant and for me he has been my player of the year this season, but my favourite player is Leon Britton. To go through the leagues and to still be outstanding in every single division that you are in, you have to be a class player to do that.

CC: Who would be your ideal dream summer signing for Swansea?
LT: If it was a dream one it would have to be Ronaldo – definitely. People go on about Ronaldo and Messi, but for me Ronaldo has got more than Messi.

CC: That would be a great addition! What about a realistic signing?
LT: When I think of signings I always think of strikers, because they are the ones that win you games. A striker would be good, with the cloud over Michu because he hasn't played much this year, but... it's a tough one...

CC: Finally - who's going to win the World Cup?
LT: I'm going to go for Brazil. I'll support England, but for me England are the same every year – they've got great individual players, but they don't seem to click. For me, if I was Roy Hodgson, I would play Liverpool's system. I would keep the Liverpool players in and then just put Rooney where Suarez is, because I think their system has worked well this season. It's attacking, so I'd go that way if I was him.

CC: Being the half Italian stallion that I am (or maybe more of an Italian donkey?), I will be passionately supporting Italy. How do you reckon they will fare?
LT: Yeah they are a strong team and with the World Cup it's hard to call really, because until you see the first couple of games and you can see how the teams are, it's difficult. For me I think Germany have got a chance, I think they're very strong. It's the same teams all the time – Belgium as well, they have quality players but it's how they work together.


A big thanks to Lee for taking the time to speak with me. If you want to read more about his career and life as a Swansea City star, check out his book - More Than Just Tricks.

ForzaSwansea Exclusive: Alan Curtis interview!

From time to time we have some great interviews on ForzaSwansea, and today we have a true Swansea City legend grace the pages of this fine blog.

I've interviewed former Swans player and now club coach Alan Curtis over topics such as the Cardiff game, his favourite memories and this season's expectations, along with some fun quick-fire questions. Enjoy!

Chris: You've been a player and a coach, but which have you enjoyed more?
Alan: Coaching is a close second but nothing beats playing. That's why I tell everybody to play as long as they can.

What is your favourite memory as a player for Swansea?
My two favourite games were playing against Preston and Leeds - both great occasions.

And what has been your favourite Swans game as a coach?
It would be both Wembley appearances (play-off final and league cup final) and wins at the Emirates and Stamford Bridge. A special mention goes for the first 45 minutes against West Brom last season!
 

Alan playing for Swansea City back in the day

In the current squad, who do you enjoy working with the most?
I can't pick anyone out individually, but I enjoy working with all the forwards and the attacking players.

Who's usually the first and last out on the training field?
Both first and last are Ben Davies and Jazz Richards - they're always practising.

What are the main differences between Michael Laudrup's coaching style compared to Brendan Rodgers?
Both managers are very similar in footballing principles - lots of possession drills and small sided games.

We've had a tough winter but have got through it intact - in May, where would you be happy to see Swansea finish the league?
I'd be happy to try and finish in the top ten again, and hopefully we can have another good cup run in both competitions.

If we survive Napoli, can we go all the way in the Europa League?
Absolutely - if we play to the top of our game we can beat anyone.

What went wrong in the last South Wales derby?
We underperformed badly and talked too much about the occasion, rather than concentrating on the game itself.

So, despite Solskjaer's intentions, do you see us finishing above Cardiff?
Yes.

Some fun ones to finish - if Swansea could sign any dream player (from today or anytime in history), who would you choose?
Diego Maradona - he was an unbelievably good player.

Who's going to win the World Cup this year?
Playing at home will give Brazil a massive advantage but I wouldn't discount Germany.

We have readers from countries across the world - but can you speak any foreign languages?
Not really... but I can order a round of drinks in six languages!

Okay so you're at the bar - what are you drinking?
I'm a beer and lager man.

And, finally, what's your favourite blog?
Forza Swansea!

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A massive thanks to Alan for taking the time to answer our questions - it's proved a very enjoyable read!

To read more about Alan and his brilliant career, you can buy his book Curt: The Alan Curtis Story in good bookshops or online.