A trip to the Liberty Stadium as a real reporter

A trip to the Liberty as a real reporter!

A phone call from Gordon Thomas, the Sports Editor of the Western Telegraph was at the time both unexpected and welcome because he was inviting me to go with him to watch the Premiership football match at the Liberty Stadium between Swansea City and Reading.

The news got even better because I learned en route that we were not only going to let me see my first game in the top echelon of English Football but we were in the press box and could attend the post match interviews with respective managers Michael Laudrup and Brian McDermott â€“ wow!

Meeting Riath â€“ and out onto the press area

After signing in at the appropriate entrance we were given our press cards and a programme â€“ and soon found ourselves in the press room alongside reporters from the national press, television and local radio â€“ many of them already busy on their lap-tops or eating the pasty, peas and chips provided along with tea, coffee or a soft drink. We bumped into Riath Al-Samarrai, at one time a cup reporter with the Western Telegraph but now making a name for himself in sport with the Daily Mail â€“ and there's a character for you!

A busy press area Then it was onto the press box, or to be exact, the press area, a long concreted open-air strip, with supporters above and below you, with our own table and small monitor to watch replays and check details. It was great because one felt very much part of the atmosphere but a little chilly I would imagine on wet winter days! Luckily the weather was terrific and as the crowd built up to capacity so the noise levels increased, with the small band of Reading supporters at the far end and the noisy Swansea group who insist on standing were soon in good voice for a bit of Max Boyce!

Sergio says hello â€“ and action aplenty

A special treat was the arrival in the centre circle of Ryder Cup hero Sergio Garcia, whose sister is the girlfriend of Pablo Hernandez, the Swansea player. A quick wave and cheer for Sergio was followed by the arrival of both teams through the group of mascots and the compulsory handshakes took place â€“ and I couldn't see one missed out by petulant superstars elsewhere!

The match itself, refereed by Mike Dean, was excellent, with chances galore, hard tackles and lots of noise. How could the Swans be 2-0 down at half time when they played so well and Reading had just two chances? The second half saw them hit the woodwork twice before scoring two goals in seven minutes to draw level â€“ now that really created plenty of noise from the Swans' supporters! Both sides had late chances but perhaps a draw was the fairest result, although on possession and chances created there should have been only one winner.

Meeting with Messrs Laudrup and McDermott

The post match interviews were conducted in the press room, after a cup of tea, with Mr Laudrup first, looking resplendent in his smart gray suit and pink bow for April Jones. He answered the questions in his calm, measured way and showed the class one would expect for a footballing star of yesteryear. I almost plucked up the courage to ask if he was aware of the footballing talent, like Joe Allen, he could find in Pembrokeshire but chickened out at the last moment! Brian McDermott was equally as pleasant and brought a few chuckles with some of his answers. We also bumped into Carew cricketer Scott Helmich and his fellow analysts whose job it is to study every second of the game and give feedback on performances - what a job!

Then they were gone and it was a stroll back to the specially designated car park, chatting with Mr Thomas about the game. Now he and Fraser Watson are old hands at reporting football in this manner but it was a first for me â€“ and I have to fully admit that I am ready, willing and able to try it again because it is a great way to watch top football!