Soccer newbie. Very much so. Old enough to remember Cosoms 1.0 but uninterested at the time. Paid attention to the last few World Cups but nothing in-between. MLS held no interest. At various times considered EPL clubs but nothing stuck. Last year's WC was catalyst for a lot. It helped that the second season of wal-to-wall EPL games on NBC started so soon after the WC. Now it was easier to form attachments outside the Big 4+1. Watched as many games as I could and found myself drawn to traditional mid-table at best teams having above average early success, namely Southampton and West Ham in addition to Swansea. The Saints had an edge because I grew up in a St. Mary's parish and attending a school by that name, but their being so, soo good early in the season actually worked against them. It seemed a bit too front running. Might as well go for one of the top 5 (not true I know, but still). West Ham never really had a chance because I couldn't bring myself to root for something called West Ham, even if the Hammers nickname is way cool.
I also was concerned about rooting for a non-top team and having them get relegated. Research showed hat Swansea was very well run since their shake-up a few years ago, with Huw, other local business leaders and the Trust taking over.
Meanwhile Monk impressed me, Bony charmed me every time he scored, Ki and Siggurdson impressed, and it didn't hurt to have a Polish national team member in goal. I've always had a silly affection for Wales ever seince I learned as a kid that Prince Charles was Prince of Wales and imagined him ruling a bunch of sea mammals. The white uniform with black trim was simple and classic, and I liked the swan logo. The 2-1 comeback win over Arsenal in the rain in November clinched it. So I am, as noted a total newbie and never suffered with the team but I'm hooked now and will take what comes good or bad. How about you?
