We can’t afford a Trip up in next round
HIBS DANNY EYES REAL EURO JOY Swanson’s desperate out to avoid a Greek tragedy after Faroes formality
Swanson’s experience of facing Greek clubs as both a Hibs fan and a player at Dundee United have been painful and unforgettable.
A Europa League qualifier against AEK Athens while on the books at Tannadice in 2010 saw the away leg in Athens played behind closed doors with 500 armed riot police forming a mile-long guard around the ground to ensure the safety of the travelling fans.
It provided Swanson with a surreal first taste of European football. He said: “The game in Greece was played at the home of Olympiakos and it was amazing experience due to the weird set-up.
“We were stuck in our hotel and not allowed out. We then had a police escort to the game and no one was there, only executives. It was so weird. But it was some stadium and they were a decent outfit.
“We’ve all heard that Greek fans create some atmosphere and that was what I was looking forward to. But the game was moved from AEK’s stadium and we didn’t get it.
“It was a great experience, even though we were knocked out 2-1 on aggregate.
“I also played in the home leg against Slask Wroclaw but didn’t travel for the away game, although I was told their fans were a bit rowdy.”
Swanson’s other Greek tragedy was in 2001 as he looked on from the Easter Road stands as Alex McLeish’s side fought back from a first-leg deficit against AEK Athens only to be edged out in extra-time.
He said: “That was a game I’ll always look back on fondly. It was a brilliant night. I went back to my dad’s pub after the game and even though we lost the place was absolutely bouncing. Now that we’re in Europe and looking forward to a trip to Greece, that game immediately sprung to mind.
“It didn’t feel like a defeat and, to this day, was probably the best atmosphere I have experienced at Easter Road.
“I’d love to be part of an occasion like that on the pitch rather than in the stands.”
Swanson knows the test against Runavik is all but routine but he’s desperate to be handed a starting spot after coming off the bench during last week’s demolition.
He added: “It’s going to be good for the boys to get the experience of playing in Europe.
“They might not be the strongest of opponents but we still had to be professional and score goals.”