Darling relishing first taste of derby

HARRY DARLING has spent the past week learning the history of Welsh football’s derby grudge.

His name may conjure images of a Blackadder character, but Darling has been delving deeply into a different drama – the chequered history of Swansea v Cardiff.

“I have heard a lot already about this derby,” said Darling, 23, who left MK Dons to join Swansea, hosts to their Welsh rivals in the showdown today.

“I have heard about what the atmosphere is going to be like and I can’t wait.

“I know a bit about the banter. The chef here at the club is a massive Swansea fan so he’s got a little countdown going on. He’s been counting down the last 20-odd days I think.”

The history includes some grim clashes between fans which has all combined to create a dark humour around the fixture.

Last season, there was an official Cardiff complaint that Swansea players celebrated their goals in a 3-0 home win with the “swim away” gesture – a breaststroke simulation that refers to a beachside battle between fans. Darling’s only derby experience is MK Dons v Wimbledon, a grievance more historical than geographical, but he added: “They are a bit tasty, especially the one away from home, so I have a bit of experience.

“For this one, the fans will be at it the whole game. I have seen the highlights and it looked fantastic.”

Cardiff have won only once in their last seven derby clashes against the Swans, who followed up their convincing home victory last season with a 4-0 thumping of the Bluebirds in the capital.

It means caretaker manager Mark Hudson has admitted his players have been reminded that Welsh bragging rights should mean as much to them as they do to Cardiff fans.

“We have pointed it out to them,” said Hudson.

“We have spoken about how much it means to us.”