Unflappable with an im-peck-able football taste? Walsall FC seek new Swifty mascot
He’s played the role of Swifty for more than 20 years – but now Dougie Swain is ready to hand over the suit to someone new.
Walsall FC is offering Saddlers fans the job of a lifetime as it looks for a new person to take on the mantle of club mascot.
Dougie, now 60, needs a knee operation so has decided the time has come to hang up the furry beak.
Speaking to the Express & Star, he recalled some of the glorious and dramatic days the position brought him including the club’s historic first trip to Wembley in 2015.
Looking back on how he landed the job, Dougie, from Bloxwich, said: “It was just a regular interview process at first, but they called me back alongside a couple of other guys and we got to try on the suit then.
“I will miss the fans and the buzz of being on the pitch but at least I can watch games without a mascot’s hat on now.
"I am a bit of a prankster and like to make people laugh, so my friends thought I would make a good mascot and encouraged me to go for it.
“My first game was at Bescot against Fulham. Kevin Keegan was manager and I remember it being a surreal experience for me.
“That match actually secured promotion for both teams, so it was a total party and a great introduction to my life as a mascot.”
Dougie has juggled being Swifty with his job as a carpenter and his work as a musician over the last 20 years and has seen countless football stadiums across the country, meeting numerous football legends along the way.
He had previously played football to a semi-professional level before taking on the role.
Of his highlights he said: “I actually got to go on the pitch at the old Wembley and save a penalty, they had all of the mascots from the different leagues come down for an event before it was knocked down.
“Obviously going to the new Wembley for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final in 2015 was another highlight.
“I will always remember meeting Sir Gordon Banks, he was a complete gentleman and it was an honour for me to meet a World Cup winner.”
He added: “I can’t explain what a great feeling it is meeting these young kids who are so excited to see you, taking pictures with them and signing autographs.
“The job has also lead me to meet some great people within the club as well and I would like to say a special thank you to John Highway, who has stood in for me whenever he has been needed.”
Supporters Trust secretary Steve Davies said: “Dougie is one of the unsung, or unseen, heroes of the club.”
Visit the club’s website for full details of the job at www.saddlers.co.uk
