SPOTLIGHT ON - SWINDON TOWN FAN : HOLLY AITKENHEAD

Another home game means another blog from a visiting fan! 🏟️💬

Each home game, we shine a spotlight on a female fan from the visiting team, giving them a chance to share their story and love for the game.

This week, we spoke to Holly Aitkenhead – a proud Swindon Town supporter – ahead of their visit to Boundary Park. Here's what she had to say about football, fandom, and favourite memories.

🔵 Name: Holly

🟠 Club: Swindon Town

📍 Hometown: Swindon

🗣️ Q&A

Tell us an interesting or unusual fact about your hometown or city.

We’re pretty famous for our Magic Roundabout. It’s 5 mini roundabouts round a big one! Sadly I failed my first driving test on it!! Our 23/24 home shirt even had mini roundabouts on it!

What got you into football – and do you remember your first match?

My family! I remember watching my mum kicking the ‘air ball’ in the living room whilst watching some frustrating games when I was younger. And lots of memories of playing at school!

Why did you choose to support your club?

I’ve always followed football and we have a big Manchester United house hold when growing up. I wanted to go to a local game and take my little boy to his first game so we went to the County Ground. And just fell in love with everything about Swindon, the community feel and the people I met as well as the history of the club had be hooked!!

Who was your footballing hero growing up?

David Beckham

What's your favourite football memory as a fan (or player)?

As a fan, my first Swindon away game. It was a last minute decision to stop on my way home from visiting family up North. The game was half way home so a perfect place to stop but was a bit daunted as hadn’t ever been to an away game! With the help of some friends I’d met I got some advice and the result ended up with a 5-2 win. Couldn’t believe what I’d achieved and the result we got to see!!!

Do you travel to away games often? What’s been your favourite ground to visit – apart from Boundary Park!

I go to as many as possible! My favourite are usually ones that are easy to access - practical with a car park! 🤣 we just played Cardiff in the cup - and that was fantastic!!

What’s the best chant or song your fans sing?

My favourite is ‘Oh when the reds go steaming in’

Have you noticed attitudes toward female fans or the women’s game changing?

Yes, absolutely moving in the right direction. I feel now more people call out unacceptable behaviour and stand together.

Matchday traditions – any lucky charms or rituals?

I have to watch the first kick. Sometimes if you’re chatting or still sitting down etc the whistle goes. If I miss the kick off I feel like we’re going to lose!

If your club were a film or song, what would it be and why?

That’s a tricky one as I’m so rubbish at music and films!! Don’t even watch much tv any more, but if I had to say a genre it would be a romantic drama, absolutely full of loving fans but we often see late drama!

What do you think the score will be on Saturday – Oldham v Swindon?

Oldham 1

Swindon 2

(Sorry!)

Which Swindon player should Oldham fans watch out for – and why?

Our new signing!

⚡ Quick Fire Round

🏟️ Favourite stadium (besides your own)?

Old Trafford

🥧 Top matchday snack?

Cadbury Twirl and Ready Salted Pringles

🚌 Home or away days?

Tricky one - love the adventures of away day but can’t beat seeing everyone at home!!

📺 VAR – yes or no?

Na

👕 Dream player to sign for your club?

Carter (my little boy - is that too cheesy?!)

Massive thanks to Holly for giving us a glimpse into her Swindon Town journey 💬❤️ Wishing her and the rest of Swindon fans a great season (after today’s fixture 😉)