Shy, retiring, moderate - Swanny is none of these things and less. He regularly receives the opposite of fan mail, and observes: "I have been called all four-letter words and quite a few six-letter ones as well."

Mind you, reader interaction is what we are all about these days, and if there's one thing Swanny can do it's interact. He has upset most sports fans in the city (and beyond, thanks to the internet), and has come under particular fire from Liverpool FC, Arsenal and speed- way fans.

Of the latter, he comments: "Historically the anorak-wearing, clip- board-holding, claxon-tooting people who follow speed- way are the easiest to wind up."

Swanny's thoughts on darts players illustrate his thoughtful and open-minded approach well.

He said: "It's impossible for two fat, sweaty blokes walking backwards and forwards in between throwing tiny missiles to claim they are participating in a sport."

Darts fans replied: "Alan I'd love to see you play darts under the pressure and hot lights. Dart players do it with- out breaking sweat. Idiot."

Irate readers usually highlight the fact that if

Swanny was any good, he would be writing for a national publication.

Please don't leave us Swanny, your hatemail brightens up our day.

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For Local Newspaper Week 2008, we take you behind the scenes at your local newspaper.
7 May 2008

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