Swindon Town FC and the football legend Chris Kamara graced Swindon’s town centre this afternoon to pay a visit to the newly unveiled STFC mural.
The mural, designed by Hannah Dosanjh, proudly features Chris alongside other illustrious Town heroes like Don Rogers, Alan McLoughlin, and Jan Åge Fjørtoft.
The mural finds its home on the pedestrian walkway between Corporation Street and the bus station, forming part of a captivating series of artistic creations painted on hoardings around the Kimmerfields regeneration site, adjacent to Zurich’s new HQ.
After catching a glimpse of the mural on Twitter, Chris expressed his eagerness to witness it in person.
Having made 233 appearances and netted 27 goals during his illustrious time as a midfielder for Town in two distinct periods spanning the 1970s and 80s, Chris later carved out a thriving TV career as a pundit on Sky Sports.
Accompanying Chris on his visit to the mural were Don Rogers and John Trollope. Rob Angus, STFC’s Chief Executive Officer and Andy Cossens from the Official Supporters Club and Paul Hedges from the STFC Museum also joined the club legends.
Chris Kamara shared his feelings about the mural, saying, “It’s a real honour to be featured in this mural, especially as I’m there with some real footballing legends.
“I am very proud to have been the first player of colour to represent Swindon Town in 1977 and to captain the club at the age of 21.
“I enjoyed two wonderful spells with Swindon Town, helping the club to two promotions and a League Cup semi-final, which will live long in my memory and means I have a real affinity with the supporters.
“My wife and two sons were born in Swindon and now I, too, have my own special place in the town.”
The talented mural artist, Hannah Dosanjh, expressed her delight in being part of this project and appreciated the invaluable research assistance provided by STFC historian Dick Mattick.
Hannah said, “This has been a wonderful project to work on and I was really lucky to have help from STFC historian Dick Mattick with the research.
“It’s so great that local artists in Swindon are being showcased in this way, I’m thrilled this was spotted by Chris and that he has come to see this in person today.”
Councillor Kevin Small, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “It’s wonderful to see this tribute to some of Swindon footballing legends. I fondly remember when Chris visited Westbourne Secondary school to give after school coaching sessions, and although he is now more famously known for his Sky TV work, he will always have a special place in the hearts of Swindon fans.
“It was also great to see other Swindon hero’s being honoured, like John Trollope, Don Rogers and the late Alan McLoughlin, all three of whom I have had the pleasure of working with over the years, through my refereeing and previous job at the Wiltshire FA.
“Whatever their ups or downs, Swindon Town FC is an integral part of our community and it’s only right that we should have this amazing piece of artwork in our town centre to celebrate the history of the club and hopefully it brings some good memories to all that see it.
“Artsite have produced some great pieces of work that is brightening up our town, like at Kimerfields, and I can’t wait to see what they do with PaintFest later this year.”
