Who are you?
My parents named me Thomas Paris but go more commonly by the name of Tom. You’ll often find me talking about football (Swindon Town being my number one but I also follow Nantes FC, Boca Juniors and Deportivo Independiente Medellín), blockchain and cryptocurrencies, and scuba diving.

What’s your job?
I work within the software development as a Product Manager. Essentially, I work as the go between end users/ customers and the software development teams to transform end user problems into solutions they love.

How long have you been a fan of Swindon Town?
Since 14th February 2002, with my first game being a dull 0-0 draw against Reading.

Why have you joined the Board of Swindon Town Supporters’ Trust?
With the club now under the ownership of Clem and Rob as the CEO, finally, it feels like the club has the owner and the foundation to build something that all fans have dreamed of over the last few decades. With the club entering a very exciting period, now that the dust has settled since he-who-shall-not-be-named was forced out the club, there is an awful lot of work to do to achieve the potential Swindon Town has. So when Trust’s call to arms came through, I didn’t hesitate in responding to step up in any shape or form I can offer.

What expertise do you think you are able to offer?
I have a diverse background and skill set from problem solving, project management, sales and marketing, social media marketing, pitching and fundraising.

What is your vision for Swindon Town on the pitch?
English football fans are known worldwide for their passion for football but personally, I feel like the crown for the most passionate football fans goes to South America. The passion that pours out from the stands onto the pitch is nothing but inspiring to witness and experience. Fans turn up an hour before the game and are in full voice until at least an hour after the game. Personally, I swear half of the crowd just turn up to be noisy, sing and dance regardless of what’s happening on the pitch. So my vision for Swindon Town on the pitch is a team populated by top quality youth players brought through the academy and leave everything on the pitch, backed by a loud and proud County Ground that doesn’t stop supporting the team.

As long as there is effort on the pitch with a never-say-die attitude, there isn’t much more I could ask for. That passion and effort the players give is what fans are here to witness.

What’s been your proudest moment as a Swindon Fan?
It’s a hard call to make as we’ve experienced so many ups and downs inn the last 20 years but I think my proudest moment as a Town fan goes back to the days of Iffy Onoura. We travelled to Nottingham Forest in February 2006 in what turned out to be one of the worst games of football I think I’ve ever see a Swindon Town team play. However, what made me proud as a Swindon fan wasn’t that we got thumped 7-1, but when we were 6-0 down and the fans that remained had practically given up all hope of avoiding relegation, it didn’t stop us singing. We celebrated every shot on and off target like we had scored a goal, we ole’d every pass we managed to successfully make and when Trevor Benjamin actually scored to make it 6-1, we turned around to the Nottingham Forest fans and sung ‘You’re not singing anymore!’. The looks on Nottingham Forest fans faces was absolutely priceless. The following week, we travelled to Yeovil in what was ultimately our last chance saloon of surviving that season. The effort the fans went into to supporting the team that day was tremendous and although the result practically all but confirmed the inevitable, the way in which our fan base supported the team was incredible and that’s what is my proud moment as a Swindon fan.

Who has been your favourite Swindon Player and Manager?
There have been many favourite players over the years but the players that tend to stick in my mind is Super Sammy Parkin and Sammy Igoe. Sam Parkin for the goals he scored and the memories of us pushing for the playoffs. Sammy Igoe for his hilarious injuries that ruled him out of the starting line up – my favourite was when he superglued his eye shut. Couldn’t write it in a comedy sitcom but that’s Swindon Town for you!

Manager wise, there’s only really one candidate here – Paulo Di Canio. Yes, he spent a lot of money but the passion he had for playing the game properly was nothing but infectious. He galvanised the fans like I’ve never seen before and demanded nothing but 110% from the players. I firmly believe to this day, we would have been in the Championship as back-to-back League Champions if things didn’t end in the way it did.

What’s your vision for Swindon Town?
For Swindon to be successful, we need a concrete foundation to build from. Over the years, we’ve seen the likes of Reading, Swansea, Hull and various other clubs climb the leagues after redeveloping their stadiums and reaping the commercial benefit rewards. With the joint venture between the Club and Trust, I believe this is the beginning of successful era at the club. With a redeveloped County Ground, the additional commercial revenue can help make the club sustainable and grow to offer services and facilities to the local community whilst enabling a bigger playing budget to climb the leagues.​