GLOUCESTERSHIRE fast bowler Jon Lewis always keeps a close eye on his hometown footballing heroes.

And he recalls fondly the play-off excitement 10 years ago when Swindon Town booked their place in football's top flight for the first and only time in their history.

Lewis, then a teenager at Churchfields School, watched Town defeat Leicester City 4-3 in a thrilling Division One play-off final at Wembley.

The 27-year-old was a rising star with Swindon Cricket Club at the time and spent the a memorable day out, like many townsfolk, in the capital.

Said Lewis: "All the lads went from Swindon Cricket Club.

"I remember we got a minibus up and had a great day. In fact, I also went up for the Sunderland game a couple of years earlier."

The former England A bowler, now based in Bristol, continues to follow Town's fortunes, but admits he doesn't watch his team so much these days.

"I don't follow football that avidly, but it's always the first result I look for," he added.

"I'm a firm believer in supporting the team from where you're from. It's just a shame that there haven't been as many days like that in recent years."