Swansea City have appointed Tony Pennock as the club's new Director of Youth Football.

Pennock, born and bred in Swansea, takes over from former Head of Youth David Moss who parted company with the club towards the end of last season.

The former Stockport, Wigan, Hereford, Yeovil, Rushden & Diamonds, Farnborough, Newport and Welsh Premier goalkeeper will take over the youth reigns immediately.

The 37 year old has relinquished his dual role as Wales Semi-Pro manager and Football Development Officer for Swansea Council and the FAW Trust to take up the challenging post with the Swans.

And having previously been employed by the club as first team goalkeeping coach, Swans chairman Huw Jenkins believes the highly-respected 'A' Licence coach is the perfect choice to take the club's youth structure forward.

"The role is not just about developing young players, it's also about forging strong links with the local clubs and communities throughout South Wales,'' explained Jenkins.

"Tony has all the right connections and experience locally to build those links. It's vital that the whole community feels part of Swansea City Football Club.

"Our youth structure has come a long way in the last few seasons, but it's important we keep moving forward. Tony ticks all the right boxes to help us do that.''

Pennock, who is extremely grateful to Swansea Council for agreeing to release him from his commitments early, is relishing the challenge that lies ahead.

"I know I've got a big job ahead of me,'' he explained, "but it's an exciting job.

"The aim over the next few years is to start producing more local player that are good enough to step into the first team, while also strengthening our community links.

"With Championship football about to kick off at the Liberty Stadium, the club is growing - and the youth structure needs to grow with it.''