Swans Post War

GEORGE EASTHAM
Former England international inside-forward George Eastham played for Swansea during the 1947-48 season. Signing professional for Bolton Wanderers in August 1932, he starred as they won promotion and were FA Cup semi-finalists in 1934-35. He joined Brentford in May 1937, then Blackpool in November 1938 and moved to the Vetch Field in August 1947. Making 15 League appearances for Swansea, he joined Rochdale in June 1948, then played for LincolnCity and Hyde United. He later managed Ards, Accrington Stanley, Distillery, Ards again, Hellenic and Glentoran. Settling in South Africa, he died in January 2000.

CHRISTIAN EDWARDS
Central defender Christian Edwards (below left) gained Welsh international recognition while at SwanseaCity. He turned professional at the Vetch Field in July 1994 and played for Wales against Switzerland in March 1996, netting four goals in 115 League games for Swansea before being sold to Nottingham Forest for £175,000 in March 1998. He gained Premiership experience and was loaned to Bristol City, Oxford United, Crystal Palace and Tranmere Rovers prior to joining Bristol Rovers in July 2003. Returning to Swansea on loan in August 2005, he made two League appearances and joined Forest Green Rovers in August 2006.

CLIFF EDWARDS
Goalkeeper Cliff Edwards understudied Johnny King while at the Vetch Field. Initially with Loughor Rovers, he played for Grovesend Welfare before joining Swansea initially as an amateur in October 1951. His solitary Second Division appearance was in the Swans' 3-0 defeat at HuddersfieldTown on Christmas Day 1952. He also featured in a Welsh Cup tie at Newport County the following season and helped to win the West Wales Senior Cup shortly before joining Llanelly in June 1954. Moving to Caerau Athletic in September 1956, he was forced to retire through illness and later worked at Gorseinon's 3M's factory.

TERRY ELWELL
Full-back Terry Elwell made a significant contribution as Swansea won the Third Division (South) title in 1948-49. A former Newport County amateur, he impressed with Barry Town before moving to the Vetch Field in August 1948. He contested a first-team slot with Jim Feeney and Rory Keane, featuring in two consecutive Welsh Cup finals including the 1950 success. Unable to maintain a regular first-team slot, he made 62 League appearances for Swansea and joined Swindon Town in July 1952, then played for Lovells Athletic and Abergavenny Thursday. He resided in his native Newport until his death in August 2004.

GARY EMMANUEL
Welsh U-23 midfielder Gary Emmanuel featured in SwanseaCity's 1987-88 promotion campaign. The son of former Swansea player Len Emmanuel, he signed professional for Birmingham City in July 1971 and gained considerable top-flight experience. He joined Bristol Rovers for £50,000 in January 1979, then Swindon Town in exchange for Brian Williams in July 1981. After spells with Newport County and Bristol City, he moved to Swansea in August 1985 and netted five goals in 111 League games before moving to Merthyr Tydfil in July 1988. He later played for Ton Pentre and Llanelli while working for the Post Office.

LEN EMMANUEL
Left-half Len Emmanuel played for Swansea either side of the Second World War. Locally born, he signed professional at the Vetch Field in April 1936 and appeared in the same team as his older brother Tom. He guested for several clubs during the war, scoring once in 49 Second Division games for Swansea prior to joining Newport County in May 1947. Moving to Kidderminster Harriers in July 1948, he then spent four seasons with Llanelly before becoming Carmarthen's player-manager in July 1954.

BRIAN EVANS
Welsh international winger Brian Evans was capped six times while at SwanseaCity. Previously with Abergavenny Thursdays, he moved to the Vetch Field in July 1963 and starred as Swansea reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 1963-64, won the Welsh Cup in 1966 and promotion in 1969-70. Scoring 57 goals in 355 League games, he was sold to Hereford United for £7,000 in August 1973 and later played for Bath City, Llanelli, Haverfordwest and Pontardawe. He subsequently ran a painting and decorating business in Killay until his death from cancer in February 2003. His son Richard is now Swansea's physiotherapist.

KEITH EVANS
Welsh Youth central defender Keith Evans helped SwanseaCity reach the FA Cup fourth round in 1971-72. A former apprentice at the Vetch Field, he was given his League debut in Swansea's 1-1 draw at Bury two months before signing professional in July 1971. He understudied long-serving Herbie Williams and made 12 League appearances for the Swans prior to joining Ton Pentre in July 1973, then played for Ferndale and switched between the two for the remainder of his career, becoming Ferndale's player-boss. He plotted promotion in 1989-90 and is now a self-employed painter and decorator in the Rhondda area.

KEN EVANS
Agile goalkeeper Ken Evans helped Swansea take Sunderland to an FA Cup fifth round replay in 1954-55. Locally born, he played for South Wales Builders before signing part-time for Swansea in June 1950. He returned from National Service to turn professional in October 1954 and made his League debut in the Swans' 2-0 victory at home to Leeds United three months later. Understudy to Johnny King, he played 14 Second Division games for Swansea before joining Walsall in August 1957, then played for Yeovil Town, Pembroke Borough and Cwmfelin. He resided in his native Swansea until his death in May 2000.

KEVIN EVANS
Welsh U-21 central defender Kevin Evans had a loan spell at SwanseaCity during the 1999-2000 Third Division title campaign. A former Leeds United trainee, he signed professional in January 1998 but failed to secure a first-team slot and was loaned to Swansea in January 2000. He made his League debut in the following month's 2-1 victory at home to Lincoln and also appeared in the next match at Cheltenham. Joining Cardiff City in August 2000, he featured in their 2000-01 promotion success, since playing for Merthyr Tydfil, Newport County and hometown Carmarthen, also gaining Welsh Semi-Pro recognition.

MICKY EVANS
Rugged left-back Micky Evans was a member of Harry Gregg's squad at SwanseaCity. Signing professional for Walsall in May 1964, he made over 250 appearances for the Saddlers and scored at Everton in the 1971-72 FA Cup fourth round. He moved to Swansea initially on loan in December 1972, netting six goals in 92 League outings while at the Vetch Field before following Harry Gregg to Crewe Alexandra in July 1975. Later playing for Worcester City, Stourbridge, Stafford Rangers, Halesowen Town and Rushall Olympic, he now lives in Kidderminster and has scouted for various Midlands clubs.

PHIL EVANS
Young central defender Phil Evans briefly played for SwanseaCity during the 1975-76 season. Locally born, he helped Swansea Schoolboys win the Welsh Shield in 1970-71 and turned professional for Swansea in August 1975. He made his League debut in the Swans' 3-2 defeat at Stockport three months later and understudied Dave Bruton, playing ten League games before joining Bridgend in August 1976. Helping win the Southern League title in 1979-80, he repeated the feat after following Lyn Jones to Merthyr Tydfil in July 1987, then played for Barry, Inter-Cardiff and Merthyr again while a manager with British Telecom.

ROY EVANS
Welsh international right-back Roy Jones starred as Swansea reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 1963-64. Locally born, he signed professional at the Vetch Field and impressed in a successful reserve team before making his League debut in Swansea's 1-0 victory at home to Grimsby in November 1962. He became the regular penalty-taker and helped win the Welsh Cup in 1966, netting seven goals in 214 League outings for the Swans prior to joining Hereford United with defensive partner Brian Purcell in July 1968. Both players were tragically killed in a car crash on their way to play for Hereford at Nuneaton in January 1969.

STEVE EVANS
Welsh U-21 left-back Steve Evans had a loan spell at SwanseaCity during the 2001-02 campaign. A former Crystal Palace trainee, he signed professional in October 1998 and made his League debut in their 1-1 draw at home to Birmingham four months later. He failed to secure a regular first-team slot and was loaned to Swansea in November 2001, making four consecutive League appearances while at the Vetch Field. Overcoming a serious knee injury, he joined Brentford in March 2002 and featured in their 2002-03 FA Cup run. He moved to Woking in August 2004 and played for them in the 2006 FA Trophy final.

TERRY EVANS
Former Welsh U-21 right-back Terry Evans played under three different managers while at SwanseaCity. Signing professional for Cardiff City in July 1994, he had limited first-team opportunities and moved to Barry Town in February 1996. The Welsh Semi-Pro international helped them win the League of Wales title five times in six seasons, also the Welsh Cup twice, before reuniting with Peter Nicholas at Swansea in October 2001. Making 43 League appearances, he linked up with Nicholas again at NewportCounty in May 2003, then helped Grange Quins win promotion in 2004-05. He has since qualified as an accountant.

WYNDHAM EVANS
Long-serving defender was ever-present in SwanseaCity's 1977-78 promotion success. Signing professional at the Vetch Field in February 1971, he made his League debut in Swansea's 3-1 defeat at home to Bristol Rovers two months later. He featured in Swansea's meteoric rise under John Toshack, playing in all four divisions and helping to win the Welsh Cup in 1981. Returning from a brief spell as Llanelli's player-manager, he netted 15 goals in 389 League games for Swansea before becoming Pembroke Borough's player-boss in August 1985. He later managed Llanelli and works in double-glazing.

NICOLAS FABIANO
French U-21 winger Nicolas Fabiano had a loan spell at SwanseaCity during the 2000-01 campaign. Previously with Paris St Germain, he was loaned to Swansea along with Mattias Verschave in February 2001 and made his League debut in that month's 0-0 draw at home to Millwall. His solitary goal in 16 Second Division games came in the Swans' 2-1 defeat at NorthamptonTown. He briefly played for French National Division side Istres, then joined Aberdeen in August 2002 and appeared in the Scottish Premier League before returning to France in May 2003, subsequently playing for Racing Club of Paris.

RORY FALLON
Ex-England Youth striker Rory Fallon (left) scored for SwanseaCity in 2005-06 League One play-off final. Born in New Zealand, he signed professional for Barnsley in March 1999 and made his League debut in their 4-0 defeat at home to Preston in April 2001. He regularly featured as a substitute and was loaned to Shrewsbury Town before joining Swindon Town for £60,000 in November 2003. Following a loan spell at Yeovil Town during their 2004-05 League Two title campaign, he moved to Swansea for £300,000 in January 2006. He netted four goals in 17 League outings for the Swans during the closing weeks.

JIM FEENEY
Northern Ireland international left-back Jim Feeney featured in Swansea's 1948-49 Third Division (South) title triumph. Initially with Crusaders, he joined Linfield in November 1941 and helped them win both the Irish League title and Irish Cup on three occasions, moving to the Vetch Field in December 1946. He played alongside Rory Keane, making 88 League appearances prior to joining Ipswich Town with Sammy McCrory in March 1950. Helping win the Third Division (South) title in 1953-54, he resided in Canada and died in Belfast in March 1985. His son and grandson, both named Warren, also played for Northern Ireland.

LEE FIELDWICK
Central defender Lee Fieldwick had a loan spell at SwanseaCity during the closing weeks of the 2003-04 campaign. A former Brentford trainee, he signed professional in July 2001 and overcame a bout a glandular fever to make his League debut in their 1-0 victory at Luton Town in February 2003. He failed to secure a regular first-team slot with the Bees and was loaned to Swansea on transfer deadline day in March 2004. Making his debut as substitute for Stuart Roberts in that month's 3-0 defeat at HuddersfieldTown, he made five consecutive Third Division appearances while at the Vetch Field. He joined Lewes in August 2004.

KITCH FISHER
Ginger-haired full-back Kitch Fisher was an imposing figure in Swansea's defence in the immediate post-war era. Initially with Ton Pentre, the Welsh Amateur international joined Lovells Athletic in July 1936 and moved to the Vetch Field in August 1939. He captained Swansea during war-time football and appeared in the club's first post-war League match at home to West Brom in August 1946. Also featuring in the heart of Swansea's defence, he made 65 League appearances before rejoining Lovells Athletic in July 1949. He later worked as a fireman at Fernhill Tower Colliery and died in Treherbert in March 1986.

PHIL FISHER
Welsh Semi-Pro international winger briefly played for SwanseaCity during the 1984-85 season. Starting with home-town Ammanford, he joined Bridgend and helped them win the Southern League title in 1979-80. He was sold to Exeter City for £6,000 in February 1981 but missed that season's FA Cup run and moved via Merthyr Tydfil to Swansea in March 1985. Making two League appearances, he briefly rejoined Merthyr in May 1985, then moved to Barry Town. He helped them twice win the Welsh League title, later playing for Ammanford, Llanelli, Haverfordwest, Ton Pentre, Cwmamman and Ammanford again.

GARY FISKEN
Creative midfielder Gary Fisken featured in SwanseaCity's 2004-05 promotion campaign. A former Watford trainee, he signed professional in February 2000 and made his League debut in their 3-0 defeat at ManchesterCity in August 2001. He overcame a knee injury before reuniting with Kenny Jackett at Swansea in June 2004 but failed to secure a regular first team slot and was loaned to Cambridge City in March 2005, helping them reach the Nationwide South play-off final. Making five League appearances for Swansea, he had his contract paid up in January 2006 and ended last season with Newport County.

SCOTT FITZGERALD
Striker Scott Fitzgerald had a loan spell with SwanseaCity during the 2004-05 promotion campaign. He impressed with Northwood prior to joining Watford in March 2003 and topped their goalscoring charts in 2003-04. Kenny Jackett signed him on loan in September 2004 and he was given his debut in the LDV Vans Trophy match against Luton Town, also making three substitute appearances in the Third Division. He was also loaned to Leyton Orient before joining Brentford in March 2005. Helping them qualify for the League One play-offs in 2004-05, he was also loaned to Oxford United and Walsall during last season.

WILL FOLEY
Striker Will Foley briefly played for SwanseaCity during the 1985-86 season. He had spells with Merthyr Tydfil, Pontllanfraith, Barry Town and Frickley Athletic before moving to the Vetch Field in the midst of a financial crisis in January 1986. Given his League debut in Swansea's 4-1 defeat at Rotherham United the following month, he scored twice in five League outings prior to joining CardiffCity on a similar non-contract basis in March 1986. He then played for Newport County until that club folded in February 1989, New Zealand side Point Chevalier, Hereford United, Worcester City, AFC Newport and Brecon Corries.

ADRIAN FORBES
Ex-England Youth winger Adrian Forbes featured prominently in SwanseaCity's 2004-05 promotion success. Signing professional for Norwich City in January 1997, he secured a regular first-team slot the following season and was often used as a substitute before being sold to Luton Town for £60,000 in July 2001. He helped them win promotion twice in three seasons, moving to Swansea in June 2004. A member of the 2005 FAW Cup winning team, he featured in Swansea's triumphant 2006 Football League Trophy run and was an influential figure as Kenny Jackett's side qualified for the League One play-offs last season.

JON FORD
Versatile defender Jon Ford featured in SwanseaCity's 1994 Autoglass Trophy final triumph. Initially with Halesowen, he had spells with Bromsgrove and Cradley before moving to the Vetch Field for £5,000 in August 1991. He was ever-present for Swansea in 1994-95, scoring in that season's FA Cup third round win over Middlesbrough. Netting seven goals in 160 League outings prior to joining Bradford City for £210,000 in July 1995, he moved to Gillingham for £15,000 in August 1996, then Barnet for £25,000 in February 1997. He played for Kidderminster, Telford, Halesowen, Evesham, Bromsgrove and Stourbridge.

TREVOR FORD
Welsh international centre-forward Trevor Ford gained the first of his 38 caps while at Swansea. Locally born, he signed professional at the Vetch Field in December 1944 and scored nine times in 16 League games for Swansea prior to joining Aston Villa for £9,500 plus Tommy Dodds in January 1947. He was leading marksman three times in the top-flight, moving to Sunderland for £29,500 in October 1950, then playing for CardiffCity, PSV Eindhoven, NewportCounty and Romford. Settling back in his native Swansea, he later worked in the motor trade for many years until retirement and died in May 2003.

GERRY FRANCIS
Former England international midfielder Gerry Francis briefly played for SwanseaCity during the 1984-85 season. Signing professional for QPR in June 1969, he starred as they won promotion in 1972-73 and finished League Championship runners-up in 1975-76. He was captain of club and country, playing under Terry Venables at Crystal Palace and QPR again, then had spells at Coventry, Exeter and Cardiff before moving to Swansea in October 1984. Making three League appearances, he later played for Portsmouth and Bristol Rovers where he had two spells at manager. He also managed QPR twice and Tottenham Hotspur.

CLIVE FREEMAN
Versatile midfielder Clive Freeman was a Terry Yorath signing for SwanseaCity. He played for Farsley Celtic, Doncaster Rovers, Farsley again and was an FA Vase finalist with Bridlington shortly before joining Swansea for £5,000 in August 1990. Given his League debut in the following month's 1-0 win at Bradford City, he failed to secure a regular first-team slot and had a loan spell at Carlisle United, making 14 League appearances for Swansea prior to joining Altrincham in August 1992. He moved to Doncaster Rovers in August 1993 and later played for Emley, Bradford Park Avenue and Guiseley while working as a sales rep.

ROGER FREESTONE
Long-serving goalkeeper Roger Freestone was ever-present in SwanseaCity's 1999-2000 Third Division title triumph. Signing professional for Newport County in April 1986, he joined Chelsea for £95,000 in March 1987 and featured in their 1988-89 Second Division title campaign. He moved to Swansea for £45,000 in September 1991 after a loan spell and starred in the 1994 Autoglass Trophy final success. Also helping the Swans qualify for the play-offs on three occasions, the Welsh international scored three penalties in 566 League games before rejoining NewportCounty in June 2004 and is now a delivery driver.

NIGEL FRENCH
Welsh Youth winger Nigel French played under three managers while at SwanseaCity. Locally born, he was a trainee at the Vetch Field and made his League debut in Swansea's 1-0 defeat at home to Wigan Athletic seven months before turning professional in March 1986. He scored three times in 26 League games prior to joining Merthyr Tydfil in July 1987 and helped them win promotion in 1987-88, then the Southern League title in 1988-89. Moving to Haverfordwest in December 1989, the Welsh Semi-Pro international later played for Aberwystwyth, Haverfordwest again and Barry Town and is now a postman.

PAUL FURY
Welsh Youth right-back Paul Fury was a young member of Roy Bentley's squad at SwanseaCity. Locally born, he was an apprentice at the Vetch Field and given his League debut in Swansea's 1-0 defeat at home to Blackburn Rovers in April 1972. He kept his place for the rest of that season but did not feature in the plans of new manager Harry Gregg as Swansea battled vainly to avoid relegation in 1972-73, making 11 Third Division appearances for the Swans prior to joining Cork Celtic in July 1973. Later playing for Bridgend Town, Haverfordwest County, Llanelli and Ammanford, he still lives and works locally.