Ivor Allchurch, 1947-1958, 1965-68

Ivor Allchurch was one of the greatest British footballers of all time, having the ability to beat his opponent with ease, possessing outstanding ball control, and capable of scoring goals from any distance. Spotted by former Swans player Joe Sykes playing in a local park, Ivor joined the Swans in May 1947, and during his two spells at the Vetch Field scored 164 league goals from 445 appearances, and gained 68 International caps for Wales. Dubbed 'The Golden Boy of Welsh Football' during his playing career, Ivor was also noted for being a gentleman, both on and off the pitch. He joined Newcastle United in October 1958 for a fee in the region of £25,000, which included United's Reg Davies joining the Swans as part of the transfer. In July 1965 he returned to the Vetch Field at the age of 35, and during three seasons with the Swans missed just twenty league games, and was top goal scorer during his last two seasons in professional football. He was released by the Swans at the end of the 1967/68 season, and went on to play for Worcester City, player manager with Haverfordwest, before finishing his career with Pontardawe Athletic in the Welsh League at the age of fifty.

Wilf Milne, 1920-1937

Signed from junior team Walker Celtic in June 1920 for the price of a cup of tea in a local café, Wilf made 35 league appearances for the Swans during their first season in the Football League, and by the time of his release at the end of the 1936/37 season would make a record 586 league appearances for the Swans. Despite being on the short side, Wilf gained a reputation for being a sturdy, reliable full back, but his last two league appearances for the Swans were as goalkeeper. In July 1937 he joined Milford as player manager.

Reg Weston, 1946-1952

Reg Weston joined the Swans in May 1946 after leaving the Royal Navy Minesweeping Service, and in later years would become a key figure in the club's Championship winning season of 1948-49. A solid, reliable centre half, Weston was part of a formidable half back trio which included Roy Paul and Frank Burns. After making 229 league appearances, he left the Swans in October 1952, joining Derby County, and then going on to Burton Albion as player manager.

Robbie James, 1973-83, 1988-90

Robbie James was a tremendously talented midfielder, or striker, who gave the club great service from the Fourth to the First Division. Besides having the pace to break on the right flank, Robbie also possessed a great workrate in midfield. During his earlier days at the Vetch Field, Robbie became the youngest player in the football league to reach 100, 200 and 300 matches, and gained his first International cap against Malta in October 1978. He was sold to Stoke City for £120,000 at the end of the 1982/3 season, and after further moves to QPR and Leicester City, rejoined the Swans for £35,000 in January 1988. Following a disagreement with the Swans Chairman, he joined Bradford City in a player exchange deal in August 1990. Hardly missing a match for the next three seasons, he also picked up Player of the Year Awards at both Bradford, and his last professional club, Cardiff City. After a short spell as player manager at Merthyr, Robbie took over the same position at Welsh League side Llanelli until he collapsed, and tragically failed to recover whilst playing for the club in a league game against Porthcawl on the 18th February 1998.

Alan Curtis, 1972-1979, 1980-1983, 1989-90

Probably the most skilful, gifted footballer at the Vetch Field since Ivor Allchurch. During the 1977-78 promotion winning season he scored 32 league goals, just 3 goals short of the record set by Cyril Pearce during the 1931-32 season, and twelve months later joined Leeds United for a club record £400,000. Noted for his body swerve, he had three spells with the Swans, but his individual goal in the Swans debut match in the First Division against his former club Leeds, will be remembered for a long time. The Rhondda born, nephew of Roy Paul, Alan scored 95 goals from 359 league appearances for the Swans, and has occupied the assistant manager, youth team manager, and community officer roles since retiring in 1990.

Roy Paul, 1946-50

Polished wing half, with the ability to deliver accurate passes, and who was an inspirational figure during the club's 1948-49 Championship winning season. Signed from Welsh League side Ton Pentre just before the Second World War by manager Neil Harris, Paul made 159 league appearances for the Swans, scoring 11 goals. In June 1950 however, disillusioned with the way the club was progressing, he flew to Bogota to sign for the local side. Within a month he had returned to Swansea, and been transferred to Manchester City for £18,000, where he would make a further 270 league appearances, and enjoy success in the FA Cup Final.

Mel Charles, 1952-59

Versatile footballer, having the ability to play in a number of positions who loved going forward and scoring goals. Local born player, he joined the Swans in May 1952, and up to his record breaking £43,000 transfer to Arsenal in April 1959 made 233 league appearances for the Swans, scoring 66 goals. Strong in aerial challenges, Mel was capped on 31 occasions for Wales, and was voted the best centre half during the 1958 World Cup Finals in Sweden. He finished his football league career at Port Vale in 1967, but after joining North Wales side Porthmadoc, retired through knee problems.

Wyndham Evans, 1971-83, 1983-85

Earlier in his career Wyndham was an amateur with Stoke City, but after completing his apprenticeship outside the game joined the Swans as a professional. Capable of playing in any defensive role, Wyndham for a spell made a number of appearances at Centre Forward, where his ability to win ball in the air, plus his competitive nature was noted by manager Harry Gregg. A stalwart defender, it was only after his conversion to an attacking right full back that he was to gain popularity with the Swans fans who appreciated his committed performances. One of a handful of players at the Vetch Field, who during their playing careers, played league matches for the Swans in all four Football League Divisions. After making 390 league appearances, scoring 20 goals he was released from the Vetch Field playing staff to join his hometown club Llanelli as player manager in May 1983. However, in December 1983 he rejoined John Toshack at the Vetch Field as player coach until he was released by manager John Bond at the end of the 1984-85 season.

Herbie Williams, 1958-75

One of the first footballers in the game to wear contact lenses, Herbie will be remembered as one of the greatest ambassadors in the history of the football club. An excellent passer in midfield, he also possessed the ability to score from free kick situations around the penalty area. Capped at schoolboy, U-23 and full level for Wales, he remained loyal to his hometown club during his career despite numerous opportunities from other clubs. Switched from inside forward to centre forward he was joint top goalscorer with 15 goals during the club's promotion season of 1969-70. His ability to read the game was evident during his last couple of years at the club when he operated from a central defensive role. In January 1975 he was released form his contract enabling him to emigrate to Australia to take up a player coach role.

Harry Griffiths, 1949-64

One of the Swans' greatest clubmen, who after finishing his distinguished playing career with the Swans, returned to the Vetch Field backroom staff as physiotherapist, coach, trainer, assistant manager, and manager. Initially a free scoring outside left, Harry, after gaining his International cap as a forward, was converted to left full back where he amassed a total of 422 league games, scoring 72 goals during his career at the Vetch Field. In May 1964 he was released to join Merthyr, but in April 1967 had returned to the Vetch Field as coach and chief scout. Tragically, Harry collapsed and died at the Vetch Field treatment room on the afternoon of the 25th April 1978, with the club a few hours later beating Scunthorpe United to clinch promotion from the Fourth Division.

Billy Lucas, 1948-54

Intelligent ball player, with great skill, he joined the Swans in March 1948 from Swindon Town, and the following season was instrumental in the club's Championship winning season. Joining the club at the age of 30, the majority of his playing career had been interrupted by the War. In December 1953 after making 205 league appearances, scoring 35 goals for the Swans he was transferred to Newport County for £750 to take up a role as player manager at Somerton Park. In February 1967 he returned to the Vetch Field as manager of the Swans, but in March 1969 resigned his position to take up a position in the licensed trade in Newport.

John King, 1951-63

Another player from the 1950's and 60's who was a great servant to the football club. Signed in February 1951 the Ferndale born goalkeeper made 363 league appearances for the Swans, including one league game at centre forward. Setting a goalkeeping record at the club which was broken recently by Roger Freestone, King was a staunch supporter of the club, and like Harry Griffiths, Swansea Town was the only club that ever mattered to him. He was released in May 1963, emigrating to Australia, where he died in 1982.

Joe Sykes, 1924-35

Signed in September 1924 from Sheff. Wednesday, Joe Sykes would become one of the first legends of the football club, either as a player, or as a member of the backroom staff at the football club. Extremely good in the air, for a player who stood at 5ft, 8 inches tall, and a 'doyen of the carpet passes', the wing half made 314 league appearances for the Swans, up to his retirement at the end of the 1934-35 season. He returned to the Vetch Field in the summer of 1947 as assistant trainer, and for a number of years would become a big influence to the youngsters at the club who would later go on to make a name for themselves in top flight football. After a spell as assistant manager to Billy Lucas, Sykes, at the age of 71 resigned his position with the club in June 1968.

Geoff Thomas, 1965-76

An extremely talented midfielder with a blistering shot, Geoff was a good competitor in midfield, displaying good passing skills. His talent in midfield was noticed by First Division side Manchester United midway through the 1973-74 season when he had a month on loan at Old Trafford. The Swans at the time were a struggling Fourth Division outfit. A local product, Geoff made 357 league appearances, scoring 52 goals for the Swans before he was released at the end of the 1975-76 season.

Mel Nurse, 1955-62, 68-71

Another former Swansea Schoolboy, the Cwmbwrla born centre half was a commanding figure in defence, excellent in the air, good vision, fine distribution, and an effective tackler. Capped by Wales on 12 occasions, Mel joined the Swans in June 1955, and up to his £25,000 transfer to Middlesbrough in September 1962 made 257 league appearances , scoring 12 goals for the Swans. After a period with Swindon Town he returned to the Vetch Field in June 1968 for a small fee, and was an integral part of the 1969-70 Fourth Division promotion winning side. He retired in February 1971 to spend more time with his business interests in the City. Spent several spells as a Director at the Vetch and was a key player in the battle to oust unpopular owner Tony Petty in the 2001/02 season.

Cyril Beech, 1949-55

A fast, brave winger/centre forward, Cyril became a great favourite at the Vetch Field following his signing from Merthyr in August 1949. His pace earned him the nickname 'Tulyar' after the famous racehorse. He made 136 appearances, scoring 29 league goals before joining Newport County in July 1955.

Trevor Ford, 1946-47

Signed for the Swans as a Full Back, but was converted to centre forward during time spent in the Army. His first season in war time football saw him score 40 goals, earning him the nickname 'Fiery Ford'. A fast, two footed dynamic attack leader, he made just 16 league appearances, scoring 9 goals during the league's first season after the war, before Aston Villa paid the Swans £10,000 + Tommy Dodds for his transfer in January 1947.The previous season had seen Ford score 40 goals in a regionalised competition. Capped 38 times for Wales, he also played for Sunderland, Cardiff City, PSV Eindhoven and Newport County during his career. Votd on of the 100 Football League All Time Greats at the turn of the century. 

Frank Burns, 1946-52

Another key member of the 1948-49 promotion winning side, Frankie was a hard working foil to Paul and Weston in Swans half back line. An ever present during the championship winning season, he made a further 129 league appearances for the Swans before joining Southend United in July 1952. A tenacious tackler with good positional sense, he had a great 'engine' and finished his league career at Crewe Alexandra.

Bob Latchford, 1981-84

One of three football playing brothers who was a consistent goalscorer in the First Division before signing for the Swans in July 1981 from Everton for £125,000. In his first league game for the Swans he scored a hat-trick in nine minutes against Leeds United, in what was the club's first match in the First Division (Premier League). Scoring 12 league goals during his first season, Bob scored 20 league goals the following season (second top goalscorer in the division) as the Swans fought an unsuccessful relegation fight. With a total of 35 goals from 87 league games for the Swans, he was given a free transfer to N.A.C. Breda (Holland) in February 1984, with the club at this period facing financial difficulties. Capped 12 times by England, he returned to England in July 1984 to play for Coventry City, Lincoln City, Newport County and Merthyr. Are we missing anyone?

This list should continue to grow - email the club with suggestions of who you think should enter our "hall of fame".

List compiled with assistance Colin Jones