The Players who helped Swansea’s 21st Century Rise

The players who played The Jack Army way will forever be cemented in the hearts of the loyal Jack Army followers. But who were they? Who put in the shifts and made the difference when it mattered?

And, what’s happening at Swansea, would you bet on them staying up this season. Or, do you think they’ll be battling for the safety of mid-table again come the end of this season? For the latest tips and previews check out the latest tips over at FootyAccumulators, home of insights, tips and footballing reviews.

Well, we’ve put together our top 10 players here. In no particular order –

1. Lee Trundle; A top striker who is still playing in the lower leagues of Welsh football with Llanelli Town but during the mid-noughties he managed to bag many an important goal as the team took off in to the big time. During his Swansea career, he played 135 times bagging 78 goals, not a bad ratio. And it’s his record, loyalty and ability that has made him an iconic figure in the eyes of The Jack Army.

Lee Trundle - Swansea City
Lee Trundle

2. Leon Britton; Playing until recently this dynamo midfielder has a wealth of experience and dedicated much of it to Swansea. A skilful midfielder and born leader on the pitch this influential player helped take Swansea to new heights.

3. Alan Tate; Another player from across the border we feel worthy for the list. Tate still works at the club as an academy coach. During his playing days, he propped up the back line and ran out in Swansea colours 340 times.

4. Ashley Williams; the loyal skipper quickly became a rock for the Swansea squad when he joined from Stockport back in 2008. He played a total of 319 games and his success for club soon attracted interest from the big guns before he took off to Everton, for a big money move.

5. Ferrie Bodde; though not a long-term player for the club, but before his career became plagued with injury he was possibly one of the most skilful players to ever don the Swansea shirt. Playing just 54 times for the club, he bossed the midfield and managed to put away 13 goals.

Ferrie Bodde - Swansea City

6. Angel Rangel; The Jack Army appreciate loyalty and another player devoted to the cause was Angel. Having spent the best part of a decade with the club, Angel was also honoured in being picked for the Football League Team of the Decade. Originally signed on a year long performance-related deal, loyalty can’t be ignored as he’s still with them and is now club captain.

7. Garry Monk; A solid centre back Garry joined in 2004 and even served as manager, for the club he grew to love. Garry tallied up 226 appearances for Swansea and ran out captain often, forming a solid partnership with Ashley Williams at the back. And who will ever forget THAT block in the play-off final against Reading.

8. Roberto Martinez; Joined Swansea in January 2003 and quickly established himself as an out and out battling defensive midfielder, who was well worthy of the captain’s armband. He was integral in helping Swansea climb into higher climbs of the football league.

9. Scott Sinclair; Forever remembered, in Swansea folklore, for scoring a great goal, against Reading, that got them into the Premier League. Now leaving his tread up and down Celtic’s wings, he’ll always be fondly remembered as his career after promotion flourished at Swansea before a move to Man City took away his potential.

10. Michu; Began his career with Swansea by putting two passed QPR, in an opening Premier League game that ended in a 5-nil victory. He went on to score 18 goals in his first season but never really got his initial form back, since he’s failed to make a name for himself and languishes in the shadows of his potential former greatness.

So, what do you think? Anyone you feel could’ve made the list but isn’t currently present – let us know on our Swans Fans Forum.