Alan Curtis opens Vetch Field players' entrance restored by Swansea City Supporters' Trust

Honorary club and Swansea City Supporters' Trust president Alan Curtis was on hand to officially reopen the players' entrance to the Vetch Field, following months of restoration work overseen by the Swans Trust.

The event was attended by members of the Former Players' Association, the Supporters' Trust and supporters, with club great Curtis having the honour of formally reopening the restored gateway, which was also the entrance point for directors, officials and press at the club's former home ground.

Volunteers from the Vetch Veg Community Garden – which takes up most of the land the stadium was situated on – provided drinks and cakes for the event, while everyone shared memories and stories of the Vetch.

“It’s great to be here celebrating the reopening of the former players and directors' entrance to the old Vetch Field." said Paul Meller, supporter director Swansea City Supporters' Trust.

“We’ve been working with local trade and businesses to restore what was a crumbling entrance. 

"We’ve had to rebuild the walls and repair the gate, we’ve worked with a sign company as well to restore the entrance to what it was like when the Swans last played here.

“It’s great to see that this space is still an important hub within the community and, for those who remember the Swans playing at the Vetch, the entrance provides a focal point for when fans want to recall memories of the area.”

Among those recalling memories of the Vetch was Curtis, who would have walked through the distinctive yellow gate many hundreds of times as a player, coach and manager.

“It’s not the grandest entrance, but for supporters and those who played for the club this is a special place and it was our entry to the Swans,” he said.

“This area looks a little different to when we played here, but you can still get a feel for the place. Memories come flooding back and there are lots of things here that remind me so much of the Vetch.

“A lot of stadiums get demolished and they build a housing estate on it. But it’s nice to see an open space here. You’ve got the allotments, which people love, and there’s a lovely play area so I’m glad they’re using it for a community purpose.”

Swans Trust chair Dave Dalton added: "I'm delighted we have been able to take on and complete this project. We are indebted to everyone who has contributed to this project and the way so many were willing to give up their time and provide necessary materials to see it looking like it does again today is something the Trust and I are very proud of.

“I hope supporters of all ages will be continue to pop down to the old Vetch now and again, stand outside the old entrance and take a few moments to remember what this wonderful place still means to so many of us who follow the Swans."

You can read more about the event here.