Curt hits the big 60

Swansea City legend Alan Curtis celebrates his 60th birthday today.
Curt, currently first-team coach with the Swans, is simply known as legend around the Liberty for his loyal service in both a playing and coaching capacity at the club.
The Rhondda product played for the club over three different spells, but he has also held virtually every footballing position possible off the field from Football in the Community officer to youth team coach, first team caretaker-manager and coach.
Curt, who won 35 Wales caps and has also been part of the national team coaching set-up in recent years, experienced the highs of the game at the top level with the Swans during their meteoric rise through all four divisions to the top of the First, but only after he had experienced the lows as the club was forced to apply for re-election to the Football League in 1975.
Former Swans boss and ex-Wales manager John Toshack was all too aware of Curt's quality, having previously stated: "Whenever Swansea City fans get together to discuss their best ever team, the name of Alan Curtis will always be up there with the best of them.
"I had the good fortune to be his manager and to play up front with him at both club and international level to witness at first hand his silky skills."
Curt has replicated his playing success on the coaching front as he has been among the backroom staff as the Swans soared up the divisions to become part of the Premier League.
And Swans Chairman Huw Jenkins spoke on behalf of everyone at the club as he saluted Curt's successful service to the club.
"Alan started out with us as a young kid and, as a player, was one of the main focal points of our rise to the old First Division," he said.
"He has been with us in some capacity almost ever since, and he has experienced our second climb to the top level as a coach.
"For him to be here now, working in the Premier League, typifies what our club is about.
"Forget the fact I am chairman, I think as a supporter. I would like to thank Alan for the way he has served our club.
"I wish him a happy 60th birthday - and I hope he will still be working for our club for many years to come."

Everyone at Swansea City would like to wish Curt a happy 60th birthday.



What they said....

Wyndham Evans
"He was without doubt the best player I played with, and he is one of the greatest Swansea City have ever had.
"He was a class act on the field - and he is exactly the same off it.
"He has got time for everyone and he knows football inside out.
"You can't really imagine the club without Curt. I think he will be at the club for as long he wants to be."

Brian Flynn
"As a friend, Curt is one of the best you could have.
"As a player, you would always want him on your team because of his individuality and his team ethic.
"And as a coach he is even better.
"He has a fantastic knowledge of everything to do with football and he is great coach during the week.
"He has been a vital cog all along for Swansea City.
"When Roberto Martinez got the manager's job, the first thing he did was to get Curt on board. I think that says it all."

Lee Trundle
"He is a legend at this club.
"I have been lucky enough over the years to work with him and I took plenty of tips off him.
"When you look at what he has done for Swansea, he is someone to listen to and to look up to.
"As a man, I don't think you will find anyone better than Curt."