On This Day | Swans break transfer record for Ashley Williams

Ashley Williams became Swansea City’s record signing when he arrived from Stockport County for a fee of £400,000 on May 22, 2008.

The Wales international defender joined on a permanent basis after making three appearances during an initial loan spell towards the end of the previous season, in which the Swans were promoted as League One champions.

Williams was an ever-present in the heart of defence over the next three years – the last of which saw the club promoted to the Premier League following victory over Reading in the Championship play-off final.

The centre-half continued to be a constant during the Swans’ first five years back in the top-flight, while he also captained them to League Cup final glory in 2013.

Williams, who made over 350 appearances during his eight-year stint with the club, joined Everton for £12 million in August 2016 after playing a starring role in Wales’ run to that year’s European Championship semi-finals.

May 22 also saw Scottish striker Stephen Dobbie join the Swans on a free transfer in 2009.

Having agreed personal terms a couple of weeks earlier, the former Queen of the South frontman signed a three-year deal at the Liberty.

Dobbie netted 11 times during the 2010-11 campaign, including the second goal in the play-off semi-final win over Nottingham Forest, as well as the third against Reading at Wembley.

Despite spending large parts of his time with the Swans out on loan, he still managed 14 goals in 67 appearances in all competitions, before joining Brighton & Hove Albion in August 2012.