Farewell Fab: A fine servant departs

It says everything about Lukasz Fabianski’s contribution to the cause that he missed only three Premier League games in four seasons as a Swansea City player.

One of those was because of a suspension following a somewhat unfortunate red card at Upton Park, and the other two were final-day fixtures when, with little to play for, Fabianski was given a late-season rest.

For the most part, he was one of the first names on the team sheet throughout his distinguished spell as a Swan.

Hence the club, and the fans, will be sad to see him go.

Fabianski has moved on as a result of relegation from the Premier League, with the 33-year-old returning to the top tier with West Ham United.

The Hammers were one of a number of clubs mentioned as potential suitors for the goalkeeper this summer.

It is no surprise that there was plenty of interest, for Fabianski established himself as one of the Premier League’s most consistent keepers during his time in Wales.

He arrived on a free transfer in 2014, leaving Arsenal for the Liberty because he craved regular first-team football.

It proved a shrewd move by both club and player.

Fabianski was voted the Players’ Player of the Season at the end of his debut campaign, when the Swans clocked up a record tally of points and finished eighth, their best effort in the Premier League.

The following year was less successful for the team, with Monk making way for Alan Curtis and then Francesco Guidolin as the Swans flirted with relegation.

Yet Fabianski’s standards never slipped, and he remained one of the most consistent performers at the club.

It was a similar story in 2016-17, with Fabianski playing his part in the great escape from trouble at the bottom under Paul Clement.

And in 2017-18, Fabianski’s fine contribution was recognised by the Jack Army as he was voted Supporters’ Player of the Year.

The big Pole in the Swans’ goal shed a tear on the final day as the club’s relegation was confirmed.

His exit looked inevitable from that moment on, but Fabianski will not quickly be forgotten in these parts.

Whenever talk turns to listing the Swans’ finest goalkeepers down the decades, his name is sure to be mentioned.

And for many, he will come out on top.