Leon Britton returns to take up new role at Swansea City

Swansea City can confirm club legend Leon Britton has returned to take up a new player mentor role within the academy.

Britton, who is currently playing for Ammanford AFC in the JD Cymru South league, will be available in a playing capacity in the near future for the under-23s team, while the 39-year-old could well assist Kristian O’Leary and Anthony Wright in helping deliver training sessions and prepare for Professional Development League fixtures.

It is a move which is seen as pivotal in helping mentor and nurture the club’s young talent as they look to make the transition from academy level to the first team.

It is an approach which is proving hugely popular in British football, having been a model first utilised by German giants Bayern Munich.

Britton had previously been sporting director until June 2020, while he served the club with distinction during a 16-year spell that amassed 537 appearances, three promotions and League Cup success.

Mark Allen, who stepped up to become sporting director in August, believes it is a move that will prove hugely beneficial to the club’s younger players.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the young players at Swansea City to learn from Leon – he’s been there and done it, and is a fantastic role model,” said Allen.

“We have important principles and values at Swansea City. Leon is a prime example of someone who epitomises the Swansea Way, and that was evident during his long and successful career here as a player, and then as sporting director.

“He is an excellent addition to the club’s academy primarily as a mentor to these young lads, while he will also be available to contribute as a player at some point in the near future.

“The benefits our young players will take are endless, and they’ll take a tremendous amount from being a team-mate of Leon too.

“This isn’t a role which will prevent our players having an opportunity to play – Leon won’t play every minute of every game – it is a role which will bring so many benefits to the young lads in the academy who are hoping to move into the first-team frame.

“We look forward to seeing Leon once again play an important role at the club, and I’m sure the Jack Army will be delighted with his return.”