Swansea City mourns the passing of Terry Medwin
Swansea City is in mourning following the passing of Terry Medwin at the age of 91.
The former Wales international spent seven years with his hometown club after signing professional terms in 1949, making 148 league appearances and scoring 60 goals for the Swans; twice being the topscorer during a campaign.
A gifted and versatile outside-right, who could play in all positions across the frontline, Medwin’s form in the Second Division attracted the interest of Tottenham Hotspur, who he would join in 1956.
He would score 72 goals in 215 appearances for the north London club, being joined there by his old Swansea teammate Cliff Jones in 1958, and was part of Spurs’ revered double-winning squad that won the league title and FA Cup under Bill Nicholson in 1961.
A further FA Cup success would follow in 1962, and a Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup success in 1963.
Medwin was also part of Wales’ squad for the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, scoring the crucial goal in the play-off win against Hungary that secured a quarter-final place.
That goal would prove Wales’ last at the global showpiece until Gareth Bale’s penalty against the United States in Qatar in 2022; with Medwin among those invited to attend the squad announcement for that tournament in acknowledgement of his place in Welsh football history.
He won 30 caps for his country in total, before his career was cruelly cut short by a broken leg which he suffered in 1963, which ultimately led to his retirement from playing in 1965.
Medwin moved into coaching, and held positions with Cardiff City, Fulham, Norwich City and his beloved Swansea City.
His return to the club saw him serve as assistant manager to John Toshack as the Swans climbed through the divisions to reach the top-flight.
Medwin was a regular visitor to Tottenham and attended fixtures between Spurs and the Swans when the clubs were in the Premier League together.
And, while his playing prowess was beyond question, it was his humble and unassuming nature that made him such a beloved figure at the clubs he served with such great distinction.
Honorary club president Alan Curtis was among those coached by Medwin during Swansea’s golden era under Toshack, and has many fond memories of working with
“Terry Medwin has passed away and it’s another heartbreaking day for everyone connected to Swansea City following the recent passing of Leighton James,” he said.
“As was the case with Leighton, Terry will also undoubtedly rank among the best players the club has ever had.
“Unfortunately I never saw Terry play for the Swans, but I did follow his fantastic time at Tottenham Hotspur and his Wales career.
“My association with Terry started when he became assistant manager to Tosh.
“He was always so knowledgeable and caring, especially if things were not going too well.
“The players loved Terry and we were all so lucky to be coached and mentored by him, and he undoubtedly played a huge part in the success of the team in the top-flight."
Swansea City will wear black armbands and hold a minute of applause at Saturday's fixture against Millwall in memory of Terry, and the club's former player Leighton James, who recently passed away at the age of 71.