Swansea City saddened to learn of the passing of Neil Robinson

Swansea City is saddened to learn of the passing of the club’s former full-back Neil Robinson at the age of 65.

Neil made his debut against Queens Park Rangers in 1980 and went on to make 151 appearances in Swans colours across a five-year spell at the club.

Relatively unknown when he was brought in by John Toshack in October 1979, he became a popular figure in south Wales and was part of the 1980-81 promotion winning side as well as winning the Welsh Cup twice in 1981 and 1982.

An exciting overlapping defender, he added something to the Swans attacking play, while also proving to be a sound defender. Toshack also utilised the Liverpudlian in midfield.

Neil was part of one of the club’s most successful periods and he played a big part in the 1980-81 promotion winning campaign which saw the Swans reach the top flight for the first time.

It was personally his best campaign with the club scoring six of his nine Swansea City goals that term.

The following season, he featured 29 times as the Swans finished sixth in the top flight – the club’s best league finish in the First Division.

After five years at the club, matters off the field played their part in Neil’s departure. The club sold him to Grimsby Town for £20,000 and he went onto be named their player of the season.

Neil was famously a vegan which meant his boots were made of synthetic fibres at a time when most of his team-mates wore leather.

Everyone at Swansea City sends their sincerest condolences to Neil’s family and friends at this sad time.