Swansea City saddened by passing of Derek Draper

Swansea City is saddened to learn of the passing of former player Derek Draper at the age of 81.

The Welsh inside-forward was an influential figure in the Swans run to the semi-finals of the FA Cup during the 1963-64 season, and scored 14 goals in 79 appearances in all competitions.

A classy player, capped by Wales at under-23 level, Draper was raised in the Greenhill area of Swansea and attended Hafod School prior to joining the ground staff at the Vetch in 1962.

He made his first-team debut against Newcastle United in March 1963, scoring the winner, and he also netted an important brace in a FA Cup third-round replay against Sheffield United the following season.

After leaving Swansea in April 1966 to join Derby County, Draper went on to have spells with Bradford Park Avenue and Chester City.

He was the latter’s leading marksman during the 1972-73 season, and played a starring role as they won promotion and reached the League Cup semi-finals in 1974-75.