Vic Gomersall | 1942-2024
Swansea City is devastated to learn of the passing of the club’s beloved former player Vic Gomersall.
Gomersall, who passed away following an illness at the age of 82, also held roles in the club’s commercial department and for many years was a matchday presence in our hospitality lounges, where his genuine warmth and host of stories and memories made him highly popular.
Born in Manchester in June 1942, and a keen footballer from a young age, Gomersall would join Manchester City as an apprentice at the age of 15 and part of his duties would soon see him cleaning the boots of one of his heroes; Bert Trautmann. The German goalkeeper being best remembered for playing on with a broken neck during City’s 1956 FA Cup final victory over Birmingham City.
Gomersall would climb through the ranks to reach the first team with the Citizens and he would make a total of 39 league appearances and – eager to secure regular football – an approach from Swans boss Trevor Morris led to him moving to the Vetch Field in 1966.
The full-back would make 219 appearances for the Swans over the next five seasons, including appearing in the European Cup Winners’ Cup against Slavia Sofia, and reached the Welsh Cup final in 1969.
He was released by Roy Bentley in 1971 and went on to play for Chelmsford City, but he was soon drawn back to Swansea to work in the commercial team – having gained experienced in that area while in Essex.
Among the successes in his new career, Gomersall oversaw the hugely-popular ‘Moonraker’ lottery, with ticket sales far dwarfing attendance figures for home games.
Gomersall would continue to play for the likes of Llanelli Town – winning two Welsh Championships – Haverfordwest County and Pontardawe Athletic, playing alongside the great Ivor Allchurch with the latter.
A champion of grassroots football, Gomersall would also serve as president of the Swansea Junior Leagues for 25 years, while continuing to coach aspiring young players.
He then went on to be part of the group of former players who entertained hospitality guests at the Swansea.com Stadium.
A natural raconteur, with a generous spirit and a warm sense of humour, Gomersall was completely at home in such surroundings and continued to share his reminisces up until the recent home game against Portsmouth, despite battling cancer with the same bravery and determination that marked him out as a player.
Vic will be greatly missed by all who had the fortune to know him, and our thoughts and condolences go out to his friends and family at this sad time.