Roy Saunders R.I.P: 1930-2009

Former Swansea City player and coach Roy Saunders has passed away at the age of 78.

A statement on the club's official site read as follows:

Swansea City Football Club is sad to announce the death of former player Roy Saunders.

Roy, an ex-England youth wing-half and father of current Wrexham manager Dean Saunders, played in Swansea's 1961 Welsh Cup final triumph.

Initially a Hull City amateur, he joined Liverpool in May 1948 at just 17 and featured in consecutive promotion near-misses.

He moved to the Vetch Field in an exchange deal involving Des Palmer in March 1959.

He netted three goals in 94 Second division games before a knee injury ended his League career, becoming Ammanford's player-manager in July 1964.

He joined the Swans' coaching staff under his friend Harry Griffiths and continued to live locally on his retirement.

He has been described as a strong, hard - working and tenacious tackler who always gave 100 per cent.

During his time at Anfield, he came on as a substitute for Stanley Matthews for a Great Britain XI against the Rest of the World.

Roy continued his involvement with the club when they moved to the Liberty Stadium, helping Alan Curtis as a matchday hospitality host in the Morfa 'Legends' Lounge.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.