For the city and its size Swansea probably isn’t the first birth place you would think of that has provided the most capped players to the Wales international squad. However, that debate is over,well over. It is in fact by a long way.

The town hailed by Dylan Thomas as an ‘ugly, lovely town’ has sporting achievement running through its veins. The city may have provided one or two less players to the national side than Wrexham and Cardiff but the overall amount of caps gained is massive. And that’s some achievement when you look at the population of the town that became a city in 1969. Granted city status as a result of the investiture of Prince Charles in July that year, Swansea was in fact internationally recognised as the capital of Wales for many years. This due to its economic base and being the most productive economic area in the country. It was only in 1955 a defined capital was chosen.

However, we are racing ahead, or behind as the case may be.

The most capped players from Swansea are Dean Saunders with 75. Ivor Allchurch with 68, Andy Melville with 65, Cliff Jones (59), Leighton James (54) and John Hartson (51) have all won 50 plus caps for the Welsh national team. Most certainly Chris Coleman can be described as the most successful Wales manager to be born in the city. Leading the country to the Euro 2016 semi final he also gained thirty two Welsh caps.

So, what are the numbers ? From the forty seven players ( to date ) that have pulled on the national teams jersey 942 caps have been earned. And the list albeit impressive doesn’t include the likes of Connor Roberts, Ben Davies or indeed Joe Allen. All have played for the club but of course are not from the city itself. Alan Curtis as well is not included. Interestingly the likes of John Hartson who was born in Swansea but never played for the club is featured on fifty one caps. And there’s a Cardiff City player or two in there as well. It’s definitely one for your google fingers. If you have a few minutes spare have a quick look about in some of these famous Swansea names.

Dean Saunders – 75 caps Ivor Allchurch – 68 caps Andy Melville – 65 caps Cliff Jones – 59 caps Leighton James – 54 caps John Hartson – 51 caps Robbie James – 47 caps Jack Kelsey – 41 caps John Charles – 38 caps Trevor Ford – 38 caps Gary Sprake – 37 caps Chris Coleman – 32 caps Mel Charles – 31 caps Barrie Hole – 30 caps Terry Medwin – 30 caps Joe Rodon – 39 caps Ray Daniel – 21 caps Jeremy Charles – 19 caps Jeff Hopkins – 16 caps Barrie Jones – 15 caps Adam Matthews – 14 caps Richard Duffy – 13 caps Jazz Richards – 13 caps Mel Nurse – 12 caps Len Allchurch – 11 caps John Morgan – 10 caps Billy Hole – 9 caps Pat Glover – 7 caps Chris Marustik – 6 caps Steve Lovell – 6 caps Bill Harris – 6 caps Wilf Lewis – 6 caps Mark Harris – 5 caps Shaun MacDonald – 4 caps Nigel Stevenson – 4 caps Ernie Jones – 4 caps Herbie Williams – 3 caps Des Palmer – 3 caps Dudley Lewis – 1 cap Cyril Davies – 1 cap Roy Evans – 1 cap Michael Johnson – 1 cap Vic Rouse – 1 cap Harry Griffiths – 1 cap Jack Parry – 1 cap Jackie Roberts – 1 cap Harry Thomas – 1 cap

The actual representation of players from the Swans as we have stated above is forty seven. That could well change this week if Liam Cullen gets the nod against Gibraltar. Cardiff and Wrexham are one or two actual players ahead, but there’s very little in it. It’s international week on the Indy but that doesn’t mean to say we can’t give our friends in other areas of the country a gentle reminder as to who holds the keys to the country.

Of course you knew the answer, it’s Swansea City.

Research : Barratt 2022.

Photographs licensed from Reuters: Research Barratt

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