BRITTON MAKES SURPRISE MOVE
Ammanford clinch shock deal for Swans legend
SWANSEA City legend Leon Britton has signed for Ammanford AFC.
Britton, one of Swansea’s greatestever players, hung up his boots in 2018 after 20 years in the game, briefly lacing them up again for Llanelli Town in 2019.
He was a part of the coaching staff at the Liberty Stadium under Paul Clement, and took caretaker charge of them following his sacking.
Britton has held various roles at the club. He was appointed as football advisor and later sporting director in SA1, a position he held up until last summer, when he stood down to spend more time with his family.
The 38-year-old is now back in football as a player, signing for JD Cymru South side Ammanford in what is a major coup for the club and league.
He joins his former Swansea teammates Lee Trundle and Andy Robinson at the Recreation Ground.
In a video posted on Ammanford’s Twitter account, Britton said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be signing for the club.
“I can’t wait to get the boots back on and put this shirt on.
“I can’t wait to play for this Black and White Army.”
Britton enjoyed a stellar 16-year playing career at Swansea, helping them avoid relegation from the Football League in 2003 and playing a major part in their rise to the Premier League.
Alongside Alan Curtis and former chairman Trevor Birch, Britton played a key role in the appointment of head coach Steve Cooper 18 months ago following Graham Potter’s decision to join Brighton.
“I’m obviously disappointed to leave,’’ Britton told the club website at the time of his Liberty Stadium exit. “But the time is right for me to take a break, spend some quality time with my family and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a ‘normal’ life.
“From the time I joined Chelsea as an eight-year-old, moved to Arsenal at nine and became a full-time apprentice with West Ham at 16, football has dominated my life.
“I was always going to take some time out when I finished playing, but Trevor (Birch) asked me to help him in his restructure of the football side of the club when he arrived, a task that escalated following the departure of Graham Potter to Brighton.
“I said I would help because I love the club, always will, but it was always my intention to step back once things had settled down, which it has following the arrival of Steve (Cooper) and Andy (Scott).
“I’ve enjoyed the role and it has given me a real insight into how a football club operates behind the scenes.
“It’s been a great experience and I’ve learnt a lot from Trevor and Andy; they’ve been a massive help, together with Steve (Cooper) and I would like to thank them for the opportunity.
“But the job is 24/7, all-consuming, and now is the time I have to keep the promise to myself and my family to take a break from the game after nearly 30 years.
“I will keep in touch with the club and help wherever I can because the Swans and the fans mean everything to me.
“I really hope it’s not the end of my close relationship with the club and I can come back in some capacity sometime in the future.’’
The JD Cymru League is on hold because of the coronavirus emergency and league bosses are awaiting a start date for its return.
IFAN Phillips, one of the mostimproved players in Welsh rugby, has signed a new deal with the Ospreys.
The hooker from West Wales has penned a deal that will see him remain at the Liberty at least until 2023.
The son of former Wales and Neath captain Kevin Phillips has taken his game to fresh heights in recent months, with his accurate line-out throwing, relentless energy and dynamism around the field.
And the Ospreys are seeing some of his dad’s imprint coming through in his efforts for the region.
“His emotional connection to the Ospreys through his father comes through every time he pulls the shirt on,” said head coach Toby Booth.
“Those ingredients certainly add to your squad both on and off the pitch, which is exciting.
“Ifan has shown some really good performances for the region this season.”
Phillips senior, who used to farm land at Hermon in rural Carmarthenshire, became known for his up-and-at-’em style, taking quick tap-penalties and driving deep into enemy territory.
His was a snarling, aggressive type of game perfect for the allconquering Neath side of the late 1980s he played for.
His son is a hooker for the modern game, mobile and combative, with a good skill set.
Ifan didn’t take an orthodox route into regional rugby.
It’s also fair to say his senior career had been something of a slow-burn before this term.
“I haven’t done things the classic way by the academy,” he said.
“I started with Crymych, went on to play for Carmarthen Quins and with Neath and got picked up by the Ospreys through playing there and I am pretty proud of that.
“It’s been a tough journey, but I have enjoyed every moment of it.
“Hopefully I can play here, have a few more starts and the end goal is to play for Wales.
“But now I am just taking every week as it comes, play as well as I can and keep taking the opportunities I am given.”