Reds’ bid to sign Swans legend
Britton to mull over Stebo move
LLANELLI Town are looking to give Swansea City fans’ favourite Leon Britton a shock football return in the Welsh Premier League.
The former Swans captain and caretaker manager is understood to be mulling over an offer after it is believed he held talks with the ambitious Reds.
Given Britton’s Premier League stature, his capture would be a real coup for Llanelli and arguably the biggest signing in the 26-year history of the League of Wales.
Britton’s presence in Llanelli colours would attract bigger crowds to Stebonheath Park – replicating the impact of another Swans favourite Lee Trundle.
SWANSEA City fans’ favourite Leon Britton has been asked to make a shock football return — with Llanelli Town in the Welsh Premier League.
The former Swans captain and caretaker manager is understood to be mulling over an offer after it is believed he held talks with the ambitious Reds.
Given Britton’s Premier League stature, his capture would be a real coup for Llanelli and arguably the biggest signing in the 26-year history of the League of Wales.
Welsh goalkeeping great Neville Southall did play three times for Rhyl during the 2001-02 season, but at just 36 Britton remains as fit as a fiddle and could prove a sensation with Llanelli.
Given Britton’s popularity amongst the Swansea fan base, his presence in Llanelli colours would attract bigger crowds to Stebonheath Park, and having a player of his pedigree could also increase the general interest in the League.
Britton hung up his boots in May after more than 500 appearances during two spells with Swansea, the last coming against Stoke with the club relegated to the Championship.
He planned to take a year out before determining his future, although he works as a match-day ambassador for the Swans.
But talk of Llanelli’s interest has done the rounds in Welsh Premier circles for several days and a bid is believed to have been made to try to tempt him out of retirement, with the Reds feeling it could be a win-win situation for the player and the club.
Llanelli are second from bottom of the Welsh Premier, with only Llandudno below them, and feel Britton’s experience and influence can help them claw away from the foot of the table and have a real crack at things next season.
They have won just three of 19 matches this term but are confident the Britton factor would reap its rewards.
In turn, Britton would get the opportunity to play football again at a decent level and with a club near to his home.
Britton is understood to be thinking about the Llanelli offer, with it thought to be a 50-50 call whether he chooses to play again.
Llanelli declined to comment when approached by WalesOnline. But there is little doubt they would be delighted to capture a player of Britton’s stature and they are to be commended for their ambition.
Britton first joined the Swans in 2002 and spent 15 years with them, broken by one short stint as a Sheffield United player.
As well as playing more than 500 Swansea games, Britton was also caretaker manager for a brief spell following the dismissal of Paul Clement 12 months ago. He took charge of a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace and a 5-0 Boxing Day drubbing at Liverpool, before standing aside when Carlos Carvalhal was appointed.