Swansea City legend Leon Britton returns to club in new role
He's going to be helping young talent move from the academy into the first team
Swansea City has announced that club legend Leon Britton has returned to the club, to start a new player mentor role in the academy.
The 39-year-old was sporting director until June 2020, spending 16 years at the club, including 537 appearances, three promotions and League Cup success.
The new role will see him helping to deliver training sessions, alongside mentoring and nurturing young talent through the transition from academy level to first team.
The model was first utilised by German giants Bayern Munich.
Mark Allen, who stepped up to become sporting director in August, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the young players at Swansea City to learn from Leon – he’s been there and done it, and is a fantastic role model.
“We have important principles and values at Swansea City. Leon is a prime example of someone who epitomises the Swansea Way, and that was evident during his long and successful career here as a player, and then as sporting director.
“He is an excellent addition to the club’s academy primarily as a mentor to these young lads, while he will also be available to contribute as a player at some point in the near future.
“The benefits our young players will take are endless, and they’ll take a tremendous amount from being a team-mate of Leon too.
“This isn’t a role which will prevent our players having an opportunity to play – Leon won’t play every minute of every game – it is a role which will bring so many benefits to the young lads in the academy who are hoping to move into the first-team frame.
“We look forward to seeing Leon once again play an important role at the club, and I’m sure the Jack Army will be delighted with his return.”