On This Day | Swans sign Sam Ricketts

Swansea City completed the signing of full-back Sam Ricketts on May 27, 2004.

Ricketts became Kenny Jackett’s first signing in South Wales as he arrived on a free transfer following his departure from Telford United.

His first season in SA1 – and the final one at the Vetch Field – was hugely successful for Ricketts and the Swans.

He made 50 appearances in all competitions as the club gained promotion to League One, while his impressive performances at right-back earned him an international debut for Wales as well as a place in the PFA League Two Team of the Year.

Ricketts also appeared regularly the following year as the Swans won the Football League Trophy – beating Carlisle 2-1 at the Millennium Stadium – and reached the League One play-off final.

The Welsh international departed for Hull City in the summer of 2006; helping the Tigers gain promotion the Premier League two years later.

In 2013, he was reunited with Jackett at Wolves, who he captained to the League One title during his first season at Molineux.

After finishing his playing career at Coventry, Ricketts moved into management with Wrexham before taking charge of Shrewsbury Town in December 2018.