Swansea City coach Alan Curtis hails "true legend" Ashley Williams

10th August

Alan Curtis reckons Swansea City are bidding farewell to a "true legend" after Ashley Williams completed a move to Everton.
Williams has brought the curtain down on a memorable eight-year spell at the Liberty Stadium having agreed a move to Goodison Park.
He leaves having played a major role in what has been the most successful period in Swans history.
Having arrived in Wales shortly before promotion to the Championship was secured, Williams quickly established himself as a first-team regular in the second tier and helped the Swans land a place in the Premier League in 2011.
And the centre-back took the step up to the top division in his stride, establishing himself as one of the most consistent defenders in English football.
Williams has been arguably the Swans' most reliable performer in the Premier League era.
He led Michael Laudrup's team out at Wembley as they won the Capital One Cup in 2013, and also captained the club during the 2013-14 Europa League adventure.
And Curtis, regarded as one of the Swans' finest ever servants, believes Williams should depart with his head held high.  



"Ash is one of the best defenders we have ever had, if not the best," Curtis said.
"People always talk about legend status - sometimes it seems as though you can become a legend in six months these days.
"But I think that has to come over a period of time.
"You have to do it over a sustained period to become what I would regard as a true legend, and I think Ash has fulfilled all the criteria as far as legend status goes.
"There is no doubt about it - he is one of the best players who has ever played for this club."
Williams has chalked up more than 350 Swans appearances since Roberto Martinez brought him to SA1 back in March 2008.
"Ash has been part of the fabric of the club for seven or eight years and he has given fantastic service to the club," Curtis added.
"His consistency and the number of games he played were very impressive. He has hardly missed a game since he has been with us.
"We wish Ash all the best in his new challenge, but players have left in the past and we have continued to progress as a club. I am sure we will do that again now."


READ MORE . . .