Swansea City deeply saddened by passing of club great Herbie Williams

Swansea City is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Herbie Williams, one of the club's most loyal servants, at the age of 85.

Williams joined the club's junior ranks at the age of 15 in 1955 and would remain with the Swans until 1975.

During that time he made 513 league appearances, the third-most by any player in the club's history. In total he played 608 games in all competitions, scoring 129 goals.

Over his career he played as an inside forward and wing-half, before later featuring as centre-forward and centre-half, and was renowned for his long-range shooting and passing abilities.

He struck up a notable forward partnership with Dai Gwyther during the 1969-1970 Fourth Division promotion season, having been a Welsh Cup winner in 1966. 

He was also an integral part of the famous run to the semi-finals of the FA Cup in 1964, with the defeat to Preston in the last four being the game Williams considered the most memorable of his Swansea career; the club having been just 45 minutes from Wembley after leading before suffering a 2-1 defeat.

Williams won three caps for Wales, and upon leaving the Swans he made the move to Australia to take up a player-coaching role with Balgownie Rangers  where he spent two seasons before returining to his hometown and working for many years with Royal Mail.

A gracious, humble man, with a deep love and affection for Swansea - city and club - Herbie will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Everyone at Swansea City sends their sincerest condolences to his friends and family at this sad time.