Swansea City mourns loss of club great Mel Charles

Swansea City is sad to hear of the passing of former player Mel Charles, aged 81.
A club great, Mel was capped 21 times by Wales during a seven-year spell at the Vetch Field where he netted 66 goals in 233 league games.
The younger brother of John Charles and father to former Swans star Jeremy, he passed away peacefully in Swansea on Saturday.
Having signed professionally for his home-town club in 1952, he went on to join Arsenal in 1959 before spells at Cardiff City, Porthmadog, Port Vale and Haverfordwest.
He was also part of the Wales team that reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 1958.
His heart remained in Swansea throughout his life and was a loved member of the local community.
"It's a sad, sad loss,'' explained Swans stalwart and club coach Alan Curtis. "Mel was part of a huge sporting family in Swansea.
"Not only was he highly respected as a footballer, he was a fantastic character who enjoyed life to the full. Everybody loved to be in his company.
"There is no doubt he will go down as one of Swansea and Wales' greatest players and will now join that great football team in heaven."
Former Swans great and ex-Wales international Mel Nurse said: "We were brought up together with his brother John.
"We went to Cwmbwrla and Manselton schools. I followed him on and off the field. I will miss him.
"He was a big character - Swansea has lost a legend.
"Anyone who had anything to do with Mel knew he was a big personality. He will be sorely missed."
A Swansea City spokesman added: "We are sorry to hear of the loss of a club great and true gentleman.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time.''

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