Where are they now? Darren Way

7th December
Have you ever wondered what a former Swans player has been up to since hanging up his boots? 

 

In a regular feature, we catch up with past players to give you the answers.
This week we focus on former Swans midfielder Darren Way, who played 21 matches for the Swans between 2005 and 2008.

Way has remained in the game and is currently manager of League Two side Yeovil Town.

Darren Way's career in professional football kicked off at Norwich City's academy.
Nurtured alongside the likes of Craig Bellamy, Darren Eadie, Andy Johnson and current Swansea City Under-18s coach Chris Llewellyn, Way failed to break into the first team at Carrow Road.
But his journey would take him to Yeovil Town - a club that would remain a massive part of his career as a player and, later, a manager.
He made 207 league appearances and scored 26 goals for the Glovers, with his form catching the eye of the Swans.
"There were a lot of good, competitive matches between Yeovil and Swansea during my time at Yeovil," recalls Way on his move to South Wales in 2006.
"I handled myself well in those games and had the kind of qualities they were looking for at the time. It was Kenny (Jackett) who took me to Swansea.
"He was a very thoughtful individual and someone who created a good environment and it was a good group to be a part of."
Way made his Swansea debut as a substitute in a 2-2 draw with Walsall in the Football League Trophy on January 24, 2006. He also came off the bench to replace Roberto Martinez for his first league appearance for the club at Bristol City a few days later.
It was the first of just 21 league games Way would make for the Swans as injuries seriously hampered his career in SA1.
"My body wasn't allowing me to play the matches I wanted to at Swansea so I made it up to the fans in other ways by going to speak to them, spend time with them," reflects Way. "I've made sure at Yeovil that our injured players still come and speak to supporters, come along on matchdays and get involved. I think it's important they still feel part of everything that's going on, as I did at Swansea."
Way was loaned back to Yeovil during the 2007-08 season, where he played eight league matches and scored once.
He made his return a permanent one in the summer of 2008 and made 15 league appearances, netting twice, before a life-changing event on December 17, 2008.
Way was involved in a serious accident on the A3088, sustaining breaks in his arm, leg and hip. It ended the midfielder's competitive playing career but did nothing to diminish his positive outlook on life.
"I think life is full of adversities but I think I am someone who thrives off adversity because it has made me the man I am today," smiles Way.
Aged 37, Way is currently one of the youngest managers in the Football League having been appointed as Yeovil Town manager in December 2015.
After steering the club to safety last season in League Two, the Glovers are now sitting in the fourth tier's play-off zone.
"I'm absolutely buzzing and loving this experience," comments Way on his time as a manager so far. "The manager's job feels natural to me, I have to say. I don't feel pressure and I think that comes from having come so close to death. My dream is to take Yeovil to the Championship but the biggest job is on our hands right here, right now. It's a challenge I relish."