World Cup Swans: Walter Boyd

As the 2018 World Cup draws closer, the official website takes a look back at the players who have turned out for the Swans and played on the biggest stage of all.

Today's focus is the Reggae Boyz' Walter Boyd.

Walter Boyd is one of the finest footballing talents Jamaica has ever produced and is highly regarded as a cult hero in his homeland.

His colourful career comprised of three separate spells with local side Arnett Gardens, plus stints at Swansea City, Colorado Foxes, Constant Spring and Naggo Head.

Nicknamed ‘The Pearl’, Boyd also represented his country between 1991 and 2001; with his 19 goals in 75 appearances putting him sixth on the Reggae Boyz’ all-time leading goalscorers' list.

AT THE SWANS

With the Swans struggling for goals in Division Three, Boyd was signed by manager John Hollins in October 1999.

He made an immediate impact at Vetch Field with two goals on his debut in a win over Rotherham United, while a further five strikes over the course of the season made him the Swans’ joint-top scorer and helped them win the title.

Boyd also broke a world record during his time in South Wales but for all the wrong reasons, as he was sent off just 53 seconds after coming on as a substitute against Darlington for an elbow on Martin Gray.

Overall, Boyd made 44 league appearances for Swansea, scoring 10 goals, before departing the club in May 2001.

AT THE WORLD CUP

Boyd was part of the 22-man squad for Jamaica’s first and to date only appearance at the World Cup finals in 1998.

The striker came on as a substitute for the final nine minutes of their opening 3-1 defeat by Croatia, and also made an appearance from the bench in the 62nd minute in the 5-0 reverse against Argentina.

Boyd completed a trio of substitute appearances in Jamaica’s final group game against Japan, replacing Paul Hall with 18 minutes remaining of his country’s 2-1 victory thanks to goals.