'The Swans and the fans mean everything to me' Swansea City legend Leon Britton steps down from his role at the club
Swansea City Sporting Director Leon Britton has stepped down from his role in order to "take a break" and "spend some quality time" with his family.
Football has dominated his life for almost 30 years. Britton joined Chelsea as an eight-year-old, moved to Arsenal at nine and became a full-time apprentice with West Ham at 16.
The 37-year-old played in all four divisions for Swansea City after arriving and helped the club escape relegation from the Football League in 2003. He also spent time on the coaching staff under former manager Paul Clement, plus two games as the club’s caretaker boss and a season as club ambassador.
Britton announced his retirement as a player in May 2018 with 536 appearances to his name over a 16-year period with the Swans.
He said: “I’m obviously disappointed to leave. But the time is right for me to take a break, spend some quality time with my family and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a ‘normal’ life.
“I was always going to take some time out when I finished playing, but Trevor (Birch) asked me to help him in his restructure of the football side of the club when he arrived; a task that escalated following the departure of Graham Potter to Brighton."
Britton said the Sporting Director role gave him a "real insight" into a football club operates behind the scenes.
He said: "It's been a great experience and I've learnt a lot.
"But the job is 24/7, all-consuming, and now is the time I have to keep the promise to myself and my family to take a break from the game after nearly 30 years.
“I will keep in touch with the club and help wherever I can. I really hope it’s not the end of my close relationship with the club and I can come back in some capacity sometime in the future.’’