AMMANFORD AFC have announced the major signing of Swansea City legend Leon Britton, who stepped down from his role as Sporting Director at the Liberty Stadium in May 2020.

The 38-year-old made more than 500 appearances for Swansea during 16 years as a player, and links up with former Swans teammates Andy Robinson and Lee Trundle at the Cymru South club.

Britton had announced his retirement as a professional player in 2018, but briefly returned to play for Llanelli Town - and the veteran midfielder is looking forward to getting back on the pitch.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be signing for the club,” revealed Britton.

“I can’t wait to get the boots back on and put on the shirt - and, I tell you what, I can’t wait to play for this Black and White Army.”

Britton played in all four divisions for the Swans after arriving, initially on loan, from West Ham in 2002, and he crucially helped the club escape relegation from the Football League in 2003.

He went on to win promotion to League One in 2005 and then the Championship in 2008, before leaving for Sheffield United in 2010 - only to return under Brendan Rodgers six months later.

Britton went on to help the Swans win promotion to the Premier League with a play-off final victory over Reading at Wembley in 2011, after the Club had finished third in the Championship.

He also featured in the club’s Football League Trophy win in 2006 and the League Cup triumph in 2013 - and then played in the run to the Uefa Europa League's last 32 the following season.

Britton also spent time on the coaching staff at Swansea City, under former manager Paul Clement, in addition to two games as the club’s caretaker boss and a season as club ambassador.

He was appointed as Advisor to the Board by the then new chairman Trevor Birch, after announcing his retirement as a player in May 2018, with some 536 appearances to his name.

He played a role alongside Alan Curtis in appointing Steve Cooper as head coach and Andy Scott as head of recruitment, and he became the club’s first Sporting Director in September 2019.

“I was disappointed to leave, but the time was right for me to take a break, spend some quality time with my family, and enjoy some freedom and flexibility,” Britton said on leaving the Swansea position.

“From the time I joined Chelsea as an eight-year-old, moved to Arsenal at nine and became a full-time apprentice with West Ham at 16, football has dominated my 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.

“I said I would help because I love the club, always will, but it was always my intention to step back once things had settled down, which it did following the arrival of Steve (Cooper) and Andy (Scott).

“I enjoyed the role and it gave me a real insight into how a football club operates behind the scenes, but the job was 24/7, all-consuming, and I had to keep the promise to myself and my family.”