Richard Swann

Football player infobox
playername= Richard Swann


fullname = Richard James Swann
nickname = Swanny and Mr. Swann
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1986|01|21
cityofbirth = Altrincham
countryofbirth = England
height = 6'1"
currentclub = Gateshead F.C
position = Goalkeeper
youthyears = 2002
youthclubs =Crewe Alexandra
years = 2002-04
2004-08
2007-08
clubs = Crewe Alexandra
Gateshead F.C
Hebburn Town F.C. (loan)
Total
caps(goals) = 00 0(0)
04 0(0)
020 0(0)
24 (0)
nationalyears =
nationalteam =
nationalcaps(goals) =
pcupdate = March 10, 2007

Richard Swann (Born January 21, 1986 in Altrincham), is a goalkeeper who plays in the Northern Premier League.

Crewe Alexandra and England

Richard Swann signed for the Youth Academy of Crewe Alexandra in the summer of 2002, however even though he made it into the England Schoolboy set up he failed to impress the Crewe manager Dario Gradi, and was released in 2004 without ever making an appearance.

Gateshead F.C.

After being released by Crewe, Swann moved to Newcastle to carry on his educational studies. The move worked well for Swann on a footballing level with then Gateshead F.C manager Alan Bell being able to sign Swann on a free transfer.

In his first season at the Gateshead International Stadium Swann made a number of reserve team appearances [ [http://archive.darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk/2005/1/24/25205.html Wearside League: RA take advantage of rivals' cup exploits ] ] but never made the step up to the first team. Swann's first team league debut finally came in the 2005/06 season against high flying A.F.C. Telford United a game which Gateshead drew 1-1 [http://gfcsc.50webs.com/swann.html] , however Swann was deemed to have been at fault for the Telford equalizer. Swann also played in the corresponding fixture during the 2006/07 which Gateshead won 4-3 thanks to a winning goal from on-loan winger Craig Nelthorpe. This game was pronounced as Gateshead's best of the season. [ [http://www.gateshead-fc.com/feature2.php?i=704 Gateshead Football Club Official Website - Features ] ]

Hebburn Town

Swann has remained on the books of Gateshead and has made a further 3 appearances for the club. However with first team opportunities limited, Swann moved on loan to nearby Hebburn Town F.C. [ [http://northernleaguereg.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/registrations-suspensions1.htm Orange Website Maker > website maker ] ] to gain first team experience. This proved to be a successful move with the likes of Whickham and Dunston Federation Breweries showing an interest. Swann finished the season with Gateshead after being recalled to play against AFC Telford.

Injury

The 2007/08 season promised much for Swann, after he claimed the number one jersey at Hebburn Town F.C. However early on in the season Swann injured his left knee, and combined with persistant back problems, he was forced to sit out the rest of the season. In March 2008, Swann was diagnosed as having a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee which will keep him out of the game for 9 months.

Recuperation

In April 2008 Swann underwent surgery to repair his torn anterior cruciate ligament and is now undergoing rehabilitation with a hope to return to football during the 2008/09 season and reclaim the number one jersey at Hebburn Town F.C. whilst pushing Paul Musselwhite for the number one jersey at the newly promoted Gateshead F.C.

Footnotes