TEN years at one club does not happen very often, especially in this day and age, but for the Annan stalwart there is nowhere else he would rather be.
Swinglehurst said: “After a couple of years, I knew I loved it at Galabank.
“I’ve never wanted to leave or go chasing money. If I wanted money then I would have left.
“Ten years at Annan is something to be proud of and show my kids, so I’m delighted.”
The defender has been ever present for the Black and Golds since joining on loan from Carlisle United in January 2012, playing on the old grass pitch. Manager Harry Cairney made his deal permanent in May that year after being impressed by the then 19-year-old.
His Annan career has taken him across the length and breadth of Scotland.
He was part of the team that beat Rangers at Ibrox and recently local rivals Queen of the South at Palmerston in a victory which he says is up there with the best games of his career. He also won the Supporters Player of the Year award in 2018.
He has been colossal at the back for Annan, known by fans to never be afraid of a tackle and willing to put his body on the line in order to stop a goal.
The defender has also been involved in four play-off campaigns during his time at Galabank, coming closest at the end of last season.
He added: “If I’m being honest, I think we should have gone up last year, we’ll need to dig deep and go again.”
Kenny Miller and Jim Thomson are among the names appearing for Back Onside, whilst ex-Galabank favourites Smart Osadolar, Sean O’Connor and Kenny McKay are just three of those who will be pulling the Black and Gold shirt back on.
Teams are as follows:
Annan Legends:
Managers – Kevin Proudfoot and Harry Cairney
Alex Mitchell, Craig Summersgill, Steven Black, Cammy Clark, Steven Swinglehurst, Scott Hooper, Kevin Rutkiewicz, Darren Barr, Steven Sloan, Chris Jardine, Jack Steele, Graeme Ramage, Stuart McColm, Craig Bourner, Kenny McKay, Sean O’Connor, Tommy Muir, Smart Osadolor, Andy Aitken
Back Onside:
Managers – Owen Moxon and Bobby McCartney
Jon Connolly, Jim Thomson, Colin McMenamin, Rico Quitongo, James Keatings, Derek Lyle, Jordan Young, Gary Fraser, Andrew Barnsley, Kyle Fleming, Kyle Chrystal, Alan Cook, Andy Munro, David Cox, Kenny Miller
Kick off at Galabank on Sunday is at 2 pm. Tickets are cash on the day, priced at £10 adults and £5 concessions.
