SWANSEA moved out of Vetch Field all the way back in 2005 – but parts of the iconic stadium are sensationally still intact despite being left to rot.
The Championship side has gone through plenty of change in the last 12 months, including to officially become a co-owner.
Vetch Field’s original centre circle is still intactCredit: Getty
Swansea City hosted games at the arena until 2005Credit: PA
And the American, 54, when he started rapping after jetting in for Swansea’s showdown with Preston last month.
But he still has a chance to go and see where the Swans started life when the club was formed in 1912.
was Swansea’s first-ever stadium and the local council has managed to keep portions of the much-loved ground preserved.
Among the parts still intact is the pitch’s original centre circle, found alongside a footpath.
It was decided that it should remain untouched as a mark of respect after multiple fans have had their ashes scattered across the site.
The piece of land, now known as Vetch Park, also still has a section of the stadium wall which has the badge emblazoned across it.
Another surviving feature is the original players’ tunnel – which is found between two neighbouring terraced houses.
Just the other side of a wall to Vetch Park is the official entrance, which a sign states is for players, directors, officials and press only.
And a rusting gate leading to the former East Stand, which would have once welcomed thousands of Swansea supporters on matchday, can also be found.
Vetch Field had a capacity of 11,475 when the doors were closed for the final time after the Swans’ 2-1 win over Welsh rivals in the FAW Premier Cup final on May 11, 2005.
The official entrance can still be spotted between two neighbouring terraced housesCredit: PA
The Swansea badge is found on what was previously part of the stadium wallCredit: Getty
But it is still where Swansea’s record attendance stands – having had 32,796 fans pile through the turnstiles for a FA Cup clash with Arsenal in February 1968.
Multiple promotions were celebrated and relegation seasons were endured at Vetch Field as they spent time in the first, second, third and fourth tier.
John Toshack, who that he has been diagnosed with dementia earlier this week, had two spells in charge of the Swans in their former surroundings.
The club moved to the Swansea.com Stadium in July 2005, with the first game being a pre-season friendly against Fulham.
Under its previous name, the Liberty Stadium, it became the first arena in Wales to host Premier League action.
Vetch Field was opened in 1912Credit: PA
Swansea had memorable and unwanted moments at their former homeCredit: Getty
It came after they beat Reading in the Championship play-off final in 2011 under chief Brendan Rodgers, who is in the Saudi Pro League.
The stadium has a capacity of 21,088 and Swansea are on course for another season of second-tier football next term.
Having as their boss last November, they are sitting comfortably in mid-table.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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