Former Swansea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Wales winger Terry Medwin has passed away at the age of 91.
Born in Swansea, the forward appeared 30 times for Wales and scored the decisive goal in their 2-1 victory over Hungary during the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.
He was also a member of the Tottenham squad that achieved the league and cup double in 1961 and won the FA Cup again in 1963.
Medwin’s playing career was abruptly ended by a broken leg while playing for Spurs in 1963.
His goal against Hungary at the Rasunda Stadium in Solna is considered one of the most significant goals by a Welsh player. It secured Wales a 2-1 victory and a spot in the quarterfinals against Brazil.
Although Wales was eliminated by a goal from 17-year-old Pele, the 1958 tournament remains their most successful World Cup performance.
“It was a long time ago, but you never forget it,” said Medwin in 2014.
“It was a great experience playing for Wales when I first got my cap but even better when we qualified for the World Cup.
“We won a play-off against Hungary and that’s where Big John [Charles] got injured.
“Had he been fit enough to play against Brazil, I’m not saying we would have won, but he was such a great player.
“Sadly, he had a few tears and he couldn’t play, and then Pele got his first goal for Brazil in the World Cup.”
Terry Medwin began his career at what was then known as Swansea Town in 1949, playing a pivotal role for the club until his transfer to Tottenham for £25,000 in 1956.
He was later joined at White Hart Lane by Cliff Jones, his former Swansea and Wales teammate, in 1958. In 1961, Tottenham made history as the first club in the 20th century to achieve a league and cup double, although Medwin faced competition for a starting position from Terry Dyson.
Medwin regained his key player status the following season and participated in the 3-1 win against Burnley in the 1962 FA Cup final. Unfortunately, his career was cut short the next year due to a broken leg sustained during a tour of South Africa, marking the end of his time winning trophies as a player.
Spurs have expressed their deep sadness at his passing.
Following his retirement from playing, Medwin took up coaching at Fulham and served as assistant manager to John Toshack at Swansea, during which time the club rose from the Fourth Division to the First Division of the Football League in the late 1970s and early ’80s.
Medwin was honored as a guest at the announcement of Wales’ squad for the 2022 World Cup.