Tributes paid to ambitious Swans stalwart Struel
FORMER Swansea City chairman Malcolm Struel has died.
Mr Struel, who played a pivotal role in guiding the club from the Fourth Division to the First during its first golden period, passed away after a short illness.
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His health had been suffering since he was airlifted to hospital after a road accident in the Pyle area earlier this year.
John Toshack, who Mr Struel appointed as manager at the Vetch in the spring of 1978, today led the tributes to his former chairman.
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"I went to see Malcolm in Singleton Hospital last week," he said.
"I came away thinking that he was up against it so this is not a total surprise.
"But it's still a shock when it does happen.
"My condolences are with the family at this sad time."
Solicitor Mr Struel first began playing an active role in the club in 1969, after he headed a consortium of local businessmen which raised £35,000 for the Swans.
Two years later he became vice-chairman, before eventually taking over as chairman from David Goldstone in the autumn of 1972.
One of his first major tasks was to save Swansea from dropping out of the Football League altogether.
In the summer of 1975, Swansea were forced to apply for re-election after finishing in the bottom four in Division Four.
Mr Struel canvassed every one of the other 91 league clubs on Swansea's behalf, with the vote going their way.
Within three years Swansea had appointed Liverpool legend Toshack and had won the first of their three promotions on their way to the top flight.
Mr Struel eventually resigned as chairman in October 1983.
Gordon Daniels, who was Swansea City's secretary at the time and worked closely with Mr Struel, said: "He was very ambitious for the club to succeed and attracted co- directors who put money in.
"His ambition helped propel us forward, bringing people like John Toshack to the club.
"He was a very good chairman in many ways. He was very enthusiastic and worked so hard for the club. They were great days."
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