South & West Wales - De a Gorllewin Cymru

Get to the football First, on board the Ivor Allchurch ftrmetro.

A second ftrmetro vehicle has been formally named during a short ceremony at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea.

Recognising the role the ftrmetro plays in transporting football fans to and from the Liberty Stadium, one of the vehicles is being named after one of Swansea Football Club's greatest players, Ivor Allchurch.

On Friday 16 October, the date that Ivor would have celebrated his 80th birthday, his widow Esme Allchurch formally named an ftrmetro 'Ivor John Allchurch MBE, 1929-1997'.

It is only the second ftrmetro - out of the fleet of ten - to be officially named. The first was named in September by the Lord Mayor of Swansea, Councillor Alan Lloyd and FirstGroup Chief Executive and chairman, Sir Moir Lockhead. It was called 'City of Swansea, 40 years, 1969 - 2009' in recognition of fortieth anniversary of Swansea's becoming a city.

Talking about the decision to name the vehicle after one of Swansea's legendary players, Tony McNiff, Managing Director of First Cymru, says: "Naming the ftrmetro after Ivor Allchurch seemed like a fitting tribute to him and the instrumental role he played in Welsh football. We are delighted that his widow Esme has been able to join us today for this short ceremony.

"The naming also highlights a special deal that football fans can take advantage of. Those travelling to football matches by train are able to enjoy free onward travel on the ftr on match days.
"The deal, which only applies on presentation of a valid train and football ticket, has been designed to help cut traffic congestion around the stadium as more fans are encouraged to use integrated public transport to get to and from matches."

The free travel has been subsidised by Swansea City Football club as part of its Green Travel Plan.
Swansea City chairman, Huw Jenkins, said: "Ivor is widely regarded as Swansea's finest ever player and he certainly lived up to his title as 'The Golden Boy' of Welsh football.
"Sir Matt Busby once said that Ivor never needed a number on his back for identification because his polish and class could not be missed. He said he was up there with the greatest players of all time, yet had the modesty that became him. I think that sums Ivor up and it's our honour to name the ftrmetro after him."

Esme Allchurch added: "I think Ivor would be proud to be remembered in this way. As a Swansea boy he loved this city and everything it stood for, and having his name associated with something like the ftrmetro, which is helping to shape the future of public transport in this city, would, I think, have made him happy."

Ivor Allchurch made 445 appearances and scored 164 goals for Swansea City, as well as gaining 68 caps for Wales and scoring 23 goals at international level. As well as having an ftrmetro named after him he is remembered by a statue outside the Liberty Stadium.
The ftrmetro is a new form of public transport; a hybrid mode, delivering the quality of a tram with the flexibility of a bus. It can carry 53 seated passengers with space for 60 standing, as well as having space for one standard wheelchair and three buggies. It benefits from faster transit times in the city following the installation of a number bus priority measures.