Swansea City’s long-serving coach Alan Curtis has led the club’s tributes to Mel Charles, the former Wales international who died on Saturday, aged 81.

The younger brother of John Charles, Mel was part of the 1958 Wales World Cup squad that reached the tournament quarter-finals.

He also played over 400 matches in a career that spanned 20 years for Swansea, Arsenal, Cardiff City and Port Vale.

Curtis – whose own association with the Swans extends over 40 years as player and coach – said: “It’s a sad, sad loss. Mel was part of a huge sporting family in Swansea.

“Not only was he highly respected as a footballer, he was a fantastic character who enjoyed life to the full. Everybody loved to be in his company.

“There is no doubt he will go down as one of Swansea and Wales’ greatest players and will now join that great football team in heaven.”

A fan favourite at his hometown club, Charles scored 66 goals in 233 league appearances for the Swans and was adept at either centre-half or centre-forward.

Former Swans great and ex-Wales international Mel Nurse said: “We were brought up together with his brother John.

“We went to Cwmbwrla and Manselton schools. I followed him on and off the field. I will miss him.

“He was a big character – Swansea has lost a legend.

“Anyone who had anything to do with Mel knew he was a big personality. He will be sorely missed.”

Charles made his debut for Swansea in 1952 aged 17 where he stayed for seven years before joining Arsenal in a fee worth £42,750. At that time it was a record fee between two British clubs.

His time at Highbury was blighted by injuries, qalthough he still managed to score 26 goals in 60 appearances.

Charles returned to Wales in 1962, playing at Cardiff, Porthmadog, Port Vale and Haverfordwest.