A step up in status for the town meant that the Swans became Swansea City in March 1970. In 1974 average attendances slipped below 3,000 for the first time, threatening the Swans with financial ruin. The City Council stepped in and saved the club by buying the ground for £50,000, and paying off a large part of the debt.
Things got worse the following year when the Swans had to apply for re-election to the Football League after finishing 91st out of 92 clubs. The team did improve under former player Harry Griffiths, a devoted Swansea City man. Exciting young players were coming through, (Curtis, James) allowing some grounds for optimism.
Despite this, Griffiths resigned over lack of resources. Former Cardiff City and Liverpool striker John Toshack was appointed player-manager in March 1978. The Swans were promoted to Division 3 at the end of his first season. The triumph was tinged with sadness when Harry Griffiths died of a heart attack at his beloved Vetch Field. ‘Tosh’ went on to secure promotion to Division 2 the following season. That season also saw the Swans’ rst appearance on TV’s Match of the Day.
