Player Stats Height 5'11" (180cm) Weight 12.09 (80kg) Date of Birth 30/08/77 Place of Birth Neath Position Midfielder Foot Right Nationality Welsh Previous Clubs Cheltenham Loan 07/08 Stats (All Comp) Goals 0 Yellow Cards 1 Red Cards 0 Squad No. 4

Kristian O'leary

Profile provided by Andrew Thomas

The longest serving player at the club, Kris was here during the Frank Burrows days and has played at full back, centre half and in midfield for the club, and over the last few years has rarely let the side down.

Probably not the most technically gifted player, Kris always wears his heart on his sleeve. During these days of players moving every other season, Kris has demonstrated his love of the club, by turning down a very attractive three year deal from Cheltenham in favour of a one year contract at the Liberty, thereby gaining the respect of many Swans fans.

Despite coming from Port Talbot, Kris has a great command of the English language.

2006/2007

Profile provided by Andrew Thomas

Time and time again, Kris has proved his critics wrong who said that he wasn't up to the rigours of a new season. He has made himself a key element of the team, and we always seem to lack bite and control when Kris is absent.

A no-nonsense midfielder, his work rate and tackling often go unnoticed, and his true worth is often only apparent when he isn't playing.

It was no coincidence that the Swans poor run after Christmas ran intandem with Kris's absence. Having come through the youth ranks at the Vetch, the play off defeat against Barnsley would have been felt keenly by Kris.

Kris has been working hard on his shooting this summer in an attempt to emulate Leon Britton's impressive goal-scoring record.

2005/2006

Profile provided by Andrew Thomas

Long serving player, having been at the Vetch since he was a trainee. Has played for a succession of managers in a variety of positions, including midfield, centre half, and full back, although he always seemed to look more comfortable in the centre of defence.

Last season though, Kenny Jackett played him predominantly in midfield. The Swans form seemed to mirror Kris's appearances, as we went through a dreadful spell when he was injured after Christmas last season. It was no coincidence that our return to form corresponded with Kris's return to fitness.

Kris even managed to get his name on the scoresheet after a couple of seasons, and was voted this site's Player of the Season.

Kris has never played in a World cup final for the Republic of Ireland!

2004/2005

Profile provided by Andrew Thomas

Long serving player, having been at the Vetch since he was a trainee. Has played for a succession of managers in a variety of positions, including midfield, centre half, and full back, although he always seems to look more comfortable in the centre of defence.

Somebody with a genuine love of the club, although prone to the occasional gaffe, Kris is a strong tackler, with the ability to hit a decent pass out of defence.

2003/2004

Profile provided by Andrew Thomas

Kris has looked as though he's been playing his last season for the Swans for a number of years now, but seems to do enough to deserve a new contract every time it comes round for renewal. To be fair to him, he's the sort of player who wears his heart on his sleeve. A very strong tackler, and someone who genuinely loves the Swans. Is capable of hitting a decent pass as well, but can be prone to mistakes.

His joy was evident for all to see late last season, when the Swans won away to Rochdale, when he jumped into the crowd of Swans fans after the final whistle, almost in tears. Usually plays in central defence, but can also play in midfield, and when required, has done a decent job ar right back. Kris was also club captain for a spell last season, which was surely a dream come true for him.

Kristian O'Leary - Soccerbase.com