Rod Thomas

Rod Thomas was a Welsh professional footballer who played as a defender and made 50 appearances for the Wales national team. Born Roderick John Thomas on 11 January 1947, he joined Swindon Town from non-league Gloucester City in July 1964 for 500 pounds and, after nearly two years as a youth player, became the club's first choice right back. He made nearly 300 appearances for Swindon, including the 1969 League Cup final, and remains the club's most capped international. He moved to Derby County in 1973 and was part of the side that won the 1974-75 First Division, then joined Cardiff City in 1977, where injuries hampered four seasons. He returned to Gloucester City in 1981 and had brief spells at Newport County, Bath City and Barry Town before retiring in 1982. He died on 15 November 2025, aged 78.