As Randy Swan is laid to rest today, his football club is set to pay him the ultimate salute ? retiring his number forever.

Dandy Town coach Devarr Boyles confirmed yesterday that the number 16 jersey worn by the late full back will be retired for eternity at the end of this season as a mark of respect.

It will be the first time in history that the St. John?s Road team will withdraw a player?s number from being used ever again.

Boyles explained that outstanding Hornets players usually have their numbers retired for just two years and then they are reissued to newcomers. However, club officials and squad members have decided the 24-year-old defensive linchpin merits having his familiar ?number 16? kit retired permanently.

However, before doing so, the club will give a few of Swan?s closest team-mates a rare opportunity to show their appreciation for his service to Dandy Town by wearing his number in matches for the remainder of this season.

?One or two players were really close to him and might want to wear it in tribute and we want to give them that opportunity. We have discussed it but I don?t want to say who those players are right now.

?But, come the end of the season, we?re looking to dust off Randy?s uniform, dry-mount it and have it sealed and placed in the clubhouse. We?re retiring it for life. This will be a first for us,? said Boyles, adding that one of Swan?s mounted soccer shirts would also be presented to the latter?s family.

Reflecting on how the loss has affected Town in recent days, the coach disclosed that ?a lot of players were too close to the situation emotionally to perform on the field? and it has necessitated bringing in some new blood for the ongoing Champions Cup.

As for the awkward mixture of being in mourning while still trying to focus on football, Boyles acknowledged it was uncharted territory for which one could not be prepared.

?We?re just managing as best we can. We will deal with tomorrow (today?s funeral) ? that?s Randy?s day ? and we hope to be stronger from it.

?It offers a bit of closure but the truth is that he is irreplaceable in our team. There?s no-one like him and we will miss him and his contribution.

?We?re well-placed in the league and hope we can go on from here and make this a season to remember as part of our tribute to him,? said Boyles, sounding determined to honour his former player with another trophy.

Swan was removed from life support last Tuesday after suffering severe head injuries in a car accident on his birthday on December 16. His funeral takes place at 2 p.m. today at St. Paul?s A.M.E. Church on Court Street.