The 2002-03 campaign delivered a dramatic and historic 'Great Escape' for Swansea City as The Swans narrowly avoided relegation to the non-league Conference with a crucial 21st-place finish in the Third Division. Leading the desperate fight was local hero James Thomas, whose 13 goals proved decisive, culminating in his legendary final-day hat-trick against Hull City that secured their Football League status. It was a season built on sheer grit and the arrival of future core players like Leon Britton and Roberto Martínez, which remains arguably the most defining chapter in the club's modern history.