A sensible look at the newest addition to Swansea City

For my last birthday I received South Park Season 14 on DVD and some moisturiser. Michael Laudrup got a Premier League football team for his... He wins.

You should be well aware of the news by now: Michael Laudrup has been confirmed as the new Swansea City manager on a two-year contract, replacing Brendan Rodgers who left the club two weeks ago.

A recent photo... 2011 I think

It's not much of a surprise as Laudrup has been the bookies favourite for a while, with numerous 'leaks' and media chatter backing it up. Still, it's superb to have confirmation, after the two manager-less weeks. Even one day without a manager is a day where the club can't move forward.

Firstly, let's take a moment to consider the shrewd moves by Huw Jenkins over the past fortnight - he's secured £7million for Brendan Rodgers and brought an exciting new manager to the club for free. Add that to the £7million that we won't be spending on Gylfi Sigurdsson and Swansea theoretically have £14million to play with. Nice one Mr Jenkins.

So, while Michael Laudrup has been described as the best player ever by many through the years, what do we know about him as a manager?

He has held the reins of four other clubs in the past ten years and was assistant manager of Denmark for a couple of years before that. While his playing career saw him well decorated - with medals for league wins with Juventus, Barcelona, Real Madrid and more, in addition to many Player of the Year awards - his managerial career hasn't particularly wowed anyone (but neither did Brendan Rodgers', and we all know what he achieved...).

Laudrup did well with Brøndby over four years, revamping the team and winning the Danish Superliga and the Danish Cup, before moving to Getafe. He stayed with the Spanish side for only one season, but implemented a similar easy-on-the-eye style of passing football there and took them to the UEFA Cup quarter finals. He then moved to Spartak Moscow where he flopped and was sacked after just seven months, before spending a season with Mallorca where he kept them from relegation, but resigned in September 2011 after his assistant was sacked.

So a colourful ten years for the Danish manager, all of which has led him to Swansea City.

The good news is he'll be bringing a similar brand of football to the Liberty Stadium and fields a 4-2-3-1 formation, so very little tinkering with the squad will be needed (though be sure to read my Swansea City Summer Shopping List article for what should still be considered this summer).

There is little in the way of bad news in this appointment. If you need a point of view from Mallorca, who were supposedly glad he left, read this article.

The only real thing I'm worried about is trying to find another manager two years from now, when Liverpool ultimately steal him from us (in this scenario, Brendan Rodgers was sacked after his first season with The Reds. He is now the assistant manager of Dagenham & Redbridge).

We've all discussed loyalty, and it may seem a little pessimistic – even inappropriate – to discuss this on the day he's been appointed, but is Laudrup in it for the long run? Early indications seem to say... no, he's not.

It's hard to predict, but we'd be fools to believe that loyalty to a team - for players and managers alike – is anything more than a bonus these days. I guess, as long as he is able to keep the team playing as they are, or better, and continues to build on the work of the past three managers, we will be satisfied.

Whether this scenario is more than fiction, and whether he does a brilliant Brøndby or a sluggish Spartak Moscow with Swansea City will be revealed over the next few seasons. But for now Michael Laudrup has the full support of the Jack Army behind him.

The Swansea City Summer Shopping List

There have been no sightings of Torres, Gerrard or Aguero dining at Rossi's yet this summer, because new signings for Swansea City won't be at the forefront of attention until a new manager is secured.

That patient wait until he is announced has overshadowed the fact that this is the post-season and Swansea need to replenish their squad.

It's hard to speculate on whether the new manager will play a similar 4-3-3 system or whether he will switch to a totally different style. This makes writing a 'what do we need' blog a little tricky at this stage, but, for now, this is my opinion on what should be considered for the shopping list.

Note: I've asked the #TwitterJacks their views on who should be signed (or loaned). If you don't know what a #TwitterJack is, the Oxford English Dictionary describes it as:

#TwitterJack
(noun: a Jack what is on Twitter) 

Shopping List 

Centre-back 
First on the list is quite clearly a new centre-back. It's the essential one - much more crucial than signing Sigurdsson in reality.

It's currently unlikely that Steven Caulker will return from Spurs on another loan deal. Not impossible, just very unlikely. Swansea are bare in the centre-back spots at the moment, with only Ashley Williams really able to do the job week-in week-out. Garry Monk is certainly able to step in when needed - he showed it last season - but he also showed he is slowing down a little, and I don't think he has the legs for a full season as a starting Premier League centre-back.

Ideal ForzaSwansea signing which certainly won't happen: Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)

Other, more realistic options: Christian Kum (ADO Den Haag), Ömer Toprak (Bayer Leverkusen), Jeffrey Gouweleeuw (Heerenveen), Steven Caulker (Spurs - naturally a very popular choice with the #TwitterJacks)

Left/Right-back
This is less vital than bringing in a new centre-back, but if Angel Rangel or Neil Taylor (or both!) take a knock or are ruled out for a few games, things become a little worrying. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see Alan Tate start a few games - he deserves it - but, like Monk, he doesn't have the legs and consistent quality that is needed in the Premier League. Jazz Richards is also an option, but not established enough for me yet and uninspiring at times.

Swansea need someone strong, fast and comfortable with the ball at his feet, with the ability to make those essential overlapping runs. Not Fede Bessone.

Ideal ForzaSwansea signing which certainly won't happen: Christian Maggio (Napoli)

Other, more realistic options: Sam Ricketts (Bolton), Adam Henley (Blackburn), Fabio (Manchester United), Nathaniel Clyne (Crystal Palace)

Winger 
This is more of a 'if-we-have-time-and-money-at-the-end-of-the-summer' kind of signing because Nathan Dyer, Scott Sinclair and Wayne Routledge all have the ability to play well enough in the Premier League. However, they all displayed moments of poor form last season - sometimes simultaneously - so another winger to mix things up and provide options if things become stale would be ideal. But, as I said, the new manager will be after others before this position.

Ideal ForzaSwansea signing which certainly won't happen: Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)

Other, more realistic options: Thomas Ince (Blackpool), Vaclav Pilar (Wolfsburg), Matt Jarvis (Wolves)

Striker
Danny Graham's work ethic is superb and his first season with the Swans produced 12 Premier League goals after a nervous start. While he is certainly one to keep hold of, someone a little more confident - someone who can put them away consistently - should also be on the shopping list. Maybe to start ahead of Graham, or even with him if we see a formation change.

Leroy Lita is strong and keen, but is lacking when it's at his feet. I've warmed a little to Luke Moore, but he has never made me say 'wow - you know what we need is another few Luke Moore's at this club'. Though both Lita and Moore have had their moments of brilliance (vs Blackburn and vs Man City respectively), if Graham became injured, I wouldn't be confident that these two could do the job.

Ideal ForzaSwansea signing which certainly won't happen: Fabio Borini (Parma/Roma)
Other, more realistic options: Pavel Pogrebnyak (Fulham), Yakubu (Blackburn), Marvin Emnes (Middlesbrough) Jordan Rhodes (Huddersfield), Nelson Oliveira (S.L. Benfica), David Lafata (FK Baumit Jablonec)


Attacking Midfield?
I'm not sure about this area. I know Br**an R****rs was ready to break the transfer records with his £7million signing of Sigurdsson, but attacking midfield is an area that Swansea, possibly, already have the talent in.

Let's look at Stephen Dobbie one last time. We've all noticed he has, so far, been unable to make his mark on the Premier League and seems much more comfortable in the Championship. However, any permanent loan to Blackpool seems off until the new manager is sorted for Swansea. Maybe give him a final chance in the first part of next season? It's a gamble which might just pay off (and a gamble I'm sure Ian Holloway would take if he was in charge!).

Andrea Orlandi is another who impressed during his very limited time on the field last season. It could've just been a one off, but Orlandi is one player I'd like to see in the pre-season games against the American sides and could well be the answer to the tricky central problem?

Ideal ForzaSwansea signing which certainly won't happen: Mesut Ozil (Real Madrid)
Other, more realistic options: Wes Hoolahan (Norwich), Jens Toornstra (ADO Den Haag), Rasmus Elm (AZ Alkmaar)


Your opinions are always welcome - just add them in the comments box below, or get in touch on Twitter (now you know what a #TwitterJack is) via @ForzaSwansea.
 

The Swansea City Vindaloo: Hard to digest

So much changes over a week during the post-season/pre-season/void, especially when you combine the search for a manager and a handful of new players. It's hard to keep up. Some are able to; some are not, and ultimately crack under the pressure of trying to take in all the rumours, gossip, chatter and inevitable sightings of José Mourinho and Paulo Sousa at Morgan's Hotel.

Let's at least try to digest some of the past week with Swansea City with a Pepto Bismol-coated blog post.

Most recently - who saw Brendan Rodgers' open letter to the Evening Post? It was heart-warming. Well, not really. In fact, it was as you might have expected and can be summed up like this:

Thanks. Mission. Legacy. Thanks. Love Swansea. Thanks. Forever a Jack. (Wait... what?)

Don't get me wrong - he didn't have to do it, nobody forced him. In a way, it's better than nothing. I guess he felt it would be nice to explain himself. But, as one enjoyable tweeter wrote after reading it: “The Rodgers letter; a bit like your wife leaving you and then sending you a letter to say how good you were.”

It's also very similar to the Martinez open letter, written just before he nabbed a few players for Wigan.

Anyway, I'll be mentioning the new Liverpool manager as little as I can now, because Swansea City must move forward! The Swans need a manager, back room staff, players and a new focus for next season.

Before I leap into possible new managers, it's worth mentioning that the Sigurdsson move is off. Two weeks ago he was about to have a medical and sign, then... he wasn't. Sigurdsson is one of the best loanees to have worn the Swansea shirt in recent years, but he certainly was not the sole reason Swansea survived last season. Yes, he scored vital goals and created reassuring chances, but to be honest, maybe the massive price tag would've seen him do a Torres/Carroll and flop? Who knows. Maybe Liverpool will find out.

Besides, Swansea are not lacking midfielders and at least the new manager will have £7million to spend on a different player or two.

Moving on, and Swansea are without a manager in case you hadn't noticed.

There has been nothing in the way of concrete moves so far - a few talks here and there, a few rumours - but nothing that justifies the bookmakers suspending bets. Huw Jenkins has recently been holidaying, so to expect a new manager by now may be a little premature. Reports says that the club are expecting to have the new man (or at least a good idea of who he will be) within the next week.

Good. Though it shouldn't be a rushed decision, it needs to happen sooner rather than later. The existing players (not to mention the eventual new recruits) need a good enough chunk of pre-season to 'gel' and decide what the best strategy is for survival come August.

We've seen several names thrown by the media and fans alike – some shrugged off easily, some sticking. The names we've heard the most of seem to be Michael Laudrup, Graham Jones, Dennis Bergkamp and Ian Holloway. Not to dwell on these too much (there are plenty of others who can give pages of why it may, or may not happen), let's quickly look at them.

First up is Graham Jones, who saw the bookmakers halt bets at one stage last week. In fact there was a small window when even I was certain he would be announced. It seems that Jones initially decided against it, but the press has recently reported he is back in the running, after a second bid will be made by the club.

Jones clearly knows the club and the style of football well, and would be welcomed back by a number of senior players, but does not have first hand experience of being a sole manager. While it could be another Brendan Rodgers in the making, I feel someone with a little more managerial experience would be better.

Michael Laudrup's odds have recently fallen from around 22/1 (when I put my £1 on him), to 8/11 where he currently stands as favourite. Hell of a player and has the managerial experience, as well as a similar style to what Swansea have been impressing everyone with over the last few years. According to the Mail, he is keen to take over and would welcome interest. Watch this space.

Dennis Bergkamp was another big name associated with Swansea. His odds fell rapidly within the last week, but it has come to nothing so far (nothing new there then). He has experience as the assistant manager at Ajax, but is he holding out for the Arsenal job. His odds are back at 12/1 - don't rule him out, but don't bet your life (or £100) on it.

Finally in my little round-up is Ian Holloway. I would say Holloway is one of my favourite choices. He's a colourful character and knows how to play attractive, attacking football. He's done well with Blackpool over the last few seasons and there's no reason he wouldn't continue his success with Swansea.

Some say, under Holloway, the defence wouldn't be up to scratch, but providing Swansea can keep Williams, Taylor and Rangel, and add another one or two solid defenders to the list, I think there is little to worry about. However, Blackpool say there has been no formal approach. He's currently third favourite after Laudrup and Jones. It's another 'watch this space' I think.

Right, that's quite enough from me. I'll be back soon with a post about the new players we need to get in. Let's hope a manager is sorted by then.

(I fear as soon as I click 'publish', this blog will already be out of date...)

Rodgers gone: In nobody we trust.

So, what's been happening with Swansea City? The new home kit is expected to be released soon... some of the players have played for Wales in America... there are vacancies in the Liberty Stadium ticket office. Oh, and...

BRENDAN RODGERS HAS LEFT THE CLUB TO JOIN LIVERPOOL. 

Yes, it's official.

It had been speculated for a while, so can we be too shocked? However, Rodger's constant comments, reassuring us that he would not leave, that Swansea was the place for him - it does make it a surprising decision.

Firstly, I fully appreciate his situation. He is a young manager with a great record of success over the past few years. Liverpool is a big club (albeit one struggling a little at the moment), and Rodgers has seen his chance to manage that big club. I accept the situation.

I also recognise what he has done for Swansea: taking them from a mid-Championship team to a mid-Premier League team in just two seasons. His style of football is fantastic and he's brought some superb players to the club.

While I wish him no specific ills, I can't really say I wish him all the best. Or much of the best for that matter.

Whatever spin he puts on his departure (e.g. wiping away the tears), he won't be remembered as highly as he could have been. If he made this move two years down the line he could have gone to a bigger club, and we'd have probably respected him for it.

Hell - I'd have probably respected him more if he didn't try to reassure everyone with false statements of intent. 

Let's look at a select few quotes taken from newspapers just a few months ago:

"If I felt in my own mind that I was going to be leaving, I wouldn't have signed the new deal"
"But I want to complete the job here and, unless the club tell me otherwise, I am very, very happy here."
"I don't know where else I could go and be as happy as I am at Swansea City."
"Hopefully I can see out the contract I have just signed."
"My focus is purely on Swansea City, and on building what we have done here."
"I get the opportunity to manage this club the way I want to do it”
"I've learnt my lesson in my career (at Reading), and that was a defining moment for me.”
"My family love it here in Wales. I'm 39 years of age and I hope to be in the game for a long time, but for now my concentration is with Swansea City." 

Blah, blah, blah and so on.

It was all technically lies... Maybe he meant it back then. Back two months ago.

The whole 'Elvis for Brendan' thing seems a little silly now.

So, most of us are understandably angry at the moment, especially with news that three backroom staff will leave with him. I'm assuming our anger will swell over the summer - as, inevitably, Gylfi Sigurdsson refuses to sign a contract, or Rodgers starts peeling players away from the club. I can't see Joe Allen, Ashley Williams, Michel Vorm leaving, but Scott Sinclair? Nathan Dyer? I'd hate to see it, but you can't help feel something else is on its way to ruin our summer!

The opportunity for Mr Rodgers is a big one, I'll admit. But it's the wrong one for him. I know that a few years later and the Liverpool job may not be there - this may be the only chance he has to manage Liverpool. But who the hell wants that job!?

If he likes a challenge he's found it, that's for sure! If the Liverpool fans were happy to get rid of “King Kenny”, a supposed Anfield legend, how will they accept Brendan Rodgers?

So far, looking at the forums, listening to Liverpool radio stations and, of course, Twitter, the response is mixed, with more emphasis on the 'no ambition in signing Brendan Rodgers' angle from many Liverpool fans. He's off on the wrong foot already.

Even if they are ready to accept him, how much time will he get? He will need time to find his feet - to develop a style of play around the current team - which may take a while.

But Liverpool want Champions League football. They want to win the Premier League. They want all of this NOW. There is no “a few years down the line”. He'll struggle to win over the fans I fee.

So, Swansea - the team we really care about - are left with a massive hole to fill. It's by no means the end of the world. But it is a major setback for a summer where a little tinkering was required, rather than a complete change.

Who is going to fill that hole? There are a number of names being thrown around: Holloway, Di Canio, Zola, Solskjaer, Laudrup, Poyet... Monk.

Monk is an interesting one - he's committed to the Swans, he knows the club, he knows the style of play. However, he's inexperienced as a manager, so is not the answer... yet.

I don't understand those who are desperate to see Roberto Martinez back. While I like Martinez as a manager, the way he left Swansea is much the same way as Rodgers has done. You know he'd jump into the role, stay another few years, then move along when another big club comes calling. Anyway, he has supposedly confirmed his loyalty to Wigan (but what does loyalty mean in footballing terms these days?). 

No, Martinez is not the answer.

Whoever comes in, we just hope it's the right guy to keep the club moving forward. Swansea City have the footballing philosophy in place, they have the money, they have the board and the full support of the fans. I am positive the Swans will remain in the Premier League after next season. They just need the manager to make sure of it.

30th May 2011 – One Year On: Where are they now?

I remember it like it was yesterday. But it wasn't. It was a year ago.

Yes, one year ago today (or yesterday if you are reading this tomorrow), Swansea City walked out onto that Wembley field to take on Reading in the Championship play-off final in front of 40,000 excited Swans fans (and a few Reading fans). Swansea won and then it was all a blur!

A year on and plenty has changed. However, before I spend the summer writing about hopes for next season, I felt it necessary to focus a blog post on the starting eleven who battled hard in that incredible game.

Where are they now? How was the past year for them? Let's have a look.

Dorus De Vries 
The departure of the likeable keeper was the biggest shock of last summer, and left a bad taste in the mouths of many Swans fans. He moved to Wolves "to be able to find [his] true potential" - potential that was left bottled up on the bench as Wolves spent most of the season in the relegation zone, finally sent back to the Championship in May. He made only his second Premier League start against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium in an odd 4-4 draw, and was jeered a number of times by the Swans fans. He'll spend next season in the Championship, probably on the bench. Sorry Dorus, but it wasn't our choice.

Angel Rangel 
Rangel had a good first season in the Premier League. He didn't make the headlines, and generally took a little longer than others to settle into the big league, but was eventually able to replicate his strong defending and pacey wing-back role in the big time. Always one of the first on anyone's team sheet. He had a few poor moments, notably his mistake which gifted Man United the only goal in the game at the Liberty. Still, we all love Rangel.

Garry Monk 
The iconic centre-back captained the Swans in that memorable play-off final and deservedly lifted the trophy. However, Monk played a lesser role throughout last season thanks to the inclusion of Steven Caulker at centre-back. Mind you, he still started 14 games, and played his part in the clean-sheet victories over Fulham, West Brom and Stoke. His career is not over yet, though it is starting to wind up. Much of it is summed up in his published autobiography, Loud, Proud and Positive (available from all good book shops or the internet I assume!).

Ashley Williams
Williams had a huge season for the club, starting all 37 Premier League games and all three cup matches, captaining the squad through much of it. There has been little in the way of struggling with the step up, as Williams kept world-class strikers quiet for many games. Always the first name on the team sheet and will take the captain role again next season.

Alan Tate 
I always forget Tate was playing in that play-off final, instead of the banned Neil Taylor. Unfortunately for Tate, his now infamous golf buggy incident ruled him out for much of the season with a broken leg. He eventually made a comeback and, while never making the pundits drool, gave his all, as he always does for Swansea City. He was subbed-on for the last few minutes of the game against his former club at Old Trafford, and deserved every last note of “we all dream of a team of Alan Tate's”.

Leon Britton 
Britton has become Swansea City's unlikely poster boy this season, being dubbed the Xavi of South Wales, and totting up some impressive passing statistics. He's been a vital part in the midfield engine and I predict the same next season. Why not check out my detailed article that I wrote for the Sabotage Times earlier in the season, centring on the rise of Leon Britton.

Joe Allen 
Allen established himself well in the Premier League and was a vital ball winner in the centre of the field. Overall he looked much more developed and less prone to frustrating mistakes (although he has picked up a few cards during the season). He was also able to contribute with the goal scoring – four this season, doubling his tally from last year.

Stephen Dobbie
His play created the second goal, then he scored the third for Swansea in the play-off final, but Dobbie just never got started in the Premier League. He had his chances to make an impact, but in his eight appearances (two starting, the rest as a sub) he looked a shadow of his Championship days. In March he rejoined Blackpool on loan, where he, albeit unsuccessfully, helped them in the battle for promotion. He may well stay with Blackpool next season, though will always be fondly remembered by Swans fans. 

Nathan Dyer 
His slippery dancing won the penalty which led to the first goal in the play-off final. He had a great start of the 11/12 season, emulating his Championship form in the early days against the likes of Man City and Arsenal though saw his role swapped with Wayne Routledge occasionally in the latter stages. The most important thing seems to be his ability in front of goal has improved – he scored six in total, and is looking much more the finished package.

Scott Sinclair 
Last season's poster boy scored an incredible hat-trick in the final. However, some may say that final was the last great game he had for the Swansea after losing a lot of form this season. While it is true he hasn't had the same impact down the wing as last season, he is a solid player and his composure from the penalty spot is still highly desirable. He's still the club's second highest goal scorer after Danny Graham, with eight goals this season. I reckon he has had his second season syndrome, and will shine again come August.

Fabio Borini 
Probably the most successful ex-Swansea striker and member of that play-off winning team. Borini left immediately, to head to his home nation of Italy to join Parma, though he spent most of the season with Roma. His fine Serie A performances saw Cesare Prandelli hand the youngster his debut appearance for the Italian national squad and he's off to Poland this summer to (hopefully, for me anyway) take Italy to glory! Forza Borini! Forza Swansea!

Swansea City: Hello Sigurdsson? Goodbye Tate? Stay there Dobbie?

It's been just under two weeks since Swansea City last took to the field. Brendan Rodgers has barely opened his bottle of SPF 30 and the summer rumours, links and signings are already in full flow.

Too many rumours begin and end on Twitter and, with no attribution, it's barely worth taking notice of most of them. However, some may have legs...

Let's briefly catch up with what's been going on:

Gylfi Sigurdsson
I began writing several posts on Sigurdsson, but as soon as I went to publish them we heard of another twist in the story. It seems Huw Jenkins is opening his wallet wide to grab the Icelandic midfielder, who played such a key role in the latter stages of the season. He filled the centre of the pitch nicely, netting many goals in style for the Swans, so it's no wonder everyone wants him to stay on.

The latest news seems to be that Swansea have agreed a £7.2million fee with Hoffenheim after Huw Jenkins flew to Germany. Sigurdsson must now agree personal terms and decide if he wants to make the switch permanently.

Let us hope it's all sorted soon and £7.2million is the limit. Though he is clearly a quality player, the whole budget shouldn't be spent on one man. You never know - he may have his own bout of 'second-season syndrome'! But I'm almost certain that won't happen. A decision is coming soon though; an announcement we all anticipate highly.

Tate and Monk Released?! 
No... at least I don't think so. But I bring this up as I recently overheard someone say 'I don't believe they've released Tate and Monk from their contracts!'. Thankfully a quick internet search proved it to be another nothing rumour, and rightly so.

While they are struggling in the Premier League they should never be forced out, for two reasons: one being Swansea are severely lacking defenders at the moment. If Taylor and Rangel take a knock, it's Tate who will step in. We don't even have the luxury of two fresh, young centre-backs at the moment with the departure of Caulker, so Monk is currently first choice along with Williams.

The other reason should be obvious - they are Swansea City. Despite being somewhat past their prime, both Monk and Tate are key figures to have on the bench, in the dressing room and, when it's called for, on the field. I'm sure they'd take pay cuts if needs be, but to be released just like that? No!

Stephen Dobbie
Still on the Swans books, but will he play again? Watching the play-off semi-finals it was clear to see why the Blackpool fans love him. His touch, his vision... he is the complete player. For the Championship. Yes, I fear Dobbie is a very good Championship player and that is his limit.

Is it worth keeping him? With the probable signing of Sigurdsson, Dobbie is even less likely to start for Swansea next season, so I think now is the time to let him go (for a nice lump sum of course - £1million is the current price tag). Naturally, he won't be forgotten easily, after what he did for the team in the promotion winning season, but I think most would be happier to see him make the switch to Blackpool permanently.

Marvin Emnes 
Swansea were linked with Marvin Emnes last week, but that little rumour did the rounds and died. Like Dobbie he seems to be a fantastic Championship player and will always be remembered for his goal against Cardiff, but I can't confidently say he'd make an impact on the Premier League.

Rodgers to Liverpool 
He wasn't first choice for the Liverpool job and didn't want to upset the Swans players and supporters, so his decision not to get involved with talks was clever and ultimately the correct choice.

And the rest...
Rodgers to Roma, Emile Heskey to Swansea, Allen to Liverpool for £3million - none of these are happening! I can't decide which one is the most absurd and which I dislike the sound of the most...

Goodbye 2011/12: a brief reflection

From crashing back to reality with the hammering from Man City in August, to the comfortable win over Liverpool on Sunday, it's been one hell of a debut season for Swansea City!

The months since the Premier League new boys walked out at the Etihad have been incredibly memorable. The first win against West Brom; taking points from games against Man City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea; Alan Tate and his golf buggy; incredible possession stats; and the 3-1 loss to Shrewsbury in the Carling Cup (…yeah, scrap that last one).

This season has shown the world what Swansea City are all about. The pundits and bookies said the club would rejoin Cardiff in the Championship if they tried to replicate the pass-and-move style in the Premier League - how wrong they were.

Over the months we've seen some real talent join the club: Michel Vorm, Wayne Routledge, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Steven Caulker - vital players in the survival campaign. They won't all stay, but they'll be welcomed back any time! Some players joined and didn't make much of an impact, like Josh McEachran and the incredible return of Fede Bessone.

We've also said our goodbyes to some such as Craig Beattie, and two gingers, Ryan Harley and Shaun MacDonald, while Stephen Dobbie made a loan move (again) to Blackpool (again) where he helped them secure a place in the play-off final (again).

Swansea had their ups and downs on the field, from the deserved victories against Man City and Arsenal, to never being able to win against Wolves (even when it looked certain!). Low periods of form did become a worry at times, but the Swans never looked like being dragged into a relegation battle, with 17th being the lowest place all season, after the second game.

Despite that well-deserved win against Liverpool, Swansea ended the season with a poor spell - winning just one in eight and losing four in a row. Had they been a little more clinical in the final third, scoring just one or two goals where it mattered, Swansea could easily have finished in the top ten.

Having said that, finishing too high in the first season might not be desirable as it could set unrealistic ambitions for next time.

No, this season will be remembered as a highly positive campaign. 11th place was more than any of us predicted and to do it in such style and with limited resources has gained the club followers from across the globe.

So, what can we expect next season?

Some are already using the clichéd 'second season syndrome' when looking ahead, but this seems to be coming from the same people who said we'd see Elvis sooner than we'd see Swansea survive... and we all know what happened there.

In their 100th season as a football club, Swansea will no longer have the 'new boy' tag and many fans will expect to better the 11th place finish. Maybe a place in Europe? Maybe that's a bit too ambitious for now, especially with a squad lacking depth. I'm sure we'd all take another season of survival!

I will explore the ambitions, targets and how it'll be done over the next few weeks, but for now enjoy the summer Swans fans - you've earned it!