Football Season Guide

Swansea had a super first season back in the top flight, and then last season surprised everyone again with an impressive ninth place finish under new manager Michael Laudrup. The Swans also picked up the League Cup thanks to a five nil demolition of Bradford in the final at Wembley. Results in the league tapered off towards the end of the season after the cup triumph. Just one win was registered in the final ten games of the season. Laudrup is committed to the Swansea cause for the time-being, but it would appear to be only a matter of time before he leaves for a "bigger" club. The Dane has been busy in the transfer market of late, relying on his knowledge of La Liga with the additions of Jose Canas, Jordi Amat and Alejandro Pozuelo. Big money has also been spent on striker Wilfred Bony. The challenge of competing in the Europa League will test the squad significantly, especially if Swansea are successful in reaching the latter stages of the competition. Ashley Williams looks set to be staying put despite a lot of interest from other clubs. The centre back will this season be first team captain. Michu has also once again reiterated he is going nowhere. Last seasons top scorer with eighteen goals signed a new four year contract last January.