Paulo Sousa parted company with the Swans by mutual consent during the pre-season to take up the managerial post at fellow Championship club Leicester City.
He was replaced by former Watford and Reading manager
Brendan Rodgers who had also worked with the Chelsea Youth and Reserve team under Jose Mourinho.The disappointment of missing out on promotion the previous season hurt everyone connected at the Liberty Stadium. But devastating news followed 13 days later as the whole club was rocked following the shock death of striker Besian Idrizaj. A hugely popular and likeable man, Besian passed away in his sleep back at his home in Austria. Swansea, and football, was in mourning. It quickly put things into perspective, and Swans fans paid a huge tribute to a player and person that was cruelly denied fulfilling his potential. The club would pay their respects too, with Besian's number 40 shirt being retired. Gone, but certainly not forgotten, Besian would still play a part in the Swans campaign as staff and players looked to clinch a Premier League place in his honour.
The Swans had already played five of their pre-season games when Brendan took charge of his first match - a 1-0 win over Cheltenham at the Liberty thanks to
Stephen Dobbie's strike. A three-game tour of Holland allowed the new boss to bond with his squad before turning their attentions to the real deal. While triallistKemy Agustien was a new face in the group, a few familiar faces had already left. Leon Britton was now wearing the red and white of Sheffield United while full-backs Fede Bessone (Leeds) and Marcos Painter (Brighton) also headed for the exit door along with Kris O'Leary and Chad Bond (both Neath).But Brendan was ready to rally his troops. The manager optimistic, his squad raring to go, the Jack Army bursting with anticipation. What would the season bring?It didn't start the way Swansea's new manager would have wanted. The first game of the season usually means a losing start, and that's what unfolded as the Swans went down 2-0 at Hull City. But the mood around the Liberty immediately changed as the Swans made arguably one of the biggest signings in their history.
Scott Sinclair's switch from Chelsea turned heads. It also broke the club's transfer record, with the deal set to rise to £1.5million. Chump change to the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, but serious money for a club like Swansea City. But boy did it prove a bargain.
Sinclair would be in the stands as Swansea recorded their first win of the campaign - a comfortable 3-0 home win over Barnet in the Carling Cup. Then came his debut in a comfortable 4-0 win over Preston at the Liberty. Not in the goals this time around, Sinclair would soon be a regular on the scoresheet. He carved open a major opportunity to set up an away win at Norwich City, winning a penalty late on. But David Cotterill's spotkick was saved before the Canaries struck twice going into the final moments. Sinclair, though, opened his account in another Carling Cup win - a 3-1 victory at Tranmere - before striking the only goal as the Swans signed off August by edging past Burnley. The away-day blues continued though, with defeat at Leeds meaning the Swans were without a point from nine on the road.
There wasn't a problem on home soil, however, with wins over Coventry and Scunthorpe pointed the Swans in the right direction and into the top six. Two more away trips were to come before the Swans said farewell to September. The first of them came at Nottingham Forest. It was a significant result and something that helped turn the Swans' fortunes around on their travels - strange, given that it ended in a 3-1 defeat. But moments after that setback at the City Ground, Brendan and senior members of the squad devised a plan to help sort their worrying away form. It worked. With Brendan returning to Watford, who gave him his first taste of management, the Swans delivered a first win on the road. It wasn't easy, though, as the Swans held on to emerge 3-2 winners despite leading 3-0 at one point. The month ended with Swansea in eighth - just two points off their old pals Cardiff in second.
A perfect home record of four home wins so far, and now off the mark on their travels. Things were looking promising. That promise turned into points, with Brendan's boys going through October without conceding a league goal. With all the attacking flair in the side, the manager brought that all-important steel to the Swans. Two scoreless draws with Derby and QPR at the Liberty came either side of another away win at another of Brendan's former clubs. Reading, a club in which he has a long affiliation with, sacked Brendan after just six months in charge. But he came back to haunt the Royals as Sinclair's sole strike stole the points at the Madejski Stadium. There was no fist punching or talk of avenging his dismissal - the Swans boss instead reflected positively on his time in Berkshire.
The Swans had expected to face a former manager of their own when Leicester City arrived at the Liberty. But there was no Sousa reunion - the Portuguese having been shown the door after just one win in nine games. Instead, former England boss Sven-Goran Erikkson was leading the Leicester charge. It mattered not, as the Swede tasted defeat thanks to goals from loan star Marvin Emnes and another Sinclair strike. There was a certain reunion for the Swans in their next outing. A Carling Cup tie at Wigan Athletic saw Roberto Martinez face his former club for the first time since heading to the Premier League outfit. But it was the Spaniard who got the glory, with the Swans outclassed by the Latics at the DW Stadium.
With the Carling Cup out of the picture, the Swans bounced back in style, dishing out some capital punishment to Crystal Palace in a 3-0 romp in London. Another win, another cleansheet. It was perfect preparation going into the game all Swans fans had really been waiting for - the Welsh derby. Games in previous years had not been short of drama. Stunning free-kicks, top celebrations, that coin incident and late penalties. And this game was certainly not going to disappoint. . . for Swans fans, at least. Brendan took his side to the capital, and the locals weren't happy as Emnes's deflected strike saw the points head west. Victory meant the Swans were third - just four points off leaders QPR.
A shock home defeat to Bristol City - a side struggling in the relegation spots - followed, but the Swans reacted with a narrow win over Middlesbrough at the Liberty. And the smiles were still evident as
Angel Rangel proved an unlikely hero thanks to his last-gasp goal to steal a point at Doncaster. Another surprise home defeat to Portsmouth, though, saw November end on a sour note. But, as they had often done under Brendan, the Swans picked themselves off the floor and reacted in the perfect manner. The long trip to Ipswich was worth the trek as the Sky cameras saw the Swans come from behind to win 3-1, with
Craig Beattie's second - and his side's third - a fantastic strike to seal victory. With their away form seemingly sorted out, the Swans were continuing to drop points on home soil. Kenny Jackett returned to the Liberty and saw his Millwall side claim a useful draw, which meant the Swans had bagged four points from their last 12.
With Christmas approaching, there certainly wasn't any festive cheer on offer from trips to Sheffield United and QPR. Defeats at Bramall Lane and Loftus Road, but the Swans at least bode farewell to 2010 on a positive note. Loan signing Jermaine Easter claimed the only goal in the home win over Barnsley to send the Swans joint second with Cardiff going into 2011. The New Year got off to a fine start as the Swans completed the double over Reading thanks to a 1-0 win. Defeat at Leicester City ensured there was no third straight win, but a 4-0 FA Cup win over Colchester topped up morale as youngster Daniel Alfei and Luke Moore made their debuts. The league remained the priority, however, and a classy win over struggling Crystal Palace saw the Swans soar into the top two.
All well at the Liberty. And it was about to get better. After six unhappy months at struggling Sheffield United,Leon Britton made a permanent return to the Liberty. The popular midfielder was given a hero's welcome when he came off the bench in a 1-1 draw at Barnsley. The feelgood factor at around the Liberty was vibrant, and even a shock home defeat to League One side Leyton Orient in the FA Cup didn't change the mood too much. Things got better in the league, though, as a Darren Pratley double rounded off an excellent night's work as Bristol City were beaten 2-0 at a foggy Ashton Gate. February off to a good start, the Swans were just a point off second-placed Norwich.
And next was part two of the Welsh derby. But there was no derby double for the Swans to celebrate. Craig Bellamy's sublime late effort earning Cardiff victory, a bitter pill to swallow for 16,000 or so Jacks. This was no time to panic, but certainly a time for the Swans to show what they were made of. They wouldn't disappoint. Four wins on the bounce would see Brendan claim the manager of the month award after picking up 15 points from 18 - the Cardiff loss the sole blot in the copybook. But it was well deserved.
Swansea's boss often talked about style and steel, and he was the proudest man in the land when his side fought back from 3-1 behind at Middlesbrough to win 4-3 courtesy of Craig Beattie's last-gasp strike. Nathan Dyer and Sinclair had already struck before Ashley Williams celebrated with "his guns" after firing the Swans level. The stage was set for a dramatic finale, and Beattie underlined Swansea's intentions when he stroked home in stoppage time. The guns were out again as Williams scored for the second consecutive game in a comfortable 3-0 home win over Doncaster. The momentum was building, and the Swans were reaching for the stars as they sat in second spot.
The winning streak continued with Stephen Dobbiecoming off the bench to seal victory at Coventry, and all of a sudden, talk of an automatic finish was being taken more seriously as the games ticked by. If there were any doubters of Swansea's top-two claims, then they were well and truly silenced after Brendan's boys put on a masterclass in front of the Sky cameras once again. Leeds were in town, but they played second fiddle throughout. The national press showered Swansea with praise, and suddenly the Swanselona term was born.
But the unpredictability of the Championship struck again with lowly Scunthorpe lowering Swansea's colours before Watford pinched a point at the Liberty. The Swans were still second, but just three points ahead of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest. Coincidentally, Forest were next on the fixture list. The Sky cameras were again at the Liberty. And again they were treated to some superlative football from the home side. The big talking point though, was the impact of Swansea's new arrival. Brendan had returned to Stamford Bridge to snap up promising striker Fabio Borini on loan for the rest of the season. Interest in Borini was high, but the young Italian opted to link up with his former youth and reserve boss at Chelsea. And he made a massive impact, scoring twice as the Swans raced 3-0 ahead before fending off a late charge by Forest to claim a 3-2 win. Fresh optimism blew around the city, but another trip to a side struggling against the drop saw Swansea fall to another defeat. Preston edged out the Swans 2-1 at Prenton Park in one of the worse performances of the campaign. It saw the Swans drop to fourth, and four points behind second-placed Norwich.
Thankfully for the Swans, the Sky cameras were back in town for the clash with the in-form Canaries. Paul Lambert's side had embarked on a superb run, full of late winners. But this game was about one side. Borini got the ball rolling, his stunning free-kick - copied off Didier Drogba at Chelsea's training pitch - opening the scoring before
Mark Gower.....yes, Mark Gower, fired a 25-yard half-volley to double the lead. It was pulsating stuff. The Swans had a few scares along the way, but Tamas Priskin - the big Hungarian on loan from Ipswich - eased the nerves with a late finish. With six games to go, the Swans were just a point off second place. It looked primed for a tense finish.
At a time when the Swans needed to push on, they failed to win the next three. Another cracker from Mark Gower couldn't fend off Hull in a 1-1 draw, then a 2-1 defeat at Burnley - followed by a draw at Portsmouth meant the Swans dropped to fight with three games remaining. Typically, though, Brendan's boys responded with gusto. Ipswich were cast aside after a 4-1 mauling at the Liberty, then Jackett's Millwall were tamed 2-0 at The Den. Victory in London secured a play-off spot, as Rodgers succeeded where Martinez and Sousa had previously failed. It meant the final-day game with Sheffield United was solely about deciding where the Swans would finish in the play-offs. The Blades, already relegated to League One, fielded a youthful side. And they were duly dealt a lesson as Britton fittingly polished off a 4-0 win over his former club thanks to a late finish.
The Swans finished third, ahead of Cardiff on goal difference. Now things were getting serious. Former European champions Nottingham Forest were the side standing in front of them and a Wembley final. As ever, the play-offs were full of drama.
Neil Taylor's sending off within the opening two minutes of the first leg at the City Ground meant the Swans had to dig deep. Their fans fearing the worst, the Swans stood strong and delivered one of their finest performances that made everyone stand up and take notice. They went on to claim one of the most celebrated 0-0 draws in the club's history thanks to a gusty display. They dug deep, yet continued to control matters despite their one-man disadvantage. The return leg at the Liberty would be equally as dramatic. Britton fired in an unbelievable strike past keeper Lee Camp before Stephen Dobbie doubled the lead. Forest struck back after the break, Robert Earnshaw pulling one back before going within an inch or two of levelling the game in stoppage time. But the Swans made sure of their place at Wembley as Forest - throwing every man forward for a corner - were caught short as Pratley's shot from the halfway line bounced into an empty net. It wasn't known at the time, but that would be Pratley's final farewell at the Liberty. And what a way to sign off. Forest beaten 3-1, the Jacks were on their way to Wembley. A Welsh derby final was avoided as Cardiff were well-beaten by Reading.
Rodgers v Reading. The footballing Gods were looking down once again. All roads pointed to Wembley, and the Jack Army turned out in force. Over 40,000 tickets were snapped up as the club easily sold their allocation. And it proved a day that will never be forgotten. The £90million game - the winners would hit the jackpot. This was no time to choke, no time to fall short. This was the time to shine, the time to deliver. Swansea did the latter. In one of the finest Championship play-offs ever, the Swans raced ahead. And on the big stage, Swansea's biggest player delivered. Sinclair staying cool from the spot as his penalty put the Swans ahead after 21 minutes. A minute later, Sinclair made it 2-0. The Jack Army was in ecstasy, but it was to get better.Stephen Dobbie - the man who had helped Blackpool to the Premier League at this stage a year previous - slammed home a third before the break. Fittingly, it came in the 40th minute - a number now synonymous with Besian Idrizaj. It was the ultimate tribute.
The Premier League was waiting, but football is never that simple. Reading made a royal fight out of it. Noel Hunt and Matthew Mills heading in from two corners as hearts beat faster. Jem Karacan then saw his effort deflect off the post before
Garry Monk's superb block denied Hunt a certain equaliser. The Swans were on the ropes, but nerves were eased as Sinclair claimed his hat-trick thanks to another penalty with ten minutes left. And despite a late Reading rally, the Swans had done it. Swansea City were in the Premier League - and the first Welsh club to get there.
The footballing Gods - and our Besian - would have been smiling down from above. Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. Wayne Rooney, Didier Drogba, Robin van Persie and Steven Gerrard. All await the Swans. It promises to be another rollercoaster ride.
The 2010–11 season was Swansea City's 82nd season in the Football League. They finished in 3rd place, and won the Championship playoff, to win promotion to the Premier League. This will be their first return to top-flight football since 1983. This season was their third consecutive season in the second tier following a 7th placed finish in the previous campaign, narrowly missing out on a play-off place. Swansea City Premier League Tickets are available at FootballTicketExchangeOnline.com at affordable price. Football fans can buy or sell Football Tickets especially Swansea City Premiership Football Tickets at FootballTicketExchangeOnline.com conveniently.
