Vorm claims a Malmo turnaround would be a miracle, while Michael Carrick reveals Man Utd's attention has already turned to the Swans

Swans' keeper can only foresee a Swansea aggregate victory in the Europa League tie with Malmo

Michel Vorm loves a confident jib to the press, doesn't he? I remember thinking a few times last season that he loves a bold statement, and while it's hard to argue that anything other than a Swansea victory (over the two legs) is now all but a foregone conclusion, I do sometimes wonder whether one of these statements will one day come back to bite him in his Dutch derriere. 

I do love a bit of confidence, mind...

"European football is always different but, if we won 4-0 at home, it would be a miracle if they beat us 5-0." 

When quizzed about the first leg, Vorm was (understandably) quick to praise his outfield teammates - he didn't have a shot to save all night. It must be fun being the Swansea goalkeeper sometimes...

"Sometimes you can just enjoy the game but it's never easy because you don't want to concede. They had a fast player up front and things could have changed quickly, so it's always dangerous, but for the most part I could just enjoy it. 

"Even in our pre-season friendlies, I could see everyone was motivated to do well. You could see that against Malmo. We looked fit and kept on going. They were the ones who looked tired, so that's a very good accomplishment for us." Michel Vorm

The "fast player up front" (good knowledge of your opponents there Michel) he is referring to there is likely Tokelo Rantie - a forward of South African descent. The Swans may get lucky in that he limped off with an ankle injury in Malmo's 3-1 league win on the weekend, as did Magnus Eriksson, who is one of the centre-backs who started the first leg in South Wales. Whether either will recover in time remains to be seen.

Carrick reveals United's Swansea focus

While this is perhaps one of the less surprising stories of the week, it's nonetheless always nice to see celebrated footballers taking the Swans seriously and Carrick is certainly a player who will enjoy the way Swansea do things. Famed for his passing, Carrick is better placed than most to comment on the Swans, and he revealed that, with pre-season almost done and dusted, United's attention is firmly on their opening clash at the Liberty Stadium, despite upcoming friendlies and the Charity Shield match with Wigan Athletic:

“Now is the time when you really start thinking about that first game of the season. We’ve been back from the main part of the tour for a few days now and everyone is focused on that first game. 

“It’s about being ready for every game though and Tuesday’s will be a good opportunity for some of the lads that haven’t played too much recently and also for the lads that have played to get some more minutes in. 

"It helps with your fitness, your general play and your overall sharpness, and we want to continue to make sure we are ready for that first game. We’ve got a busy week but it’s an important one for us.” Michael Carrick

Hopefully they'll only find third gear in their remaining pre-Swans fixtures. I for one have no problem with a sub-par United rolling in town, as hopes of a major upset abound. It says a lot about the Swans progress that almost everyone I've spoken to pre-season fancies the Swans' chances of overturning Man United on the opening day of the season - it's not like they're the reigning champions or anything. Oh wait... 

Man Utd tickets go on sale, Chico close to return from injury & Dyer hopes to sign new contract soon

Tickets for league opener go on sale

Today you can get your mitts on tickets for the opening day clash against David Moyes' Manchester United. It's a typical staggered release; Non-season ticket holding Jack Army members with 26 loyalty points have first preference, then Non-ST holding Jack Army members with any points, then ST holding JA members with 26 points or more, before ST holders with any points and finally, next Monday (if there are any left) they'll go on general sale. Priced at £45 (£22.50 for concessions), you can order online here: http://www.swanseacity.net/news/article/tickets-man-utd-away-936604.aspx?

Chico close to return from thigh injury

This is the news that Chico Flores is expected to return to training towards the end of this week, following a thigh injury which kept him out of the Swans' most recent friendly (the 2-0 win away at Exeter). Jordi Amat was also suffering the effects of injury, carrying a shoulder injury to the game against the Grecians, however he completed 45 minutes and should be fully fit for the Europa League tie next week.

Speaking to the Evening Post, Laudrup was confident he'd have his full compliment of central defenders available for the beginning of the season:

"Jordi came into the game with a shoulder injury, he had a knock the other day. He wanted to play like everyone else so he had 45 minutes, but he was not 100%. 

"I think he will be okay for Europe. We will have to see with Chico as well, I hope he will be back in training on Thursday. We will have all four centre-backs back again for the start of the Europa League. We have very good depth in our squad this season." Michael Laudrup

There have been rumours surfacing in the last day or two that we're interested in Espanyol centre-back Hector Moreno (certain Spanish clubs may start getting sick of the sight of us!), a Mexican international who enjoyed a solid season last term. It's even been suggested in certain media outlets that we've had a £5million bid rebuffed - if that's true there's a strong possibility that Arsenal have firmed up their interest in Ashley Williams, which isn't a surprise given their injury woes (and inactivity thus far in the transfer market). Thomas Vermaelen is rumoured to be out for three months, while Laurent Koscielny has picked up an injury which leaves Arsene Wenger with Per Mertesacker his only fit registered centre-back. A bid for Ash may now be imminent, if it hasn't arrived already.

There's the distinct possibility Arsenal haven't made a bid earlier because Huw is developing a reputation as a shrewd negotiator who'll always squeeze every penny out of the bidding club - Arsenal are famously stingy and it's likely any negotiations would be lengthy, however if Ash does fancy the move the chances are the two clubs will come to an agreement. There's no point retaining a player who wants to be elsewhere, and you can forgive any Swansea player who wants to play for a club who've spent the last 10 years playing at Champions League level. Obviously I hope this doesn't come to bear, but with Arsenal in desperate need of defensive reinforcement it's hard to imagine they won't make a serious offer.

Dyer hoping new contract will be tied up soon

As mentioned previously, the Swans are in negotiations with Nathan Dyer's representative(s?) regarding a new contract for the diminutive wide-man. Remarkably, he's the only member of the current "first-team" squad whose contract is set to expire at the end of season; that to me would indicate that all the hyperbole from Huw and the board regarding "only having players who want to be here" is very much true. You can't make a player sign a contract, and given how unlikely the Swans are to award bumper contracts the feel-good factor in SA1 is clearly evident:

"Swansea are a great club and I've always felt at home here, so I hope something can get sorted out soon. I don't think about my contract situation too much; I just try and play football. 

"I'm really happy at Swansea. Every year since I've arrived, we have improved and improved. It's been great to be part of the rise of Swansea." Nathan Dyer

Since arriving on loan from Southampton he's gone from strength to strength, and as I've said a couple of times he has improved his finishing (and final ball) dramatically in the last 18 months. Hopefully there's still more to come from Dyer as if he can add a touch more savvy to his game he could be a top, top player, and one who could realistically expect to gain international recognition at some point. If Matt Jarvis can get into the England squad, so can Dyer.

Fingers crossed, this will be wrapped up soon and we'll be seeing Nathan Dyer charging around for years to come. We love you Nath!  

Swansea award Alan Tate testimonial against Manchester United

Swansea fans will be some of the first to see Moyes' men as they come to town on August 13th

The Swans have announced that Tate will be given a testimonial after 11 years of service, and you'll find few who have a problem with that. Over the years there have been numerous incidents whereby Tate has endeared himself to the Jack Army (as well as a few which frustrated them - mostly when playing left-back), and few will forget him and Trundle holding a Welsh flag aloft in the Millennium Stadium in the aftermath of the Football League Trophy final, which was emblazoned with the words "**** off Cardiff". Both players received a fine of a week's wages and a police caution, and while I can't openly endorse that sort of thing you feel that he'll be remembered for this, amongst other things.

After failing to break into the United first team (although he did captain the reserve team playing alongside Chris Eagles & Luke Chadwick amongst others), Tate first spent time on loan at their feeder team Royal Antwerp before arriving in Swansea on loan as a fresh faced 20 year old, with the team suffering on the pitch. He joined at the start of that season where we came so close to dropping out of the league system, and his contribution can't be ignored - played 27 times in the league and I can honestly remember thinking that technically he was, along with Leon Britton, head and shoulders above any other player in the team (although that's possibly harsh on Martinez). Possibly a bit of rose-tinted glasses going on there, but he was competing against the likes of Lenny Johnrose...

One particularly fond memory I have of Alan Tate was of him scoring an absolute peach of a volley on the turn, after the ball had dropped to him from a corner. Thanks to the wizardry of Youtube I can share this with you! It's a really great hit, and backs up what I was saying about his technique. While he's never been the most forward-thinking of players, his first touch and control have always been very good. 

What's in store next season for Alan Tate? He went out on loan to Leeds last season where he played 11 games, but when he came back he poignantly stated he had no intention of quitting the Swans and wants to reclaim a first team spot:

"This is my club. This is where I want to be. 

"Who knows what happens in the future. Like I said when I went to Leeds, nothing is forever - everyone's playing days come to an end at a club. 

"It happens to everyone at some point, but I would like it to come to an end on my terms." Alan Tate

I've stated before that I think it's important we maintain as many tangible links with our less-glorious past as possible, and I feel Tate is a player who epitomises that idea. If he is happy to be here, I've no problem with the club keeping him around, as I'm sure the effect he has on the squad is an overwhelmingly positive one. 

We love you, Beaker! 

Manchester United 2 - 1 Swansea - "Fergie-time" wasn't even needed...

United work hard to overcome a Swansea side intent on spoiling Ferguson's party

Old Trafford was awash with colour for Ferguson's last home game.
Photo: @Paulleyshon

On a day where it seemed the entire world had it's eyes focused on Old Trafford, Swansea had to try and get something from a game which saw them adopt the role of the "Baddie" for the second time in a week. Normally appreciated by football purists, Swansea saw any passing affection go out the window as Ferguson approached his final league game at Old Trafford, and the carousel of ex-Man Utd/Fergie players reeled out by Sky served to undermine the regard in which the legendary Scot is held.

On to the game. Laudrup made a couple of changes - some enforced, some not. Taylor came in for Davies at left-back, for what would be his first start since injuring his ankle, while a fit-again Michu returned up top at the expense of Itay Shechter (much to the relief of Swans fans, despite his goal against Wigan). Angel Rangel was once again suffering from a calf complaint, so Dwight Tiendalli took his place at right-back, and rounding up the changes Tremmel replaced Vorm in goal (due to the latter suffering a clash of heads with Ben Davies against Wigan) while Chico returned in central defence at the expense of Garry Monk.

The game started in exactly the manner I'd hoped. The Swans got the ball and started to knock it around, and for a few minutes Manchester United didn't know what to do. For a few minutes. The stadium itself was awash with colour after the hosts had given out flags stating "Champions" to everyone in the stadium, and in a nice gesture they also gave the away fans their own (white) flags stating "League Cup Champions". Quite what they'd have put on there if we hadn't won anything I don't know... "Best team in Wales"? Suggestions on a postcard.

Within five minutes, however, United showed why they are champions. A neat move saw Van Persie feed Chicharito, who drifted into the area on the left hand side and drove a fierce shot at goal, but his effort cannoned off the crossbar and away. Man Utd had the bit between their teeth now, and some absolutely mesmeric one-touch football almost saw them find a way through but the Swans managed to clear their lines. 

In truth, I felt Swansea controlled the opening fifteen minutes (aside from the aforementioned incidents) and Nathan Dyer almost capitalised on some good work from De Guzman but he couldn't quite get past Vidic, before down the other end Hernandez and Evra threatened, the latter drawing a save from the ever-solid Gerhard Tremmel. The game was developing into a real end-to-end affair - Dyer and Chicharito again threatened, and Scholes scuffed a shot when well placed, and at this point it was anyone's guess as to who would score first. Ashley Williams got a faceful of Vidic's forehead challenging for a corner, but sadly for the skipper he didn't need to wear some kind of Terry Butcher-esque bandage.

Chicharito opens the scoring

The first goal of the game came in the 39th minute. A 50/50 challenge went (unsurprisingly) in favour of Man Utd on the right wing, when Neil Taylor and Danny Welbeck both went flying in. In truth, both players were guilty of perhaps being slightly over-zealous, but to me it definitely looked like Welbeck's tackle was worse. What happened next though means the Swans can have no complaints, as this goal should have been cleared. The ball in to the box seemed to be at a height which "first man" Pablo Hernandez could clear easily. The Spaniard jumped before inexplicably ducking at the last minute. This reminded me of Tony Bird, who I saw do something similar against (I think!) Derby County in the FA Cup back in the day. He'd sprinted 60 yards to get on the end of a perfect cross but pulled his head back at the last minute, and the ball went out on the far side for a goal kick. Back to 2013, and Hernandez's decision to leave the ball left Ashley Williams with no chance, and the ball dropped suddenly at his feet. His skewed clearance fell straight to Chicharito, who finished past Tremmel with aplomb.

RVP had two more chances before half time, but Tremmel was equal to the first one and the second flew over the bar when perhaps the pass was the better option, and so it was that the teams went in at half time with the score 1-0 to the hosts. After conceding late in the first half, it was vitally important for the deficit to be kept to a single goal at the break, as the Swans knew one goal meant they would be right back in the tie.

The second half started in much the same manner as the first. The Swans were pressing high and hard, and Man Utd were struggling to play out from the back. Good Swansea pressure saw a succession of corners, and they were back on level terms soon after. The second corner was cleared out out to the Swansea right, but Nathan Dyer rapidly retrieved the ball before floating a lovely cross in to the box which Michu met with an impudent flick of his left boot. Replays showed he missed Phil Jones' head by inches (although this was due to Jones' deciding to attempt a diving header in the general direction of Michu's legs), but it was a top class finish and De Gea had no chance from only a few yards out.

The Swans had wind in their sails now and the fans were also in good voice, with some particularly excellent chants being belted out. "You're getting sacked in the morning" was directed towards Fergie, and on the pitch it was an equally exuberant affair, with Anderson going close (after he'd come on for Scholes, who on being substituted in his final game for Utd sprinted off the field faster than he'd moved all night - very Scholes) at one end before Pablo jigged his way past a couple of tackles and drew an excellent save from De Gea at his near post.

Michu flicks the ball home. Note the proximity to his foot of
Phil Jones' head...

As time wore on though, United pressure did start to build, and you have to wonder if the Swans didn't invite it on themselves. Firstly, in the 73rd minute Michu was replaced by Angel Rangel. Now, I love Rangel as much as anyone but without a focal point to relieve pressure you're asking for trouble - especially against a team like United. That being said, the Swans were still doing alright and Routledge in particular seemed on a one-man pressing mission. Next though Laudrup replaced Pablo Hernandez with Kemy Augustien with the Swans defending a corner. Whether there's anything in the cliché that making a change while defending a corner is defensive suicide I don't know, but the very next corner did see Utd score so it seems fair to bring it up. The ball evaded everyone and fell to Rio Ferdinand at the back post, and he lashed it home past Tremmel who had no chance.

The goal game in the 87th minute of a game where the Swans gave Man Utd a run for their money, and aside from two defensive failings put in a very fine display. The last three games have definitely seen the Swans produce an upturn in form which was needed going in to the close season, as much to keep morale high as anything else. One thing I'd mention is I thought De Guzman was quite poor again yesterday. If Ki is injured then fair enough, but it seems that JDG is ahead of the Korean in the pecking order at the moment and I'm not convinced. We looked at the "heatmaps" of player positions yesterday and while the other central midfielders (Leon, Carrick and Scholes) were all bang in the middle of the park, De Guzman was up by Michu, and with the Swans relying heavily on team shape I think this puts massive pressure on Leon Britton. Ki is a lot more disciplined, and having two defensive midfielders maintain a solid shape allows the rest of the team to rotate without danger of exposing the back four to unnecessary pressure.

Fulham at home next, and the chance to end the season with a bang. We've traditionally done alright against the men from West London, and it may be that Laudrup allows a few fresh faces to get some game time. I for one would have no objection to Rory Donnelly getting 20 minutes - he's our player and at this point in the season I'd rather see him get some experience than Shechter. One thing's for sure though. If we play like we did yesterday I think we'll come away with the three points. 

Manchester United v Swansea City - Match preview, statistics, team news & analysis

The Match

Manchester United - well...what can you say? Anyone who isn't aware of the events which have unfolded at Old Trafford this week must be living in a cave, as news of Ferguson's retirement has been given top-billing by every media outlet, as well as no doubt being discussed up and down the land. Ferguson will be succeeded by David Moyes, who to me seems a fair facsimile of Alex Ferguson circa 1986, but news of Ferguson's departure will almost certainly provoke a positive reaction from his team on Sunday, especially with a home crowd intent on voicing their appreciation for the Scot's legendary tenure.

Since bowing out of the Champions League against Real Madrid, United have suffered some indifferent results - but with winning the league a formality for some time now it's possible the players took their foot off the gas somewhat. Losses at home to rivals Manchester City and Chelsea, away to Chelsea in the FA Cup as well as draws at West Ham and Arsenal are far from the form displayed by the Red Devils earlier in the season, but in a game like this form will go out of the window.

In other news, United striker Wayne Rooney has again handed in a transfer request. Last time, he performed an about turn (no doubt aided by the size of the contract on offer) and signed back on, and this time it seems history may repeat itself, given new stories breaking about "Rooney being open to staying at Man Utd if he's given assurances about his place in the squad". Moyes doesn't seem to me the type to stroke an ego, but he probably fancies working with Rooney again after seeing him depart Merseyside some eleven years ago. I don't know about anyone else, but that makes me feel very old...

Swansea continued on from a strong performance against Man City with victory away at Wigan, which severely dented any hopes they had of retaining Premier League status for next season. 9 minutes of injury time and a Tuesday game will have taken it's toll on a smallish squad coming to the end of a hectic season, and it's possible Laudrup could spring a couple of selection surprises on Sunday afternoon. Vorm left the field on a stretcher after a clash of heads and is a doubt, and this could provide a good excuse (if you can call it that) to allow Gerhard Tremmel to play the remaining two league games - the German stopper has been outstanding every single time he's been called on and Vorm's inclusion is, while fair, harsh on the German who has the best saves to shot ratio of any goalkeeper who's played in more than Premier League 10 games.

Last time out

Swansea 1 - 1 Manchester United

The Swans held on for a point in the end against a Manchester United team that took around 70 minutes to get going. Patrice Evra nodded in from a corner before Michu tapped in after De Gea parried a De Guzman shot, and for large swathes of the match Swansea produced problems for their more esteemed visitors. They rode their luck late on as Van Persie and Carrick both struck the woodwork however a draw was a fair result - and was also Swansea's first Premier League point against Man Utd.

Prior Form (most recent at top)

Premier League                Man Utd         0 - 1  Chelsea
Premier League                Arsenal           1 - 1  Man Utd
Premier League                Man Utd         3 - 0  Aston Villa        

Premier League                West Ham       2 - 2  Man Utd
Premier League                Stoke              0 - 2  Man Utd

Premier League                 Wigan           2 - 3  Swansea
Premier League                Swansea       0 - 0   Man City   
Premier League                 Chelsea         2 - 0  Swansea
Premier League                Swansea       0 - 0   Southampton
Premier League                 Norwich         2 - 2  Swansea

Team News

Manchester United look set to have Danny Welbeck (knee) and Chris Smalling (bruising) available for selection, but will be without Rafael after he was sent off (very harsly in my opinion) for a "kick" on David Luiz, whose grin whilst lying on the ground indicated he was very much playacting in an effort to get his Brazilian team-mate sent off. Definitely missing the match are Ashley Young (knee injury) and Darren Fletcher, who's still sadly suffering from a chronic bowel condition.


Swansea could be missing a clutch of first-team players, depending who passes late fitness tests. Chico (calf) and Ki (dead leg) could well feature, but Angel Rangel (calf), Roland Lamah (hamstring) and Michel Vorm (concussion) all look likely to miss out. Top scorer Michu seems set to return to the squad remarkably quickly if media reports are believed, after suffering a hamstring injury against Man City.



Trivia (courtesy of various other sites);

• Swansea ended their longest barren PL run by beating Wigan, after previously going seven games without victory.

• Before losing 1-0 at home to Chelsea, Manchester United had scored in 66 consecutive home games - a Premier League record.

• Manchester United have scored more own-goals this season than any other side (5)

• With two games left, Swansea are only one point shy of last season's total (47), while victory will would guarantee a top-half finish.

• Robin Van Persie has six goals in his last five appearances.

• All four of Manchester United's Premier League goals against the Swans have been netted in the first half.

• Manchester United have lost two of their last three home league games in the Premier League.

• Swansea have conceded at least two goals in their last five away games.

• Swansea have scored 12 goals in the last five minutes of games this season (in all competitions).

• Swansea have drawn 6 games 0-0 this season, more than any other side.

Completely guessed lineups

Straight from the "horse's mouth";

After media reports linking him with the now-vacant Everton hotseat, Michael Laudrup has moved to distance himself from any speculation:

"I've said many times that my intention is to be here next season. 

"It is pure speculation once more. I don't have dreams; I like to live in the present."

He thinks there's a possibility that the pomp and ceremony surrounding Ferguson's last home game will go a long way in determining how the match goes:

“You can look at it from angles. One is that they will be distracted, the other is his players will want to give him the best goodbye present at Old Trafford. I don't hope so because that will be very bad for us, but I hope they are thinking more about trophy, Sir Alex and the crowd – and less about us and the ball. 

“We will try and do our best but every team at Old Trafford -especially smaller teams – have everything to win and very little to lose. 

“We are very close to staying in top half after beating Wigan and even if we don't get something out of it we have good possibility getting in top half. So we can be relaxed, with no pressure, and try and get something from the game.”

Ashley Williams remembers Fergie overreacting somewhat last time these two sides met, but doesn't think there'll be any comeuppance:

"I laughed about the incident at the time. Most of us thought it was a ridiculous comment. I haven't thought too much about it and I've got on with it. I don't think I'll get a hot reception on Sunday. They have more things to think about. If I do I'll be surprised. 

"They have stuff to celebrate. I don't think people will remember or bother about me."

Analysis

In the time it took me to write this, it seems Michu recovered from his hamstring injury (what that says about my rate of output I don't know...) - WalesOnline, the Guardian and other media sources are now stating Laudrup will have the languid Spaniard available for selection so it's more than possible he'll lead the line for the Swans. This game will have a similar atmosphere to a cup final, what with the Premier League trophy being presented and all, and if I'm honest I can't see anything other than a 100mph Man Utd performance. Keeping possession in midfield will be a tough task and hopefully Ki is fit enough to start - he does the little things that no-one picks up on very well and keeps the team ticking over.

Chico too is another who Laudrup will hopefully have available. The Spaniard has enjoyed a remarkably consistent debut season, and is still in the Whoscored.com XI of the year based on god knows how much statistical data. For me he's been as much of a bargain as Michu, and he's got the added bonus' of a) having good hair and b) fitting the bill of "traditional crazy foreign centre-back" perfectly. Everyone loves a hairy nutter pulling off outrageous flicks... well, maybe not always when it's your centre-back, but more often than not it comes off in Chico's defence. Hopefully he'll keep that kind of thing to a minimum tomorrow.

Between him and Ashley Williams they'll have to find a way of stopping Robin Van Persie from finding the net. The Dutchman has 25 league goals so far this season and is the most likely player to score this weekend according to bookmakers (7/4), although how much of that is down to Swansea's leaky away defence you can't say. At least two goals conceded in the last five away matches isn't a nice stat when you're about to face the Champions in a game of this magnitude, so Laudrup is likely to call on the team to defend solidly and put in shift in the hope of coming away with a clean sheet, however before Chelsea turned over United 1-0 at Old Trafford recently Fergie's men had scored in 66 consecutive home games, so it's unlikely we'll keep Man Utd out for the whole game.

If United get a goal early, I will fear for the Swans. We need to take the sting out of the game and remind the crowd that despite the circumstances, this is an end of season game with nothing massive riding on it (except, for Swansea, the increased income which comes with every Premier League position gained come the end of the season). There is that stat about all Man Utd's goals against us coming in the first half, too, so it seems if we get to half time at 0-0 we may be alright. That being said, I don't see us keeping a clean sheet here, as with Van Persie and Rooney available for selection you're always odds-on to concede at least once. Goals, goals goals then? I'm able to quote Laudrup directly when I say "we don't want to have to score three goals to win the game", but it does make for a very exciting match...

Iechyd Da.

"Cardiff are coming for us"? - Sorry chaps, we're more concerned with Manchester United on Sunday...

In the news this week Youtube videos emerged of Cardiff City fans chanting "You Jack B******s, we're coming for you" during the parade which was held to celebrate their promotion to the Premier League. While this is hardly surprising, what was surprising was seeing senior Cardiff players seemingly joining in with the chanting, which can hardly be deemed behaviour befitting professional footballers. Considering the long-standing rivalry, and extra media pressure that's going to be applied to the South Wales derby next year, the last thing we need is people stoking embers which definitely do not need disturbing.

Ok, so I know there's an element of "pot kettle black" here given Lee Trundle and Alan Tate's little indiscretion involving a rather inflammatory t-shirt being worn at the Millenium Stadium in the wake of the 2005 FA Trophy win, but given both club's rise to prominence since then you'd have hoped we'd see less and less of this type of thing.

Quite what effect this will have on the Swansea squad is debatable. Club skipper Garry Monk was at his affable diplomatic best when asked about the video - quite a contrast from his opposite number Mark Hudson who can be seen conducting the chanting at the front of the bus in the video above:

Garry Monk “We know about the history between the clubs and I saw a little bit on YouTube this week that made me laugh a little bit. Fair play to Cardiff, they’re celebrating, they’ve obviously had a few beers and got above themselves, but that’s the way it goes.

“As club captain, I’d wouldn’t have done that. I might have thought it, but not said it. People do what they do, if anything we’ll try and use it as motivation.

“At the end of the day, let them do what they’ve got to do and we’ll concentrate on us. Come game time we’ll see what happens. I remember when we played them for the first time in ages, when we beat them 1-0 in the cup, and players like Roger Johnson and Jay Bothroyd were predicting scores and talking in the papers, but before the game you get the build-up and with the other media in the Premier League it’s going to be even bigger.

“I think it’s great; it’s a brilliant rivalry and I think it’s great for the Premier League to have that clash. Credit to Cardiff, they deserve to come up and anyone that wins the Championship you say fair play to them. I’m looking forward to it next season. I’m a Swansea fan as well, I’ve been here nine or 10 years and I guess there’ll always be that rivalry with Cardiff.

“It’s with the players that have been there a while and spreads to the players that are new to the club. Nearer the time they’ll sense the build-up to those games. It’s like a cup final when we play them and what a great occasion for it to happen in the Premier League.

“The two sets of fans are looking forward to it I’m sure, I bet they can’t wait for the fixture lists to come out, but we’ve still got a job to do this season.”

While Swans fans are no doubt looking forward to renewing acquaintances with their bitter rivals, next up is another truly momentous occasion for the Swans - Alex Ferguson's last home game in charge of Man Utd. With such a big fixture looming, and a top-half Premier League finish all but secured, it's likely the Swansea players reacted to the Youtube video with a mixture of bewilderment and amusement, as from what I've seen of Cardiff (and what Tan and others have stated recently) they'll need/think they'll need quite a few signings to be competetive next year - the Swans will hardly be quaking in their boots.

That Swansea will be the opposition on the last occassion Ferguson leads his team out at Old Trafford is, as Alan Curtis has appropriately described it, an honour indeed. Fergie looks set to complete his 1499th in charge of the Red Devils against the Swans, and the final game of the season will see his total tick over to a nice round 1500. It truly is a staggering acheivement - I was born in January 1986 and Ferguson was appointed at Old Trafford in November of the same year, so the Scot has literally been in charge of Man Utd as long as I've been aware of football. It's going to be strange not seeing his name next to Manchester United next season, although he does look set to take up an off-field role. Quite who would be happy to work with Fergie breathing down their neck remains to be seen...

Can the Swans spoil his party? The atmosphere will be electric and knowing the PL they'll appoint Howard Webb to ensure Man Utd get all three points. These games tend to go one of two ways - and normally dramatically so. If Ferguson hadn't announced his retirement there'd be the possibility that the players would be taking it easy, given the ease with which they claimed the PL title, however with Fergie set to bid an emotional farewell to the Man Utd faithful it's likely the fans and the players alike will be full of energy as they try to give their idol an appropriate sendoff.

Much like at Wigan on Tuesday, a win for the opposition clearly means so much it almost makes me feel bad I'm hoping for a Swansea win, but that's the lot of a fan. Three points for the Swans and I'll be a happy bunny - even if it does rain on Ferguson's parade...