Football Season Guide

The Swans had a great first campaign in the Premiership last season, ending up in 11th place with a vibrant style of play that earned them many plaudits.This achievement didn't go by unnoticed and opened the way for manager Brendan Rodgers to get the Liverpool job. Former Danish midfield maestro Michael Laudrup has been brought in in his place this summer to build on the success of the past campaign.The former Real Madrid and Barcelona man has made some interesting signings so far with defender Chico coming in from Genoa and Dutch midfielder Jonathan de Guzman on loan from Villareal. Young defender Curtis Obeng is also on the books following his move from Wrexham. Laudrup's main catch so far is attacking midfielder Michu from Rayo Vallecano to make up for the departure of Gylfi Sigurdson, who has been snapped up by Tottenham. The Icelander was intrumental in Swansea's good run of results this year but Michu, with 15 goals from midfield in La Liga last season, looks more than an able replacement. Laudrup will try to hang on to the highly rated Neil Taylor but Joe Allen has already departed for LIverpool. That means Laudrup should look to bring in more talent to beef up his squad, particulary in midfield and in defence. With players like Leroy Lita and Luke Moore not exactly Premiership level, the Dane will also try to add a proven striker to his roster to compete with Danny Graham, who had a great season last term. Attacking midfielders Nathan Dyer and Scott Sinclair should return on the wings with Britton and Agustien in the deeper midfield roles. In defence, with Steven Caulker back at Tottenham, some reinforcement will also be needed. Ashley Williams should return to marshall the defence with club captain Gary Monk and old faces Angel Rangel and Neil Taylor. Last season's player of the year Michel Vorm should be back in goal.