The premiership has come to an exciting climax (pardon the unintentional pun) and the Swans ended the season by defeating once mighty Liverpool in the final home game of the season. At the beginning of the Premiership campaign, way back in August of last year, bookmakers had made newly promoted Swansea City favorites to be relegated in their first season in the top flight since 1981.
One sporting hack, probably an erstwhile employee of the Sun newspaper, had predicted there was more chance of spotting Elvis than the Swans avoiding relegation. Thankfully, the moron was forced to eat his words and the Swans finished in a creditable 11th position.
Brendan Rodgers, revealing his Irish wit and charm, suggested that fans should turn up for the final game of the season with Liverpool decked in Elvis costumes, and many of the faithful duly obliged. Elvis was probably sitting on his porch back in Tupelo Mississippi with one ear glued to his transistor radio listening to the scores while eating a peanut butter/banana sandwich; toasted of course.
He was at the Liberty in spirit if not in heavenly body, and continuing the theme, a selection of his hits flow seamlessly into reviewing the Swans memorable season:
- My Way, King Creole-Brendan Rodgers who remained loyal to his principles for persevering with the passing game.
- American Trilogy– the midfield trio Britton, Allen and the Iceman
- Don’t Be Cruel-Ashley Williams roughing up over priced cry baby Andy Carroll
- All Shook Up-British tabloids for writing off the Swans before a ball was kicked
- Hound Dog– a tribute to Swansea Jacks worldwide
- Love me Tender– we need to give some love to Dutch midfielder Ferde Bodde who has suffered horrendous knee injuries, and unsuccessfully attempted several comebacks
- Suspicious Minds-Cardiff City supporters who could not believe they were being upstaged by their nemesis.
- Peace in the Valley- time to relax in the off season before another premiership campaign comes around in a blink of an eye.
- In the Ghetto-apologies to three Blaenymaes. When was the last time Blaenymaes got a mention on a blog?
- Heartbreak Hotel-spending a night before the game in one of the salubrious guest houses along Oystermouth Road. They have that distinctive smell of burnt chip pan oil.
- Jailhouse Rock- in memory of the Swansea prison inmates who enjoyed a bird’s eye view of Swans games played at the old Vetch Field.
- It’s Now or Never- last season’s playoff win over Reading.
- Are you Lonesome Tonight-don’t be; haul yourself down to the Liberty for an evening game and a couple of beverages.
- The Wonder of You-congratulations to the supporters for giving the team wonderful support and never losing faith in the manager.
- Good Luck Charm and the bargain buy of the season; goalkeeper Michael Vorm.
- Return to Sender-unfortunately this applies to two loan signings who made enormous contributions to the season and may or may not return: Steven Caulker and The Iceman.
Finally the writer offers his sincere congratulations and admiration to Team Swansea. I just didn’t appreciate unrealistic comparisons with Barcelona which were mindlessly out of the ball park. Forty five goals is a meager total from 38 games for all their progressive play. May they add a cutting edge to their passing game next season.
PS: Elvis has left the building.
