Swansea become football's latest fairytale
Swansea's first climb from fourth tier to top flight was completed in four years but their latest seven-season ascent is arguably even more impressive for being achieved in the current climate where money rules football and they have been forced to change managers on an almost annual basis.
Defensive strength rather than attacking prowess has been the backdrop of the Swans' heroic climb out of the Championship yet they earned their Premier League place in style by becoming the first team in over a decade to score four goals in the play-off final, with Scott Sinclair bagging a hat-trick.
Inevitable comparisons to former lower league sparring partners Blackpool have already been made, however Swansea's feat is even more significant as it gives Wales a Premier League team for the first time, while the Sky Sports pundits covering the game claimed that they are more likely to stay up.
Brendan Rodgers' side are the joint-biggest outsiders to top the table at [1000.0] and are sure to be rated among the favourites for relegation as that is the fate that befallen four of the last five clubs to gain promotion through the play-offs, with the expected exit of loan star Fabio Borini a major blow.
At the other end of the spectrum, Manchester United are market leaders at [3.0] to secure their 20th title in 2011-12, with Chelsea and Manchester City anticipated to provide the sternest challenge at [4.1] and [4.9] respectively. Arsenal are doubted at [9.2], with Liverpool considered in with a shot at [12.0].
Can Swansea survive? Who do you fancy for top spot? Have you say below...
Published: 31 May 2011
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