4. Michael Laudrup
Swansea City have grown into a Premier League club overnight, it seems. They have invested heavily in players, brought in a playing legend come continental manager in Michael Laudrup and look set to out-Stoke Stoke in their ambitious quest for regular European competition. And they started so well this time too. Impressive debuts by Michu and Chico; expansive, explosive and pacey football made August a very, very good month for the Swans. To quote a cliché September has seen an abrupt end to the Honeymoon period for Laudrup. He has bought quality, but his vision of Swansea is maybe not as in sync with last years philosophy. Really, what are Swansea City now? Relegation stragglers? Mid-table also-rans? Or credible challengers for European places? There are the beginnings of an identity crisis in South Wales and Laudrup has a hard job to rectify the problem. What is certain is that they are no longer the plucky new kids on the block anymore and second season syndrome may well infect Swansea this year. Their form has slumped in correspondence with the laying down of Laudrups blueprint and I think it may not be long until Swansea focus too greatly on Michus physical presence at the detriment of free flowing football. The joke going around the Liberty Stadium is that Laudrup is Swanseas best player in training. That may not be in doubt, but whether he is the best manager to get them to the next level is another matter entirely. He also sold two proven and influential members of the squad in Scott Sinclair and Joe Allen, which left a slightly bitter taste in a few fans mouths.
Verdict: Best not throw away the number for that removal company just yet.