Terry Phelan insists that the Swans can make the step up into the Premier League

Terry Phelan insists that the Swans can make the step up into the Premier League

Phelan played for both Swansea City and Manchester City back in the 1980s and he believes that with their vocal backing the Swans are back where they belong in the top flight.

"Billy Bremner released me from Leeds, the club I'd been at for five or six seasons," he remembers.

"I was in a difficult situation, but Terry Yorath, who was manager of Swansea, gave me a call.

"I was only there for one year, but it was a brilliant year.

"I met some amazing people and the fans were great.

"There were some good players there as well, like Chris Coleman, who went on to big things.

"When I was at Swansea, it was a great club that catapulted me to where I ended up afterwards," Phelan says.

"The club belongs where it is now.

"In the early 1980s they were in the First Division. They've been successful before so I'm not surprised they've got there again.

"They were a sleeping giant. I always thought they'd come again and that's what they've done.

"Swansea is a lovely city, a great part of the world to live, and the football club has a great following.

"As an 18-year-old, I thought Swansea was at the other end of the world," he adds. "And because it was down south, I thought it would be warm.

"When I got off the train it was raining, which reminded me of Manchester.

"I was ready to sign for another year and to be honest I would have been happy there for the rest of my life, it was a great place.

"Swansea got me out of a sticky situation and I'll always remember that. They handed me a lifeline.

"They were a team with tradition that loved to play attractive football.

"I was lucky enough to play for a great club in Swansea and I won't forget that.

"I've been following them closely over the past few years," he says.

"I'm sure Swansea will hold their own in the Premier League, although it's going to be hard.

"It is a big jump to the Premier League, but it can be bridged.

"I watched the play-off final and everyone I spoke to was backing Reading.

"But I thought Swansea were outstanding, they looked like they had a point to prove.

"Hopefully I'll be able to get down for a weekend and watch them when I'm back in England next season.

"Swansea will have their work cut out in every game next season, but whatever happens — even if they get relegated — they will be a stronger side," he says.

"Playing Manchester City is obviously a massive challenge and I think it will be a great spectacle.

"Swansea have to go in with a positive attitude. The players will be nervous, but they have to get over that.

"They played in a league last year that is the hardest in the world to get out of and they made it through."

Though torn on the result, Phelan is definitely backing the away fans to come out on top.

"If Swansea take 2,000 fans to City, it will sound like 10,000," he added.

"I honestly don't think I ever heard a Swansea fan being abusive to one of our own players.

"I remember when I used to run past the North Bank at the Vetch — the fans were amazing.

"It still gives me goose bumps to think about it."

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