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LMA statement confirms Laudrup's shock at Swans sacking

Michael Laudrup has broken his silence after his surprise sacking at Swansea City. After leading the club to a ninth-placed finish in the Premier League and victory in the League Cup last season, the Dane was shown the door. Here, he declares his consternation at losing his job.

Swansea's first major trophy and a top-half top-flight finish 

‘I am deeply disappointed to have been dismissed as manager of Swansea City.  In particular, the manner in which it happened and the actions the club has taken since notifying me in the briefest of letters which gave no reasons why such hasty and final action was deemed necessary.  I am, of course taking legal advice and the LMA have already written to the club asking for a proper explanation as to why I was summarily dismissed. Until we receive the response I am unable to say any more about the termination but I do want to take this early opportunity to thank the Swansea City fans for their continued support and say it has been an honour to manage this great football club.

‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my time managing in the Barclays Premier League which I consider to be the one of the best leagues in world football. I leave the club proud of our collective achievements over the past 20 months and I believe we have continued the club’s progression in the manner of my predecessors including Roberto Martinez and Brendan Rodgers.

‘Of course the obvious highlight during my time in charge was leading Swansea to the first major trophy in the club’s history in winning the Capital One Cup at Wembley resulting in European qualification. In addition, our 9^th place in the Barclays Premier League was our highest finish in 31 years and the second highest in the club's 102-year history which again is something which fills me with pride.  This season we have all enjoyed the memorable journey in the Europa League where the team will soon to face Napoli in the last 32 of the competition. The club has informed me that I cannot visit the training ground to say my farewells to the players so I do that now through this statement.  The players have been fantastic and their contribution under the very professional guidance of my coaching staff has been absolutely fundamental to the club’s recent successes. Three members of my staff have also been dismissed.

‘Whilst league results have been disappointing of late, we are still 12^th in the table and it is there for all to see the fine margins in the league this season in terms of points that separate 11 clubs. Although we have been unfortunate with injuries, I believe our league form would have improved and that we would have benefited from the forthcoming Europa League and FA Cup matches.

‘I wish the club the very best for the future and for the rest of the season in the Barclays Premier League, Europa League and The FA Cup.’

Brave Bantams beaten by the heavies as Beckham makes le debut!

Demon v Angel!

The derby of France was characterised as Good v Evil by the French football media - and Good prevailed!

David Beckham came off the bench for the last quarter hour or so as Paris St. Germain beat Marseille 2-nil in Ligue 1.

Also in the bulletin, Swansea City record the biggest win in the history of League Cup Finals beating Bradford 5-nil to lift the Capital One Cup.

Here's Jonny's bulletin from the Monday morning after the game.

listen to ‘Brave Bantams beaten by the heavies as Beckham makes le debut!’ on Audioboo

"Sacked in the morning" chants won't move Wenger

Arsene the magic dragon

Calls for Arsene Wenger’s head from sections of the Arsenal faithful have a more resigned than hysterical tone. Despite fielding big-hitters, Wenger's charges were knocked out of the Capital One Cup quarter-finals by Bradford City from the fourth tier of English football.
 
In bygone years, the Professor would experiment with kids as his starting eleven grappled with winning the Premier League. But it's no surprise Cazorla, Wilshere and Co appear now. This was a clear opportunity to land silverware to end an eight year drought.

But there've been darker moments in the barren years since winning the FA Cup. This might indeed be the Gunners' worst start to a Premier League season but last year was pretty ordinary too. At one point, they had a -15 goal difference having lost 8-2 at Manchester United and 4-3 at Blackburn. The bookies quoted shorter odds for relegation than winning the title. But in the end, Arsenal finished third above Spurs and European Champions, Chelsea.

Remember the feeling boys, the highlight of your career!

So Bradford taunts at Wenger of “you'll be sacked in the morning” won’t be vindicated. Wenger's web of influence and planning is too thick at the Emirates. It's no exaggeration to describe him as a director of the club.

There's murmurs from Arsenal fan groups like the Black Scarf Movement that Wenger carries out the will of the ownership with scant regard to the supporters, to defend his multi-million pound salary.  

But I’ll stick a caveat in here. He isn't unsackable. The Alsatian won’t be retired at least while the Gunners are still in the Champions League and the FA Cup. 

After the heady days of the nineties and noughties, winning the Premier League is a step too far but as long as Wenger’s tussling for any silverware, he’ll remain fresh bread – not toast.