Brendan Rodgers

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Ahead of the Play Off Final tomorrow between Reading and Cardiff it is interesting to see the passion surrounding Brendan Rodgers.

He has only been a manager for two and a half years but has certainly created some waves in that time

His first managerial appointment was at Watford where he walked into a maelstrom following the sacking of Aidy Boothroyd and the temporary appointment of Malky Mackay. From the beginning there fans had mixed views as many felt their hero who took them to the Promised land of the Premiership had been unfairly sacked and others like dthe early promise of Mackay. The early weeks of his reign were clouded in mystery too as he failed to sign his contract to begin with and gave a few rather lame excuses – only then to sign. He later claimed that he was not given proper information on Watford’s disastrous finances and there were fears he would walk out.

From almost freefall towards tLeague One Rodgers stabilised the club and ended the Route One direct football famous at Watford not only from the Graham Taylor era but also under Aidy Boothroyd where many uncomplimentary fans labelled it “hoofball” His record in that season was a quite respectable won 13 drew 7 and lost 12 which moved Watford away from the trapdoor and towards mid table safety. His use of a number of loanees also received mixed feelings – especially as he made numerous references to his time working with Mourinho at Chelsea – dropping it into conversation far too often

Watford fans were happy by the end of that season and looking forward ot better things to come when Rodgers made a mistake which will forever haunt him around Vicarage Road. Reading were eyeing him up as their Manager to be and there was a lot of speculation that Rodgers would jump ship to return to the club of his youth and early managerial experience. He appeared to squash those rumours with a remark that he was “angry that people were questioning his integrity by suggesting he would break his contract” Only two days later he did just that and has never been forgiven by the Watford faithful

Well there is a phrase about jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire. This could have been coined ith Rodgers in mind. If he thought he was leaving behind a mess (financially at any rate) for a safe haven his dreams were soon to be shattered.. He followed the almost legendary Steve Coppell in the Reading hot seat and that was always going to be a hard act to follow. He was appointed on 5th June but never got to grips with the task of preparing reading for a new assault on the Premiership. His style was criticised – as it had been at Watford as too much aimless passing – sideways and backwards as well as his now almost famous frequent references to himself and Mourinho. It was result though that told and on 16th December – just a little over 5 months into the job Rodgers was fired – his record a dismal 6 wins 6 draws and 11 defeats.

He spent the rest of the season out of management but in July was given a new chance when Swansea City appointed him as their replacement for Paolo Sousa who had controversially decamped to Leicester City

At Swansea he inherited a good squad and made those few tweaks that can make all the difference. His passing game – still controversial in some quarters was nevertheless recognised as statistically his team created more passes than any other including the likes of Arsenal, renowned for their passing game.

Success gradually grew and with a good end to the season Swansea climbed above their Welsh Arch rivals Cardiff City to 3rd in the table and into the Play Offs for the “biggest prize match in Engklish football” the final at Wembley where success could mena the best part of a £100m extra income for the club. His record at Swansea of 29 wins, 9 draws and 16 defeats – a win percentage of 54% - is impressive.

Ironically his new team now faces his old one – the Reading who sacked him after such a short time. Who will come out on top now?

Interestingly Reading and Swansea fans generally have quite positive things to say about him – it is only at Watford where one word “integrity” tarnishes his image and still causes such dislike.

Tomorrow will decide whether his ambition and skill as a manager can take Swansea to their dream.