Hasselbaink: ‘Swansea City Have The Perfect Model’

Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink says Swansea City have ‘the perfect model’ as he looks to bring similar success at Burton Albion.

The former Chelsea striker says that the Swans give smaller clubs hope after their quick rise from the bottom division to the Premier League – and then staying there for what will be their fifth season next year.

The club was rescued by the current board of directors back in the early noughties, and despite having no experience whatsoever of running a football club – they guided Swansea City Football Club to three promotions between 2005 and 2011 – working with managers up until that famous promotion winning match at Wembley.

Each bringing their own qualities to the club in different measures, all five managers made a difference. Brian Flynn ensured that the Swans would remain in the Football League, before Kenny Jackett won promotion to League One before missing out in the play-offs the following season.

Roberto Martinez was a significant appointment in 2007, implementing the club’s well known football philosophy of playing attractive football. The Spaniard won the League One title before Brendan Rodgers got us into the top flight via the play-offs.

Hasselbaink understands what has been the key to that constant success since the League 2 years, and it gives hope to the likes of his Burton Albion who are on course to win promotion to League One.

He said:

“Swansea have the perfect model,”

“They have an identity of the club and then they find a manager who fits. A lot of other clubs get a manager because he is doing well. He then wants to change lots of players.

“Swansea have kept their way of playing. Every manager who has come has tweaked it a bit, but not lost the identity of the club.

“We are still far, far away from Swansea, but they give smaller clubs hope because of how structured and stable they are.

‘If you plan well you have an opportunity to go far, if you stick with that belief.”

Hasselbaink took charge at Burton Albion this season following Gary Rowett’s move to Championship side Birmingham City. He’s carried on the good work there – and hopefully it can continue if and likely when they step up a division.