John Toshack knows a thing or two about managing the Swans in the top flight. Up until 2011 he was the only manager who had achieved the feat when he led the club through the divisions between 1978 and 1981.

And to date he is the holder of the highest league position the Swans have ever achieved - the 6th place they managed in the top flight in 1981/82.

Garry Monk's team came close to taking that mark last season when they finished eighth, a record place for us in the Premier League era and close to a place in Europe that went to the seventh placed side last term.

Toshack knows that it will not be easy for Monk's side to push on from that finish but he has said that Europe should be the aim for the team - a feat that they achieved two years ago through winning the Capital One Cup.

Speaking to the Evening Post, the former Wales and Swansea boss said "Everybody has to be pleased with what Swansea have achieved but the aim must be to push on and get into Europe.

"When I was at Swansea we played European football for three years because we won the Welsh Cup. Swansea got into the Europa League before under Michael Laudrup after winning the League Cup, now they must try to do that through league position.

"But at the same time it's important not to get carried away. It's fine that they carry on the way they've been going. They're doing more than well enough with the resources they've got.

"Liverpool struggled last season so we shouldn't get carried away with Swansea."

Toshack was also full of praise for Swansea manager Garry Monk who achieved last season's records in his first full season in management having succeeded Michael Laudrup as the Swans surprise choice in February last year.

"Garry's a special case because he's been at Swansea so long that he knew the club inside out. Garry went in and Swansea probably thought we'll see how he goes. Then he did well enough to get another contract.

"Swansea surprised a lot of people again last season. The Chairman is very, very astute. He'll remember the bitter experience of when the club nearly dropped out of the Football League and he's got things together.

"It's not just what they've done but the way that they've done it."

Photo: Action Images

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