John Toshack believes Swansea will do well to survive next season

Toshack was speaking after watching the Swans lose 4-0 to Espanyol last night and believes that although Roberto has brought in quality players they may struggle to adapt immediately to the Championship and a season of struggle may ensue.

Roberto has continued his policy this summer of searching the continent for players and in Albert Serran, Fedo Bessone, Jordi Gomez and Gorka Pintado he appears to have gained some quality players at minimal prices for the Championship challenge.

In contrast, Toshack in his era at Swansea was very much one for looking to the higher leagues in the UK and bringing in experience from there to assist his plans in getting the Swans to the next level.   But with that said he did look abroad and in Ante Rajkovic and Dzemal Hadziabdic he had two of the most successful imports of that era at his club.

But that aside, Toshack told BBC Sport after the Swans clash at Espanyol "They'll do well to hold their own and stay out of trouble,

"Swansea and (manager) Roberto Martinez have done ever so well, but it's such a tough division with a lot of money from teams looking for a Premiership return.

"Look at the Swansea squad, there's not much Championship-level experience.

Roberto knows the type of football he wants and that's what management is all about - it's what I did when I was in charge of Swansea," Toshack told BBC Radio Wales' The Back Page programme.

"I've seen them train a few times and they are so enthusiastic and forward looking, but we'll have to see how everyone fits in.

"People will have to be patient, it's going to be a long, tough season for Swansea.

"The likes of Joe Allen and Shaun McDonald will come through, I know that Roberto's pleased with those two."

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