Joe Allen News

ONLY once in the ten seasons since Hull have Swansea City failed to improve on the previous year's league finish.

Mal James defends FA Cup winning Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez from critics who point to his side's perennial battle against relegation as a mark of his ability.

The new Manchester United manager will officially take charge at Old Trafford on July 1. He will quickly be aware that United's scouting team have been searching for a top level left-back and midfielder.

TONY Pennock is targeting progress across the board in the Swansea City Academy next season despite landing the FAW Welsh Youth Cup for the fourth straight year.

On the shelf: Swansea defender Neil Taylor's favourite book is Messi: The Inside Story of the Boy who became a Legend And Taylor isn't the only Barclays Premier League star who spends his time away from the pitch reading about stars who played on it.

Sunday will see success for one Welsh football club returning to the Football League while Cardiff City celebrate promotion to the Premier League with an open top-bus tour.

Past and present: Outside of technical boxes, how far off is Brendan Rodgers from previous managers? Michael Regan/Getty Images A mostly unknown - and very much unproven commodity - the announcement of Brendan Rodgers as Liverpool FC's 19th full-time manager was met with equal parts contempt and curiosity.

Norwich have Anthony Pilkington and Bradley Johnson back while keeper John Ruddy could also make a return.