Swansea City’s promotion to the Premier League will give the entire city a massive lift, it was predicted last night.
The Swans’ presence in football’s richest league competition will put the city on an international stage every week and will attract tens of thousands of new visitors to the city.
And Monday’s victory over Reading in the Championship Play-Off final was hailed by Swansea Lord Mayor, Cllr Ioan Richard, as a fantastic day for the club, its fans and the entire city.
Cllr Richard said: “The eyes of the sporting world were on Wembley on Monday and it’s our local club which will be the toast of football today. I want to pay tribute to Brendan Rodgers, his playing staff and the backroom staff for this magnificent achievement.
“Credit must also go to Huw Jenkins and the Swans board for the way they have steered the club to British football’s top table.
“This has been a true footballing fairy story.
“Just eight years ago Swansea was on the verge of dropping out of the Football League but now this club has climbed the entire football league ladder to reach the very pinnacle of success.”
Chris Holley, Leader of the Council said, the Swans’ success would be worth millions of pounds to the city in tourism and trade.
He said: “The Swans’ success is the city’s success as well. It will help create and protect jobs in the local economy, particularly in tourism.
“The Premier League attracts world-wide audiences which will help raise Swansea’s profile on the international stage and attract interest from sports fans and potential visitors from all over the world.
“And it means every other week thousands of fans from places like Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle and London will be visiting Swansea and spending their money in local restaurants, pubs and hotels.
“We’re sure they’ll like what they see and come back again with friends and family to enjoy the marvellous scenery and hospitality Swansea has to offer.”
