Lisa Higgins takes a look at where the relationship between the Swans and Sousa went wrong

For me its taken a little while to write this comment piece, why? I have followed Paulo's career at length, partly down to my well documented love of the Italian game. To have a former Juventus, Parma and Inter Milan player as the manager of the club I support was a dream come true. I have seen a man who I once respected, treat a club that has gone through so much, like a stepping stone to perceived better things. That's football for you folks. 

Replacing, Roberto Martinez after one of the most bitter and shocking summers to date, in the clubs history was always going to be tough. It could have come straight out of a BBC 1 Saturday night schedule, how do you solve a problem like Martinez? 

Huw Jenkins had to get this appointment right, the momentum that the last two seasons must be maintained. Early contenders for the post, Gary Speed, the stylish Paul Tisdale, Gus Poyet and Paulo Sousa all were in the frame. As we all know the job ultimately went to the Portuguese midfield maestro. 

Sousa, sold Jenkins his vision for the club and within hours from press reports was offered the job. Surprised? Not in the slightest, once regarded as one of Portugal's “Golden Generation,” famed for their class, style and poise in the European game, his credentials certainly looked good.. But there was nothing classy about his departure. Where did the Huw Jenkins/ Paulo Sousa relationship which started with such promise and great fan-fare to boot, go so very wrong? . 

Rolling into town with his assistant Bruno Oliveria and fitness coach John Harbin from Queens Park Rangers, there was fresh hope for the club. The initial few months were good and it looked like that it was going to be a good season, not the second season syndrome a lot had predicted. 

Things appeared at least from the outside to be going well. Early results and performances showed there was promise in the side and that Sousa firmly was picking up where Martinez left off. Those positive vibes from the club soon came to an end. With baffling team selection, player unrest and rumors surfacing that the Jenkins/Sousa relationship was firmly on the rocks, it was not looking good.

His man management skills came under close scrutiny from day one. Players like Leon Britton and Stephen Dobbie found themselves seemingly unable to work with Sousa. It was therefore no surprise to see Dobbie move to Bloomfield Road on loan, despite finding his feet before the rib injury, sustained in that now infamous Carling Cup tie against Scunthorpe United, that saw his early promise cut short. 

More telling is the apparent breakdown of communication and disagreement with his staff, people have barely mentioned the departures of former Fitness coach John Harbin and Lil Fuccillo the club's former chief scout. Alarm bells should have been ringing then. 

Allegedly sacked by QPR for disclosing confidential transfer information regarding Dexter Blackstock's move to Nottingham Forest, Sousa appeared to have learned his lesson. Refusing to comment widely about player signings and keeping his cards firmly held to his chest. That in part distanced himself from the fans, whilst many fans were grateful for him signing autographs before games for the kids in the west stand, his love of engaging with the clubs young fans was genuine. 

Sousa also did turn the defense into a mean well oiled machine, capable of closing out games but it was at the other end of the pitch that cost Swansea a play-off place even automatic promotion itself. 

Bringing in Swans legend Lee Trundle was a move to appease fans and to boost tickets sales, whilst Shefki Kuqi's arrival just highlighted that the coffers were apparently dry. 

Positively he also raised the clubs profile in his native Portugal, but after the lack of money to invest in the January transfer window Sousa craved, the clock started ticking on the end of his tenure at the club. Over the last few months his position became untenable. 

The fan base did not take Paulo to their hearts either, and that has reflected in the comments after his departure, its one of relief. 

Fast forward six months, the managerial merry-go-round had started and Swansea City were going to play their full part. Then Leicester boss Adam Pearson wanted out of the Walkers Stadium, after relegated Hull City made a surprise approach for the 46 year old. It left Foxes chairman Milan Mandaric looking to replace him at the Midlands club. It was no surprise then that he came in for Sousa. His departure was confirmed on Monday and now leaves the club looking for their third manager in the space of just over a year. 

Giving an interview to BBC Radio Wales, Swans chairman Huw Jenkins this week sounded dejected stating that he felt that there was scant loyalty left in the game, its a sentiment a lot of the supporters of this fine club share Huw. Sousa's departure was not surprising in an age where football managers and players are turning into mercenaries, playing and managing for the highest bidder. It is a damming indictment of the game we love, and is ruining the sport. 

Swansea City have packed in more trouble and strife in the last year and a half than the majority of clubs will go through in a decade, in spite of this, I firmly believe that the club will continue to thrive. 

Gosh i am looking forward to Port Talbot on Saturday........ 

Photo: Action Images via Reuters