Genius of Ferguson can inspire Swans to reach promised land

Former United triallist Brendan Rodgers learnt from the master and is giving youth its head as South Wales outfit prepare for tomorrow's £90m game

Few clubs or managers have gone from one extreme to another, but Swansea City and Brendan Rodgers could complete a remarkable journey together when they face Reading in tomorrow's Championship play-off final.

For a quick history check, Swansea were almost relegated from the Football League in 2003, but a priceless hat-trick from James Thomas in a 4-2 success over Hull City at the club's old stadium, the Vetch Field, preserved their status in the then Division Three.

A drop into the Conference then was as close for the south Wales outfit – who hold John Toshack, Mel Charles and current first-team coach Alan Curtis in legendary status – as a place in the Premier League has become here and now.

From the depths of despair, the Swans worked tirelessly to navigate their way through the divisions. Previous managers Kenny Jackett, Roberto Martinez and Paulo Sousa laid the foundations before Rodgers took the reins last summer. Wembley awaits at the final hurdle for a clash billed as the £90 million game, with the extra spice of potentially securing Wales's first berth in the top flight in the 19-year history of the Premier League.

But, in all that, a huge parallel of the club's fortunes can be seen in the career of their amiable manager Rodgers, who stands on the cusp of achieving greatness by being at the helm to write the next chapter of this proud club's history.

The Northern Irishman's playing career was ended at the age of 20 due to a knee injury. This triggered an ambition of coaching, and he has fought his way towards the top of the tree against all the odds. "From the park to the peak," Rodgers enthused after the semi-final victory over Nottingham Forest.

Two spells with Reading, sandwiched between stints with Chelsea and Watford – and with managerial giants such as Jose Mourinho and Phil Scolari in an impressive contacts book – all helped to shape his education on the touchline. But Rodgers admits that he was already in management mode going right back to when his footballing life all began when he was a triallist with Manchester United at the tender age of 14.

The fresh-faced teenager travelled from his home town of Carnlough to the Cliff, United's old training ground, where a first meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson – the man he now calls a genius – took place.

"A lot of people don't realise that Reading were actually my second club," reveals Rodgers. "I went to Manchester United first. I used to travel over to the Cliff in the holidays for a year. I was a talented young player and in the Northern Ireland set-up but I soon realised I wasn't going to be a Man United player.

"If I had been good enough, I'd have jumped at the chance of playing for United because I loved my time there. The people were fantastic. But the biggest thing I remember from my time at United was Sir Alex and his devotion to youth.

"He'd only been at the club for a year but even back then, every time I was there I saw Sir Alex Ferguson. Every day. So subconsciously you knew he was there because he would come in and watch the youth team train as well as the first team.

"If people ever wonder why he is so successful, just look at the other night. While we were all at the [League Managers Association] awards night, he was watching the Youth Cup final match. He has a love for young players and that has stuck with me to this day because I saw it first hand. The man is a genius.

"He knew everyone at the club – well, he probably won't remember me as a kid – but that is an incredible quality to have. It's a one-club mentality and that's what I'm trying to achieve at Swansea. I'm sure after the game I will have some sort of reflection on where I've come from and who I've worked with. They have all been great experiences along the journey but it would be great to be in the Premier League against Sir Alex."

Rodgers has given youth its chance this season with the likes of regulars Scott Sinclair, 21, Nathan Dyer, 23, and Joe Allen, 21, repaying him with sparkling campaigns in his first full season in charge.

Rodgers added: "Giving young players a chance is a big motivation for me because that was all I ever wanted. At Reading under Mark McGhee, I would travel with the first team a number of times but be on the outside waiting for the moment to play.

"Part of my philosophy as a manager is to integrate the young players with the experienced ones. That's been a big part of my development. But I also see a bit of me in the young lads and that's why I was determined to give all my young players a chance this season.

"Even the likes of Dan Alfei and Lee Lucas are not physically developed but they are technically good and they deserved to have the chance. You don't know how good they are until they play. These lads have been fantastic all season. They are playing the way I have always developed my teams to be. They have passed the ball and validated that it can be done. That's a great feeling."

If he guides Swansea into the promised land for the first time in 27 years, Rodgers hopes that will show the next generation of coaches the way. "I was not the player who played in the big games," said Rodgers. "So it's been a long journey trying to earn respect. I've listened, learnt and done all the badges and qualifications. I had the time but I've made it my profession.

"People talk about Jose but the biggest mentor is myself. I'm my own man. If I wasn't very good, I would have been out of the door at Chelsea. The bottom line is it's all about you.

"I hope that a new era of young British coaches can look at it and be inspired. If you have belief in what you do and you're bold, you can actually reach the top."