Angel Rangel reflects on a successful first season at Swansea

Rangel though was more than content to watch the game back at the Liberty Stadium, celebrating the final moment of promotion with over 1000 fans in the Swansea suite and in front of the BBC TV cameras.

Rangel had been an ever present in the league campaign up until the draw at Carlisle when he was rested - a decision that carried forward into the decisive win at Carlisle.  But there is no regret from the Spaniard at the end of his first season in Swansea as he tells the Evening Post "I am a little bit sad that I played every league game and didn't play in the two most important games of the season against Carlisle and Gillingham

"I was disappointed to miss Carlisle, which was such a big game, and then the chance to celebrate promotion at Gillingham.

"But me and Andrea Orlandi had an unbelievable day in the end.

"We watched most of the game on the television in a room at the Liberty Stadium with Andrea's girlfriend, my sister and brother-in-law.

"Then, with about five minutes to go, we went up to do an interview with the BBC in the room where hundreds of fans were watching the game on big screens.

"Wow. When the game finished, everybody was shouting, singing and clapping and it was amazing to be there with the fans.

"They congratulated us and celebrated with us and it was great to be there."

"In Spain I played 30 or 35 games a season, and this year I have played 50," Rangel adds.

"For me it's been a little bit hard because you have to play every three days and it's a long season, but I have enjoyed every game I've played.

"When I joined I didn't expect to play so many times, and when the season first started it was okay because you're feeling fit and you can play and play.

"But after 50 games it was a little hard."

"The gaffer told me he thought it was better that I rested," Rangel explains.

"He told me I had done the job.

"I have to think about the team, not me, and it's fantastic that we have got promotion.

"I hope to play some more games, but if I don't I've played my part and I'll be happy."

"I'm excited about the chance to play at a higher level," he says.

"Not many people in Spain know too much about the Championship, but the press coverage, TV, crowds and some of the players make it almost like La Liga.

"Hopefully, thanks to a few Spanish players at Swansea, the people back home will find out a bit more."

Photo: Action Images

Swansea City Polls