The Swans will go into the new season under the guidance of a new captain following Ashley Williams' departure to Everton earlier this week.

And it looks certain that long term midfielder Leon Britton will be the man to be handed that armband at least for the opening game as we enter our 6th Premier League season at Burnley this afternoon.

It will cap a remarkable turnaround for Britton who just twelve months ago looked for all money as if his Swans career was over with then manager Garry Monk seemingly ready to let his former team mate go with a move across the Atlantic to Orlando looking the most likely scenario.

Bit he stayed and not only now does he look like he is going to get the captain's armband but a contract that will ensure that he remains at the club for the rest of his career.

Not bad for a man who joined on loan in the 2002/3 season and has been an integral part of the side since then bar for a brief respite when he went to Sheffield United only to return six months later.

Britton will be in the centre of midfield today for the Swans as they open their season and manager Francesco Guidolin dropped the hint that Britton was his man.

“He’s not a big man but he has a big heart,” said Guidolin. “I travelled to our friendly against Wolves with him in his car and he told me about his time here and what it meant to him.

“It is unbelievable to go from the bottom division to the top in only 10 years and he is part of this unique history.

“He is a nice guy, and players like he and Angel Rangel are very important for us without Ashley.”

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