John Hartson believes that the Swans will stay in the Premier League for at least one more season

Hartson believes that Swansea City have what it takes to stay in the Premier League after the promotion in May despite most tipping them for an immediate return to the Championship.

Speaking to the Western Mail, Hartson said “I think Swansea will stay up,

“We have to believe in Brendan because he is the one who has taken Swansea into the Premier League.

“When people stop me in the street the first question they ask me is how are Swansea going to stay up?

“I don’t think people should get too doom and gloom about it. They should look where Swansea are, enjoy the games and not worry.

“I understand people are desperate to stay in the Premier because it is the place to be.

“But the man we have to respect, stick by and get behind is Brendan.

“I don’t think he’ll change the system, it’s a system he likes and it is what the players are good at.

“That’s the way they are going to play, they are quite stubborn about it. Home or away, he goes with the same system and it got them up last year.

“Swansea didn’t half play some good football last season. They played a lot of good teams off the park, especially at home, towards the end of the season. You look at the Norwich, Leeds and Forest games and the way we played in the final.

“It was the system started by Roberto, taken on by Paulo and then taken to the next level by Brendan.

“I’m not going to put pressure on Swansea. Let the players enjoy it.

“Realistically we have a lot of players who have not played much in the Premier League and it is going to be difficult.

“It will be interesting because every game in the Premier League is tough.

“We are very similar to Blackpool. We might take some scalps at home and take a few beatings on the road, but it is important we don’t get too down.

“They have to keep believing in what they do and the system.

“Manchester City is a real tough start, probably the toughest of the lot, and they are my tip to win the Premier League this season with the investment they are making.

“Last season Swansea may have lost a few games, but they always bounced back. Next season every game is a stern test home and away and it won’t be so easy to do that.

“I just hope we can pick up a load of points, start early with a few wins against the likes of Wigan when they come to the Liberty.

“I’m sure Swansea will do well.

“I would have liked to have seen a bit more transfer activity and I’m sure a lot of fans are the same, but again I trust Brendan.

“He knows we are still two or three short. He is looking all the time.

“I know Brendan is hard-working. You don’t get the success he’s had without it.

“Time is running out and we want to see some big names coming in.

“I would be dishonest if I said I wasn’t wanting more, but I am sure they are working hard.

“We are a little bit low on experience.

“We’ve lost de Vries who was experienced, Pratley, who was here for five years and had done very well in midfield. And it looks like Garry Monk won’t be fit for the start.

“We could do with one or two older heads to get among the boys and settle things down.

“That senior voice picking the team up if maybe they have lost a few.

“I’m sure Brendan is still looking and that his phone is red hot at the moment.”

Photo: Action Images

Swansea City Polls