Rogers representing Vetch legacy as Swans bid for Premier jackpot

The Swans, having previously also been on the verge of bankruptcy, only avoided relegation from the Football League on the final day of the 2002/03 season, with current first-team members Leon Britton and Alan Tate playing their part in a memorable 4-2 victory over Hull City at the old Vetch Field.

Since that day the club have been transformed – both on and off the pitch – into one of the most exciting teams outside the top flight.

Automatic promotion from League Two came in 2005 and it took just three seasons to clinch the League One title.

Another three years later and they stand on the brink of Barclays Premier League football, 90 minutes away from rubbing shoulders with England’s elite and the estimated £90m jackpot that comes with it.

Rodgers said: “The story is incredible, you talk about the magic carpet ride from the bottom level and coming through to where they are now.

“And that’s with no big history behind it in the last few years.

“The outcome would be never more so deserving than to a club that has picked itself up off its knees and then really put itself on the map again.

“Hopefully we can make that final step and really put it on the map worldwide, which would be great.”

He added: “For me, I’m very conscious that in the game we’re representing every manager who has ever managed this club and every player who has ever walked through the Vetch and through the Liberty.”

Reading head into the match as the Championship’s form team having lost just one of their last 18 matches, including an impressive 3-0 aggregate semi-final triumph over Cardiff.

Mikele Leigertwood’s arrival on loan from QPR in November has been heralded as one of the key ingredients to their success.

“We’ve done very well and it’s down to everybody really,” he said. “Everybody’s played their part.

“I’m sure it helps us with the momentum, it did against Cardiff, so I can’t see why it won’t help us against Swansea. We’ve had a great run of games.”