Swansea City gentleman Francesco Guidolin, the sliding doors appointment who had to be googled

Today marks six years since Swansea City appointed Francesco Guidolin as their permanent manager.

“I’m pleased to confirm that we have reached an agreement with Francesco on a new two-year contract,’’ then Swans chairman Huw Jenkins said. “Francesco fully deserves the chance to continue his good work into the new campaign. He was prepared to come into the club at such a difficult time and put himself in a pressure situation with the club fighting for survival.

“He has achieved the goal of securing top-flight football for this club with plenty to spare and has earned the right to start afresh next season. It’s going to be another challenge for everyone, but we are looking forward to seeing how far he can take this squad of players over a full season.

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“We are confident that he can carry on the good work at the end of this season into the new campaign. There has obviously been a lot of speculation over recent weeks about a possible change of manager, but the board has been impressed with the way he has quietly gone about the job of improving performances and results since January.

“Francesco and his staff have also gained valuable experience of working with the current group of players and Premier League football. That should stand everyone in good stead as we prepare for the new season ahead. It’s a chance for him to prepare the players throughout pre-season and fully instil his way of working on the group after a hectic and crucial few months.”

A sliding doors moment if ever there was one.

Guidolin joined a relegation-threatened Swansea in January 2016 following the sacking of Garry