Paul Clement believes “history” is on Swansea City’s side in their battle for Premier League survival.
While relegation rivals Hull had a major turn around of players under Marco Silva in January, Swansea can count on several individuals who have had a long association with the club.
It is a factor that Clement feels could prove decisive in the final two games, with the former Chelsea number two seeing similarities between that and some of the players he worked with at Stamford Bridge.
“I have experienced it with John Terry and Frank Lampard at Chelsea, but what I saw last Saturday was special,” Swansea head coach Clement said.
On the impact that diminutive club captain Leon Britton had in last weekend’s success against Everton, a win which moved Swansea out of the relegation zone, Clement added: “He went for one with his head, the crowd were going crazy.
“He put a really strong tackle in as well. Then when he came off, well, that (ovation) was amazing.
“What an affinity Leon has with the supporters. Unbelievable. That could be seen as an advantage for us, people that understand the history.”
It was Britton’s idea that the Swansea players pay for the tickets of 3,000 away supporters at Sunderland on Saturday.
The allocation was sold out within hours, meaning Swansea will have impressive support on Wearside as they seek to extend their top-flight status into a seventh season.
Britton has made over 500 appearances since making his Swansea debut in 2002, but the 34-year-old is not alone in providing sterling service at the Liberty Stadium.
Angel Rangel has been at Swansea since 2007, Nathan Dyer joined two years later, and Wayne Routledge recently set a new club record for most Premier League appearances.
“Wayne spoke in the dressing room just before we went out against Stoke,” Clement said of a 2-0 win that sparked the run which has seen Swansea take seven points from nine.
“He had his civilian gear on because he’s injured. He came in just as we were about to go out and he said ‘I hope you all know how important this is. I hope you know’.
“They were the last couple of words, then out they went and did a good job. It’s great to have players that have spent years and years here.”
Swansea enter the final two games of the season one point above Hull in 17th place, with Middlesbrough and Sunderland already relegated.
They host West Brom on the last day, but victory at Sunderland and defeat for Hull at Crystal Palace on Sunday would keep them up.
Palace need a point against Hull at Selhurst Park to guarantee their own survival.
“If we do a good job on Saturday it’s going to be easier to watch the Hull game,” Clement said.
