Swansea and manager Laudrup part company

Manager Michael Laudrup has left UEFA Europa League contenders Swansea City AFC just over 18 months after taking up the reins.

"It is a decision we have taken reluctantly," said Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins. "However, it's a decision made in the best interests of Swansea City Football Club and our supporters. It is the first time in nearly ten years that the club has parted with a manager in this way, but we had to remove the constant uncertainty surrounding the club and Michael's long-term future with us."

Laudrup, who succeeded Brendan Rodgers in June 2012, steered the Swans to their first major trophy the following year as they overwhelmed Bradford City AFC 5-0 in the English League Cup final at Wembley. An impressive ninth-place Premier League finish followed with Laudrup's side gaining plaudits for playing an eye-catching brand of football.

This term, the south Wales club dispatched Valencia CF 3-0 at the Mestalla en route to qualifying for the UEFA Europa League round of 32, where they face SSC Napoli on 20 and 27 February. Swansea defender Garry Monk will take temporary charge of a side currently 12th in the Premier League.