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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

Thomas Frank's surprise Steve Cooper assessment as Brentford boss reveals what clash with Swansea City will come down to

Brentford boss Thomas Frank hailed Steve Cooper as one of the country's most promising managers ahead of his side's Championship play-off final clash with Swansea City.

Cooper has guided the Swans into the play-offs in each of his two seasons at the club since being named as Graham Potter's successor in the summer of 2019.

He stands just one victory away from leading Swansea back into the Premier League after his side overcame Barnsley in the play-off semi-finals to set up a Wembley date with the Bees.

And Frank - whose side are favourites with bookmakers to win this weekend - hailed the job Swansea's coaching staff have done this season.

"Honestly, I don't think there is any favourites in the game. We played Swansea twice this season and both times were 1-1. Two tight games," said the Danish boss.

"Steve Cooper and his coaching team have done fantastic. I think Steve is one of the most promising managers in this country.

"They have done a top job, they have improved from last year, we have improved from last year, and it'll be down to the finest margins on the day that will decide this game."

Will Swansea beat Brentford in the Championship play-off final? Have your say in the comments section here.

Brentford are bidding to go one better than they did last term after losing 2-1 to Fulham in the 2019/20 play-off final.

And while his side are being touted as favourites by most, Frank believes there is nothing to choose between the Swans and the Bees.

"I think it could be a little bit intuitive. We've been there before, we tried it, we know what its all about," he added.

"Hopefully that can help us. There is another team out there who will do everything they can to try to stop us, and they will believe that they can.

"I think it's a game that there'll be a lot of tension, I don't think we should run away from that. There will be nerves from both teams, and that's completely natural.

"I think we will go into it with good belief and calm. It was tough that we didn't win last year, but we actually found out that, the next day, the sun rose again and life goes on, so that's a part of it. Of course we'll give it a massive go."

The winner at Wembley will scoop at least £170m in revenue over the course of the next three seasons.

And research has also shown that if the victor manages to stay in the Premier League beyond next term, their revenue could be in excess of £280m over the course of the next five campaigns.

The Championship play-off final kicks off at 3pm on Saturday, May 29.

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