Manager Michael Laudrup described winning the Capital One Cup as one of the greatest achievements of his career, but when Bradford were reduced to 10 men after just 56 minutes, Spanish striker Michu promised the disheartened League Two side they would not embarrass them on their big day. “One of their players was speaking after their keeper was sent off,” he said. “He said to his team-mates, ‘They will score eight or nine’. “I said, ‘Don’t worry, we will keep the ball.’ It’s respect.” Swansea players also clapped the Bradford team as they came down from collecting their medals – including goalkeeper Matt Duke, who was given special permission despite competition policy precluding sent-off players from collecting honours.

Laudrup said: “It is one thing to win a cup or trophy with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus, but to win it with a smaller team like Swansea is up there with the best things because it is a great achievement.



“This final will remain in history – a small part because of us and a large part because of Bradford.”



Bradford were not the only ones denied a proper slice of history, though, having seen their bid to become the first fourth-tier side to win a major trophy collapse in ruins.



Nathan Dyer also felt he was on the cusp of becoming the first man in the competition’s history to score a final hat-trick when Jonathan de Guzman was upended in the penalty area by Duke, who automatically received a red card.



Dyer had already netted twice, but De Guzman held on to the ball and put away the spot-kick.



Dyer recovered to offer his congratulations to the Dutchman. “At the end of the day, we are team-mates,” he said.



“I was angry I didn’t get the penalty – a hat-trick would have been a historic moment. But you get on with things. I am so happy to have scored two goals, though.”



Laudrup admitted he had forgotten to choose a penalty-taker as Swansea had not won a penalty all season.



Bradford manager Phil Parkinson said: “The players were down but I told them to get their heads up because what they have achieved is outstanding.



“We have enjoyed the whole experience and we will go back to Bradford and enjoy the remaining 15 league games.



“We have a chance of winning promotion.”