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It is one of the most surprising managerial appointment in recent times, left field even by Swansea's standards.

They are the club that gave Roberto Martinez and Garry Monk their unexpected managerial breaks, but no one could have guessed they would be the club to give Francesco Guidolin his first shot at managing in England.

(Image: Getty)

It certainly caught captain Ashley Williams off guard, who admitted he had to google his new boss to find out his record.

Related: Swansea City breaking transfer news LIVE: All the reaction to win over Watford as Francesco Guidolin takes charge

But judging by these quotes from Guidolin in 2011, the two could be rather well suited.

When asked to pick out the two clubs in Germany and England he would like to manage, his response was rather surprising.

"I'd rather manage Nottingham Forest,

"The best directors don't always end up in Hollywood, Ten years ago I did hope of joining a big side, but now I am not bothered. I want to end my career at Udinese.

Related: Swansea City insist Andre Ayew is NOT for sale amid Sunderland interest

"If the club get tired of me then I'll look to have an experience abroad,

"I love German and English football. I love Berlin and I'd love to take charge of Hertha Berlin.

(Image: @SwansOfficial)

"I Hertha don't want me then I'll wait for a call from Nottingham Forest, another niche club, because at heart I am a niche coach."

He may well have been surprised that the call came from Swansea rather than Forest, but it is not hard to see why the South Wales club appealed to a man who clearly enjoys knocking the big clubs off their perch.

Read More: Alan Curtis says he's ready to step aside at Swansea City and let Francesco Guidolin take full control

He revelled in leading lowly Vicenza to a Coppa Italia win, and took Palermo back to Serie A for the first time in 35 years.

(Image: Twitter: @Lele_Ambrosetti)

Swansea have certainly enjoyed competing with bigger clubs since their return to the top flight. Whether their union with Guidolin turns out to be a success remains to be seen, but it looks like they could enjoy each other's company for the time being.