Michael Laudrup Celebrates Magna Carta Day Aptly by Signing His Own Contract with Swansea
Today marks the 797th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta by King John of England, who ratified the document after meeting with barons and ministers in the meadow at Runnymede. The document has been interpreted in many ways since, with most historians agreeing that its signing marked a turning point in the relation between government and citizens in the medieval era. “Few people realise that the original charter was annulled by Pope Innocent III on 24 August 1215, barely 10 weeks after it had been issued;” states the Medieval and Earlier Manuscripts Blog, “but a revised version was published in 1216 in the name of King Henry III (1216-1272), and following further revisions Magna Carta was entered onto the Statute Roll in 1297.”
What an auspicious day, then, for Swansea to name Michael Laudrup as its new manager, following the confusing void left by Brendan Rodgers’ unceremonious departure for Merseyside. Laudrup, a former Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Denmark player, has reportedly signed a two-year contract, saying, “It’s going to be a new experience for me and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Let’s hope that, like the signing of the Magna Carta, his signing of this contract at Swansea marks a turning point in the history of the club. Breaking into the Prem was one thing, but it won’t mean much if Swansea isn’t able to consistently win, so that more players can be enticed to sign and the war chest can continue to be stocked. It sounds like Laudrup is going to do exactly what he should do: let well enough alone and continue the style that has made Swansea not just effective but also endearing, personally. He stated, “Everyone knows the style of football Swansea play and it suits my way of thinking.” That’s fantastic news.
So have a happy Magna Carta Day, Swansea fans, and ponder the significance of a citizen’s roles and duties as you return to regularly scheduled Euro 2012 madness.
