The countdown to the Championship began this morning when hundreds of Swans fans joined the queue for new season tickets.

There was already a large queue when the ticket office doors opened at 10am this morning for new and existing season ticket holders to guarantee their hot-seat for what should be a thrilling 2008-09 campaign.

And manager Roberto Martinez is hoping his beloved Swans will be backed by a record-breaking number of season ticket holders next season.

"Our fans were fantastic at home and away last season,'' explained Roberto. "When we needed them to act as our 12^th man they never let us down.

"I'm just glad we could reward them with the title and promotion - and now we can all live our Championship dream next season.

"It's going to be a tough but exciting experience and I hope the Liberty Stadium will be packed to the rafters with passionate Jacks enjoying every kick of every game.''

The club sold a record 8,000 season tickets and Premier Club places last season - a figure which even topped the glory days of the old First Division.

But Roberto and Swans chairman Huw Jenkins are confident of topping that figure next season as the Swans sample football at Championship level for the first time in 24 years.

"Our average attendance at the Liberty Stadium last season increased to 13,520 and was one of the main reasons why we achieved our promotion dream,'' said Huw Jenkins.

"But it's just the beginning. Now we've got a new, exciting and challenging road ahead of us where, once again, the club, Roberto and the boys need your support to take us to the next level.''

Roberto and his squad will be popping in to the ticket office at regular intervals throughout the summer to give the ticket office staff a helping hand and assist fans with their season ticket requests.

Application forms for existing season ticket holders went out in the post on Friday and should be dropping through your letter box as we speak.

Forms are also available in the ticket office for new and existing season ticket applications.

Application forms for potential new season ticket holders can also be posted out to by emailing info@swanseacityfc.co.uk with your name and address.

For further season ticket information, ring the hotline on 08700 400 004, or check out Link