Swansea City: Bob Bradley backs 'good, passing football'

Bob Bradley's first duty as Swansea manager was to watch the under-23 team play Newport County

New Swansea City manager Bob Bradley says he wants to build on the passing style that has been their hallmark.

The 58-year-old became the first American appointed to manage a Premier League side following the sacking of Francesco Guidolin.

He told the club's website: "I think in recent years the football has been great.

"I love good passing football. I love the ability that when you have the ball it moves quickly."

Fellow American Brad Friedel told BBC Sport he felt Bradley would use a more direct, pragmatic style of play than the one adopted by previous Swansea managers Roberto Martinez, Brendan Rodgers and Michael Laudrup.

However, asked if he was a fan of the Swansea passing style, Bradley replied: "Absolutely."

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"It's been a club that has not only gotten results, but it's a club that has played passing football, fun to watch.

"And most of all you know that it's a club that has such support and so the connection between the club and community and the kind of passion with the supporters.

"I love the ability that when you have the ball it moves quickly, you find the right time and the right way to get forward and make chances.

"And I think that it's also important that when you lose the ball everyone is ready to react and win it back so that it's a complete team effort but football that starts with good passing for me is very important."

Bradley was in charge of the United States from 2006 until 2011 before spells in Egypt, Norway and France.

He spent last season at French second-tier side Le Havre, missing out on promotion to Ligue 1 by a single goal.

Bradley beat ex-Manchester United assistant manager Ryan Giggs, former Derby boss Paul Clement and ex-Villarreal manager Marcelino to the Swansea job.

After meeting the players and backroom staff, Bradley said managing in the Premier League was a personal ambition.

"The Premier League is absolutely what every manager in the world thinks about and what you want to try and taste," he added.

"Look at some of the people who are managing in the Premier League right now and I am really excited to come and work in the best league and try to make sure our football speaks for itself."

Bradley's first game in charge is against Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday, 15 October.