Planet Swans ArchivesRodgers will lead Swansea City into Wembley on Monday hoping that they can seal the victory that will see them play in amongst the elite next season in the Premier League.
And he will be backed by over 30 members of his family as he explained to the Evening Post "I am from a small village in Northern Ireland which not many people would have heard of so, as you can imagine, it's quite a big thing for the people back home
"I think there are around 36 of them coming over — I went back last week just to make sure I got the numbers right — and they are all really looking forward to it.
"I left Northern Ireland when I was 16," he says, "and coming to Swansea was like going back home.
"I lived in Reading for a long time, and all my football life has been based around working in big cities. I have been nowhere near the coast.
"But coming here I found a place that was similar to home.
"I was really struck by the passion of the people and the honesty of the people.
"I couldn't believe it when, after only a couple of weeks, people were coming up to me and thanking me for coming to Swansea. It should have been the other way round — I should have been thanking them for giving me this opportunity and for welcoming me in.
"It's that sort of thing that makes me even more driven to win on Monday.
"There's a real open, honest feel to this city and it's somewhere that makes me happy.
"Now I want to repay that faith, and that kindness, the people have shown me and my family since we came here.
"When the opportunity became available to apply for this job last year, I don't think I could have got my application form in any quicker," Rodgers recalls.
"Looking in from the outside, I felt this was a club and a group of players with a real grasp of what my philosophy would be.
"I was very grateful when I got the opportunity to speak to the club because I'm sure there were many great managers who wanted to come here at that time.
"I am proud that the club gave me the chance and I hope they feel that it's proved to be a good decision.
"We are all excited about the final, but we are cautious as well," Rodgers adds.
"This is a game where you might only get one chance.
"I remember going to Wembley to watch Reading in the 1995 (second tier) play-off final against Bolton.
"Reading lost narrowly, and the fans on the way out were talking about a fantastic performance and how next year could be their year.
"It took them another ten years before they finally got up, so we understand what a great chance this is."
