Planet Swans ArchivesSwansea is becoming a popular place as Roberto Martinez becomes the second candidate in as many days to state that his heart remains in Swansea although he was typically tight lipped about the speculation which was linking him very strongly to the vacant managers position at the Liberty.
Martinez was in action yesterday for Chester as they scrapped out a 0-0 derby draw with Wrexham at the Racecourse with Chester indicating last week that they may not stand in the Spaniard’s way if the Swans came calling.
Martinez was dumped by Swansea last season having been almost frozen out of the starting line up by Kenny Jackett – a move that was widely criticised by large sections of the Swansea support. Having found a new club in Chester, Martinez has attracted some positive reviews from their fans and it is widely speculated that he is the first choice of the Swans board to make a Liberty return.
However, several newspapers speculated yesterday that Dean Saunders had already been approached and promised the job by Swans shareholder Martin Morgan with a couple of local bookies closing the board on that former Swansea player as a result.
One of the things that endeared Martinez to the Swansea support was his professionalism off the pitch and that professionalism remained intact when he said “Swansea City is a fantastic football club, it’s in my heart and the problem is that they are living in a division where they don’t belong,”
And although he refused to state that it was a job that interested him he did add “If Chester City get into a position that they allow me to consider the situation (at Swansea), then I’ll be able to think about it,
“At the moment I’m just thinking about next Wednesday’s big game with Bury.
“It would be very disrespectful of me to try and talk about the Swansea job when I’m contracted to Chester and have another year after this season.
“But Swansea will always be in my heart whatever happens.”
One post on the message board yesterday stated that the club would today be interviewing Martinez and Graham Barrow for a management double act whilst another suggested that Dean Saunders was already appointed and this would be confirmed in due course.
Kevin Nugent continues to prepare the squad for Tuesday’s visit of league leaders Scunthorpe to the Liberty and I am sure that many sets of Swansea eyes will be keenly peeled for a potential replacement in the crowd.
