The Speculation Continues

The Speculation Goes On…..

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As if yesterday wasn’t bad enough today we will see another round of rumours, another group of people who know ‘someone’ informing the world that their unnamed source has said he is staying/going and more sightings of Lee Trundle in places which vary from Rossis to Ashton Gate to the Hanging Gardens Of Babylon.

And whilst this all goes on around him, Roberto Martinez is trying to continue his preparation for the new league season which is now just two weeks away. Roberto takes his squad out to Holland today for the tour which will not see them return until the end of next week.

It’s been an unsettling time for the squad with a definite air of deflation on Wednesday night at Port Talbot but Roberto is keen for us to realise that this is now about Swansea City and not Lee Trundle or any other individual player.

“Swansea City is more important than any player and any manager, whether it’s me or anyone else.

“The club is above that. We need to make sure that the squad is ready and we are looking forward to our first league game.

“I think it is down to the character of the players, what they want to do and where their focus is.

“The only thing I can say, the only thing I need and the fans need, is people who accept the challenge of taking Swansea City to the Championship.

“That should be the focus of every single player and that’s what I want from my players.”

Roberto was clearly giving nothing away directly but, depending on whether you believe Trundle is staying/going you could interpret his words to mean either side of the same argument.

“I have spoken to Lee many times during pre-season and I have told him how important he is for Swansea City. After that it is down to him.

“I will never try to sell Lee Trundle. After that, if the speculation goes further, you will have to ask the player.

“From a club point of view, we are not going to sell him.

“His goal-scoring record speaks for itself and his ability on the pitch means he is someone that makes a point of playing football.

“But after that, you need people that want to be with Swansea City.

“We want Lee to remain with us, but apart from that there is nothing else I can say.”

His opposite number Gary Johnson though we know is a fan and there is no doubt that he would love to see Trundle lead his line next season

“This is about our jigsaw. I’ve looked at things and asked what are we currently missing?” said Johnson.

“We are on the case for Trundle, but we do have other options. I never say much until a deal is concluded.

“The rumours about Lee and us have been out there for a fair while, though. There is truth in our intent to sign him.

“We have had conversations with Swansea over Trundle, although I haven’t had a meeting with the player as yet.

“Trundle is a little bit different from the ordinary. This type of player has a bit of glitter about them; they are not run-of-the-mill are they?

“Some players come into football after others and have that burning desire to succeed. I don’t normally sign anybody over the age of 27, but Trundle has a terrific enthusiasm for the game.

“I’m happy to go into our home opener against QPR on August 11 with what we’ve got. I’ve promised my squad that everyone will get their chance.

“But Trundle does offer something different, he would give us something that we’re missing. You talk about players with aura – Trundle has that at Swansea.”

A more common theme of the past few days is one of “If the player wants to leave…………….” which brings us back to the radio stations announcing the passing of a transfer request to the club and the Swans themselves were not to be drawn one way or the other

“Championship football is clearly something that we can’t offer Lee. We’ve come close over the last two years but we didn’t make it.” Chairman Huw Jenkins said

“There is a harsh reality that we are not in the Championship. Lee will be 31 this year and not playing up a division is something that is bound to be crossing his thoughts.

“We are not under any pressure to sell any players – particularly the ones who figure in our first-team squad.

“We are looking after our financial affairs and Trundle has been part of the Swansea City fabric for a few years .

“Losing him would be a big blow to us – on and off the pitch. But, ultimately, if the player wants to leave and isn’t happy things will change.”