Leeds Affair Has Devalued Promotion

The Swans head into their final home game of the season tomorrow knowing that next season they will ply their trade in the Championship after securing promotion.  However, they are also proclaimed in some quarters as Champions although the football league through their incompetent handling of matters are refusing to recognise that and will not bring the trophy to the Liberty tomorrow despite the fact that technically it could be won irrespective of the 15 point scenario.

At the moment the Swans are home and dry but a decision next week to give Leeds back their tally – no matter how unlikely – would see their lead cut to just one point from the Yorkshire outfit.   And that means that celebrations could be slightly downbeat tomorrow despite the fantastic achievements of the club on the pitch that has seen us return to a level not seen since 1984.

Martinez told the Evening Post "The League have allowed a situation which is not understandable to develop and it's very unfortunate

"I'm disappointed because I have to try to explain the situation to people abroad and they don't understand.

"It does devalue it a little bit and it's not what you'd expect from the Football League.

"But we are the fortunate ones. Can you imagine fighting for an automatic promotion spot and not really knowing whether you will have it?

"I think the damage has been done whatever happens," he added.

"It's very unfortunate when you speak with other managers who are going for second spot and they are suffering.

"I don't think you could see this situation happening again in a professional league.

"We just have to accept it, but the way I see things, which is from a football point of view, we are the champions.

"From a football point of view we're going to finish top whatever happens, and that's something for our players and fans to celebrate in our final home game."

"We're looking to get that winning feeling back," said Martinez, whose side have not won at home in five games.

"Just because we are already promoted, we cannot allow our standards to slip."