Planet Swans ArchivesHot on the heels of Andy Robinson's departure to Leeds and the uncertainty on Paul Anderson's future, Ferrie Bodde handed in a transfer request this week which could leave the Swans light on midfield options although, as you would expect, Roberto has been out and about busying himself scouting for new talent to take on the Championship challenge.
And whilst he is of course naturally disappointed to be losing some of what was his key players last season, he is adamant that the Swans will bounce back and be stronger next season.
Ashley Williams has already been added to the squad for a club record fee whilst the Swans seem on the verge of announcing the signings of Gorka Pintado and Jordi Gomez to increase the Spanish connection a little more.
And rumours still fly around regards other players – reported interest in Jason Scotland, Garry Monk is yet to commit to his extended deal whilst the Swans are still being linked with other players including Welsh internationals Freddy Eastwood and Lewis Nyatanga – the latter being the subject of speculation of a potential part of a deal that takes Ferrie Bodde to Derby.
And Martinez also was not worried that there was big money already changing hands in the Championship – Forest have already spent over £2m on Robert Earnshaw whilst Derby and Reading are both talking about big money moves. Martinez seems happy that he is not spending that kind of money and believes that intent can be signalled in other ways than flashing huge sums of cash around – no guarantee of success from spending big.
Speaking in today's Western Mail, the Swans boss said “This summer has to be about strengthening what we have already got. We need to keep in thought what we are good at and make sure that doesn’t change, but also realise what we will need in the Championship. That means looking at players who can bring something different. We play great football but the Championship has other requirements and we need to be ready for them.
“The good thing is that it is becoming harder and harder to find players that can improve what we have already got. That’s the way it should be.
“We need players that can perform at a good level week in, week out. In that respect it will be very hard to improve on what we had last season.
“But we haven’t just been looking at targets for the last four weeks. Our scouting has been going on for 12 months.
“And players are much more interested in coming to Swansea these days. When you win any league people hear about it and players want to be part of that momentum.
“That has given us the head-start we need. We have been working hard to find the right players and we are confident we know the right ones.
“Ideally I want the squad to be finalised before we go to Sweden at the end of June. That’s the timescale we are working towards.
“Football is never perfect and you can never plan these things 100 per cent. But we are a fair way down the line in most respects and I’m confident we can do that.
“It’s quite clear that we are in a fantastic financial position because we don’t have any debt to worry about. That is a great achievement in the modern game.
“But we have to be realistic and accept that we can’t break the bank to sign players. We have to be clever with our transfers.
“It’s not about spending £1m on a player just to prove you are genuine.
“Whatever happens this summer we will be stronger next season. You always need to improve when you get promoted and we will make sure we do.
“And, while there are different areas where we do need to strengthen, we are in good shape. Certain people leaving won’t change that.
“The important thing for Swansea is that we have a very strong squad at the start of August and that is what we will have.”
