Rob Davies
It was announced at tonight’s Player of the Year awards by Russell Martin that both Korey Smith and Ben Hamer will leave the club when their contracts expire in the summer.
Smith, 31, who signed from Bristol City on a free transfer in 2020 has found game time limited in recent months with Martin preferring to use him as a utility player, notably even in an attacking role despite him being most at home in the centre of midfield.
34 year old Hamer was signed as a back-up goalkeeper from Huddersfield Town in January 2021 but did have the number one jersey for a long period of this season before Andy Fisher arrived from MK Dons.
Ryan Bennett is also set to leave this summer if finance allows with Martin commenting before the Nottingham Forest game: “Ryan knows where we’re at.
“We had a really good chat about it. He’s not part of our plans moving forward. He knows that.
“To play this way you have to be all in. It’s difficult for some people. He got into really good form then came out of the team and struggled to find it again. In his absence the guys have accelerated their growth.
“There’s lots that comes into it outside of football. He’s aware of where he’s at. He trains hard and stays fit, but we’ll assess what happens this summer. That’s why he’s not on the bench and we can’t bring him on when Ben Cabango goes off [against Bournemouth].”
“I think it’s best for everyone, really (if Bennett leaves). I think finances will dictate that, what options Benno has and what finance is made available to us.
“It’s evolving and changing. The players know clarity is the best way. Benno’s really aware of his situation. He continues to train well which is what you need from an experienced pro.”
It’s set to be another busy summer for Swans fans with another big shake-up in the first team squad anticipated. The question is, which of the prized assets will leave?
