Rob Davies
Russell Martin spoke last night about the boos which his side suffered in the 1-1 draw against Rotherham United and reassured his players that the current negativity will mean little at the end of their careers.
A poor display was met by a dissatisfied crowd reaction after the Swans let a lead slip again and yet more woeful defending to allow repeated transfer target Chiedozie Ogbene to net at the second attempt.
In the end another game passed the team by and despite the manager trying to calm things within the dressing room the general belief amongst the fanbase – as I see it – is that the booing is aimed at his management rather than the young players.
Nobody can argue that players like Ollie Cooper are doing their very best and the fans couldn’t be more behind the majority of the team but the frustration from the stands comes from the over 18 months of mistakes and poor tactics.
There have been good points but the run of form that we see now can’t be ignored and the repeated cries of “we need to learn” has worn thin amongst the fanbase to the point that a management change is inevitable.
On the booing: “It doesn’t affect me, but it affects the team,” Swansea’s head coach said.
“I have been there as a player – I have been booed my own fans as a captain of the club when you are giving everything.
“The senior lads spoke [in the dressing room after the game], just saying to the lads, how you react to these type of moments will define you as a footballer.
“There is so much disappointment in football, so many tough moments, and the resilience and courage you show is what defines you.
The manager says the club is filled with anxiety at present after the poor run of resulrs and lack of strengthening in the January window.
“We have spoken a lot about it, but speaking about it and then overcoming it on the pitch is really different. We have to try to help the players overcome it.
“They are trying their very, very best, we just need something to spark us back into life and get that confidence back.”
“The form we are on, it’s been tough. But I would say the majority of performances haven’t [been poor].
“When you contextualise it, it’s not just what’s going on on the pitch. It’s about January, before that. The team needed help [in the transfer window]. We needed help and it hasn’t happened.
“But it’s gone. There’s no point in moaning about it.
“We have to make do with what we have got, which is more than enough to finish the season strongly.”
We all accept that the owners showed no support in January and that we needed some sharp new signings but surely Martin could and should be doing better with whst we’ve got .Why on earth does he insist on this passing back and for in defence usually between Fisher ,Cabango and Wood.
It’s dreadful to watch and plays into the opposition’s hands.
With the Yanks attitude to signing players you can only imagine where we’ll end up in the summer if we part with Obabsfemi ,Whittaker,Manning,Piroe and maybe one or two others.
It’s hard to be optomistic at the moment and the liberty is a difficult place to be.
We don’t all agree. The American majority owners made funds available (the other 32% didn’t) Winter failed to bring players in because Martin narrows the field and players either didn’t want to come here or their club withdrew the players at the last minute.
Last night the booing was for the overall performance. A performance born of Martin’s tactics and inability ti coach effectively or motivate players. We know this team is capable of playing fsr more effectively but the tactic (singular ) has been sussed and is easy to press. Playing out from the back only works if the midfield are active … our aren’t.
Until the crowd starts naming Martin in chants he will continue to get sway with blaming others.
The obsession with blaming ‘the Yanks’ for everything absolves the manager of responsibility.
Were you the bloke booing before celebrating Swans goal??
I can understand the frustration, why do we insist on passing backwards when we are in the opponents half. The last seconds of last nights first half were a great example. No- one wanted to move into the box, no-one wanted to pass into the box, but they all passed back and then … the ref blew the whistle!!! When under the ‘press’, why can’t we break quickly like in the old days when we had wingers. Reminds me of a snail – one yard forward, two yards backwards with an occasional two yards sidewards. This is all the play from the players, but they are what the coaches want, not the supporters. I agree, come summer we will almost be preparing for departures and be struggling for any shape of a team for next year.
Another frustrating and boring Swans performance. We are one of the highest scoring teams in the league but the second worst for goals against. The stats speak for themselves, the stats are there so we can identify problem areas. Clearly the defence is the problem yet he keeps playing three at the back. Yes these are the players we got, so make the best of them so why does Russel Martin not accept the obvious problem. A good start would be to strenghten the defence by playing a back four with a left back and right back ( not wing backs) with Cabango in the centre as he is way to slow to mark any fast opposing wingers. Five in midfield with one up front. We got to stop these goals against. Time will tell. …… Buy the way didnt we employ a set piece coach? ( Is he on a career break).
Yes it is allright employing a set piece coach a new a defence one as well but it is on players they board has got to invest in but them two Levien and Kaplan are are not to keen on investing in the club I know we are about safe in the Championship but we about next season if the board have they’re way it will be relegation for the Swans and Winter what a waste of money employing him he is only there to be a puppet for them Americans yes sir three bags full sir not helping the clause one bit the owners are only in it to make money and when that stops then they will sell the club useless pair I for one being a 74 year old pensioner would gladly support a group to help get rid of these two leeches to help save our club.
Completely agree with Mr Anthony R Davies who makes good points especially about that clown Winter.
Jeff 33 your rite name Martin in chant so the players know score
Martin been in charge long enough he has no plan b