Rob Davies
Swans boss Russell Martin joked that he joined in with the chants aimed at Ryan Manning yesterday afternoon as the player edges towards the exit door.
The left back scored the only goal of the game via a deflection which was greeted by chants from the crowd urging him to stay at the club past the summer.
But the latest update from Martin after the match yesterday regarding the two out of contract players – Manning and Joel Latibeaudiere – offers mixed news.
He revealed that whilst Manning still has an offer on the table, it looks likely he will depart. For Latibeaudiere things are more straight forward so you’d imagine that an extension will get done some time between now and the end of the season.
It’s disappointing that one of our better players will be leaving and whilst new contract talks could have taken place sooner, Manning has got form for this in the past (running down his deal).
Martin said: “I’m not in charge of that side of it. He knows how I feel about it and how us as a coaching staff feel about him with how important he’s been for us over the two years or so we’ve been here.
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It’s another lesson to learn, about players going into the last year of their contract.
“I think we’ll learn that lesson. I hope we will. It’s Ryan’s prerogative to not sign currently and I think the club feels we’ve offered a really good contract, which I would agree with.
“Ryan’s had an amazing season, statistically for a left-back he’s been briliant. I’ll never say never, but at this moment in time he looks likely to leave.
On Latibeaudiere: “I think that’s a simpler one than Ryan because he’s under 24, that obviously means it’s a bit more difficult for other clubs to take him. The big picture with Joel is he’s a leader, intensity, courage, aggression, the way he is around the place with the staff, he’s so respectful.
“I really want to re-sign him if we can. It’d be mad to let him go. He played four positions in the game today, he has unbelievable flexibility and it’s been unfair on him that he’s been judged as a wing-back for large parts because we didn’t sign a wing-back.
“We’ve had to put him there because we’ve trusted him, it’s not his position, but he gives us everything. When he’s played centre-half or full-back he’s been outstanding, so we have to try and keep him as well.”
Why would you want to re – sign Latibeaudiere?
One of his favourites, I’m still working on figuring out what everyone sees in grimes ? Could you enlighten me ?
We really need to get Manning to re sign. He’s done an outstanding job for us from the back.
Lats can go, not even I can see what Russell See’s but each to their own.
Definetly do’nt want Manning to leave he gives his all in every game
A new squad is needed, full stop. Just keep Piroe.
Oh, and by the way, get a new Manager as well!