Phil SumblerRussell Martin took to social media to issue his “goodbye” statement after he was confirmed as the new manager of Southampton on Wednesday evening.
After what felt like a long drawn out process for his appointment he moved to Southampton to spearhead what they hope will be an immediate return to the Premier League following their relegation last season.
It has become somewhat traditional for managers/players to utilise their social media accounts to make statements when they move on and Martin was no different as he used his Linkedin profile to say goodbye.
In it he thanked the fans and added that he will always look back on his time with the club with great affection and of course there was a reference to the “double doube” referencing his four victories over Cardiff City.
“Thank you to everyone associated with Swansea City Football Club,” opened the now former Swansea City boss.
“The past two years have been amongst the most enjoyable, and challenging, years of my life and professional career. My family have loved living in this wonderful city and being a part of this special football club. We will all miss the place and the people that we have gotten to know and who have welcomed us since the day we arrived.
“To the people in the club who have shared the journey with us on a daily basis, the players and the staff. I will be forever grateful and thankful for the way you embraced us, for your unwavering support and the trust you showed in us from the very beginning.
“Watching so many of the players grow both on and off the pitch, young men showing bravery through all the ups and downs fills me with immense pride and leaves me feeling excited for them in their careers as they progress.
“To the supporters who are always the most important people at any club. Thank you all for the support through thick and thin. I hope we gave you a team to be proud of and that you enjoyed watching.
“We will always have the Double ‘Doube’ which are undoubtedly amongst the best days of my career. My eldest son tells me repeatedly that the last Derby win was ‘the best day of my life by miles Dad!’
“I know I will look back on my time at this club with nothing but love and affection for the people of Swansea and with deep gratitude for the support we were given throughout.
“I am excited to see where the next part of our journey takes us but I wanted to make sure I acknowledge the last two years and the positive impact it’s had for all of us.
“Diolch!
“Russ”
Diolch Russ. Regardless of what the posters on this site say, most of us know you always had our clubs best interests at heart and gave us 100% whilst here. Thank you for standing up to the owners and calling them out after they failed to back you and spun a web of lies. I wish you well for the future as you are a good man, but I do hope we absolutely smash your new team to pieces… that’s Soccer I’m afraid. Go Swans
well said M. Douglas, I’m a southampton fan who knows about losing good managers/ players to other clubs seems like you are never going forward, however I look forward to our matches against you and may the best team win on the day, good luck for the coming season
Well said, Michael and Bob. With enough cash and enough patience, Russ COULD be the next Pep. How many owners and fans have “enough” is the question !
Best of luck to both Swans and Southampton next season. Top 2 finishes for both would be a dream come true !
Thank you so much, Russ. You brought much pleasure to us despite some difficult situations. The Swans have become better for knowing you and your coaching team. Good luck in your new post and in your career. Very best wishes, health and happiness to you and your family. Diolch yn fawr iawn, Russ.
I’m sorry, but I’m not going to get on this “Love Boat Farewell”. Nice goodbye but Martin had a team this past season that should have made the playoffs. In his 1st year with Swans he gets in a dispute with Fulton, and doesn’t just bench him but basically banishes him, only to realize his mistake and brings Fulton back. This year Fulton proves to be, imo, our best player. The media, a lot of supporters & pundits, criticized management for not backing RM in the most recent Jan window. Yet it was his tactics & defensive setup that had the Swans mired in a miserable stretch to gain a measly 10 points out of 63 points offered! In the middle of all this was the Jan window. At the end of the season, after nearly sneaking into the playoffs, he had the same team that won only 10 pts of 63 offered. The difference? He changed his team’s tactics, used the players he had properly, made some defensive adjustments, and proved to the world that he didn’t need any add’l players in the Jan window.
Sorry, it’s Money, Money, MONEY.
3 wins in 23 should have been fired.