We’ve Lost Our Way

And I genuinely felt last season that he hauled us clear of danger and then allowed us to fall back into the mire before the lottery of those last two games.

I have grave doubts about his tactics, motivation, recruitment and selection policy, but would temper this by saying that I also hold the board responsible for our current loss of direction.

I seriously think that we should now be building a team to take us forward, even if it means that we miss out this season, which looks very likely with what we currently have on our books.

This season has seen a steady decline (not a temporary loss of form as Brian Flynn would have us believe) ever since Martinez was “done” by Boston’s excuse for a footballer, Tom Bennett. I know I sound like a stuck record, but our demise is down to not adequately providing cover for him, as he is undoubtedly our most important player, despite what one imbecile of a closet Swans fan seems to think with his ignorant postings (yes- I’m referring to you, Stagmad).

I can’t even say that I was disappointed with last night’s result – I’d accepted before the game the almost inevitable outcome in view of our current form, and you sometimes feel that a couple of defeats are needed to make people aware of the shortcomings. Our last twelve league games shows Won 3 Drawn 4 Lost 5 (what’s happening to our segments, Brian?)

I feel that by 6^th January we will be placed no higher than 8^th, and probably at least 9 points off an automatic promotion place. My biggest gripe is, and has been since early September, our abject lack of a serious attempt to replace Martinez. His contribution is unmatched by anyone else – he is undoubtedly our most technically gifted player, the steer for our attack, the guide for our other midfield players, and the steadying influence for our defence, a true captain.

It is also noticeable that in his absence we are playing an increasing amount of ineffective route one football.

I am convinced that even if he does return in early January, by the time he is match fit and fully functional, we will be lucky if we are still in with a shout of a play-off place. What compounds this is the idiotic decision to play the Oxford game on 6^th January.

One of the great benefits of our FA Cup victory over Stevenage was the opportunity to postpone the Oxford game until later in the season, when as Brian Flynn keeps telling us, we will be in our fourth segment, on a grandstand finish and playing for the Championship in front of a full house, as opposed to now playing them on an early January Tuesday in front of (if lucky) 7500 with a still injury-stricken side.

I know that finances are tight, but the crowds and buzz of August have been almost totally dissipated by a failure to capitalise on the great start and tremendous interest being shown in the club. It’s disappointing that such an opportunity appears to have been lost.

All rather depressing at the moment – but then life with the Swans is very rarely routine – so I’ve got to live in hope that 2004 will see us re-ignite!!