Planet Swans ArchivesThe Coventry City manager will welcome Swansea City to the Ricoh arena on Tuesday night for a league clash which could see the Swans break into the division’s top six.
The Swans will be looking to continue their record of not losing two league games in succession under Martinez (in the same season anyway) whilst Coleman will be looking to move his side up the table to within a point of the team he supported as a lad.
Coleman it is clear has fond memories of his time at Swansea and many who saw him play when he was at the club will also have fond memories of his performances. He also speaks highly of the current set up at the club which is totally unrecognisable from the set up that he had when he was here – another sign of how times can change
“Swansea are doing very, very well. For me, they have the brightest young manager outside the Premier League
“I really like the way Roberto has got his side playing football. He has got that foreign edge.
“The way they pass it and the formation they play, he is doing things the right way and under him things are looking very good for Swansea.
“Ask anyone who has faced them this season and they will vouch for what a good side they are.
“There is no pressure on Swansea to do anything this season other than to stay in the league, so sometimes you can play with a bit more of a swagger, a bit more confidence in that situation.
“A lot of sides have the pressure of getting into the play-offs or getting promoted, but that is not there for Swansea.
“But they have come up with a bit of momentum and enjoyed a good start. Why shouldn’t they reach the play-offs?
“There is always a surprise in this division.
“But they would need to be careful if they do that and don’t go up because next year the expectancy would be very different.
“I only played against Swansea twice, and, as a manager, I took Fulham down to the Liberty Stadium for Alan Curtis’ testimonial,” said Coleman.
“It is a great stadium and it is always lovely to go back home.
“I loved playing at the Vetch, though, call me sentimental if you like. The place was falling down when I played there, but the atmosphere was fantastic.
“Swansea are the team I supported as a boy. I am Swansea born and bred and I have never supported anyone else.
“I went down there for the first time when I was six. I was standing there when John Toshack was manager and took us up through the divisions.
“So, when you have experienced that side of it and you then get the opportunity to play, it becomes extra special.
“It is every supporter’s dream to play for their club and I was lucky enough to get the chance to do that.
“I remember when I was there you could not say money was tight because there wasn’t any! Sometimes we did not have enough kit to train in.
“It was incredible…but I think times like that do tend to pull people together.
“I know it is a cliche, but they have always been the first result I look for.
“My links with Swansea will always be strong, but this is a game that we badly need to win,” he said.
“When we play them they will just be another team for me, they will not be the team I support.
“They will be the latest team who I want to take three points from – and just another obstacle in my way.”
