Planet Swans ArchivesMartinez watched his players take the plaudits on Saturday – both from their supporters and the Leyton Orient management, players and fans – and insisted that it was just rewards for a long season's work at the Liberty.
The Swans could/should be confirmed as Champions at some stage this week with either the results of the arbitration panel and/or a victory at Brighton but they could find that award taken away from their grasp if Leeds get back their full allocation of points and win with the Swans failing to do so at the Withdean
But for now they all seem long shots as the Swans prepare for their open top parade around the city this evening and Martinez insists they have every right to celebrate despite what may happen away from the football pitch this week.
“People in football know who is top of this league,” he claimed. “Your fellow professionals on the pitch know which players make the difference and that is why we are so proud of having five players in the PFA team of the year.
“It’s the same from the managers’ point of view. When they talk about Swansea City, there has been a lot of positive feedback and compliments.
He continued: “The guard of honour (by Orient players before Saturday’s game) is a huge sign of respect. It’s great to see those things in sport and it’s a fantastic compliment when you get that from people you play against.
“Automatic promotion was the huge dream and prize,” he said. “We’ve got that in the bag already and that speaks volumes about the type of season we have had.
“Everyone in the game is finding it difficult to imagine the result (of the Leeds tribunal) would change the table. If it does, I don’t think we will see the end of it, but we’re the lucky ones, we’ve secured promotion.
“I’m disappointed the players had one of the best memories you can get as a pro, lifting the trophy in front of your home crowd, taken away. But we created our own atmosphere and it was time to celebrate.”
