Russ out?

[LeonWasTheDog's]

I’ve had doubt for a while. He likes to talk a good game about players being brave to play a clear and unique style, as if we’re knocking on the door of football perfection. Maybe he forgets we’ve seen masters at the possession & passing game in Martinez, Rodgers & Laudrup. They all realised that possession was a means to an end. Penetration was their first priority (especially Rodgers when he got that new bit on the side and got his teeth done).

But we occasionally see things that are pretty special, so I’m really not sure. Those two moves in the first half yesterday were sublime - the sort in the past we’d have seen Michu tucking away and they’d be played non-stop on highlight reels.

I’m wondering whether Winter isn’t as much, or more, of an issue. We were pretty lucky with Trevor Birch. We had no problems getting decent signings over the line, but that seems to have changed. Maybe that’s unfair as Birch had parachute payments, but you can only judge in results. We had a piss poor summer however you look at it. And this season is sh*t. PO finalists to looking over our shoulder at relegation.

This league is like that. We edged Barnsley in the play offs and they’re now the worst team in the division by some distance.

They've had a shocker haven't they. Last year seemed to be a fluke for them, as they only just avoided relegation the year before. Or rather, Ismaël was the difference rather than it being a fluke - he had an amazing season with them. Normal service resumed since he left. And that's what it's all about in this league. You find a Ismaël or a Rodgers and things go well. (Dare I say it, even a Cooper - there's a good chance he'll turn around Forest and get them in the playoffs).

 

[A4Jack]

https://planetswans.co.uk/2022/02/02/is-russell-martin-under-pressure/

 

[LeonWasTheDog's]

We rely a lot on Naughton. I have not seen Fulton play much and we sign Walsh. Russ has been lucky to be given the reigns to change the squad. Ayew and Lowe were big losses. However if Russ is looking for a sub for Naughton why not try Fulton? Grimes and Downes have played there. Overall we cant go a whole season with players looking out of position or appearing unfit and then under utilising some players who fitted a top six team performance for two previous seasons. Unfortunately we played Luton who are better managed than us and next we have Blackburn who's manager made us look like amateur hour in the away game there.

Yeah, Naughton’s been excellent this year. I’d have said it’s not his natural position, but maybe it is. It keeps him away from the full back/wing back role that he’s far too cautious for, yet suits his footballing ability and composure. Player of the season candidate for me.

 

[PSumbler]

ALmost 350 votes in the poll thats a more than decent cross section of the support and quite a clear split in favour of him staying

Will be interesting to maybe run again in a few weeks time and see if that changes over time?

 

[PSumbler]

https://planetswans.co.uk/2022/02/02/is-russell-martin-under-pressure/

When we appointed him the club bought into his vision and they probably have to stick with him not least for the fact that we have backed him in the transfer market this season.

However, there will always be a point that sides who continue to lose games have no choice but to change their manager. Martin though will get - and deserves to get - the chance to see the season progress now he has more and more of his players in the side

 

[A4Jack]

https://planetswans.co.uk/2022/02/02/is-russell-martin-under-pressure/

When we appointed him the club bought into his vision and they probably have to stick with him not least for the fact that we have backed him in the transfer market this season.

However, there will always be a point that sides who continue to lose games have no choice but to change their manager. Martin though will get - and deserves to get - the chance to see the season progress now he has more and more of his players in the side

I started writing that last night in anger but tempered it a bit in the cold light of day. The league position is worse than we were expecting and for me we see some positive steps and then take five back.

I feel on one hand that he's got time but with our run of fixtures, three or four losses on the bounce and if we fall below Cardiff then the knives will well and truly be out.

 

[Dewi1jack]

I was over the moon prior to kick off...
Hamer dropped. Smith dropped...
... Maybe Martin isn't stubborn.

Down goes Naughts- on comes Smith and things seemed to go downhill from that decision.
Grimes ended up defending while Smith was attempting to attack via Fisher.
Surely Fulton would have been a better option as a sub.
Even latibeaudiere.
Could have gone outside and found a traffic cone with more attacking intent than Smith.

And Martin obviously seems to state Grimes to take free kicks and corners no matter what.

Do we genuinely not have any other option?
If that's the case, then the last transfer window should have had a list of cheap names who could be an asset in open play AND dead ball situations.

I'm not sure I see the point in binning Martin yet.
He has IMHO better playing staff than Cooper had as a squad as the whole.
The vid of Swansea playing out properly from the back under brenda, was the time we played in constant moving triangles.

Maybe someone should pass the vids from our championship season and 1st prem season under brenda to Martin as a sort of possession football for dummies guide.

 

[Best_loser]

The only excitement for the rest of the season is the battle with Cardiff , players are supposed to be professional and give all in every game but its human nature to ease off when there is no target to go for

Looking at the fixtures it would not be a surprise to see Cardiff above us at the end of February , winning our next home game is crucial to that, people will scream and shout if Cardiff go above us but really it means nothing , neither us or Cardiff will go down and hopefully we end the season above them

 

[MrSwerve]

Patience is getting thin to be honest...

 

[JoshTheJack]

Patience is getting thin to be honest...

He needs to change something,This isn't doing anyone any good.Seems like he doesn't have the dressing room either.

 

[Ronald Parp]

My concern at the moment is that the quality of the squad appears to be dropping like a stone with every transfer. I appreciate he wants his own players but we’re shipping out half tidy players and not improving with the replacements. We are not coming to the ball and ball watching like a team of kids.

 

[monmouth]

My concern at the moment is that the quality of the squad appears to be dropping like a stone with every transfer. I appreciate he wants his own players but we’re shipping out half tidy players and not improving with the replacements. We are not coming to the ball and ball watching like a team of kids.

I’m convinced Benda is a better keeper than this new punter and Hamer. He’ll make mistakes but he has the raw materials. I am biased though. I like keepers that try to take charge, and a tually make saves, and he did.

Just got to hope some of these come good. The fact that the Man City lad and the new wing back are not even on the pitch is not encouraging.

His selections are Bradleyesque. His tactics are a nonsense of negativity. If he doesn’t change he’ll need earplugs. I still fancy us to do the Wurzels mind. If not I think he’s going to really get it.

 

[MrSwerve]

My concern at the moment is that the quality of the squad appears to be dropping like a stone with every transfer. I appreciate he wants his own players but we’re shipping out half tidy players and not improving with the replacements. We are not coming to the ball and ball watching like a team of kids.

I’m convinced Benda is a better keeper than this new punter and Hamer. He’ll make mistakes but he has the raw materials. I am biased though. I like keepers that try to take charge, and a tually make saves, and he did.

Just got to hope some of these come good. The fact that the Man City lad and the new wing back are not even on the pitch is not encouraging.

His selections are Bradleyesque. His tactics are a nonsense of negativity. If he doesn’t change he’ll need earplugs. I still fancy us to do the Wurzels mind. If not I think he’s going to really get it.

I think a home loss against Bristol and serious questions need to be asked about his future.

 

[monmouth]

I think a home loss against Bristol and serious questions need to be asked about his future.

If Cardiff go above us and we lose up there, I can’t see how he continues unless he has a hide of Johnsonian proportions. Certainly there would be no benefit of anything for him next season if that happens and this ‘style’ of approach continues.

 

[cmajack]

I’m convinced Benda is a better keeper than this new punter and Hamer. He’ll make mistakes but he has the raw materials. I am biased though. I like keepers that try to take charge, and a tually make saves, and he did.

Just got to hope some of these come good. The fact that the Man City lad and the new wing back are not even on the pitch is not encouraging.

His selections are Bradleyesque. His tactics are a nonsense of negativity. If he doesn’t change he’ll need earplugs. I still fancy us to do the Wurzels mind. If not I think he’s going to really get it.

I think a home loss against Bristol and serious questions need to be asked about his future.

Think serious questions about him have been asked tonight. Haven't had such an angry bunch on the match day forum for a long time as we did tonight. Genuinely think people have had enough of him.