SWANSEA LEAD LIFE OF GRIME

RUSSELL MARTIN has admitted that he was sure Matt Grimes would leave Swansea – before he signed a new contract last week.

The Welsh club’s skipper was linked with moves to Watford and Fulham, but agreed a new three-and-ahalf year deal to stay put.

And Swans boss Martin (above) said the midfielder is vital to his side’s progress.

He said: “I thought he was going to go in the summer, we all did.

“I sat there on deadline day at 10pm and thought he was going, but he didn’t which was testament to the owners.

“He was in the last year of his contract and reluctantly he thought he was going to be going, whether it was in January or the end of the season.

“He approached me a few weeks ago and said he would like to stay if there was an opportunity to get a final offer from the club, and for him to assess it.

“It’s important because he could have got a lot more money elsewhere, but he feels really connected to what we’re doing.”

But Grimes could not get Swansea over the line against an impressive Blackpool side, with Keshi Anderson’s late strike securing a point for the Seasiders.

The Swans also had two clear-cut penalty appeals turned down with Ethan Laird barged off the ball in the box on both occasions.

Joel Piroe put Swansea ahead in the first half with a volley from 25-yards out – his 11th goal of the season.

Blackpool chief Neil Critchley said: “We were able to push Swansea back and cause them problems.

“I enjoyed the game from a tactical point of view, but I don’t think it was for fans in terms of excitement.

“It was two very good teams on the pitch and a draw was the right result.”