Swans boss’ style Russells feathers but it’s here to stay

RUSSELL MARTIN admits some people think he’s “arrogant” but the Swansea head coach insists he’s not one to walk away from a crisis.

The sliding Swans host Bristol City today having won just once in their last 10 matches and appear to be free-falling towards a relegation struggle after a botched January transfer window.

Martin has been criticised by fans for his

clothes, his hair, his beard, his Green Party affiliations, and his tendency to stress the benefits of a 700-pass completion rate after a 2-1 defeat at Millwall.

“I’m sure there’s loads of preceptions out there because I wear what I want, the team plays in a certain way, that I’m an arrogant whatever and they might be right sometimes,” he said.

“But I think I have a lot of humility. I think I’m just doing something I really believe in. So, that’s all that matters to me.”

Martin was the victim in a naive game of “chicken” by owners Steve Kaplan and Jason Levien that involved them waiting for transfer fees to fall at the 11th hour – only to sign nobody.

“I had phone calls on February 1 from experienced people, managers, saying you need to walk. But it just didn’t even cross my mind,” Martin said.

“They felt I was fighting a losing battle a little bit, but it’s just not how I feel. I have never given up on anything.”

The Swans will have new Wales squad call-up Ollie Cooper back fit, but Joe Allen remains injured and Jay Fulton and Joel Latibeaudiere are suspended.

Bristol City look destined for the mid-est of mid-table finishes, but will be without injured Matty James, Kal Naismith and Tommy Conway.