Tomorrow, 8pm Martin: We must stick to beliefs
SWANSEA City boss Russell Martin says he will not “compromise” on his expansive style despite a dismal run of form.
Four points off the play-offs after beating Barnsley in November, the Swans have since won just three times in 12 attempts.
Last week’s 4-0 hiding at Sheffield United was their joint-worst defeat of the season and they were 17th pre-weekend. Plenty of Swans fans have questioned whether Martin’s rigid insistence on possession football makes his team predictable but, ahead of tomorrow’s clash with West Brom, the 36-yearold remained steadfast.
“If it’s predictable then we have to make sure that it’s so good we can achieve it,” said the former Norwich and Peterborough full-back, who arrived from MK Dons on the eve of the season.
“When you have a really clear vision of something, the minute you compromise on one thing, it’s a slippery slope in my opinion.
“One thing becomes a grey area, then it’s the next thing, then the next thing and all of a sudden you’re just like everyone else. I don’t mean that in a derogatory way - Sheffield United were excellent. We could have gone there, hung on, defended and still got beat 4-0.
“But it’s all about time. If we can have a really good pre-season that will make a big difference because it’s a small squad.”
Opponents West Brom have problems of their own. The one-time leaders of the division have crumbled in recent weeks, with the appointment of Steve Bruce making no tangible difference to their form. He
admitted that confidence is low.
“It is, and it doesn’t surprise me,” said the former Newcastle boss, whose side began the weekend in 11th place.
“When you’ve been relegated and you start the new season with a new manager and there are a few bad results, that’s what happens.
“We’ve also been dealt a very bad hand with injuries and it does feel a bit like the world is against you. Until we get those players fit, let’s see what we can do.”