Russell Martin

Russell Martin, Swansea City AFC Training. Pic: Getty Images.

Russell Martin Tries To Re-Set Swansea City’s Season But Admits Success Will Take Time

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By Paul Jones

Russell Martin has dismissed any notion of leaving Swansea City – despite a disastrous transfer window.

The head coach admitted he had “never felt as low” last week during which he suggested the responsibility for the club failing to bring in a single new player in January – but letting six leave – lay with the American owners and not those working in Swansea.

Martin discussed the club’s recruitment failings with their owners this week but says: “Ultimately, I think it’ll turn out to be a positive for the club.

“Everyone agrees, we’ll try and do things a bit differently and try and improve on what we’ve done.” The former Scotland international admitted to being “really hurt” following the recent defeat to Birmingham City and said that he was “low, tired, and really hurt.”

But as the Swans prepare to visit high-flying Sheffield United this weekend, Martin he is looking ahead with optimism and is focusing on building a team and working with young players.

The former MK Dons boss has a three-year contract and claimed he had never considered quitting after the recent problems.

“It’s never been a thought. Why would it be? Of course, everyone’s frustrated about what happened last week, but that’s gone, you can’t affect it. There is no point stewing over it.”

Martin acknowledged the need to change the way the club operates in the transfer market after numerous attempts to bolster his squad came to nothing.

He added: “Everyone’s been really honest with each other, that’s all you can ever ask for. We’re moving on and focusing on getting some stuff done here at the club.”

Martin acknowledged that the league is starting to take shape, and the teams in and around the play-offs are the ones with financial power.

He added: “If you haven’t got that you need time to build, and the one thing I have been given here is patience and support in that sense, in terms of the understanding of what we are trying to build.”

Swansea are currently 13th in the Championship, five points away from the play-off places with 17 games remaining.

Joe Allen and Liam Walsh will be back in the squad for their next match against Sheffield United, while Joel Latibeaudiere will miss out with a calf strain.

Meanwhile, Martin has paid tribute to Joe Allen after the Swansea midfielder announced his retirement from international football earlier this week.

The 32-year-old won 74 caps for Wales across a 13-year career in the red shirt, featuring in three major tournaments during a true golden era for the national team.

Allen was named in the team of the tournament for Euro 2016 after his outstanding performances in Wales’ run to the semi-finals in France.

“Joe came to see me on Friday after training and that he had thought long and hard about the decision, and was planning to speak to Rob Page over the weekend,” said Martin.

“We had a really good chat about it and, first and foremost, we congratulated him on a brilliant international career. He should be so proud, he hates any attention, he is such an unassuming and humble man, but we did have a round of applause for him as a group earlier this week.

“He is a brilliant footballer, a brilliant human being and a great example to young players in terms of how to conduct themselves and how to behave.

“He can look back with pride at what he has achieved, he has been to three major tournaments, which is incredible. He has been a huge part of a great period for Welsh football.”

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