By David Williams
Russell Martin has urged his Swansea City players to finish the season strongly after their thin hopes of making the play-offs perished at Hull City.
The Swans cannot make the top six after they claimed just a point in a 1-1 draw at the MKM Stadium.
With one match to play, the most they can hope for is to extend their current eight-match unbeaten run to ensure a top 10 finish, when they host West Bromwich Albion on May 8.
“The players are genuinely disappointed that the chance has gone,” said Martin.
“That shows how far we have come and now it’s important to finish the season really strongly.
“If we win next week we’ll finish in a really respectable position in the league that far exceeds the financial position we have currently.
“I’m incredibly proud of the players – as people and human beings they are amazing.
“They’ve grown so much this season in terms of their connection of what we do. They understand their roles and have each other’s backs.
“We’re probably two or three missing pieces from really competing. Hopefully we can now get a bit of (financial) help in terms of taking us to the next level.”
Summing up Saturday, a thank you and a milestone. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/pXbKzSNqos
— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) April 30, 2023
Swansea, who went into the game on the back of four straight wins, fell behind after three minutes when defender Ben Cabango chested into his own net.
But they responded well from that setback and deserved to equalise through Luke Cundle’s curling finish six minutes before half-time.
Swansea, however, never kicked on after the break and found Hull in a belligerent mood.
Martin added: “We are unbeaten in eight games with six wins and two draws, and I am so proud of the players for that after the run we had been on.
“I thought it was a good game between two really good teams who play in a really good style. I enjoyed the game,” he said.
“There was a lot of high quality play, I really like what Liam Rosenior is doing here, and they have had really good home form.
“They had one shot on target and we conceded from it, but I really liked the performance after the first 20 minutes when we just did not have enough energy or aggression out of possession.
“We tried to force things a bit and that was where their goal came from and we were not as front foot and aggressive as we needed to be.”
Patient build-up and a fine finish. 😍 pic.twitter.com/NMbEvywsjq
— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) April 30, 2023