News that Russell Martin is in negotiations with Swansea City regards extending his contract isn’t really news at all as it’s already been reported that’s been the case all of this season. However those negotiations now will be at an advantage for the swans boss and here are the reasons why.
Some six weeks ago we reported todays news. That’s here –> Russell Martin contract discussions
The outlay the swans made on Martin when he and his staff came to Swansea in August 2021 has already been recouped ten fold with the sale of Flynn Downes to West Ham. Downes came to Swansea from Ipswich for around 1.5 million and was sold on for a sum reportedly in the region of thirteen million including add ons. The player came to Swansea as a part of Martin’s initial negotiations when he left MK Dons. So there’s a real starting point for any new contract, Martin can say he’s already well bought and paid for. The swans have a long history in developing and resurrecting players careers, and that’s been a thing literally since Bryan Flynn with Lee Trundle and then Leon Britton. Martin displayed that quality as well with Downes. Placing him in a strong midfield position last season it was clear he had the quality for Premier League football.
Jamie Paterson for the first part of last season contributed with assists and goals, Martin stated when he signed. "We just couldn’t let him slip away when he became available” Now we see a better Jamie Paterson, and hopefully a more focussed player as well. He will play a big part in the rest of this season.
Since then we have seen Joel Piroe, initially a squad rebel at the start of the last campaign flourish under Martin’s guidance. Along with Michael Obafemi, another difficult character at times both are now known to the football world for their forward play and goal scoring. Jay Fulton who again found himself out in the cold for months and made available for transfer is another good example. Up until January of this year he was almost given away to Barnsley and Blackpool. Fulton refused to leave and through his hard work and that of the swans coaching staff finds himself back in the first team picture. As Fulton said this week. "Some people may have wondered if I could come into the team and play this style, but I knew I could. I just needed to get to the levels I know I can reach.It has been going well, although I think we should be higher in the table and we have let too many points slip. If we keep going as we are, cut out those mistakes and be a bit more ruthless in front of goal then I am sure we can get up there.”
Piroe & Obafemi have seen their careers flourish under Martin
Now of course, some will say Fulton’s progress is an example of Martin’s poor decision making before January. But of course it inspired him, he see’s that now and today we see a player contributing at a high level for the team. With the majority ownership at the club holding Russell Martin in high regard, especially Jake Silverstein a new contract won’t be that difficult to come to terms with. It’s just what those terms are. Discussions haven’t just started, they’ve been ongoing for months, and both parties know near enough where they are in the financial progress of those talks.
The anomaly’s will be the loan signings of Matt Sorinola and Fin Stevens, possibly, but so many players are developing well under Martin. Nathan Wood and Ollie Cooper are fine examples. Every week seems to bring Russell Martin milestones, be that in league position, managing players who are at a far higher level than he has managed before - or taking on opposition at levels again he hasn’t experienced. To an extent he has had to learn on the job, he hasn’t been given a huge budget and at times has had to make do with what he has, that again is another positive. He has just got on with the job.
Russell Martin and his coaching staff are in a unique position, they have retuned a more possession based game to Swansea, but have also met with criticism for the slow passing routines and over play. Some see it progressing, in fact the majority do, an identity is being stamped on the club once again. And for that to continue Russell Martin needs clarification as to the support he has from behind the scenes, and that can only come by way of an improved and extended contract.
Let’s hope that concludes in the very near future.