x

Trophies, Leeds United & Points - Enough

As the season enters it's final week lets talk about what we have done rather than what we can't control

Is anyone else sick and tired of hearing about Leeds United, Trophies and Points.   Fact is we are in the Championship and if/when we get the icing on the cake then fantastic.

However, if we don't we are still a Championship club.  Next season we will be welcoming the likes of Sheffield United, Ipswich, Charlton and of course Cardiff City to the Liberty as we pit our abilities against the second tier of English football for the first time since 1984.

And whilst there is no doubt that the football league's handling of the Leeds affair has just created a farce of their own competition it shouldn't have taken away some of the plaudits heading in the direction of Roberto Martinez and his team.  But it has.

The Evening Post reported yesterday that "Poor Martinez was being forced to answer questions about Leeds again" but that wouldn't have happened if people had not asked him those very questions.  Instead of commenting in detail about Bussy's first Swansea hat-trick or the 89 point club record that the club held or even the final game of the season against Brighton, Martinez was being questioned about events at another club and events that he has no control over.

It also seems to have escaped the notice of many that victory on Saturday will see us crowned Champions of League One irrespective of what the suits decide this week.   We will become uncatchable and we will also parade the divisions top goalscorer into the bargain.  Focusing on the brilliant rather than the farcical.  It's the way forward.

What has been achieved at Swansea this season is nothing short of remarkable.  Roberto has, in a 14 month period, turned his side from a team that appeared to be lacking serious direction into the best that League One can offer.  They didn't start the season as favourites, and even during the season the experts were writing them off and believing that the 'giants' of FEC and Leeds would come through but it never happened.   Sure, we wobbled a bit towards the end but we all knew we would reach the finishing line and - we did it with some to spare as well.

We did it without huge financial outlay and we did it without pushing the club into spiralling financial debts that we cannot control.  We did it in style, we played some of the best football I have seen in 30 years following the club.  I'll never forget leaving Oldham on the opening day not caring that we had lost because I had witnessed the start of something very special.   We totally outclassed Oldham that day despite the scoreline, and that said much about the way we would go about our task this season.

We shouldn't allow events that are outside our control to dominate our thoughts and discussions at this moment.  Yes, it is relevant, yes it stopped us getting the trophy when we really wanted it but if there is a chance that they get their 15 points back then, sadly, it is correct that we don't get it.

But that is everything we seem to refer to now and that is down to the local Welsh media.  Once it is in there it will be talked about but lets stop asking the questions and concentrate on what has become good about Swansea City this season.   It has been a very special season and one that we should remember long into the future.

Is there an irony that we have reported on several instances of the Swans players/management talking about Leeds?  Of course there is but we report on news in the public domain.

We are Championship bound and certainly by Saturday I expect us to officially be League One Champions 2007/2008.  And the record books will never show the farce the league created behind that title.

To Roberto and the lads - I salute you

What to read next:

Swansea City : The confusing decision making for a whole season
It was a pretty poor end to what can only be described as a disappointing football season for Swansea City. The defeat to Millwall yesterday was a display that has frustrated Swansea City supporters all season. A lack of effort, intensity and desire rewarding the home support with yet another home loss.
Swansea City 0 - 1 Millwall - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Swansea City : Grimes misses a penalty in a return to bad old ways
An error strewn and tepid Swansea display ensured thousands left the stadium before the staff and players did their usual walk around at this end of season game. It wasn’t a good look as two players received red cards and any effort by the home side was lost in a static and frustrating display.
Swansea City : Last game of the season, latest injury news and the full low down on the big game
Today brings the Championship season to a close for the majority of the clubs involved, and the Swans face Millwall at 12.30pm today at the Swansea.com stadium. Just over 1,100 visiting supporters have made the journey in what we hope is a celebration of the end of the season for both clubs.
Swansea City : What needs to happen now ?
The Indy’s lead football writer, Andrew Winfield goes in deep on this weeks issues and the real problems in store for the Swans.
Swansea City : The facts on players in and out and the strategy behind it
This week has seen some bad financial news for the Swans, and of course more questions than answers yet again. That aside there is some great news from the age grade side at U21 as once again we see a player knocking on the door of the first team squad.
Swansea City : Has Andrew Coleman been in the shower for three months with Bobby Ewing ?
The changing timeline of when Andrew Coleman became Chairmen of Swansea City caused a stir yesterday, our twitter account getting well over eleven thousand views and increasing, which sent website views here in to their many thousands as well.
Swans supporters consult Kieran Maguire and when did Andy start as Chairman ?
News of Swansea City’s financial position hit home yesterday as the club announced further losses. The profit and sustainability rules are forever hanging over a club, and in Swansea City’s case like everyone else it’s a rolling three year issue.
Gwyn’s Eye View : Swansea City v Millwall
Glyn is back with his favourite stats as we build up to the last game of the season. That comes in the form of Millwall who it seems are close to selling their requested 1,148 allocation, so its down to the Jack Army to do their bit this bank holiday weekend.
The fate today’s Swansea footballers would never have to endure
Swansea City bring this season to a close on Saturday with a home game against Millwall. However, what about those bygone days when footballers had no choice but to go down the pit after their career ended, or open a toy shop, pub or retrain ? That thought would petrify todays modern footballer.