Brighton manager Graham Potter has stated he thinks the appointment of Russell Martin as the swans head coach was a master stroke by the club. Talking before tomorrow nights league cup third round tie he was very clear in his assessment of Swansea’s new manager.
Potter was at the swans for one season bringing a fresh and exciting change to the normal tactics seen at Championship level. It didn’t always pay off but his style and technique earned him many admirers which saw him leaving for Brighton. Again the swans earned a decent pay off as a result. In the midst of another £600k compensation deal for Steve Cooper to join Nottingham Forest with Alan Tate the swans are looking to upset their premier league opponents in possibly the toughest tie they could have drawn outside the usual top four.
On Brighton born Russell Martin, Potter said, "It’s a period of transition. Russell has done really well and I think it’s a fantastic appointment for Swansea, I really do. "He provides real clarity, real integrity, an idea that people can get behind. I think it’s the early stages of what they want to do. I certainly know for myself that it’s not always perfect at the start in terms of performances and results, but you can clearly see what they’re trying to do and where they want to go and they’re very impressive in that. With the right support, patience and time, Swansea City will be back in the Premier League with Russell, because I think there’s huge potential there.”
Russell Martin needs support, patience and time
Martin clearly has the right support from the vast majority of the Swansea faithful, along with a lot more patience than would normally be granted by fans, many of which are still getting used to being out of the premier league. Two attempts in the last two seasons have fallen short, the last one at the last hurdle at Wembley in last seasons play off final. Swansea’s style against Graham Potters possession based strategy will definitely be an intriguing watch, and playing at home Brighton are very much the favourites.
On the cup game Potter said, " It’s important for us to win because it means we can give guys an opportunity to play, which means they’re more ready when they get their opportunity in the Premier League. Longer-term we can all dream about it, but we’re just focusing on the next game which is Swansea and we will try our best against a team that’s going to be competitive"
Tariq Lamptey is likely to start after injury for Brighton, and it is likely Korey Smith could make a return for Swansea City but Russell Martin would be foolish to make wholesale changes against a Brighton side that has started the season well. Swansea City supporters can pay on the day to watch Russell Martin’s side in action against Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday (7.30pm).
Advance tickets are now off sale, so any Swans fans who do not already have tickets will need to purchase them from the Amex Stadium on matchday. Brighton have informed the swans that prices will increase on matchday, and a booking fee of £1.50 per ticket will apply. Prices will be as follows: Adults: £20, Over-65/Under-21: £15, Under-18: £10.
Latest news tomorrow morning on this game which is not televised.