The ever evolving Russell Martin plan for the swans got a bit closer this week when Hannes Wolf joined the club from Borussia Mönchengladbach. It is expected he will start on the bench alongside returnee Kyle Joseph and new keeper Andy Fisher.
Preston North End are a physical side and ever since Ryan Lowe took the managers job he has fired the lillywhites in to an upward trajectory. He talks about his style of play being similar to Swansea ‘without the risks’ That sets today’s game up as an exciting prospect for Swansea City fans this afternoon, and based on the performance at Huddersfield last week Ryan Lowe isn’t the only manager looking for the win, and of course Russell Martin paid high compliments to the Jack Army.
"We are really excited to have the fans back, it’s been a unique and difficult time without them and we know it’s just not the same without them,” he said. "They make such a difference, just look at the magnificent support we had at Huddersfield last weekend how connected everyone was. I say it often because it’s true, the fans have been great to us since we walked through the door and the staff and the players are desperate to give them a side to be proud of and that they enjoy watching. It hasn’t felt right to be without them for so long and we are glad we can all be together and have that connection again this weekend. The game is not the same in empty stadiums, it lacks those emotions that we all associate with the game and those things make a difference. We know we’ll have everyone right behind us and we want to deliver a positive performance, and that has been something we’ve spoken about as a squad this week.”
We reported yesterday how valuable an asset Martin is at this time to the swans, and he too realises the biggest asset to success at the club is the supporters.
With the expected game time for Hanes Wolf being possibly around twenty to twenty five minutes today it’s also a clever move by Martin. Wolf gets a personal introduction to the fans and hopefully will take his first positive steps forwards in a Swansea shirt. We see today’s game as the catalyst for this season to see more positive steps forwards as well. With the visitors seemingly the favourites and in fine form it’s all there for a cracking game of football, and isn’t that what it is all about ?