It’s very early days for ex Norwich City player Russell Martin, at only thirty five he would be the first to say his maturity in football management is an ever evolving learning process. Having taken MK Dons from relegation fodder to a respectable League one finish last time around ( considering his starting point ) it’s no wonder he is front runner this morning to get the Swansea City job.

There are things for Julian Winter to learn as well. Finances and ability to back their new man is key, albeit Winter is desperate to appoint Martin in the next twenty four hours he still has Jody Morris waiting in the wings. These two are crucial to a successful Swansea City season. Either manager would at least bring hope and excitement to the Liberty.

Martin has a precise way of playing he told ‘The Offside Rule’ recently “A lot of people have spoken about how we’ve had the highest possession in Europe which isn’t normal for a League One team. We’ve also got the most touches in the opposition box so we don’t just have possession for the sake of it — we’re aggressive with it. MK lost its way for three or four years. I was asked to bring an identity to the club when I took over and we’ve got a strong one now. It’s not always going to be easy. It takes courage to play that way on some tough pitches. I’m proud of the way the players have bought into it because it’s not easy. It’s very demanding and takes a lot of work. “It’s become a bit of a tagline for me. The supporters are bored of hearing me say it but we are process driven. We’re not emotional about results.”

It’s easy to cause a stir in League one with a brand of football which dictates rather than reacts and a philosophy which does take time, “I don’t know how long that will take but we’ll get there eventually,” he said. “I was aware it was going to take time. In my office I’ve got about eight notepads — I compartmentalise my life with notepads! I wrote a lot down when I played about stuff I liked and stuff I didn’t like. As a player, sometimes you have to sacrifice your own beliefs but now I’m in a position where I can influence other people and convince them that my way is the right way.”

Julian Winter will increase the pressure to get Russell Martin today, but don’t expect anything quickly, Martin has a friendly game tonight at Stadium MK against Spurs, a game his club have made a big play on him being there today on social media. So, clearly something is afoot. They are desperate to keep him. However owner Peter Winkleman does have a policy of “ We don’t want to stand in their way” to all successful managers at his club, so negotiations for Martin’s release will happen, it’s just a case of if Swansea City want to pay the cash. And that’s the biggest issue. Finance.

Convincing Russell Martin he is best at Swansea along with his staff will take some doing, he has already recently stated he wants to be at MK Dons for as long as possible to see everything through at the club. Martin has a family home and a young family in Brighton, a successful vegan restaurant businesses locally and in Norwich. It’s going to take more than a few promises and a beachside apartment to get him to come to Swansea. It’s massive for him, and all that comes with it, and it’s massive for Swansea too. Julian Winter now needs to step up today, and use his skills to get Russell Martin in before the Southampton game at the Liberty on Saturday. It’s imperative now, and saving a few quid isn’t on the agenda, getting the right man in is.

Photographs licensed from Reuters

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