The first real press conference before the first real game of football in weeks was attended by both Julian Winter and Russell Martin this afternoon. It was indeed a statement of solidarity Both looked relaxed and happy as the questions rained in on Martin who handled each one expertly and confidently citing the reasons for him taking the job at Swansea, and what he see’s ahead for him and his team.

Having had four days to see the facilities, training areas and meet the players Russell Martin explained the culture of the of the club (sic) was something that struck him immediately on speaking to employees, and those attached to the club this week. “ Everyone is invested in the club” he said. “ Everyone supports what is happening here, you have to look at what Swansea stands for, the football club and why they wanted me here I sensed a real alignment. Especially when you get it really rocking and rolling. When it is all weighed up the excitement of being here was what did it. This club isn’t on its knees and has a strong culture, we are not working from the ground up, nothing is broken, something as big as this is very special”

On his past experiences of Swansea Martin was clear, “ This is one hell of a tough place to come, I’ve experienced it, it’s a brilliant atmosphere. On Eustace not accepting the job Martin stated “ I spoke to Julian, we had lengthy discussions on how it all would fit. What went on before that, I wasn’t a part of it, I couldn’t effect that” On funds and guarantees, “ There’s a lot of wrk to be done, and on the training pitch. We are also working really hard behind the scenes on trying to strengthen the squad. It’s a good squad, but thin. All I can focus on now is what we do now, and what we achieve now, not on those things we can’t manage”

Russell Martin responded tactfully but in a very straight forward manner when pressed on who and when new players would be coming in “ I’m not going to say who is coming in, or what money it will take, thats for you to see at the end of the transfer window” Then of course the questions on Swansea players leaving ? “ There has been lots of speculation on our own players, so again, we have a plan for any player who is going, and if they stay, and we are very c,ear on that, and we agree on that” Nodding towards Julian Winter and smiling Martin stated “ That’s a good situation for me, yeah, we are working on everything “

When asked about the Matt Grimes situation Martin responded “ I want him to stay, he’s a good player for sure, if he leaves that’s for his good and ours too. But from what I’ve seen from Grimesy, he has a great relationship with Matt Gill, he is very committed, he loves Swansea. Whilst he is here we will work very hard with him” On Connor Roberts, “ When someone enters the last year of their contract we have to see how it pans out, the funds will be used to see us right for this year and a few more to come “ Not so much hedging his bets but it is clear Martin knows the Grimes and Roberts situations are something that has to be addressed either by selling or agreeing new terms with them. He again pointed towards the end of the transfer window as an indicator.

On expectations “ We won’t compromise on anything here, we have only had a short period of time at MK but we left the club with a strong identity and in a strong position. We intend to do that at Swansea to a much higher level. We want to show some clear foundations on what we want to bring, the players have been so receptive and even now we think even then you may see some idea as to what we are about. Come kick off on Saturday we believe you will see things taking shape”

When pressed again on expectations Martin stayed he believed that a play off place is realistic, but he hoped he wouldn’t come up too far short. “ We will give it our best shot, and if we have solid foundations we can work from there. Talking about loans,” Yes most clubs utilise the loan market, this club knows how to run it for sure, especially over the last few seasons. We want hungry, young and experience, and the team will look different to last year, but these players just want to be here, they have to want to be here”

Clearly concentrating on the future and not dwelling on the past.

Julian Winter talking about the process of employing a new manager was defensive but stated the US owners were still in regular touch with them. “ They were fully engaged by the coaching engagements, they were very intrigued, and will support Russell”
Reinforcing what this website reported two months ago, much to the fun of certain others Winter confirmed that numerous conversations took place with Andre Ayew regards his future at Swansea City this coming season. “ We were talking to Andre on a daily basis, we had various conversations with Andre, we just couldn’t get to a solution economically”

On the clubs identity Winter stated “ I think we had an identity last season, I’ve only been here for ten months. Maybe not as before that but we tried to do something. With Russell that something will be far more, I hope”

That’s all we have for you on our Thursday night round up. We hope you enjoyed the report on today’s press conference. More tomorrow. Who is getting excited then ?

Photographs licensed from open source

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