Russell Martin was slightly disappointed after the swans only managed to draw against Barnsley yesterday, despite having numerous chances at the end of the game to take all three points. With all that said he explained the positives very clearly post match, but admitted the intensity over the ninety minutes was not there.

He also talked his way through the mission for the close season as well. Much shortened due to the World Cup which is starting in November. He was positive about the club signing Kyle Naughton for another season which very few fans would argue with. Also Jamie Paterson who possibly could have managed his refusal to play better ( for whatever reason ) in January seems odds on to offered an improved contract in June.

Citing his desire for an increase in awareness across the club Martin said “If we are going to be a proper club, we need to look after people who do really well for us, hence Naughts staying. Hopefully Pato will be one of the next in line to make sure he commits here as well.” Some fans probably are still slightly aggrieved still at the Paterson saga which did little to help the club a few months ago. However he is an important player for next season, although the swans do need more strength in their attacking midfield roles. As it stands retaining certain players is key but also getting rid of the likes of Yan Dhanda and Jay Fulton ( despite his recent performances ) is crucial. You have to say Liam Cullen and Morgan Whittaker have to be on a form of borrowed time, especially Cullen.

Their loan spells at Lincoln City are still to really get going with both finding selection regularly difficult. If at that level their development is still in progress than the swans will have to think long and hard about retaining both of them next season. It’s the harsh reality of professional football.

Of course Martin is right, and as it stands there’s little if anything to criticise the club regards the retention of those ‘people’ that deserve extra contracts. Whether Jamie Paterson will feature as much as he wants next season is another question, the swans if they are serious about promotion next time around have to have more than a couple players to rely upon.

And that takes money, not just getting rid of a handful of players. And I’ll include Ryan Bennet in that list as well. We cannot expect Swansea City to win nine games on the bounce as much as we cannot expect this squad as it stands to gain any sort of promotion. There’s a lot more work to do as Russell Martin approaches that pre season he desired so much when he first came to Swansea.

Reflecting on yesterdays result Martin was philosophical and again pointed out the longer term goal. “It’s really frustrating that we’ve dropped two points. We created some great chances, but we lacked a bit of composure and calmness. We have five games left to make a real impact on our position in the table. I think the whole season has been about learning. I think the players have learnt a hell of a lot. I’ve learnt a lot throughout the season, all of us have as a coaching staff”

“All of it prepares us really well and puts us in a much better position for next season, especially the way the players have learnt and grown together.”

It’s not an overnight thing, and anyone who thinks it should be hasn’t been reading the script.

Photographs licensed from Reuters

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