Praise from your parent is something that any son likes to hear and that is just what was being uttered by Mr Martinez snr

After just 18 months in management, Roberto will lead his side into the Valley on the weekend for their first game at this level since 1984 and with a host of managerial awards already under his belt.

Three manager of the month awards last season were added to the manager of the year award and the League One winners medal as Roberto led his side to a comprehensive league title with 92 points and 82 goals to show for their endeavours.

And he did it pretty much without spending huge sums of money transfer wise and looking back in his homeland for talent that he could nurture and develop.   And with the likes of Angel Rangel, Andrea Orlandi and Guillem Bauza he did that to such an extent that he went back and recruited again this summer.

And now the Swans are being predicted to surprise a few in the new season as they look up wishfully at the Premiership above them.   But the success is of no surprise to one man - Roberto's father - who speaks proudly of his son in today's Western Mail “When he was a young boy, football was around him all of the time. It was around the whole family,” says Martinez Snr, a former manager himself.

“Of course, he would have been too young to start thinking about one day becoming a manager because back then it was just about football, just about the game.

“But he would always follow me and take an interest in what I was doing.

“It is like any boy with their father, but my work was football. “Just because I was a manager did not mean Roberto would be one day too.

“But I suppose when you look now perhaps you could say it is in the blood.

“To be a manager and to be a player are two very different things

“When Roberto was a player, if he played well or bad it never mattered because he is just one player.

“But as a manager, he has the pressure from everyone.

“It is not just about him, but the pressure is all on him.

“To succeed, sometimes, it is about knowing how to deal with that pressure and I think that’s where he might find things come a bit more naturally.

“People say I was a strong manager and I think he might have got a little bit of that from me.

“I never told him not to give up football and I never pressed him to be a manager

“What I did know is that he was doing well as a player and even when Swansea offered the job he was enjoying his football because he always loved playing.

“I knew – and I told him – he could keep playing for many years, but I also knew it was a tough decision and I think he made a good one to follow his desire to be a manager.

“He has a natural talent for it, but he also knows British football very well.

“When you have tough decisions you look around for advice, but you don’t always look for answers.

“Roberto made his own answer, but as a father you are always there.

“Of course we talk to each other all the time and both of us talk about football because that is what we both love

“Yes, some times he will tell me what is happening and I will always try to pass on some help through my experience, but Roberto has his own mind and his own ways of dealing with things.

“I am sure he respects my opinions a lot, but it does not mean he will follow them every time.

“He has his own way to be manager and it is looking a good way.

“Even from afar, I can see how well he is doing and I can see he has a long career in front of him because he has it in him to be successful as a manager. I am very proud.”

“Maybe then you can say it is in the blood and I hope it has helped him.”

Photo: Action Images via Reuters