THE CONCRETE ROUNDABOUT (TCR)

The Swans seemed nervous, giving the ball away as they played out from defence in an attempt to embrace Martin's approach.

In summary
Swansea City were today untidy and messy in almost everything they did. Passing was incredibly poor and defensively they seemed lost and totally out of sorts. Failing to string passes together and play the Russell Martin way they gave the home side a string of chances. A more prolific team would have absolutely buried the swans today. The swans seem devoid of pace and strength on the ball, and without the commitment or individuality to get anything from this game. To play the way Martin wants will take more than a few days training we know, but he needs the players and it’s fairly certain he doesn’t have those players at his disposal at this level. What was missing was that word again, commitment, there just seemed nothing in the legs of the side Martin selected today. It is worrying, but it’s very early days, it’s just that today’s opponents were no great shakes, and far tougher will come.

Seen the Russball highlights and it was Mistakeville and some. Swans players were constantly giving the ball away under pressure. The higher the division the less likely Russball will work, unless of course they want to rival Man City on spending.

Apparently Cooper didn't play football the Swansea way, so swapped him for a manager who's team finished 13th in league below, with 0-8 goals in his last 2 competitive matches. The Swansea directors must've needed a hand to get out their straight-jackets to counter-sign RM's 3 year contract.

Jackareme
RoyWells
RoyWells
8:03AM

Long time, no post, but I was at the game on Saturday, and I have to say am very concerned. I have never been one for judging managers or players after 1 game, I have often defended people saying we need to give them time, but something doesn't sit right with me about this.

I hope I'm 100% wrong about this and would happily have my words shoved where the sun don't shine, but I don't think Martin is the guy to take us forward. For those who saw the game on Saturday go on to Sky Sports website and look at the goals MK Dons conceded against Bournemouth. Exactly how we got caught on Saturday. Even down to the position of the players involved.

I appreciate Martin has a philosophy, and admire his desire to stick to it, but I fear he is blinded by that philosophy to the extent he will not change no matter what. We gave an average Blackburn side 3 points. A better team would have stuck 4, or 5 against us. If he continues as he did on Saturday we will be fighting at the wrong end of the table this year.

The way I see this season panning out is this. The fans will lose patience with Martin quite quickly and will turn against him, come October they will be calling for his head. We will be struggling in the relegation zone and he could be gone by Christmas. As I said I hope I'm 100% wrong, but have not felt this negative about a manager since Kevin Cullis.
Mark_Jack_LondonAndrew_North_HillNorfolkJack

Oh Dear, one or two not convinced