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Roberto Martinez
09-06-2009
Who could have imagined that when I last wrote this column exactly a year later ago that in twelve months’ time the only topic I would be writing about would be the imminent departure of Roberto Martinez. Is it me or has the whole protracted saga been like a horrible nightmare from which you can’t wait to wake up? The feeling is of terrible loss, not quite someone passing away but more like suddenly being told one day by your pretty young girlfriend that she has decided to go back to her ex, who has a slightly better job but a healthier bank balance than you but who looks like Harold Steptoe. You can’t believe it’s happening but it is. Oh, and all this after she’s told you she loves you and will definitely be with you for the next four years at least.
I appreciate that much has been said, written and discussed vociferously in pubs and clubs across the city about this whole unsavoury incident though I believe I stand with the vast majority when I say I feel betrayed. It’s as simple as that. Betrayed because we thought Martinez was different, was honest, was one of us, was too bloody good to be true, as it turned out. His now infamous quote “They’ll have to drag me away from this club” has been justifiably repeated so much over the past week or so and even it he did mean it at the time because he has literally jumped ship at the very first opportunity it leaves such a bitter taste in the mouth of every single Swans fan.
What I think is even worse and is more of a reason to be disgusted at Mr Martinez are his double standards. Lee Trundle and Andy Robinson were very publicly berated by the Spaniard for leaving the club for seemingly bigger and better things and was it not Ferrie Bodde who was eventually persuaded to stay by Martinez himself after he was about to do the very same thing? I fully acknowledge that Martinez is apparently unable to turn down the “once in a lifetime” opportunity of managing a Premier League club but we’re talking about Wigan Athletic for God’s sake and not Arsenal or even Aston Villa or even Portsmouth. He may as well have taken the short stroll along the River Tawe to take over Landore FC. Wigan - the Premier League’s worst-supported club and one of the favourites to go down next season.
Then there’s the money. Martinez’s mate Jordi Cruyff has claimed that the move isn’t about the money and that it’s just the challenge of the Premier League. The rumour is that Martinez will be on £1.2 million per year with a massive bonus if he keeps Wigan up. Now I appreciate that many of us would immediately jump at that sort of package but let’s look at it from Martinez’s position. A reliable source tells me that he’s been financially astute throughout his career and has made enough shrewd investments to keep him and his wife-to-be very comfortable for many years to come so it shouldn’t be about the money. At the end of the day only Martinez himself knows. Huw Jenkins apparently gallantly offered to double Martinez’s salary when Wigan made their official approach but it fell on deaf years. The man who Jenkins himself recently lauded as the best ever manager in Swansea City’s history had already made up his mind.
Regarding Huw Jenkins’ role in all of this can I just say that he has emerged with dignity and honour which is in stark contrast to the creaky, doddery old vulture Dave Whelan who has, in my opinion, showed a distinct lack of respect to Swansea City Football Club throughout this sorry episode by not only his actions but what he has been saying in the press. Yes, Whelan brought Martinez to the UK in the first place and they may still be mates but my Mum always told me how wrong it is to covet anything that anyone else has and that’s exactly what’s happened here. I know other clubs have suffered in the same way but I’m only interested in my club. Apart from Terry Yorath leaving to manage the national side (which is completely different anyway) I don’t think this has ever happened to us before. Our managers are usually fired or forced to resign so this is unchartered territory for us and of course we don’t like it.
I understand that Martinez is taking his complete backroom staff with him. Well, that’s no surprise. However, the next big talking point is which star players will be following him to cold and windy Lancashire. You’d expect Angel Rangel to be the first to go. The lad could play in the Premier League tomorrow and in my opinion is worth every penny of the £3 million being mentioned in some quarters. I can’t see anyone risking a big fee on Ferrie Bodde until he proves his full fitness again so that would possibly mean a move during the January transfer window. I’m not sure Jason Scotland would succeed at the higher level, especially when marked by the likes of John Terry or Rio Ferdinand but if we’re offered £2.5 million would we take it? Too right we would. The only other player I think could potentially step up is Ashley Williams but possibly in a year’s time – hopefully with us.
So, there have been 100 applications for the hot seat and many of the names are all too predictable. I was surprised and a little disappointed that John Hughes took the Hibernian manager’s job today so that’s one name scratched from the list. Do we take a third consecutive gamble by wheeling in a rookie or do we play it safe and bring in a seasoned pro? That’s the dilemma that Huw Jenkins and the board have this week. As the Martinez appointment was a masterstroke by the club I’d be happy to trust them again and it seems Gary Speed is a distinct possibility. If we were to appoint an experienced man I don’t think Steve Coppell fully fits the profile but I would like to see someone like Alan Curbishley, who knows football, has great contacts, likes his teams to play the game the “Swans” way and is a real personality.
No matter how we all feel at the moment the history books will record that Martinez did a fantastic job for us. The breathtaking style of football was rewarded with a promotion from League 1 as champions followed by a creditable eighth position in the Championship. To be honest, it’s difficult to criticise Martinez but in light of recent events I’m going to have a go. Many people point to his “great signings” but when we analyse the transfer activity it paints a different picture and I stand to be corrected but here’s how I see it. When Martinez arrived at the club we were apparently already monitoring Jason Scotland, Ferrie Bodde and Dorus de Vries so they would arguably have been brought in whoever the new manager was. Angel Rangel was spotted by Kevin Reeves when the club were watching Gorka Pintado. Jordi Gomez was never ours to keep. Guillem Bauza, Fede Bessone, Albert Serran and Andrea Orlandi have all failed to become automatic first team choices and are basically sparingly used squad players. Mark Gower hasn’t really performed to his full potential (though a goal may have changed much) and Pintado himself has been somewhat of a disappointment. It is, quite ironically, Martinez’s very last two signings, Stephen Dobbie and Nathan Dyer, who may turn out to be his most influential.
Then there were those record 21 draws. Many of us believe that a large percentage of those should have been wins for us so why weren’t they? You could well point to Martinez’s reluctance to abandon the pretty passing and revert to Route 1 – even for the last 10 minutes. A source at the club recently told me that the players themselves had, on several occasions, been keen to change the system but Martinez apparently went berserk if anyone launched it. Every long ball team has a willing carthouse who ploughs a lone furrow up front and Pintado could have fitted this role during latter stages of matches. We really have been the Arsenal of the Championship but what have the Gunners won in the last four years? Burnley are now in the Premier League but we took four points off them last season and hammered them at the Liberty.
We all have to make big decisions at some point of our lives. Very often in hindsight we make the wrong ones for the wrong reasons. Just ask Lee Trundle or Andy Robinson. Roberto Martinez was, we thought, one of us. A Catalan who became an adopted Jack. An honourable man who was loved by an entire city. Someone who will this week walk away from his club, his city, his people and the players he led so well for two years.
It is absolutely probable that he could have stayed for at least another season then still realised his dream, whether with Swansea City FC or not. Not only to stay to simply try to finish the job he had started but to ensure he would leave with some degree of dignity and honour and not to have jumped ship at the first available opportunity.
Swansea or Wigan? I may well be biased but I definitely know where I’d prefer to be.
Adios Roberto because there’s no coming back after this.
Ianto
5/6/08
05-06-2008
I again appreciate that it’s been a long time since I last wrote this column so apologies to those of you who enjoy reading it and who look forward to the rare occasions when I update it. Work and family commitments leave me with precious little time but I’m proud to say that I’ve missed only one Swans home fixture this season (don’t ask) – and what an incredible season it was.
Who would have predicted at the start of the season that we’d win the league at a canter and after selling our star striker in the summer? What was his name, now? Lee who?? Even with the recent mini-slump we still reached the promised land called the Championship in pole position and it’s an incredible achievement for a rookie Spanish manager in his first full season.
Roberto’s signings have, on the whole, been a collection of masterstrokes and the way they have instantly settled at the club is not only a credit to the manager but to the other players who seem to have just welcomed the new lads and rolled up their sleeves. Now I know we conceded some gut-wrenching last-minute goals last season but there have been far more high points and memorable experiences. For me, the home game against Leeds was right up there with my personal pantheon of great Swans memories. The atmosphere, the collective performance, the manner of the victory, the quality of goals – it really had it all. However, the most important point of all is that at the time they were flying and we beat them with ten men. Big moment? Absolutely. Now there are some people within my inner circle who dared to suggest even then that we were promoted and although I didn’t share that sentiment you could fully understand why they were so optimistic.
Not since 1981 have I watched such swashbuckling, attacking football and Roberto’s style of football has been a breath of fresh air. What I also like about everyone’s favourite Spaniard is that he’s not afraid to make difficult decisions, whether regarding team selection, formation or whether to don his double-breasted grey overcoat at pitchside.
Our squad has proved to be the best in League 1. Everyone has their opinions on every player and I’d like to take this opportunity to provide my quick synopsis on the regulars last season.
Dorus de Vries
Overall, a great ‘keeper and a fantastic shot-stopper. For me, he’s like Dracula on crosses so really needs some competition next season.
Angel Rangel
The most consistent performer last season. His form only dipped towards the latter stages but who can blame him? He must have been knackered.
Marcus Painter
With all respect to Kevin Austin, only when Marcus was injured did we realise how good he really is.
Gary Monk
As with Marcus Painter, he was sorely missed when out injured. He can form a great central defensive partnership with Ashley Williams next season.
Dennis Lawrence
So laid back at times you’d think he was playing in a training session or practice match. He has his fierce critics but I’m not one of them.
Paul Anderson
Speed merchant, flying machine, the new Ianto, call him whatever you like – the lad has pace to burn and terrifies full backs. He still has a lot to learn and I hope he continues his schooling back at the Liberty next season.
Leon Britton
Another fantastic season full of consistency. Leon adapted to the five-man midfield better than anyone and his performances were a major factor in our success.
Darren Pratley
The burden of captaincy had previously seemed to affect his game but he’s had a great season and should continue his great form in the Championship.
Andy Robinson
Is it only me who thought he wasn’t the same player after his mate showboated across the Severn Bridge? The best comment on Robbo was from someone who said “Enjoy running round in little circles at Elland Road in League 1”. My only regret is we won’t be able to slaughter him next season. Good riddance.
Jason Scotland
Has had his critics (including myself at one stage) but what an absolutely unbelievable season. Lazy at times he may appear but the lad can score goals. I just hope Derby or Zenit St Petersburg don’t come in for him.
Guillem Bauza
Bussy was the fall guy in Roberto’s 4-5-1 formation and consequently didn’t really enjoy a run in the team, which was somewhat unfortunate. It’ll be interesting to see how he figures next term.
Andrea Orlandi
Now if I was on the other bus this fella would be on the top of my list. He was unfortunate last season but expect him to directly replace Robbo wide on the left. He will be more suited to the style of football in the Championship and could surprise us all.
Kris O’Leary
Great servant but surely he will struggle to even find himself on the bench next season. I’m still very surprised that Kris didn’t accept Cheltenham’s offer a year ago.
Kevin Austin
Probably played more games than even he expected last season due to Marcus Painter’s injury. Like Kris O’Leary will surely struggle to appear next term.
Tommy Butler
Arguably has the best feet at the club but lacks Paul Anderson’s pace and therefore doesn’t hurt teams as much. However, came in for Ando last season and did a great job.
Alan Tate
He still divides opinion but despite the inevitable one mistake per game he has again come into the side and not really let anyone down.
Ashley Williams
We’ve only really seen glimpses of the lad but he did enough to convince both Roberto and myself.
Darryl Duffy
Showed great promise when he was here on loan but as soon as the permanent transfer was sealed the goals dried up. It’s best for all parties if a move to Bristol Rovers is engineered as soon as possible.
Fabian Brandy
Used as an impact player by Roberto to a degree of success but consistently failed the test when handed a starting slot. Leave him at Old Trafford, Robbie.
And finally……
Ferrie Bodde
All I’ll say is anyone who doesn’t want to play for Swansea City shouldn’t. Huw Jenkins has said the club will only sell him for at least £2M. Make that £1M, Huw.
At the time of writing the club is poised to sign another two virtually unknown Spaniards which will increase the complement to five. Here are my thoughts while we seriously consider purchasing sombreros and 12-packs of San Miguel this summer.
Jordi Gomez
Described as a “highly-regarded playmaker” so comparisons will inevitably be made with the departing Dutchman. He has played for Barcelona and has just been awarded a three-year contract at Espanyol so surely he’s quality, right?
Gorka Pintado
Revered in the city of Granada and my mole on the Iberian peninsula informs me that the lad is not, as I suggested, a big Spanish carthorse who ploughs a lone furrow up front.
Missing it already? I think it’s going to be a long summer……
In Roberto we trust.
Ianto
June 2008
04-06-2008
I again appreciate that it’s been a long time since I last wrote this column so apologies to those of you who enjoy reading it and who look forward to the rare occasions when I update it. Work and family commitments leave me with precious little time but I’m proud to say that I’ve missed only one Swans home fixture this season (don’t ask) – and what an incredible season it was.
Who would have predicted at the start of the season that we’d win the league at a canter and after selling our star striker in the summer? What was his name, now? Lee who?? Even with the recent mini-slump we’re still in a fantastic position to finally reach the promised land called the Championship and it would be an incredible achievement for a rookie Spanish manager in his first full season if we manage to do it.
Roberto’s signings have, on the whole, been a collection of masterstrokes and the way they have instantly settled at the club is not only a credit to the manager but to the other players who seem to have just welcomed the new lads and rolled up their sleeves. Now I know we conceded some gut-wrenching last-minute goals last season but there have been far more high points and memorable experiences. For me, the home game against Leeds was right up there with my personal pantheon of great Swans memories. The atmosphere, the collective performance, the manner of the victory, the quality of goals – it really had it all. However, the most important point of all is that at the time they were flying and we beat them with ten men. Big moment? Absolutely. Now there are some people within my inner circle who dared to suggest even then that we were promoted and although I didn’t share that sentiment you could fully understand why they were so optimistic.
Not since 1981 have I watched such swashbuckling, attacking football and Roberto’s style of football has been a breath of fresh air. What I also like about everyone’s favourite Spaniard is that he’s not afraid to make difficult decisions, whether regarding team selection, formation or whether to don his double-breasted grey overcoat at pitchside.
Our squad has proved to be the best in League 1. Everyone has their opinions on every player and I’d like to take this opportunity to provide my quick synopsis on the regulars last season.
Dorus de Vries
Overall, a great ‘keeper and a fantastic shot-stopper. For me, slightly suspect on crosses so really needs some competition next season.
Angel Rangel
The most consistent performer last season. His form only dipped towards the latter stages but who can blame him? He must have been knackered.
Marcus Painter
With all respect to Kevin Austin, only when Marcus was injured did we realise how good he really is.
Gary Monk
As with Marcus Painter, he was sorely missed when out injured. He can form a great central defensive partnership with Ashley Williams next season.
Dennis Lawrence
So laid back at times you’d think he was playing in a training session or practice match. He has his fierce critics but I’m not one of them.
Paul Anderson
Speed merchant, flying machine, the new Ianto, call him whatever you like – the lad has pace to burn and terrifies full backs. He still has a lot to learn and I hope he continues his schooling back at the Liberty next season.
Leon Britton
Another fantastic season full of consistency. Leon adapted to the five-man midfield better than anyone and his performances were a major factor in our success.
Darren Pratley
The burden of captaincy had previously seemed to affect his game but he’s had a great season and should continue his great form in the Championship.
Andy Robinson
Is it only me who thought he wasn’t the same player when his mate showboated across the Severn Bridge? The best comment on Robbo was from someone who said “Enjoy running round in little circles at Elland Road in League 1”. My only regret is we won’t be able to slaughter him next season. Good riddance.
Jason Scotland
Has had his critics (including myself at one stage) but what an absolutely unbelievable season. Lazy at times he may appear but the lad can score goals. I just hope Derby or Zenit St Petersburg don’t come in for him.
Guillem Bauza
Bussy was the fall guy in Roberto’s 4-5-1 formation and consequently didn’t really enjoy a run in the team, which was somewhat unfortunate. It’ll be interesting to see how he figures next term.
Andrea Orlandi
Now if I was on the other bus this fella would be on the top of my list. He was unfortunate last season but expect him to directly replace Robbo wide on the left. He will be more suited to the style of football in the Championship and could surprise us all.
Kris O’Leary
Great servant but surely he will struggle to even find himself on the bench next season. I’m still very surprised that Kris didn’t accept Cheltenham’s offer a year ago.
Kevin Austin
Probably played more games than even he expected last season due to Marcus Painter’s injury. Like Kris O’Leary will surely struggle to appear next term.
Tommy Butler
Arguably has the best feet at the club but lacks Paul Anderson’s pace and therefore doesn’t hurt teams as much. However, came in for Ando last season and did a great job.
Alan Tate
He still divides opinion but despite the inevitable one mistake per game he has again come into the side and not really let anyone down.
Ashley Williams
We’ve only really seen glimpses of the lad but he did enough to convince both Roberto and myself.
Darryl Duffy
Showed great promise when he was here on loan but as soon as the permanent transfer was sealed the goals dried up. It’s best for all parties if a move to Bristol Rovers is engineered as soon as possible.
Fabian Brandy
Used as an impact player by Roberto to a degree of success but consistently failed the test when handed a starting slot. Leave him at Old Trafford, Robbie.
And finally……
Ferrie Bodde
All I’ll say is anyone who doesn’t want to play for Swansea City shouldn’t. Huw Jenkins has said the club will only sell him for at least £2M. Make that £1M, Huw.
At the time of writing the club is poised to sign another two virtually unknown Spaniards which will increase the complement to five. Here are my thoughts while we seriously consider purchasing sombreros and 12-packs of San Miguel this summer.
Jordi Gomez
Described as a “highly-regarded playmaker” so comparisons will inevitably be made with the departing Dutchman. He has played for Barcelona and has just been awarded a three-year contract at Espanyol so surely he’s quality, right?
Gorka Pintado
Revered in the city of Granada and my mole on the Iberian peninsula informs me that the lad is not, as I suggested, a big Spanish carthorse who ploughs a lone furrow up front.
I think it’s going to be a long summer……
Ianto
Latest Column
10-10-2007
Firstly, apologies to the loyal readers of this column for the prolonged wait for this much-anticipated update but work and family commitments have prevented me from putting pen to paper (or to put it more accurately, finger to keypad) for some time. It has genuinely been extremely touching to be approached by so many people over the past months and asked when I will once again be bringing smiles to their faces and joy to their lives.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the board in finally plucking up the courage to fire Kenny Jackett and in bringing Roberto back to the club. The controversial appointment of everyone's favourite Spaniard seems to be an absolute masterstroke, even though many people still believe he was the cheap option. Let's all hope the fantastic sequence of results at the end of last season (was it only two defeats in 11 games?) continue into the new season as we push for that long-awaited promotion. I know Robbie is a big fan of this column and I look forward to bumping into him at Paco's and buying him a San Miguel.
Although I was sorry to see the departure of both Bayo Akinfenwa and Izzy Iriekpen something Roberto said recently kept ringing in my ears (and please imagine this in a Spanish accent): “I only want players here who want to play for Swansea City”. I totally agree with Robbie and this is so important. Now there are some who may argue that the offer of one year contracts was a disgrace so here's my view. Although Izzy has obviously upset a few fans in the past by publicly harbouring a desire to play in the Premiership where he apparently belongs and despite the fact that he had some well-documented personal problems last season I believe he should have been offered at least a two year deal. Bayo's situation was different in that he has been recovering from a broken leg and the club had also secured the signature of a more than capable replacement in Jason Scotland. There is a conspiracy theory doing the rounds that the club had hoped all along that the duo would leave and there may be an element of truth in this. Despite everything I genuinely wish both players the very best for the future and hope they receive fantastic receptions if or when they return to the Liberty with their respective clubs.
With regard to our new signings I believe both Scotland and Ferrie Bodde will prove to be inspirational acquisitions. Yes, before anyone reminds me how poor the standard is in Scotland my Auntie Elsie could probably bang in 20-odd goals if she played there but the fact that several clubs actually wanted to sign Jason Scotland convinces me that he is half-decent. The same applies to Bodde; surely he must be a quality player if he's played regularly in the Eredivisie? The missing pieces in the Martinez jigsaw must now surely be a 'keeper, a centre half, a flying winger and Darryl Duffy, who continues to split opinion amongst some of my mates and I. You see, I rate Duffy as a fox in the box but some of my cronies (and they know who they are) reckon he's lazy and simply not good enough. Sorry, but I've seen enough to convince me to splash out the best part of £200K as the ideal replacement for Leon Knight.
I hope that our superb attendances continue next season and this brings me on to a long-standing discussion that has taken place in pubs and clubs throughout Swansea for several years – should the kick-off times of the Swansea Senior League be changed? As somewhat of a Swansea League journeyman myself (I'm not going to list my clubs as it'll fill this page) I've sat on both sides of this rickety fence but my opinion remains the same – change them.
When Sunderland play on a Saturday afternoon there (apparently) are no other footballs kicked anywhere else in the city and it should be the same in Swansea, even if the amount of teams who kick off at 2:30pm has dramatically reduced in recent years. Yes, we may only be talking about a few hundred boys but don't tell me that, deep down, every one of them isn't a Swans fan? Isn't it about time that representatives of Swansea City FC and the cobweb-covered, blazer-wearing hierarchy of the Swansea Senior League actually sat down together for a cup of tea and a cucumber sandwich to sort out a deal?
I suggest that the kick-off time for the reserve matches across Swansea (usually 12:45pm) is brought forward to 11:00am and that the 2:30pm starts are moved to the 12:45pm slot. This would enable every Swansea League player to play for their club and watch the Swans.
Anyone who is unable to play earlier due to work commitments, etc. could always play on Sunday instead and the junior matches are on smaller, bespoke pitches so they wouldn't be affected by this change.
Something else I would introduce is a discount on all Swans match tickets and/or season tickets for anyone who signs for a Swansea League club as any initiative that will help boost attendances should be embraced.
The breaking news today is that the Swans have signed striker Guillem Bauza Mayol from Espanyol. My contact on the Iberian Peninsula informs me that he's a tall, old-fashioned centre-forward who is superb in the air. It'll be interesting to see how this will affect Pawel Abbot's position at the club.
I promise to write again sooner rather than later. Enjoy the summer!
Ianto
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Behind Enemy Lines
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Ian Davies is known to everyone as Ianto. He is 43 years old and has supported the Swans since the age of 14. For five long years he lived behind enemy lines in Cardiff.
He works for a global marketing agency and is married to the long-suffering current Mrs Davies (Karen). They have two young sons, James (6) and Daniel (3).
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