These are Swansea’s headlines for Christmas 2023

Martin thinks what could have been

Former Swansea manager Russell Martin says he wonders what would have happened if he had received more support in the previous January transfer window.

Martin will meet Swansea players, staff and fans on Boxing Day when the Swans travel to St Mary’s Stadium.

He left after two years in South Wales, with the final six months of his reign marred by a failed January transfer window which saw no new signings in SA1. A part of him still wonders how things could have happened.

“Of course,” said BBC Sport Wales. “I think it would have been like this if we had done a little more last January, if we had achieved the security of the future that we were told we would have for a long time, but then didn’t have. .

“We could have continued construction, who knows, but we didn’t.

“Now we have an opportunity elsewhere, at a brilliant club that we really like and I think this gives us a great opportunity to finally show what we can do if they really support us.”

Martin has developed a good relationship with the fans here, especially with four South Wales derby victories, and says he hopes the fans understand that he and his team gave everything for the club while they were here.

He wanted to extend the contract and mentioned it several times in press conferences, but the offer never arrived.

“I was so honest [with the fans] Thanks to you [in the media] what could have been and I probably paid the price in the end… I definitely paid the price in the end,” Martin added.

“But I wouldn’t change it because I think people deserve it because it’s a brilliant place and a brilliant club. Fortunately for us, everything ended well because we are at a fantastic club and we are having a great time.”

Still beating

Will Still, who was linked with the Swansea job last week, said elements of the story linking him to Sunderland were “made up”.

Reims boss Still, 31, took note of stories circulating in the French media claiming he had been approached by the Black Cats.

“I don’t know which French-language newspaper came up with this story, but it certainly tarnished my image,” he said. Antwerp Gazette as quoted by Sunderland Echo.

“Now I know that journalists can make or break you. The article was also quickly adopted in England. Suddenly it was all over the tabloids. Everyone thought I had offered myself to Sunderland. I wasn’t honest, so to speak. And you shouldn’t believe that. But I would never offer myself to another club.

“I’m not in that mood. That’s why I respect the people I work with so much. It’s a shame the story is so inflated.

“I didn’t even know the clause (allowing him to leave for €5 million) was in my contract until last week. Maybe that’s why “Sunderland” put pressure on certain media outlets. Was this an attempt to get me out of here for free? I don’t know.

“I’m not interested in that either. But it makes me sad. Because now it seems like I’ve become arrogant. Or started flying (in the clouds). But this is not the case. “I’m still the same Will I was in Lears or Bershott.”

He would also have said that Swansea have been in contact with him since the start of the season. You can read more about it here.

Fulton: let’s enjoy the victory

Swansea midfielder Jay Fulton says the confidence of a win on Friday night will help them against Southampton on Boxing Day.

It wasn’t the performance of old against the Lilywhites, far from it in some respects, but three points will please interim boss Alan Sheehan and co.

The Scot admitted he is not in the best shape, but says his spirit has helped them move forward. “I think the three teams that were relegated from the Premier League last season are very strong,” Fulton said.

“Obviously we know the Southampton manager. It will be a difficult game but with the three points on Friday we will try to give confidence to this game.

“Since Shees (Alan Sheehan) arrived we have won twice, drawn once and lost once. Friday was a small setback in terms of performance, but we know what we are trying to progress and what we are trying to do.

“I don’t think we were at our best, but we held on and Pato scored two good goals. It’s a very busy time and I think the fans will enjoy the Boxing Day game and there will be plenty of away fans for us.

“Hopefully we can give them a show on Tuesday.”