Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Tom Coleman

Jamie Paterson's Swansea City return might be Russell Martin's biggest gamble yet as key questions remain unanswered

"Boo his every touch."

That was the reply from one fan on social media when news emerged of Jamie Paterson's possible return to the Swansea City matchday squad this week.

It's been nearly four months since the 31-year-old was anywhere near a first team squad, and if those sort of reactions are anything to go by, it will take a heck of a lot of craft and care to rebuild some of the bridges burned in the last few weeks.

Read more: Swansea City defeat at Luton ends in chaos as Russell Martin sent off and escorted from pitch

When Russell Martin announced his intention to bring the former Bristol City man back into the fold, it was met with a cocktail of shock, intrigue and, as the above shows, outright anger.

It's all pretty understandable. After all, it's not like we haven't been here before.

At the turn of the year last season, a dispute over the player's contract left him looking nailed on to be sold in the January window. But after three bids from QPR were batted away, Paterson remained in SA1 and even signed a new deal.

He only scored one more goal after that fallout, but there's no denying he remained a valuable presence in Martin's plans, and the decision to tie him down felt vindicated come the end of the season.

This campaign, he's just not had the same impact, and while injury probably hasn't helped, his manager clearly hasn't been overly impressed with what he's seen on the training ground.

Until now - apparently.

"It's good to have him back," Martin said when quizzed on Paterson's return to action on Saturday..

"He brings creativity. He brings a different energy.

"On the ball he has confidence in what he can do and confidence in his own ability. He has a lot of that and hopefully that will be infectious for the rest of the squad.

"He'll take the ball anywhere on the pitch in any situation. In any stadium."

Some of the more cynical wings of the Jack Army will claim it's a decision borne out of desperation given the club's nosedive in form over the last few months. Perhaps there's a little weight to that claim. After all, Paterson's contributions last season certainly showed what he can bring to the table.

The lack of activity in January has perhaps played a factor too.

But Martin has never been one to go against his own principles. Indeed, his stubbornness in sticking to his methods is admirable and frustrating in equal measure at times. It would be highly irregular for him to turn to a player he didn't believe was up to the levels he demands just because of a few bad results.

So what's changed? Well, despite Martin's comments in the week, it still feels like we don't really have an answer to that question.

The implication seems to be the shift has been on the part of the player himself. Indeed, the forward has certainly painted a picture of a man hurting from his current first team exile, and determined to make an impact.

Speaking after the game, Paterson said: "I'm just happy to be back out there and I just want to try and keep my place in the squad and do as much as I can for the rest of the season.

"Every footballer wants to be on the pitch so it's been a difficult time not being involved but it happens to every footballer, you just have to stay positive and the lads were doing well at that time.

"I just want to come back in and do what I can do to help the team on and off the pitch, and just get back to enjoying playing football because that's what we all love to do."

But while things might be patched up with his boss, some of Swansea's fans will take a little more convincing. Clearly there's still some lingering suspicions there, and no one can really begrudge them for being more reluctant to forgive a second time. Once bitten, twice shy and all that.

For what it's worth, Paterson's introduction at Kenilworth Road wasn't greeted with boos. On the contrary, the reaction from the away end seemed reasonably positive.

But with the questions around Martin's leadership already gathering pace on the terraces, every decision he makes is now under the microscope.

If this move doesn't pay off, it undoubtedly gives the critics and boo boys more ammunition, and that's the last thing he needs right now.

However, the inescapable reality is something needs to change, and Swansea are arguably crying out for a player of Paterson's quality.

Martin has spoken of the importance of bravery in this team. Well this is perhaps one of his bravest decisions yet.

It could well come back to haunt him. But if it comes off, it might just be the catalyst needed to help halt Swansea's current slide.

READ NEXT

Swansea City notes as optics of Russell Martin's red card don't look good and Joe Allen injury update given

Russell Martin defends actions and reveals what happened amid red card chaos

Swansea City player ratings on another troubling day at the office

Swansea City defeat at Luton ends in chaos as Russell Martin sent off and escorted from pitch

Swansea City news as Russell Martin admits he hasn't managed well enough in recent weeks and looks for new energy from side

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.