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

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

Here's your round-up of all the latest Swansea City news for Friday, March 3.

Martin looking to 'change energy' ahead of Luton clash

Swansea City boss Russell Martin says his side need to change their 'energy' and adopt a more positive outlook if they are to get their season back on track.

The Swans have won just three of their last 18 league games, and face another tough assignment away at Luton Town on Saturday.

READ MORE: Jamie Paterson poised for shock return to Swansea City squad for Luton Town clash

Martin admits the tough run of results has seen the squad’s confidence take a hit recently, but believes the group can learn a lot from the last few weeks.

“We acknowledge that and now we need to start showing some positive energy on the pitch," he said.

“I am done feeling any negativity. It’s pointless. I can’t help the players if I feel like that. I hope we can put in some performances in the game coming up.

“We have trained well this week, I feel like that energy is back.

“I think as a leader the biggest thing you have is your energy. I haven’t managed my own well enough in the last few weeks.

“I did a really good job of it in January when everyone else was running round unhappy and anxious about what was going to happen, but after that I have felt a little bit of weight and carried that around.

“But onwards and upwards. I think it’s been a big week for me personally and I think it will be for the team as well.”

Fulton - We need that one turning point

Jay Fulton insists heads haven't dropped in the Swansea City camp despite their recent difficulties, but admits the players need to find some sort of spark to turn their season around.

“The atmosphere around the squad and around the training ground has not changed," he said.

“We are a tight group and it all comes down to improving our results.

“Overall, we have not won as many games as we like, there have been a few draws in there, but performances have not been too bad.

“It’s just about trying to find that turning point. We are trying our hardest to get the results and win games.

“It’s hard for some of the younger guys, they have not experienced this before, but we are just pleased to have another game so soon so can try and get that win.

“We have a responsibility as players to push hard and work hard.

“You can see confidence has suffered a little off the back of a few games like Birmingham where we conceded a couple of goals late on.

“But the only way to get that back is to get back out on the pitch and be ready to play and continue to push and be aggressive.”

Taylor takes up new Wales role

Former Swansea City star Neil Taylor has joined the Wales under-21s side as assistant to head coach Matty Jones.

Taylor, who won 43 caps for Wales and was part of the side that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016 in France, is poised to take his first steps in coaching, and says he's relishing the challenge ahead.

“I’m delighted to have been given the chance to join the coaching team with this highly talented under-21s group,” he said.

“Having walked the path that the players are currently on during my playing days, I feel I can have a positive impact on their careers.

“I appreciate the opportunity that Matty has given me and now I can’t wait to start working with the players and building towards the next qualifying campaign.”

Edwards relishing Martin battle

Luton boss Rob Edwards says he's looking forward to locking horns with Russell Martin at Kenilworth Road, and says he'll be paying no attention to Swansea City's league position come Saturday afternoon.

Commenting on Swansea's style of football and how it's translated into what many would view as a disappointing league position, he said: "I won't comment on where they are in the table. They have got a very clear identity. Russell's very, very strong on how his team plays and fully, fully believes in it and that was a big part of his remit when he recruited. That's how he plays.

"Him and his coaching staff are really good at it and they can deliver on that.

"In terms of how they coach and how they play, I can only speak very, very highly of them.

"We'll have to find the answers to try and cause problems for them. In the main we've done that very well when we've come against teams that like to control the game.

"I'm looking forward to it. It'll be a good tactical one."

READ NEXT:

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.