Here's your round-up of all the latest Swansea City headlines for Wednesday, April 13.
Laird's Cherries move branded 'disastrous'
Ethan Laird's loan spell at Bournemouth has been branded 'disastrous' by the Manchester Evening News, with the full-back still struggling for game-time under Cherries boss Scott Parker.
Laird has played just 40 minutes for Bournemouth since he was recalled from what was a successful loan spell at Swansea City, a situation that is likely to have disappointed parent club Manchester United. Assessing the young full-back's move, Man United writer Steve Railston wrote in the MEN: "That decision has proved to be disastrous. Laird was highly regarded at Swansea and he played in every possible game for the Championship club this season - Laird made a total of 20 appearances - before his loan move was cancelled by United."
Swansea have, meanwhile brought Cyrus Christie to fill in for the youngster, and the Irishman's stint has proved so successful that there has already been talk about making his move to south Wales permanent this summer. Even so, there was certainly plenty of disappointment at United's decision to recall Laird back in January.
Laird has been injured for much of his spell with the Cherries after picking up a thigh problem back in December, but his recent omissions from Parker's plans are believed to be down to conditioning levels.
Martin hails returning duo amid exit talk
Russell Martin has hailed the impact of Joel Latibeaudiere and Jay Fulton following their recent return to the first-team fold.
Both players have had to bide their time for first-team inclusion at points this season, sparking speculation over their respective futures at the club. Latibeaudiere attracted loan interest from elsewhere in the Championship back in January, while Fulton is believed to be on the radar of Nottingham Forest, Barnsley and Blackpool ahead of the summer window.
Former Manchester City product Latibeaudiere has since battled his way back into Martin's plans, having started the last three games, producing some notably impressive performances in the process. In total, he's started 15 games this season, with his versatility clearly highly valued by his boss.
Fulton too has done well in the last three games, the last two of which he's started from the off. He still looks to be down the pecking order heading into the summer, while Latibeaudiere could yet be moved on should Martin find himself able to strengthen his defensive options. But the Swans boss has nevertheless been delighted by the application and attitude shown by both players in recent weeks.
"Joel Latibeaudiere deserves huge credit," Martin said. "He and Jay (Fulton) have shown the right attitude.
“When you come out of the team it is hard, they are difficult moments, but they are always involved in every bit of detail and we work together to try and help and explain what we are looking for. They have responded magnificently and they are able to put in those performances because they are incredible professionals and they train so diligently and work so hard."
Swansea open up player of the year nominations
Swansea City supporters can now cast their vote for the club's player of the season award.
The award is set to be presented ahead of the Swans' end-of-season awards dinner at the Swansea.com Stadium on Tuesday, May 3. The evening aims to highlight the very best of Martin’s first season in charge.
A number of players will likely find themselves in contention, although there is no formal shortlist of nominees. Fans can simply vote for the player they believe has performed the best over the course of the 2021-22 season.
Supporters can find out more here.
