Russell Martin is emerging as a top contender to take over at Swansea City, according to the bookmakers’ odds, and fans are divided on his chances of returning.
The former Rangers and Southampton manager previously commanded the Swans for two seasons, finishing 15th and 10th respectively in the standings.
The 39-year-old is currently unemployed following his sacking from the Premier League club earlier this season after a disappointing few months in charge.
Alan Sheehan’s dismissal earlier this month has sparked talk that he may return.
Martin is currently emerging as the bookies’ favourite to take over the team while they look for a new permanent manager.
Russell Martin’s progress has supporters split.
Martin is a top contender to take over at Swansea, with the club’s new owners thinking he can lead them up the Championship table.
His two seasons with the Welsh club saw the squad finish 15th and 10th, with progress made towards becoming a promotion contender until he left for Southampton in 2023.
Martin went on to win promotion through the play-offs with the Saints in the 2023/24 season, defeating Leeds United in the final after finishing fourth in the table.
Some supporters are receptive to his return, noting that the former Rangers manager is clearly passionate about their club.
Others have stated that the current squad is actually better than the one he had during his first tenure in command, making him an intriguing candidate.
Swansea’s record against arch rivals Cardiff under Martin has also been mentioned as a reason for him to return, as has his ascension to the Premier League.
However, problems with his style of play remain an issue with some fans, who don’t want to see their team dogmatically sticking to his principles no matter the situation.
Concerns have been expressed concerning the compatibility of some players, such as Cameron Burgess and Lawrence Vigouroux, for Martin’s style of play.
Swansea are presently 18th in the Championship table, seven points above the relegation zone after 15 games played.
Russell Martin’s return would be a long-term project for Swansea.
Martin took nearly a season to get things going at Swansea during his first spell in command, and the current squad isn’t the best fit for his style of play.
If he is to return, supporters will need to be patient before seeing the most of what he has to offer.
He has a proven track record of achieving Premier League promotion, and if he is appointed, the new owners should look to back him up with team investment.
However, they cannot expect immediate success because the squad is currently ranked 18th on the Championship standings.
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