By Graham Thomas
Russell Martin wants assurances from the new regime at Swansea City before he agrees to a new contract.
The Swans head coach ended his first campaign in charge that included a full pre-season by guiding the club to a 10th place finish, but only three points off the play-offs.
The final day 3-2 victory over West Bromwich Albion was the team’s seventh win in their last nine matches, with two draws.
Martin’s current deal runs out next summer, but he wants more transparency over recruitment before he commits to a longer term deal.
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With reports already linking the former Scotland defender with Leicester City, and other managerial opportunities certain to arise over the summer, it is likely he could be wanted by a number of other clubs.
“I think everyone wants clarity on what the situation is,” said Martin, who plans talks with new chairman Andy Coleman.
“What we can do in terms of recruitment, if no-one is leaving, if someone leaves, how much of that do we get back to then help the squad?
“I think it is just clarity, really. I think the players are waiting on clarity on our situation, so they can then make a decision.
“I think it’s certainty on what we’re able to do and how quickly we’re able to do it. And, hopefully, Andy being in the building will help us with that.”
Coleman, who has invested an unspecified amount into the club and became chairman last Friday, has already had one conversation with Martin.
“He said he likes what we’re doing. There’s maybe other priorities at the moment but we’ll see.
“He’s said the ownership group have expressed an interest in trying to extend the contract, so we’ll have to wait and see.
“I have a year left. We’ve got guys out of contract, so that’s got to be a real priority.
“Whatever comes first, I don’t know. We’ll just have to wait and see.”
Head coach Russell Martin says new Swansea City chairman Andy Coleman has indicated the club are keen to extend his contract ⚽️#BBCFootball
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) May 8, 2023
The links with Leicester City, who are in the Premier League relegation zone with only three games to go, are unlikely to recede for some time.
Asked what he made of them, Martin added: “I think I’ve been linked with a few jobs since I’ve been here.
“I make the same of that as I did when we spoke about that in October when we had our last nice run. I wasn’t linked with anyone when we were on a tough run.
“I presume that’s only a positive thing that we’ve been on a good run. I’ve said to you all along, we love being here, our families are really settled, we love working with the people we’re working with.
“The club’s biggest strength is the people here on the ground. It’s amazing how much they’ve bought into us and what we’re doing.
“I know after four weeks they thought it was mental, but now, hopefully it’s something they really enjoy. However long it lasts, it’ll hopefully be something they look back at with a real fondness and happiness.”
Andy Coleman has told Russell Martin that the ownership group want him to commit to a new contract at Swansea City as the Championship season comes to a close.#AndyColeman #RussellMartin #Swanshttps://t.co/uagCBTVOJp pic.twitter.com/K96PivwHCZ
— JackArmy.net (@swansnews) May 8, 2023
One player whose retention – or sale value – may sway Martin’s decision on whether or not he stays, is Dutch striker Joel Piroe.
The 23-year-old scored his 20th goal of the season – and 19th in the Championship – with the winner against West Brom, a tally that is certain to make him a target for other clubs this summer.
Piroe also has one year left on his contract and if the Swans do decide to sell, then Martin will watch carefully to see what figure they accept and how much is set aside for squad strengthening.
Martin added: “I would love to keep him. I don’t think he’s in a rush to leave. I really don’t.
“I think he understands and respects his development and the process that he’s been working with and how much the style of the team really suits him here. I think he has a real awareness of that.
“So does his dad, who looks after him and his career.
“Will there be interest? One hundred percent. But if Joel leaves, it has to be for an amount of money that really makes a difference to the club, I think. And I think everyone will agree on that.
“And it means that we can maybe try and find someone else to replace him. In the first two seasons of the Championship, to score the amount of goals he has, is incredible. It’s not just that, it’s what he brings the team and how he behaves on and off the pitch.”
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