Russell Martin news has got Swansea City fans seriously divided | OneFootball

Russell Martin's potential return to Swansea City has divided fan opinion

Russell Martin is emerging as a leading contender with the bookmakers' odds to take over at Swansea City and supporters are mixed on the prospects of a return.

The former Rangers and Southampton boss previously led the Swans for two seasons, overseeing 15th and 10th place finishes in the table.

The 39-year-old is currently out of work following his dismissal from the Premiership side earlier this season after an underwhelming few months in charge.

The sacking of Alan Sheehan earlier this month has led to some speculation that a return could be on the cards.

And Martin is now emerging as the bookies’ favourite to take charge of the team, as they seek a new permanent manager.

Russell Martin development has fans split

Martin is a leading contender to take charge at Swansea, with the club’s new owners hoping that he can guide them up the Championship table.

His two-season stint with the Welsh outfit saw the team finish 15th and 10th, with progress made towards making them a promotion contender before he ultimately left for Southampton in 2023.

Martin went on to gain promotion through the play-offs with the Saints in the 2023/24 campaign, beating Leeds United in the final after a fourth place finish in the table.

Some supporters are open to his return, claiming that the former Rangers manager clearly cares a lot about their club.

While others have suggested that the current squad is actually better than the one he had during his first stint in charge, which could make him an interesting appointment.

Swansea’s record against bitter rivals Cardiff under Martin has also been highlighted as an argument for him returning, along with the promotion to the Premier League now on his CV.

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.

And some concerns have been raised about the suitability of some players like Cameron Burgess and Lawrence Vigouroux to Martin’s style of play.

Swansea are currently 18th in the Championship table, seven points clear of the relegation zone after 15 games played.

Russell Martin return would be a long-term project for Swansea

Martin took over a season for things to click during his first stint in charge at Swansea, and the current squad wouldn’t be best suited to his style of play.

If he is to be brought back, then some patience will be needed before fans can expect to see the best of what he can bring.

He has a proven track record of providing promotion to the Premier League, and the new owners should be looking to back him with investment in the squad if he is appointed.

But they cannot expect instant success when the team is currently 18th in the Championship table.