ROBERTO MARTINEZ has declared his Swansea side can benefit from the new boom in Spanish football.

And the Swans boss insists his homeland’s Euro 2008 success has left him more convinced than ever he is right to go continental in the Championship.

The proud Catalan watched his homeland wow the world as they lifted the European Championships title last week, playing the flair football Martinez is passionate about.

And the former Real Zaragoza midfielder believes any Swans fans watching Spain would have noted some similarities in style after his men romped to the League One title last year.

Now with the club due to kick off their first season back in the second tier in almost a quarter of a century next month, Martinez says the triumph of Luis Aragonés’ aces proves there is no reason to change tack.

“I’ve been saying it for years,” laughed Martinez, who has been tipping Spain for major finals success ever since arriving in South Wales as a player in 2003. “But finally it happened and it happened in a fantastic fashion. Spain played their football superbly and to win every game in a tournament doesn’t happen by mistake; it was rightly a huge achievement.

“It is fantastic for Spain, but it is a huge boost for Swansea City because it showed again the kind of football we aim for, and many of our players are used to, succeeds.

“Of course, myself and the Spanish lads had a smile on our face the day after the final, but I think we all can when you have that reassurance of what we are trying to do is right and when you see teams achieve things by playing the game in the right way.”

Little wonder there were Spanish eyes smiling last Monday with six of the Swans squad able to celebrate the crowning of their country in Vienna last week.

But Martinez insists it’s not just a feelgood factor that will help aid the Liberty Stadium outfit as the build-up to the new season continues.

“Of course they were pleased because it was their home country,” said Martinez, who will take the Swans out to Sweden tomorrow for a week-long fitness and team-bonding camp.

“But, in terms of Swansea City, we must be pleased that we have players who have been developed in the same way as many of the Spanish team.

“We have players who were schooled at Barcelona and we have someone like Bussy, who played with Fernando Torres at under-20 level.

“Hopefully, they can all believe in themselves because of that and take the confidence boost to go and play the kind of football that we think will bring us more success.”

Confidence will be a key word for Swansea if they are to make the step up to the Championship without ditching the patient, passing style that brought them promotion.

But Martinez has stressed the changing nature of the world game and the way Spain’s style triumphed in the recent tournament shows he has every right to keep faith with his football.

Swansea won as many admirers as they did points on their way to top spot last term, and even their side set out in a shape not too dissimilar to the way Spain lined up for the majority of their matches in Austria and Switzerland.

And, where convention stated success in the lower league can only come with dollops of physical dominance, Swansea managed to achieve it with a Spanish-eque diminutive line-up, Dennis Lawrence being the notable and obvious exception.

And, while Martinez is not for one second trying to compare his side with Spain themselves, he cannot help but note a similar theme in the way he wants his Swans to shine.

Martinez added: “I think in the success Spain had you can find some comparisons in the details we had last season.

“For us, it was a completely different approach in the way to win games and create chances.

“Of course they had players like Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas, Silva; players born with that ability of controlling the ball and making things happen which produces that different style.

“We had to work hard on a daily basis to achieve it, but for us it was very successful.

“But in many ways it is the easiest thing to do it once, the key is maintaining it. Like Spain must go to the World Cup, we must go to the Championship.”

But, despite hoping to make the most of his Spanish connection, Martinez has insisted nationalities will not mean anything when it comes to starting the new campaign against Charlton on August 9.

He said: “There has been a lot of talk about nationalities, but I think that is only because people have been looking for things to talk about over the summer.

“We wanted the right players to improve what we had last season and we wanted the right characters with the right talent. In the end, three of the players we brought in happened to be Spanish, but it wouldn’t have mattered where they came from as they were the right players for Swansea City.”

GORKA PINTADO has his sights set on living up to his Spanish nickname at Swansea – and that’s no bull.

Striker Pintado was christened El Toro by adoring fans at former club Granada as he established himself as a cult hero in his homeland.

But having completed his Ł100,000 move to the Liberty last month, the powerhouse forward is aiming to make sure the adulation isn’t lost in translation.

The Basque-born frontman said: “It is true the fans seemed to love me at Granada and I had a lot of songs for me – I’m not sure why but I scored a lot of goals for them and that does help!

“But I am also quite strong and I think the supporters in Spain enjoyed that.

“They called me ‘El Toro’, which means The Bull. My team-mates called me The Tank, but I preferred Toro and I’d be happy if the Swansea fans called me it because it means I was doing my job for my new team.

“And I want to score goals – in my last three seasons. I got 18 every year and that’s the kind of target I’d like here.

“That’s how I got to get the love from the fans in Granada and it would be great if the same could happen here.”

Pintado, 30, had been tracked by boss Roberto Martinez for months with the Swans chief seeing him as the perfect addition to his firing line for the club’s Championship return.

But with Segunda outfit Granada desperate to hold on to their skipper, who had a year left to run on his deal and a release clause of as much as Ł4m, Martinez had to keep his interest hush-hush in order to bag his bargain, finally paying less than half the side from southern Spain had wanted for their talisman as they realised they could not stand in the way of Pintado’s ambition.

Now having grabbed his goal-getter, Martinez is quietly confident his new boy will be a huge success in South Wales.

And Pintado’s compatriots are also sure the big man will make a big impact on Swans supporters, with Andrea Orlandi admitting: “He will be perfect for us and I think he will have no worries suiting his style to the English game. I think the fans will like him.”

And Pintado himself is confident he can make an impression on the Swans’ faithful by following in the footsteps of another club legend – John Toshack.

The menacing marksman said: “I am from San Sebastien and I am a big fan of Real Sociedad so I know all about Toshack.

“And I know he was a hero here for what he did, but he is also a big favourite of mine because of Sociedad.

“Now I want to do well for Swansea myself and I am really looking forward to the new season and the challenge of playing in Britain.

“But I don’t think there will be any problems for me because my strength is my strength and I think that will be important here.

“I do not like letting go of the ball unless it is to my team-mate and I think I can do my job for Swansea City.”

Martinez confirms interest in Swansea midfielder

Yeovil Town are hoping to agree a deal to re-sign Swansea City midfielder Darren Way.

The 28-year-old originally left Yeovil for Swansea in January 2006, but his time in South Wales has been dogged by injury problems.

He scored once in seven appearances on loan at his former club last season and could return to Huish Park on a permanent basis.

Several clubs are keen on Way, with Swansea boss Roberto Martinez admitting Yeovil are closest to reaching an agreement.

"We have had a lot of interest in Darren," Martinez told the Evening Post.

"He is a high-profile player in League One and there are a few clubs who have been asking about him.

"The one we have got closest with is Yeovil, but as yet nothing has been concluded."

Derby County are poised to meet Swansea City's Ł2million asking price for Ferrie Bodde.

Rams boss Paul Jewell told Swansea only 48 hours ago they needed to be ''sensible'' over a fee after seeing bids of Ł500,000 and Ł750,000 for the midfielder rejected.

But with Swansea refusing to budge, the Evening Post understands Derby have now decided that Bodde, one of their top summer targets, is worth the full Ł2million being demanded by the Swans.

It is believed the new bid has not been tabled as yet, but Swansea can expect an offer imminently.

Swansea City have welcomed the news that Jason Scotland will not face England with Trinidad & Tobago this weekend.

Scotland has been surprisingly axed from the Soca Warriors squad at the end of his most successful season in club football, where he netted 29 times to help Roberto Martinez's Swansea side to the League One title.

But T & T coach Francisco Maturana has overlooked the striker for Sunday's friendly against England in Port of Spain, casting doubt over his international future.

The decision may disappoint Scotland, who has five goals in 27 appearances for his country, but it is likely to please Martinez.

For Scotland is a central figure in the Spaniard's Championship plans, and it has emerged that the 29-year-old was troubled by a groin problem throughout much of last term.

"Jason suffered a groin strain over Christmas and he felt symptoms of that right through until the end of the season," explained Swansea physio Richie Evans.

"He was pretty happy with it and able to play, but he felt and we felt that a rest would be good for him this summer.

"The fact that he's not going to be involved

with Trinidad & Tobago is great news for us.

"This is a time for him to relax, recuperate and build himself up for next season."

Sunderland star Kenwyne Jones and Southampton's Stern John will be part of the T & T squad this weekend along with lesser known forwards Jerol Forbes, Jamal Gay, who both play club football in their homeland, and Darryl Roberts, who was at Sparta Rotterdam last season.

Scotland's omission is curious, but national assistant coach Anton Corneal insisted there was nothing sinister about his absence.

"Jason was competing in a very tight department where we have in-form players who have all played consistently well at a higher level than him," he said.

Scotland's Swansea team-mate, Dennis Lawrence, could face Fabio Capello's England after coming out of international retirement - although the giant centre-back is yet to confirm whether he will play competitively for his country again.

"The decision is something I'm still in discussions with the management over," Lawrence said.

"I still have the country's interest at heart."

Swansea, mean- while, have rubbished a claim made by out-of- contract Forest Green striker Stuart Fleetwood that he is in talks over a move to the Liberty Stadium.

The Welsh Under-21 cap scored 36 goals for the Blue Square Premier side last season and seems certain to move on this summer.

"I have already spoken to Charlton, Swansea and Swindon, but I'm going on holiday and won't be making any decisions until I come back," Fleetwood said yesterday.

But Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins dismissed the former Cardiff youngster's claim, declaring: "We have got no interest in signing him.

"People try to instigate deals and that's what's happening here."

Swindon boss Maurice Malpas has also denied having any interest in Fleetwood.

One-time Swansea target Keigan Parker will join Huddersfield when his Blackpool contract expires next month.

Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins believes Paul Anderson's next move will not be about money as the Liverpool winger contemplates his future.

Jenkins was reflecting on reports suggesting Championship rivals Nottingham Forest are set to make a hefty Ł750,000 bid for the speedster.

Anderson, a huge hit at the Liberty Stadium last season, had hinted he would return to South Wales for another stint on loan.

The former Hull City star is yet to break into first-team plans at Anfield, and manager Rafa Benitez is expected to send the 19-year-old out on loan to pick up further experience.

But rumoured interest from the City Ground could throw a spanner in the works for Swansea, who benefitted from Anderson's pace and scoring qualities last season.

Forest would see Anderson as the perfect replacement for Kris Commons, who has just left the club.

However, Jenkins is confident that Swansea's young player of the year will let footballing matters - not money - help decide his fate.

"We have heard stories about Paul Anderson and an apparent bid for him, but until Liverpool and Paul clarify the situation we will have to wait and see," said Jenkins.

"We have not had any confirmation from Liverpool of any bid from Forest, and we wouldn't expect too - that is between the two clubs.

"We are obviously keen on Paul because he made a considerable impact last season. But it is very much in the balance and we will have to wait until Liverpool get in contact with us."

He added: "Paul will take his time to think about his situation.

"Perhaps Liverpool will want to keep him. They may want to sell him or send him out on loan again to get some experience and games under his belt.

"I have seen what figure has been put around - Ł750,000 is a lot of money but Roberto is very keen to keep him with us. But it's not going to come down to money. I think this is about which path Paul would like to take in his career."

If Swansea miss out on Anderson, they could make a move for another Anfield youngster Adam Hamill.

The 20-year-old has featured alongside Anderson for England Under-19s and is a former team-mate of Dorus de Vries, having spent time on loan at Dunfermline.

Hammill, who can play on either wing, already has Championship experience following a season-long loan at Southampton and has been tipped to head to the Liberty.

But Swansea have fierce competition to deal with - Plymouth, Charlton, Preston, Wolves, Queens Park Rangers, Aberdeen and Hibernian are also said to be interested in the Scouser.

ONLY Andy Robinson can say whether he made a mistake leaving Swansea City after Leeds United’s play-off defeat condemned the midfielder to another season of League One football.

At least that’s the view of Brian Flynn, the man responsible for bringing Robinson to South Wales five years ago.

The Wales Under-21s manager knows the Elland Road club’s 1-0 defeat to Doncaster Rovers at Wembley on Sunday will be a bitter blow for the 28-year-old, but he insisted it won’t be long before the lively winger graces the Championship.

Robinson has been subjected to fierce criticism from Swans fans since deciding to turn down the club’s new contract offer and join Leeds.

And, for a player who said it was always his dream to play in the Championship, many are using Sunday’s result to claim he made a grave mistake.

But Flynn believes that is a statement only Robinson can make with any certainty. And he is still backing his former player to be a success at Elland Road.

“The move will seem like a mistake to a lot of people now,” he conceded.

“But, in all honesty, only Andy knows whether it is true or not. It might look like Andy has made the wrong decision but you never know what will happen. People said the same when Lee Trundle left Wrexham for Swansea but look how that worked out.”

He continued: “Leeds will get promoted next year anyway. You can see them being clear by Christmas.

“Andy is a good player and he has gone to a fantastic club. He made the decision knowing Leeds might stay in League One so he is obviously confident they will get him where he wants to be sooner or later.

“He will play Championship football in the end. He has got quality written all over him and it won’t be long.”

Flynn admitted he wasn’t surprised by Robinson’s move. He explained that the world of football should never surprise anyone nowadays.

But he did admit the level of abuse Robinson is now getting in some quarters was a little bit unexpected. Flynn said he could understand why it has happened, but he is hoping the Swansea faithful will soon forget any hatred and remember Robinson for the good times.

“Fans don’t want to lose good players so you can see where they are coming from,” he said. “But you have to remember what Andy did for the club.

“Swansea didn’t pay a penny for him and got five years of fantastic service in return. In the years to come I’m sure fans will just remember what he did for the club and focus on that instead.”

Manager John Toshack has hinted that Swansea City midfielder Owain Tudur Jones's wait for a first Wales start may stretch beyond this week's friendly double header.

Wales play Iceland in Reykjavik tomorrow and Holland in Rotterdam on Sunday.

Tudur Jones and new club colleague Ashley Williams are both included in the squad for the matches that Wales will use as preparation for their approaching World Cup qualifying campaign, which begins in the autumn.

The 23-year-old Bangor product earned his first Welsh cap when he came off the bench to feature in the second half of a 2-0 win against Luxembourg in March - a match Williams started to make his international bow.

And Toshack suggested Tudur Jones is again likely to find himself among the substitutes tomorrow night, despite injuries to other midfield players.

Simon Davies is set to miss both games because of an ankle problem, Brian Stock has pulled out with a back complaint while Carl Robinson is unavailable for the game against Iceland because of club commitments with Toronto.

"Owain is a bright prospect,'' said Toshack.

"He came in from the Under-21s and made the move from Bangor down to Swansea. But he's been out for more than 12 months. We're not just talking about missing three or four games. These are long-term injuries.

"I know he's come back into things at Swansea late on, but again it's been over a month without a competitive game or training with the group.

"To push for a place in our side he would need to have more games with Swansea.

"But it's great to have him with us and involve him in the training over the week, to chat to him and get to know him a little bit better.

"Obviously I want all the players fit, particularly the key players, but you've got to have alternatives and the more players we get the more alternatives we have."

With the continued absence of several frontline defenders, .Williams may stand more chance of a place in the Xl.

West Ham pair Danny Gabbidon (groin) and James Collins (knee) are both still unavailable as is Spurs full-back Gareth Bale (ankle.)

Plymouth's Jermaine Easter (tendonitis) and Real Sociedad defender David Vaughan (leg) are another two out injured, while Cardiff City's Paul Parry has again withdrawn for personal reasons despite only returning to the squad last week after a mysterious 18-month absence.

David Cotterill and Craig Davies are others who have dropped out for private reasons, while captain Craig Bellamy is a doubt, having been out since February 2 with an abdominal injury.

"Match fitness-wise Craig is nowhere near,'' said Toshack.

"He seems to have recovered from his problems and has trained a lot, but as for starting a game we'll have to have a chat with him and see how he goes in the next couple of days.

"He's been missing for a long time now. The Welsh lads at West Ham haven't had the best of luck - five groin operations between them, two for Bellamy, two for Gabbidon, one for James Collins.

"We didn't expect him to be out for such a long time.

"We're hoping he'll play some part in the two games, but we wouldn't expect a 90 minutes from him.

"West Ham are quite happy for him to come away with us, but at the moment we'll just see how he feels."

The two Welsh players involved in Hull's play-of final victory - Boaz Myhill and Sam Ricketts - will not feature in Iceland, but are set to return on Sunday.

Bristol Rovers are believed to be on the verge of making a six-figure offer for Swansea City striker Darryl Duffy.

It is understood that Rovers boss Paul Trollope and director of football Lennie Lawrence are keen on the Scot, with an official approach set to follow in the next seven days.

The League One outfit are expected to make a Ł100,000 bid for Duffy, who has failed to recapture the form he showed while on loan from Hull at the Liberty Stadium.

That stint saw the former Rangers striker bag five goals in five starts at the tail end of 2006-07 but he lost the scoring touch following a Ł200,000 switch last summer, notching just two goals. The interest in Duffy has heightened as Rovers are desperate to add ammunition to their firepower for next season's campaign.

They are also interested in Wayne Andrews and one-time Swansea target Grant Holt while they are also on the verge of signing Crystal Palace winger Jeff Hughes.

Should they attract new faces, Rovers would have to offload a number of players to cut their wage and transfer budget.

Swansea have already told Duffy that they would not stand in his way if a club came in for him, though the striker may be determined to fight for his place as Championship football arrives at the Liberty Stadium.

A Ł100,000 bid would add to Roberto Martinez's transfer fund, but it's unclear whether Swansea would take a 50 per cent cut on a player they signed 10 months ago.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins, though, confirmed they had not received an official bid from Rovers. He said: "We are aware of their interest but they have not made an offer."

Meanwhile, new Swansea City signing Ashley Williams saw his old club Stockport County promoted to League One yesterday. Williams, who officially becomes a Swansea player on Sunday, has spent the last two months on loan at Swansea before sealing a club record transfer in the region of Ł400,000.

Stockport sealed their place in English football's third tier after a 3-2 victory over Rochdale in the League Two play-off.

Spaniard Andrea Orlandi has been backed to fill the boots left by Andy Robinson's switch to Leeds.
The former Alaves and Barcelona B midfielder has yet to make his mark at Swansea City after taking time to settle along with suffering a knee injury.

Orlandi has not featured at the Liberty Stadium since the league clash against Brighton in January following Brett Poate's horror tackle in the FA Cup draw against Havant & Waterlooville.

But the man who was once regularly training with the likes of Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o has been backed to show Swansea supporters just why he swapped sunny Spain for South Wales.

Robinson's departure to Leeds has left a position open at left midfield, with Orlandi and Tom Butler the current contenders.

Boss Roberto Martinez has been scouring Europe to find new additions to his squad while wideman Lee Holmes - released by Derby County recently - could also be on his radar.

The 21-year-old - who became Derby's youngest player at just 15 - was a victim of Paul Jewell's shake-up at Pride Park despite spending a successful stint on loan at Walsall last season.

The former England Under-20 international is believed to have impressed Martinez while at the Saddlers, but the Spaniard would not confirm any official approach.

In the meantime, Martinez will concentrate on his own set of players as he looks to replace Robinson.

"We have got Andrea Orlandi and Tom Butler in that position," he said. "We all know of the talent that Andrea has. He will have one of the best left feet in the Championship. He needs to go into pre-season injury-free and strong, and then we will see the best of him.

"Lee is a player that really surprised me last season but there is nothing further in that.

"Tom is also a big threat for us as well and he showed last season what he is capable of, so it is a good situation for me to have players battling for places."

Martinez also paid tribute to Robinson, who he described as a great servant to the club. He also thanked him for the part the Scouser has played in getting the club to the Championship.

"He was a great servant to us," added Martinez. "He came here on trial and ended up playing a big part in getting Swansea to the Championship.

"We have to be very proud of what Robbo has helped Swansea achieve in that time, along with recognising the quality service he paid the club.

"He played very well in the last few months and that attracted interest from other clubs.

"Robbo felt it was the best move for him, so we must wish him all the best.

"It is now time to move on."

WALES international Ashley Williams is hoping his move to Swansea City will make him a more permanent fixture in John Toshack’s plans for the future.

Williams initially joined the Swans on a loan deal in March. But, with Roberto Martinez agreeing a club record fee of Ł400,000 for his services, he has now signed a two-year deal with an optional third year, depending on appearances.

The defender, who earned his first and only cap to date against Luxembourg, is hoping the move will boost his chances at international level.

His loan stint at Swansea has already led to his inclusion in the current Wales squad for the upcoming friendlies in Iceland and Holland.

Williams believes regular Championship football can only help him improve as a player. And the fact Toshack, a regular visitor to the Liberty Stadium, will now get to see a lot more of him was certainly a factor in his decision to join Swansea.

“I hope this move will help me with Wales,” he said. “I know John Toshack will be watching me more often now I am at Swansea.

“When I was at Stockport, I think he only watched me once in two years. He has already seen me twice in five games for Swansea.

“Hopefully, as long as I’m playing well, I will keep getting in the Wales squads. And it certainly helps that I will now be in the Championship.

“Playing at that level week in, week out, will keep me on top of my game. It will keep me sharp and that wasn’t always the case with Stockport in League Two.

“I remember when I got my first call-up I played Macclesfield at the weekend and was suddenly training with Jason Koumas and Simon Davies on the Monday. It took me a while to get used to, but that won’t be the case anymore.”

He continued: “Playing in the Championship will be unbelievable. Every time I think about it, I just get more excited.

“Every club is massive, every ground is massive and we will be testing ourselves against some top players. But we have a good enough team to compete and do well there.

“It’s going to be a huge challenge. Especially for the defence because most teams’ best players will be their strikers.

“It’s going to be a test I enjoy, though. I’m going to be ready for it and I’m sure it will make me a better player.”

Williams played five times for the Swans last season, spending much of his loan on the bench. But, after an impressive debut in the 0-0 draw with Carlisle, fans were given a glimpse of his talents as the club’s title-winning campaign drew to a close.

The 23-year-old was happy the deal could be finalised early in the summer, allowing him to focus solely on his football. And, without the need to spend a few months getting used to his new surroundings, he is determined to hit the ground running in August.

“The loan definitely helped me settle at the club,” he explained. “I got to know the boys and I already feel like part of the club.

“I had been at Stockport for so long that I was really part of the furniture there. I suppose that meant it was always going to be tough moving to a new club.

“But I have already had time to find my feet at Swansea so now I can just concentrate on my football. My priority now has to be nailing down a place in that starting XI.”

Williams said he never had any intention of joining anyone other than Swansea this summer. And he is looking forward to continuing his development under Martinez.

The Spaniard was one of the main reasons he opted for life at the Liberty. And Williams believes Martinez is the ideal man to establish the club as a Championship force.

“Roberto didn’t have to say much to convince me to come here. From what people had said to me, I knew he was a manager I wanted to work with.

“He knows the game inside out and he makes sure we are all equipped for the challenges that await us. That will be important for the players next season.

“The main thing for me was that the deal was sorted out early on in the summer. I wanted to go to Swansea, they wanted me, so there was no point wasting any time.”

As for the added expectation that is sure to accompany his record-breaking fee, Williams added: “It’s not something I will think about.

“I suppose the fee does create a bit of added pressure. But I put enough pressure on myself anyway.

“I know people will think it’s a lot for a defender, but that’s just the way the deal came about. It’s not that much more than the last record anyway so I’m not expecting it to be a big thing.”

SWANSEA CITY insist Ferrie Bodde is not for sale even though Derby County are expected to up their Ł500,000 offer for the Dutch midfielder.

Rams manager Paul Jewell is desperate to rebuild his squad after a record-breaking campaign of defeats in the Premiership last season.

Swansea brought in Bodde from Dutch side ADO Den Haag at the start of last season for around £50,000.

Bodde, 26, was instrumental in Swansea’s League One promotion success last season and gave a commanding performance from the heart of midfield, while also contributing six goals of his own.

Derby’s proposal was a £500,000 down-payment and an extra £250,000 if the Rams were promoted back to the Premiership at the end of the season.

Now that initial figure could rise by another £200,000, but Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins insists the club are keen to strengthen their squad ahead of the rigours of the Championship, not lose its best talent.

“I can confirm that we have received a bid for Ferrie and I can also confirm that it has been rejected,” said Jenkins. “The offer is laughable, especially for a player who is not for sale anyway.

“Having just won promotion to the Championship, our aim is to strengthen our squad and compete, not let our best players go on the cheap.”

The fiery Dutchman, who has been capped for his country at under-23 level, has proved to be a big hit with the Liberty faithful.

Bodde, pictured, was named in the PFA League One Team of the Year, along with four other Swansea players, but there were rumours towards the end of the season that he was homesick.

But Swansea manager Roberto Martinez said: “Ferrie has adapted to the British game really well and he is enjoying his football.

“I think he needs another challenge next season but he will get that with us. I don’t think another season in League One would have been healthy for Ferrie.”

As the news of Derby’s approach was revealed Swansea were again linked with bringing 34-year-old defender Darren Moore in the opposite direction.

Centre-half Moore made 34 appearances for Derby in their disastrous campaign that saw them relegated from the Premiership with the lowest number of points ever.

ROBERTO MARTINEZ has jetted out to Spain this weekend as he steps up his Championship squad-building plans.

And it is thought the Swansea boss has a striker at the top of his list as he heads to his homeland in search for new faces for next season’s Liberty campaign.

Martinez is believed to have made the most of the remaining La Liga and Segunda Liga fixtures to be played this weekend to cast his eye over potential recruits.

And it is believed Alaves and Levante are two clubs Martinez may try to pick up new talent for his League One title-winning team.

Levante, who played Swansea at the Liberty in a pre-season fixture last year, are currently locked in a pay dispute with their players and Martinez could be ready to take advantage of the situation.

But he is also thought to have been attracted by an Alaves player, the same club from where he spotted winger Andrea Orlandi.

Martinez – who watched Rangers’ draw at Motherwell yesterday – still has two remaining contract issues to sort out with Garry Monk and Andy Robinson yet to commit to new Swans deals.

But while captain Monk is thought to be ready to sign, there is still no news whether midfielder Robinson’s talks have progressed.

Robinson has been given a deadline to give a definitive answer over his future by the end of the week with the club keen to press on with their summer shopping plans.

And they want the issue sorted one way or the other so manager Martinez can properly budget as he looks to take the club into their first season of second-tier football in 24 years.

A striker and a left-back are top of the list for Martinez while a back-up goalkeeper to challenge Dorus de Vries is also a priority.

But it is thought unlikely that Swansea will be able to land highly-rated Wales Under-21 stopper Owain Fon Williams, with the Crewe youngster attracting the interest of at least one Premier League outfit.

SOME people do their talking in front of independent tribunals, but for Swansea City a breathtaking demolition of Leyton Orient was the perfect way to say, “We are the champions.”

For the past fortnight, as it had been threatening to do all season, talk of Leeds’ arbitration case with the Football League has overshadowed all other events in League One.

That has undoubtedly included the Swans’ promotion and title parties. Every manager, player, journalist and fan seems to have an opinion on this sorry state of affairs.

But no-one really has a clue what is going to happen. Swansea have played their own part in allowing the hype to intensify.

A below-par performance against Yeovil last week allowed the Yorkshire outfit to gain further ground. Saturday’s display, however, could scarcely have been more of a polar opposite.

And, in footballing terms at least, it should have put to bed any remaining debates about who the best team in this division is.

As such any mention of the “L word” is now banned from the remainder of this report. After all, it’s hard to see what value the opinions of three men in London, three men who have probably never been to the Liberty Stadium, can have compared to 45 games in which Roberto Martinez’s men have earned the right to refer to themselves as champions.

The focus instead will be on a performance that showed Swansea at their attacking best.

A performance that served as a fitting reminder of precisely why the club will now enjoy Championship-level football for the first time in 24 years. It was also exactly what the home fans needed after five home games without a win had slightly taken the shine off the Swans’ end-of- season celebrations.

Orient were the unlucky victims as four first-half goals, including a hat-trick for Guillem Bauza, created a pulsating atmosphere inside the Liberty.

It was the Swans’ last home game of the season and Martinez had made it clear he wanted to end on the right note.

He got his wish from the second his players touched the ball and, as Swansea’s dominance continued until the final whistle, he was confident the Liberty faithful had got the finale their support deserved.

“It was important that we played well,” he said. “We had a little bit of an anti-climax last week and I think we realised that, as a player, you are only as good as your last game.

“It’s been a fantastic season but you don’t want to go home with a bad taste in your mouth.

“We made a statement in the first minute that this was going to be a performance at the level we have shown all season. I thought the first half was as good as we have played this season.”

The final whistle was followed by another lap of honour from the Swans players. And, while he was naturally disappointed the Football League had refused to send the League One trophy to the Liberty, Martinez was delighted to see that, for a third week running, the club was in party mood.

Orient, to their credit, had ensured the afternoon started on the best note possible by forming a guard of honour for the Swans.

It was a kind gesture from Martin Ling and his men and, as Martinez rightly pointed out, one that shows exactly who the rest of the league regards as their champions.

“The guard of honour is a huge sign of respect,” he explained.

“It’s great to see those things in sport and it’s a fantastic compliment when you get that from the people you play against.

“It was a clear example of how a gentleman conducts himself. It shows people in football know who is top of this league.”

He continued: “I am disappointed that the players had one of the best memories you can get as a professional, lifting the trophy in front of your home crowd, taken away. But we created our own atmosphere and it was time to celebrate.

“The players deserve it, the fans deserve it and I thought it was a big day in the club’s history.”

The game itself was all but over at half-time. And, considering how quickly Swansea came out of the traps, 4-0 wasn’t at all flattering. Martinez’s men were all over the visitors from London from the first minute of the game.

And poor Glenn Morris in the Orient goal, having watched from the bench when the Swans thumped his team 5-0 at the Matchroom Stadium, probably wished he could have done the same again.

The first goal seemed inevitable. But, even when it did come after 18 minutes, few could have imagined it would have been the first of four within the space of just half an hour. Paul Anderson was the man on target, cutting in from his right wing to fire an unstoppable shot past the helpless Morris.

That was the cue for the Bauza show to start. The Spaniard owed a lot of his first two goals to the perseverance of strike partner Jason Scotland. But he took both chances superbly.

His first came after 25 minutes when Scotland held the ball up brilliantly in the visitors’ box, allowing Bauza to poke the ball home and make it 2-0.

Ten minutes later Morris charged out of his box to clear Angel Rangel’s long ball but, under strong pressure from Scotland, he could only scuff the ball into Bauza’s path.

The Spaniard showed his class and cooly slotted the ball into an empty net from 35 yards. His hat-trick was complete just before half-time when Morris parried Andy Robinson’s low shot into the box. Bauza reacted first, volleying the ball in off the bar to make it 4-0.

The game was over at half time. But, trailing 9-0 on aggregate, Orient came out for the second desperate to salvage some pride. In fairness, with Wayne Gray’s back-post header providing some consolation in the 63rd minute, that’s what they did.

But Swansea, creating chances at will, could, and probably should, have had a couple more.

Yet the home fans were in an unusually forgiving mood as they enjoyed a performance that showed, beyond any doubt, their team is the best in League One.

We deserve more credit – Martinez

ROBERTO Martinez has hailed Swansea’s five-star showing in the PFA team of the year – but added: “They should have made it TEN.”

Five of Swansea’s title-winning squad will be named in the League One team of the year at a dinner in London tonight.

But, as proud as Martinez is at his award-winning players, the Swans boss insisted the number of his players honoured could have easily been doubled.

Angel Rangel, Garry Monk, Ferrie Bodde, Andy Robinson and Jason Scotland are all set to be named in the division’s best XI when it is officially unveiled at the PFA Awards’ dinner tonight.

And Martinez said: “It’s some achievement.

“But there’s another four or five who are really unfortunate to miss out.

“We could have almost had the whole divisional team!

“You never see more than five from one club in a team of the year at any time.

“But when you look at the likes of Tom Butler, Dorus de Vries, Paul Anderson, Darren Pratley and, especially, Leon Britton, you have to say it’s unlucky for any of them to miss out.

“They have easily done enough, but I guess you have to have players from others clubs in there as well!

“But that just says something about some of the huge consistency the players have given this season – but also the fact that what we’ve done is being recognised.

“It’s a huge achievement for the club and all the players.

“Garry Monk had to come back from 13 months out, which people quickly forget, and then you have all the foreign players who have had to adapt to a new environment.”

The PFA awards – held at London’s Grovesnor House hotel – are voted for by footballers at every club in the Premier and Football League.

And Martinez believes Swansea’s giant representation is just rewards for the efforts at the Liberty Stadium throughout this season.

But, although he will tell all his players to bask in their promotion glory over the next few weeks, Martinez has already sounded a note of warning about getting carried away.

“Football can be cruel – the moment you take your eye off the ball you get punished, whether you are a player or a manager,” added the Spaniard.

“We all know that and now there is a challenge for the players who have missed out this time to get in the team next year, and the players who are in it don’t drop out.

“There will be added competition next year, extra freshness in the squad and everyone has to keep on working hard and improving.

“We have to make sure we continue to win games on a regular basis at a higher level in the Coca-Cola Championship next season.”

How Swansea City rated

DORUS DE VRIES

7

AS SOLID and sound as ever, although did flap at one deep cross. Deserved a clean sheet to round off an excellent home campaign.

ANGEL RANGEL

7

BACK in the team and seemingly rejuvenated for the Liberty finale and showed once more why he’s been such a hit in League One. Had a hand in Bussy’s second for good measure but out-jumped by Gray.

GARRY MONK (Cpt)

8

IS THERE any surprise Swansea look so much more mean in defence when their skipper is marshalling things so regimentally? Back to fitness, straight back in form.

DENNIS LAWRENCE

7

A MUCH more confident and composed offering from the former World Cup star. None of the shaky moments Swansea supporters have become used to, and some key tackles.

MARCOS PAINTER

7

NOTHING got past the Brummie full-back and he even joined in on the celebration-style soccer with some neat turns and passes.

PAUL ANDERSON

8

PERHAPS the promotion party would have started some time sooner had the flying winger not been sidelined with injury. Pace and panache showed why the Liverpool loanee is key to the team.

OWAIN TUDUR JONES

7

FIRST start of the season and his display underlined the fact the lanky midfielder is back and the signs are he could have a big role to play in this team yet.

LEON BRITTON

7

A SECOND-TO-NONE work-rate that has now become expected from the popular midfielder, combined with flashes of talent. No wonder he is a firm fan favourite.

ANDY ROBINSON

7

FULL of the direct running that hurts opposition defences so much and an energy that didn’t fade. Was desperate for a goal but all-round contribution more than made up for it.

GUILLEM BAUZA

9

HAS used the final few weeks to show how he’s developed as a striker since joining last summer. Three goals were just the cherry on the cake of an excellent outing.

JASON SCOTLAND

8

WOULD be easy to suggest it was a quiet game for the division’s top scorer when he doesn’t get on the scoresheet – but playing a vital part in all of Bauza’s strikes says it all.

SUBSTITUTES

Darren Way (for Britton 54), Fabien Brandy (for Bauza 73), Tom Butler (for Anderson 82) Subs Not Used: Austin, Tate.

LEYTON ORIENT

Morris; Purches (Cpt), Saah, Oji, Daniels; Chambers, Terry, Demetriou (Thornton 75); Barcham (Melligan 46), Ibehre (Boyd 46), W Gray. Subs Not Used: Thornton, Palmer, B Gray.

SCORERS

Swansea: Anderson 18, Bauza 25, 35, 44. Orient: Gray 63

BOOKINGS

Swansea: None:Orient: None

REFEREE AND ATTENDANCE

Rob Lewis (Shropshire). Attendance: 16,856

MAN OF THE MATCH

Guillem Bauza

You could have taken your pick from most of the Swansea side here but the Spaniard was superb. Intelligent in his play and three times in the right place at the right time. Not a bad habit for a striker.

ROBERTO MARTINEZ dedicated Swansea City’s four-goal super show to the fans, declaring: “We couldn’t give them a trophy, but this was the next best thing.”

Martinez’s men battered Orient 4-1 in front of 17,000 Liberty Stadium fans to move to within a whisker of being officially named League One champions.

Football League pen-pushers refused to take the trophy to Swansea yesterday as they still await the outcome of Leeds’ appeal to have 15 docked points reinstated.

The result of Leeds’ hearing will be known on Thursday. But even if Ken Bates’ club get the lot back, Swansea know a win at Brighton next weekend will clinch the Championship.

Martinez said: “We couldn't give our fans a trophy, but we thought it was important to give them something else to celebrate.

“We must wait to see what happens with Leeds, but if I'm honest anyone in the game would find it difficult to see the table changing.”

ASHLEY WILLIAMS has insisted Swansea City are the people’s champions – even if the Football League won’t recognise it yet.

And the Wales international is adamant the rest of the country is united in accepting Roberto Martinez’s side as the best in League One, trophy or no trophy.

Swansea are still waiting for official confirmation of their first-place finish as the legal wranglings over Leeds’ 15-point appeal continue.

But the on-loan defender, who joined from Stockport late last month, says no amount of politics can undermine the Liberty promotion party.

“Anyone around the country who follows football see Swansea as champions,” said the 23-year-old, in line to face Leyton Orient today in the club’s final home game of the season.

“I’m not too sure what’s happening with the trophy and none of us really know what will happen with the Leeds situation. It’s certainly strange but there’s nothing we can do about it.

“But people can see for themselves who the champions are – and I’m not just talking about Swansea fans. Everyone outside Swansea recognises us as the champions.”

Williams, who made his Wales debut in Luxembourg last month, spent the vast majority of the season keeping tabs on the Swans from afar.

Starring for League Two Stockport, the Midlands-born centre-back was just another admirer who couldn’t help but notice the way Martinez moulded his side into Champions-elect.

And he claims he wasn’t the only one.

“I think everyone has noticed,” he said. “The boys have been brilliant all year and they’ve not been top of the table by fluke.

“And since I’ve joined the feeling from other sides has been the same. We’re recognised as the champions.” Not getting his hands on the League One trophy shouldn’t matter too much to Williams anyway.

Having only managed three games so far since his deadline day move from Edgeley Park, Williams wouldn’t get a championship medal for his efforts.

But he insists he still feel likes a promotion winner after his short spell in South Wales.

“Looking at it now, I just wished I signed a bit earlier,” laughed Williams.

“A medal would have been nice but it’s not about that.

“Although the club were close to promotion when I signed, I played in an important top-of-the-table game against Carlisle and then played against Gillingham to win promotion.

“The way we had to hang on to win there I think we would have all celebrated anyway so I did enjoy it. And that’s what it’s about, not medals and trophies.

“I’ve got the memories and experience of that day – and the Yeovil game – and they stay with you forever.”

With his loan move all set to be turned into a permanent Ł350,000 switch at the end of the season, Williams will be aiming to use the final few games of the campaign to assure his new manager he can play a part in the club’s future. And having visibly stepped-off the gas against Yeovil, boss Martinez has ordered increased effort from all of his players heading into today’s clash with Orient.

He is without midfield duo Darren Pratley and Ferrie Bodde through suspension and injury but could recall skipper Garry Monk.

Swans fans WILL get the chance to see the League One trophy up close, club officials have said.

Although supporters' celebrations have been soured by delays caused by Leeds United's points fiasco, bosses at the Liberty Stadium have begun working on staging a special day with the bottle-shaped silverware.

And Roberto Martinez's barmy army will be allowed to get their hands on the trophy and have their pictures taken with it in the coming weeks.

A Swans spokesman said: "It's still all up in the air, and we don't know for sure if we are champions yet.

"When that's confirmed, we will have a special event for fans so that they can see the trophy."

The news has pleased supporters after Football League officials ruled the Swans would not be parading the trophy around until their status as champs is confirmed.

Things are up in the air because rivals Leeds are waiting to hear if they will have 15 points reinstated, after being penalised for alleged rule-breaking.

If the Yorkshire outfit, who currently lie in sixth place, get all the deducted points back, they will leapfrog into second spot.

So, Football League officials decided not to present the League One title to Swansea at today's home match against Leyton Orient.

The decision upset players, as well as thousands of supporters.

However, Swans bosses hope their plans to allow fans to get up close and personal with the trophy will put the sun back into supporters' hearts.

A club spokesman added: "We'd like fans to get the chance to see the trophy and have their photos taken with it."

Kacey Brooks, aged 24, of Pontarddulais, says he reckons the idea's a winner.

He said: "It's the biggest trophy Swansea have won for a while, and it's nice to see they want to reward the fans who have been behind them."

Exiled Swans fan Simon Jones, of Fareham, added: "Count me in,

"I'd even make the trip from Hampshire for it!"

Trundle signed for Bristol City for ÂŁ1m from the Swans last year
Former Swansea City striker Lee Trundle says his old club will do well in the Championship next season.

Trundle, who signed for Bristol City in a ÂŁ1m move last summer, said he was not surprised that the Swans had been so successful this year.

The 31-year-old said he believed their attractive footballing style will stand them in good stead and help them settle into their new division next year.

"I think they'll come into the division and do really well," he said.

Trundle built up a legendary status at Swansea, topping the 20-goal mark in all his four seasons with the club with his showboating delighting the fans.

However, his career with Bristol City has not followed the same path and he has failed to hold down a regular slot in a side which currently lies third in the Championship with a chance of automatic promotion to the Premier League.

"I'd say Swansea are similar side to us," explained Trundle. "They like to get the ball down and play football.

"There are the odd teams that are more physical and they like to get the ball forward more but this is a league where you can play football as well.

"I've got no doubt that Swansea'll come into the division and that they'll settle real quickly.

"It is tougher because you're playing against better players, better teams but you've only got look at our form this season and the way we've gone."

Trundle only played a handful of games under Roberto Martinez before being sold last August but knew the Spaniard would bring success to the Liberty Stadium this year.

"I knew that as soon as Roberto came into his own and had a fresh start at the new season that he'd do well," explained Trundle.

"He likes to get the ball down and play football. That's how he was a player and he's brought that through into his management.

"He loves his football and that's showed in the way the team's played this year.

"It would perfect all round to see Swansea come up to the Championship and then for us to go up to the Premier League.

"That's my dream come true, I've always wanted to play at the highest level and I'm three games away from it now so hopefully it can be a great year for both clubs."

Yeovil Town captain Terry Skiverton is certain he will be 100 per cent fit for the Glovers' trip to League One leaders Swansea City.

Russell Slade's men visit the champions-elect on Saturday still needing a win to guarantee survival.

Persistent illness has meant Skiverton has not started the last two games, although he did come on as a substitute in the 3-0 home defeat to Crewe Alexandra.

But he is confident he is over the ailments that have hampered him recently. Yeovil will be eager to welcome back their skipper as not only is he the Glovers' leading central defender, he is also one of their best sources of a goal.

Since February, Yeovil players have scored five times - Skiverton has netted two of those and set up another.

"I will definitely be 100 per cent for Swansea," said Skiverton. "I will have a good week's training under my belt.

"I only trained fully on Friday, so I had no real right to play against Crewe because Scott Guyett and Terrell Forbes had done well at Carlisle - and it was unfortunate they let in the late goal when we lost 2-1.

"I had to sit and wait my chance and in the end I had to play up front."

Skiverton has formed a strong bond with Slade and admits to feeling distraught for the manager, who he revealed was burning the midnight oil in a bid to turn the team's form around.

"Crewe was a big game for us and I felt we failed," he said. "The squad was very disappointed and the manager was fuming with us.

"I feel we failed the wrong way. We didn't get the ball down and pass it and the gaffer worked with us all week on the way he wanted us to play. I feel we let him down, the fans down and ourselves down.

"The manager is staying up all night, he is trying his hardest and we are not producing for him."

Gillingham's equally poor form may well reprieve Yeovil but Skiverton admits: "We have not had a good season.

"We had a good start to the season but since we played Southend away, we have just gone on a downward spiral.

"But the lads are going to keep fighting. We are not going to give up and we won't lie down and die."

– but will they be good enough to stay up?

SWANSEA CITY will make their long-awaited debut in the Championship next season, but just how ready are they for the big step up?

Such is the nature of the man, Roberto Martinez’s planning for next season probably started a long time ago.

Promotion did, after all, look like an inevitability as early as February when the Swans held a 14-point lead at the top of League One.

The dream may have taken longer to realise than people thought it would. And, with respect, Swansea’s recent form has seen them casually jog as oppose to sprint across the finish line.

But who cares about how they achieved it? Promotion was the aim at the start of the season and promotion will be the fully deserved reward at the end of it.

And what a prospect it will be to have Championship football at the Liberty Stadium, not to mention the chance for Swans fans to travel to the likes of Derby, Sheffield United and Charlton. Oh, and apparently there might be a bit of interest in a couple of South Wales derbies against arch-rivals Cardiff.

But, with so much to look forward to, the concern has to be whether Swansea can cope with the step up the second tier of English football. It has, of course, been 24 years since they competed at that level.

Fortunately for the club’s fans, the Swans have every chance of being the Championship’s surprise package next season. A few things need to happen before that’s the case but, all things being considered, there is no need to reach for the panic button.

Admittedly Bristol City have set the bar for success pretty high this season. The fact they are still two points off the top after 43 games is unlikely to have even occurred in manager Gary Johnson’s wildest dreams last August. But Martinez believes the club belongs in the Premiership, though whether or not they make it there remains to be seen. Either way, the Swans know that emulating their Severnside rivals’ success will be a tall order in their debut Championship season.

And, before looking too far ahead, there is much work to be done this summer. A three-step plan should do the trick.

First and foremost, Martinez needs a new contract. The Spaniard only has a year left on his current deal and, however much he loves the club, that is not enough security.

There’s no doubt he will want to sign an extension. Everyone knows how much he loves Swansea City. Even when linked to a job as glamorous as Newcastle, Martinez only had eyes for the Swans. Financial benefits are of little importance when compared to his passion for the club.

But that is exactly why the board needs to secure his long-term future. After guiding the Swans to promotion in his first full season as a manager, it’s the least he deserves.

Yes, Huw Jenkins and the Swansea board took a big gamble when they appointed him but it has paid off in spectacular fashion. And, while they deserve a collective pat on the back, Martinez has earned himself an improved deal.

With the Spaniard’s future sorted, the next step has to be sorting out the long list of players whose contracts expire this summer. As things stand that list stretches to 12 names.

Deciding who stays and who goes at the end of a promotion season is definitely an unenviable task. But Martinez has some crucial decisions to make.

And, while it seems harsh to be talking about people’s futures three days after they secured promotion, assuming Martinez hasn’t already made the decisions would be to seriously underestimate the man.

The most notable names on the aforementioned list are Andy Robinson, Garry Monk, Alan Tate, Tom Butler and Owain Tudur-Jones. The first four have earned the right to test themselves in the Championship and, considering Martinez refers to Tudur-Jones as “the future captain of Wales,” it seems unlikely he will let the midfielder leave.

Extending Robinson and Monk’s contracts has to be the club’s main priority. While the lively winger has been one of the Swans main threats throughout this season, club captain Monk has been a rock in the heart of Martinez’s defence.

There’s no question the pair would thrive in the Championship. To lose either of them would be a big mistake.

Then comes Butler and Tate; slightly less influential maybe, but getting them to put pen to paper is almost of equal importance. Especially when you consider how important a role they could play in the Swans squad next season, if not the first XI.

So what about the rest? Dennis Lawrence, Kevin Austin, Kris O’Leary, Shaun MacDonald, Guillem Bauza, David Knight and Stephen Watt all have question marks by their names too.

The question with Lawrence, Austin and O’Leary is whether, considering their age, they will be able to cope with the pace of the Championship. They have all been good, if not great, servants for the Swans but it might not be a risk Martinez is willing to take.

As for Bauza, his double at Gillingham didn’t just secure promotion, it was a timely reminder of what he offers the team. The Spaniard expects to be at the Liberty next season and it would certainly be a surprise if that wasn’t the case.

Knight and MacDonald on the other hand have both struggled to establish themselves in League One, so will the Championship be a step too far?

With any contractual issues resolved, the final step will be Martinez’s summer recruitment in the transfer market. The Spaniard is well aware of how tough the step up to the Championship is and no-one will deny Swansea need to strengthen.

The first and, perhaps the easiest, deals to finalise will be the ones to ensure Ashley Williams and Paul Anderson extend their stays in South Wales.

A permanent deal to keep Williams is understood to be in place. Convincing Liverpool to let Anderson join for another season may take a bit more work but it’s certainly not inconceivable.

After that, Martinez has already mooted that, while he will keep faith with the majority of his current squad, the Swans need four or five new players for life in the Championship.

Realistically that amounts to a back-up goalkeeper, two new defenders (one of whom needs to be able to play on the left), an experienced midfielder and an established striker at that level.

It would also be naive not to expect a couple of hidden gems to arrive at the Liberty. You won’t have any idea who they are but, much like Ferrie Bodde and Angel Rangel, don’t be surprised if they are a huge success.

While it’s easy enough to identify the areas in which Martinez needs reinforcements, it is absolutely pointless to try and second-guess his specific targets. Predicting the Spaniard’s transfer movements is a job for psychics, not journalists.

One thing is for sure though, his track record suggests he will recruit well. And his dedication to his job will ensure the Swans are as well prepared as possible for next season’s challenge.

SWANSEA CITY have promised a prudent approach to making the transition to Championship football.

The Swans ended a 24-year wait for a place in the second tier of English football when they beat Gillingham 2-1 on Saturday.

Manager Roberto Martinez will have some funds at his disposal to strengthen the team, with a club record ÂŁ350,000 to be spent on signing new Wales cap Ashley Williams, who is currently on loan from Stockport County.

But Swans chairman Huw Jenkins has warned fans not to expect a flurry of expensive signings when they step up a level next season.

“Many clubs have fallen foul of spending too much money and sometimes spending too much money on the wrong players,” said Jenkins.

“I think that’s what makes or breaks a football club.

“I think there’s a balanced view that there are sides who are achieving quite a lot – like Bristol City and a few of the other ones near the top – and haven’t spent that much.

“Spending money on good players who can grow with the club and invest their futures in the club is a different thing.

“So many try to gamble on a quick-fix solution and we all know that in football, like in business, it takes time.”

By filling their 20,000-plus capacity Liberty Stadium home, Swansea believe they can progress to the Premier League in time.

“Yes, we want to get in there but we’re realistic, it’s going to take a good few years of hard work,” said Jenkins.

RELUCTANT hero Guillem Bauza refused to take the praise after scoring the goals that sealed Swansea City?s promotion to the Championship.

The Spaniard scored two goals within three minutes at the end of the first half at the Priestfield Stadium to sink Gillingham. More importantly, it sent Swansea into English football?s second tier for the first time in 24 years.

And, for the statisticians out there, it was only Swansea?s second win at the ground in the past 48 years.

But this was all about the present day and Bauza, known as Bussy at the Liberty Stadium, can be happy with his first season in South Wales.

With his one-year contract set to expire in the summer, supporters will be hoping this won?t be the former Espanyol striker?s final contribution in a white shirt.

They headed back down the motorway on Saturday night hailing Bauza as a hero for his brace in Kent.

But Bauza was reluctant to take the glory.

"I am not the hero ? everyone played a big part of this," he said. "It?s one of the best feelings I ever had in my football life.

"We wanted to finish what we have been aiming for all season and now we have done it, but there is more to play for.

"The goals make me very happy but it is the good work of the team that got us there.

"Today was my chance to finish and I think I took it with both hands."

Indeed he did.

When Gillingham took the lead after 21 minutes, the hosts were starting to dominate as the first half approached the closing few minutes.

And they proved crucial as Swansea landed a double sucker punch. First, Bauza showed his poacher?s instinct as he tapped home from four yards after Darren Pratley?s challenge on Gills keeper Derek Stillie squirmed out to the Spaniard.

Then Bauza chested down Andy Robinson?s parried effort before cutting his shot into the bottom left corner which left Stillie stranded.

It was a significant moment, not just in the game but in the promotion race, and Bauza is hoping be a part of many more key periods in Swansea?s future.

Having arrived last summer from Espanyol?s B team, the Spaniard took his time to adjust to the pace and physicality of English football.

On Saturday he proved he?s up to speed with a tireless performance that saw him battling for every ball while also showing his footballing expertise.

"The first goal saw Darren just beat the keeper and I pounced on the ball and finish and I was very pleased with the second," Bauza said of his ninth and tenth goals of the season.

"It was the right time because we could go into the dressing room with a chance of promotion.

"After the final whistle I was on the bench but I jumped up and looked at the fans celebrating. I joined in with them and sang with them.

"It was an amazing feeling."

But what of the future?

"I want to be part of Swansea and enjoy this moment," he said with a big grin. "The gaffer has asked me to do a job and I did my best after being out of the team for a while.

"When I first came here I asked the gaffer what he wanted to do. He said promotion. This is one of the things that made me come to Swansea.

"I want to be in Swansea and I think Swansea want me to be here."

IT’S boom, boom, boom down west ... but the best is yet to come, according to Swansea City and the Ospreys.

Roberto Martinez has targeted the Premier League dream for his Swans after his team clinched promotion to the Championship. And James Hook says Liberty Stadium colleagues the Ospreys are geared up to conquer Europe next season after their EDF Cup final triumph over Leicester.

Martinez believes regular clashes against Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal have to be the ultimate dream for his Swans.

“We have to be aware of the huge challenges posed by the higher level of football in the Championship,” said the Swans chief.

“But we can’t just stop here. We have to aim to take this football club to where it should be ... and I believe that to be the Premiership.”

Hook believes the star-studded Ospreys also proved they are destined for greater things following the comfortable manner in which they disposed of Leicester at Twickenham.

“There is huge potential in this Ospreys side. We know what we are capable of. It’s about keeping on working hard and trying to prove ourselves,” said the Wales fly-half.

“Things let us down in Europe last week, but beating Leicester like this gives you confidence to realise you can get the victories.”

ROBERTO MARTINEZ has set his sights on achieving the Premiership dream for Swansea City after declaring it is a boom time for Welsh football.

Martinez’s Swans clinched promotion to the Championship with Saturday’s 2-1 win at Gillingham, less than a week after Dave Jones’ Cardiff City reached the FA Cup final.

Martinez declared the success of our two main clubs, coupled with the recent results of John Toshack’s Wales team, has given everyone in the Welsh game a buzz.

He says 2007-08 has been “a fantastic season” for Welsh football, thrusting the game here into the limelight.

And Martinez is adamant that Toshack’s team will soon reap the rewards of Wales having two successful teams.

“Welsh football has taken some big steps forward this season,” said the Swans manager.

“That is what ourselves and Cardiff have been working towards. Next, if we can get together with the FAW, we can work out how to keep club football going in the right direction in Wales.

“If we can do that, success for the Welsh clubs is going to inevitably help John Toshack and his national team.

“It’s always going to be important for Welsh football that its professional teams are playing at the highest level possible. Swansea City being in the Championship is just part of that.

“It helps the clubs produce better players while ensuring any Welsh talents already there keep progressing.”

But Martinez added, “The job is not over yet though. We still need to get Swansea City back where the club should be – and I believe that is in the Premiership.

“The Championship is the next step. Playing week in, week out against those teams at that level can only make us better and it is a wonderful opportunity we need to be ready for.

“Going up is a dream come true for Swansea City. It has taken us 24 years to get to this level and I am so proud of the way we have achieved it.

“We need to enjoy the way we have won promotion. We have done it the Swansea way, full of style.

“Next we need to make sure we are ready to compete in the Championship. There is a huge gap between the two divisions, so we need to be realistic and accept how tough it will be.

“Nor can we stop working until the end of the season, either. We need to concentrate on winning our last three games.

“You don’t get many opportunities, either as players or a manager, to win a title. The players deserve to go up as champions and that’s what I’m looking for.”

SWANSEA CITY secured promotion to the Championship with a nerve-wracking win over Gillingham, yet another of their so-called bogey teams.

Victory ensured Roberto Martinez’s men will be the first Swansea team in 24 years to grace the second tier of league football.

It’s been a long wait for the club but, as their superb season draws to a close, the Swans have finally made sure their promotion dream has become a reality.

Guillem Bauza was undoubtedly the hero of the day. Two goals in as many minutes at the end of the first half overturned Dennis Oli’s early strike and capped a brilliant man-of-the match display from the Spanish striker.

Oli’s goal ensured the Swansea faithful were put through yet another tense afternoon.

But it was sheer joy as opposed to relief that took over when all was said and done.

And, while it wasn’t a vintage performance from skipper Alan Tate and Co, nobody cared as they danced around to mass chants of “We are going up.”

Swansea have earned any luck they have got this season and yesterday was no exception.

Such was the joy at securing promotion, the fact Swansea had beaten the club record of 85 points in a season went relatively unnoticed.

Ample praise for topping such a landmark will follow in due course, but make no mistake, winning promotion and setting a new record is not enough for Martinez and his squad.

And, with Carlisle losing a 3-2 thriller at Leeds, last night’s celebrations will already have turned to a strong focus on ensuring the Swans arrive in the Championship as League One champions.

With Paul Anderson and Marcos Painter making their long-awaited returns to the first XI, Martinez made three changes from the side that drew at Carlisle on Tuesday.

And, in what turned out to yet another masterstroke from the Spaniard, Bauza came in for the unlucky Febian Brandy in attack.

As they looked to secure promotion, Swansea showed plenty of promise in the opening stages. But it was actually the hosts that should have opened the scoring after 12 minutes.

Oli’s long-range effort deflected fortuitously off Tate to reach Simeon Jackson unmarked in the box.

The youngster snatched at the chance though and blazed his shot over from close range.

Swansea’s afternoon took a turn for the worse just 10 minutes later. Nicky Southall found himself in space on the right flank and, when the wingback’s cross eventually reached Oli, the big striker calmly slotted the ball past Dorus de Vries to make it 1-0.

The Gills could then have doubled their lead on two occasions in the next 10 minutes. Fortunately for Martinez and his team, neither Oli nor Wales international Andrew Crofts could keep their respective efforts on target.

With six defeats in their last eight games against Gillingham, it wasn’t looking good for the Swans. But this has been a season for overcoming hoodoos and Bauza’s double soon turned the game on its head.

Both goals followed an identical pattern; long-range efforts from Andy Robinson were spilled by Derek Stillie in the Gillingham goal and Bauza was left to knock the ball home.

The striker’s first after 44 minutes was contentious. Stillie had failed to hold onto Robinson’s shot but, as Pratley lunged in to win the rebound, referee Clive Penton could easily have given a foul against the midfielder.

He didn’t – and Bauza had the simplest of tap-ins to level the scores. The Gills’ fans and players were outraged.

But they soon felt even worse when the Spaniard grabbed his second in time added on.

Stillie was once again at fault but this time, when the ball came to the striker, it took a much better finish to make it 2-1.

The Swans didn’t deserve their lead but, having failed to get the points some of their recent performances warranted, it seemed footballing karma had decided to play a part in their promotion.

The second half ended up just a blur of Gillingham pressure followed by Swansea counter-attacks.

But there was very little in terms of actual chances.

The hosts constantly tried to push forwards but, with the Swans back four looking reasonably comfortable throughout, it was only in the final 10 minutes that de Vries had anything to worry about.

Jackson and Donovan Simmonds both had half-chances, but in the end all the nail-biting and anxiety seemed a bit over the top.

Bauza’s brace had done the damage and Swansea coasted through the second half with relative ease.

It wasn’t a great game and, upon reflection, this will rightly be remembered as the day promotion came, not the day Swansea won it.

That accolade could go to any number of superb performances this season.

And, as everyone involved with the club now contemplates life in the Championship, the players are already looking for title medals to provide the icing for their ever-so-delicious cake.

ROBERTO MARTINEZ was lost for words as he tried to explain his delight at Swansea City’s promotion to the Championship.

The Spanish maestro has been a revelation during his first full season as a manager.

And, with a 2-1 win at Gillingham ensuring the Swans go up, his appointment truly has to be hailed as an absolute masterstroke.

Martinez was professional as ever when giving his post-match interviews. But he could scarcely hide how happy he was for the club, his players and, most importantly, Swansea’s fans.

“I don’t think words can really describe how I feel,” he beamed. “It was really nerve-racking out there but just to get promotion is brilliant.

“It took us 24 years to get there. And, just looking at the fans afterwards, you can see what it means to them.

“They deserve it and, while we have had to wait a long time, we have won promotion in style. I think everyone should be very, very proud of the players.

“If you just look at the fans’ faces you can see what this means to the club. We’ve come a long, long way since July and I can guarantee you everyone will be working hard to continue that in the Championship.”

Martinez is always reluctant to single out individuals. But he made a rare exception for two-goal hero Guillem Bauza.

The Spaniard’s two-minute brace was the perfect way to repay his manager’s faith. And, having given the young striker a rare start, Martinez was particularly delighted Bauza’s second goal, a classy finish that typified his manager’s penchant for stylish football, was the one that finally secured promotion.

“Bussy has been working really hard and it was the right time for him to come in,” he added.

“The finish for the second goal was very special and it was well worthy of any promotion.”

Paul Anderson has handed Swansea City a massive boost as they prepare for promotion by declaring: "I'd love to come back next season."

The teenage speedster is due back at Liverpool when his year-long loan expires in three weeks' time.

But Anderson doesn't expect to be part of the first-team squad at Anfield next season despite a successful stint in Wales.

And he admits he would be keen on a return to the Liberty Stadium should the Reds decide to dispatch him on loan once more next term.

"I honestly don't know at the moment what the future holds for me," Anderson says.

"I assume at the end of the season I'll go back to Liverpool, sit down with them, my agent and my dad and have a chat about what they think I've done this season.

"I haven't spoken with Liverpool that much while I've been here so I'll go back and see what they want from me.

"I think they have been at most of my games and hopefully they are pleased with what they've seen.

"I've had a bit of feedback from Gary Ablett, the reserve-team manager, who says I've done well and says there's no reason why I can't go back and push for a first-team place.

"But personally I can't see myself breaking into the Liverpool first team next season.

"I'm still young, I've still got a lot to learn and I would think a six-month loan up until Christmas will be what I'm looking for."

On hearing that, Roberto Martinez's ears will prick up.

Having worked hard to get Anderson last summer, Swansea's manager has already revealed plans to repeat the trick in the upcoming close season.

Whether it is on loan or a permanent basis, Martinez explained last week, he wants Anderson on the books next term.

"It's great to hear stuff like that from someone like the gaffer," Anderson adds.

"Football is a game of opinions where one manager will like you and another will not.

"The confidence you get from people saying they want you is great, especially at a club like Swansea which is going in the right direction."

So what chance Martinez getting his man again?

Well if Anderson does leave Liverpool for some more experience in 2008-9, Swansea looks the most likely destination.

"If Liverpool want me to be part of the first-team squad next season then great, but I think I'll probably be out on loan again next year," adds the former Hull youngster.

"Whether or not it will be at Swansea I don't know, but I love the club and, if that's the route that's taken, I will be happy to come back."

What looks critical to a return going ahead is Swansea's status in the Coca-Cola League.

Should they miss out on promotion, they can probably forget about getting Anderson back to help the cause next time round.

"I think getting to the Championship is key," Anderson concedes.

"I don't want to sound big-headed, but I think I've proved myself in League One.

"I feel I could probably play at this level for the rest of my career if that's how things went, and I'd like another challenge next season.

"Hopefully Swansea will be in the Championship - I think it would need a miracle for us not to make it now - which is a great league with some good players.

"I'd love to come back and compare myself to them with Swansea."

Anderson has thrived at the Liberty, taking his first taste of senior football in his rapid stride.

Hence he does not rule out the idea of making a full-time move across the Bridge.

"Maybe in a couple of years, if it doesn't go well at Liverpool, I could come back here permanently," he says.

Anderson is right to retain Merseyside ambitions.

He has proved he has an eye for goal - he has nine in 28 Swansea starts - and his pace, such a crucial asset at the top level, is spectacular.

Anderson isn't in the list of nominees for Swansea's player-of-the-year award announced today, but chances are he would have been but for a hamstring injury which has sidelined him since late January.

Fit at last, the 19-year-old returned to action as a late substitute at Carlisle in midweek and hopes for a bigger role when Swansea attempt to secure that Championship place at Gillingham tomorrow.

"It's great to be back," he smiles.

"I had a couple of weeks getting treatment at Liverpool and it was nice to see my girlfriend and my mates from the reserves.

"But I soon started to miss Swansea. I missed being around the lads and enjoying being top of the league.

"Hopefully we can clinch promotion this weekend, but then we really want the title.

"My eyes are on that medal at the moment, and once that's achieved I'll see what's happening next year."

Roberto Martinez insists there will be no party at the team hotel tonight even if Swansea City are promoted without kicking a ball.

Defeat for third-placed Doncaster against Swindon this evening would leave Swansea home and dry in the race for the Championship before their game at Gillingham tomorrow.

But Martinez is adamant there will be no corks popping at the team's Kent base should mid-table Swindon upset the odds at the Keepmoat Stadium.

"We will have our food us usual between 6.30 and 7pm and by 8pm every player should be in his room," the Swansea manager explained.

"They all know the importance of getting the right rest, particularly in a three-game week, so I won't have to tell them.

"They'll be in their rooms relaxing, probably borrowing some of Leon Britton's DVDs.

"As for me, the night before a game is a perfect time to sit down with my staff for a few hours and plan things.

"We'll follow the Doncaster game, certainly, but we'll be having a meeting as usual.

"If Swindon were to win, we will be together with the people we've been working with for 10 months so that would be nice.

"But the only difference really would be that we'd go to sleep with a little smile on our faces and not sweating about something."

Martinez does not anticipate a bedtime grin. He expects Doncaster to win for only the second time in seven matches to leave Swansea needing victory at Gillingham to clinch a place in League One's top two.

"We don't do things the easy way at this club," he smiled, "and I'll be very surprised if it happens tonight.

"I expect we'll have to do it ourselves and, to do it this weekend, that means coming through a very difficult game."

Swansea's record against Gillingham is dreadful - they have won just one of the clubs' last eight meetings and have triumphed only once in Kent in 48 years.

But Martinez's team, who have won only two of their last nine games, have buried hoodoos at Yeovil, Luton and Huddersfield this term.

"We have found it really hard to be ourselves at Gillingham over the years and they are in very good form at the moment as they battle to get out of trouble at the bottom," Martinez added.

"Those factors combined make it a very difficult challenge for us.

"It's a special occasion for both teams and one where a draw probably wouldn't make either side very happy."

Martinez has a near fully-fit squad to choose from with Garry Monk off the injured list after seven weeks of back trouble.

Swansea's club captain is unlikely to be rushed back into the side, though, with Yeovil's visit to the Liberty Stadium in eight days' time a more likely return date.

Gillingham, currently in the drop zone on goal difference, are unbeaten in their last three matches. Boss Mark Stimson, whose side drew with Carlisle only a fortnight ago, has hailed Swansea as the best side in the division "by an absolute mile".

But he added: "They will probably come here and expect to beat us 3-0 or 4-0 as Carlisle did. But we're going to try to spoil their party and make them do it at their place next week."

Alan Tate has warned his Swansea City team-mates that Gillingham will thrive on the chance to play party-poopers at Priestfield tomorrow.


Swansea take on one of their bogey teams expecting to need a result to clinch promotion in the wake of Doncaster's meeting with Swindon tonight.

And Tate believes Roberto Martinez's men will require one of their performances of the season to topple Mark Stimson's relegation-threatened side.

"Gillingham are going to be right up for this one," Tate said.

"There are lads like Leon Britton, Kris O'Leary and myself who know from our time at Swansea what it's like to be fighting a relegation battle.

"When you play the teams at the top you're really up for it - you actually prefer it to playing sides who are with you at the bottom.

"Gillingham will be ready for us, and it's going to be a case of battling for the right to play our football."

Swansea have won just one of their last eight meetings with the Gills, losing six.

Their last triumph on the Kent club's own patch was in 1988 - their only travelling success against this weekend's opponents since 1960.

"It hasn't been a happy hunting ground for us," Tate admitted.

"The last couple of times we've been there the pitch has been very dry and that hasn't helped.

"But this is a different season with different players and different managers.

"We have proved this year we can win at places where we have struggled, like Yeovil, Bristol Rovers and Huddersfield, and hopefully we can do it again.

"History is history. What matters is what happens now."

Tate believes Swindon could upset Doncaster at the Keepmoat Stadium this evening to hand Swansea promotion without kicking a ball.

But he added: "Whatever happens at Doncaster, we'll be going out to win the game at Gillingham.

"We want promotion first of all, but we also want the title."

Gareth Vincent

Bookies believe Swansea City's incredible defeat by Bournemouth was just a blip.

Roberto Martinez's side are now a best-priced 1-5 with VCBet to win the League One title, something that may become a formality should they gain maximum points at Gillingham tomorrow.

Their hosts are as desperate for points as Swansea as they battle to avoid relegation.

But despite home advantage, they kick-off as 11-5 underdogs with Partybets, with Swansea available at an attractive 5-4 (Betfred). Internet firm Betdaq mark the draw at 12-5.

Jason Scotland is 11-2 to score the first goal, with Guillem Bauza and Darryl Duffy both 13-2.

A draw may still be considered a decent result against a side struggling to retain their League One status and punters who agree can get 4-1 (VCBet) that both halves end in stalemate, or 11-2 (Blue Square) that it finishes 1-1.

Punters may point to Swansea's goalscoring record away from home and be prepared to back them to win and edge closer to being crowned champions.

Bet365 price a single-goal away success at 7-2, while the same firm offers 2-1 that they keep a clean sheet.

Betdirect offer 11-2 that Swansea emerge victorious following a drawn first half.

Canbet.com offer 10-1 about a 2-0 away win, with a 1-0 win offered at 7-1 with Coral.

Odds available at www.betrescue.com

PETER SHARKEY

SIR ALEX FERGUSON found out on the golf course, Neil Warnock was on his tractor, for Roberto Martinez it could come in a hotel bar in Gillingham.

Swansea City will be guaranteed promotion to the Championship if Doncaster lose at home to Swindon tonight, ending the club’s 24-year absence from the second tier of English football.

And, if their success does come without even kicking a ball, Martinez will certainly be in good company. But, while Ferguson and Warnock’s stories are considered footballing folklore, the Swans boss will have a far less exciting tale to tell.

Ferguson was famously out playing golf with his son Jason when Oldham’s victory over Aston Villa secured Manchester United their first Premiership title in 1993.

And Warnock was driving a tractor round his farm in Cornwall when Leeds’ draw with Reading ensured Sheffield United would enjoy promotion to the Premiership in 2006.

So what will Martinez be doing tonight? Watching the score come in on Sky Sports during a meeting with his coaching staff at the team hotel in Kent.

A glamorous or quirky story it is not. But the Spaniard doesn’t care.

His focus is solely on tomorrow’s game and winning another three points. And, while he admitted he will be keeping an eye on events at the Keepmoat Stadium, He isn’t expecting any favours from Doncaster.

“Of course I will be keeping up with the Doncaster game,” he said. “You can never get enough information and you always want to know the results from other games.

“But we don’t do things the easy way at Swansea City. And I would be very surprised if the result went our way at Doncaster.

“All I expect is a very difficult game for us, two home games after that and then a trip to Brighton. I don’t think we will win promotion the easy way.”

Martinez has good reason to expect promotion to be secured in the next week or so.

But he said: “You don’t expect the results to go your way. But I always look at our points tally and, with 83 points, we are not too far away.

“Realistically, we have to add a few more points. All I’m looking at is our points tally and that’s not going to get bigger on Friday night.

“Gillingham is a vital game for us. And, whatever happens in Doncaster, there is still a lot to play for.

“I don’t think the other result will change anything. The only difference will be going to sleep with a big smile or going to bed with a bit of a sweat.”

But what about his players? What will they be doing while the Doncaster game is going on?

“When you have had three games in a week, the players know they need to rest in the hotel,” Martinez answered.

“We will have a short time together after dinner. But after that they will go to their rooms, relax and get ready for the game.

“Everyone should be in their rooms shortly after eight. They should be just relaxing and watching some DVDs.

“Obviously, for the coaching staff, it is a perfect time to plan things for the game and we will have a meeting for a couple of hours. So the staff will be together while the Doncaster game is going on.

“But I don’t see it as being anything significant. I don’t think our promotion will be decided [tonight].”

Martinez is not naive, though. He knows, as professional as they are, his players will be desperate to know what has happened in Yorkshire.

The Spaniard is just hoping to keep any celebrations, should the situation require it, to a minimum. He is a perfectionist and made it clear any form of complacency against Gillingham will be entirely unacceptable.

“With the technology nowadays, I don’t think you can keep these things quiet,” he said.

“I’m sure the players will find out and we will keep an eye on it.

“We will definitely find out about the Doncaster game in the hotel. But it’s important that our preparation is right and we won’t change anything in that sense.

“If the news comes in the hotel, then you are with the people you have been working hard with for 10 months. So it would be ideal for us all to be together.

“But, firstly, as a football club, we don’t do things that way. And, secondly, our focus has to be improving our points tally and that won’t happen in Doncaster.”

While everybody involved with would naturally be delighted to see the Swans promotion secured tonight, some people would rather they won it in their own right on the pitch tomorrow.

The logic follows that it would be an anti-climax if Swansea’s success was to confirmed by a Doncaster defeat.

But Martinez was quick to dismiss such claims. He just wants to secure Championship football as soon as possible.

The Spaniard said, results permitting, he would be happy to celebrate with Swansea’s travelling fans at Gillingham. And, however the Swans win their promotion, he believes it will be the just reward for a season of hard work.

“In football the quicker you can get your target in the league, the better,” he explained. “That’s just because it allows you to plan for the next step.

“It’s also a compliment to your season because, if you can do things that way, it means you have been working really hard for the past 10 months and you deserve it.”

He added: “It’s great to see we will have our full allocation of away fans at Gillingham. That always gives us a kick-start and the players are looking forward to a big occasion.

“We know we have got 1,500 fans coming and, if we get promoted, it will be perfect to share it with them.”

Whether or not promotion comes this weekend, Martinez expects his team to keep performing throughout their final four games. The League One title is still up for grabs and it seems the Spaniard has little intention of allowing his players to relax.

He wants to finish his first full season as a manager in style. Only then will he pause to reflect on how well his team have done.

Martinez added: “In football it’s very important when you control your own fate.

“But there’s still 12 points in front of us and we have to get as many of them as we can.

“We need to carry on working hard and take each game as it comes. It’s important we realise where we are and that, in football, you haven’t achieved anything until you actually get promotion.

“We have worked really hard for 10 months and now we have the last 12 points to contest. After that we can sit down, analyse the season and talk about what it meant to everyone.

“People shouldn’t see the Gillingham game as a final. We’ve worked hard to put ourselves in this position and we have four games to win, not one.”

How other managers found out about their successes:

Howard Wilkinson

Leeds United – 1991-92

Wilkinson guided Leeds to a superb late charge for title in 1992. When a 2-0 win for Liverpool over Manchester United guaranteed Leeds were champions, Wilkinson was said to be at home with his family, slicing some roast beef.

Sir Alex Ferguson

Manchester United – 1992-93

Sir Alex was out playing golf when news of Oldham’s 1-0 victory over title rivals Aston Villa reached him. It guaranteed United won the inaugural Premier League, the first of nine to date.

Neil Warnock

Sheffield United – 2005-06

After years of coming close, the Blades finally won promotion to the Premiership in 2006. Warnock was driving his beloved tractor down on his farm in Cornwall when Leeds’ 1-1 draw with Reading ensured his team would go up.

Swansea City will check on the weary limbs of Angel Rangel before deciding whether he can play any part in Saturday's potential promotion-clincher at Gillingham.Rangel was omitted from the 16 at Carlisle on Tuesday, leaving Dorus de Vries as the only Swansea player who has not missed a minute of league action all season.

And boss Roberto Martinez has indicated that his fellow Spaniard could miss out again at Priestfield this weekend.

"You've got to remember that Angel was the only outfield player to have played every game and that throughout his career he has been used to playing 30 or 32 games a year," Martinez said.

"Angel felt his groin and we decided quite late to pull him out. All of a sudden there are bigger demands on him compared to the rest of his career and, while he wanted to be available, sometimes the body tells you enough is enough.

"We will see how Angel feels over the next couple of days, but we knew had Ashley Williams to step in on Tuesday and I thought he took his opportunity very well."

Martinez has taken a swipe at Carlisle's approach during a gripping goalless draw at Brunton Park.

"I think they tried to create an intimidating atmosphere and that was disappointing," he added.

"From the start they wanted to be in our faces, but there's a big difference between doing that and some of the challenges we had to suffer. But we'll take it as a compliment that a team who are chasing us need to be that physical.

"We know teams are looking at Swansea City and thinking they have to stop us, and sometimes these things come along with that."

Swansea City may have irked John Ward on Tuesday night, but it is only Roberto Martinez they will rile if they do not deliver the League One title now.Swansea were entitled to celebrate after giving a performance that had the hallmark of champions in their biggest game for two years at Carlisle United.

Yet Ward, one of the more amiable managers on the circuit, wasn't impressed, suggesting Swansea were hailing a job done in the race to finish first rather than a job well done in midweek.

The former Cheltenham boss did concede that Swansea were the best side in the division, and that his team went home well pleased with a point.

But there was determination in Ward's voice as he pledged to fight Swansea all the way in the race for silverware.

On the evidence of Tuesday's stalemate, it is Swansea who deserve to take the crown. Just as they had done at Doncaster earlier in the season, Martinez's team had risen to the big occasion and outplayed key rivals.

The only difference was a failure to break through. Twice they hit the bar, several times they saw goalbound efforts scrambled away and once they had what looked a perfectly good goal chalked off by a referee, Steve Tanner, who did them few favours.

Quite why sections of the home crowd decided to jeer the Somerset whistler off the field was hard to fathom, for he had also treated a succession of rustic Carlisle challenges with too much leniency.

"Some of our flair players, like Andy Robinson and Tom Butler, were on the receiving end of some bad tackles," said Swansea defender Ashley Williams (pictured below).

"I'm not sure the referee gave us as much protection as he should have, but we just tried to get on with it."

Williams, the loan signing from Stockport who is expected to become a full-time Swan in the summer, was pitched into the side on a big night after Angel Rangel, formerly an ever-present, was left at home resting a slight groin problem.

Swansea's rearguard was tested by a physical Carlisle side in the first quarter. They stood up to that challenge, then spent the rest of the night snuffing out Cumbrian counter-attacks.

"It's nice to keep a clean sheet on my debut," Williams added. "I enjoyed it out there and everyone said I did all right, so I'm happy with that."

The only frustration for Williams and Co was the failure to find the goal which would have put promotion - and the title - even closer now.

As it is, Swansea will be promoted if Doncaster lose at home to Swindon tomorrow. Should that game end in a draw, Swansea will need a draw at Gillingham on Saturday. If Donny win, they too must triumph to seal a Championship spot this weekend.

"After starting off quite slowly, we definitely had the better chances at Carlisle," Williams said.

"We could easily have taken all three points, but a draw takes us a little bit nearer where we want to be.

"We are not there yet. It's possible we could go up on Friday, but we'll keep going until mathematically we're champions."

Martinez will like the sound of that.

Andy Robinson has told defenders to keep on kicking him after Carlisle's physical approach inspired one of his best displays of the season.

The Swansea City wideman admits the red mist briefly descended at Brunton Park as Carlisle opted for heavy-handed tactics in Tuesday's top-of-the-table thriller.

Booked for complaining after Grant Smith's lunge on Tom Butler, Robinson then got involved in a slanging match with Carlisle's Scott Dobie which prompted an altercation in the tunnel at half-time.

But the Scouse star regained his composure to torment the Cumbrians in a second half where the only thing missing for Swansea was the winning goal their performance deserved.

"I took some stick," Robinson said. "I'm not sure whether it was intentional from the start to try to do that to me because I'd like to think I've lost the reputation of being someone you could wind up.

"But it was a massive game, a little bit of a decider maybe, and there were some naughty things going on out there.

"League One is a tough place and you expect a few tackles, but three or four of their challenges could have been red cards.

"I had a bit of the red mist for a while, but I controlled it and that's why I stayed on the pitch. There were a few handbags at half-time, but I think that helped me in the second half.

"When I came out I was raring to go. It was a case of 'If you want to kick me then I will turn you the other way and I will turn the screw'."

The tunnel clash brought back memories of Bristol Rovers last month, when Swansea No. 2 Graeme Jones was arrested for his part in a row with Danny Coles.

But Carlisle boss John Ward swept Tuesday's dust-up under the carpet. "It's just players wanting to win a big game," he said.

Robinson, meantime, pointed the finger at referee Steve Tanner over the Swansea goal he disallowed in the first half.

Roberto Martinez's men thought they were in front when Darren Pratley lifted a quick free-kick into the net only for Tanner to order a retake.

"The ref said afterwards that he'd said we'd got to wait for the whistle, but he never said that," Robinson added. "Then he went back on that and said Prats had taken the free-kick three yards away from where it was awarded.

"It's disappointing because we played some lovely stuff and I thought we showed that we are the best team in this league.

"How we didn't score I don't know."

Swansea will clinch promotion with victory at Gillingham on Saturday, although Doncaster will make their task easier if they fail to beat Swindon at the Keepmoat Stadium tomorrow night. If Donny lose, Swansea will be promoted before they start at Priestfield.

But Robinson stressed: "We're not going to worry about Doncaster. We haven't looked to rely on anyone else all season, and we're not going to start now."

ROBERTO MARTINEZ is refusing to let his Swansea City players get into party mode even though they stand on the brink of Championship football.

Carlisle manager John Ward claimed he had heard Swans stars boasting about the fact the League One title was already theirs following Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw at Brunton Park.

The draw away to their closest rivals means the Swans will definitely be promoted if they win at Gillingham on Saturday.

They could even go up without playing tomorrow night, if third-placed Doncaster lose at home to Swindon.

But Martinez was quick to play down any notion of over-confidence in the camp and told his Swans to focus upon what they need to do at Gillingham.

By winning, Martinez knows his class of 2008 will write their names into the club’s history books because the Swans have not been in the second tier of English football for 24 years.

“There is never a smooth season and I have to agree with John Ward. There are still 12 points to play for and that’s a huge amount,” said Martinez.

“The level of performance from the players has been so good that it would be a shame not to finish off the season on a high.

“We have got four games and I’m still just looking to carry on our high standards and see where we are on May 3.

“The players know they can’t get carried away. If we achieve the Championship dream, fantastic, but we have to get there first.”

The Swans bounced back from a last-gasp loss to Bournemouth at the weekend to earn their point in trying circumstances at Carlisle. In doing so, they are still four points clear of the Cumbrian club and hot favourites to lift the title.

“Carlisle was always going to be a test, especially after the disappointment we had on Saturday,” said Martinez.

“But there was no question about how this squad were going to perform. It was a pleasure to watch them play and stamp their authority in very difficult circumstances.

“If you look at the run of results Carlisle are on, it shows you how difficult it is to get results at Brunton Park.

“But we were able to do that without being affected by what happened on Saturday. Every single Swansea supporter should be proud of what their players did.

“It was a difficult atmosphere out there and they still managed to bounce back. Their character was superb.

“We deserved the three points, but maybe one day things will balance up and we will get the three when we don’t deserve them from a game.

“Carlisle tried to intimidate us with a physical style, but we should take that as a compliment. When a team chasing you for top spot needs to be that physical, you have to take it that way.”

Swans star Andy Robinson echoed that view, saying, “We turned up the screw, showed what we were about and played some super football.

“I got a lot of stick out there. I don’t know whether it was intentional from the start, to try and get at me.

“There were a few naughty tackles, but it was a big game and we expected it. I got a bit of red mist, but I think I controlled it.

“If I hadn’t, I would of been sent off and we would have had a big scenario like in the past.

“We showed why we are the best team in the league. We’ve come to their turf, but have still been able to dominate them.”

Swansea City's top scorer Jason Scotland has won the March Powerade Player of the Month Award in Coca-Cola League One.

Scotland was in stunning form in March netting nine goals in eight league fixtures.

He began the month by scoring the winner qt Huddersfield, and followed this up with further strikes against Millwall, Northampton and away at Bristol Rovers.

The frontman's two at home against Bristol Rovers rescued a point for his side and ensured that he picked up the coveted Player of the Month award for the second time this season.

Swansea City edged closer to the Championship with a highly impressive draw at Carlisle United.

Roberto Martinez's men produced one of their better displays of a fine campaign to outplay their nearest rivals in their own back yard.

The only thing lacking was a goal for the 560 fans who had journeyed north to celebrate, but that did not worry them on the long trek home.

They had witnessed a Swansea side determined not to let their four-point advantage at the top of League One slip.

Maybe there was no winner last night, but this was a result and performance which suggests Swansea will be the ones celebrating when the League One trophy is handed out some time in the next few weeks.

Not only was this a clash of the top two, it was a collision of the team with the best home record in the division - and indeed the Coca-Cola League - against the side who have enjoyed most success on their travels.

Carlisle felt they were due some success against Swansea having lost the clubs' last four meetings, most recently at the Liberty Stadium in the autumn and memorably on this ground in the penultimate week of last season.

Back then Darryl Duffy notched a late winner to preserve Swansea's play-off hopes - although they ultimately missed out - while ending Carlisle's.

But there was no place for the Scot last night as Martinez made two changes to the side stunned at the last by Bournemouth on Saturday.

Duffy made way for Febian Brandy, the on-loan Manchester United youngster handed a first league start.

And there was a Swansea debut for Ashley Williams in central defence.

Alan Tate made way, but he moved to right-back with Angel Rangel, who had not previously missed a minute of league action, apparently rested.

They were two big calls from Martinez on such a big occasion.

Williams was soon settling in, making a couple of solid interventions early on to settle the nerves. Brandy was not so prominent in the opening stages, though, as Swansea began the contest on the back foot.

The visitors were getting drawn into more physical confrontations than they would have liked, and it was no surprise when the first shooting chance of the night fell to Carlisle.

Dorus de Vries was concerned for a moment, but Grant Smith's effort flew harmlessly wide of the post.

Martinez might have been a little concerned with the way things were going in the opening quarter, but slowly Swansea began to get their passing going and they carved a first sighter when Brandy and Jason Scotland combined on 24 minutes.

Brandy stepped over Tate's pass, sprinted after the return and saw his shot cannon to safety.

When Simon Hackney's cross drifted over everyone at the other end, de Vries raced off his line to narrow the angle and smother Scott Dobie's drive.

This was nervy stuff.

Swansea put their foot down around the half hour and thought they had the lead after Leon Britton won a free-kick 25 yards from goal.

Spotting home keeper Keiren Westwood off his line, Darren Pratley lofted the dead ball over Carlisle's last line of defence and into the gaping net.

But to Swansea's fury, referee Steve Tanner waited for Pratley's lob to reach its destination before blowing up for a retake.

Tanner pointed to his whistle, implying that Pratley should have waited for the go-ahead before taking the free-kick.

Swansea, players and manager alike, were deeply unimpressed.

Funnily enough, the partisan home crowd were not complaining.

It almost didn't matter. Westwood, remarkably, chose to leave Andy Robinson's drive when the free-kick was eventually retaken. To his immense relief, the ball cannoned to safety off the bar.

Swansea were fizzing, Scotland driving narrowly wide of the target a minute later before Brandy's run ended with another shot which was snuffed out by Livesey.

On the ropes for a spell, Carlisle countered seven minutes before the turnaround when Danny Graham got in behind Martinez's defence from Marc Bridge-Wilkinson.

With Brunton Park expecting, the Cumbrians' top-scorer scuffed his shot wide.

The first-half drama was not over - Smith's ugly lunge on Butler saw tempers flare. The midfielder was booked along with Robinson, who had sprinted from the opposite flank to say his piece.

The chatting continued, Robinson squabbling with Dobie and others as the half drew to a close. And come the whistle, there appeared to be another altercation as both sets of players went down the tunnel.

If Swansea felt they were unfortunate not to be ahead at the break, they were cursing their luck once more two minutes after the restart. After Brandy, enjoying his liveliest night in Swansea colours, had been tripped by Peter Murphy, Robinson lifted a 20-yard free-kick over the wall and onto the bar.

The rebound hit an unwitting Westwood and could have gone anywhere.

Fortunately for Carlisle, it fell for Livesey to clear.

Impressive Swansea were beginning to dominate. They pressed again on 56 minutes, Pratley feeding off more industrious work by Brandy to play Robinson in on the left.

The Scouser cut inside in trademark style but drilled his shot straight into the arms of Westwood.

Swansea were camped in the Carlisle half, passing and probing without finding a killer touch.

That meant the nerves continued for the travelling contingent. Their fears of a breakaway goal were almost realised when David Raven crossed on 68 minutes but Graham glanced his header too close to de Vries.

The big Dutchman was required again seconds later, this time leaping to his right to paw away Hackney's long-ranger.

These were rare Carlisle threats. Swansea's excellence continued, but still they could not find a goal.

With Westwood stranded, substitute Guillem Bauza saw a lofted effort headed to safety by Livesey.

When Dennis Lawrence nodded the resulting corner too close to the goalkeeper, Swansea's final chance had gone.

But the standing ovation Martinez's team received from all sides of the ground at the end told its own story.

John Ward warned Swansea City that they haven't won anything yet after a goalless draw at Carlisle pushed Roberto Martinez's men closer to the Championship.

Leaders Swansea dominated for long periods against their nearest rivals at the top of League One and left Brunton Park frustrated that they had not secured the victory their performance deserved.

But Carlisle boss Ward was angered by what he claimed were premature Swansea celebrations at the end.

"I saw one or two of their players with their hands in the air saying they were champions in the tunnel," said Ward, whose team remain four points adrift in second place.

"That's interesting with four games to go. I think we still might have a say in that so we'll see what we can do."

Martinez laughed off the suggestion that his players had been celebrating too soon.

"I think what happened against Bournemouth on Saturday was a very difficult blow for the players to take and they deserve all the credit to come and perform like they did after that," said the Swansea manager.

"But don't take them seriously. They know there is still a lot of work to do and they won't be getting carried away. John Ward is right. The Championship is a very difficult league to get into and there is a huge amount to do in the next four games."

Swansea will be promoted without kicking a ball on Friday night if Doncaster lose at home to Swindon.

Any other result would leave them needing to get something at Gillingham on Saturday, but they will go to Priestfield full of confidence after a fine showing last night.

"It was a pleasure to watch the boys at times and, as on Saturday, they haven't got the rewards they deserved," Martinez added.

Swansea have announced plans to beam the Gillingham game back to the Liberty Stadium's hospitality areas. For more information, visit the club website.

SWANSEA CITY edged a step closer to both Championship football and the League One title after dominating second-placed Carlisle, picking up a vital draw in the process.

In a game that could have gone either way at times, a draw is definitely a better result for the Swans than their Cumbrian counterparts.

And perhaps, more importantly, if this was a game to show who was the better team, Swansea comfortably came out on top.

After an impressive start from the hosts, Swansea went on to dominate the last 60 minutes with relatively few exceptions.

But, despite creating a number of chances, Roberto Martinez’s men just couldn’t find the killer touch.

For a manager that prides himself on performances rather than results though, this was the ideal tonic for last Saturday’s defeat to Bournemouth.

The Swans were almost untouchable at times and, considering they are second in the league, Carlisle were lucky to get a point. Martinez and his team will undoubtedly look back at this as two points lost.

That in itself tells you just how well they played at an intimidating Brunton Park.

The key thing was not to lose, though. And now, with just four games left, the Swans are four points clear of the Blues and 10 ahead of third-placed Doncaster.

One more win, perhaps as early as this Saturday against Gillingham, will guarantee automatic promotion.

And, even if Swansea lose all four remaining fixtures, this draw means Doncaster must win all their four to have any chance of finishing in the top two.

The hosts, on the other hand, realistically needed to win this game if they were to overtake the Swans. That’s why leaving with a point makes it a job very well done for Martinez’s team.

As things stand the Swans still have the upper hand in the league. And, considering how big a blow their injury-time capitulation to Bournemouth was on Saturday, they deserve plenty of credit for a superb display.

Martinez made two changes after Saturday’s defeat with Febian Brandy and Ashley Williams coming in for Darryl Duffy and Angel Rangel.

It was good to see Wales international Williams making his Swansea debut, but the fact it was at Rangel’s expense, considering the Spaniard hadn’t missed a minute of league football before last night, was a slight surprise.

During a frantic opening quarter of an hour, both teams looked to push forwards.

Carlisle initially looked the more dangerous, but all they had to show for any dominance was a long-range effort from Grant Smith that drifted wide of Dorus de Vries’ left-hand post.

The Swans first real chance eventually came in the 24th minute when Brandy combined well with strike partner Jason Scotland.

The youngster’s effort was well blocked by Danny Livesey, though, and the hosts were able to clear. Carlisle looked to hit back immediately, but de Vries was on hand to make a smart save after Scott Dobie’s quick turn bought him some space in the Swans box.

An opening goal seemed imminent, the only problem was trying to work out which side would get it. Swansea did have the ball in the net shortly after the half-hour mark, but the goal wasn’t to stand.

Leon Britton was fouled about 30 yards away from goal and, while Carlisle keeper Keiren Westwood was organising his wall, a beautiful chip from Darren Pratley caught him in no-mans-land.

Unfortunately for Martinez and his team, referee Steve Tanner ordered a retake.

The Spaniard was notably incensed, but his frown could so easily have been a smile seconds later when Andy Robinson’s effort, from the retake, came crashing off the bar.

Scotland had a chance minutes later. But March’s League One Player of the Month couldn’t keep his effort on target.

The Swans were starting to dominate, but they nearly found themselves 1-0 down when a Carlisle breakaway put Danny Graham through on goal.

Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s through-ball deflected off Dennis Lawrence into the striker’s path but, with de Vries beaten, an agonising groan reverberated round Brunton Park as the ball rolled millimetres wide.

As a hard-fought first half came to a close tensions boiled over when a horrific tackle from Smith sent Tom Butler tumbling.

The midfielder was rightly booked and, having spoken his mind on the incident a little too much, so was Robinson.

The winger then continued to bicker with Dobie for the remainder of the half.

And, when the two teams eventually did come in for the break, a decent 45 minutes was marred by further altercations as they went down the tunnel.

Robinson came back on the pitch to resounding boos, but, with just 90 seconds of the second half gone, he was almost Swansea’s hero.

Brandy was fouled just outside the box and, when Robinson stepped up to take the free-kick, once again it was the bar, not Westwood, that denied him. Whatever Martinez had said to his team at half time, it had worked.

Scotland and Brandy soon had further chances of their own, albeit without any success, and, in Robinson, Swansea had the best player on the pitch.

All of a sudden Carlisle looked very short on ideas and there was only one team that looked like winning.

But, after 20 second-half minutes in which they had completely dominated the game, Swansea still didn’t have anything to show for it.

And they were very nearly made to pay in the 69th minute when Simon Hackney almost made the most of a rare defensive error from the Swans back four.

The midfielder latched on to a poor clearance and fired in a powerful effort from 25 yards only to see it superbly saved by de Vries.

It was a warning for the Swans, but they weren’t deterred and continued to push forwards. And, as his side looked for a winner, Martinez brought on Guillem Bauza for the impressive Brandy to give them some fresh legs up front.

The breakthrough never came, though, and, with Carlisle holding on for dear life, Swansea had to settle for a point.

But, with Saturday’s losing performance put firmly behind them, Martinez’s men had shown they rightly deserved to be considered the best team in League One.