Martinez Proud Of This Season's Achievements

Roberto Martinez is a proud man despite watching his side end their hopes of a play-off place with a 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United yesterday.

A win would have set up an exciting last game next Sunday against Blackpool, a win there and a defeat for either Burnley or Cardiff on the last day would have seen us finish in the top 6.

However, you can't argue with how well we've done this year. On a low budget, Martinez has built a side that despite lacking in Championship experience, we'll finish at least 8th in our first season at this level in 24 years.

Martinez said:

"Our season has been an amazing success. We`ve got the lowest budget and haven`t been able to spend any money.

"What we`ve done is develop our own squad and I`m very proud of that.

"What we need to do now is improve the 20 draws we`ve had this season.

"That comes down to a little bit of know-how and having the experience. If you don`t spend money on experienced players then your players have to gain that experience.

"But I`m delighted the way the players have adapted at this level.

"We have kept on playing football and I don`t think that anyone would have thought that with two games to go we would still be in with a chance of reaching the play-offs.

"For us to be secure in this division in February then credit to the players.

"Next we need to move on and keep improving as a football squad to get into that top-six."

If Swansea City can keep the likes of Jason Scotland, Angel Rangel, Ferrie Bodde and sign Jordi Gomez, we should be a decent bet for going one better next season and gaining a play-off place.

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