Martinez hails Swansea's promotion

Apr 13 2008 by Blair Wood, Wales On Sunday

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.”