End Of The Road For Three

Roberto Martinez, Adrian Forbes and Brian Murphy have all been axed from the Swansea squad following the end of our season on Saturday in Cardiff.

All three players were out of contract this summer and were all told by Kenny Jackett that they were deemed surplus to his requirements. Kevin Austin, widely expected to join them, has been offered a further 12 month contract after reaching 25 appearances for the first team this season.

Talking to the Western Mail, Jackett said "I've had discussions with both Roberto and Adrian along the way, but the situation now we've reached the end of the season is we won't be renewing their contracts.

"They've played a high number of games over the last two years and done very well, I'd like to thank them for the part they've played in our success, but I feel I need to step forward now in both their positions.

"I brought Darren Way in to strengthen central midfield, and I want to move on in that area for next season. I need people who can run and play."

"Brian hasn't made many starts under myself due to Willy's good form, but I think he's got a good future ahead of him," said Jackett as he begins his search for a new keeper.

"Having spent two years on the bench at Swansea, what he needs more than anything else is regular first-team football."

Both Forbes and Martinez have been instrumental in their time at Swansea in ensuring the club is on a much stronger footing now then when they arrived. Roberto arrived in the midst of the relegation battle of 2002/3 and made an instant impact and is widely credited with being the central figure in our play that saw us escape on the final day. An injury by Boston clogger Tom Bennett left Roberto not quite the player he was before the injury but even since he has been a regular feature in the first team and, of course, club captain to boot.

Adrian Forbes scored the last league goal at the Vetch as well as the winner at Bury the following week which won the Swans promotion last season. His knack of grabbing important goals at the right time made him a popular figure amongst sections of the support an whilst never an automatic choice his contribution was significant enough.

Murphy was slightly different. Having arrived in the summer of 2003 he was first choice ahead of Roger Freestone but a couple of nervy performances saw the former Wales international installed back ahead of him. Murphy never had a decent run in the first team again and whilst he may have hoped for that when Freestone left, Jackett plumped for Willy Gueret late in the summer of 2004 and he has remained first choice since. A couple of FAW Premier Cup appearances and early round FLT appearances have been the pinnacle of Murphy's last season at the Swans.

That aside, all three players at the club have had their part to play over the past few years and we wish all three of them the very best for their futures with a thanks for what they have put in to our football club.

Thanks Guys.

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Photo: Action Images

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