One fan on social media replied, “Boo his every touch,” when news emerged of Jamie Paterson’s possible return to the Swansea City matchday squad this week. It has been nearly four months since the 31-year-old was anywhere near a first-team squad.
If those sorts of reactions is anything to go by, it will take a lot of craft and care to rebuild some of the bridges burned in the last few weeks.
When Russell Martin announced his intention to bring the former Bristol City man back into the fold, it was met with shock, intrigue and outright anger.
After all, it’s not like they haven’t been here before. At the turn of the year last season, a dispute over the player’s contract left him looking nailed on to be sold in the January window. But after three bids from QPR were batted away, Paterson remained in SA1 and even signed a new deal.
This campaign, he’s just not had the same impact, and while injury probably hasn’t helped, his manager hasn’t been overly impressed with what he’s seen on the training ground. Until now – apparently. When quizzed on Paterson’s return to action on Saturday, Martin said, “It’s good to have him back.
He brings creativity. He brings a different energy. On the ball, he has confidence in what he can do and confidence in his ability.
He has a lot of that, and hopefully, that will be infectious for the rest of the squad. He’ll take the ball anywhere on the pitch in any situation. In any stadium.”
The lack of activity in January has perhaps played a factor too. Martin has never been one to go against his principles. Indeed, his stubbornness in sticking to his methods is admirable and frustrating at times. It would be highly irregular for him to turn to a player he didn’t believe was up to the levels he demands just because of a few bad results.
So what’s changed? Well, despite Martin’s comments in the week, it still feels like we don’t have an answer to that question.
The implication seems to be the shift has been on the part of the player himself. Indeed, the forward has certainly painted a picture of a man hurting from his current first-team exile and determined to make an impact. But while things might be patched up with his boss, some of Swansea’s fans will take a little more convincing.
Clearly, there are still some lingering suspicions there, and no one can begrudge them for being more reluctant to forgive a second time. Once bitten, twice shy and all that.
For what it’s worth, Paterson’s introduction at Kenilworth Road wasn’t greeted with boos. On the contrary, the reaction from the away end seemed reasonably positive. But with the questions around Martin’s leadership already gathering pace on the terraces, his every decision is now under the microscope.
If this move doesn’t pay off, it undoubtedly gives the critics and boo boys more ammunition, and that’s the last thing he needs right now.
However, the inescapable reality needs to change, and Swansea is arguably crying out for a player of Paterson’s quality. Martin has spoken of the importance of bravery in this team. Well, this is perhaps one of his bravest decisions yet.
It could well come back to haunt him. But if it comes off, it might be the catalyst to help halt Swansea’s current slide.
»Fans react to the news of Jamie Paterson’s possible return to Swansea City«
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