So with Swansea one draw away from setting a new record of 9 consecutive draws, I've spoken to some football fans who think we as Swans fans should take a draw in the next game so that at least we will have set a new record during this incredible and frustrating run.

The half-full and half-empty debate has been gone over many times in recent weeks so I won't bore you by going over it, because unquestionably as Martinez tells us, there are far more positives than negatives.

The developments since our game against Birmingham nearly 2 weeks ago have also lead to great excitement amongst fans, and I'm sure players alike. The way Nathan Dyer has conducted himself in the press, and the way he has spoken about the club and team can only have endeared him to even the fans that have condemned him somewhat. The acid test for him, however will be his performances, and I think we can be excited.

As a player who clocked just 11.03s in the 100m once, he has natural pace, and will offer us something that no-one can at the moment. Our counter-attack, devastating sometimes, but too slow at others, will now be twice as effective, and will also push opposition full-backs back, for fear of being exposed for their pace.

What is very unlike Martinez, is that Dyer is set to go straight into the Swansea side tomorrow. Usually, any loan or permanent signing goes through a transitional period of substitute appearances before making their full bow, a la Gomez, Williams and the like. I think what this shows is just how desperate Martinez has been for someone in the Paul Anderson mould. He may not have shown it, but clearly now he has one, he wants to utilise them immediately. What is great about that of course is that even in that desperation, he has not rushed out and bought the nearest quick player as some might have done. He has waited for the right man, and the fact that there is a view to permanent deal only bodes well for us frankly.

So if Dyer is to come in and everyone else is fit, how will Martinez fit everyone in, with Gomez having shown so much promise early on, and Allen having played so well of late. I think he will go with De Vries, Tate, Williams, Monk, Rangel, Gower, Allen, Pratley, Britton, Dyer, Scotland. With Gomez having looked leggy recently, no doubt because of his first full season in football, I think he will have the opportunity to rest up, and make an impact as a substitute for Allen around the hour mark.

The signs are good. It's been a while since we performed terribly non Sky (save Horsham last year), and I think, with Burnley having no wins in 4, and having played out the miserable second half on Tuesday night, the Swans will emerge 2-0 winners, Jason Scotland and Darren Pratley earning us the spoils...

 
 

Last month I saw Nathan Dyer start for the first time in his loan spell at Sheffield United against Crystal Palace - a massive game which signalled the return of Neil Warnock to Bramall Lane. The match I witnessed produced little in the way of footballing highlights, but in all fairness Nathan Dyer was one of those positives. He scored a tremendous goal just before the break, anticipating the mistake of the Palace defender, before showing poise and a great finish to put the Blades 1-0 up.


In fact, the friend I watched the game with (a Sheffield United seasonticket holder) commented on his disappointment not to have seen more of Dyer during his loan spell given his good performance in this game.

Some Swans are most definitly aware, others may not be so, but Nathan Dyer was convicted of a rather nasty and cynical crime not so long ago. On a night out with some friends, drunk, he stumbled into the cloakroom of the club he was in and proceeded to steal from the waitresses of the nightclub. He was found guilty, ordered to pay the stolen money back plus costs and do 100 hours community service which would become a jail term if not completed.

I've been keenly reading messageboards and guestbooks since the announcement of his arrival and must say I'm not at all surprised at the divided view. What I will add to this is that, whilst his crime was awful and cowardly and rather pathetic in all honesty, I do think it's not so serious the lad should not be allowed to get on with his life. After all, he didn't drink-drive, or even speeding - both crimes which can actually put the lives of people in danger, but would in my opinion, cause less of a stir.

With Leon Knight, it was interesting that because Kenny Jackett was so out of favour with many of the fans, Knight was cast as the victim, although I must say Jackett was ultimately proved right with Knight being sacked by his latest club, Rushden - a sad situation for such a talented player.

I think ultimately fans opinions will rest on his performances. Martinez will be well aware of all the facts, and was even around for the Knight fiasco. He knows what a bad-boy could do to our team ethos, and I'm sure if there was any trouble from anyone, Dyer or otherwise, they would be surplus to requirements. Let's not forget how long it's taken Alan Tate to get a run in the team after he came back from pre-season with a bad body fat percentage -  The same Tate who joined us at the with Martinez, and together helped save the club from the Conference. Ultimately, only time will tell....


 
 

It's a few years now since the BBC reinvented it's annual Sports Review of the year, someone undoubtedly getting paid an obscene amount of money to come up with 'Sports Personality of the Year' in 1999. Correct me if I'm wrong, but winners of the award in this guise  include Jonny Wilkinson, Kelly Holmes, Zara Phillips, Paula Radcliffe, Chris Hoy and Joe Calzaghe. Wonderful sportsmen and women they all are (Phillips aside-Ofcom should investigate the phone votes of that one), but personalities?? If anyone can remember anything significant that they've ever said, please let me know. David Beckham only escapes a mention because despite his boring voice, he has an insanely big profile and he often says ridiuclous things like that quote about his dad always being there for him since he was 8!!!

Anyway,onto our beloved Swans...by the time this is read we'll have completed our 2008 fixture list, and so I'm going to pre-empt a (keV, please insert correct score here) result. I don't think any of us could deny what a wonderful year it's been, and so here's some memories and very special awards from 2008....

Man least wanting a Christmas card from the Liberty....Stephen McPhail- Having picked up 6 cards at the Liberty already this season (4 yellow and subsequently 2 red), a seventh signed by the whole of Swansea is probably the last thing he'd want.

Ref of the year - a multitude of contenders, but for commitment to the ridiculous even outside the Liberty it has to be Stuart Atwell. His reward for his performance in our game v Havant+Waterclosetville and awarding the 'phantom goal'?? A place in the 'world class referees in Britain' list. Now there's a who's who...

Stats of the Year...
League Record in 2008 (I think)

P50 W21 D20 L9
PPG-1.666
Win-42%
Draw-40%
Lose-18%


Unbiased award of the Year - Cardiff City- Welsh 'Team of the Year'. Let's hope we can get a team in some sport to win something in 2009: a league title, a grand slam maybe...hang on...

Unsung hero - Kevin Austin - a man who gave everything for Swansea everytime he pulled the shirt on.

The 'I've finally learned my lesson award' - Huw Jenkins for finally understanding the need to keep schtum about 'done deals' when they are only 'transfer targets'.

Goal of the Season -Jason Scotland v Bristol Rovers - a goal when we needed it most and what a goal with your left foot!

The most overworked man in Swansea- Richie Evans - thought he had a nice cushty job with one-on-ones with Owain T Jones for 2 years, until Marcos Painter, Ferrie Bodde, Fede Bessone and Stephen O'Halloran decided he should probably do some actual work.

Anyway that's enough from me for one year. Happy New Year to Swansea Jacks everywhere!!