'Kudos to Martin for backing himself to win over support'
After four months of searching, and numerous candidates in the mix from Steven Gerrard to Davide Ancelotti, we finally have our head coach to kickstart the new era for the club.That responsibility has been given to Russell Martin, that's right - don't squint your eyes or think this is a typo - it's actually him. Frankly, as always, I hope it works and he is successful but it appears he's the one that almost no one wanted.Given the online reaction, you have to give him some kudos for taking the job and backing himself to win over the trust of the support.One thing that irked me with regard to Philippe Clement's style of football was the lack of control - it was all very transitional.Martin will be the polar opposite. What I hope for is that he can come in and keep the positive parts of his play - the high press and high tempo - and tighten up the backline.Furthermore, I always feel the sign of a good manager is someone who can improve players already at a club when you arrive. If he can get a right few of them to take their games to the next level such as Mo Diomande, Nico Raskin and Hamza Igamane, I'd be delighted with that as a starting point.Hearing from Martin at his first media conference today will be interesting, particularly his thoughts on the fan noise and more importantly, how he wants to move this team forward and try and win games of football.However, sporting director Kevin Thelwell and new technical director Dan Purdy must give him the tools to succeed by adding to the players mentioned above, if they remain at the club beyond the summer. It's a tough job ahead, and the recruitment has to be spot on all across the squad to get players that fit the Martin's style.We currently have a mishmash of players who lack direction. Hopefully with a new manager and new players coming in things will become more cohesive on the pitch.I'm intrigued where this will go, what calibre of player we can attract and how Martin's philosophy will work both domestically and in Europe.Let's be honest, going into next season, fan opinion, possession stats and philosophies won't really matter. It's silverware that counts and if you wanted Martin or were a bit dubious, like myself, you just hope he comes in and delivers.
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