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Page last updated at 14:52 GMT, Thursday, 28 August 2008 15:52 UK

Swans enjoy Welsh bragging rights

Swansea manager Roberto Martinez
Swansea are number one in Wales for the first time in nine years

Manager Roberto Martinez says Swansea City's status as the highest-placed Football League club in Wales is something for the fans to savour.

"We won't kid ourselves, we'll be judged in May," he said, after seeing his team climb above rivals Cardiff for the first time in nine years.

"But the statistic is for the fans to enjoy and they deserve it.

"The club's been through dire times and a few years ago nobody would have predicted we'd be where we are now."

Swansea are seventh in their first season in the Championship, with six points from three games.

They are one point above the Bluebirds, with excitement amongst supporters bubbling mightily ahead of the return of the first Swansea-Cardiff league derby since 1999, to be held at the Liberty Stadium on 30 November.

"We're slowly seeing the club growing to where we want to be, and that's very pleasing," Martinez told BBC Sport Wales.

"The visit of Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday will be very important ahead of the international break and a very demanding schedule to follow.

"Sheffield will be powerful, aggressive and strong in all areas.

"I don't know how long it will take them, but they are a club who are heading to the Premier League."


see also
Swansea City v Sheffield Wed
28 Aug 08 |  Championship
BBC Sport Wales coverage
23 Mar 08 |  Wales


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