Olivier Ntcham ended his season on a high as Swansea City defeated West Brom in a five-goal thriller.
Former Rangers defender Russell Martin and his troops finished 10th in the final English Championship standings, just three points off the play-off places, and the boss acknowledged a sense of frustration at going so close but hailed the 'incredible' growth of the team and noted how 'proud' he is of the way the team is looking.
The visitors - in the top six mix going into the final game - took the lead through Okay Yokuslu before Luke Cundle levelled for the hosts. The Baggies then moved in front once again through Semi Ajayi but ex-Celtic man Ntcham fired home a stunner from the edge of the box to level the scoreline once again.
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Joel Piroe then scored in the 93rd minute to secure a final day of the season three points in front of the home support to send them into the summer in a cheerful mood and optimistic ahead of the new campaign.
Speaking to the Swansea City website, boss Martin said: “I am frustrated and will be for a while, but with everything that has been thrown at us this season, I am so proud of the players.
“I am proud of how the team looks and how everyone has grown, it’s incredible.
“Guys like Ollie Cooper, Liam Cullen, Joel Piroe, Nathan Wood; they have most importantly grown as people as well as players. They are authentic and true to themselves, and that is not common in football.
“That’s why they can play how they do, because of the culture we have created here and it is the best thing to watch.
“We will all be frustrated to be so close, but it is testament to the hard work everyone has put in that we have improved on last season in every way.”
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