Roberto Martinez says he is delighted with the fans reception back to Ferrie Bodde

I think it is fair to say that someone carrying a water bottle has never had the kind of reception that Ferrie Bodde received at Neath on Wednesday night.

Ten minutes into a pre-season game watched by an incredible 7500 people, the Dutch midfielder - 24 hours after signing a new deal - walked to the Swans goal and handed his country man a water bottle to a huge cheer from the Swansea faithful.

It capped the end of an eventful summer for Ferrie who had been the subject of transfer bids from Derby but had eventually after much soul searching decided that Swansea was his preferred choice of club.    He rounded off the evening with a penalty in the second half in a 5-0 win and left the field to a standing ovation again - surely proof that he had made the right choice.

And the fan's reaction to Ferrie after such a saga this summer was not lost on the Swans manager who told the Evening Post "We said all along that we are a family club and one that is very passionate

"The fans can understand the feelings of the players. Ferrie has shown what a man he is by coming out and apologising to the fans, and the fans have accepted him.

"People make mistakes and are responsible for that, but actions speak louder than words and he has signed a longer contract and that has shown his commitment to Swansea City.

"In the past we have had players giving the right words to fans but when the option came they went to another club for financial reasons.

"Without a doubt the relationship between Ferrie and the fans will be stronger now. He has gone away from the financial grounds and signed for footballing reasons. That's a great compliment to the club and especially the fans.

"They made him very welcome since the beginning of last season. He wants to repay them."

Photo: Action Images

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