Russell Martin achieved a lot during his playing days at Norwich City but finds himself in the unique position of plotting the Canaries' downfall this weekend.

Swansea City's boss enjoyed nine years at Carrow Road, making over 300 appearances during his time in Norfolk. 

Now he is preparing to face City as an opposition manager as his former employers travel to South Wales as the Championship resumes after a three week hiatus on Saturday. 

Martin has never made any secret of his feelings towards Norwich, but they will take a backseat this weekend as he looks to ensure his side record three precious points - which could see them leapfrog his old club into the top six. 

This is his first reunion with Norwich since moving into management - and he is willing to park the personal connection. 

“I have been back previously for a pre-season game with MK Dons, but that was it,” Martin told Swansea's official channels ahead of Saturday's game.

“I am sure it will be interesting when we go back there as I will know a lot of the people around the club, but I don’t know how much that is the case for this game.

“When we go back there, I will know the people on the door at reception, and there are still people in the playing squad who I know and played with, as well as a lot of staff I worked with.

“I loved my time there, and I love some of the people there that I had great relationships with, but that chapter of my life is done.

“My kids were born in Norwich, we really enjoyed living there, but the day you leave you have to accept it is done. Nothing stops because you leave, you realise that very quickly.

“I loved my time there, and I will never be anything other than grateful for the time I had there. I will look forward to seeing the people I know but that is as far as it goes.

The Pink Un: Russell Martin made over 300 appearances for Norwich City.Russell Martin made over 300 appearances for Norwich City. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Limited)

“The focus has to be on what we are doing here. We had a good week in Scotland, which was really helpful.

“We are in a good place. We love the group we are working with here and what they are giving us.

“They are showing that courage and willingness to run for each other and to play. The group is growing all the time.

“We are trying to work on solutions to new problems we face, we are clear in what we want and how we are trying to achieve what we want to achieve and the challenge is to transfer that work from the training pitch into the performance against Norwich.”