New-boys Kevin McLeod and Marcus Bean make Swansea City debuts tomorrow as Kenny Jackett shuffles his pack in the hope for a winning hand. This week's two recruits from Queens Park Rangers come in along with fit-again Adrian Forbes as Jackett overhauls the midfield which was often overwhelmed at Leyton Orient last Saturday.

Andy Robinson, Leon Britton and Ijah Anderson all seem destined for the axe in the wake of that defeat, while Alan Tate is also likely to make way for Andy Gurney in defence as Swansea look to emerge from their worst league run of the season.

With just one point taken from the last nine on offer, Roberto Martinez looks like hanging onto his place in midfield while Paul Connor is favourite to keep his spot in attack ahead of new recruit Lee Thorpe.

''I'm delighted that we have managed to bring in Kevin, who is a very talented attacking player, and Marcus, an all-round midfielder who is combative and competitive,'' said boss Jackett.

''We've also got Adrian Forbes, Andy Gurney and Kris O'Leary fit again which is fantastic news ahead of this crucial phase of the season. I haven't had this sort of choice since I came to the club.''

With in-form Macclesfield now only two points behind, Swansea must return to winning ways tomorrow to ensure they hang on to the top-three place they have held since early autumn.

''It's a massive week for us with a long trip to Darlington on Tuesday and then the game with Scunthorpe next weekend,'' Jackett conceded, ''so it's important we bounce back after some disappointing results.

''Without Kris, Andy, Adrian and Garry Monk we lacked a bit physically at Orient, but the good thing is that we are still right in contention at the top after a couple of defeats.

''As I've said all along, it's still wide open and it's still in our hands.''

Languishing in 17th place, Grimsby have all but given up hopes of an immediate return to League One following relegation last season. Consistently inconsistent, they have won two of their last three away games but were well beaten at Bristol Rovers on their last trip and lost at home to lowly Shrewsbury last weekend.

''They have some good players like Michael Reddy and Martin Gritton and, as seems to be proved every week, anyone can beat anyone else in this league,'' Jackett went on.

''We must be aware of that, but this is a game I want to win. I don't believe my players are suffering from nerves or getting the jitters.

''The stakes are just as high at the other clubs near the top as they are for them - but we certainly don't want our blip to continue.''

Once a team-mate of Wayne Rooney and Francis Jeffers, Kevin McLeod begins a new life as one of Swansea City's Scousers this weekend. With his days as a hot prospect at Everton now in the past, McLeod shares a dressing room tomorrow with Lee Trundle, a fellow Toffees fan, and Andy Robinson, the red from Birkenhead.

Grimsby Town are the visitors to Vetch Field as McLeod makes his bow in the Coca-Cola basement, but the 24-year-old insists he will have no trouble acclimatising to life in League Two.

"I've come to Swansea because I think the football's right," McLeod says.

"Yes I'm stepping down a couple of divisions, but the way I see it is that I'm taking a step back to start getting my career going forward again."

McLeod probably did not envisage a move to the Football League's bottom rung come 2005 when he made his Premiership debut for Everton just over four years ago.

Among the first steps in senior football for the local lad were wins over Arsenal and Chelsea as he clocked up five top-flight appearances in his breakthrough year.

"When Walter Smith was the manager he had me at the club for a few years as a youngster and then he started pushing me through into the first team," McLeod recalls.

"Francis Jeffers, Wayne Rooney, Leon Osman, Nick Chadwick, Michael Ball and Tony Hibbert were all coming through at the same time.

"Francis is my best mate and I still speak to him every day, but I've lost touch with Wayne in the last 18 months or so.

"They were good times, but when David Moyes came in he didn't fancy most of us and I was the first to go."

McLeod left Goodison Park for Queens Park Rangers in the spring of 2003, joining Kenny Jackett - then Ian Holloway's assistant - at Loftus Road on loan.

His impact was spectacular, as the Rs reached the Second Division play-off final with Cardiff City thanks in no small part to his contributions down the left flank.

Andy Campbell's goal meant a miserable climax to stage one of his Rangers career, though he was back after just one game of the following season when Holloway shelled out £250,000.

Stage two, last season, had a much happier ending, as the London club won automatic promotion to the Championship, with McLeod making 38 appearances along the way.

He has been involved on 27 occasions this term, too, though tellingly, he has made Rangers' starting line-up only six times thanks chiefly to the arrival from Watford of another bright young thing on the wing, Lee Cook.

"I had two good seasons at QPR, getting to the play-offs and then going up last year," McLeod goes on.

"But this year new faces have come in and the gaffer's obviously wanted to change things around, so it's time for me to make a fresh start."

And so to Swansea, on an undisclosed 18-month contract which is reportedly £60,000 and rising.

Last week Chester City agreed a package worth up to £125,000 with QPR, but McLeod rejected that move.

He says he has no particular desire to return to his native North-West at this stage of his career, for the prospect of turning out at the new Morfa Stadium alongside Swansea's other Merseysiders is far more attractive.

"I was grateful that Chester offered me the chance to join them, but I was always coming to Swansea.

"There's a bit of a difference between playing in front of 3,000 and playing in front of 20,000 at a brand new stadium, and the potential here is frightening.

"I've got a bit of a point to prove and, hopefully, I'll soon get my confidence back - by scoring a few goals and setting up a few more for Trundle."

McLeod and Swansea's top scorer share the same agent, Neil Sang, and it appears a similar attitude to football.

"I can win header and I can make a tackle, but really I'm someone who likes to use my pace in attack," he adds.

"I think I'm a bit like Trundle really in that I like to leave opposition players on their backsides.

"And I just hope to do the same sort of thing he's done since coming here.

"I want to prove to the Swansea fans that I can make them applaud every time I get the ball."

Terrace tickets for Swansea City's last three Vetch Field fixtures go on sale to Supporters' Trust members and 12-book season-ticket holders on Monday.

Tickets will be available for a week, when any remaining will be held back for general sale closer to the end of the season.

Trust members who do not have season tickets must produce their membership card while 12-book ticket holders must produce voucher F. It is not compulsory to buy all three tickets - for the games with Cambridge, Oxford and Shrewsbury - but the club are advising fans to do so.

Swansea are again subsidising official travel club coaches for next Tuesday's trip to Darlington, with seats available for just £10.

Bookings can be made at the Vetch tomorrow or at the William Street ticket office.

Ask Marcus Bean where his football career will take him come the end of this season and he may not yet have a definitive answer. But one thing is for sure, helping his old mentor Kenny Jackett achieve his ambition of promotion to League One is high on his priorities.

And if next August Swansea do kick off the first campaign in their new stadium in the higher league, then you might find the 21-year-old at the heart of Jackett's midfield four.

Bean is one of a number of younger players at Loftus Road who can put their rise through the ranks down to the help of the Swansea boss.

Jackett was a big influence on Bean's career during his time at the West London club and as he deliberates on his future, one major factor could sway his choice between staying in Swansea or returning to Rangers.

''Swansea getting promoted will have a massive influence on my decision whether to stay or go back,'' admitted Bean, ''but I just want to concentrate on the next three months and do well here.

''This is the biggest three months at Swansea in recent times and hopefully I can help them to achieve what they want.

''I have still got another year on my QPR contract and I am still learning the game.

''It's now about finding the right place to continue that learning process.

''In some respects I have got to prove myself again at Swansea,'' Bean added.

''If I can do that then perhaps we can have a big promotion party at the end of the season, and who knows what happens after that.''

Jackett obviously knows what he will get from the Hammersmith-born central midfielder, but Bean will tell Swansea fans just what to expect when he gets his chance, which seems likely to come tomorrow.

''I want to play straight-away,'' he said.

''Regardless of anything else, I want to play football.

''I like to get stuck in and distribute the ball to others simply and let them do their stuff.

''I have got a few role models like Paul Ince and Patrick Vieira.

''Paul Furlong, too, at QPR is a top pro and someone I look up to, and for him to be still doing the business at 36 is a credit to him. Hopefully I can follow his lead.''

Bean looked to have settled into his new surroundings when he trained yesterday.

He still believes he is good enough to play in the Championship and Jackett also believes he has a big future.

Rangers chief executive Mark Devlin revealed the Swansea boss had wanted to take Bean on more than a loan deal.

''Swansea were actually interested in taking Marcus permanently, but he remains a big part of manager Ian Holloway's plans for the future,'' he said.

''He feels that regular first-team football with a promotion-chasing side will only benefit the player and, in the long-term, QPR.''

Devlin also confirmed that the transfer of Bean's former QPR team-mate Kevin McLeod has given Holloway extra cash to spend.

''The deal certainly frees up funds,'' he said.

''Money is there to be used and Ian will be looking at the situation.''

Just like their opponents tomorrow, Swansea's form since the turn of the year could be described as indifferent. It is a fact which has resulted in them dropping off the pace at the top of League Two, although on paper this should be rectified at the Vetch tomorrow when they face Grimsby Town.

The term 'on paper' suggests there is some doubt over the outcome, but its basis is purely statistical - the last time the Swans beat Grimsby was in the old Second Division in 1980, when they grabbed a 1-0 win.

Certainly the bookmakers pay little heed to such history, with the Gaming Club Sportsbook pricing the Swans at 4-6 to secure three points and Premierbet offering Grimsby as long as 4-1.

The draw is available with Stanleybet at 13-5.

Punters conducting that perennial search for value will be interested to note that in the handicap betting markets, Stan James prices the Swans at a hugely tempting 15-8 to win starting with a goal deficit.

Grimsby have lost more than half of their away games this term which suggests that Kenny Jackett's men should at least maintain the pressure on top two Yeovil and Scunthorpe by winning.

Bet365 mark them down as 8-15 to score first, an outcome which makes Stanleybet's 6-1 on that being the only goal of the game look worthy of further investigation. Sporting Odds have 13-2 on them going one better and winning 2-0.

The ever-popular half-time/full-time markets also offer plenty of value.

Perhaps the best is Betdirect's 8-5 for Swansea to be leading at the end of both halves, although the more conservative punters are sure to find the 7-2 offered by Ladbrokes on Swansea winning after a drawn first period similarly attractive.

For those who like to hedge their bets, VCbet offer a massive 25-1 on Grimsby holding a first-half lead and Swansea staging a second-half comeback and winning the match.

Odds supplied by Betrescue.com. For more odds comparisons, visit www.betrescue.com

Place a £25 bet with Bet365.com on any Barcelona v Chelsea match market before kick-off on Wednesday and once the second half has kicked off, place a bet to the same stake on any Live In-Play match market and they will give you a refund if your bet loses.

SWANSEA CITY new boy Marcus Bean last night revealed the Kenny Jackett factor was behind his decision to quit the Championship for League Two.
The Queens Park Rangers midfielder has joined the Swans on loan until the end of the season.

And Bean said the former QPR No 2 was the only man who could convince him to drop two divisions.

The 20-year-old worked with Jackett when the Swans boss was Ian Holloway's No 2 at Loftus Road.

And he agreed to the Vetch switch so he could work under the former Wales defender once again.

"Obviously I want to be playing at the highest level but sometimes you've got to take a little bit of a backwards step to go forwards," said Bean yesterday.

"I know Kenny from QPR and he's a top man. He improved my game so much when he was at QPR. He really looked after me.

"I know that, if anything, I will go back to QPR at the end of my three months with Swansea a better player.

"I wouldn't have gone to any other club in this division, no way. This was the only club I would have come to.

"I've come here to help Kenny. He's a great coach and I know he will improve my game. All the boys at QPR love Kenny."

Bean made 20 outings for the London club this term although he has not played for Holloway's side since January 14.

"There's a talented squad at QPR and I felt I was getting squeezed out," he added.

"At the moment Kevin Gallen and George Santos are playing in central midfield and there are few other players on the bench.

"I was in the 18-man squad but not in the team. I've played a few games this season although recently I wasn't involved.

"I thought I was playing my part but the manager (Holloway) had other views.

"I've got three months with Swansea and then we'll see what happens after that.

"I'm raring to go and to get involved in Swansea' promotion push.

"The boys have done well until now and I want to help out and help them win promotion.

"It was a great feeling to get promoted with QPR last season and it would be brilliant to get that feeling again this season."

Bean will be thrown straight into the deep end tomorrow when Grimsby visit the Vetch to take on the faltering Swans.

Jackett's men are in third spot and only three points off the top - but they have picked up just one point from the last nine.

"I'm hoping to show the Swansea fans what I'm all about on Saturday," said Bean.

"It's a home game and we go into it after two bad results so it will be good to get going again.

"Will I join Swansea permanently? We'll have to see what happens after three months. We'll have see what the two clubs say.

"I look at coming to Swansea as freshening up my career. It's good to be here. I'm enjoying it."

THEY were room-mates at Everton whose careers have taken different paths.
One has become one of the biggest names in world football. The other has had to drop into League Two to repair his career.

While England golden boyWayne Rooney joined Manchester United for £27m last summer, new Swansea City signing Kevin McLeod moved to the Vetch earlier this week for £60,000.

Right now Rooney is spearheading United's quest to win the Premiership, the Champions League and the FA Cup.

As for McLeod, he packed his bags for South Wales after failing to establish a first-team place at Championship club Queens Park Rangers.

Swans chief Kenny Jackett - who worked with the winger at Loftus Road during his time as QPR assistant manager - is hoping the addition of the 24-year-old winger will help secure automatic promotion.

"I spoke to Kenny a few weeks ago. He asked what was happening with me at QPR," said McLeod yesterday. "I said I was still out of favour. I asked him if he wanted to wait until the end of the season before signing me because I would be available on a Bosman free transfer.

"But he wanted me in now because Swansea are trying to win promotion.

"Ian Holloway (QPR manager) never gave me a reason as to why I was out of favour. He's got his opinion and I've got mine. I'd rather come to Swansea and start my career again. I got a medal after winning promotion with QPR last season and I hope I can get another medal with Swansea this year.

"I could have waited until the end of the season before joining Swansea but I wanted to come here now so I can help the club try and win promotion."

McLeod began his career at Everton and it was there he became close friends with Rooney.

The pair were room-mates although McLeod admits he has since lost touch with the United and England superstar.

"I've not spoken to Wayne for a while. He's too busy scoring goals and being England's No1," quipped McLeod after his first training session with the Swans.

"We were quite close when we were at Everton. We were always having a laugh and we looked after each other.

"But things happen. Football moves so fast and players do lose touch with one another as a result.

"Obviously Wayne has gone on to bigger and better things and I wish him all the best.

"He's a good lad. He's got a big heart. Despite all that has happened to him, he won't have changed. He will be the same old Wayne.

"I will rekindle our friendship at some point. I can easily get hold of his phone number."

McLeod only made seven outings for Everton during his spell at Goodison Park.

Only once did he play alongside Rooney in the first team and that was an afternoon both men would prefer to forget since it was Everton's embarrassing FA Cup defeat against Shrewsbury at Gay Meadow in January 2003.

McLeod was loaned to QPR the following March and he joined the London club permanently five months later in a £250,000 switch.

He made 27 appearances for Holloway this season, his last coming in the 1-0 home win over Stoke a month ago.

"I came through at Everton with people like Wayne, Francis Jeffers and Michael Ball," added McLeod.

"I got to know Wayne when he was 17. He had just broken into the Everton first team. Even at that age he was exceptional, frightening.

"He was doing things that no other 17-year-old could do. I'm not surprised by what he has gone on to achieve.

"Wayne showed what he can do in the European Championships last year. He's obviously a world-class player.

"I roomed with him when I was at Everton and he was a pest! I would be trying to get to sleep and he would be watching TV.

"I think he's nearly blind because he used to sit right up close to the TV to watch it!"

McLeod is poised to make his Swans debut against Grimsby at the Vetch tomorrow after being sidelined for three weeks with laryngitis.

"I've settled in nicely at Swansea. I'm staying in a nice hotel and I'm being well looked after," he said. "I'm looking forward to Saturday - and to beating Grimsby. This is my first training session for a while because I've had laryngitis but I feel OK. We'll see if there's any reaction in the morning."

Slovenia claim they have lined up a friendly with John Toshack's Wales in August.

The match is scheduled to take place in Swansea, at City's new £27 million 20,000-capacity stadium. The friendly is pencilled in for August 20 after Slovenia decided to snub a proposed date with Cameroon in order to tackle Craig Bellamy and company.

"It is 99 percent a done deal," said Dane Jost, the general secretary of the Slovenian FA.
"All we have to do now is to sign a contract.
"But I can tell you officially that Slovenia and Wales will play a friendly game."
Wales defeated Hungary 2-0 in their last friendly with Bellamy scoring both goals.

Adrian Forbes could be in line for an early return to action when Swansea City face Grimsby on Saturday. And the influential winger, sidelined since January 29 by a knee injury, believes Kenny Jackett's side need to get back to basics after their worst league run of the season.

Forbes is hoping for at least a place on the bench against the Mariners as Swansea seek a first league win this month.

Forbes damaged knee ligaments in the closing stages of Swansea's last win against Chester at the end of January.

He was expected to be out for a month, but has been back in training with the squad this week and is hoping to feature at some stage on Saturday.

Forbes believes cutting out recent defensive problems is high on the agenda.

''We have got to get rid of the pretty stuff and get back to winning football matches again,'' said Forbes. ''That means being a difficult side to beat.

''That's what got us to where we are now and I am sure the gaffer will be working on that.

''If we can get back to the basics of sound defence then we have the players who can score goals at the other end.

''I came here to win promotion and I still think we can do that, but it's now time to stand up and be counted so we don't waste all the hard work of the last few months.''

''It's been disappointing for me that I haven't been able to help the lads in the last three games,'' said Forbes, who injured the same knee playing for Luton two seasons ago.

''Providing there are no ill effects from training then it will be up to the boss.

''I would say it might be too early from a fitness point of view to start, but if he wants me on the bench and I am ready then I will be happy to do that.''

Despite the last two defeats and the draw against Southend, Forbes reckons Swansea are still in a great position to achieve their goal of promotion.

And he is hoping his comeback can coincide with a return to form for the side.

''I did not have the best of starts,'' he said. ''But I have improved as the season has gone on and if I can get back in the starting line-up and help the lads achieve a win then great.

''We lost two games on the road last week and drew against Southend but we are still in third place.

''We have picked up only one point out of nine and that has damaged a lot of the hard work we have done, but I am confident we can put it right again.

''All we need is to get three weeks on the bounce and for Yeovil and Scunthorpe to slip up.

''We still have Scunthorpe to play here and if we take the points off them, the picture opens up again.

''There are still 14 games left and if we get back to basics then, fingers crossed, things will work out.''

New loan signing Marcus Bean launched his Vetch Field career today with one aim - to help Swansea City to promotion. The Hammersmith-born 21-year-old followed Kevin McLeod from Loftus Road to the Vetch the day after the winger completed signed an 18-month contract.

Bean's loan deal lasts until the end of the season and he is hoping that by then he would have helped Kenny Jackett's men into League One.

The combative midfielder played his part last season as QPR went up to the Championship and he is desperate for his new team-mates, who he joined in training for the first time today, to sample that success.

''I have been involved in one promotion push already and it was a great feeling,'' said Bean.

''I know the players here are all striving for that, and when they get it they will know - just like I do - how it feels. It was the best moment in my career so far.

''My aim is to help get Swansea up,'' he added.

''The club is a sleeping giant and they are moving to a beautiful new stadium next season.

''I know the fans are pushing for, and expecting, promotion. It would be nice if I could help them get that.''

Bean was QPR's young player of the year last season and has made 13 starts in the Championship in this campaign.

But he has not been involved in Ian Holloway's squad for the past month.

And he says that teaming up with Jackett again was a massive factor in his move to South Wales.

''I obviously knew him well when he was Ian Holloway's No. 2 at QPR,'' he said.

''He's a top man, a great coach and a good manager.

''When I was at Rangers the support he offered me both on and off the field was immense.

''I was a bit surprised when the gaffer called me in to tell me about the move. But when I found out I would be linking up with Kenny again there was never any doubt I would be coming to Swansea.''

Swansea's top-of-the-table home match with Scunthorpe a week on Saturday will now start at 1.30pm.

It has been brought forward to avoid a clash with Wales's Six Nations game with France which will kick-off at 4pm British time.

Swansea Council has dismissed rumours that there are problems over naming rights for the city's new £27 million stadium. They have insisted rumours that the ground's bosses are likely to get only half the expected £800,000 in stadium sponsorship are simply not true.

The opening of the new home for football and rugby in Swansea is just months away, but the impressive-looking venue still has no name. That has caused increasing concern among interested onlookers.

Some fans have expressed regret at the dropping of the White Rock working title in favour of chasing a money-generating commercial choice.

The council insisted that progress was being made but that has not stopped sources on a website suggesting the behind-the-scenes negotiations to pull off a big-money deal were faltering.

The site, named Inside Out @ Swansea, said the speculation among PR consultants is that talks over naming rights for Swansea's new stadium have gone belly-up.

It added: "Consultants who were talking in terms of more than £800,000 in sponsorship now apparently admit figures of less than half the original sum are more likely."

The council was keen to distance itself from the content of the website.

A spokeswoman said: "Swansea's new stadium offers potential sponsors a wonderful opportunity to be associated with one of Europe's finest regional sports venues.

"It presents a fantastic package of sponsorship opportunities connected to the stadium naming rights, stand sponsorship and right to supply the bars. The unsubstantiated rumours on an anonymous website are untrue."

The website is the latest one to give its own take on the naming of the stadium.

Earlier this month, Jack Army, the Swansea City football supporters' website, claimed it would be called The City of Swansea Stadium. And should a sponsor be found, the name would change slightly to accommodate it, the site claimed.

A spokesman for Swansea Council refused to comment on the suggestion.

HAVING been given another helping hand by his board this week, the pressure on Kenny Jackett to guide Swansea City to promotion has arguably never been greater.
Making money available for the capture of QPR duo Kevin McLeod and Marcus Bean is typical of the unstinting support Jackett has received from the men upstairs right throughout the season.

In return, Jackett's brief is to make sure Swansea avoid the lottery of the play-offs and clinch an automatic ticket to League One.

With one of the biggest squads in the division and the highest wage bill, Jackett knows he dare not fail.

Former Vetch Field chairman Steve Hamer, however, argues it is the Swans directors themselves who are under the greatest pressure to deliver League One football in time for the club's move to their new stadium at Morfa.

Hamer was the last Swansea chairman to oversee a successful promotion campaign, when John Hollins' men clinched the old Division Three championship in 1999-00.

But Hamer, who had an acrimonious departure from the Vetch in September 2000, believes the stakes are far higher this time.

"Technically, I would say the board of directors are under more pressure than Kenny because their business plan has been built around the new stadium," said Hamer.

"And that plan revolves around the club being in a higher division by the time they move to the stadium.

"As for Kenny, yes the board have backed him to the hilt. It seems that whatever he has needed this season, they've been spot on.

"Consequently, he's obviously under pressure to deliver promotion in return. But I'd argue it was the start of the season, when Swansea got off to a poor start, that he was under real pressure.

"He knew then that he had to get things moving in the right direction, and credit to him for having done that.

"Kenny knows the rules of the game. He knows that he's working in a results-driven business.

"But, as I said, it is the board who have invested heavily in the team in the hope it'll lead to promotion in time for the move to the new stadium.

"Somehow, I think the huge investment the board have made has got to transmit itself to the team.

"It's not often people say this, but I think the team owes the board - as well as the fans - a result this season.

"They've got to roll their sleeves up and finish what they've started."

As revealed in yesterday's Western Mail, QPR midfielder Bean is Swansea's latest recruit, the 20-year-old joining the Swans on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent move.

Bean's arrival at the Vetch came just hours after Loftus Road colleague Kevin McLeod completed his move to Swansea in an 18-month deal.

Jackett's double swoop on his former club takes the number of players in his first-team squad to 26, which includes nine midfielders.

And Hamer believes Jackett's squad now has greater depth to it than Hollins' class of 2000.

"The squad is so large and contains enough ability, that they shouldn't have a problem winning promotion," said the London-based businessman.

"One of the criticisms we used to hear back in 1990-00 was that we were lacking in certain areas, that we didn't have two quality players competing for each position.

"Our rock of Gibraltar was a defence of Steve Jones, Mathew Bound, Jason Smith and Michael Howard which only conceded 29 goals.

"Boundy and Smithy, in particular, were colossal for us that season.

"But this season Swansea have pretty much got two good players battling for each position.

"The defence has been fantastic and you can't fault (strikers) Lee Trundle and Paul Connor.

"The man brought in last week, Lee Thorpe, is as good a striker as you'll come across at this level and Kevin McLeod is also highly thought of.

"So Kenny has got a very good squad at his disposal.

"Let's just hope he can get the ship back on course and that the poor run they've had this month proves to be nothing more than a blip."

McLeod and Bean could make their Swansea debuts at home to Grimsby on Saturday as Swansea bid to collect their first win in four matches.

Queens Park RangersSwansea have completed the signing of Kevin McLeod from Queens Park Rangers.

McLeod has signed on at the Vetch Field after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical. Swansea agreed an undisclosed fee for McLeod on Tuesday and have quickly tied up the deal.

Swans boss Kenny Jackett will be hoping McLeod will boost his side's promotion hopes.
McLeod is set to be joined at Swansea by former Rangers team-mate Marcus Bean with the midfielder set to join the League Two outfit on loan for three months.

McLeod wings in for Swans - Teamtalk

QPR winger Kevin McLeod has signed for League Two side Swansea for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old has agreed personal terms and has passed a medical at the Vetch Field.

Following a good season with QPR in their promotion campaign last term, McLeod has since found himself out of favour at Loftus Road.

He made only four starts and 20 substitute appearances for Ian Holloway's side this season.

McLeod will now team up with former Rangers assistant Kenny Jackett, who will be hoping the midfielder boosts the Welsh side's chances of achieving promotion to League One.

Meanwhile, the Swans will seal a three-month loan deal for midfielder Marcus Bean within the next 24 hours.

The 20-year-old has made 20 appearances for Rangers this season and scored the winner in a 1-0 win over Gillingham in August.

Swansea had been looking to sign Bean on a permanent basis but Rangers boss Ian Holloway sees the midfielder featuring in his long-term plans at Loftus Road.

MCLEOD NOW A SWAN - QPR Official Site

Kevin McLeod has completed his transfer to Swansea City for an undisclosed fee.
The 24-year-old winger agreed personal terms yesterday afternoon and has subsequently passed a medical at the Vetch Field.

The League Two Club, managed by former Rs Assistant boss Kenny Jackett, are chasing promotion this season and hope that McLeod will boost their chances of success.

Confirming the news, Chief Executive Mark Devlin said: "On behalf of everyone at Loftus Road I would like to thank Kevin for his contribution to the Club and wish him the very best of luck for the future.

"Swansea are making great strides this season and he could play an important part in a success story under our old friend Kenny Jackett."

McLeod joined QPR on a permanent basis in the Summer of 2003 having impressed whilst on loan at Loftus Road the previous season.

He has made 27 Rangers appearances this term, the last as a substitute against Stoke City a month ago.


BEAN ON LOAN -QPR Official Site

Midfielder Marcus Bean will join Swansea City on loan for three months in the next 24 hours.

With negotiations completed to secure the permanent signing of Kevin McLeod, Swans Manager - and former Rs number two - Kenny Jackett has secured a temporary transfer for another young midfielder.

The Hammersmith-born player has featured 20 times for the first team this season, scoring the only goal of the game at Gillingham back in August.

Chief Executive Mark Devlin said: "Swansea were actually interested in taking Marcus permanently, but he remains a big part of Ian Holloway's plans for the future.

"And Ollie feels that regular first team football with a promotion-chasing side will only benefit the player and, in the long-term, Queens Park Rangers."

Bean made his very first appearance for the Club in August 2002, only to be harshly sent off by referee Rob Styles on an infamous afternoon at Wycombe.

In all he has made 64 appearances for QPR, scoring twice.

Swansea City boss Kenny Jackett was today set to complete a double swoop on old club Queens Park Rangers with the signing of Marcus Bean after capturing Kevin McLeod last night. Midfielder Bean was due in Swansea this afternoon for talks over a three-month loan deal after winger McLeod agreed an 18-month contract.

McLeod, 24, moves for an undisclosed fee, with reports in London suggesting Swansea will pay an initial sum in the region of £60,000 plus add-ons depending on Jackett's men winning promotion in May.

The Scouse left-footer has made 27 appearances for Rangers this season - though that includes only six starts - but was a regular at Loftus Road last term as they won promotion from the old Division Two.

He joined QPR for £250,000 from Everton in August 2003 after a highly-successful loan spell at the back end of the previous season, when he played in the club's Millennium Stadium play-off final defeat to Cardiff City.

''As soon as I knew things weren't going to work out at QPR and Kenny came in, Swansea was always going to be the club for me,'' said McLeod, who rejected a £125,000 move to Chester City last week.

''Chester were interested but it was a one-horse race - there's no comparison between Swansea and Chester is there? Now I'm just looking forward to playing some football and, hopefully, helping Swansea get promoted.''

The hard-working Bean, 20, is another who Jackett knows well, having come through the Rangers youth ranks to be named young player of the year last season.

Thirteen of his 42 starts for Ian Holloway's team have come this term, though he has not featured in the last month.

''I know Kevin well and I have brought him in because of his strengths as an attacking player,'' Jackett said. ''He can play wide left or as a centre forward. He has pace, good athleticism and a terrific left foot.

''He has made a footballing decision by coming to us. He is taking a step backwards in terms of dropping down two divisions but we feel it will take his career forwards and I'm really pleased to have got him.

''Marcus is another player I know very well and he is another very good athlete. He has already played a lot of games for QPR but, like Kevin, he hasn't been getting in the first team lately and he's coming to us initially on loan until the end of the season.''

Tottenham fans are mourning the loss of former Spurs captain Ronnie Burgess, who has died aged 87.
A Welsh international, the adventurous left-half also captained his country and won 32 caps between 1947 and 1954.

He played in the revolutionary Spurs side of that era that played what became known as push-and-run football, devised by manager Arthur Rowe.

Burgess made 296 League appearances for Spurs, and was captain of their Championship winning side of 1951.

He had also led Spurs to the Second Division title the previous year.

Burgess made his Tottenham debut in 1939 and stayed at White Hart Lane for the next 15 years.

He became player-manager of Swansea in 1955 and stayed in charge at the Vetch until 1958.

A four-year spell at Watford, where he discovered another Spurs great in goalkeeper Pat Jennings, followed from 1959 to 1963 - and he also managed Hendon and Bedford Town.

SWANSEA CITY will today complete their second signing from Queens Park Rangers in the space of 24 hours.
Swans boss Kenny Jackett will return to his old club, where he was Ian Holloway's assistant, and add young midfielder Marcus Bean to a squad that now includes his former Rangers team-mate Kevin McLeod.

Hammersmith-born Bean, 20 - who has made over 50 League appearance for Rangers - joins the Swans on a three-month loan deal with a view to a permanent move.

But it is the signing of Everton product McLeod, who can play on the left side of midfield or through the middle as a second striker, that will make the rest of the League Two promotion pack sit up and take notice.

Rangers recently accepted a bid of £125,000 from Chester only for the deal to collapse at the last minute over the 24-year-old McLeod's personal terms.

While Rangers and Swansea have agreed not to disclose the size of the transfer fee, it is fair to assume that it is similar to the figure tabled by Chester.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins said, "Both Rangers and ourselves have agreed not to discuss the fee, but we believe that signing someone of Kevin's ability underlines our ambition to win promotion.

"Kevin has a good pedigree playing for both Everton and QPR and his links with Kenny have helped us persuade him to come here.

"Hopefully Kevin will play his part in us winning promotion before we move into our stadium next season, while we can help him kick-start his career."

McLeod - who joins fellow Liverpudlians Lee Trundle and Andy Robinson at the Vetch - made five Premiership appearances at Everton before impressing during a loan spell at Rangers in 2003.

That stint included an appearance in the old Division Two play-off final against Cardiff City at the Millennium Stadium.

Rangers made the deal permanent in August 2003, paying Everton £250,000 for his services, and he made 35 league appearances the following season as Holloway's side clinched promotion to the Coca-Cola Championship.

McLeod was a Rangers regular again this season until suddenly falling out of favour at Loftus Road last month.

"At 24, Kevin is still a young lad with plenty to offer," said Jenkins.

"He can play out wide or through the middle and that was another attraction for us."

But Jenkins denied their double swoop on West London was a hasty reaction to their recent blip - only one point gathered from their last three matches dragging third-placed Swansea back towards the chasing pack.

"We've been actually been working on these deals for the last couple of weeks," he said.

"But, unlike some others this season, we've managed to keep them quiet from the media until the deals were already done.

"The board has backed the manager this season by bringing a number of players to the club, but that just represents the amount of support we have had over the season.

"Everyone at the club wants promotion this season, especially as we are moving to a new stadium, and we have tried to give Kenny every chance of achieving that."

McLeod was available on a Bosman free transfer in the summer, but Swansea were keen to move now and secure him for the rest of the campaign as well as next season.

"The deal suits both parties and, as long as everyone is happy, we'll renegotiate again at the start of next season," said Jenkins.

Explaining his omission from the Rangers ranks, Holloway said, "He (McLeod) wasn't happy at being left out and his deal was up at the end of the season.

"He hasn't really performed and that's why he hasn't been involved, but he's still a good player.

"I rate Kevin McLeod highly and believe he can come again."

Swansea City are on the verge of signing QPR winger Kevin McLeod. McLeod was due for talks at Vetch Field today after Kenny Jackett was given permission to speak to the Liverpool-born midfielder by his former club.

Chester tabled a bid of £125,000 for the 24-year-old last week, only for the deal to collapse over personal terms.

Swansea agreed a fee with the London club late yesterday afternoon, but neither are prepared to disclose the figure.

''We are paying something for him,'' said chairman Huw Jenkins, ''but it was agreed to keep that private between the two clubs. It's now down to sorting out personal terms.''

The 24-year-old joined QPR on loan from Everton in the latter part of the 2002-2003 season after making five Premiership appearances for the Goodison Park club and manager Ian Holloway was impressed enough to sign him on a two-year deal for £250,000.

McLeod created a favourable impression at Loftus Road and was hugely instrumental in Rangers's drive for promotion last season, with a series of consistent performances on the left flank.

''If we make this signing then I think our supporters will be impressed,'' said Jenkins. ''Only three years ago Kevin was playing in the Premiership. It's all about bringing in quality players who can take the club forward.

''Hopefully if we can complete the deal today then it will show what we are trying to achieve.

''Kevin is a player from two divisions higher. Kenny thinks we have got an exciting player.''

If Jackett's raid on his former club is successful, McLeod will become the second new signing at Vetch Field this month after striker Lee Thorpe was added to the squad last week.

But it is also likely to signal the end of his interest in Bristol City flyer Marc Goodfellow.

Swansea had a bid of £25,000 turned down for the wide man after he impressed with four goals in eight games during a month loan spell earlier this season.

''Kenny rates both Marc and Kevin,'' said Jenkins, ''but it was a case of one or the other. We would want to strengthen other areas of the squad and they play in a similar position wide left.''

Queens Park Rangers have accepted an offer from Swansea for Kevin McLeod.
The 24-year-old winger is well known to Swans boss Kenny Jackett from his time as assistant manager at Loftus Road.

Rangers agreed to pay Everton £250,000 for McLeod in August 2003 but he has fallen out of favour and can leave on a Bosman free transfer in the summer.

R's boss Ian Holloway said: "He's not happy at being left out and his deal is up at the end of the season so it's down to whether he can agree terms."

Holloway continued: "He hasn't really performed and that's why he hasn't been involved, but he's still a good player.

"I rate Kevin McLeod highly and believe he can come again."

Holloway is also keen to capture Bristol City midfielder Tom Doherty.

A proposed swap deal involving McLeod failed, but Holloway is still hoping to sign the Northern Ireland international.

QPR winger in Swans talks - Fans FC


Swansea are the latest club to express an interest in out-of-favour Kevin McLeod
The 24-year-old was the subject of a six-figure bid by Chester City last week and was also offered to Bristol City in a potential swap deal for Tommy Doherty.

Swansea are currently flying high in League Two and want to add the former Everton man to their ranks as they make a push for promotion.

COLIN ADDISON believes Swansea City's back-to-back defeats will act as a "wake-up call" that squad strengthening is needed to ensure promotion is achieved at the Vetch.
Addison reckons his old club have become too predictable, a problem he says boss Kenny Jackett could remedy by adjusting his tactics as well as bringing in fresh blood.

The former Swans manager gave his verdict yesterday as the inquest continued into the defeats against Mansfield and Leyton Orient that have left Swansea's position in the top three looking precarious.

Having picked up just one point from the last nine available, the Swans have seen their advantage on fourth place reduced from six points to two.

Addison, who watched Swansea turn in two disappointing performances last week in his role as a radio pundit, believes Jackett will take decisive action to get Swansea back on track.

"I think the two defeats will act as a wake-up call for Kenny," said Addison.

"They'll convince him to go out there and get a couple more players in just to make sure Swansea achieve promotion.

"Kenny will be very much aware of what he needs to do after last week's results.

"I've seen Swansea many times this season and they're looking off the pace at the moment.

"Part of the problem is I think people have sussed them out. Other teams know how Swansea are likely to play.

"Bringing in a couple more players would freshen Swansea up and perhaps make them a little less predictable.

"Kenny might also have to adjust his tactics. Lee Trundle and Paul Connor, for instance, have had a very good season but perhaps people know what they're all about now.

"During the second half on Saturday Kenny changed the system to 4-3-3, with the new striker, Lee Thorpe, playing through the middle.

"Starting the next match with three strikers could be an option. That would mix things up a little bit."

Addison believes Swansea looked unbalanced against Orient, operating as they did with Leon Britton on the right of midfield and Ijah Anderson in the centre.

Part of the problem is the man who has spent most of the season on the right wing, Adrian Forbes, is currently on the treatment table.

But the Swans are crying out for a natural left-sided midfielder in the mould of their former loan player Marc Goodfellow.

Rumours persist Swansea will make a fresh bid for the Bristol City winger - and Addison believes he would be a useful acquisition.

"Goodfellow did very well when he came to Swansea on loan and he'd give them that balance that they need in midfield," said Addison.

"But perhaps Swansea also need to go out and get another central midfielder.

"They looked a little lightweight in that position against Orient and what happens if Roberto Martinez gets injured?

"I don't see Andy Robinson as a central midfield player. He's better off making runs down the left or the right.

"The bottom line is promotion is such a priority this season that you've got to make sure the squad is strong enough to last the distance.

"Everyone gets injuries, illnesses and suspensions so you've got to have options.

"That's why I was glad Kenny signed Thorpe because, as outstanding as Trundle and Connor have been this season, he gives Swansea another option in that particular position."

Next up for the Swans is the visit of Grimsby on Saturday, when Jackett's squad could be strengthened by the return from injury of Kris O'Leary and Andy Gurney.

Two vital components, insists Addison. "Gurney and the other full-back, Sam Ricketts, have meant so much to the consistency of the team this season," he said. "And Kris had been doing a great job in the centre of midfield alongside Martinez.

"Whereas Roberto is a great passer, Kris is the man who gets his foot in and wins the physical battles and I'd like to see him back in the side."

The pitch at the new Morfa stadium site will be reinforced with plastic grass reinforcements to strengthen the playing surface and provide excellent playing conditions.

Work has already started on digging drainage trenches, and then a geo-textile membrane will be put in place before drainage pipes are laid.

The drainage installation will be able to suck excess moisture out of the pitch and blow air underneath it to keep it aerated and in excellent condition.

Plastic desso grass reinforcements will be inserted before the pitch is seeded. As the grass grows, the roots will wrap around the plastic inserts which will hold the pitch together more firmly than a normal pitch.

The pitch is being developed by leading international firm Hewitt Sportsturf which has pioneered new methods of natural pitch construction, above and below ground.

The company has also undertaken the pitch drainage at Arsenal's training ground and the renovation of the pitch at Norwich City’s training base.

The 20,000-seat stadium, being developed by Swansea Council, will be home to the Ospreys regional rugby team and Swansea City when it opens for the 2005/6 season.

It is the first purpose-built football and rugby stadium in the country, and the construction phase is due to be completed by spring 2005.

Gerald Clement, Swansea Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said, "The stadium looks fantastic. It has already become a major landmark for the city and the region.

“It is now in the transition between a construction site and a state-of-the-art sport and leisure facility.

“The installation of the pitch is crucial to this. That is why we have chosen the leading experts in their field to carry out this important task.

"This will be a high-quality playing surface, capable of withstanding more wear and tear than most other pitches in Wales. Already, the floodlights are lighting up what will be a fine pitch, and the 20,000 seats will all be installed by the end of January."

We thrill nowadays to see that rare, genuine winger: a Giggs, a Wright-Phillips, a Robben, racing clear to bring crowds to their feet. Stewart Downing may yet become such a figure. Forty years ago almost every club had one: outstandingly, Cliff Jones of Spurs and Wales, prior to the inimitable George Best. Jones, a veritable Achilles, turned 70 last week.

Like Best, like Robben, he was exceptional above all for his scoring potential, especially with his head. In 11 seasons with Tottenham, 1958-59 to 1968-69, he scored 134 goals in 309 matches; including a six-season spell - 1960-65 - of 97 goals in 220 matches. For Wales, he scored 13 in 41. A mere 5ft 8in tall and built like a greyhound, his legs ending almost up under his armpits, it truly could be said he was poetry in motion.

All that full-backs mostly saw was his disappearing heels; though Bill Nicholson was once moved to say in Jones's early days at Tottenham: "The ball's round, it rolls, why don't you try passing it occasionally?"

Son of Ivor (West Bromwich) and nephew of Bryn (Wolves and Arsenal), both of them inside-forwards, Cliff came from Swansea, that seam mother of footballers as rich as the Welsh coalfields. In his youth the team included Ivor Allchurch, Mel Charles and Terry Medwin - Big John had already left for Leeds.

Welsh passion still stirs in Jones's veins. "I know I had some fine days at Tottenham and won major trophies," he reflects, his eyes alight with the memory. "But the most happy days were at Vetch Field - all Swansea boys, great mates, on and off the field. Terry [who also moved to Tottenham] is still my best friend."

Jones recalls that Mel Charles's relaxed attitude, more accentuated even than his brother's, probably restricted - together with a long injury - his fulfilment with Arsenal. The memory of Allchurch, old-fashioned playmaker and beautiful striker of the ball, is that "like Bobby Charlton, he scored so many goals from outside the penalty area".

The passion, and the commitment, were first imbibed from Jimmy Murphy, assistant to Matt Busby at Manchester United, and Wales team manager. The first cap, in 1954 aged 19, came against the Austrian `Wunder Team' which included Ocwirk and Hanappi. Allchurch was his inside-forward partner, "but I didn't have a good day and was dropped until we played England the following year".

The experience with Murphy was character-forming. "He was a motivator," Jones says. "His style was fixed bayonets, over-the-top, give them plenty of welly. He impressed on you that the greatest honour you could have was to play for Wales."

It was that England match in which the Charles brothers played together for the first time. The occasion was distinguished by their mother. "My boy scored, he's scored!" shouted a euphoric Mrs Charles. It had to be pointed out to her that John, defending at a corner, had glanced the ball into his own net.

Jones made amends for the previous year, heading the winner from a cross by captain Roy Paul. Like every Welshman, Jones worshipped Big John. "There was no one like him, with his range, only Duncan Edwards came near him."

It is still a lament for Jones that Charles was kicked out of the World Cup quarter-final in 1958 by ruthless Hungary in a play-off. "I didn't have a particularly good match," he recalls, "but I got in enough crosses to give John chances against Brazil."

There was never much likelihood of young Jones forgetting his working-class roots, the brotherhood of the Valleys. While a Swansea apprentice he simultaneously, upon the insistence of his father, worked as a sheet-metal apprentice. Chaired off for his winning goal against England, he was back at the docks at 7.30am. "Well done, lad," the foreman said, "and now there's your proper work."

Nicholson maintained the reality when Jones was transferred to Spurs for £25,000 in 1958, the then highest figure for a winger. His first game was against Arsenal at Highbury. Arriving unrecognised from his National Service depot in west London, he was refused entry by the commissionaire. Nicholson was summoned. "That's him," he said, pointing: and as an aside to Jones, "and by the way, you're late."

Nicholson's eye for detail left Jones in awe. "In 1959, we all groaned when he announced a summer tour to Moscow, and even more when he said we were going to the ballet. The dancers amazed us, and him, with their fitness. He made enquiries, discovered it was achieved with weight training, developing the stomach muscles. From then on we had a weights specialist, Bill Watson, who transformed our condition."

Jones's own most memorable game? "It has to be beating Leicester in the Cup final to win the double, even though it was a poor match, with Leicester down to 10 men. Bill said, `You don't realise the significance'." By the next morning, they did.

"My best individual performance was with Wales on tour in Brazil just before the World Cup in 1962. We gave them a warm-up, losing 3-1 at the Maracana in Rio, and I must have had a dozen shots. None of them went in, but I felt I was at my peak. Pele scored twice...now there was a man."

Paul Connor has assured Swansea City fans that the team will not allow a miserable week on the road to derail their promotion hopes. Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Leyton Orient in Coca-Cola League Two was the second in the space of five days, following on from the 1-0 reverse at Mansfield.

And the loss meant that Kenny Jackett's men failed to win for the third league game running - something that had not happened before in this campaign.

But, despite seeing his side picking up only one point from the last nine on offer, 11-goal Connor says the squad has the strength to get back to winning ways and put their promotion bid back on track.

''It wasn't a good performance on Saturday and everybody could see that,'' said Connor.

''We weren't too good against Mansfield either, so it hasn't been a brilliant week. But even the best sides like Chelsea and Manchester United hit bad patches. Hopefully, we can get through it and I think we can.

''It's all about character now and we have to prove as a team that we can come back. And I am sure the manager will not allow us to go on a bad run anyway.''

Jackett too is convinced that his players can put the poor performances behind them, though he concedes it is also down to him to get things right.

''I wouldn't say I was worried, but I am disappointed about the last two performances,'' he said.

''It is not what we wanted at all and I have to say that Saturday's showing was not up to the standards we have set this season.

''It might be the case that the players are beginning to feel a bit of pressure, but it's the same for everybody else.

''Although we are coming to a crucial part of the season I am sure we can push on from here and come back from what has been a disappointing week for Swansea City.''

Jackett's men failed to come to terms with driving rain and a gale force wind at Brisbane Road.

The Matchroom Stadium is open to the elements with two sides of the ground under reconstruction.

The shocking conditions certainly affected Swansea, but Martin Ling's side adapted to them better, scoring twice in the first 34 minutes through Andy Scott - his ninth goal of the season - and former Vetch trialist Daryl McMahon, who was the most impressive player on the pitch.

McMahon was brought down by Willy Gueret early in the second half and Matt Lockwood stretched the lead from the penalty spot.

And, although new recruit Lee Thorpe opened his Swansea goal account with a crisp finish late on, Jackett's men were second-best all afternoon.

They now lie third, three points off the top and two clear of fourth-placed Macclesfield, who closed the gap with a 1-0 win over Cambridge.

Connor reckons if Swansea are having a little wobble, then they can overcome it.

''It gets a bit hot when it comes to the last 10 games of the season because teams will put good runs together in the places below us,'' he said.

''But if we can hit a run of form again then I am sure we will be okay.''

Connor has been in the play-offs with two of his former clubs, and he hopes that experience will stand him in good stead as this season reaches what looks increasingly like being a tense climax.

''I got to the play-offs with Rochdale and with Stoke from this position," he added.

''At Stoke we had a run of 13 games unbeaten to take us into the play-offs, so I know what it takes to get in there and I think we have got it.

''If you put a run together it has been proved that it can be done. I would say to the fans definitely don't panic.

''As a team we cannot afford to. We have to stick together and, even though we haven't played well against Orient and we were also beaten at Mansfield, I am sure we can bounce back.''

Kenny Jackett won't be admitting it, but his Swansea City side are showing signs of a distinct wobble as the promotion race hots up. This second defeat in a week will also have the Vetch Field faithful chewing on their fingernails.

But they should all get a crumb of comfort, even after this awful loss at Leyton Orient, from the words of Orient manager Martin Ling, who reckons that Jackett still holds all the cards when it comes to getting into League One.

''I have been saying it all year that Swansea and Yeovil are the teams that are going to go up,'' he said.

''And just because they have had a bad performance against us doesn't mean I've changed my mind. I still think they will be in the top three.''

High praise indeed from a man who had just watched his team outplay and outmuscle a Swansea side who were some 10 places above his team before kick-off.

Ling would not say that Jackett's men had played poorly - rather, he wanted to point out his own team's plus points, coming back as they did after a 4-1 thumping at the hands of Shrewsbury last week.

Swansea's performance was not up to the standards they have been setting for the most of the season, as Jackett admitted afterwards.

But, as Ling said post-match, they were not allowed to exert any pressure on the home side right from the off.

The driving rain that arrived just before kick-off was quickly followed by a howling wind, but even with that at their backs Swansea had no answer to Orient's power play.

The two-sided Matchroom Stadium, shorn of two stands because of renovation work, did not provide much cover for Swansea's players, who would have loved some protection not only from the elements but also from Orient's all-action display.

How Jackett would have loved to have had Daryl McMahon in a midfield that failed to function all afternoon after the manager, somewhat surprisingly, moved Leon Britton on to the right wing and Ijah Anderson into the centre.

McMahon was behind most of the good moves coming from Orient, and with Lee Steele and Andy Scott giving Swansea's back four more than a few problems, it was no surprise when Scott drove the home side into the lead.

Steele fought off some feeble tackles and laid the ball into the path of the ex-Oxford man, who slammed the ball off the underside of the bar for his ninth goal of the season.

Swansea's success this season has been built on a solid defence that concedes very few goals.

But Jackett's back four, shorn of the suspended Garry Monk and the injured Andy Gurney, looked nothing like their normal selves.

On too many occasions it seemed as though no-one would take responsibility, and once more it was no surprise when McMahon doubled the lead.

Again the move emanated down Swansea's right, and with the defence stood like rabbits caught in headlights, the impressive young midfielder was allowed time and space to finish coolly after Steele's pass.

Already this was arguably Swansea's worst performance under Jackett in the league and for the second time in the space of five days Jackett's men were second best.

But going forward, even though they were never really in the game, they did create some chances, mainly for Lee Trundle in the first half.

He fired over Lee Harrison's crossbar before bringing the best out of the home keeper just before the break.

A goal then would have flattered Swansea, though, and manager Jackett was not happy at the break.

''I was angry at half-time,'' he admitted.

''I was quite strong in what I said because I was very disappointed with the performance in the first half.

''It was just not up to the standard I expect from my players in League Two,'' he said.

''I was disappointed with how they played, especially in the first half. We were outcompeted.

''This season we have built our success on being combative and not easy to break down.

''But all round we were too easy to penetrate.''

And it did not get any better after the break thanks to Matt Lockwood's penalty after McMahon had once more exposed a static Swansea defence.

Lee Thorpe did break his duck for his new club eight minutes from time, but it was little more than consolation.

Jackett is a man who loves his statistics and he will say that Swansea had 14 shots to Leyton Orient's 10 in this game.

He will also tell you that of those 14 shots, eight were on target, the same as Orient's. But as Jackett also knows, statistics don't lie, and in the past three games his Swansea outfit have picked up just one point from a possible nine.

They have also gone three games without a win, the first time that has happened this season.

But, and perhaps most tellingly, Macclesfield in fourth have closed the gap between themselves and Swansea to just two points.

Jackett knows how important it was to get something on their road trips this week and that is why he was so unhappy with Saturday's result and performance.

Ling knows, however, that with Trundle in his side, Jackett still holds all the aces.

''I do believe he is the best in this division,'' he said.

''I watch a lot of games at this level and he's the one player who can change a game.

''We kept him quiet today, but you can never relax as a manager when he's on the pitch.

''He is a quality player.''

But as well as all the praise, Ling also offered a word of warning that could have Swansea supporters reaching for their worry beads.

''The pressure is less for teams like us against the sides in the top three,'' he added, ''and that's what Swansea will have to put up with from now on in.

''Teams can sometimes relax a little bit because they are the team expected to get beaten.

''That also takes pressure off players and they can go and perform like we did today.''

After an unsuccessful road trip on which Swansea have dropped six points out of six in five days, Jackett and Co will be looking for some home comforts with next Saturday's Vetch Field clash with Grimsby.

A win then would certainly ease the fears. But what would the wobble become if there were to be more dropped points?

PUBLICLY, Kenny Jackett remained the model of calmness and composure.
Privately, he must have been completely baffled.

Baffled as to why a Swansea side performing with such conviction just a couple of weeks ago could suddenly look so inept.

Baffled as to why one of the meanest defences in the Football League has started displaying more generosity than a National Lottery rollover winner.

And baffled, quite possibly, as to how he might reverse Swansea's worst league run of the season without knocking on the chairman's door to ask whether there's any cash in the transfer kitty.

The Swans clearly haven't become a bad team overnight.

But, after this appallingly limp performance in east London left their position in the automatic promotion zone at its most precarious, can Jackett afford not to seek reinforcements?

The Swansea boss might be a man for statistics, but he won't appreciate being reminded that his promotion-chasing side's second defeat of the week, following the 1-0 midweek loss at Mansfield, made it three matches without a league win for the first time this season.

And you wouldn't have blamed the small band of travelling fans - who had to endure weather conditions that were as ugly as Swansea's performance - had they left Brisbane Road fearing last season's depressing slide out of the promotion picture could be about to repeat itself.

Yes, it was that bad. Swansea were out-classed, out-thought and out-fought; they never looked remotely like picking up their first win of the month.

Having only had positive things to reflect on in recent months, all of a sudden Jackett's post-match interviews are starting to resemble those he gave during Swansea's indifferent first month of the campaign.

"One point from three games and five goals conceded is not what we want at all," said Jackett, after a result that left his side third but the gap on fourth-placed Macclesfield down to just two points.

"The last two performances haven't reached the standards we've set ourselves this season and the people we have are capable of playing much better.

"Promotion is obviously on everyone's minds and perhaps the pressure to achieve that is getting to the players a little.

"But it's the same for everyone else chasing promotion.

"You've got to be able to focus and keep on picking up results.

"So for us to lose two games in a week is very disappointing. And I've got to sit down and make sure I get the equation right for the next game.

"On a personal level, I came through the pressure I was under at the start of the season and I will do again this time."

"Many more performances like this over the next month, though, and the only way Swansea will be reaching League One is via the play-offs.

Though they had a glut of first-half chances, something Jackett was at pains to point out, it was their alarming wastefulness in possession and lack of fight that cost them dear.

Orient, showing impressive powers of recovery having crashed to a 4-1 defeat at Shrewsbury seven days earlier, looked altogether fresher, hungrier and deadlier than their lethargic visitors, Martin Ling's side were deservedly 2-0 up within the first 34 minutes, Andy Scott bagging the first with a blistering shot that gave Willy Gueret no chance and Daryl McMahon drilling home the second from an acute angle.

"I was angry at half time because, though we created quite a few opportunities, our level of competitiveness wasn't up to the standard I require," said Jackett.

"Right throughout the season, we've generally been combative and hard to break down, but on this occasion we were easy to penetrate and we didn't compete well enough.

"Sometimes if you take your chances, that can change a game and lift people's spirits.

"If you don't take your chances, the least you've got to do is compete for every ball."

Swansea were fortunate not to see Gueret red-carded eight minutes after the break when, as the last man, he sent McMahon sprawling deep inside his area.

But Matthew Lockwood showed Gueret no mercy with the resulting spot-kick and the Swans fans trying to shelter from the swirling wind and rain in the corner of the stand must have feared a massacre.

Lee Trundle, who had earlier spurned a catalogue of chances, picked up another needless booking for diving in an attempt to earn a penalty at the other end as Swansea laboured through the remainder of the half.

It was Swansea's other Lee, new signing Thorpe, on as a substitute for the ineffective Leon Britton, who grabbed a consolation goal for the visitors nine minutes before the end after Andy Robinson had put him through.

The former Orient striker could now be rewarded with a starting place in Saturday's home meeting with Grimsby.

With Andy Gurney and Kris O'Leary hoping to be available as well, at least Jackett will have options to shake things up.

He said, "What side I put out against Grimsby depends on who I've got fit and available.

"We may have one or two back, we may not.

"But whoever ends up playing, I'd certainly hope we respond positively to what has been a disappointing week for Swansea.

"Looking at the big picture, we're still in a good position in the league. I understand some of the fans might panic a little, but we're only three points off the top.

"It's my job now to get things right for Saturday.

" I've got to pick the right team and prepare the side to do better than they did against Orient. We've got to come back fighting."

And hope that this performance doesn't come back to haunt them.

LEE THORPE opened his Swansea City account against his former club - then urged Swans fans to back Kenny Jackett's judgment in signing him.
The 29-year-old's arrival at the Vetch last week - initially on a loan basis before he signed an 18-month deal - raised eyebrows among some Swansea supporters.

Thorpe might be viewed as something of a journeyman striker, having had relatively short spells at Blackpool, Lincoln, Leyton Orient and Bristol Rovers.

But Thorpe, who has claimed only five goals at the Memorial Stadium this term, gave a hint of why Jackett has signed him when he came off the bench to grab a consolation goal in Saturday's dismal 3-1 defeat in east London.

And afterwards the man from Wolverhampton insisted, "I don't think it's a case of having to prove myself to the Swansea fans.

"I've been around this division long enough and the supporters should've seen what I can do quite a few times in the past.

"And they should know that if a good manager like Kenny brings a player such as myself in, he's done it because he thinks I can do a job for Swansea.

"It's just a case of me getting on with my job and doing the best I can for the club."

Thorpe added of his move to South Wales, "I feel privileged that Kenny has brought me to Swansea.

"I still had 18 months left on my contract at Bristol Rovers, but I'm glad to have swapped that for a similar deal at Swansea. I've joined a club that's on the up and a manager who I think can get the best out of me.

"My reason for leaving Bristol had nothing to do with the manager (Ian Atkins). It was a financial thing: Bristol needed to get players off their wage bill and it was just lucky for me that Swansea came in."

And Thorpe intends to provide fierce competition for Swansea's current first-choice strike team Lee Trundle and Paul Connor.

He said, "I don't like sitting on the bench, but I've come to Swansea to fight for a place.

"I've come to a club that's been on a high. The players have done well this season so, if there's no place for me at first, I've just got to be patient."

Thorpe, whose Swans debut came as a substitute in the 1-0 midweek defeat at Mansfield, netted his first Swansea goal in the 81st minute at Brisbane Road.

It silenced the Os fans who booed Thorpe on his return to the club he spent 18 months at between 2002 and 2004.

But Thorpe insisted he took little satisfaction from the goal.

"It was nice to score against Orient for the first time, but the goal didn't count for anything," he said.

SWANSEA CITY may have wobbled slightly in the last two matches, but boss Kenny Jackett is confident his men won't snap under the pressure to clinch promotion.
The Swans travel to Leyton Orient today perhaps in more need of a win than they have been for several months.

That's because they've encountered something of a sticky patch recently, dropping two points at home to Southend last Friday and losing at Mansfield on Tuesday.

On both occasions Jackett's side missed out on the chance to go top of League Two and thereby gain a potentially-crucial advantage on their promotion rivals.

As it was, Swansea's defeat at Field Mill left them third, level on points with Yeovil and Scunthorpe ahead of last night's clash between Brian Laws' men and Southend.

However, as things become increasingly tight at the top, Jackett has urged the Vetch Field faithful to stay calm.

"My message to the fans would be there's certainly no need to panic," said Jackett.

"I'm disappointed that we didn't take the two great opportunities to steal a march on our rivals and go top of the table, but it has gone now.

"And I don't believe the draw against Southend and the defeat against Mansfield amounts to a blip.

"There's still a third of the season to go and we're third in the league. Whatever people might say about the current league table, it's all about the total you can get by the end."

Undoubtedly the greatest fear among Swans fans is the Vetch Field side crumbling under the pressure to secure a top-three finish.

Could it have been that the thought of reaching the League Two summit somehow blurred their focus against Southend and Mansfield?

"No, I don't think that type of inhibition affected the players at this stage of the season," Jackett argued. "The players are very aware of their responsibilities and the opportunities that lie in front of them.

"But they can handle that. I don't believe they will lose their focus."

After their Mansfield misery, which was compounded by the second-half dismissal of defender Garry Monk, Jackett will hope Swansea can rediscover the form that saw them lose just once in nine league matches.

The Swansea squad should be in a healthier state - Sam Ricketts returns from Wales duty, while Willy Gueret and Andy Gurney should be back from injury - after being severely stretched up in Nottinghamshire.

"You accept that having to make changes is part and parcel of a league season," Jackett said.

"We've been stretched in a few games this season, but generally we've coped with it well.

"The thing about Mansfield, I thought, was we were on the wrong end of a refereeing decision. Kevin Austin had what I thought was a perfectly good goal ruled out.

"But, as I said, that match has gone now and we're focused on putting things right at Orient."

New Swans striker Lee Thorpe, who earlier this week completed a free transfer to the Vetch on an 18-month deal, is expected to start on the bench as he returns to the club he served between May 2002 and March 2004.

With Monk starting the first of a three-game ban, Austin will probably move into the centre of defence, with Ricketts going to left-back.

Looking Back: Willy Gueret looks certain to regain his place in goal from Brian Murphy after a calf strain forced him to miss the trip to Mansfield. Andy Gurney, who was also absent from Tuesday's 1-0 defeat, faces a fitness test on his shin problem.

Garry Monk starts his three-match ban, but there is good news for Jackett with the return of Sam Ricketts from Wales international duty. If Gurney gets a clean bill of health he should slot in at right-back with Ricketts on the left and Alan Tate dropping down to the bench.

Kevin Austin will partner Izzy Iriekpen in the centre in Monk's absence. Leyton Orient's first-choice strikeforce of Gary Alexander and top scorer Lee Steele have been re-united in the past two league games after lengthy spells on the sidelines.

IN THE MIDDLE: Brad Maylett looks like being the unfortunate one to be left out again at Brisbane Road as Jackett sticks with Ijah Anderson on the left and Andy Robinson down the right. Roberto Martinez and Leon Britton will continue to make up the central partnership.

Key Orient winger Wayne Carlisle is still out with an ankle injury, so Tom Youngs, brought from Northampton as cover, will be on the right. On the left Andy Scott will be looking to add to his eight goals, while player of the year Michael Simpson starts in the centre. Alongside him will be former Vetch trialist Daryl McMahon who signed an extended contract last week.

GOING FORWARD: Lee Trundle and Paul Connor will be joined in the squad by new signing Lee Thorpe who comes up against one of his former sides. Jackett will be hoping Thorpe's arrival will provide enough competition to spur his strikers on. Lee Harrison has wrestled the Orient gloves from Glenn Morris and is now the No. 1 choice keeper .

Donny Barnard has claimed the right-back berth after some good performances, while stalwart and free-kick expert Matt Lockwood is on the left side of the back four. Former Ipswich youngster Justin Miller will be partnered in the centre by ex-Reading man John Mackie, the only player to come out of last week's 4-1 drubbing by Shrewsbury with any credit.

Leyton Orient (possible): Harrison, Barnard, Lockwood, Mackie, Miller, Youngs, Scott, Simpson, McMahon, Alexander, Steele. Subs: Morris, Hunt, White, Echanomi, Duncan.

Swansea City (possible): Gueret, Gurney, Ricketts, Austin, Iriekpen, Robinson, Anderson, Martinez, Britton, Trundle, Connor. Subs: from Murphy, Tate, Maylett, Thorpe, Pritchard, Jones, Corbisiero.

LEYTON ORIENT boss Martin Ling believes Swansea suffered the backlash of his side's worst performance of the season.
The men from east London went into Saturday's game still smarting from a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of struggling Shrewsbury seven days earlier.

But, whereas Swansea looked to be still suffering a hangover from their midweek defeat at Mansfield, Orient responded by producing what Ling described as their best display of the campaign so far.

"Losing so heavily at Shrewsbury was the lowest point of our season and I think Swansea have taken the backlash of that," he said.

"We were so poor against Shrewsbury that it was the middle of the week before I plucked up the courage to look at the match video!

"So to then come out and beat a top-three side like Swansea so convincingly is very pleasing. It was our best performance of the season.

"I think it's fair to say we took the defeat out on them.This is a funny league, but I think we must be the funniest team in it in terms of consistency and level of performance!"

Ling was naturally delighted at the manner in which is mid-table team outplayed third-placed Swansea - but still tipped the Welsh side to go straight up to League One.

He said, "Three goals didn't flatter us and I thought we were always in control of the game.

"Ten minutes before half time we had a reminder of what a quality side Swansea are. But, for the most part, we didn't allow them to play. We had two young lads at the back who did a good job of keeping Lee Trundle quiet.

"I rate Lee Trundle highly. He's the most individual striker in the league, capable of changing games.

"But there a lot more to Swansea than Trundle. And I think they'll win promotion. Swansea and Yeovil were the two sides I thought would go straight up, and I haven't changed my mind."

But Ling thought Swans keeper Willy Gueret should have been sent off during the Brisbane Road encounter after conceding a penalty for bringing down midfielder Daryl McMahon.

Ling said, "The rule states that you get sent off if you stop a clear goal-scoring opportunity. I don't know what's clearer than a man trying to go round a keeper to score in an empty net."

Garry Monk fears he may not get the chance to join Swansea City's drive for promotion following his third sending off of the season. Even after he returns from his latest suspension, which begins tomorrow, Monk believes boss Kenny Jackett may decide to put his faith in other players in the heart of defence.
The former Southampton defender followed his dismissals at Yeovil and Shrewsbury with another red card at Mansfield on Tuesday.

And by the end of his current ban, it would mean his suspensions would total double figures.

And he reckons that disciplinary record could prove costly when it comes to his place in the side.

''He (Jackett) put me straight back in after Shrewsbury, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if that doesn't happen this time,'' said Monk, ''especially if the lads get some good results.

''I've let the fans down who travelled up there, I've let my team-mates down and most of all I think I've let the gaffer down - especially after the faith he showed in me by bringing me straight back in after the last ban.

''The last thing I wanted to do was get sent off again.

''I wanted to repay his faith by helping the team get results on the pitch, but getting sent off I can't do that.''

Izzy Iriekpen and Kevin Austin will fill the centre-back roles at Leyton Orient tomorrow as Swansea look to regroup after dropping five points in their last two games.

But Monk insists confidence remains high despite the double setback.

''It'll be a tough one, but after the game on Tuesday, the lads are determined to get a result at Orient, ''he said.

''I don't think we really deserved to lose.

''We didn't play particularly brilliantly, but neither did Mansfield.

''They had one clean shot, a good strike you could do nothing about.''

His trio of red cards has left him wondering what else can go wrong this campaign - personally, at least. ''It's unbelievable to think I'll have missed 10 games through suspension this season,'' added Monk.

''I've never had a problem with bookings. I've never had a season like it. It's new to me.

''I walked straight off on Tuesday. I knew it wasn't wise to stay around. I'd learned my lesson from Shrewsbury.

''Rightly or wrongly, though, I was sent off and I have to take responsibility for that."

Monk defended his latest sending off, claiming that referee Paul Taylor's decisions for both yellow cards were unnecessary.

''I thought the first was a bit harsh because all I was trying to do was shield the ball out,'' he said.

''I didn't try to make a tackle, but he kicked it out of play and fell over.

''The second one I was 20 yards away from the forward and I thought I'd better make up the ground because he was quite quick and I didn't want him to turn.

''I didn't go to make a challenge but my momentum took me into him, he fell over and the referee was quick to send me off.

''I'm not a dirty player. I've never had a problem before this season,'' he added.

''None of the sendings off has been for violent conduct or anything like that, just stupid little niggly things which I could do with trying to cut out.''

NEW cap Sam Ricketts admitted he had learned a lot from his first taste of international football.
The 23-year-old Swansea City defender took the huge step from League Two to the international arena when Wales boss John Toshack asked him to fill a left-sided wing-back role.

But Ricketts - who was playing in the Conference at Telford United only last season - enjoyed a steady debut and now hopes to figure in Toshack's squad for back-to-back World Cup qualifiers against Austria next month.

"I enjoyed it. It was a good experience and obviously I've learned a lot from it," said Ricketts.

"I didn't think the game was that quick. Obviously it was very different from matches I'm used to as it was a case of keeping the ball more.

"Players at this level like to pass the ball around but I didn't find it strange.

"It was just a case of settling into the game and enjoying the whole experience."

Ricketts said he had blocked out the prospect of any pre-match nerves by concentrating on his first touch.

"That's all I was thinking about and now I can't even remember it because I was so focused on the game," he said.

"I think I started quite well and that allowed me to settle down.

"I've not played that position (wing-back) this season at Swansea, but I've played it in the past with other clubs I've been at. So I felt I could settle into that position quite well.

"The gaffer was still calling it full-back but he did want me pushing on a bit.

"That wasn't a problem because I do that quite a lot for Swansea.

"But you've got to have a good first touch and play the ball sharp."

Ricketts played the whole 90 minutes and revealed that Toshack had a quiet word with him after the final whistle.

"He said 'well done' and I think he was pleased with me," he said.

"Hopefully now I can get a little recall for the World Cup games because they would be great matches to be involved in.

"Ben Thatcher, the first-choice left-back, is suspended for the next three games, but we'll have to wait and see."

Swansea City maybe knocking on the door of promotion to League One, but too many more missed opportunities like this and they might find it still locked in 15 games' time. Twice in the space of five days Kenny Jackett's side have had the chance to move clear of the chasing pack.

A 1-1 draw at home to Southend United last Friday saw them miss out for the first time, and last night at Field Mill they blew another chance, with Garry Monk seeing red for the third time this season.

Monk's dismissal, for two bookable offences in the second half, may not have been the major contributing factor to this Swansea defeat.

But the suspension, which could keep him out for three matches following his sendings-off at Yeovil and Shrewsbury, could mean the difference between going up or staying down.

Jackett will certainly want to keep a check on his side's disciplinary problems between now and the end of the season.

This was not a bad Swansea performance and, of course, that door to the higher division is still far from closed, but it was not the best display of this campaign.

Going into this match Jackett's men had the joint best away record in League Two; their seven wins, two draws and five defeats were equalled only by Lincoln City.

But Carlton Palmer, as you would expect from a player who based his game on high energy and an in-your-face attitude, has got this Mansfield side performing how he wants them to.

Standing for the whole 90 minutes in the stand behind the dugouts, the ex-England international bellowed out his instructions to his charges.

And for the most part it seems as if he got his message across.

Nineteen-year-old centre-backs Alex John-Baptiste and Jake Buxton stifled Lee Trundle, and Paul Connor had one of his more ineffective games in a Swansea shirt.

In midfield, Tom Curtis and Adam Murray won the battle against Roberto Martinez and Leon Britton, while Derek Asamoah's lightning pace caused problems all night for the Swansea back four.

And in Richie Barker, Palmer has an old warhorse who never stops running and deserved the reward of being the match-winner.

Too many more nights like this and Jackett will be wondering if his side do have the staying power to achieve their promotion ambition.

The Swansea boss will not want another slip up at Brisbane Road at the weekend following this disappointing defeat.

True, Swansea were not helped by the fussy refereeing of Hertfordshire official Paul Taylor, a point alluded to by Jackett after the game.

The referee's whistle blew so many times in the opening 45 minutes that Swansea's normal free-flowing passing game was not allowed to take shape, allowing the more high-tempo style of the Stags to take over.

''We didn't get any tempo to our game, but it's very difficult to do that when the referee is blowing his whistle every 30 seconds,'' said Jackett.

''The game never really got going. It was stop-start, stop-start and I was waiting for it to flow, which would have suited us, and it never did.

''I was waiting for the game to open up and under those circumstances it's hard to play some controlled football.''

Swansea did start the game in a controlled fashion, and with Britton to the fore early on were the better side.

It was a promising opening and had Kevin Austin's powerful header after 12 minutes been allowed to stand, we could have been looking at a different outcome.

Austin looked to have broken the deadlock when he rose high to meet Andy Robinson's free-kick.

But to the surprise of most in the ground, referee Taylor ruled it out, the first of many decisions that bemused Jackett.

''Sometimes you get refereeing decisions that go with you and sometimes you don't,'' he said.

''We were unfortunate tonight - as regards the refereeing decision - not to go one up.

''It looked okay to me, but I haven't asked too many others their opinion and I don't know the general consensus on whether it was a foul or not.''

Austin did not believe it was, although there was a feeling that the match official had decided a Swansea player had crept offside.

Whatever his reason, he disallowed the goal, and although Lee Trundle tested Kevin Pilkington with a low shot soon after, it seemed Swansea's best chance of sneaking a result had slipped from their grasp.

Mansfield had survived the early blitz and, even though their play was predictable and one-dimensional at times, it was effective and unnnerved the men in red.

Another Austin back-header just drifted wide, but Palmer's men had seized the initiative and in first-half injury-time they took their opportunity.

Alan Tate was, just like Mark Cueto for England against Wales last Saturday, caught between cutting out an inside pass or staying with his man on the wing.

Adam Rundle took advantage and his low cross was beautifully dispatched on the half-volley by Barker from just inside the box.

It was already looking tough for Swansea to come back into the game, although Connor and Trundle, who was just over with an audacious chip from 30 yards, did have chances to pull them level.

But all chance appeared to be lost with Monk's sending-off. Red-carded at Yeovil and Shrewsbury, Monk was given his marching orders again for two fouls inside two minutes.

Simon Brown was then dismissed for apparently aiming a butt at Robinson, throwing Swansea an unexpected lifeline.

Trundle almost accepted it right at the last, but his header fell easily into the arms of Pilkington, though an equaliser then would have been harsh on the home side.

Swansea will be hoping to keep knocking on that promotion door with a win at Leyton Orient on Saturday, and Kevin Austin knows just what they have to if they want to find the key to League One.

''We just have to keep positive,'' he said. ''If we start worrying about this defeat then we don't deserve to be up there.

''There's a long way to go in the season yet and there will be a few more twists and turns, not only from us but other teams.

''We have come up against this sort of performance before. Sides have come down the Vetch, they have packed the midfield and tried to get in our faces.

''I remember at Shrewsbury they did that and that knocked us out of our stride.

''But if you want to get promotion, you have to deal with things like that and overcome the problems put in front of you.

''We are a talented bunch of players and we can overcome things like this.''

WHAT'S happening to Swansea City? Twice in the last five days Kenny Jackett's side have had the chance to go top of League Two - and twice they've blown it.

Held to a 1-1 draw at home to Southend last Friday, the Swans missed another opportunity to steal a march on their automatic promotion rivals last night when they slumped to only their second defeat in 10 league matches.

To make matters worse, Swansea's discipline problems came back to haunt them when defender Garry Monk was sent off for the third time this season for two bookable offences.

Minutes after Monk's 63rd-minute dismissal for two late lunges on the same player, Mansfield were also reduced to 10 men when midfielder Simon Brown foolishly headbutted Andy Robinson as the match turned nasty.

With Scunthorpe having squandered their once-handsome lead at the top and Yeovil slipping up at the weekend, a draw would've been enough for Swansea to reach the League Two summit for the first time in three months. But Jackett's men simply couldn't muster a reply to a stunning goal on the stroke of half-time from former Rotherham striker Richie Barker.

Swansea had their chances, but it was a below-par performance from the Welsh side, who allowed Carlton Palmer's men to dominate the midfield and never looked entirely comfortable at the back.

In mitigation, Jackett might point to the fact his squad was stretched to its limits for this rearranged trip to Nottinghamshire.

Andy Gurney and goalkeeper Willy Gueret had joined the four other Swans players already on the treatment table after picking up knocks against Southend.

Gueret's absence meant Brian Murphy was drafted in for only his second league start of the season between the posts while club captain Roberto Martinez was restored to the centre of midfield.

With Sam Ricketts on Wales duty, Alan Tate came in at right-back, while Ijah Anderson was preferred in midfield to Brad Maylett, a move that saw Andy Robinson switch to the right.

There was a new face among the Swansea substitutes in the shape of striker Lee Thorpe. The 29-year-old is expected to join the Swans permanently on an 18-month deal from Bristol Rovers, but he signed an initial loan deal yesterday so he was eligible for last night's clash.

Jackett made a surprise swoop for Thorpe after having a £75,000 offer for Rochdale top-scorer Grant Holt rebuffed by the Lancashire club, while Jackett has been put off by the £150,000 price tag Wrexham have slapped on Welsh international Chris Llewellyn.

You can only wonder what kind of fee Swansea talisman Lee Trundle might command, the free-scoring striker proving his worth as early as the sixth minute last night when he threaded a great chance across goal for Paul Connor after some trademark trickery.

Connor could not quite get a toe to the ball and Mansfield were able to counter. Murphy was grateful to see a testing 20-yard drive from Tom Curtis whistle just past his right-hand post.

On 12 minutes Swansea got the ball into Kevin Pilkington's net when Robinson swung in a free-kick from the left and Kevin Austin powered a header home. But referee Paul Taylor ruled Austin had impeded his marker and the "goal" was disallowed.

Few clear-cut chances were being created by either side, Trundle missing the target when Leon Britton found him handily placed inside the Mansfield penalty area.

Robinson and Britton each blazed wide with long-range attempts, but Austin came much closer when he sent a back-header inches past Pilkington's goal from Britton's inviting cross.

Four minutes before the interval, Swansea had Murphy to thank when he dived low to his left to gather a fierce deflected shot from Adam Murray. The Swans defence had been guilty of backing off midfielder Simon Brown, who found space opening up for him on the edge of the box before passing to Murray.

That should've served as a warning to the Swans to tighten up at the back. But they again displayed far too much generosity in first-half stoppage time to enable Mansfield to score out of the blue.

Rundle had the freedom to scamper menacingly down the left before supplying a cross to the edge of the box, from where Barker produced a stunning right-foot finish that arrowed into the top corner with such a force that Murphy was powerless to keep it out.

It was no surprise, then, to see Mansfield start the second period with a flourish, Derek Asamoah having the confidence to try his luck with an overhead kick that flew just over the bar.

The Swans had their best chance when Trundle set Connor free on goal, but the former Rochdale man was pushed wide and his shot was easily gathered by Pilkington.

Trundle then tried to loft the ball over the Stags' keeper when he spotted him off his line, but the ball flew high of the target.

Swansea's cause was hampered when Monk, minutes after making a goal-saving tackle on Brown, saw red for two reckless fouls on the same player in as many minutes.

Jackett might have forgiven Monk the first yellow card as the offence occurred deep into Swansea territory, but not the second since it was an awful lunge right in front of the referee near the halfway line. But the numbers were evened up when tempers began to fray and Brown became the second player to see red.

After a scrappy passage of play, the game also evened up a little, Swansea introducing Thorpe for the ineffective Connor and Maylett for Anderson.

And in the final 10 minutes Swansea at last found some rhythm, but, with Maylett firing wide and Trundle aiming a free header straight at Pilkington, nothing went right in front of goal.

It had been a frenetic second half, but an evening Swansea will want to swiftly forget.

Swansea City have swooped to sign Bristol Rovers striker Lee Thorpe on a free transfer. The former Blackpool, Leyton Orient, Lincoln and Grimsby frontman completed the switch yesterday evening after agreeing personal terms on a contract which will keep him at Swansea until the end of next season.

Kenny Jackett turned his attentions to the 29-year-old after having a £75,000 bid for Rochdale hot-shot Grant Holt turned down last week.

Chris Llewellyn was also on Jackett's wanted list, but Wrexham are believed to have wanted £150,000.

Wolverhampton-born six-footer Thorpe, who had another year on his Rovers contract to run, has been in an out of Ian Atkins's side this season after signing from Grimsby in the summer.

But with the club top-heavy with strikers - Jamie Forrester, Junior Agogo, Lewis Haldane and Richard Walker are all on the books - Thorpe was deemed to be surplus to requirements.

Jackett's move comes with Kevin Nugent, James Thomas and Adrian Forbes all injured.

The Swansea boss is delighted to have strengthened his squad with a player he believes still has his best years ahead of him.

''He is 29 and as a rule centre-forwards mature a little bit later than other players,'' said Jackett.

''I think Lee is coming into his strongest period over the next few years. Hopefully we will get the best out of him at Swansea.

''I feel he is someone who can bring a lot to our squad. He is good in the air and has pace and I think he will compliment either of our two frontmen.''

Thorpe may still be involved in tonight's clash with Mansfield despite signing after the deadline for a player making a permanent move.

Jackett was hoping Bristol Rovers would agree to the switch being a loan one at first - the deadline for which was noon today.

The Swansea boss is likely to be without Willy Gueret (calf) and Andy Gurney (shin), however.

Sam Ricketts is on international duty with Wales, but Jackett reckons his squad has the depth to handle a tough test at Field Mill, where a draw would put his side back on top of League Two.

''I am hoping that Willy and Andy will be fit,'' he said, ''but if they are not, then I have options with Alan Tate and Ijah Anderson.

''We have had injuries in the past and we have had the players to step in. I have the confidence that whoever comes in can do a job for us.

''It will be a tough test because Mansfield have a good home record.''

Lee Thorpe was today beginning life as a Swansea City player after joining the Welsh club on a free transfer from Bristol Rovers. The 29-year-old striker, who was under contract with the Pirates until the end of next season, has agreed an 18-month deal at the Vetch Field.

The Swans were today waiting to hear whether the former Blackpool, Lincoln, Leyton Orient and Grimsby marksman had been registered in time to feature in tonight's League Two clash at Mansfield.

Thorpe joined Rovers on a free transfer from Grimsby following an initial loan spell late last season and scored six goals in 41 appearances, 11 of them from the bench, during his stint at the Memorial Stadium.

But he was one of five forwards in contention for a starting place and boss Ian Atkins has been under pressure to cut the club's wage bill with the Pirates believed to be heading for a loss of around £700,000 this season.

Chairman Geoff Dunford said: "We have been overstocked with forwards this season and Ian has signed players on the premise that he would move others out, which has not happened. We are overpaying on our budget and have to try and redress the balance.

"There may be the opportunity to bring other people in on loan as the season progresses and we would also like to do something about giving Aaron Lescott a longer deal."

Swansea have been struck by injuries up front with Kevin Nugent, James Thomas and Adrian Forbes all currently on the casualty list, leaving Lee Trundle and Paul Connor the only fit strikers.

They had a £75,000 bid for Rochdale's Grant Holt rejected last week and boss Kenny Jackett then focused his attentions on Thorpe.

The Swansea manager said: "Lee is a good signing for us. Strikers tend to mature a bit later than players in other positions and at 29, I think Lee is coming into his strongest period and we will get the best out of him over the next few years.

"I feel he is someone who can bring a lot to our side. He is good in the air, has a bit of pace and will complement our other strikers."

With Thorpe suspended for the last two Rovers matches, Richard Walker has grabbed the opportunity to stake his claim to a more regular starting place with a goal in each game.

The Pirates also have leading scorer Junior Agogo, Jamie Forrester and Lewis Haldane pushing for a regular berth.

Meanwhile, boss Atkins is concerned that the virus that struck the Rovers camp over the Christmas period appears to have surfaced again with midfielders Paul Trollope - who was ill on the pitch during Saturday's 3-0 win over Grimsby - and James Hunt, plus defenders Christian Edwards and John Anderson all under the weather.

"I have told a few of the lads to stay away from the club for a day or so to try and clear it up," said Atkins.

Rovers, who travel to leaders Yeovil on Saturday, are expected to field a team heavy on youngsters in tonight's reserve game at Plymouth Argyle.

Swansea are hoping to sign Bristol Rovers striker Lee Thorpe on loan in time to be part of the squad for Tuesday night's game at Mansfield. Lee Trundle and Paul Connor are the only fit strikers at Swansea and Thorpe would provide valuable cover.

The Swans will then aim to make the 29-year-old a permanent signing.

Thorpe has made more than 300 league appearances for clubs including Grimsby, Lincoln and Welsh Premier outfit Bangor City, scoring 70 goals.

FROM fringe player fearing the exit to key man eyeing a bright future at the club, Leon Britton has seen his Swansea City fortunes transformed over the last couple of months.

In the run-up to Christmas Britton could hardly get a game at the Vetch and it seemed the popular midfielder's days at the League Two club were numbered.

But the new year brought new hope for the former West Ham player who seized the chance of a rare first team start in Swansea's FA Cup tie at Reading and hasn't looked back since.

Tonight's trip to Mansfield, which hands Kenny Jackett's promotion hunters another chance to go top of League Two, will make it a seventh consecutive start for the likeable Londoner.

And, having feared the worst just a couple of months back, Britton is now more optimistic he'll still be around when Swansea make their summer move to a new stadium at Morfa.

"When you're not playing, lots of things go through your mind and you begin to doubt your future at the club," said the player who first arrived at the Vetch from Upton Park in December 2002.

"It was hard for me between August and December. I wasn't in the starting line-up and then I picked up an injury which doesn't help when you're trying to push your way into the side.

"So far this season I haven't played anywhere near as many games as I did in my first couple of years at Swansea.

"But Roberto Martinez being injured gave me a chance in the side and luckily, things have gone quite well for me.

"I've now played six games in a row, which is the longest run I've had all season, and my confidence is growing all the time.

"I'm delighted with the way things have turned round for me in the past few weeks and hopefully I can stay in the side and help Swansea get promoted.

"I haven't really spoken to the gaffer about my future, but the ideal scenario for me is to be at Swansea next season, playing regularly in League One in the new stadium."

Britton was an instant success when he first arrived in South Wales on loan from West Ham and quickly became one of the first names on the Swansea team-sheet.

It was regarded as a huge coup when Brian Flynn persuaded him to sign a permanent two-year contract in the summer of 2003.

Life has been a lot harder under Jackett, though, with Britton largely restricted to a substitute role in 2004.

But Britton's post-Christmas change of fortune means he's playing with a smile on his face again.

He's back in the side, rediscovering the dazzling form he showed when he first arrived - and Jackett has even given an assurance he does have a long-term future at the club.

"Like I said, it was hard at the start of the season, but I kept my head up because I knew I'd get a chance at some point," said Britton.

"The key thing is I'm playing in central midfield rather than out wide, where things didn't quite work out for me.

"I'm grateful that the gaffer has given me the chance to play in the middle again.

"And being back in the team means I've been able to concentrate on my game rather than my future."

Concentration would probably be the key word for Jackett as Swansea prepare for the final 16 games comfortably placed in third.

And Yeovil's weekend defeat against Macclesfield means a point from tonight's rearranged trip to Field Mill would be enough to send the Swans top.

"Mansfield aren't doing as well as I expected them to do this season and they've lost some of their best players, but it'll still be a tough one for us," said Britton.

"But, even after we dropped a couple of points against Southend on Friday, we're still full of confidence.

"With Yeovil slipping up, this is another great chance for us to go back to the top."

Jackett's resources, however, are severely stretched for the meeting with Carlton Palmer's men.

Goalkeeper Willy Gueret and defender-cum-midfielder Andy Gurney are ruled out through injury, while Sam Ricketts is on Wales duty.

It means club captain Martinez and defender Alan Tate are likely to return to the side, with the subs' bench comprising largely of youngsters.

Swansea City may be forced to rejig their rearguard at Mansfield tomorrow with Willy Gueret and Andy Gurney both struggling to be fit for the trip to Field Mill. Goalkeeper Gueret strained a calf in the warm-up prior to last Friday's 1-1 draw with Southend United, while Gurney limped off in the second half of that match with a shin problem.

''Willy felt his calf before the Southend game and we think he might miss out tomorrow night because it could restrict his movement,'' explained Vetch Field physio Richie Evans.

''And it's not looking good for Andy either. There was no gash on his shin, but it was heavily swollen and he couldn't walk on it on Saturday.

''It's getting better already but whether he'll be able to run on it so soon I don't know.

''It's probably going to be a case of leaving it until the last minute before we make a decision on him.''

There is more encouraging news for Kristian O'Leary, who could be back in action in the next fortnight after almost two months out with a knee ligament problem.

But boss Kenny Jackett's options ahead of the rearranged Mansfield clash are further hampered by the absence of Sam Ricketts, who has joined up with the Wales squad ahead of their friendly against Hungary on Wednesday.

With club skipper Roberto Martinez fit again after hamstring trouble, Gurney had been pencilled in for a return to right-back with Ricketts unavailable, but that job now seems most likely to go to the versatile Alan Tate.

Should Gueret miss out, Irishman Brian Murphy will get only a second start of the season following his appearance in the win at Boston last month.

''The good news with Andy is that it's a contact injury, which is better than a strain or pull because he should recover faster,'' Jackett said.

''But whether we have the lads who are struggling available or not, I have every confidence that the players who will step in will do a good job, just as they have done on other occasions this season.''

The meeting with Mansfield, who lifted their spirits with a derby win over Notts County on Saturday, kicks off a testing week for Swansea, who go to early League Two pacesetters Leyton Orient next weekend.

''As we all know, this is a tight, competitive division and they will both be very tough games for us,'' Jackett conceded.

Swansea dropped to third in the table on Saturday thanks to Scunthorpe's win over lowly Kidderminster, though Yeovil's defeat at in-form Macclesfield means the top three are level on 56 points.

If you had asked football pundits back in October to predict who would fill the League Two promotion places, a few may have said Leyton Orient. The O's were top of the division and in a decent run of form.

They came to Swansea intent in keeping clear of the chasing pack, but instead saw Kenny Jackett's men leapfrog them thanks to an Adrian Forbes goal.

A 4-3 win from Martin Ling's team at Lincoln kept Orient in the promotion hunt, but as winter set in so the London club managed to lose their way.

A respectable 1-1 draw with leaders Scunthorpe should have kept confidence at a high.

But in that defeat at Swansea, Orient lost skipper and influential striker Gary Alexander with injury and soon after fellow frontman Lee Steele was forced on to the sidelines.

It was perhaps no coincidence that Ling's team then went on a run which saw them win only three of their next 16 league outings.

In fact, before last Saturday's 2-0 win over Notts County, they had not won in four games.

Draws have been a problem for Orient, with seven coming in that poor run of form.

But now that Alexander and Steele are back in harness up front, the East Enders will be hoping for a change of luck and a move up the table.

One player who has obviously missed the strike partnership of Steele and Alexander is Andy Scott.

The former Oxford man reckons they can be a catalyst for Orient - who were 10th before today's trip to Shrewsbury - to get back into the play-off race.

''We struggled when Lee and Gary were first out of the side and then we let too many goals in,'' said Scott.

''We've struggled at both ends at various points of the season and that's cost us.

''But now the front two are back others can play in positions they were bought to play in.

''We have players who fit into a system and we started the season ever so well.

''But recently some players have had to play in unnatural positions and we've had to muddle through.''

Ling moved to strengthen his hand with Alexander and Steele still injured and brought in a familiar face to Swansea fans.

Scott Fitzgerald, who had an unsuccessful loan spell at Vetch Field earlier in the season, was borrowed from Watford halfway through January.

His stay at Brisbane Road did not start off in the best way as he was sent off against Grimsby.

But he should be back in the frame for next Saturday's clash and although a place on the bench seems more likely, he will want to do well against Swansea.

Andy Scott knows that success at home is vital to any side aiming for promotion.

And while he realises his side have slipped up over the past couple of months, he says the standard of opposition could be in Orient's favour.

''If we are honest it's not a great league,'' he admitted.

''Hopefully we can make up for our lapses in the last few games.

''It's a bit of a miracle we are not out of contention after our run. But we don't become bad players overnight and we're still confident.

''A lot's been made of our home form, but dwelling on it won't help.''

A win over Notts County last time out in front of their own fans will have raised the confidence a notch or two.

But Scott and the rest of his team-mates know that if they are to get among the top seven a win next week is a must.

Swansea CitySwansea City striker Lee Trundle has taken the League Two Player of the Month award for January.

The former Wrexham hit-man netted five times to take his goal tally to 17 for the season, as the South Wales club continue their push for promotion.

Trundle's attacking qualities have been essential to Kenny Jackett's side this term, with The Swans currently in a three-way tie with Yeovil Town and Scunthorpe United at the top of the table.

Swansea recorded three victories, a draw and a defeat during the opening month of 2005.

KENNY JACKETT believes his Swansea City squad are already strong enough to clinch promotion.
The Swans have recently been linked with, and made bids for, a whole host of players to bolster an already strong squad.

Last week Jackett's latest attempt to lure fresh talent to the Vetch saw a £75,000 bid for Rochdale hotshot Grant Holt turned down.

A £25,000 offer for former on-loan winger Marc Goodfellow was dismissed by Bristol City last month while Jackett has denied any interest in Brentford midfielder Steven Hunt.

But while the Swans' boss still has the funds and the desire to boost his playing options, he still insists he has enough faith in his current charges to believe they can secure a promotion berth.

Swansea missed out on the chance to go top of League Two on Friday night as they once again failed to beat a top-six rival in visitors Southend.

It is a worrying statistic that so far has failed to dent the Swans promotion charge, but could yet come back to haunt them come the end of season run-in.

But for now, Jackett says he remains quietly confident on City's prospects.

"I know that I've got a solid, hard-working bunch and even in the games we've lost this season we've always been in with a chance and competing for the points," he said.

"We have been quoted high amounts for all the players I've enquired about and I have to weigh up whether it is right to push on with those or keep looking elsewhere.

"But I'm staying open-minded.

"Sometimes you can sign players who are good enough to get you over the finishing line and then reassess things later, but in an ideal world you would take someone who has a bright future at the higher level.

"The players I have looked at will add something good to our squad, including competition.

"But I think this squad is already good enough to get us over the finishing line. I have full confidence in them."

Against the Shrimpers, Swansea rarely looked likely to snatch the maximum points they needed to overtake Yeovil at the top of the table.

Lee Trundle put Swansea in front after a deadlocked first half with a well-taken 18th goal of the season in front of another bumper crowd of 10,190.

But the Swans' early advantage was erased just six minutes later when Wayne Gray equalised on the hour mark.

Trundle almost snatched victory with virtually the last kick of the match, but a draw, however frustrating, was a fair result.

Back-to-back trips to Mansfield (Tuesday) and Leyton Orient (Saturday) now beckon for Jackett's troops who are depleted by full-back Sam Rickett's international call-up for Wales and a gash on the shin of Andy Gurney that saw the City hardman leave the Vetch on crutches.

"I thought we just about shaded the Southend game and had the better of the chances and more possession though the win didn't quite come for us," said Jackett.

"Nevertheless it's another point to our total and now we have to concentrate on two tough away games.

"It was a muted performance from us. We couldn't get any momentum or get people on the edge of their seats and get the passion going which is a big thing for us.

"But perhaps that's credit to Southend."

In his programme notes chairman Huw Jenkins hinted strongly that he already believes League One football is set to become a reality next season.

But Jackett, in typically cautious fashion, is loath to make any big predictions with 48 points still up for grabs - in public at least.

"If we keep playing like that with the same type of performance we will be okay," he said.

"It's a tight league and it's very competitive with no-one breaking away yet. You cannot say that anyone is in a commanding position at the moment.

"Right the way through the season there have been times when teams have picked up but no one has marched away with things yet.

"Nobody's stepped away from the rest and with the number of points still available things can still change round a lot."

Insisting he was satisfied with a solitary point from Friday, Jackett believes the fact they have failed to beat a top-six side all season is not of any real consequence and has not become a psychological issue amongst the players.

"It doesn't concern me where we get our points from as long as we get enough to go up," he said.

"It's not a monkey on our backs. Our league position and our points total is what we have to focus on and where we get them from doesn't really concern me."

Swansea City were this afternoon anxiously waiting for news on the fitness of Andy Gurney ahead of Tuesday's testing trip to Mansfield. The stand-in skipper should return to right-back in the absence of Sam Ricketts, who meets up with the Wales squad this weekend, but he could miss out after limping off during last night's 1-1 draw with promotion rivals Southend.

''Andy's got a nasty gash and bump on his shin so we'll just have to see,'' said manager Kenny Jackett.

''But even if he doesn't make it, we will not think about trying to pull Sam out of the Wales squad.

''It's an honour for him and for the club that he has been called up, and we have experienced back-up in the shape of Alan Tate and Ijah Anderson. I have every confidence in both of them.''

Southend denied the Swans a return to top spot last night in front of more than 10,000 fans at the Vetch - but leaders Yeovil failed to take advantage, crashing 3-1 to fifth-placed Macclesfield, although third-placed Scunthorpe edged out Kidderminster 2-1 to join Yeovil and Swansea on 56 points.

Come the move to Morfa next season, nobody will remember the draw with Southend United that was Swansea City's eighth to last game at Vetch Field. Nobody, that is, save perhaps Leon Britton, who took another stride towards guaranteeing his place in the removal van going there when Swansea switch homes this summer.

Out of contract in June, Britton has spent much of the Vetch's farewell campaign wondering where he will be come its end.

As he kicked his heels on the bench or felt sorry for himself in the treatment room almost throughout the back end of 2004, the gifted former West Ham youngster had good reason to believe that he might never step out at Swansea's sparkling new stadium.

But to his credit, Britton appears to have changed his manager's mind, and it would now be something of a surprise should a new deal not come his way this spring.

For the 22-year-old has enjoyed a happy new year, benefiting from Roberto Martinez's hamstring injury and seizing his chance.

In an often frantic contest, Britton was the one Swansea player who could find time on the ball last night, making him their most potent threat.

An outcast six weeks ago, he is now displaying the sort of form that made him the supporters' player of the year two seasons back and the talent which prompted the Hammers to pay £400,000 for his services when he was still worrying about his GCSEs.

''It was hard for me between August and December,'' the likeable Londoner concedes.

''I picked up an injury and I wasn't playing anywhere near as much as I had been used to and it wasn't easy to take.

''But I just kept my head down and kept working hard in training. I knew my chance would come and, hopefully, I've done okay.''

He has been better than that, thanks chiefly to Jackett's realisation that Britton is best deployed in the heart of midfield rather than on either flank.

Signed by Brian Flynn, his diminutive stature had counted against him under a manager whose desire for physical presence in the centre of the pitch is obvious - Kris O'Leary, Alan Tate and Andy Gurney have all played their this term.

But given his chance, the 5ft 5in, 9st creator has punched his weight.

''I'm grateful to the gaffer for giving me a go in central midfield,'' Britton went on.

''He's tried me out wide and it probably hadn't worked as well but, hopefully, I've done all right in the centre.''

Now is probably a good time to start clamouring for a new deal, but there have been no knocks on the manager door since Britton's return to the Swansea side.

''I'm just happy being in the team at the moment,'' he insisted.

''When you're not playing things go through your mind and you doubt your future at the club. Everything's a bit uncertain.

''But now I'm back in I'm just concentrating on trying to help the team stay near the top of the league.

''There haven't really been any hints about a new contract. We've only been speaking about the team and I'll just wait and see.''

Last night's man-of-the-match showing did no harm, with the biggest surprise of the evening the fact that Britton did not have a hand in Swansea's goal.

That Lee Trundle had a say was anything but a turn-up for the books.

His 18th goal of the season came during the home side's best spell of the game, after Paul Connor had seen one point-blank shot saved and then watched his far-post header deflect off Southend defender Lewis Hunt and onto the woodwork.

In the end it was a precise Andy Robinson free-kick which helped break the deadlock, with Trundle's trademark turn and finish from eight yards out doing the rest.

The 54th-minute opener followed a first half in which Swansea had conjured the clearer chances even if Southend had for a spell looked the better side.

The Essex boys' former Cardiff City defender Spencer Prior incurred the wrath of a bumper home crowd after he 'did the Ayatollah' late on.

But it was Wayne Gray, a striker who could have been wearing white this season had Jackett had his way, who really spoilt the locals' night.

His sweetly-taken equaliser on the hour earned the visitors a hard-earned point and denied Swansea top spot on League Two.

''I first saw Wayne playing for London Schools Under-14s and he's a player I've inquired about a few times over the years,'' Jackett admitted.

There was plenty of praise, too, for the dangerman who was in his side.

''Leon's had a good run in the side and he's played well again tonight,'' Jackett added. ''He's very adept at running forward with the ball at his feet and I've been very pleased with his contribution in the last few weeks.''

A pity, then, that neither Connor nor Trundle could capitalise on late Britton through balls to steal a winner. And there could be no great blame to attached to the little man when he tried in vain to head home a Trundle centre and in doing so denied Brad Maylett a more promising chance.

Maybe a second Swansea goal would have been harsh, anyway, since Lawrie Dudfield had a decent penalty appeal turned down when Izzy Iriekpen slid in clumsily.

''Hopefully this point will help us go up in the end,'' Britton said.

''To be playing for Swansea in the new stadium in League One would be the ideal scenario for me.''

You will not hear many complaints if that particular dream comes true.

IT was neither the result nor the performance they were looking for, but Swansea City did at least take another small step towards League One last night.
This frustrating 1-1 draw against promotion rivals Southend at the Vetch wasn't enough to lift Kenny Jackett's side back to the top of League Two. But the Swans could console themselves that, for a few hours at least, another point on the road to promotion brought them level on points with leaders Yeovil.

Despite squandering a great deal of possession, Swansea created the most chances from a largely disappointing opening 45 minutes. But the game burst into life nine minutes after the break when Lee Trundle put Swansea in front with his 18th goal of the season from an Andy Gurney free-kick.

Southend, though, hit back just six minutes later when Wayne Gray beat Swans keeper Willy Gueret from the edge of the area.

Swansea could not force a second goal and most of the bumper 10,190 crowd left the Vetch disappointed. But the draw means Jackett's side have still lost just once in nine league matches and, depending on how results go this afternoon, they could get another chance to reach the League Two summit at Mansfield on Tuesday night.

It is remarkable to think that two months ago, after they lost 1-0 at then-leaders Scunthorpe, the Swans were eight points adrift of top spot.

Since then, a brilliant run of six wins from eight league matches, coupled with Scunthorpe apparently losing the promotion plot and blowing their impressive lead, ensured the gap was down to a single point going into last night's Southend revenge mission.

Swansea's previous two outings had yielded six goals, and Jackett chose not to make any alterations over and above the one enforced change from the side that ran out comfortable 3-0 winners over Chester last week.

That saw Brad Maylett come in on the right flank for the injured Adrian Forbes, the other returning midfielder, club captain Roberto Martinez, starting on the bench.

Despite having exploded onto the Football League scene with 13 goals this season, Freddy Eastwood - the man who marked his Shrimpers debut by shredding Swansea with a memorable hat-trick in the Roots Hall fixture - started as a sub.

Swans fans held their breath in anticipation after two minutes when Maylett, relishing a rare first-team start, surged purposefully down the right.

The former Burnley winger's cross was cleared as far as Andy Robinson, whose shot from just inside the area deflected comfortably into the arms of Southend keeper Darryl Flahavan.

It was an early moment of promise that Swansea failed to build on. For most of the next 20 minutes they were pushed back into their own half as Southend, with the former Cardiff defender Spencer Prior in their ranks, posed the greater threat.

Possession was being conceded all too easily - especially at the back - and had Southend managed to show a little more composure in front of goal, Swansea might have slipped behind.

Leon Britton was the best of a misfiring first-half bunch, continuing his recent good form with a succession of piercing runs through the centre.

However, when the former West Ham man was presented with a shooting chance from 18 yards, he failed to connect properly with the ball and it bobbled almost apologetically wide of a post.

Flahavan came to Southend's rescue on the half-hour mark when he smothered a close-range effort from Trundle following a low cross from Maylett.

As half-time drew near, Swansea started to discover a little more rhythm and in the 40th minute Trundle forced a diving save from Flahavan after digging the ball out from a cluster of legs and producing an 18-yard shot on the turn before Britton drew another fine save with a low strike from the edge of Southend's six-yard box.

Six minutes into the second half and Swansea came closer still. Britton was involved once more, the busy midfielder having a shot deflected into the path of Paul Connor who then struck the bar with a header in a breathless goalmouth scramble.

To the relief of the Vetch faithful, Swansea finally beat Flahavan on 54 minutes when Gurney played in a free-kick from the left and Trundle, in trademark style, chested it down and took one touch past his marker before rolling the ball home.

But Swansea's lead lasted just six minutes when Southend, who moments earlier had a decent penalty appeal turned down, cut the home side open through the middle.

Maylett was beaten to a header near the halfway line and Lawrie Dudfield flicked on for strike partner Gray who advanced some 10 yards before slotting low to Gueret's left.

Martinez was pressed into action when Gurney had to hobble off with an ankle injury as Swansea sought a crucial second goal.

Deep into stoppage time it almost arrived, Trundle striking the side netting from a tight angle.

Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins jetted off to America today contemplating whether to up his £75,000 bid for 20-goal Rochdale striker Grant Holt. Jenkins spoke to his counterpart David Kilpatrick at Spotland yesterday and tabled the offer for the 23-year-old.

That initial bid was immediately turned down, with Kilpatrick saying the offer was nowhere near their estimation for a striker who is joint second in the League Two scoring charts along with Yeovil's Phil Jevons.

But despite the fact Swansea are desperately short of striking options with Kevin Nugent, James Thomas and Adrian Forbes all on the sidelines, Jenkins is in no rush to up his offer.

''We discussed things with their chairman yesterday and made the bid official,'' said Jenkins.

''When we made the offer we just looked at the transfer market as it is at the moment. Bury sold David Nugent for £100,000 recently and we valued Holt at £75,000.

''We could up the offer,'' he added, ''but I wouldn't say we would do it straight away.

''Of course we have got a few injury problems, but I think it's a case of seeing what happens over the next few weeks.''

Holt has come to the fore this season after a miserable 10 months with Sheffield Wednesday last term when he scored just four times in 27 games.

Rochdale boss Steve Parkin rescued 6ft 1in Holt from his Hillsborough nightmare when he made him his first signing on his return to Spotland.

After a slow start to his Rochdale career, Carlisle-born Holt, who has also played for Workington, Halifax and Barrow, has really caught fire this season and has hit the net eight times in his last 10 outings.

He impressed Premiership boss Alan Curbishley when scoring against Charlton in the third round of the FA Cup and he has also attracted the interest of Championship club Plymouth Argyle.

Another Championship outfit are believed to have already offered more than Swansea for hot-shot Holt, but Rochdale are keen to keep hold of their prize asset, who is under contract until the end of next season.

Meanwhile, Centre Stand tickets for tomorrow's clash with Southend have sold out.

The match is not all-ticket, but with 10,000 expected to pack into Vetch Field, the club is urging fans to turn up early. Turnstiles will be open from 6.45pm, with half of the West Terrace available to home supporters.

SWANSEA CITY chairman Huw Jenkins insists the League Two club would be "mad" to even consider selling star striker Lee Trundle.
Jenkins summed up the 17-goal top scorer's value to the club yesterday by claiming Trundle was "worth millions to us."

But the Swans chief insisted not even a big-money offer in the region of £750,000 would tempt Swansea into selling one of the most popular players to have pulled on the white shirt for a number of years.

Jenkins spoke out as fears continue to be expressed by Swans fans that Trundle could be the subject of a transfer bid from clubs higher up the Football League ladder - if not now, then in the summer.

"Lee Trundle isn't for sale. Simple as that," Jenkins said.

After alerting a host of clubs to his abilities with a successful first season at the Vetch, 28-year-old Trundle has continued to catch the eye this term with both the frequency and the quality of his goals.

No wonder many Swans fans fear a Championship or League One side may try to lure him away from the Vetch.

But Jenkins maintained that any offers Swansea had for the Scouse striker would swiftly be repelled.

He said, "Even if we received a big offer in the region of £750,000, we wouldn't be tempted to sell Lee. Definitely not.

"Earlier this season we invested in Lee by giving him a contract that made sure he'll be with us in the new stadium (and ties Trundle to Swansea until 2007).

"He's played a big part in the way the club has grown over the past couple of years and we want him to help us enjoy more success in the future.

"We've never even discussed the idea of selling Lee. We'd be mad to do so.

"He's worth millions to us and we've no intention of letting him go."

After hitting another spectacular double in last Saturday's 3-0 win over Chester, Trundle is firmly on course to beat the 21 goals he scored for Swansea last season.

The former Wrexham man has established a lethal partnership with Paul Connor this term, the front two having notched up 28 goals between them, including 16 in the last 11 matches.

And, with Jackett currently in the market for someone to provide cover for Trundle and Connor, Swansea have become more accustomed to spending cash than receiving it.

"Ask most clubs at this level whether they'd rather be a selling club or a buying club and it's not difficult to work out what answer they'd give," said Jenkins.

"We don't want to sell our best players and, the way the club is being run at the moment, we don't need to.

"We want to strengthen our squad rather than weaken it by selling our biggest assets."

Trundle's goals have helped lift Swansea to within a point of the League Two summit, a position they can reclaim with victory over promotion rivals Southend at the Vetch tomorrow night.

The Swans should be boosted by the return of club captain Roberto Martinez, who has been sidelined for a month with hamstring trouble.

Swans supporters, meanwhile, have been urged by the club and police to turn up early for Southend's visit.

A crowd of 10,000 is expected and, with the match not being all-ticket, fans are urged to get to the Vetch in plenty of time to guarantee their preferred position.

Roberto Martinez returns to bolster Swansea City's promotion push on Friday night believing his side are peaking at the right time. Martinez, fit again after a hamstring injury, reckons Swansea are in better shape than League Two title rivals Yeovil and Scunthorpe going into the last third of the season.

And the club skipper is demanding victory over Southend at Vetch Field this weekend to restore Swansea to the top of the table and send a message to the rest of the division.

''We're reaching the stage of the season that really matters and we've put ourselves in a fantastic position,'' said the Spaniard.

''We've been consistent - that's why we're up there - and we know we're capable of putting together the sort of winning run that both Yeovil and Scunthorpe have enjoyed already.

''I believe we have that to look forward to, whereas both those sides are starting to find things a bit hard now.

''Given that Southend and Scunthorpe both still have to come to the Vetch, we have plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

''If we can beat Southend on Friday we'll be nine points clear of them, but it'll be about more than that.

''It will be a psychological blow to everyone below us.''

Martinez played the full 90 minutes as Swansea's reserves were beaten 3-1 at Swindon yesterday, with the visitors' goal coming from Welshpool trialist Gary Roberts.

''I'm fully fit now and I can't wait to get back into it,'' he added.

''We owe Southend one after we lost down there and it's vital that we keep picking up points.

''Promotion's in our hands and the squad looks stronger than ever to me, but if we lose our way now then all the good work we've done will mean nothing.''

Vetch chairman Huw Jenkins, meanwhile, has backed Kenny Jackett's bid to add a striker to his squad after Adrian Forbes joined Kevin Nugent and James Thomas on the sidelines.

''There are quite a few players around and if Kenny finds the right one we will help to bring him in,'' Jenkins said.

''It's quite natural with the injuries we've got that we're looking to strengthen, and if somebody comes up then we will take him.

''As yet, though, there's nothing definite happening.''

A Swerving strike from Gary Roberts proved little more than a consolation as Swansea City's reserves crashed 3-1 at Swindon Town yesterday. Two goals from Ashan Holgate and one from Andy Caton had given the home side a 3-0 lead before the impressive Roberts found the bottom corner of the net late on.

The visitors paid the price for failing to take their chances, although they were twice denied by the woodwork.

Swansea started brightly and Roberts's low drive from the edge of the area was well held by home keeper Steve Book.

The Swindon keeper was equal to the challenge again five minutes later, this time holding on to a Chad Bond strike.

Mark Pritchard beat Book at the other end, only to see the ball crash back off the right upright.

As Swindon began to enjoy more possession, they took the lead on 28 minutes.

Caton was fouled in the area and Holgate sent keeper Brian Murphy the wrong way.

Roberts headed over for Swansea and the same man lashed wide from a tight angle before Swindon doubled their lead on 42 minutes. Chris Taylor's low cross from the left byline was met by Ben Wells; his fierce shot was parried by Murphy and Caton tucked in the rebound.

Book tipped over a Roberts header, Roberto Martinez arrowed a free-kick just wide before substitute Rory Smitham struck the post from close range 10 minutes from time, but two minutes later the match was put beyond Swansea when Holgate rose at the far post to head in Ian Woan's cross.

Swansea: B. Murphy, J. Guy, I. Anderson, A. Corbisiero, L. Harrington, S. Jones, G. Fisken (repl R. Smitham 46), R. Martinez, M. Pritchard, C. Bond, G. Roberts

SWANSEA CITY defender Garry Monk has thanked Southend for handing his side a harsh lesson - but aims to show the Shrimpers what he's learned on Friday night.

Monk is still smarting from the 4-2 caning at Southend in October, Swansea's heaviest defeat of the season.

Star pupil that day was 19-year-old debutant Fredy Eastwood, the former Grays Athletic striker who grabbed a hat-trick to blot Swansea's otherwise impeccable defensive copybook.

But, with a place at the top of the League Two class at stake, Monk is determined to make amends when Steve Tilson's side arrive for the return clash.

"That game was a bit of a downer for us and the back four to say the least," said Monk.

"It was our worst league defeat of the season and it still hurts a bit now.

"I think I said at the time the way we had been keeping clean sheets we were bound to concede a few, but it shouldn't have happened like that.

"We've talked about it since and know exactly what went wrong - we've definitely learned from it."

Swansea held the record for the Football League's meanest defence, a record promptly ripped up in just 7.7 seconds and two further occasions by Eastwood, with former Cardiff centre-back Spencer Prior grabbing the other.

Given the miserly displays leading up to the trip to the Essex coast, it was something of a surprise to say the least.

"It was down to us as players, nothing to do with formation or tactics - we just didn't turn up," Monk said.

"We didn't have that bit of bite needed and it's probably the only game where we really haven't performed this season.

"And that was a bit surprising seeing as in every other game we've never had that problem.

"We were a bit too open, trying to play a bit too much and not interested with doing the hard work. You can get away with that and win one or two games doing that, but not many more.

"We knew what to put right and we've learned from it."

It is not surprising Monk more than most still has painful memories from the trip to Roots Hall.

Having been asked to play out of position on the right side of defence, he didn't enjoy his best day in a Swans shirt as Kenny Jackett's men lost their top spot.

Jackett assured supporters the players would be going back to basics post-Southend, and the 25-year-old Monk was quickly moved back to the heart of the Swansea back four where he has excelled since.

But, although Swansea proved their leaky defence wasn't a long-term issue, so have Southend shown their ability to win tough games wasn't a one-off.

The LDV Vans Trophy Southern Area finalists have steadily climbed the table following a woeful start to the season and will arrive at second-placed Swansea in fourth place.

"It's a crucial game," admitted Monk. "We've got a score to settle with them because you don't want to let anyone beat you once, let alone twice.

"Yeovil have already done that, so we don't want another. But with them just below us we know we can make it a nine-point gap with a game in hand.

"Everyone knows how important that could be in the shake-up.

"And, if we put all the things we've been doing in training into practice, then we should be all right."

FORMER Cardiff defender Spencer Prior plans to extinguish Swansea City's on-fire strike duo on his return to South Wales this week.
Southend centre-back Prior, who rejoined his hometown club last summer after three years at Cardiff, arrives at the Vetch on Friday night for a promotion shoot-out against the second-placed Swans.

With Swansea aiming to go top of League Two and Southend - one of the season's surprise packages - desperate to make up ground on the automatic promotion places, it promises to be an explosive contest.

And, judging by their recent magnificent run of form, Prior is likely to have his hands full trying to stop Swansea strikers Lee Trundle and Paul Connor getting on the scoresheet.

The lethal duo took their combined total for the season to 28 on Saturday when Trundle struck twice and Connor added another in the 3-0 win over Chester.

Since December 14, when Connor was restored to the starting line-up after being dropped for two matches, the pair have plundered a total of 16 goals in 11 league and cup matches.

But the experienced Prior, a veteran of more than 100 Premiership matches during spells at Leicester, Derby and Manchester City, is confident he and his Southend colleagues can halt their prolific run.

"We stopped the Darlington strikers - Alun Armstrong and Clyde Wijnhard - scoring at the weekend so I'd like to think we can stop Trundle and Connor as well," said the 33-year-old. "Somebody told me they've now got 28 goals between them, but we'll be confident of preventing them scoring against us.

"It seems that with every club we're about to play, everyone talks about the front two boys. But Swansea have got a very good defence too, so it's not just about them."

Trundle and Connor have certainly hogged the headlines, though, since being reunited as a front pairing for the 2-1 FA Cup second-round replay win over Stockport.

Connor has responded to being dropped by hitting seven goals in 11 matches, a marked contrast to a barren autumn run in which he banked just one in eight.

And 17-goal Trundle continues to hit the net with impressive regularity, following up the two he grabbed at Boston with a spectacular double against Chester.

"As I remember, Connor scored and Trundle hit the bar from the halfway line when we beat Swansea 4-2 at our place in October so we certainly know what to expect from them," said Prior.

"Their goals are helping Swansea win a lot of matches at the moment, but I wouldn't say it's going to be a daunting task for us on Friday night.

"We go into every match aiming for a win and, as good as Swansea might be at home, we won't approach this one any differently."

Southend were widely tipped to struggle against relegation this season, but they have surprised everyone by mounting a promotion challenge instead.

The Shrimpers are fourth in League Two, four points off the final automatic promotion slot, and Prior says Swansea is the first of four matches crucial to their hopes of going straight up.

"I'd say February will make or break our chances of winning automatic promotion," he said.

"At the end of the month, there'll only be 11 or 12 games left and we'll need to be in the top three or within close touching distance by then to have a realistic chance of avoiding the play-offs.

"People might be surprised we're doing so well this season, but I'm not. I was wondering what I was doing back here when we were second bottom with only two points after the first five games!

"But we've shown tremendous character to go from that to where we are now.

"We've got a great team ethic and though there are some talented individuals, there are no superstars.

"Some of the lads who've been here a while say this is the best squad the club has had for four or five years."

Prior is relishing his first match in Wales since leaving Cardiff last June, the club he joined from Manchester City for £700,000 in 2001.

"I can't wait," he said, before adding with a wry smile, "I'm sure I'll get a wonderful reception from the Swansea fans.

"Someone asked me whether I'd be doing the ayatollah, but I don't think that would be a very good idea!"

Swansea City will be without influential midfielder Adrian Forbes for at least a month.
The 26-year-old sustained ligament damage in Swansea's 3-0 League Two win over Chester at The Vetch on Saturday.

Forbes made his name as a striker with Norwich and Luton, but has been a revelation on the right of midfield.

It is a blow as Swansea are about to enter a period of six matches in just 22 days, starting with Friday night's visit of promotion rivals Southend.

Lee Trundle believes Swansea City they will have only themselves to blame if they fail to win promotion this season. Saturday's 3-0 cruise past Chester City saw Kenny Jackett's men climb to second in League Two with 17 games to play before they move to a new home at Morfa this summer.

Just a point behind leaders Yeovil and six clear of the play-offs, Swansea can return to the top of the table for the first time since early November if they see off fourth-placed Southend at Vetch Field next Friday.

And with League One moving closer as the Vetch countdown continues, Trundle believes his side are primed to deliver.

''It's in our hands now,'' Swansea's 17-goal top-scorer declared.

''We've put ourselves in a great position and the good thing is that we don't have to rely on any other team or worry about what anyone else is doing.

''We know we've just got to keep moving forward and that we can only mess it up ourselves now.

''And it all starts with Southend. We've got a game in hand on them and we know that we'll have that as well as a nine-point cushion if we beat them on Friday.''

Club skipper Roberto Martinez should return to face the Shrimpers after Swansea chose not to risk him this weekend.

Despite a turgid first-half, the decision paid off after a Trundle free-kick edged Jackett's side in front just before the interval.

A second spectacular Trundle goal and one from Paul Connor wrapped up a comfortable victory, while there was more good news from Glanford Park as Scunthorpe dropped points against Boston.

Connor said: ''Yeovil and Scunthorpe have both had runs where they've won about eight games on the bounce and we haven't done that yet.

''We've tended to win two or three and then draw or lose, but if we can get a run going we'll be in an even better position.

''It's certainly looking good at the moment, but Southend is a big game for us. We'll be confident, though, because the Vetch is a horrible place for other teams to come to and if we can get ahead then it's never easy for them to come back, as we proved against Chester.''

Jackett, who praised Leon Britton's contribution on Saturday as he contemplated where Martinez might fit into his midfield, added: ''I've kept saying that it's all there to play for and we're in a good situation.

''Scunthorpe have drawn which is obviously good news for us, but Southend and Macclesfield both won so to some degree Chester is just another game knocked off.''

Swansea have been drawn away at Welsh Premiership leaders TNS in the semi-finals of the FAW Premier Cup. Wrexham face Bangor in the other tie.

Just now it does not appear Swansea City will require the services of a German referee to clinch a place in League One come May. No need for a dodgy official to fix it for this team to win matches, for they look well capable of doing that all by themselves.

To achieve promotion, Kenny Jackett announced in the wake of the club's FA Cup exit a couple of weeks ago, 12 victories were needed from 19 remaining games.

So far it is two from two, and all is rosy in the manager's garden.

But there could be black clouds awaiting in the spring.

The one fear for Swansea's followers after another comprehensive home success is for the fitness of the two shining stars in their attack.

Don't panic. Lee Trundle and Paul Connor are fine at the moment, just as they have been almost throughout this campaign.

Jackett should be touching wood with crossed fingers over the next few weeks that his luck does not change.

This is not a time for dislocated shoulders, more for chucking for salt over them.

Lose either Trundle or Connor - never mind both - as the business end of the season approaches and Swansea's ride in the top three will not be so smooth, particularly with Kevin Nugent and James Thomas already on the sidelines.

''The teams that will get promotion this season are the ones paying money for goalscorers,'' pointed out one of the best forwards of them all, Chester manager Ian Rush.

''Swansea have been getting crowds of 7,000 or 8,000 all year and that means they can afford people like Trundle and Connor, two goalscorers who will make a difference.

''There are some decent partnerships in this league - Scunthorpe have some good players - but in terms of consistency I think they are probably the best.

''Trundle's got 17 goals and Connor's got 11, so they're clearly playing well together.

''Because of crowds and finances, we just can't compete.''

Chester have not been the only ones in League Two struggling to cope, with those who have confronted Jackett's side over the last couple of months finding it especially difficult.

With Trundle and Connor to the fore, Swansea have tacked attacking menace on to the defensive miserliness that supplied much of their success in the first half of the campaign.

Since the depressing defeat at Scunthorpe in early December, in fact, 22 goals have come in eight league games, including the one blip against leaders Yeovil, with the front two responsible for 14 of them.

''People say you're as good as your forwards,'' Jackett said, ''and that can often be true.

''Thankfully, we've got two good ones.

''They've grown as a partnership as the season has gone on and some of their link play has been very good.

''The bottom line is that they have been scoring goals and we need to make sure that continues.''

Are they the best pairing in the division?

''Torpey and Hayes have done very well for Scunthorpe, as have Jevons and Tarachulski at Yeovil, and then you've got any two from three at Darlington,'' Jackett mused.

''But I wouldn't swap my two for anybody.''

No wonder. The two blonds, one Scouse and one Geordie, had just proved their considerable worth once more to end Chester's resistance emphatically.

As half-time approached on Saturday, Swansea were beginning to wonder how much they were going to pay for their early failure to capitalise on a five-on-one breakaway.

With Connor among four colleagues waiting for a pass in the area, Trundle chose selfishly to shoot and was denied by the advancing Chris Mackenzie.

''They were going on a bit at me after that,'' Trundle confessed.

Around 38 minutes later, the former Wrexham frontman bent a free-kick he had won over the wall and all was forgiven.

Ahead just before the break, Swansea were cruising after it when Connor slid on to Andy Robinson's cross-shot to double the advantage.

Three points - and second place in the table thanks to Scunthorpe's draw - were already secure by the time Trundle notched his second, a 25-yard curler which crept inside the far post as Mackenzie got his angles wrong.

The only surprise after that was the hosts' failure to add to their tally, with Trundle going close on three more occasions and Connor joining Andy Robinson in seeing a goal-bound effort beaten out.

''I thought Trunds could have played me in a couple of times,'' Connor smiled,' 'but fair play, he was on a hat-trick.

''Everyone knows what a great player he is and it's going well for the two of us at the moment.

''We've done a lot of work in training because towards the beginning of the season we didn't really know each other's style, so it's nice that we're both getting a few goals.''

Trundle echoed his £35,000 partner, adding: ''We're playing together every week and I think we're looking better now than at any time since Paul came to the club.

''Hopefully we'll both stay fit and keep things going.''

Amid all the talk of strikers, the final word should go to Rush.

''Trundle is a different class at this level,'' Wales's record goalscorer said.

''Swansea did nothing for 40 minutes of the game, but the free-kick he got was as good as a penalty because you know he's going to hit the target and there's not much you can do.

''Trundle's got tremendous ability and he's probably too good for League Two. The question now is whether he'll go on and do it in the division above.''

Assuming Swansea's front two stay out of the treatment room, the answer should not be too far away.

LEE TRUNDLE has heard it all countless times before.
Barely a week goes by, it seems, without a rival manager or player - grudgingly or otherwise - singing the Swansea striker's praises.

But, even for a sworn Evertonian like Trundle, you've got to sit up and take notice when a striking legend of Ian Rush's ilk waxes lyrical about your abilities.

Such was the case on Saturday evening after former Wales and Liverpool star Rush had watched Trundle rip his Chester City side apart with another spectacular double.

Swansea's leading marksman took his tally for the season to 17 with a goal in either half - one from a trademark free-kick and one from a delicious 25-yard curler that had more curl on it than a helter skelter.

"Trundle's a different class at this level, he's too good for League Two," Rush gushed.

But, with Trundle seemingly destined for League One after this result lifted Kenny Jackett's side into second, one point behind leaders Yeovil, Rush insisted the Swansea sharp-shooter would still need to prove himself higher up the League ladder.

"Whether he can succeed in a higher division depends on him. Some people are happy playing at a certain level," Rush cautioned, perhaps overlooking the fact Trundle has already played in the old Division Two for Wrexham.

"The supporters love him and he seems to be enjoying himself at the moment, but sometimes things can change when you step up a level. And I'm not too sure what his level is.

"But the way you look at it is he's done nothing wrong in this division, so let him go and see if he can make the step up."

That said, Rush was correct when he added that Chester had successfully shackled Trundle until he won a free-kick 20 yards out before beating keeper Chris MacKenzie with a sweet left-foot strike lofted over the wall.

"For 40 minutes, before he scored that goal, I don't think he had been allowed to do anything," said the Chester boss.

"I felt the only way he would score was from a set-piece.

"And when you're awarded a free-kick as close to goal as his was, it's almost like a penalty because you know he's going to hit the target."

It was suggested to Swans boss Jackett afterwards that Trundle had been selfish on occasions, especially in the fourth minute when he opted to shoot rather than pass to one of four team-mates better-placed to score.

But it was not a notion Jackett was very keen to entertain.

"Lee created the vital breakthrough for us, executed a great free-kick and scored a super second goal which means he's now got 17 this season," said the Swansea manager. "So no, I don't agree that he was selfish."

Swansea fans filtered out of the Vetch wearing smiles as broad as the nearby seafront after this comfortable win nudged them another step closer to automatic promotion.

Until Trundle broke the deadlock, not to say tedium, the ground had resonated to moans and groans as Swansea laboured their way through the first half, struggling to counter Chester's intricate 4-1-4-1 system designed to strangle the life out of the Swansea midfield.

"Swansea are a good footballing side, but for the first 40 minutes we out-played them and they didn't cause us problems," Rush said.

"My players had worked hard, the system we put in place was working and we were playing the better football.

"But there was nothing we could do about the quality of Trundle's free kick. And the killer blow was Swansea's second goal just after the break."

Playing with a lot more purpose and precision after the interval, Swansea went 2-0 up when the enterprising Robinson delivered a cross-shot from the left of the box and Paul Connor slid in for his 11th goal of the season.

There was a worrying moment for Chester defender Michael Brown when he had to be stretchered off with a suspected broken jaw after a nasty collision inside the six-yard area that delayed the match for five minutes.

But if Chester thought the hold-up might douse Swansea's fire they were mistaken.

Leon Britton, setting off on one of several mischievous raids into opposition territory, won a meaty tackle and found Trundle lurking like a shark 25 yards out.

Rather than saunter too far forward, Trundle went for the spectacular and somehow managed to squeeze the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of the net with magnificent swerve.

It had appeared to be drifting wide - Trundle must have thought so, too, as he didn't even set off on a celebratory run - but keeper MacKenzie certainly should have had it covered.

Chester, who didn't muster a second-half shot until 10 minutes from the end, had no response.

Swansea were coasting as Robinson carved open the visiting defence at will and the showboating Trundle had a couple more shots saved by a keeper keen to redeem himself for his earlier error.

"Perhaps with the exception of the FA Cup replay against Reading, I think we had more shots on targets than any other game this season," Jackett beamed.

"All credit to Chester - they made it very difficult for us in the first half as they didn't give us much space to play, but we were very strong in the second half.

"I can't have any complaints with 3-0 and a clean sheet."

And the Swansea fans were so pleased with what they saw in the second half that they soon tired of barracking Vetch Field hate figure Mark Aizlewood.

As requested, the Chester No 2 received a police escort out of the ground but was still able to stop to sign autographs. Not quite a gauntlet of hate, then.

As for Rush, he was left wishing he had the same resources as former Wales colleague Jackett.

"We just can't compete with Swansea when it comes to crowd size or finances," he groaned.

"The teams who'll get promoted are those paying good money for goalscorers and Swansea had two strikers who made the difference today.

"If you're getting crowds of 7-8,000 you can afford people like that."

KENNY JACKETT insists his players must put their personal ambitions to one side as Swansea close in on promotion.
Saturday's comfortable 3-0 win over Chester means the Swans are sitting pretty in second as they enter the final three months of the campaign.

They can go one step further and take top spot in League Two with a third successive victory against Southend at the Vetch on Friday night.

And, though several Swans players are fighting for their futures at the club as the summer scramble for new contracts draws closer, the Swans boss insists the drive for League One football must be the only thing on their minds.

"It's important that we all put our personal situations to one side right now," Jackett said. "This is such a crucial part of the season, that everyone has got to be focused entirely on Swansea winning football matches.

"With people coming back from injury, competition for places is increasing and more and more people are going to be disappointed that they're not in the starting line-up.

"But, at this stage of the season, it's got to be all about the cause. We've got to focus on the big picture."

Crucially, Jackett's squad is approaching full strength as the finishing line draws near.

Club captain Roberto Martinez is expected to be fit for Southend's visit, having been out injured for almost a month, while midfielder Kris O'Leary and striker Kevin Nugent should not be far behind.

Jackett's only area of concern is up front, where he is short on quality cover for in-form duo Lee Trundle and Paul Connor.

"With almost everyone fit and available, we'll have a very good squad at the most important stage of the season," said Jackett.

"It's not a headache to have selection problems. I want as many good players as I possibly can. As regards the front two, it is important Lee and Paul stay fit, but I wouldn't say we don't have many other options.

"Though (long-term absentee) James Thomas is not ready to come back, Kevin Nugent should be available again before long, Adrian Forbes can play up front and we've got two promising young strikers in Mark Pritchard and Chad Bond."

But the 28 goals Connor and Trundle have banked between them this season illustrates how crucial the pair are to Swansea's cause.

Jackett said, "That's a pleasing return and the other thing that pleases me is they've grown as a partnership over the season.

"Their link play is very good and the thing I noticed about Lee against Chester is he kept working to win the ball back. These things don't tend to get mentioned in the press, but to me as a manager they're very important.

"There are some good strike partnerships in League Two - particularly Scunthorpe and Yeovil - but I don't think I'd swap my two for any of them. They've got a good few years in front of them."

Jackett will hope for more of the same from his dynamic strike duo against a Southend side who remain fourth, six points behind Swansea, after their 2-0 weekend win over Darlington.

"That should be some game," he said. "The fact we're second in the table and the atmosphere these evening games generate at the Vetch should ensure it's going to be another exciting occasion."

The Football League has accepted defeat in its efforts to stop Fifa applying its transfer window restrictions across the board.
They will join Premiership clubs in operating under the constraints from this summer onwards.

Football League director of operations Andy Williamson: "This is the third season where we've had an exemption.

"That will not apply any more - there's not going to be any further extended period of flexibility."

The world governing body has dug its heels in and ordered all English clubs to abide by their ruling, meaning transfers will only be permissible in the off-season and during January.

Court action had been hinted at, in an effort to allow clubs from the Championship, League One and League Two to deal throughout the year.

But Football League chairman Sir Brian Mawhinney jas sent a letter to all member clubs which recognises Fifa's authority in the matter.

In abiding by Fifa's terms, the 72 Football League clubs will come into line with the Barclays Premiership, where the restrictions have been in place since the beginning of the 2001-02 campaign.

The news will inevitably be of serious concern to many clubs, who will be denied for the first time the opportunity to operate in the transfer market on their own terms.
Effectively, the league authorities have backed off from a potential court battle with Fifa which they were unlikely to win.

Swansea City aim to move within a point of the League Two summit tomorrow with Kenny Jackett insisting: ''We want the title." With Yeovil in FA Cup action, Swansea know victory over Chester City at Vetch Field would turn up the heat on the leaders.

Gary Johnson's accomplished side coughed up two points in a 2-2 draw at home to Rochdale in midweek, leaving Jackett keen to take advantage.

''It's no disgrace for Yeovil not to have beaten Rochdale,'' the Swansea boss said, ''because as we know, nearly all the games in this division are tight and there are some strong sides even lower down the table.

''But of course it was good from our point of view that they didn't win, because if we can beat Chester we'll only be a point behind.

''I've told the players this week that all the places are still available.

''At one stage it looked as though Scunthorpe were going to make it very difficult for everyone else, but we're level with them now.

''And League Two's not like the Premiership, where it will be a major turn-up if Chelsea don't win it.

''It's wide open in this division and we want the title.''

Swansea last topped the pile in the Coca-Cola basement back in November, though they have not been outside the three automatic promotion spots for over four months.

''We're in good shape,'' Jackett added.

With Roberto Martinez set for a possible return to the bench after nearly four weeks out with hamstring trouble, Swansea's squad is also in decent fettle.

Willy Gueret is poised for a recall in goal despite Brian Murphy's heroics at Boston last weekend, while Ijah Anderson and Andy Robinson are once again slugging it out for a start on the left of midfield.

Wales call-up Sam Ricketts missed Wednesday's FAW Premier Cup win at Caernarfon because of a hamstring strain but Swansea are hopeful that he will be fit to take his place in the back-four.

Chester arrive in South Wales limited by injuries to Darren Edmondson and Neath-born Ian Hillier, while skipper Paul Carden and ex-Merthyr powerhouse Cortez Belle are suspended.

''We're so stretched that we see this game as a damage limitation exercise,'' claimed assistant boss Mark Aizlewood.

Chester are not only depleted but dejected having collected only one win in 13 league matches.

Swansea, meanwhile, welcome back Lee Trundle and Paul Connor after they sat out the midweek trip to North Wales.

''They've got 25 goals between them so far this season so we're looking for more of the same,'' Jackett added.

''Hopefully, they can help us get back to winning ways at the Vetch after the cup game with Reading, the draw with Wycombe and the defeat by Yeovil on New Year's Day.

''We got a superb result at Boston and it's important that we push on from that now.
''Chester are a very strong, competitive side who caused us a lot of problems when we drew at their place. It won't be easy.''

Welsh great Ian Rush reckons Chester must combat the threat of the best front two in League Two if they are to succeed at Vetch Field tomorrow. The ex-Liverpool frontman, who scored a record 28 times for his country, is a fan of Lee Trundle and Paul Connor.

The division's hottest properties have hit a combined 25 goals this season.

And Seals manager Rush says stopping the duo will go a long way to securing the right result for his side.

''Lee Trundle is obviously going to be a threat and Paul Connor is also in great form,'' said the Chester boss.

''They are probably the best in the division.

''We will have our work cut out, but we are going into the game with two clean sheets behind us.''

Rush has been searching for some new blood this week in a bid to end a disappointing run which has seen his side win only once in 13 league outings.

Late yesterday he snapped up two loan signings to strengthen his side in attack and defence.

At the back 18-year-old Cameroon-born defender George Olokobi has agreed a one-month deal from Colchester, while up front the more experienced Joe O'Neill said yes to a one-month move from Preston.

O'Neill is likely to partner ex-Everton hitman Michael Branch in attack and Rush reckons the latest additions to his small squad could give his side the extra impetus needed to get a positive result.

''I am certainly more optimistic than I was at the beginning of the week,'' he said.

''But Swansea and Yeovil are the two best teams we have played this season, so we know the size of the task we face.

''They always have a decent crowd and have strong vocal support when they are doing well.

''If we can silence them then hopefully we have put in a good performance.''

Swansea are stressing that tomorrow's game is not a sell-out and, while it is all-ticket, tickets will be available up until kick-off from the William Street office.

There will be no cash admission on the turnstiles, but at this stage plenty of tickets are left for the East Stand and North Bank.

A limited number of tickets for the trip to Leyton Orient on February 12 go on general sale tomorrow.

All supporters' trust members who are not season-ticket holders are urged to ensure they have an up to date membership card, which will be required when tickets for the last three Vetch Field games become available in March.

Likewise, 12-voucher season-ticket holders should keep hold of their books.

Swansea have told third-year scholars Matthew Roberts and Lee Surman they will not be offered professional contracts at the end of the season.

Winger Roberts - younger brother of former Swan Stuart - and centre-back Surman are now free to look for new clubs.

Since Swansea and Chester met in early October, Kenny Jackett's men have gone from strength to strength. Of the 17 subsequent league games, they have won 11 and drawn 2 to propel themselves into an automatic promotion place, the season's overriding priority.

History and home advantage favour Swansea tomorrow (they last lost to Chester in November 1997), ensuring they go into the game as 8-13 favourites with Ladbrokes. Online bookmaker Stanleybet price the visitors at 9-2 while Premierbet mark the draw at 5-2.

Given that Chester languish five places from the bottom of the table, punters may fancy Swansea to take this game by the scruff of the neck from the first whistle, a scenario which makes Sporting Odds' 6-5 on them holding a half-time lead look very attractive. Similarly, Bet365 have 7-5 on the Swans being ahead at the end of both halves, another price sure to appeal.

Yet the bookies note Chester's ability to force draws away from home. They have gained a single point in seven of their 14 away games.

As a consequence, the correct score market appears unable to make up its mind. The 1-1 score is offered at 11- with VCbet while Stan James also has 6-1 on Swansea winning 1-0.

Swansea's good form should ensure they win this game, although it could be tighter than each side's respective league positions suggest, making Sporting Odds' 13-2 for the Swans to record a 2-1 victory look inviting.

Punters will not be surprised to see the usual suspects head the first markets. Trundle, Robinson and Connor are the obvious favourites, priced at 4-1, 11-2 and 13-2.

Odds supplied by www.betrescue.com

Picture the scene. You're a rookie defender trying to impress your new boss on your first day, and Ryan Giggs is coming at you like a train. It is the scenario which has been running through Sam Ricketts's mind for the last 48 hours.

Ever since he called up Teletext in a Caernarfon hotel room on Wednesday afternoon to confirm all the rumours.

The Swansea City defender, who only two summers ago was forced to quit the Football League in his quest for some first-team action, had indeed won a place in John Toshack's first Wales squad.

"It still hasn't really sunk in," says Ricketts, who hopes to shake off a hamstring strain in time to celebrate his call-up by playing for Swansea against Chester City at Vetch Field tomorrow.

"To be involved with top-class players like Ryan Giggs, Robbie Savage, Craig Bellamy and John Hartson is going to be great for me.

"I can't wait to join up with the squad, start being around them and start improving, because it can only help me as a player.

"It might be a bit daunting to begin with.

"If I'm up against Ryan Giggs, one of the best players in the world over the last decade, in the first training session, I imagine I might be breathing a bit."

Oxford United, who brought Ricketts through their youth ranks only for then manager Ian Atkins to let him go in the summer of 2003, are probably questioning the wisdom of that decision just now.

Swansea, by contrast, are revelling in the glow of a first Welsh call-up among the Vetch playing ranks since James Thomas sat on the substitutes' bench in Azerbaijan in 2002.

They are not the only ones smiling in Wales just now, even though Ricketts's grandmother, thanks to whom he qualifies to play for Toshack's side, is sadly not alive to see it.

"She was my mum's mum, and I haven't even been able to speak to my mum yet because she's on holiday," the 23-year-old explains.

"But I know she, like the rest of the family, will be proud.

"My gran's no longer with us, but I've still got a lot of relatives living in Wales who'll be at the Millennium Stadium when the game comes around.

"There'll be a fair few of the Ricketts clan there that night, no doubt about that."

With Mark Delaney injured and Ben Thatcher absent because of suspension, there looks a fair chance that Ricketts will become the first Swansea player to be capped by Wales since Roger Freestone in 2000.

There are other full-backs in the party - Cardiff's Rhys Weston, Rob Edwards of Wolves and Tranmere's Gareth Roberts - but the feeling is he will play some part.

An England semi-professional international this time last year, the man signed on a free from Telford in the summer has put his new, rather grander recognition down to his Swansea colleagues.

"I've had a bit of stick off them," he adds through a smile, "but I've got to thank all my team-mates because I couldn't have done this on my own.

"When you look through our squad, there are a lot of players you could pick out and say 'he's having a great season'.

"Everyone's clicking and it's because the team is going well that individuals are going well too."

His modesty is admirable, but it is Ricketts's own mix of defensive power and a willingness to attack which has caught the eye of the new Welsh management team.

"He's got a little bit of everything," Kenny Jackett points out.

And to think the Oxfordshire-born player was plying his trade in the Conference last season.

"It's been a fantastic year so far for me," Ricketts concedes.

"I tried to get into the Welsh Under-21s a few years back and never heard anything, so to get into the senior squad is a great feeling.

"What I've got to do now is to try to make sure I stay there. This is something extra for me on top of the push for promotion we're all trying for, but if I could achieve both then this will go down as a superb season."

JAMIE Rewbury can prove a point when he plays for Cardiff City against his former club Swansea City in a Welsh Youth Cup tie at Treforest tomorrow (10am).

The Bluebirds showed they believe Swansea made a mistake in releasing Rewbury, 17, by signing the six-foot centre-half.

Swansea felt they had too many central defenders on their books and manager Kenny Jackett opted to let Rewbury go.

But he has looked an outstanding prospect for Cardiff City and was one of the few players to shine in the 1-0 midweek FAW Premier Cup defeat at Bangor City.

Rhondda-born Rewbury is two-footed, big and strong, while he also aims to play football from the back and passes the ball well.

The tall, composed defender plays in the style of former Bluebird Lee Jarman at the same age, but with a touch more aggression.

City's first team coach and reserve team manager Paul Wilkinson takes charge of the under-19 side for the clash with Swansea.

LENNIE LAWRENCE might have been let down by his Cardiff City youngsters, but at Swansea Kenny Jackett continues to dream of a league and cup double.
The Swans boss reiterated his desire to clinch promotion to League One and win the FAW Premier Cup yesterday having succeeded where Bluebirds manager Lawrence failed.

Lawrence was left with egg on his face after his decision to field a team full of youngsters backfired with an embarrassing 1-0 quarter-final defeat against Bangor City on Tuesday night.

But there was no such humiliation for Jackett and his Swansea side as they thumped Caernarfon Town 5-0 24 hours later.

There was a certain amount of irony to the two results.

While Lawrence could have fielded several experienced players currently out of the first-team picture, Jackett insisted he had no choice but to play a number of men he would have preferred to preserve for the more important promotion quest.

"We've got some important league games coming up, so in an ideal world perhaps I would have rested more players than I did for the cup match," said Jackett.

"But to be perfectly honest there weren't too many other players I could have picked.

"I didn't want to go with a team full of first-year scholars - it wouldn't have been fair to throw them in because they're not quite ready.

"So I went with what I had. There were only three pros - Lee Trundle, Paul Connor and Adrian Forbes - who didn't make the trip."

Lawrence had experienced players like Tony Vidmar, Rob Page, Lee Bullock and Darren Williams at his disposal for Cardiff's trip to North Wales.

Each crying out for a competitive game, their involvement in the quarter-final clash at Farrar Road might well have ensured City a passage to the last four of the competition.

While Lawrence ended up regretting his decision not to blend youth with experience, Jackett was pleased with the balance he struck at Caernarfon, senior pros like Garry Monk, Brad Maylett and Ijah Anderson having turned out alongside the Swans rookies.

"I think we had a good mix of experienced players and younger ones," Jackett said.

"It was a good opportunity for the youngsters because they can learn from playing alongside the senior players.

"It is a competition we're taking seriously so I was pleased that the team I put out was able to get us through to the semi-final.

"Achieving promotion is obviously our main aim this season, but it would be fantastic if we could also win the FAW Premier Cup.

"It's not really for me to comment on Cardiff's approach to the competition or the players they have picked. I haven't seen any coverage of their match against Bangor.

"All I could say is they've got a youth academy so they need to find ways of giving up-and-coming players experience of competitive situations.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to be a system that's borne fruit when you think that the likes of Joe Ledley have come through the ranks at Ninian Park."

Swansea's quest for promotion, meanwhile, resumes tomorrow when Ian Rush's Chester City visit the Vetch.

Former Swansea City Football Club chief executive Mike Lewis has been charged following a fraud squad investigation into the affairs of Exeter City. The former vice-chairman of the once-troubled West Country club has been charged, along with two other people, following a 20-month police probe.

Officers have been investigating alleged financial irregularities at Exeter City between April 2002 and May 2003.

The 63-year-old will appear before magistrates in Exeter on February 11.

Mr Lewis and former Exeter club chairman John Russell, aged 48, from Yorkshire, are charged with conspiracy to defraud, obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception, allowing a company to become involved in the purchase of its own shares, and allowing a limited company to trade fraudulently.

Mr Russell's wife, Gillian, a former club employee, is charged on two counts of theft and one of false accounting.

A fourth person who had been investigated by the fraud squad will not face charges.

Although the police have not named those charged, the Evening Post has learned that they are Mr Lewis and the Russells.

The officer in charge of the case, Detective Constable Mark Sandford of Devon and Cornwall Contabulary's fraud squad, said it had been a lengthy and complex investigation.

"We wanted to make sure all avenues were explored before final decisions were made," he said.

Lewis has previously vigorously denied the allegations against him, as have Mr and Mrs Russell.

They were arrested in May 2003 when their homes and the offices of the then debt-ridden club were searched and various documents seized.

Mr Lewis quit as Exeter's vice-chairman in May 2003.

He spent a difficult time with the Swans between the summer of 1998 and the end of 2001, eventually buying the club for a nominal £1 before handing over control to a local consortium.

Mr Lewis could not be contacted for comment.

Swansea boss Kenny Jackett said defender Sam Ricketts' call-up to the Wales senior squad is well deserved. "I'm delighted for him, it's a terrific achievement as he was playing in the Conference last season," Jackett said.

"He's got a little bit of everything; I see in him athleticism to play higher - he's 6ft 1in, he's quick, he's very fit and two footed and that's a good start.

"After that we've worked hard to fill in the other parts of his game and he's worked very hard as well."

Ricketts, 23, joined Swansea from non-League Telford United last May on a two-year deal, having previously played for Oxford United and been capped by England at non-league international level.

The player qualifies for Wales through his grandparents.

Jackett believes that Ricketts' selection reflects well on the club and proves that new Wales boss John Toshack is leaving no stone unturned in the hunt for future talent.

"I'm delighted as it's not just recognition for Sam but recognition for everybody and that's good news," Jackett added.

John Toshack today urged Sam Ricketts to cap a remarkable rise from non-league football by seizing his Wales chance. The new Welsh manager yesterday included the Swansea City defender in his first squad for the friendly with Hungary at the Millennium Stadium on February 9.
The call-up reflects the huge strides taken by Ricketts since he was deemed surplus to requirements by Oxford United in the summer of 2003.

He spent last season playing in the Conference with Telford - and representing England at semi-professional international level - but has been a shining star for Swansea since arriving at Vetch Field on a free transfer last summer.

The streamlined Wales squad - Toshack has named only 20 players - includes three further uncapped players: Sunderland's recent acquisition from Chester Danny Collins, Motherwell defender David Partridge and West Ham's former Yeovil winger Gavin Williams.

And Mark Hughes's successor has called on the new faces to take the opportunity handed to them by proving they can handle international football.

''We will probably have some defensive problems against Hungary both individually, because it's a big step up for these players, and collectively, because they haven't played together before,'' Toshack said.

''But we only have eight players playing in the Premiership plus John Hartson in Scotland so somebody is going to have to take that step.

''We have identified Sam, Danny, David and Gavin as players who could do that, and now we will have a look at them and see how they do.

''They will certainly be motivated to do well and they could see it as an opportunity to draw attention to themselves and take a step forward in their careers.''

He went on: ''Mark Delaney and Ben Thatcher would normally be our first-choice full-backs, but they are unavailable because of injury and suspension and Sam is a player who can play on either side of defence.

''He's only 23, I've watched him on a couple of occasions and I've spoken to Kenny Jackett and Alan Curtis about him.

''The information I've had has been positive and he comes into the bracket of players we are hoping will grasp their opportunity.

''It's an enormous step up for Sam in particular coming from League Two and we expect the new players to be nervous to begin with, but I'm sure more than one of them will take their chance.''

Ricketts's call-up comes with a down side for Swansea. He will now miss the League Two game at Mansfield on February 8 and will be absent for two further matches over Easter should he keep his place for the World Cup qualifying double-header against Austria.

''It's disappointing in a sense for us that we will be without Sam at Mansfield but, assuming there are no serious problems with injuries or suspensions, we will not stand in his way,'' said Vetch Field chairman Huw Jenkins.

''We're all delighted for him and it's great for the club to get some recognition as well.

''It also shows what an astute move Kenny Jackett made when he brought him to Swansea in the first place.''

Ricketts, who hails from Oxfordshire but has a grandmother from Cardiff, is the first Swansea player to be called into the full Wales squad since James Thomas in November 2002.

If picked, he will be the first to win a cap while at the Vetch since Roger Freestone almost five years ago.

MARK AIZLEWOOD last night refused to discuss his reputation as a Swansea City hate figure.
The former Wales defender, now assistant to Ian Rush at Chester City, would not be drawn on the hostile reception he'll almost certainly receive at the Vetch Field on Saturday.

Aside from the fact he is a former Cardiff City favourite, Aizlewood has incensed Swans fans with some of the comments he has made about the club in recent seasons.

His often tempestuous relationship with Swansea turned ugly a couple of seasons ago when he was left with a grazed eye after being pushed into a gate by irate Swans followers.

But Aizlewood says he is only concerned with what he believes will be a "damage limitation exercise" for Chester in their League Two skirmish with Kenny Jackett's men.

"I'm not interested in talking about Mark Aizlewood or what reception I might get from the Swansea fans," said the 39-times capped former defender.

"I've got a job to do and that's all I'm interested in.

"We'll be taking a very inexperienced team to play the best side in the league, so all my attention is on making sure we keep the score down.

"We're so stretched that there could have three or four 16-year-olds in the squad.

"So we do see this as a damage limitation exercise."

Despite his platitudes for Jackett's side, the outspoken Aizlewood can expect an uncomfortable afternoon in the opposition dugout this weekend.

Four years ago he caused outrage when he criticised Swansea's recruitment of a clutch of foreign players - including the Venezuelan striker Giovanni Savarese - calling them 'unreliable.'

Aizlewood, then a pundit for BBC Wales, also predicted Savarese would not score more than 10 goals for the club, a remark that came back to haunt him when the striker hit a total of 13 during the 2000-01 season.

In October 2002, after commentating on a 1-1 draw against Rochdale at the Vetch, Aizlewood was pushed into a gate by three angry Swans fans as he left the ground.

The incident left the former Leeds United player with a grazed eye and led BBC Wales head of sport Nigel Walker to demand assurances from Swansea that Aizlewood would receive protection on future visits to the Vetch.

Saturday marks his first appearance in Swansea as a Football League coach, having joined ex-Wales colleague Rush to form Chester's new management team earlier in the season.

When asked about his uneasy relationship with Swans fans, Aizlewood replied, "You said that, not me. As I said, I'm not interested in any issues apart from Chester City."

Whether or not Aizlewood was playing mind games a la messrs Ferguson and Wenger it wasn't certain, but he insists Chester's main aim this weekend is to keep the scoreline down.

"I've seen Swansea five or six times this season and I honestly believe they're the best side in the league," Aizlewood said.

"It's going to be difficult for us because we haven't got any players and we'll be going there with the objective of keeping the score down.

"And in Lee Trundle and Paul Connor they've got the two best centre-forwards in the league.

"As Chelsea have found in the Premiership, that's what you get when you've got the kind of money to spend on players that Swansea have.

"It must be a pleasure for Kenny Jackett to work on that kind of financial basis. He's done a fantastic job. Money doesn't guarantee you success, but it sure makes things a hell of a lot easier."

Chester will be without former Merthyr Tydfil striker Cortez Belle after he was sent off for the third time this season in last Saturday's scoreless draw against Rochdale.

"Cortez is a young boy who has been forced to play too many Football League games too early in his career," Aizlewood said.

"He should have been playing reserve games and 10 minutes here and there in the first team. But we don't have enough players to ease him in gradually. His inexperience has shown through on occasions."

Rush and Aizlewood have made steady progress since their arrival at the club promoted from the Conference last season, though Chester are still only fifth bottom.

"We've drawn 13 games this season, which makes us hard to beat, but we can't score enough goals," said Aizlewood.

THREE first-half goals saw Swansea City brush aside an abject Caernarfon Town last night to seal their place in the semi-final of the FAW Premier Cup.

Strikes from the Swans' two third-choice 18-year-old forwards Chad Bond and Mark Pritchard and an own goal from Caernarfon defender Mark Hobson gave Kenny Jackett's men a commanding first-half lead.

Welsh Premier side Caernarfon were unable to shake off the league form that saw them concede 12 goals in consecutive defeats to TNS and Aberystwyth Town before shipping another five last night.

Despite Cardiff City's embarrassment at Bangor on Tuesday Jackett was happy to use the quarter-final to give his squad players a run-out at The Oval.

But inside the opening minute Jackett's decision proved a good one as Bond took advantage of a slip by Caernarfon defender Mark Evans to slot home the first from 18 yards.

Just before the 20-minute mark Pritchard beat his man down the right, but saw a threatening cross smothered away by the Canaries' rearguard. Pritchard almost netted the second after linking up with midfielder Brad Maylett, but the striker's effort was blocked by goalkeeper David Walsh.

The inevitable second came on 24 minutes when Hobson's attempted clearance from Pritchard's corner ended up in his own net.

The home fans had to wait 32 minutes to see their team pose any real threat when Osian Jones volleyed over from 20 yards after Marcus Orlik had crossed from the right.

But just seven minutes later Pritchard made it three when he waltzed through the Caernarfon defence unchallenged before tucking away the third after seeing his initial effort blocked by Walsh.

In the closing stages of the first half Swansea defender Alan Tate saw a drive bounce back off the bar and Pritchard had another shot blocked by Walsh.

Just seven minutes after the restart Swansea defender Igah Anderson added a fourth after Maylett had delivered a perfect lay-off from the byline.

On 65 minutes Pritchard grabbed his second and the Swans' fifth when he fired home from the edge of the box after being played in by substitute Andy Robinson.

Swansea City: Murphy, Tate, Britton (Robinson 46), Maylett, Fisken, Monk (Austin 46), Jones, Anderson (MacDonald 60), Corbisiero, Pritchard, Bond

Subs not used: Austin, Iriekpen, Gueret

Caernarfon Town: Walsh, Evans, Roberts, Chalk, Hobson, Phillips, Orlik, Williams, Owen, Osian Jones, Irons

Subs not used: Lee Jones, Peters, Thomas

Two former Exeter City directors are to be charged following a 20-month investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the club, the Echo can exclusively reveal. Ex-chairman John Russell, former vice-chairman Mike Lewis and Russell's wife Gillian, a former club employee, will all receive summonses this week, outlining the charges they will face in relation to their year-long reign at the club.

Police have refused to name the individuals, and instead described him as a 49-year-old man from Yorkshire, and a 48-year-old woman, also from Yorkshire, and a 63-year-old man from Swansea.

But the Echo has learned it is the Russells and Lewis, who were all arrested by Fraud Squad detectives in May 2003.

The officer in charge of the case, DC Mark Sandford of Devon and Cornwall Constabulary's Fraud Squad, this morning confirmed: "Summonses have been applied for and are due to be served in the next few days.

"All parties have been informed of the action to be taken."

Mr Russell and Mr Lewis will face charges of conspiracy to defraud, obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception, allowing a company to become involved in the purchase of its own shares and allowing a limited company to trade fraudulently.

Mrs Russell will face two charges of theft and one charge of false accounting.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between April 2002 and May 2003.

All three will be summonsed to appear before Exeter Magistrates' Court on February 11.

A fourth person who had been investigated by the Fraud Squad will not face charges.

DC Sandford added: "We decided to take no action against that person as a result of consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service."

He said it had been a lengthy and complex investigation.

He said: "We wanted to make sure all avenues were explored before final decisions were made."

All three have previously vehemently denied the allegations against them.

They were arrested in May 2003 when their homes and the offices of the then debt-ridden club were searched and various documents seized.

The trio quit soon afterwards and the majority shareholder, Ivor Doble, handed over his controlling interest in the club to the Exeter City Football Club Supporters' Trust.

Mr Russell has since returned to the building trade in Scarborough with his wife, who used to work in the club offices.

Mr Russell told the Echo: "I'm very disappointed that charges have come about.

"But if there are any pluses in this, at least now people will hear the truth, albeit in a court of law.

"We are innocent and loads of things will be said and lots of documents produced by us to prove that.

"The supporters of Exeter City will learn the truth finally in court about what happened.

"The minus for myself is the fact that my wife has also been charged. It is appalling she has been involved in this.

"But I say again we will prove our complete innocence in court."

Mr Lewis was unavailable for comment.

Kenny Jackett will rest the crown jewels of his attack and rely instead on two youth-team gems in tonight's FAW Premier Cup quarter-final at Caernarfon. Tredegar-born Mark Pritchard and Neath-product Chad Bond, both 18, are poised to lead Swansea City's assault on the Welsh Premiership strugglers as Lee Trundle, Paul Connor and Adrian Forbes are given the night off.

Stand-in skipper Andy Gurney is another who is unlikely to feature, but Jackett will include a number of senior players as he aims to avoid a repeat of the embarrassing defeat at Rhyl in his first game as Swansea manager nearly 10 months ago.

On paper, Caernarfon should provide less of an examination than the all-conquering Rhyl outfit of last season - they have scored only 12 league goals while conceding 47 this term and lie 15th in the table.

A squad packed with Wrexham old boys but depleted by injury - former Swan Steve Watkin is one of a number of players currently sidelined - they have been beaten 5-0 (Aberystwyth) and 7-0 (TNS) in their last two outings.

But Jackett warned: ''They have players with league experience and I would think this is the biggest game of their season so far.

''We have to respect them and remember that as the underdogs, they will be in the same mindset as we were when we played Reading last week and that can be dangerous.

''I remember Rhyl. It was a baptism of fire that wasn't much fun, and I don't want a repeat of that.''

Jackett is unlikely to risk Roberto Martinez at The Oval even though the club skipper has returned to training following a hamstring injury.

But Brad Maylett (ankle and knee) and Stuart Jones (stomach) are expected to feature after missing Saturday's win at Boston.

''I want to give a few of our fringe players a chance but I also want to pick a side which can win the game,'' Jackett added.

''The one area where I really need to protect myself is in attack given that Kevin Nugent has just had an operation and James Thomas is not available.''

The Swansea boss has expressed his delight after Willy Gueret agreed a two-year contract extension, as revealed in later editions of last night's Evening Post.

He said: ''Willy's a terrific athlete who's worked very hard and, at 31, has his best years ahead of him.

''He's also integrated with the rest of the squad very well. He missed his first game of the season through suspension on Saturday, but he came with us anyway and sat in the dugout. I like that.''

Highlights of the game can be seen on BBC Wales tonight.

Caernarfon: from Walsh, Evans, O Jones, Chalk, Hobson, McNulty, Williams, L Jones, Bird, Phillips, Peters, Roberts, Orlik, Thomas, Redshaw, Campbell.

Swansea City: from Murphy, Ricketts, Austin, Monk, Iriekpen, Robinson, Tate, Britton, Maylett, Pritchard, Bond, Gueret, S. Jones, Fisken, Anderson, Corbisiero.

Swansea have taken Welshpool's winger-cum-striker Gary Roberts on trial.

Huw Jenkins has defended Swansea's use of agents after criticism in Leighton James's column in The Sporting Post lst Saturday. Former Swansea and Wales star James claimed his old club should not be spending anything on players' agents after Football League figures revealed they had splashed out £37,080 between July and December 2004.

The outlay was more than any other club in League Two spent, but Jenkins believes the sums can be misleading.

He said: ''Agents' fees come within the 60 per cent of income guidelines set out by the Football League.

''Whether you pay higher wages to include agents' fees or pay them as a club is really irrelevant - it still comes within the 60 per cent boundary.

''We feel the fact that Swansea City have decided to be fully transparent with all agents' fees is a plus on our part.

''I can assure our fans that we're not paying over the odds as a club, and feel that the so-called league table which we top is somewhat misleading.''

Meanwhile, the row over Swansea's stormy clash with Boston rumbled on today as the Pilgrims confirmed they had sent a letter of complaint to the Football Association about referee Grant Hegley.

''At 11am he wanted to call the game off because he claimed the pitch would freeze over based on the weather forecast he had,'' moaned Boston chairman Jon Sotnick.

''We were also unhappy with how he spoke to the Swansea management beforehand, which is against protocol.

''He then got the penalty decision wrong too, so we have complained to the FA.''

The FA and the Football Association of Wales are still to reveal details of Mr Hegley's match report, amid suggestions that both clubs could face sanctions.

Swansea City were today waiting for news of John Toshack's first Wales squad knowing they could lose out if Sam Ricketts gets called up. Full-back Ricketts, 23, has been watched by the new Wales management team and is known to feature in their future plans.

His chances of figuring in the party for the friendly with Hungary at the Millennium Stadium on February 9 have been enhanced by an injury to Aston Villa right-back Mark Delaney.

Swansea boss Kenny Jackett has backed Ricketts's claim for a berth in the Toshack's squad but realises an international call for the ex-Oxford player could damage Swansea's League Two promotion hopes.

Should he be selected for the Hungary game, Ricketts would be forced to miss Swansea's rearranged trip to Mansfield Town the night before.

And looking further ahead, continued involvement with Wales would see Ricketts missing his club's League Two clashes at home to Macclesfield and at Cheltenham over Easter because of the World Cup qualifying double-header against Austria.

With goalkeeper Brian Murphy likely to be involved at international level with the Republic of Ireland's Under-21s, Swansea would be entitled to rearrange their games should one more player get a call-up.

But defender Stuart Jones was in danger of missing out on a place in Brian Flynn's first Welsh Under-21 squad today because of his lack of club football this season, so that scenario looks unlikely.

And Jackett would not be overly keen to postpone games anyway for fear of a fixture pile-up towards the end of the season.

Ben Thatcher will be named in Topshack's squad although his expected move from Manchester City to Fulham collapsed yesterday after negotiations between the two clubs broke down.

The 29-year-old Wales international was set for a move back to the capital, having completed a medical at Craven Cottage at the end of last week.

''Ben underwent a medical examination at Fulham last week, but unfortunately negotiations between the two clubs have not reached a successful conclusion,'' said City spokesman Paul Tyrrell.

'Thatcher's family have not settled in the north-west, and the former Tottenham defender reluctantly asked for a transfer.

He is now expected to re-join the City squad for training and will be available for the Premiership match against Newcastle next week.

With more than 8,000 tickets already sold, Swansea's home clash with Chester on Saturday has been made all-ticket. Remaining tickets are on sale right up until kick-off from the William Street ticket office assuming that the game does not sell out.

Swansea's allocation of 500 stand tickets for the trip to Leyton Orient on February 12 are available to season-ticket holders on production of voucher G.

SWANSEA CITY have been told not to expect an easy FAW Premier Cup ride tonight - despite Caernarfon Town's desperate league form.

Caernarfon player-manager Wayne Phillips believes the Canaries can inflict the same sort of shock that Rhyl managed in Kenny Jackett's first game as Swansea boss last April.

But successive heavy losses to TNS (7-0) and Aberystwyth Town (5-0) have plunged the Canaries into a desperate fight against relegation - they lie only two points above second from bottom Llanelli - and makes that hope unlikely.

Former Wrexham stalwart Phillips, though, points to Caernarfon's cup form, which has been impressive and he is looking for more of the same against the promotion-chasing Swans.

"We have done well in all cup competitions this season and look solid in beating Newport County in the last round,'' said Phillips, who could include former Swan Steve Watkin among his strikeforce.

"I'm convinced we have the quality in our squad to see us through a tough season.

"We have a mixture of players with league experience and youth, but it is taking us longer to gel than I thought.

"But the possibility of meeting Wrexham at the next stage and the tremendous financial rewards this competition brings is a huge incentive for the players."

Despite last season's embarrassing exit at Rhyl, Swansea are still expected to give squad players like Brian Murphy, Antonio Corbisiero and Mark Pritchard a run-out at The Oval.

In tonight's other quarter-final TNS host Rhyl for the second time in four days.

A last-gasp Lee Hunt goal earned Ken McKenna's TNS side a crucial 2-2 draw on Sunday with the champions, who remain in contention in four cup competitions.

"It would have been a travesty had we lost to Rhyl as I thought we were the better side, but the goal came as a big relief," said McKenna.

"We need to play better and if we can turn them over it would be a huge psychological boost. Defeat could affect them, but I'm anticipating another tough battle."

Boston United could be in deeper trouble than Swansea City following Saturday's stormy encounter at York Street. Boston boss Steve Evans called for Swansea to face sanctions after alleging that Kenny Jackett's players had kicked the home dressing room door off its hinges while celebrating their 3-2 win.

But in a surprise twist, the Evening Post understands that the Football Association may come down harder on the Pilgrims as a result of referee Grant Hegley's match report.

It is believed Evans and other Boston officials could be in hot water over post-match comments, while it has also been reported that a supporter in a home section of the ground spat at one of the assistant referees.

The tunnel bust-up is also understood to feature in Hegley's report, but Swansea's biggest concern could be that the referee has cited one of their players over an alleged obscene gesture towards Boston fans following the contest's dramatic conclusion.

The English FA have requested a video of the game while the Football Association of Wales have so far refused to comment.

Jackett, meanwhile, has dismissed the Boston barrage aimed at Swansea in the wake of Saturday's stormy encounter at York Street.

The Vetch Field boss insists his players did nothing wrong despite the post-match fracas, and rejected suggestions that he was being patronising when he wished Boston well in their bid for a place in the League Two play-offs.

''My players didn't kick anything and I'm not at all unhappy about the conduct of any of them,'' Jackett declared.

''There were some things said as we came off the pitch and if anybody has taken offence then I apologise.

''Sometimes in football that happens. You do get abuse thrown at you after games and that was the case on both sides on Saturday.

''Emotions were always going to run high given the drama at the end of the game.

''But I checked what had gone on with all the people that mattered and they were quite happy, so I totally disagree with the idea that we should face sanctions.

''There's no way there should be any for what was said or done afterwards.''

He went on: ''I've never disrespected any manager or coach in my career and my best wishes were genuine.

''I wished all the people at Boston all the best. It certainly wasn't meant to be patronising and now we're just looking to move on.''

Police have confirmed they are not investigating the tunnel incident, though they are checking CCTV footage as a result of a scratch down the side of Swansea's team bus.

Jackett did concede that his side enjoyed some luck with the award of a controversial injury-time penalty which saw Lee Trundle score the game's decisive goal.

''I appealed on Saturday because I thought he (Jason Lee) made contact with Lee's foot, but it looked totally different on TV.

''He was reaching and grabbing with his arm, but we were a touch fortunate.''

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins, mindful that the club are still to face an FAW hearing into their players' conduct at Shrewsbury in November, has played down the Boston furore.

He said: ''Nobody's complained to me about anything our players did and I left the ground after shaking hands with Boston's directors and wishing them all the best.

''Obviously, their players, management and fans were upset by the way the game went and I can understand that.

''But, from our point of view, to win at Boston meant a lot and I would assume that whatever went on in the tunnel was nothing more than our players showing that.''

Swansea were today attempting to switch their attention to tomorrow's FAW Premier Cup quarter-final at Caernarfon (7pm).

All 500 away tickets for the league trip to Leyton Orient on February 12 will go on sale to season-ticket holders from 9am tomorrow.

Any remaining will go on general sale on Saturday.

Swans defender Sam Ricketts will discover tomorrow if he has made it into John Toshack's first Wales squad. The new Welsh manager will unveil the party for the friendly with Hungary in Cardiff on February 9.

Ricketts, who qualifies for Wales through his Cardiff-born grandmother, is one of a clutch of Coca-Cola League players hoping for a call-up.

Sunderland's former Chester City centre-back Danny Collins is another, as is West Ham's Yeovil old boy Gavin Williams.

The majority of the players left behind by former boss Mark Hughes are also expected to be included, with Toshack expected to announce Gary Speed's successor as Wales skipper.

Former Swansea boss Brian Flynn will also unveil his first Welsh Under-21 squad tomorrow as two of Wales's senior stars, Craig Bellamy and Robert Earnshaw, fight for their places at their respective clubs.

Sir Bobby Robson has questioned whether Newcastle manager Graeme Souness was right to go public and involve chairman Freddy Shepherd in his bitter row with Bellamy.

The former St James' Park boss fears neither player nor manager, both of whom have given frank TV interviews, have acted in the best interests of the club after Bellamy faked an injury during training on Friday.

Robson said: ''I am not sure these situations should be aired in public.

''Graeme is trying to keep everybody happy. Sometimes you just can't do that.''

Robson, who was axed in August, conceded that the latest clash between the pair was hardly unexpected.

''What's happened doesn't come as a surprise because he and Graeme had a fall-out almost as soon as Graeme took over.

''At one stage I gather he had Craig by the throat and threw him to the ground, so they didn't exactly start on a good footing.''

Robson has a degree of sympathy for Bellamy, who has been asked to play a wide midfield role, claiming that ''in many ways he is the best striker at the club'' and describing him as ''an asset''.

''It isn't his best position. He isn't scoring goals and so he is becoming frustrated,'' said Robson.

But he urged the Wales international to respect the authority which Souness, as manager, should command.

''Players cannot decide they don't want to play because of what the manager is asking them to do. I had that with Kieron Dyer. A player has to do as he is told,'' said Robson.

''But I am not sure taking a player to see the chairman is the right thing to do.''

''When I had my problems with Dyer I attempted to deal with it myself. The manager runs the team.''

And West Brom's record signing Earnshaw has been told to improve his all-round game by manager Bryan Robson.

Earnshaw's goalscoring process is not in doubt and he has netted seven times since his £3m switch from Cardiff.

But his build-up play has been less impressive and he was substituted early in the second half of Saturday's 2-0 home win over Manchester City and replaced by Geoff Horsfield.

Robson said: ''The one thing about Rob is that he is a good finisher.

''He has scored seven goals since I came to the club which is a reasonable return as I have had him on the bench a few times.

''Rob also has that kind of pace which can take him beyond opposing defenders and he can be a threat in that way as well.

''But what we have to keep reminding him about is that his overall game has to be better.

''We have been seeing a response from the lad and the previous week against Fulham was probably his best all-round game for the club. What he has to do is keep improving and keep scoring goals. Then he will be a better all-round player.''

Swansea City's Ijah Anderson has signed a new and improved deal with the League Two promotion chasers. The versatile defender was on a month-to-month deal, but he is now tied to the Vetch club until June 2006.

Said Swans manager Kenny Jackett: "He's a good player, he's experienced, quick and competitive. We've been very impressed with him so far."

Anderson, 29, joined the Swans on a month's deal in November 2004 after being released by Bristol Rovers.

Meanwhile, Jackett says he was warned his players about their future conduct after Saturday's injury-time win over Boston was marred by controversy.

I've talked about staying level, making sure we don't over celebrate any situation

Boston United manager Steve Evans said the home dressing room door had been "kicked in and [the Swansea players] were chanting and signing".

Match referee Grant Hegley told BBC Wales Sport that the incident has been included in his match report to the Football League.

Evans added that the Swansea players should "conduct themselves more professionally" in future, and Jackett accepts the celebrations were excessive.

"There was one or two things said but emotions run high after the game," Jackett told BBC Wales Sport.

"There was no offence given or taken. I would say there was no problem.

Swansea are speaking to their coach company after the team bus was allegedly damaged outside the ground.

THE Football Association have demanded a video of Swansea's bad-tempered trip to York Street on Saturday - but it's Boston United who could be in the dock.
Swansea's last-gasp win was marred by allegations against the players of criminal damage and verbal abuse.

But the Western Mail understands it is Pilgrims boss Steve Evans who is in hot water at Soho Square for his behaviour after the final whistle.

Boston fans will also come under scrutiny after a linesman was spat on, while Lincolnshire police are investigating damage to the Swansea team bus after the stormy encounter.

The FA contacted Boston early yesterday and demanded a copy of the match footage be sent to their London base after several incidents were highlighted in referee Grant Hegley's match report.

We reported yesterday how Evans was fuming at the victorious Swans for allegedly antagonising his team after they had "kicked in" the home dressing room door.

"The door was kicked in and they were chanting and singing," said Evans after Lee Trundle's controversial last-minute penalty sealed the points for the visitors.

"There were some terrible scenes and hopefully somebody will have a look at it."

But although the alleged incident in the tunnel is understood to be included in Hegley's official report to the FA, it is thought no further action will be taken.

That would mirror the FA's stance on the infamous tunnel tear-up between Premiership rivals Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford in October where, despite reports of a food-fight, both teams went unpunished.

It will come as a huge relief to Swans directors if the team is cleared of any wrong-doing as the club are already awaiting accusations of ill-discipline brought by the FAW.

Manager Kenny Jackett is waiting for a date to be set by the Westgate Street suits to answer the charge of failing to control his players during the 2-0 defeat to Shrewsbury in November.

But while Swansea look like escaping another hearing, it is unlikely Boston will be as lucky when the FA disciplinary panel investigates the referee's match report, with Evans and several other Boston officials thought to be under scrutiny.

It is unclear whether it is Evans' comments on Trundle's penalty-winning antics or the alleged verbal volley of remarks to Jackett that have upset the referee.

Evans refused to describe Trundle's actions as diving but compared the striker's reaction to Jason Lee's push as something seen at the local swimming pool. Jackett claimed Evans also made derogatory anti-Welsh comments to him.

The full details of the investigation should shed some light on the matter but they are not expected to be made public for at least a week.

Resisting the temptation to bite back at Evans following his accusatory comments, Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins insisted he couldn't blame the Boston manager for being upset.

"I understand he made some comments but probably like anyone he was very upset to lose the match in the last minute," he said.

"He has said some things in the heat of the moment and I can understand his feelings. We left the ground after speaking to their directors very amicably."

And Jenkins said he and Jackett were happy with the conduct of the Swansea players after the vital win.

"Kenny hasn't had to talk to them," he said. "I can't see how there was any problem and even if there was, I don't know how the referee saw it because he left the pitch well before the Swansea players did.

"The players were obviously excited after a very good win but there were never any complaints made to me."

Swansea could still face an inquiry from officials after a Boston fan complained a visiting player made an obscene gesture to the crowd.

The matter was reported to police at the ground but they are thought to be satisfied the incident was sufficiently dealt with.

And police are waiting on CCTV footage to look into the damage caused to the Swansea team bus outside the York Street ground, where someone is thought to have run a sharp object along the length of the vehicle.

"Obviously somebody was very upset at losing but that's a matter for the police and for our travel company to deal with now," added Jenkins.

LEE TRUNDLE insisted he was no diver after being awarded the last-gasp penalty that ended Boston's unbeaten home league record.
Boston boss Steve Evans accused Trundle of diving as substitute Jason Lee challenged him just inside the area in the first minute of injury time.

But Trundle said, "As I've turned to go past him he's put his arm across my chest and kept hold of me.

"He's pulled me back and the referee was about five yards away from it. If it was outside the box it would have been given as a freekick, but because it's a penalty people will pick at it."

Trundle - who had earlier scored Swansea's equaliser ' calmly tucked away the spot-kick and was the target of angry Boston fans as he made his way off the pitch.

And the Liverpool-born striker revealed that he was spat on and had coins thrown at him moments after the final whistle.

"I like that," said Trundle. "If the fans are giving you some stick it shows they're scared of you.

"I had a few coins coming my way and some of their fans were spitting, but I'd done my job and I take that as a pat on the back.

"I just gave them a little clap as I came off.

"I went to shake hands with their manager at the end and he refused to do so.

"But he must have realised that he looked a bit stupid and he came back after a few seconds and shook my hand."

Trundle played down reports of a tunnel fracas and insisted the post-match scenes were little to get excited about.

"Nothing really happened," he said. "There was just a bit of arguing in the tunnel.

"The corridor's so small that it's hard enough to get down it on your own.

"We're just pleased to win because it's a hard place to come.

They hadn't lost here in the league, so to come here and win is brilliant.

"Even when they went in front I thought that we were the better side.

"We had more chances and more possession and Andy Robinson made a big difference in the second half when he came on.

"We would have been happy with a point with them not losing here all season but it just shows how we've moved on. We don't stop going until the end."

Those League Two teams who have yet to welcome the Swansea boot boys to their home patch had better batten down the hatches.
If you are not prepared for the Kenny Jackett invasion force, you might need to call in a DIY expert or two to come along and fix your changing room door.

Boston found out to their cost on Saturday that the Vetch Field warriors can match their battling qualities off the field just as well as they do on it.

The not-so-elegant Swans seized the oppoSrtunity to let Pilgrims' boss Steve Evans and his side know just how much their last-minute win at York Street meant to them.

In a rather uncalled for show of bravado, a group of Swansea players hammered on the Pilgrims' changing room door so hard that it came off its hinges.

After a few graceless words here and there, the home dressing room door opened and a bit of afters ensued before security and police sorted out the shameful episode.

Thankfully, Hertfordshire official Grant Hegley saw the incident and will make their over-indulgent celebrations part of his after-match report.

Swansea now look set to face an FA investigation and will have to explain to the governing body at Soho Square why they did it.

Boston fans have been particularly quick to criticise the Swans for their actions.

But one player, in particular, is having to take all the flak.

As soon as Lee Trundle rolled in his 90th-minute penalty to cap off the 3-2 win, the chant of 'cheat' erupted from the home stands.

They felt, and TV evidence appears to back-up their claims, the striker dived in the area under the challenge of substitute Jason Lee.

As the whistle went, Trundle then walked alongside the Spayne Road terrace towards the tunnel to enjoy some 'banter' with Boston fans.

Trundle is rated as one of League Two's most talented players, but it also appears he has an air of arrogance which rival supporters loathe.

Not only had Trundle given the Pilgrims' defence the runaround with a masterful display, the other side to his game infuriated the home fans still further.

After some challenges, he fell to the ground as if he had been shot and was involved in needless off-the-ball altercations.

These unsporting activities only add weight to arguments that he does have an antagonistic attitude.

Some fans claim his constant appearances on Sky's Soccer AM show for his ball juggling skills have not helped because they have inflated his ego.

These assumptions are still open to conjecture.

But what isn't is that Trundle is a quality player, who, if he's on your team you love him. If not - well it doesn't take Einstein to work it out.

While Swansea fans were commending him for his two goals, which helped put them joint second in the table, Pilgrims boss Steve Evans was certainly not.

This was Evans' second defeat at home in a week and the first in the league at York Street this season - both were unjust.

The Pilgrims were superb against Hartlepool in the 1-0 FA Cup third round replay defeat last Wednesday, and on Saturday they were equally as impressive.

Midfielder David Noble is getting back to full fitness and showed why he's rated as one of the best in the league. He demonstrated some tremendous pieces of skill and vision as Boston created some very good chances.

Indeed, had it not been for the brilliance of Swans keeper Brian Murphy, Evans would have been celebrating a comfortable win.

Murphy made several excellent stops. One save, to prevent ex-Lincoln City defender Kevin Austin conceding an own goal, was particularly supreme.

To be robbed of everything in these two games will hurt Evans and the supporters, but they can take as much pleasure as they can pain from this.

Both games have seen the Pilgrims play quality football and at times outplay their opponents.

The result against Swansea may have seen them lose ground on the play-offs, but given the tight nature of the division they will still feel they are very much in contention.

What they must avoid is a catastrophic drop in form.

The Pilgrims are now two points off the play-offs and county rivals Lincoln City, who they still have to play at home as their game in hand.

There are some difficult games in the next few weeks, with the matches against Wycombe and Northampton particularly testing.

But first comes a massive trip to second-placed Scunthorpe on Saturday.

The Pilgrims are unbeaten on their travels in League Two in 2005, but a win at Glanford Park would definitely give them cause to celebrate.

Furious Boston United boss Steve Evans has called for Swansea City to face sanctions over a tunnel bust-up following their superb 3-2 victory at York Street on Saturday. Kenny Jackett's side became the first to beat Boston on their own patch in League Two this season thanks to Lee Trundle's stoppage-time penalty.

But the success was overshadowed as Evans launched a blistering attack on Swansea, accusing their players of kicking the home dressing room door off its hinges and branding Jackett patronising.

''There were some terrible scenes after the game,'' he claimed.

''Boston United's players and management had closed the dressing room door and it's been kicked in. My players were subjected to some taunting and jeering and it disgusts us as a football club.

''I've won titles as a manager - I don't think Kenny Jackett has - and my players have never banged on any doors. I would like to think we are a bit more professional.

''Kenny has done a great job at the Vetch and Swansea's fans will quite rightly be proud of him, but I don't think their directors will be pleased with the conduct of their players in the corridor.

''I know for a fact my chairman will not be happy and whether Swansea are billed for the damage is up to him. Would you be happy if someone kicked your door off its hinges?

''Hopefully somebody will have a look at why that sort of conduct has been allowed to happen.

''I know if it had been Steve Evans's team we would be (at Football Association headquarters) in Soho Square.''

Evans, who also railed at referee Grant Hegley over the award of the decisive spot-kick, turned the spotlight on Jackett, adding: ''He said to me afterwards that he hopes we get into the play-offs.

''Well, I find that patronising and I hope he gets automatic promotion because I wouldn't mind Swansea in the play-offs, I tell you.

''I don't think my players would mind either because we take pride in how we conduct ourselves win, lose or draw.

''We lost 3-1 at Swansea over Christmas. We arrived there professionally and we left professionally.

''Kenny Jackett has apologised for what's gone on, I take that, but I wouldn't allow my players to behave like that.

''They were banging on the door before the game and then it came off its hinges after the game. Obviously it meant a lot to come and win at Boston.''

While Swansea later claimed their team bus had been vandalised by home fans, Jackett played down the tunnel furore.

He said: ''Their manager has made it known to me what his thoughts are about my players and about South Walians in general.

''He said some very detrimental things about people from South Wales and told me where I could go and where I could shove it.

''That's up to him. I didn't react and just wished him all the best.''

Swansea's players - along with the referee - were berated by hundreds of Boston followers as they made their way to the tunnel, situated in a corner of the ground flanked by two sections of home terracing.

Jackett went on: ''Walking down into that corner I couldn't see how it wasn't going to go off with all the fans and stewards there and then having to go down the tunnel, past the home dressing room to ours.

''There were plenty of things said. Steve Evans wasn't very happy with us and, judging by what he said to me, he wasn't very happy with me.

''He said we opened their door and we were gloating and celebrating, but that just didn't happen. Nobody would do that.

''And there was no criminal damage. I didn't see everything. I couldn't shepherd everybody all the way down the corridor but I asked the police and the chief steward if there were any problems and they both said there were no complaints.''

Two-goal hero Trundle said: ''We were walking past and they came out again. Nothing really happened. It was just a bit arguing in the tunnel.''

And goalkeeper Brian Murphy added: ''There were a lot of police and stewards around so I don't think it was much, maybe just a bit of bad blood.''

Swansea City went to Boston United on Saturday and left their home in ruins. Their previously unblemished home record in League Two that is, and not the dressing room door with home marked on it.

At least that is what we know for certain.

The sad thing from a Swansea perspective about this victory, perhaps the most laudable of their season, is that what allegedly went on in the tunnel afterwards cast a lengthy shadow.

And like Shrewsbury Town earlier in the season, the rumblings may well continue for some time - we are still waiting for a post-Gay Meadow disciplinary hearing, remember - and the repercussions could be damaging.

A bit like those Welsh boots which supposedly did for Boston's dressing room door really.

But whatever went on in the tight York Street tunnel, it was what had occurred during the previous couple of hours out on a frosty pitch which had really upset the home side's manager, Steve Evans.

Not surprisingly, opposite number Kenny Jackett was in cat-who-got-the-cream mode on Saturday night, while Evans was more like the wolf who just missed out on the chicken.

He was spitting feathers.

The locals had delivered a chorus of 'You don't know what you're doing' with a collective smile at half-time to a Boston fan who had come to watch the first three quarters of this game in top hat and tails ahead of his 5pm wedding.

Fortunately for his bride, the groom was on his way to the altar by the time the Boston faithful were singing the same song again.

He would not have been happy, for this time, the tune was directed at the referee and came with a growl.

Hertfordshire whistler Grant Hegley was also branded a cheat by a hostile if meagre home crowd, as was Swansea matchwinner Lee Trundle.

At a ground where players and officials exit the field via a caged walkway in a corner between two stands bearing home supporters, there was always potential for problems.

Apparently the flashpoint came in the tunnel; it might have come on the field had Trundle reacted to a barrage from the terraces with anything more provocative than a round of applause and a grin.

''There were a few coins coming on and there were a few people spitting,'' Trundle claimed, ''but there weren't any mobile phones thrown at me.

''If there had been I would have picked them up.''

No wonder Trundle was in the mood for a gag, for Swansea had just succeeded where no other side had in the Coca-Cola basement this season thanks to his stoppage-time goal.

But the manner of that winner, a penalty after Jason Lee was penalised for bringing Swansea's Scouse striker to the ground, left all of Boston labelling Mr Hegley the joke.

''Let's put it this way,'' Evans said, ''I can't say Trundle took a dive because I'll get into trouble, but I went to the swimming pool with my wife and kids the other day and I saw something similar to what happened in the last minute of the game.

''Hopefully the boys on Sky TV will analyse it later and they will probably think we've been harshly dealt with, won't they?

''Our fans stayed behind to make their feelings quite clear to certain people as they left the pitch and, while I can't say it, I'd thoroughly agree with their comments.

''Surely, even you press boys from Swansea would laugh at the decision, wouldn't you?''

The honest answer? Not laughing. Not sure.

Unsurprisingly, those on the visitors' team bus were convinced.

''I thought it was a penalty,'' said Jackett bluntly.

Trundle added: ''I got the ball into my feet in the box and as I turned to go past him, he had his arm across my chest and kept hold of me to stop me. It wasn't a trip but he pulled me down and the ref was about five yards away.

''I think if it had been outside the box no-one would have grumbled about it being a free-kick, but because it was a penalty people picked at it.''

At least there was little fuss about the spot-kick, which Trundle dispatched efficiently to send 350 travelling fans into dreamland.

For long periods, they had not been expecting to witness Swansea's first ever victory on this ground.

Boston's direct approach had seen them go ahead just 15 minutes into the contest when Andy Kirk lashed home from David Noble's corner, the fourth consecutive goal Jackett's rearguard had conceded from a set-piece.

The equaliser, which did not arrive until the second period after the best effort before the break, Paul Connor's measured volley, came back off the bar, cheered Swansea's manager up.

He had sent on Andy Robinson for Ijah Anderson at the turnaround, and the more attack-minded substitute changed the contest.

Robinson masterminded a break from his own box, flummoxing the home defence with a glorious turn incorporating a drag on each foot and then setting Trundle free for his first goal of the afternoon and one of the finest by any Swansea player this season.

Connor had again come close by the time Robinson latched on to the ex-Rochdale forward's header to put Jackett's men ahead.

But despite a stunning save by the largely impressive Brian Murphy to prevent a Kevin Austin own goal, Boston were level when Simon Rusk was given time and space to head home Danny Thomas's cross 18 minutes from the end.

When Trundle became the second Swansea player to hit the woodwork with a lofted shot, a draw seemed a certainty until the dramatic climax.

''To come here and win against a side who were previously unbeaten is some achievement and I'm very pleased,'' enthused Jackett.

''We had a lot of pats on the back after the Reading game on Monday, and quite often when you get back to league action after the FA Cup it can be dangerous.

''So to get that response against a Boston side who compete for every ball, and to begin our run-in by winning here is a great feeling.

''We couldn't have got the final push off to a better start.''

Just as this first game could not have had a better finish, at least until the players left the pitch.

THEY might have called a truce inside the Premiership's marbled halls and Theatre of Dreams, but the belated season of goodwill never had a chance of reaching this rural football outpost in deepest Lincolnshire.

On a day when there were enough fireworks on the pitch to fill a Chinese cracker factory, Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson discovered a couple of managerial rivals in the grenade-throwing department.

Boston boss Steve Evans, short and stocky, does not fit the sleek image of the modern-day football manager. Having had a well-publicised brush with FA authority - which saw him briefly suspended from his duties - he clearly carries a chip on those well-padded shoulders.

In the opposite corner was Kenny Jackett. As polite as they come, warm words and a friendly smile are never too far from the lips of the Swansea chief. Yet even Jackett was stirred into rigorous defence after Evans based his post-match strategy on all-out attack.

The dispute (which could yet run and run) was triggered by Lee Trundle's penalty box fall under the challenge of substitute Jason Lee, which produced Swansea's injury-time winner and ended Boston's unbeaten home league record at a stroke.

The York Street natives were not so much restless as plain mad, covering Trundle in spittle and throwing enough money

for him to buy one of his beloved DVDs, and Evans was keen to add his support.

"I can't say he dived because I'd get in trouble," said Evans, fearing another trip to FA headquarters in Soho Square.

"But let's say I went swimming with my wife and two kids on Thursday night and I saw something similar to what happened in the last minutes of the game.

"I think our fans made their comments as people left the pitch. It takes a lot for around 3,000 Boston fans to stay behind, but I would be the first to agree with those comments."

Predictably, Jackett didn't see the game-defining incident quite the same way. "I thought it was a penalty," he said emphatically. "I'll look at it again, but my first view was that it was a definite penalty."

Apart from the post-match tunnel fracas and allegations of the home dressing room door being damaged by Swansea players, Evans was also seething over what he described as Jackett's "patronising" attitude at the final whistle.

"I take it Swansea are going up automatic," sniped Evans. "It's a bit patronising when Kenny says he hopes we make the play-offs. But we'll live with that.

"We're a small club, they're a huge, huge club, aren't they? They tell everyone so. But there's 18 games to go and I wouldn't mind Swansea in a play-off.

"I don't think my players would either after the taunting and jeering they've been subjected to.

"All I know is that I've won titles - I don't think Kenny has won titles as a manager - and my players never banged on anyone's door."

Off-the-pitch shenanigans aside, it was a thoroughly satisfying day for Swansea who were eventually relieved that referee Grant Hegley had passed the pitch playable after a lunchtime inspection.

Victory pulled them level with Scunthorpe - shock losers at Notts County - and nearest chasers Southend and Northampton lost both points and ground in the promotion race

Jackett also had the benefit of watching his No 2 goalkeeper Brian Murphy grow in stature, the young Irishman excelling in the absence of the suspended Willy Gueret. Murphy will surely stand down for Saturday's visit of Chester, but Jackett knows he can trust the 21-year-old should he need to do so again.

Another plus was the defensive unit which had to withstand Boston's physical route one approach and the goal threat of Andy Kirk, who was granted enough space in the 15th minute to punish further Swansea set-piece laxness on the back of Wycombe's comeback and Reading's FA Cup winner.

Despite Northern Ireland international Kirk's 17th goal of the season, Swansea held the first-half edge in terms of possession and territory - if not clear-cut chances - and came close to levelling when Paul Connor met Andy Gurney's corner to rattle the crossbar.

But the half-time introduction of Andy Robinson for Ijah Anderson sharpened Swansea's cutting edge and the wideman sent fellow Scouser Trundle scampering through to finish with some aplomb.

Evans queried offside, Jackett didn't. But there was no doubting the authenticity of Swansea's second as Connor nodded down Trundle's cross and Robinson found space to slot home his seventh of the season and move him closer to his 15-goal target.

"Andy and Ijah are working that left-hand side well and it goes past 11 players," said Jackett. "Players have to accept that substitutes play a big part with fresh energy and impact and tactically can provide something different."

Swansea's lead would have lasted barely 60 seconds but for Murphy's contender for save of the season, whereby he twisted his body in a way that seemingly almost defied human nature and kept a Kevin Austin own goal off the scoresheet.

But Boston were level nine minutes later when Simon Rusk headed home Danny Thomas' near-post centre for his first goal since May 2003.

At that stage it could have gone either way and Swansea would happily have settled for a point to go along with the three they took off Boston at the Vetch last month.

But Trundle had other ideas and the Swansea celebrations at the final whistle (on the pitch, not those alleged to have happened later in the tunnel) suggested it was the biggest three points of the season yet.

"We have to be very pleased to come here and become the first side to beat them in the league," said Jackett. "That is some achievement because they push you all the way and are a handful."

At last, here was a statement that the two managers could probably agree on.

LEE TRUNDLE'S trickery ended Boston's unbeaten home record as Swansea City claimed all three points amid late controversy at York Street.
'Magic Daps' saved the best for last as Pilgrims substitute Jason Lee fell for his injury time drag-back on the edge of the box and referee Grant Hegley pointed to the spot.

Trundle sent Boston keeper Nathan Abbey the wrong way and the loyal band of Swans fans behind the goal into promotion-chasing heaven.

It capped a marvellous second period where Swansea overturned a half-time deficit to take a 2-1 lead before being pegged back again, and the tension appeared to spill over at the final whistle, with reports of a players' fracas in the tunnel.

There were also complaints the home side's dressing room door was damaged and the behaviour of several players might find its way into Hegley's match report.

"To be the first side to win at this ground is some achievement," said Swans boss Kenny Jackett.

"Boston pushed us all the way, competed for every ball and throw-in, and they are a handful. Even when we were 2-1 up, I knew it wasn't over.

"But it's a big three points for us and we're delighted with the win."

Play was only possible after a lunchtime pitch inspection, with temperatures having dipped in Lincolnshire overnight, but some industrial heaters did the trick and the game started on time.

Nobody was more relieved than Swansea's back-up goalkeeper Brian Murphy, who enjoyed his first start of the season with Willy Gueret suspended.

But Murphy was a by-stander for the opening exchanges as Swansea started brightly with Trundle racing onto Andy Gurney's through ball and forcing a save from the spreadeagled Nathan Abbey.

Boston had another scare when Leon Bitton's goalbound shot was blocked, but the Pilgrims struck with their first real attack of note after 15 minutes.

Izzy Iriekpen narrowly failed to save a corner and Lee Beevers latched onto a half-clearance for Andy Kirk to dispatch a dropping ball inside the near post for his 17th goal of the season.

That was tough on Murphy, but the young Irishman did not let the goal affect him and did well to paw away David Noble's 20-yard cross-shot that was heading for the bottom corner.

However, those incidents were rare Boston raids during a first period where Swansea enjoyed the majority of possession and territory, but were short of a real cutting edge.

Abbey fielded tame shots from Trundle and Paul Connor and had little to worry about until Gurney swung over a 33rd-minute corner and Connor was allowed the freedom to rattle the bar from 14 yards.

The Pilgrims were content to defend in numbers and rely on the pace of Kirk, and he almost embarrassed Murphy before the break when he sprinted onto Kevin James' long pass down the right channel.

Kirk arrived at the same time as Murphy went to gather on the edge of the area, and with Swansea calls for a foul rejected, the Northern Ireland striker reacted quickest to the loose ball but rolled it wide of a gaping goal.

Andy Robinson was introduced for the second-half and his impact was dramatic after Murphy had kept Swansea in the hunt with a flying save from David Noble's 20-yard stinger.

Robinson picked the ball up in space and advanced before finding Trundle's perfectly-timed run - and his unerring left-foot did the rest as he drilled home his 14th goal of the season.

Swansea should have been ahead three minutes later when Trundle's cute flick bisected the Boston defence and gave Connor a clear sight of goal.

Connor went for power, but Abbey stood tall and watched relieved as the former Stoke striker blazed the rebound over.

There was no denying Swansea though, as Trundle and Connor combined and Robinson reached the latter's header to stab home his seventh goal of the season from close range.

Swansea's lead was only preserved by an incredible Murphy save.

As Kevin Austin deflected a cross goalwards, the young Irishman somehow thrust out a hand to divert the ball around a post.

"I told him whatever happened today, he'd be a top-class goalkeeper," said Jackett.

"He's had to wait for his chance but his training standards have been fantastic and that sort of save he pulled off is not a one-off."

But salvation was short-lived as Danny Thomas' 72nd minute cross was arrowed into the near post and Simon Rusk arrived unmarked to head home.

Then came the late drama as Trundle tumbled in the box to spark an almighty row between the two camps.

"It looked like a penalty to me," said Jackett, while his Boston counterpart Steve Evans stormed: "I can't say what I feel about the penalty decision because if I do I'll end up in trouble with the FA.

"But I'm sure the TV boys will analyse it and realise that we've been harshly dealt with."

No amount of replays, though, will temper Swansea's joy after sending out such an emphatic promotion warning.

SWANSEA'S state-of-the-art stadium, known under its working title White Rock, will open in six months, showing west is best. PETER SHUTTLEWORTH finds out that Dylan Thomas was right: 'Ambition is critical.'

ALL the world's a stage - and for Swansea's great entertainers, this is how they like it.

Gavin Henson and Lee Trundle are wizards with their respective shape footballs and were born to grace the sparkling £27m stadium rising out on the industrial ashes in the lower Swansea valley on the banks of the River Tawe.

Swansea's latest sporting addition has the finesse of a five-star hotel and the facilities to match. The 22,200-capacity arena has ensured Wales' second city, that boasts Wales' only Olympic size pool and will benefit from a new £3m athletics arena, is stepping firmly out of Cardiff's sporting shadow to challenge the capital.

"I walk around stadiums for a living and there's not a better one in the world in the 20,000-30,000 category than Swansea's new ground," insisted Ashley Donlon, the stadium's corporate chief. "Every minute detail has been considered and there's nothing you could improve; the finish is first class."

Britain's first dual-purpose stadium took almost 15 years from the initial brainstorming process to the first sod being removed. Building work, that began in September 2003, will take little more than 18 months.

Stadium chiefs might well wax lyrical about their state-of-the-art stadium, but it is the players' opinions that count.

For Swansea City's footballing heroes and The Ospreys regional rugby side, their riverbank den will be home. Trickster striker Trundle and versatile back Henson are twin towers in sport Swansea; both need to be comfortable in their new surroundings.

"It feels like you're at a Premiership stadium," said Trundle. "This is where any player would like to play their football. Playing at the best grounds bring out the best in you. We want to move forward as a football club and a big part of that is moving to this phenomenal new stadium."

Henson added: "It'll be an inspirational place to play rugby."

The £27m bill was footed by Swansea Council selling retail plots adjacent to the splendid structure and a £2.5m grant from the football federation, which, along with Football League requirement, stipulates the football club get priority over ground usage.

Swansea stadium's shell is complete and the building work will be finished by early March so the interior designers can take over; but already its grandeur is apparent.

"The finishing touches will be more five-star hotel than football ground," said Andy Edmonds, associate director of contractors Interserve, the company that revamped Murrayfield.

"This ground will be way ahead of any football stadium of its size in Europe."

Donlan added: "The Telstra Stadium in Sydney cost almost $700m while Cardiff's Millennium Stadium cost the Welsh Rugby Union £126m, but the finish of work is not the quality of this."

If Swansea's own golden girl Catherine Zeta-Jones wants to renew her vows with Hollywood hubbie Michael Douglas, the city's new ground will be the only venue big enough to host such a big glamour bash.

Its plush, 800-capacity hospitality suite is twice the size of its biggest city rival. On match days, this is where the 1,175 corporate members, paying up to £125 per month, will be fed and watered.

The stadium's 29 hospitality boxes, costing between £14,000 and £25,000, are already selling like Joe's ice cream on a warm summer's day.

But the most crucial cog of a sports stadium is often overlooked. A genius isn't needed to point out that the state of the pitch needs to be perfection, a simple point that is often ignored. But there are almost a million reasons why critics couldn't accuse Swansea of ignorance. More than £900,000 has been spent on a 21st Century surface, the latest in designer pitches.

The pitch will have plastic grass reinforcements to strengthen the playing surface and provide improved playing conditions.

It will be able to suck moisture away from the surface and blow air underneath to keep it aerated.

Glass panels make up a majority of the stadium's roof to ensure maximum sunlight at all times of the day; the four stands are separated by tunnels in all four corners of the ground to guarantee good ventilation.

Said Trundle: "The pitch is crucial because some new stadiums are excellent but the pitch isn't up to much. For footballers and rugby players, it doesn't matter what is around you, players are only as good as the pitch they play on. They are spending a lot of money on the pitch and that gives the players confidence because they know what we require.

"If the stadium hasn't a good pitch, you can't get the ball down and play football. A bad pitch would nullify our strengths."

Welsh international Henson added: "The Millennium Stadium is a great arena, but the surface isn't always the best; when I'm kicking my left standing foot often slips away. That's always in my mind as I run up to kick the ball so it affects my kicking.

"The Millennium Stadium has a firm surface but the top two inches are wet and greasy and that's why the footballers always tend to slip.

"It's good that we're ground-sharing with Swansea because at least we know their pitch has to be perfect for football otherwise the ball wouldn't travel right. Hopefully we won't mess it up for them! The pitch will be awesome."

Millennium Stadium chiefs are forced to replace their 'pallet style' pitch at least twice annually at approximately £300,000 a time. Swansea hope they'll never have to replace their surface.

The White Rock Stadium at Morfa is the unofficial working title as the stadium's management company are reluctant to formally name as they hope to raise revenue by attracting a sponsor.

Stadco, the tri-partner ground's management company, hope to recoup an estimated £1.5m over the next seven years by selling the stadium's naming rights. BT, Asda and Walkers have been suggested and Stadco, made up of Swansea City and Ospreys board members and Swansea councillors, will probably make an announcement regarding a deal within the next six weeks. Swansea are chasing a League Two promotion spot and Trundle said: "The new ground is great for the club because it'll help attract new players.

"We're on course for promotion; we're in a good spot so it's up to us to secure it. We can only let ourselves down but moving into the new stadium is a big incentive for us to be in a new division as well next season. And there's no reason why we can't push for back-to-back promotions.

"Promotion and our new home will hopefully snowball as we'd attract new fans as families might want a day out and see what this ground is all about. That'll make for an even more intimidating atmosphere."

Henson's Ospreys are leading the Celtic League. He said: "It'll be great to move into the stadium as champions. It is showing what a professional region we are both on and off the field."

SWANSEA'S new £3m sporting academy will be the crucial engine room for the city's theatre of dreams.

The £27m spent on the region's new arena will be wasted if the Ospreys rugby and Swansea City football teams do not possess the elite quality of player to grace the new stadium.

That's where Llandarcy Park's Academy of Sport comes to the rescue.

The up-to-date indoor sporting centre of excellence is the vital conveyor belt that will unearth the future from Swansea and the surrounding areas.

The facility, an important piece of the Welsh Rugby Union regional academy jigsaw, is already used by Celtic League leaders the Ospreys while League Two promotion hunters Swansea have been invited to use Llandarcy Park.

The centre includes a unique state-of-the-art indoor synthetic training pitch, a quality gym, outdoor pitches, video analysis and medical rooms, Neath/Port Talbot College's Sports Science department and an advice centre to give budding youngsters dietary advice on nutrition, giving them the chance to develop to the best of their ability. The Ospreys even warm up for home games on Llandarcy's indoor pitch.

Ospreys team manager Derwyn Jones (above) said: "Every season we look to strengthen until we get a team that can help us achieve our goals. Our training facilities and new ground will help us attract players.

"The Welsh weather isn't the most friendly of conditions to train in a lot of cold and wet weather, so when you go indoors and do 80 per cent of your training it's a great benefit. We've now one of the best training and stadium facilities in Europe and the best in the UK.

"We've got 15 hours a week usage of the indoor pitch and we can probably get two or three days of training into one day as we haven't got the outdoor elements to contend with."
With the new stadium ready for occupation next season, Lyn Jones' young guns will be busting a gut to enter as Celtic League champions next summer.

KENNY JACKETT has declared the promotion run-in starts at Boston today as Swansea City seek to end the last unbeaten home record in League Two, writes Phil Blanche.

Monday's 1-0 third-round defeat to Reading put the FA Cup to bed - forever, in the case of the Vetch - at Swansea, and now Jackett's thoughts are solely on achieving promotion come May.

"It's quite clear to me what we've got to do in the second half of the season and for me the run-in starts now," said Jackett, whose Swans currently fill the third and last promotion spot on 49 points - three points behind top two Yeovil and Scunthorpe, but four ahead of fourth-placed Southend.

"We're in a good position and we've got to capitalise on that in the second half of the season.

"I've looked at the league and I think 85 points will do it. That would be a terrific total and enough for promotion I think.

"Twelve more wins (from 19 games) is a tough task, but I think that's a very good aim. You can't be mediocre in your aims."

Jackett is forced to reshuffle his impressive rearguard today with goalkeeper Willy Gueret serving a one-game ban for collecting five cautions.

But he is backing Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Brian Murphy to shine on his first senior start since a 2-1 win at Darlington last May.

"It's a big day for Brian," admitted Jackett. "He hasn't played all season, but he's trained terrifically well and shown a good standard.

"I believe he's improved during the course of the season, and I'm looking forward to seeing him play.

"He's worked very hard and deserves his opportunity. Willy has done very well this season, but I've got every confidence in Brian coming into the side.

"All young keepers make mistakes and, although I wasn't here for most of last season, maybe that was the case with Brian.
"But he's a very talented keeper and now he's got the chance to impress. I haven't got a problem with his ability or his character."