Kenny Jackett is confident that his strikers will have the strength of character to put away their chances when they face Blackpool at The New Stadium tomorrow. The Swansea City boss has seen his side squander around 40 efforts on goal in the last two games, but despite that wastefulness they remain the top scorers in the country.

The League One leaders have bagged 27 goals already this term and despite scoring only twice in their last two outings, Jackett believes the goals will start to flow again.

Although Swansea have hardly been goal shy in recent weeks they have seen their goal difference between themselves and second-placed Southend cut to two.

''We have to keep creating chances,'' Jackett said. ''You have to keep your belief as a forward that the goals will come. I believe that the forwards who don't get any chances won't score.

''They have to keep their strength of character and have the right mentality to keep themselves right.''

After a successful September during which Swansea picked up 11 points out of a possible 15, Jackett hopes that October will yield much the same.

''Without a doubt I would like another month like this one,'' Jackett admitted, ''but all we can do is try to reprove ourselves.

''We can't let what has happened in the past affect us.

''We have to stay focused on the Blackpool game, because the overall situation will be looked after if you look after the short term.''

Jackett welcomed back Adrian Forbes into training this week following his knee injury at Huddersfield last month.

The former Luton winger is hoping for a place on the bench tomorrow after seven weeks out of the side.

Jackett is unlikely to tinker with the starting line-up, although Garry Monk could win his place back at the heart of the defence after sitting on the bench on Tuesday night.

With a near fully fit squad - only Owain Tudur Jones and Paul Connor are on the treatment table - Jackett is left with a selection headache now that Forbes is fit again.

He has three talented right-sided midfielders now that Forbes is fit again, but Leon Britton has made that place his own with some dazzling displays.

Andy Robinson has also impressed on the opportunities that he has had so far this term.

Blackpool sit in 16th place and have picked up only one win on the road.

They have been buoyed by the news that striker Keigan Parker's suspension for five bookings does not kick in until Tuesday.

His name was etched in Vetch Field history last season - but things are very different for Adrian Forbes this year.

Scoring the final league goal at the ground, before firing the goal that sent Swansea City up, the ex-Luton winger was the club's newest hero. But three games into the new campaign, Forbes's season was brought to a halt.

On a dismal afternoon in Yorkshire, Swansea's unbeaten start to life in League One came to an end following a 3-1 defeat at Huddersfield.

The defeat, however, was not the only pain suffered.

Kenny Jackett's side was reduced to nine men following the sendings-off of Kris O'Leary and Izzy Iriekpen, while Forbes limped off just before the interval with a knee injury.

Seven weeks on and the former Norwich man is back in training and raring to go.

And although he may struggle to get back into the starting line-up for tomorrow's match with Blackpool, he is hoping for a place on the bench.

Leon Britton has been making the right midfield spot his own, while Andy Robinson has been impressive during the chances he has had.

''The two lads who have come in for me have done an unbelievable job,'' Forbes said. ''It is going to be incredibly hard for me. Very, very difficult to get back and I appreciate the job ahead of me.

''If I can squeeze on the bench tomorrow that would be great and perhaps get 10 minutes at the end.

''If not I'll just have to work harder next week and be ready for the Yeovil match.''

But while Forbes has been on the treatment table, Swansea have flown to the top of the table.

While the 26-year-old is pleased for his team-mates, it does niggle him that he has not been involved.

''It has been painful, very, very painful,'' Forbes admitted. ''It is one of those things where you are happy that the lads are doing well but you want to be out there with them.

''But it has been good seeing the lads every day while I have been out so I have been enjoying it with them.

''I just want to get back so that I can start to celebrate with them, too.''

With seven goals last season, Forbes is looking forward to returning so he can try to get himself on the end of some of the chances Swansea have been creating.

Despite 15 shots against Nottingham Forest and 27 at Bournemouth on Tuesday, Swansea have only scored twice, which is something Forbes would like to rectify.

''Of course I feel I could have put some of those away,'' he said. ''Everyone goes back to the Bristol City game when we scored seven.

"It should have been eight as Izzy's got disallowed, it could been 15 - who knows.

''Everyone has been creating opportunities for each other, so from my point of view it would be nice to get on the end of one or two.''

Having signed from Luton last season, Forbes has watched his former team-mates sail into the Championship. The Hatters have adjusted well to life just outside the top flight, sitting in third place. And the right midfielder believes that Swansea could do exactly the same.

''I was harping on a few months ago that if Luton can get promoted last year and start well this year, we can,'' Forbes added.

''People may laugh, but having been with these players for three years I genuinely believe it.''

Swansea have adjusted to life in League One with relative ease, with only two defeats from the opening 12 games and are currently on a seven-match unbeaten run.

Holders of top spot for the last four games, things are looking pretty good for the side from The New Stadium.

''I wouldn't say it has been easy, but the players we have got here seem to be more at ease in this league,'' he added.

''And our manager knows a lot of the players in this league, having been here before with QPR.

''He knows the players we are up against and sets the team in a way he feels he can get the points.

''So far, so good.''

Blackpool boss Colin Hendry will not be paying too much regard to the start Swansea City have had in League One.

Despite seeing his side struggle towards the foot of the table, the former Scotland skipper reckons his side have nothing to fear tomorrow. "Swansea have been promoted from the division below and they are on an upward spiral with a new stadium and everything is going the right way for them," he said.

"But, with the greatest respect, it's Swansea.

"It's not a team from a higher level come down or from the Premiership.

"It's Swansea and they are in this division because that's where they are meant to be at the minute - they are alongside us.

"It's down to what we do on the day but we certainly won't fear them."

Hendry will look to nullify the threat of Swansea City's strikers tomorrow afternoon

"To counter them you need to say a bit more to your defenders than stay on your toes," said the former Scotland skipper.

"I won't air exactly what I'll be saying to my defenders but you tell them things to help them counter whichever strikers you are about to face."

DAVE JONES admits he does not know what Cardiff City have to do to attract back their missing fans - as the prospect grew of Swansea drawing a bigger crowd than the Bluebirds this weekend.

In a rare piece of fixture scheduling, fierce rivals Cardiff and Swansea go head-to-head tomorrow with both Welsh sides playing at home in the league with a 3pm kick-off.

Dave Jones' Bluebirds entertain Championship high-fliers Luton Town, while 45 miles down the M4 Kenny Jackett's table-topping Swans welcome Blackpool to the New Stadium.

Both sides go into their respective matches on the back of impressive unbeaten runs, League One leaders Swansea having gone seven league games without defeat, and rejuvenated Cardiff six.


But it is quite possible the Swans will attract a bigger crowd for their match - even though Cardiff are playing at the higher level, against opponents who occupy third place in the Championship.


Swansea are expecting an attendance of around 14,000 at their new Morfa home - a figure Cardiff could struggle to match given the comparatively poor turn-outs at Ninian Park so far this season.


Just 11,647 came through the turnstiles for the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace a fortnight ago - well down on the 13,000 break-even figure set by Bluebirds owner Sam Hammam and the average attendance for last season.


Before that, fewer than 10,000 people were inside Ninian Park for both the 1-0 win over Leicester and the 3-1 defeat against Watford. Only once this term, when 15,231 witnessed City beat Leeds 2-1, has Cardiff's attendance hit the heights of last season.


The low turn-outs have exasperated Jones, particularly the Palace attendance, which came after Cardiff had gone four games without losing.


Naturally, after Cardiff made it six league games without loss and moved up to 10th in the table with Tuesday's superb 3-0 win at Stoke, the City boss is hoping for a big improvement this weekend.


"If our gate isn't up on Saturday, I don't know what else this football club can do to get the fans in," Jones despaired.


"Everything revolves around your first team. It doesn't matter how good your commercial staff are because people just want to come to see a team that's winning games.


"We're on a good run at the moment and we've won a few games. If a football club is being successful, I don't know what else you can do to attract people through the gates.


"We have a duty to our fans who turn up at both home and away matches to do our best.


"If we do get results, as we have been doing, then hopefully more fans will come.


"If they don't come... I don't know what else you can do."


Asked about the prospect of Swansea drawing a bigger crowd, Jones reasonably pointed to the "new stadium factor" and the dramatic effect it can have on a club's attendance level (Swansea averaged 8,000 in their final year at the Vetch Field).


Nonetheless, Jones pointed out, there are still many thousands of Cardiff fans who are not turning up at Ninian Park for one reason or another.


"I remember going down to Swansea a few years back with Stockport - I think Stockport had more fans there than Swansea," Jones said.


"But Swansea have seen that when you build a new stadium, you attract thousands more fans.


"It's happened all over the place - Reading, for instance, and my old club Southampton, who went from 17,000 fans to 30,000 when they moved into a new stadium.


"We're trying to do the same thing here. A new stadium would add more than just a few thousand to our gate.


"But, in the meantime, we need more fans to come to enable us to push on and get the stadium - it's a bit of a catch-22 situation.


"Everyone tells me this is a big club and the supporters are out there. There must be if more than 30,000 turned up at the Millennium Stadium a few years ago (for the play-off final win over QPR).


"But only time will tell whether we can actually attract crowds of 25,000 or 30,000 on a regular basis."


The low Ninian Park turn-outs have coincided with the debate that football, particularly in the Premiership, has become boring.


City have not been immune to the criticism, last Saturday's scoreless draw at Millwall, in particular, attracting widespread condemnation for the quality of football on show.


The complaints have left Jones scratching his head in frustration.


"What more can you do?" he said. "The other night we won 3-0 at Stoke, kept a clean sheet and yet still someone questions whether it's the style of football you want to watch.


"What was I supposed to say to my players at half-time after we'd gone 3-0 up? Go out and try and score more goals and be open and allow Stoke to come back into the game?


"A few years ago Wolves were 3-0 up at half-time against Sheffield United in the play-off final at the Millennium.


"What am I going to say to my players in that situation? Go out and entertain the fans or go out and shut up shop and make sure you get into the Premiership?


"I took the second option. We won the game 3-0 and got into the Premiership.


"At the moment there's a lot being said about football being boring. Are Chelsea boring because they're winning? I don't know.


"Someone said the scoreless draw between Arsenal and West Ham was fantastic, but the 2-2 draw between Birmingham and Liverpool was boring. So do you want goals or a 0-0 draw?


"Football is all about opinions, that's the beauty of it, but sometimes it's easy to knock.


"Someone will write something or say something and it's how many people believe that. My opinion will be completely different to yours - thank God!"

Sheffield Wednesday have reportedly had a bid of £475,000 for Swansea star Lee Trundle turned down.
The forward is one of the lower leagues' most beguiling talents and, along with his extensive repertoire of tricks, has scored nine goals in as many games as The Swans have raced to first in League One.

Trundle played a key role in the Welsh club's promotion last season, claiming the League Two Player of the Year award, and has attracted interest from the likes of Leicester and Southampton in the past.

After failing to land Wycombe's Nathan Tyson, Owls boss Paul Sturrock has reputedly turned his attentions to the impressive Trundle as he looks for a hit-man to drag his side off the bottom of The Championship.

However reports suggest that an initial opening bid of £425,000 has been waved away, with Swansea unwilling to let the jewel in their crown depart.

Meanwhile, Kenny Jackett's side could be boosted by the surprise inclusion of Adrian Forbes in the squad to face Blackpool on Saturday.

The attacking midfielder underwent a knee operation three weeks ago and could be in line for his first appearance since August 13.

"He has trained well," Jackett told the club's official website.

"He could very well come into the reckoning for Saturday, but only if he's 100 percent right."

PAUL Sturrock has had a £475,000 bid for Swansea's Lee Trundle turned down.
The Sheffield Wednesday manager turned to Trundle (above) after having three offers for Wycombe Wanderers striker Nathan Tyson rejected.

But Swansea have also blocked Sturrock's attempts to land a new goalscorer after telling him his valuation of Trundle is too low.

Paul Sturrock is looking to bring Lee Trundle to Sheffield Wednesday after missing out on Wycombe's Nathan Tyson

Three bids from Wednesday for Tyson were rejected by the League Two leaving Sturrock to look elsewhere in his search for a new striker.

28-year-old Trundle has been a prolific scorer since joining Swansea in July 2003, helping them to promotion from League Two and has nine goals already this season as they top League One.

Kenny Jackett admits he is living a dream - but he will have to wait for another week to find out if he is to be named September's Coca-Cola League One manager of the month. The Swansea City boss has guided his side to the summit of League One and has watched over some impressive performances this month.

Swansea opened September with a 7-1 crushing of Bristol City in which Kevin McLeod smashed a hat-trick.

Andy Robinson struck twice in a 3-1 win at MK Dons three days later to send Jackett's side top.

Then a 2-2 draw at Hartlepool a fortnight ago was followed by a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest last weekend, and Swansea ended September with a 1-0 success at Bournemouth on Tuesday night courtesy of Lee Trundle's sixth goal of the month and his ninth of the campaign.

Three wins and two draws from five outings has stretched Jackett's unbeaten run to seven, but again Jackett is battling it out with Southend boss Steve Tilson.

Last year, Jackett and Tilson were vying for that third and final automatic promotion place from League Two.

Jackett won that particular contest, leaving the Shrimpers to go through the play-off lottery to claim their place in League One.

However, Tilson may have the upper hand in this battle as he has guided Southend to six successive victories, five of them in September.

Swansea sit at the top of League One with Southend hot on their heels in second place.

Both sides are level on points, and following the Roots Hall's team's 4-1 win over last season's League Two champions Yeovil on Tuesday night a goal difference of only two separates the two teams.

But both managers will have to wait until next Thursday to find out who has won this latest contest.

As Swansea go into the Blackpool match at The New Stadium on Saturday hoping to hold on to that top spot for a fifth consecutive game, Jackett is seeing his pre-season dreams come true.

''It was certainly the start that I dreamed of,'' he said. ''I may not of expected it but I certainly dreamed it.

''It is still a hard division and we have to be right on our game every time we turn out.''

While dreams are turning to reality, Jackett is waiting until after Christmas before making any bold predictions on where his side will finish.

''If at around Christmas time we are still there then that is when it is going to count,'' Jackett added.

''I wouldn't say that there is danger of peaking too soon.

''You always have to try and improve as a team and improve as a club.

''Sometimes when you get injuries you can go backwards, but that is only temporary as when you get those players back you try to improve.''

Jackett had no fresh injury concerns from their trip to Bournemouth on Tuesday, but he will have a selection headache for Saturday with Adrian Forbes back in full training following a knee injury he sustained at Huddersfield in mid-August.

With Leon Britton in scintillating form and fans' favourite Andy Robinson waiting for another chance to impress, Forbes could have a bit of wait to regain his place in the team.

TICKET RUSH EXPECTED FOR BLACKPOOL GAME
Swansea are expecting a big rush for tickets for Saturday's game against Blackpool.

More than 10,000 had gone at the start of the week and the club are advising fans to purchase their tickets early. Tickets can be booked via the ticket hotline on 08700 400004 and the ticket office between 11.30am and 7.30pm or online at www.swanseacity.net anytime. The club superstore is also open from 10am on Saturday

The club is also reminding fans that anyone arrested for a football-related offence is now subjected to a minimum three-year banning order by law.

A club spokesman said: ''It is not the decision of the club, council or stadium management to impose a ban but the adjudicating magistrate.''

TWELVE months ago it looked like they were heading for a messy divorce.

Now, though, it is more a case of a marriage made in heaven for Swansea City boss Kenny Jackett and his own captain marvel, Roberto Martinez.

While Jackett has masterminded Swansea's sensational surge to the top of League One from the sidelines, Spanish midfielder Martinez has played a key part on the pitch with some outstanding performances.

A lot of attention might have been focused on Lee Trundle, Andy Robinson, Kevin McLeod and Swansea's other attacking artists - fairly so given the number of superb goals they have scored - but the contribution of players in other departments has not gone unnoticed by Jackett.

And, little more than a year after placing a question mark over his future at the club after dropping him from the squad, Jackett has paid tribute to Martinez, in particular, for the way the Spaniard has performed in Swansea's first 11 League One matches.

"Roberto has had an excellent start to the season," said Jackett, who was able to reflect on another shining display from his skipper in Tuesday's 1-0 win at Bournemouth that kept the Swans sitting proudly on the top of the table.

"Not only has he performed very well, but he's chipped in with a couple of goals too. We've been very pleased with him.

"Considering where we were with him 12 months ago (Jackett questioned whether Martinez had a future at the club after surprisingly axing him from his matchday 16), he's had a good turnaround.

"The thing about him is he's kept fighting. He's got a very good mentality where, and he says this himself, he believes in competition for places in the squad.

"If he sees someone competing with him for his position, he'll compete on the training ground and out on the pitch. He does that every day he comes in."

Over the last couple of seasons Martinez has tended to divide opinion among Swans fans. Some felt his contribution was not significant enough to warrant a regular starting spot, while others insisted his leadership and calming influence on the side - aligned with his undoubted passing ability - meant he could not be excluded.

At the moment, though, few would disagree that the 32-year-old former Real Zaragoza player is producing his best football since he first arrived at the Vetch from Walsall in February 2003, and played such a key role in Swansea's successful fight against relegation from the Football League.

And he has advanced his current claims for regular inclusion by showing he hasn't forgotten where the net is, scoring his first goal since March 2003 in Swansea's 5-2 romp at Walsall and adding another last Saturday to secure a 1-1 home draw with Nottingham Forest.

It is another aspect that pleases Jackett.

"You need your midfielders to be chipping in with goals, so it's good to see Roberto getting on the scoresheet again," he said.

"I don't think he'll ever be someone who'll get his head on the end of a cross or a corner or whatever - Owain Tudur Jones is one of our central midfielders who could perhaps do that - but he does get shots in. He's had quite a few this season.

"Roberto can join in a move late and, during the course of a game, have a few shots from the edge of the box. He's got that ability to strike the ball."

While describing Martinez' showing against Bournemouth as "terrific," Jackett also praised the contribution of Adebayo Akinfenwa, even though the big striker passed up another couple of chances.

"I thought he put in a strong performance full of pace and power," said the Swans chief.

"As long as he keeps getting chances, I'm confident the goals will come for him.

"You need to have the mentality to cope with missing chances, and go on and put yourself up for the next one.

"Bayo is certainly tough enough to do that.

"What you don't do as a forward is have 10 shots and score 10 goals. You're more likely to have 10, score none and then put two away.

"We're pleased with Bayo. So far he's got four goals, which is a good, solid start. He's been a good addition to the squad.

"He's given us something we didn't have. People focus on his physical presence, but he's got a good touch and he's very adept at holding the ball up and bringing others into play."

Jackett will simply ask for more of the same from Akinfenwa, Martinez and the rest of his table-topping team when Blackpool visit the New Stadium this weekend.

With only two clean sheets from 12 games, Swansea City fans have been wondering what has happened to Willy Gueret.
But if anyone is still questioning if the big Frenchman is good as last season then perhaps they should have been at Bournemouth on Tuesday night. The ex-Millwall custodian was on top of his game and produced saves that Petr Cech and Edwin van der Sar would have been proud of.

The 32-year-old shot-stopper kept 21 clean sheets last term, compared to only two this season, as Swansea gained promotion on the last day of the campaign at Bury, but some indifferent displays this year begged the question: 'Is Gueret as good as he was last season?'

On the evidence of his display at Bournemouth, you would have to answer in the affirmative.

With two minutes left before half-time, James Keene, Bournemouth's on-loan striker from Portsmouth, drilled in a shot that looked to be heading towards the top corner but with one leap to his right and one stretch of his right arm, Gueret pushed the ball over.

While, his save to deny James Hayter nine minutes into the second half was more spectacular, it was the importance of his stop at the end of the first period that help spur Swansea to victory.

Lee Trundle's 30th-minute strike was all that separated the League One table-toppers and the injury ravaged home side.

''I know the fans expect clean sheets every time but that can't happen,'' Gueret said. ''Unfortunately that was only my second one of the season, but hopefully we will have more in the future.

''I know the fans have high expectations, but we have just won away from home again and we are top of the league.''

Swansea had one of the meanest back lines as they climbed out of the basement league, but only Scunthorpe in the top six have conceded more goals than Kenny Jackett's side.

But that is of no concern to the League One leaders as no club in the English game has scored more than Swansea's high-flyers.

''I think the lads did really well at Bournemouth and they made it easy for me,'' said Gueret. ''It was one of those games where everything went well. I had to play quite high and make the right decisions at the right time and that is what I did.''

After the fourth win in six away trips, Swansea's unbeaten run was stretched to seven matches.

Still top on goal difference and with only two defeats in 11 league games, Swansea have made the transition from League Two with ease.

They made fleeting visits to the top of the table last season, but they were never at the summit for more than two weeks. However, this time Jackett's side are proving difficult to shoot down having occupied the top spot in League One for three weeks and four games.

''It is nice to look at the table at the moment. We are doing very well,'' said the Frenchman.

''Maybe better than people thought at the beginning of the season because a lot of people thought that we might be at the bottom. But we have now shown everyone that we can be on top of the table and go for promotion.

''That is what we want to do and that is what the manager wants to get so we play for him.''

Despite sitting pretty, Gueret has not been completely satisfied with the way Swansea have started the campaign. ''It has not been a bad start, but it has not been great either,'' he added. ''It has been average but we are top of the table so we can't ask for much more.''

TOP of League One with seven wins from 11 matches and leading scorers in the English game with 27 goals...it is a long time since life was this good for Swansea City.

Talk of a second successive promotion may still be premature, but who could blame Swans fans for thinking something special is brewing when their team makes it four wins out of six away from home?

Tuesday night's 1-0 triumph at Bournemouth, courtesy of Lee Trundle's ninth goal of the season, added to the successes on the road at Colchester, Walsall and Milton Keynes as Swansea maintained their stubborn grip on their League One leadership.

Though Kenny Jackett's side sit on top of the pile on goal difference, the top three teams (Southend and Huddersfield are level with the Swans) have opened up a five-point gap on Brentford in fourth.

And, with a home clash against an indifferent Blackpool side next on the agenda, Swansea will feel confident of opening up a gap of their own at the top this weekend which, in turn, would further fan the flames of optimism sweeping the club.

Jackett, though, is anxious not to add fuel of his own, stressing no-one should be getting too carried away with Swansea's success with still three-quarters of the campaign left to go.

"I definitely didn't expect us to make such a great start to the season, but I certainly dreamt about it!" smiled the Swans boss.


"But you've got to bear in mind these are still early days. It's great to be top of the table, but we've only played 11 games.

"If we're still top of the table around Christmas and New Year, that's when it's going to count.

"It's all about maintaining your form, being consistent.

"This is such an open division, one in which anyone can beat anyone else, that you can't afford to drop off.


"There are small margins between wins and losses, and I think that if we drop by just five per cent, it could turn from a win to a loss. That's how close it is.

"I wouldn't say it's a question of not peaking too soon as you've always got to try and improve as a team and as a club.

"So far, though, I can't have many complaints. We've lost two matches out of 11 and I'm delighted with that. It's a terrific record."

Swansea will look to extend it against a Blackpool side who have won only three of their opening 11 matches.

Jackett hopes winger Adrian Forbes will be in contention for a return having spent seven weeks on the treatment table.

That would leave Jackett with only midfielder Owain Tudur Jones and striker Paul Connor sidelined through injury.

BOSS Sean O'Driscoll saw Cherries relinquish their unbeaten home record on Tuesday and then said: "I thought we did as well as we could."
Lee Trundle's first-half winner earned League One leaders Swansea City a deserved 1-0 victory in an entertaining Dean Court showdown

O'Driscoll added: "They are an excellent side. I said before that they were the best side I've seen this season and I thought they proved it tonight.

"We do what we do and it's difficult to open up against them because they created enough chances tonight. We were trying to be as solid as we can so if we had thrown caution to the wind they are capable.

"You can see why they beat Bristol City seven and I watched them play MK Dons and it could have been another seven.

"They had a few chances tonight and I thought we defended really well. If they can keep it going, they will be difficult to knock off the top."

O'Driscoll added: "We haven't got a big man so we can't launch it. They defended quite deeply and made us pass the ball and I thought we did that quite well but we lack a cutting edge.

"It's a young side, a bit like waifs and strays at the moment, but I thought generally we played really well and on the night the better side won."

"I thought we played with a lot of confidence. We've lost a number of players and it's difficult. I've been delighted with the level of performance they have displayed. It's just disappointing you can't get the results.

"It would have been a difficult game with a full team out. Maybe we would have caused them a few more problems but maybe you've got to give credit to Swansea. They are on top by merit and you can see why."

Asked by the Daily Echo whether watching Southampton defender Matthew Mills, who spent time on loan with Cherries last season, was a possible transfer target, O'Driscoll replied: "I didn't even know he was here".

Swansea boss Kenny Jackett said: "I thought Bournemouth played very well and contributed to a very good game but maybe that's no consolation when you don't get any points. It was a tremendous game and both sides went for it.

"I thought we played well and I thought we were worth our victory although it would have been nice if we could have put another chance or two away to make it a bit more comprehensive and settle the nerves at the end.

"There are only 11 games gone and I think it's a very even division. There was a chap behind me shouting "you're only playing our reserves", so I said that if that was their reserve side, I wouldn't like to come back when their first team is there because they did very well.

"I think it's a division where everybody can beat everybody else and there are small margins of error between wins and losses. They've had a number of injuries but I'm delighted with a win."

Jackett was also asked by the Daily Echo whether there had been any truth in rumours that the Swans had been interested in signing Cherries midfielder Brian Stock in the summer. He replied: "He's a good player and we did make enquiries about him."

Asked whether he had followed up his interest during the last transfer window, he replied: "Yes, we did enquire about him. At the time, they were going to keep their squad together, that was their feeling."

And asked if he may renew his interest in Stock during the January transfer window, Jackett said: "That's a good question. I don't know. We have a number of midfield players."

Kenny Jackett is keeping his feet on the ground after Swansea City soared to another victory on the road last night.
After a scrappy game at Dean Court - which Swansea won courtesy of Lee Trundle's first-half strike - the Swansea boss insisted his side's performance levels must not slip. "It was a terrific game for me," Jackett enthused after his side's 1-0 victory over Bournemouth. "It had everything, attacking power, plenty of chances and it was end to end.

"There is a small margin between winning and losing and at the moment we are the right side of it, but a drop of five per cent could be the difference.

"Bournemouth put in a terrific display and it just goes to show how tight this division is.

"Somebody said behind me that we were only playing their reserves - I wouldn't like to come back and play their first team if that is the case."

Dean Court hasn't always been the happiest of hunting grounds for Swansea last night's victory was only their second win in seven attempts there.

With a seven-game unbeaten run, behind him, Jackett takes his side back to Swansea to prepare for Saturday's clash with Blackpool and is hoping his side will be able to take more of their chances.

"We can't score seven every week, it just doesn't happen, but we had plenty of chances here and just couldn't put them away," he said.

"But it is good that we are creating all these chances."

Swansea keeper Willy Gueret produced one of his best displays of the season as he made two fantastic stops either side of half-time to ensure his side kept only their second clean sheet of the campaign.

"Willy is a good keeper and his saves in the second half were superb," added Jackett.

Lee Trundle struck his ninth goal of the season at Dean Court last night to keep Swansea City sitting proudly at the top of League One.

In a scrappy game which Kenny Jackett's men dominated from start to finish, the visitors stretched their unbeaten run to seven league games and in the process inflicted Bournemouth's first home defeat this season. Dean Court has not always been the happiest of hunting grounds for Swansea in previous years. And when Trundle fired the ball home from close range on 30 minutes to hand his side the points, it was only their second win in seven attempts at the ground.

Jackett made one change to the side which started the 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest at the weekend with Kevin Austin restored to the centre of defence in place of Garry Monk.

Austin lost his place in the side following his late dismissal in the 7-1 drubbing of Bristol City and after serving a one-match ban Monk returned to the fold.

But it was the former Southampton player's turn to sit on the bench last night with Austin partnering Izzy Iriekpen at the heart of Jackett's back four.

Bournemouth were unchanged following their 1-0 defeat at Oldham Athletic last Saturday, while in the stand Southampton manager Harry Redknapp watched his on-loan South African midfielder Andrew Surman.

It was a lively start from both sides and Bayo Akinfenwa had an early chance to redeem himself for his succession of misses against Forest last Saturday, but he was always leaning back to get on the end of Leon Britton's cross with just 45 seconds on the clock.

As both sides tried to settle into the game, the ball was given away far too easily.

Swansea had another chance to take the lead when Trundle linked up well with the impressive Britton, but his effort was easily palmed away by ex-Blackburn Rovers shot-stopper Gareth Stewart in the 11th minute.

Five minutes later Trundle was calling for a penalty when he got on the end of a deep cross from Tate and as he cut inside to create a better angle to shoot, Bournemouth skipper Neil Young looked to haul him down.

But Hertfordshire referee Grant Hegley was having none of it and quickly turned down the appeal.

Sam Ricketts, hoping to be named in John Toshack's Welsh squad tomorrow for the World Cup qualifying clashes with Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan, then saw an effort take a deflection off Young on to the crossbar.

But the visitors did not have to wait much longer to break the deadlock.

Trundle hit his ninth goal of the season on the half-hour when a Kevin McLeod corner found the feet of Iriekpen, only for his shot to be parried by Stewart.

Unfortunately for the home keeper, it fell straight into the path of one of League One's most lethal finishers, who happily powered home from close range.

Bournemouth had a few chances of their own towards the end of the first period with Callum Hart and on-loan Portsmouth striker James Keene forcing good saves from Willy Gueret.

But it was two minutes from the break that the French keeper produced the kind of save Swansea fans have become accustomed to.

Keene evaded several challenges from Jackett's men before sending his shot goal-bound, but Gueret's outstretched hand pushed the ball over the bar to safety.

Swansea continued to dominate in the second half and once again the first chance fell to Akinfenwa, but as he tried to place the ball with the outside of his foot it went straight into the grateful arms of Stewart.

Gueret pulled off another superb stop in the 54th minute to keep the lead intact when James Hayter broke free to get on the end of Surman's cross. But the striker was again denied by another fine save.

Akinfenwa rattled the crossbar on the hour after he turned inside Young, before Trundle saw an effort deflected into the side netting three minutes later.

The home side started to put more pressure on the Swansea back four during the final quarter and Surman came closest to an equaliser when he was left unmarked to connect with Hart's cross.

With Bournemouth struggling to find a way through the Swansea defence, Jackett sent on Andy Robinson in place of Akinfenwa to freshen up his attacking options.

Stock nearly preserved Bournemouth's unbeaten home record two minutes from time when he drilled in a shot from 30 yards, leaving Gueret no choice but to tip it behind.

Another away-day, another three points.

People are beginning to sit up and take notice.

IT was, all things considered, a near-perfect evening for Swansea City.

Victory number seven kept them top of League One, stretched their unbeaten run to seven games and earned them their first clean sheet since the opening day of the season - could things get any better for Kenny Jackett's men?

Well, the reason it was 'near-perfect' last night was only because the Swans missed several chances to add to Lee Trundle's decisive 30th-minute goal - his ninth of the season - in a scrappy, but nonetheless entertaining, south-coast clash.

To pick fault with Swansea's performance, though, would be somewhat churlish given this was their fourth victory in six away matches - outstanding form even by the standards of runaway Premiership leaders Chelsea.

"We are top of the league!" chirped the jubilant travelling fans and, on the evidence of Swansea's first 11 games, it is going to take something special to dislodge them from their proud perch.

Despite dominating for most of the night, it was by no means a superlative Swans performance as Trundle, Adebayo Akinfenwa and others squandered a hatful of opportunities to kill the game off and calm Swansea nerves as Bournemouth frequently threatened to draw level.

Wastefulness which Jackett would have been cursing had goalkeeper Willy Gueret not been in such inspired form, the big Frenchman pulling off several magnificent saves to shut out the opposition for the first time since the 1-0 home win over Tranmere back on August 6.

Clearly, though, there is still plenty of time for Jackett's men to iron out their rough edges as Swansea prepare to face another side who have had an indifferent start to the campaign, Blackpool, at the New Stadium.

Last night Jackett made one change to the side that started Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Nottingham Forest - curiously dropping central defender Garry Monk and replacing him with Kevin Austin - as the Swans tackled a cash-strapped Cherries side who have made a slow start to the season.

Few could have predicted Swansea making this late-September trip to the south coast as league leaders, but six wins from their opening 10 matches had earned them that status as they went in search of a seventh here.

An open and entertaining first half saw an abundance of chances come Swansea's way as Akinfenwa headed wide seconds into the match and Kevin McLeod's 25-yard shot was not too far high of the target.

Trundle also got in on the act, with a shot that keeper Gareth Stewart needed two attempts to grasp, while only a coat of paint denied Sam Ricketts his first goal of the season when he saw a 20-yard effort spin onto the top of the crossbar after deflecting off the heel of Brian Stock.


Even Alan Tate forced Stewart into a stooping save after a determined thrust into Bournemouth's box. Not that Gueret was able to relax.

The Swans keeper needed to show good concentration in the fifth minute when Stock's swerving, rasping free-kick almost proved too hot to handle.

And again, in the 24th minute, Gueret had to stand firm when midfielder Andrew Surman drilled a 20-yard shot straight at him.

Swansea, though, were playing with greater confidence than their hosts and looked more clinical in the final third.

Due reward arrived on the half-hour mark when McLeod floated in a corner, Izzy Iriekpen had a snatched shot parried by Stewart and the ball fell to Trundle, who side-footed home from an acute angle.

The Scouse marksman should have claimed a quickfire double two minutes later when he blazed into the side-netting after breaking from midfield.

But battling Bournemouth were highly unfortunate not to go into the interval on level terms.

That they did not was largely down to the brilliance of Gueret, who came to Swansea's rescue three times in quick succession.

The former Millwall keeper twice resisted Callum Hart, finger-tipping the defender's cross- shot over the bar before doing likewise with a more precise effort.

Saving the blushes of his hesitant defenders, Swansea's last line of defence also bravely foiled Bournemouth's on-loan Portsmouth striker James Keene by diving at his feet to collect the ball.

Had he got his timing a fraction wrong, Gueret almost certainly would have conceded a penalty.Nine minutes after the restart and Gueret displayed yet more heroics, preserving Swansea's lead once again by springing acrobatically to his right to keep out a header from James Hayter.

At the other end, Akinfenwa was starting to make his considerable physical presence count as he rattled the crossbar after muscling past Neil Young.

Trundle, busily trying to engineer a second goal, had a 63rd-minute shot deflected into the side netting, while Iriekpen fluffed a close-range chance when Roberto Martinez had an 18-yard effort blocked.

Bournemouth were struggling to muster much in response, though they did give the Swans a brief scare on 68 minutes when Surman headed narrowly wide from Hart's well-measured cross.

Swansea held their breath in the dying moments when Stock unleashed a fierce 25-yard drive that took a deflection and whistled past the post.

WILLY GUERET is not an entirely happy man.
A bit strange, you might think, when you consider his team are top of League One after banking six victories from their 10 matches and are unbeaten in six games.

Nothing wrong with that. What troubles the conscientious Swansea City goalkeeper, however, is the fact he's kept only one clean sheet so far this term.

Attacking prowess that has already yielded a whopping 26 goals is the single biggest factor in Swansea's sensational rise to the League One summit.

But Gueret, who also admits he's performing below his best at the moment, believes if the Swans are to maintain their lofty position, they must start showing just as much ruthlessness at the other end of the pitch - and shut out the opposition as they did so frequently last year.

"Clean sheets is the one thing we are missing at the moment," said the 32-year-old keeper ahead of tonight's south coast clash against Bournemouth.

"We've only had one so far, which was in the first game of the season when we beat Tranmere 1-0 at home.

"I wouldn't say we're desperate for one exactly, but we're going to need more of them if we're to stay where we are in the division.

"It's the next step for us. Our success so far this season has come from scoring lots of goals, but now we need to work on the defensive side of things.

"You can't stop everything going in, of course you can't. But we're working hard to keep as many clean sheets as possible. That has to be the aim."

What's the problem, though, when you're capable of hammering Bristol City 7-1 and Walsall 5-2? Surely Swansea's free-scoring forward men can continue to take the pressure off the defenders?

It might not always be that way, Gueret insists.

"As long as you end up winning 2-1 or 3-2, I guess you don't worry about whether you've kept a clean sheet," Gueret said.

"But I think that, as the season goes on, it's going to get harder and harder to score goals. We're not going to keep scoring seven goals as we did against Bristol.

"Matches will get tighter and tighter because people will start to learn how good we are and what our players can do on the ball.

"That's where the importance of keeping clean sheets comes in. Look at last season. This time last year we were winning games 1-0, 1-0, 1-0...

"We were very hard to break down, hard to score against. We kept 21 or 22 clean sheets, and that was our big strength.

"If we can do that again, start keeping more clean sheets, I'm confident we can stay at the top of the division because we've got the quality in the side to score lots of goals.

"And why shouldn't we stay at the top? We've got a big squad, and we've got a good squad."

Few would've complained had Gueret walked off with the player of the year award last season after he took to life at the Vetch like a Swan to water following his 2004 summer move from Millwall.

But the big Frenchman admits he's struggling to recapture the outstanding form that instantly won him a place in the affections of Swans supporters.

"I need to do better," Gueret said. "I'm a bit of a perfectionist, and I don't think I've made the start to this season that I wanted.

"I've conceded too many goals and made a couple of mistakes. I need to work on it and do better for my team-mates because they deserve clean sheets and good goalkeeping."

Honest stuff from the former Le Mans man, who will aim for a clean slate at the 11th attempt when the Swans travel to Bournemouth's Fitness First Stadium.

Travel sickness is not something the Swans have suffered from - one defeat in five on the road bears testament to that - and, though Sean O'Driscoll's side have yet to lose at home, Gueret feels three points are well within their grasp tonight.

"I see a good win for us," was the keeper's bold prediction. "It'll be hard, I won't say it will be easy, but I think we're well capable of winning at Bournemouth.

"We've done well away from home because we always play the same way. We don't really change anything. We just try to be solid and score whenever we get the chance."

Jackett, who has no fresh injury concerns after Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Nottingham Forest, though none of Swansea's absentees (Adrian Forbes, Paul Connor and Owain Tudur Jones) are ready to return, seems to share Gueret's optimism.

"Traditionally, you'd say, 'Let's win our home games and we'll see what we can pick up on the road.' But it doesn't seem to be like that this season," said the Swans boss.

"On Saturday, for instance, there were quite a number of away wins in our division. People can pick up points wherever.

"Bournemouth, though, are a very good footballing side, with some talented players both tactically and technically.

"Last season they finished just outside the play-offs. This could be another tight game."

WHAT an occasion, what a game, what an atmosphere ... what a shame the 18,000 plus Swans City fans couldn't see their team win.
This was the biggest home gate the Swans have had for a league match for 23 years, stretching way back to the John Toshack era.

But the victory those supporters inside a packed New Stadium craved from Kenny Jackett's table-toppers to mark such a memorable occasion just would not come.

That the Swans were the more disappointed team at the final whistle underlines the enormous strides the team have made under Jackett.

Nottingham Forest, twice European Cup winners, haven't been this low in the league for at least four decades, still boast a glut of quality players and were quite rightly hot pre-season favourites for the title.

The Swans were only promoted last season and there was an article in the match programme about that James Thomas hat-trick against Hull which stopped the club dropping into the Conference.

Easy though it is to forget, that happened just two years ago.

Yet it was Forest's players who played keep ball in the corner in the final five minutes to cling onto a point.

It was Forest's players who celebrated their draw at the final whistle as if they had won the cup final.

And it was Forest's manager Gary Megson who chose to string five men across the midfield in the second half in a panic defensive ploy when the Swans looked there for the taking.

Last week was dominated by talk that 4-5-1 tactical systems had made the Premiership boring. Maybe Megson has been a manager at that level in the too recent past to totally lose the cautious approach currently being adopted in the top flight.

Not that this game was boring, let me stress. The occasion ensured that it simply couldn't be.

The sell-out crowd and the fervour they generated made it the biggest club match played in Wales to date this season.

When Jack Lester gave Forest a 54th-minute lead, the noise those Swans fans created, if anything, got louder as they roared on their team to an equaliser.

When it arrived six minutes form the end, via Roberto Martinez's exquisite goal from 20 yards out, the stadium just erupted.

The point ensured the Swans remain top of the table and, according to Jackett, a top-six finish and the play-offs is the minimum they must aim for from here on in.

Proud of the character his team had shown to force their way back into the game, Jackett declared, "Forest will be a top-six team at the end of the season. They are a top side in this division."

Asked if the Swans, too, could finish in the top six, Jackett answered without hesitation, "Yes we can."

He went on, "I have said from day one the aim is to go up. We will aim to be in the top six and go from there.

"But 10 games have already gone, we've got 20 points, we're still top and we fully deserve to be there.

"We've got a strong squad here and yes, I accept that, if we start falling away after this excellent start it will disappoint people. There are different kinds of pressures when you are up at the top and there to be shot down.

"The way we have to cope with those pressures is to ensure we maintain the excellent standards we have shown which have taken us to the top in the first place."

In the first half on Saturday, the Swans did indeed dip from those standards Jackett talks about.

Forest's front two of Lester and David Johnson caused too much panic in the Swans defensive ranks, Jackett's midfield failed to get a foothold in the game and the front two of Lee Trundle and Adebayo Akinfenwa were too isolated and their lack of pace too evident as a result.

Even then, though, it was the Swans who created the best opening when Akinfenwa was sent clear, only to badly screw his shot wide.

Forest took a lead they deserved early in the second half when Lester made the most of yet more indecision in the Swans back four to fire home.

For a short period, the Swans looked in real trouble, the defence in a mess and the team were in danger of caving in.

But Jackett's men are made of stern stuff these days and, willed on by the crowd, they got a grip and staged a rip-roaring finale to put Forest under enormous pressure.

Akinfenwa had one of those days when he could have had a hat-trick, but in the end couldn't hit a barn door.

It was skipper Martinez who took the bull by the horns to grab the equaliser - and force a panicking Forest to start wasting time in the corners.

"The fact that they did that, and also strung five across the back, shows they were content with the point," said Jacket.

"As for ourselves, I'm not totally happy with a draw because this was one we were really looking to win.

"But clearly we have already gained the respect of the opposition in this division.

"That's no mean feat, is it, when you consider the different directions in which ourselves and Forest have come in recent times."

NOTTINGHAM FOREST boss Gary Megson reckons the New Stadium factor will play a huge part in the Swans' hopes of a top-six finish this season.

The Forest boss argued that decisions went in favour of the Swans because the match officials were influenced by the partisan home crowd.

But he had no real complaints about the referee, pointing out it was something visiting teams would simply have to get used to when they come to Swansea.

"This ground was like a cauldron," said Megson, moments after his side's 1-1 draw.

"There was a fantastic atmosphere inside and the Swansea fans really get behind their team in a superb manner.

"In the second half, when Swansea were going at us, there were a few peculiar decisions from the referee which went against us.

"That shows the advantage of having a new stadium like this, packed to the rafters and with Swansea City fans baying.

"The team got a momentum going in the final 15 minutes, the fans really got behind them and it put real pressure on us.

"But it was to be expected in a way. Swansea are top of the table and clearly their fans are enjoying that.

"And it was when I was reading the match programme beforehand that I realised just how big this game was to the people of Swansea.

"The programme pointed out just how big a club Nottingham Forest are and stated how much everyone in Swansea had been looking forward to this particular game from the moment the fixture list was drawn up in June.

"I suppose, when you think of it like that, it's what it will be like for us against anybody at this level."

Megson was adamant, however, that his Forest side should have emerged victorious and gone back to the east Midlands with the three points.

"Swansea only had three shots on target, compared to our seven," he claimed.

"We should have scored a lot more goals from free headers and free strikes we had from only six or 10 yards out.

"But, when you think Swansea scored seven goals the last time they played here and were in the middle of a decent run, a point is not a bad result for us.

"I wasn't watching the game, as such, because as a manager you are involved. But I would have thought that for the spectators, it was a terrific advert for football."

SWANS goalscorer and skipper Roberto Martinez believes Kenny Jackett's players are paying back a massive debt to their fans.

Martinez described the atmosphere the Swans supporters created at a packed new Stadium as "terrific".

And he says, "We're still top of the table and, more than anything, I'm pleased for our fans.

"This, I'm told, was the biggest crowd Swansea have had for 23 years and it shows we are moving in the right direction.

"For the last few years, the fans have really been put through it. The club has been in the wrong position, there have been a lot of problems with threat of administration, we flirted with relegation to the Conference.

"But the fans have stuck with us and loads more came out to watch us against Forest, too.

"This performance from us, in the way we battled back into the game, was giving something back to those fans.

"They really lifted us when we went a goal behind and we showed terrific character to make sure that we didn't lose.

"That was important, because we are keen to keep our unbeaten run going for as many weeks and months as possible.

"The fact that Forest chose to keep the ball in the corners in the closing five minutes underlines the respect teams are giving us these days.

"We don't sense any extra pressure from these massive crowds, we just want to win games for them.

"I'm not going to make any big predictions like we're going to be promoted or anything like that. It's much too early in the season for crazy talk like that.

"But what I will say is that we've come so far ... and we're ready for the next challenge, which is to keep it going.

"This is a happening club and we aim to make sure as players it remains that way."

Martinez's goal was his first for more than two years. Asked if he was concerned about the drought, the Swans skipper replied, "No, not in the slightest.

"As a team, we have the best scoring record in the UK. It doesn't matter who gets the goals.

"It may have been my turn today, but I honestly don't care who is on the scoresheet, provided it is the right result for Swansea City."

ROBERTO MARTINEZ did a captain's job by salvaging a point for Swansea with a superb equaliser six minutes from time.
The Spanish midfielder was the coolest man on the pitch as he picked out the top corner with pinpoint accuracy from the edge of the box to stretch the Swans' unbeaten run to six matches.

A draw in front of their biggest home crowd since 1983 when Liverpool hit town was just enough to keep the Swans in top spot in League One.

But when the dust has settled everyone connected with the club will realise that they could and should have chalked up win number seven of the season.

That they can feel aggrieved at having let two points slip through their grasp against a side of Nottingham Forest's stature is testament to just how far they have come under Kenny Jackett's stewardship.

He has transformed the side from a middle-of-the-table League Two outfit to a team now capable of claiming back-to-back promotions. Jackett rates his squad now as the strongest in his 17 months in charge and they certainly showed how mentally tough they are after heading off what looked increasingly likely to be a surprise defeat.

Both managers claimed the draw was about fair but in truth the visitors could not have complained had they gone home empty-handed.

They were rugged yet uninspired and some of their route one football would have had their late, great manager Brian Clough turning in his grave.

After an eminently forgettable first half, Forest took an undeserved lead nine minutes into the second when in-form striker Jack Lester claimed his third goal in as many games.

David Johnson had pounced on a loose ball in the Swans' area and his powerful shot was well saved by Willy Gueret. But unfortunately for the Frenchman, the ball fell straight to Lester to fire home.

The goal induced panic in the Swansea ranks who, but for the fingertips of Gueret, would have found themselves two down within the space of three minutes.

The Swans goalkeeper had already survived Lester's cheeky attempt to catch him out from 40 yards when moments later he dived low to his left to push another Johnson effort around the post for a corner.

Jackett's response was to throw on an extra attacking midfielder in Andy Robinson while Forest boss Gary Megson withdrew Lester shortly afterwards to bolster his own midfield and eventually finished the match with five in defence as the home side rallied and the visitors clung on desperately to their point.

The game wasn't running to the script but Adebayo Akinfenwa almost made amends for a glaring miss in the first half when he struck the base of a post from 20 yards with on-loan goalkeeper Russell Hoult rooted to the spot.

It was not to be the giant striker's afternoon.

After failing to find the net with only the goalkeeper to beat after 24 minutes, Akinfenwa was continually frustrated by a combination of poor finishing and unlucky deflections.

On another day, he could easily have scored a hat-trick.

But he was by no means the only culprit.

Substitute Marc Goodfellow cracked a wayward volley over the bar from six yards after Forest had failed to deal with a Lee Trundle cross.

So it was left to Martinez to show his teammates how it should be done when he calmly controlled a loose ball on his chest, moved into position and lofted a sumptuous shot over Hoult and into the top corner.

KENNY JACKETT describes football as his job, his hobby, his passion and his life.

And right now life couldn't get much better for the Swansea City boss.

Last season's promotion remains fresh in the memory yet Jackett has refused to stand still and bask in the glory.

To Jackett the past doesn't interest him - he only has eyes for the future.

"I talk to my players a lot and drum it into them that the most important game is the next one," said Jackett.

It may be an old cliche but the former Wales international is a fervent believer.

"The last game will always fill the airwaves and lines in the newspapers but for us it's gone and the only thing that is important is the next one.

"I'm like that whether we win or lose.

"At this club we are very keen on looking forward, whether that is maintaining standards or setting new ones after a defeat. People still talk about beating Bristol City 7-1 but it's Bournemouth and Blackpool that concern us most."

Swansea have taken the jump up to League One in their stride and last week went top to register their highest league position in 13 years.

And as Jackett surveyed his new kingdom in the plush surroundings of the New Stadium last week, the country's most prolific club were expecting their highest home attendance in more than 20 years for the visit of Nottingham Forest yesterday.

The Premiership and local neighbours Cardiff City may be struggling to draw crowds.

But that is not a problem Jackett's great entertainers are struggling with. The recent move from the cramped confines of the Vetch has paid early dividends but Jackett's philosophy is to build "brick by brick".

His early success as a manager has seen expectation soar through the roof.

Even the chairman Huw Jenkins has added fuel to the fire by publicly yearning for Championship football within the next two years.

Yet Jackett doesn't betray just how surprised he really is at the start he has made, adding: "I'm pleased and proud with what I've achieved.

"My thoughts are firmly centred on the short-term and trying to build and capitalise on the momentum we've got here.

"We have 19 points from our first nine games and we have the opportunity to have a very good season, but at this stage it is only an opportunity."

There were few who gave Jackett a chance when he succeeded Brian Flynn as manager in April 2004.

Four straight defeats followed and a less than convincing start to last year hardly helped his cause.

But those fans who called for his head then have been gorging themselves on humble pie pretty much ever since as Jackett has earned a reputation as one of the hottest management properties outside the top flight.

"I'd love to be a successful manager, I'd love to be a Premier League manager and I'd love to be a big success with Swansea City," said Jackett.

"Every person would like all of those things. But to some degree it's pie in the sky at the moment. I try not to look too far into the future because I think that can be dangerous. I don't think you can plan to be anywhere in five years. You just never know.

"My ambition as a manager is to have a successful season this year and then see where it takes me.

"We will have to wait and see what the long term brings."

His crowning moment arrived in the final game of last season when Swansea needed a win to clinch promotion at Bury.

It duly followed to give Jackett his greatest moment in a game that had taken the former midfielder to the FA Cup final and 31 Welsh caps.

"Promotion last season was the greatest achievement of my career by a long shot," he said.

"But it took me a while to get over it.

"I was physically and mentally exhausted towards the end of the year.

"I tried to plan and work towards the new season but in the end I had to leave a lot of the contract work to the chairman so I could take a holiday.

"I was knackered and I needed that break."

In Jackett's eyes he is fair, single-minded and most importantly, himself.

But he is a tough cookie and as one player points out: "He should have been born in Sheffield, he's made of so much steel."

That inner determination to succeed as a manager Jackett openly admits emanates from a desire to make up for lost time as a player.

"It was a big disappointment when I had to retire early through injury," he said.

Jackett endured several operations on his knee and as he says "p****d about" with a couple of aborted comebacks before hanging up his boots at 28 and joining Watford as the head of the youth development programme.

"When the doctors told me it was over it came as a relief in the end," he said.

"At least I then knew I could get on with my life and move in another direction.

"It drives me on because I felt I missed out on a large part of my playing career but I was very fortunate that Steve Perryman [Watford manager] gave me the opportunity to start my coaching career early."

That coaching career took him through the ranks at Vicarage Road where he had a brief stint as manager before stopping off at QPR as Ian Holloway's trusted lieutenant prior to returning to the club where he made his international debut in 1982.

But Jackett has had to fight his battles along the way at Swansea and not just with the crowd.

Depending on who you listen to, his first act was to try to offload star striker Lee Trundle.

He then dropped captain Roberto Martinez and later had to deal with the fall-out from Andy Robinson's arrest at a nightclub and even more bizarrely watched as goalkeeper Willy Gueret was led away in handcuffs at Bury as he celebrated promotion.

"In any club things never run smoothly and that goes for teams at the top as well.

"It's all about how you get around those obstacles that counts, not the fact there is one in the first place because there always will be.

"We can't be surprised when things come up." There is a clearly marked line separating Jackett from his squad.

But he appears to have mellowed recently as evidenced by his gentle ribbing of his Scouse contingent for their poor dress sense and bad jokes.

"There has to be a line," he said. "Whether you want it there doesn't matter because you are the manager and you have a direct influence over their livelihoods and careers."

With all of the above now firmly back in his plans Jackett is most pleased with the response from Trundle.

"He has taken what I've said to him on board about his lifestyle as a professional footballer," said Jackett. "I was very pleased with myself last season because that is the most games he has been available for since he came into the Football League.

"I can take credit for that in terms of his preparation. He loves his football and wants to be a success. I like players who are in love with football.

"He has been very successful at Swansea and rightly so - he is a fans' favourite. But that doesn't last long if you just sit on your a***. You have to keep doing it and so far Lee has responded."

Jackett puts his success with his players down to the home life he enjoys with wife Samantha and two sons David, 12 and eight-year-old Ryan.

"To some degree you have to be different with your family but quite often there isn't a lot of difference between how you treat your children and how you treat your players," he said.

"I don't mean that in a bad way but I've been on a lot of management courses, and people on those courses will tell you that managing people in any sphere of business is down to similar principles to how you act at home."

FORMER England boss Graham Turner has admitted he never saw Kenny Jackett as management material.

Jackett has been the inspiration behind the recent revival in Swansea's fortunes.

After winning promotion last season and topping League One this, Swansea are now being tipped as promotion favourites.

But Taylor, who worked with Jackett the player and manager while at Watford, said: "I never thought Kenny would go into management. It didn't occur to me.

"Perhaps when I was at Watford I was too full of myself, thinking about my own career that I didn't give a lot of consideration to whether some of my lads would become coaches.

"What I like about Kenny is that he has gone down the divisions to learn his trade. I'm not being disrespectful to Swansea when I say he's probably still serving his apprenticeship and it may be that bigger things are waiting for him.

"I remember when he went to Swansea people asked, 'Who is Kenny Jackett?' and, 'Why are Swansea giving him the job?' Well, those critics have been answered now.

"I think Swansea will get promoted again. They've made a great impact in League One but in my view there's not a great deal of difference between League Two and League One.

"However, I don't want to put any more pressure on Kenny. If he gets promotion this season then great but Swansea fans should remember that if they don't they shouldn't worry as it's only their first year in this division."

Jackett was one of Taylor's first apprentices at Watford so the former Aston Villa and Wolves manager knows Swansea's supremo perhaps better than most.

"I've known Kenny since he was 16," said BBC pundit Taylor. "At Watford during the 1980s our star player was John Barnes, but he couldn't be the star without Kenny Jackett.

"Kenny got the ball, he gave the ball, got his work done and made sure people were closed down; he made the team tick and he's taken a similar approach into management.

"The Swansea players are honest, like him, and work hard for one another. They're organised and players know their role within the team - that's Kenny's influence.

"He's a very quiet man who won't shout from the roof-tops to make his point but he's a good man who misses very little and knows what he's talking about - that's the most important thing."

THOUSANDS of football fans paid tribute yesterday to Swansea City fan Ben Bellamy with a round of applause.

Before the match against Nottingham Forest kicked off at the New Stadium, the 18,000-strong crowd clapped the 17-year-old's memory.

Club chaplain Kevin Johns, the father of a son around Ben's age, told them: "Just before the arrival of the players, everyone involved with Swansea City Football Club would like to remember Ben Bellamy, whose tragic, senseless death has sent shock waves throughout the community.

"He was described by everyone who knew him as a lovely boy with a promising future ahead of him.

"But in the early hours of last Sunday morning it was tragically cut short.

"On behalf of the directors, players, staff and supporters at the club we send our condolences to Ben's parents, younger brother Karl and his family and friends and we promise to keep them all in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days."

Sharing Ben's father's pain, Mr Johns added: "My boy is only a little bit older than Ben was when he died. Oh dear, what those poor people must be going through, I can't imagine what life must be like for them right now."

He also praised the fans who followed the Italian football tradition of a minute's applause rather than a minute's silence.

"When I finished speaking everyone applauded out of respect, it was their way of showing they identified with what's happened," he said.

"In all my years in the ministry I've seen some awful things, but what has happened to Ben touched everyone, the whole city."

After the game, club captain Roberto Martinez added his support, saying: "All the players feel very sad. Some of the boys playing in the youth team were close friends with Ben so it has been a sad time for the club as well.

"I would like to dedicate my goal to Ben's memory. The whole day was for him. It is the least we could do."

Ben was also remembered today by the runners in the annual Swansea Bay 10k Race, who observed a minute's silence before setting off.

Swansea city striker Adebayo Akinfenwa is giving up his favourite African delicacies to become a leaner and meaner goal-scoring machine.
Tipping the scales at 17 stone, Akinfenwa cuts one of the largest figures in British football with a build almost as wide as his smile.

And with four goals in eight games since his summer move from Torquay he has left defenders with plenty to chew on in how to handle this 23-year-old powerhouse Londoner.

But a niggling hamstring injury has resulted in Swansea turning to nutritionist Dan King for advice and Akinfenwa modifying his diet.

'I pulled the hamstring at Torquay last season and it's been a recurring problem since,' said Akinfenwa, who returns to the Swansea line-up against Nottingham Forest tomorrow after missing the last two games at MK Dons and Hartlepool.

'The left hamstring is always tightening and I'm getting pain there. Sub-consciously, I've been trying to take the pain off the left by running on the right and that's affected my running.

'So I've been talking to Dan and he's said they would like to streamline me a little bit.

'I'm not saying that's the cause of the hamstring but it will make me faster and I'll be less susceptible to injuries.'

Trimming down means Akinfenwa - who has a Nigerian family background - cutting down on his favourite African food and bringing forward meal times.

'The African food I'm used to has a lot of starch in it and bulks you up a lot,' said Akinfenwa. 'Now I'm having things which give me more energy - and they're telling me about food which I've never heard of before!

'I'm now eating Yahoo yoghurts or whatever they're called.

'I'm also trying to eat at the right times as well. I used to eat big meals at seven and eight o'clock but now I'm getting my carbohydrates after training.

'I'm not a fried food man as I prefer my home-cooked meals, but I'm basically trying to re- arrange the way I eat.

'I don't think it's a huge problem - though I obviously don't know what is said about me behind closed doors - and no-one's said they want me down to 15 stone.

'But Swansea's a big club and they want to sort this fitness problem out and make me a better player.

'I thought what Dan was saying was cool enough to adapt to my everyday life, and if it's going to make me a better player then I'm going to do it.'

For the well-travelled Akinfenwa - who has seen service at Boston, Leyton Orient, Rushden and Doncaster as well as with FK Atlantas in Lithuania - being big is as natural as scoring goals.

When he was cutting his football teeth on the local park he shunned boys his own age to play with his older brother and his friends.

'I've always been big...and I was told that when I was born I was the size of a five-year-old!' said Akinfenwa, who has also been having regular massages to alleviate his hamstring problem.

'But it was always football and from the age of five I was playing with my brother and his friends and he's three years older than me

'I think playing with older boys made me stronger, as when I played with my own age group I was always out of their league strength-wise.

'Even now, playing with older players there are not many people on the pitch stronger than me physically.'

The sense of incredulity felt by opponents this season has been shared by supporters taken aback by Akinfenwa's size.

'People tell me when I go out with the wife that I'm not built like a footballer,' he said.

'They can't believe it but I think I've always used my size to my advantage.

'It's deceptive because I'm quicker than I look and I think that makes defenders unstable.'

That is definitely something Swansea fans don't want Akinfenwa to change.

SWANSEA City boss Kenny Jackett believes trialist Noe Sissoko has something to offer the League One leaders. The rangy Sissoko - who can fill either central midfield or centre-half positions - hails from the West African state of Mali but has been based in the French capital Paris during the last year. Sissoko has trained with the Swans this week and impressed in the midweek friendly against Team Bath. 'Noe's going home on the weekend but he'll be back shortly with a view to a more long-term trial,' said Jackett. 'His English is poor but I think he's got something. He's got some ball-playing ability, a nice left foot and some stature - and if he can settle in and train every day he could produce something.'

Huw Jenkins today saluted Kenny Jackett, insisting the Swansea City boss is becoming a better manager all the time. Jackett steered Swansea to promotion from League Two in his first full season at the helm and has masterminded the club's flying start in League One.

Jenkins rewarded the former Queens Park Rangers No. 2 with a one-year contract extension in the summer which will keep him in Wales until 2007.

And the Swansea chairman believes Brian Flynn's surprise successor is looking a shrewder appointment each day he is in the job.

''Kenny is getting better and better with every game that we play,'' Jenkins said.

''He is continuing to learn his trade as a manager and, thanks to the ability to learn from his mistakes, he is constantly improving.

''You can see that with every week that passes.''

Swansea, bottom of the Football League three years ago this week, take on two-time European Cup winners Nottingham Forest this weekend knowing victory will keep them in pole position in the race for a place in the Championship.

A crowd of around 18,000 is expected on Saturday as Jackett's men attempt to collect their seventh win in 10 league outings this season.

''Around half the players we have in the squad today are signings we made when Brian Flynn was here,'' Jenkins added.

''But I think there's no hiding from the fact that Kenny has come in and taken the club forward.

''He has taken the team forward and he has improved those players who were here when he arrived.

''He has the ability to make them really aware of the importance of being together as a team.

''With the spirit he has developed and the ability of the players at the club, we have made the progress we all thought we would when Kenny came on board.''

NOTTINGHAM Forest boss Gary Megson has turned up the heat ahead of this weekend's big showdown with Swansea City by warning his team are running into form just in time... with the aim of knocking Kenny Jackett's men off the top of the table.

Forest boss Megson has seen his side win successive League games to soar up League One themselves - against Rotherham at the weekend and then against Bristol City.

And Megson believes the return of his goal ace Jack Lester, back after a nine-month injury absence, has come just in time for the big clash with Jackett's flying Swans.

Lester is already back in prime form for the showdown with the Swans, having scored in each of Forest's wins.

Saturday's clash at the New Stadium is one of Swansea's most eagerly- awaited games of the season, with an 18,000-plus crowd expected to flock to the ground.

Swans fans are expecting Jackett's free-scoring team to continue their march at the top of the table.

But Megson is in party-pooper mood, saying, 'Jack Lester's return to our side and his goals which are coming already have made a massive difference to our season.

'He is leading the line well, holding the ball up and scoring goals. The more games he gets, the more strength and pace he will have.

'He does not look like a player who has been out for nine months.

'In the first game against Rotherham he was probably running on adrenaline, but against Bristol City it was different.

'We will have to think whether he can play three games in seven days before we go to Swansea, but he is keen to play.

'And we have to think of what he can offer us.'

While Megson is purring about his own strike force, Jackett has problems up front with Paul Connor ruled out for a month with ankle trouble.

With Bayo Akinfenwa troubled by a hamstring injury, Jackett may have to turn to Lee Thorpe against Forest.

""It was a blow losing Connor and it looks like he could be out for a few weeks,' said Jackett.

""He has even been training in the sea to try and work some of the rubbish away from his ankle.

'As for Bayo, he is out there working, but we have to at some stage break the cycle of whether he is or isn't fit.'

Jackett has already discounted Kris O'Leary (ankle), Owain Tudur Jones (ankle) and Adrian Forbes (knee) from the Forest game.

Jackett is anticipating a tough clash, saying, 'You have to respect any opposition. They each have their strengths.

'Forest have some good players and they are a tremendous club, but we cannot worry about what other teams are doing.

'We need to focus on ourselves and continue doing the good things we have been doing this season season.'

Swansea City boss Kenny Jackett is facing a striker crisis ahead of Saturday's clash with former European champions Nottingham Forest after losing Paul Connor for a month. The 26-year-old Geordie hitman limped out of Saturday's 2-2 draw at Hartlepool after only 16 minutes having sprained his ankle ligaments.

And with Bayo Akinfenwa still under the supervision of physio Richie Evans for a hamstring injury, Jackett could be left with only one senior out-and-out striker in Lee Thorpe to partner Lee Trundle this weekend.

''It was a blow losing Paul Connor,'' Jackett admitted, ''and it looks like he could be out for a few weeks.

''He spent yesterday morning training in the sea to try and work some of the rubbish away from his ankle.''

But while Jackett sent his former Middlesbrough striker off for special treatment, Akinfenwa was back out on the training ground and the Swansea boss is hopeful of his big striker's return.

''It is good to see Bayo out and working again,'' Jackett said, ''but we have to at some stage break the cycle of is he or isn't he fit.

''We will monitor him through the week and if he is fit then it will be a massive boost.

''If he is not then we are left with the options we had up at Hartlepool on Saturday with Lee Thorpe and we have Leon Britton back from suspension as well.''

Jackett has already discounted Kris O'Leary (ankle), who is expected to be out until the visit of Blackpool on October 1, Owain Tudur Jones (ankle) and Adrian Forbes (knee) - who are expected to return the following week - for this Saturday.

''They are moving quite well at the moment,'' Jackett added. ''We will have a look at them again for next week at some stage.''

Despite Forest's poor start to life in the third tier, Jackett is not expecting an easy encounter for his table-topping side.

Gary Megson's side picked up their third win of the season at the weekend when they beat Rotherham 2-0.

The former West Brom boss will be hoping to make it two wins in a row tonight when his side entertain Bristol City at the City Ground.

''You have to respect any opposition. They all have their strengthens,'' Jackett said.

''Forest have some good players and they are a tremendous club, but we cannot worry about what other teams are doing.''

Swansea City boss Kenny Jackett is facing a striker crisis ahead of Saturday's clash with former European champions Nottingham Forest after losing Paul Connor for a month. The 26-year-old Geordie hitman limped out of Saturday's 2-2 draw at Hartlepool after only 16 minutes having sprained his ankle ligaments.

And with Bayo Akinfenwa still under the supervision of physio Richie Evans for a hamstring injury, Jackett could be left with only one senior out-and-out striker in Lee Thorpe to partner Lee Trundle this weekend.

''It was a blow losing Paul Connor,'' Jackett admitted, ''and it looks like he could be out for a few weeks.

''He spent yesterday morning training in the sea to try and work some of the rubbish away from his ankle.''

But while Jackett sent his former Middlesbrough striker off for special treatment, Akinfenwa was back out on the training ground and the Swansea boss is hopeful of his big striker's return.

''It is good to see Bayo out and working again,'' Jackett said, ''but we have to at some stage break the cycle of is he or isn't he fit.

''We will monitor him through the week and if he is fit then it will be a massive boost.

''If he is not then we are left with the options we had up at Hartlepool on Saturday with Lee Thorpe and we have Leon Britton back from suspension as well.''

Jackett has already discounted Kris O'Leary (ankle), who is expected to be out until the visit of Blackpool on October 1, Owain Tudur Jones (ankle) and Adrian Forbes (knee) - who are expected to return the following week - for this Saturday.

''They are moving quite well at the moment,'' Jackett added. ''We will have a look at them again for next week at some stage.''

Despite Forest's poor start to life in the third tier, Jackett is not expecting an easy encounter for his table-topping side.

Gary Megson's side picked up their third win of the season at the weekend when they beat Rotherham 2-0.

The former West Brom boss will be hoping to make it two wins in a row tonight when his side entertain Bristol City at the City Ground.

''You have to respect any opposition. They all have their strengthens,'' Jackett said.

''Forest have some good players and they are a tremendous club, but we cannot worry about what other teams are doing.''

Swansea have major injury worries over two of their strikers ahead of Saturday's fixture with Nottingham Forest.

Paul Connor picked up an ankle injury in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Hartlepool. Thought to be ligament damage it will keep the frontman out for at least a fortnight.

Meanwhile, Adebayo Akinfenwa - who's scored four times for Swans already this campaign - is suffering from a hamstring injury that has already kept him out of the last two matches.

Marc Goodfellow and Lee Thorpe are the likely stand-ins for Saturday.

SWANSEA CITY chief Kenny Jackett could be without strikers Paul Connor and Adebayo Akinfenwa for Saturday's New Stadium mouth-waterer with Nottingham Forest.

Connor is sidelined for at least two weeks with ankle ligament damage which he suffered in the 2-2 weekend draw at Hartlepool.

And Jackett is sweating over the fitness of four-goal Akinfenwa, who has missed the last two games with hamstring trouble.

If the London-born powerhouse fails to recover in time then Jackett must decide whether to pair Lee Thorpe or Marc Goodfellow with Lee Trundle in attack.

"It's difficult to say how long Paul will be out for. You're looking at a good few weeks with ankle ligament damage - and he'll be out for at least two," said Swans No 2 Kevin Nugent.

"He definitely won't be around for Nottingham Forest which is disappointing because he's done fantastically well when he's played.

"But there is a chance of Bayo coming back for Saturday. We are hopeful on that one."

The Swans remain top of League One despite seeing their four-match winning streak come to an end at Victoria Park.

And Nugent is expecting a bumper crowd for Forest's visit.

"Hartlepool is a difficult place to go so we were satisfied with a point," added the former Leyton Orient, Bristol City and Cardiff City striker. "I thought a draw was a fair result.

"We can definitely play better than we did up there but we showed some good battling qualities and it was good to see Lee Trundle get a couple of goals."

While Swansea - who have rattled in 20 goals in their last five games - are in pole position, fancied Forest are languishing seventh from bottom.

European Cup winners in 1979 and 1980, Forest were hot favourites to win promotion this term but have struggled at the start of this campaign, winning only three of their first eight league fixtures.

"This is going to be a fantastic game. It wasn't too long ago that Forest were one of the top sides in the country," explained Nugent.

"But we are where we are on merit. We're not going to go into the game frightened of them."

CONVERTED full-back Alan Tate thanked Swans boss Kenny Jackett for being good to his word after shining in his native north-east.
For the first time since the opening day victory over Tranmere, Jackett had last season's first-choice back four available.

But Tate - so often the odd man out in defence last season - was preferred to Kevin Austin and celebrated Jackett's vote of confidence with an accomplished display that included setting up Lee Trundle's equaliser.

"I'm pleased with the way I'm playing," said Tate.

"It's going quite well at the moment and I hope I'll just get a longer run in the team.

"The manager pulled me in pre-season and said he was starting with the same back four as last year.

"But he told me, 'If you get a chance play well and I'll keep you in.'

"I've done that and he's kept me in. There's no reason to drop me and even if I'd played badly today there would have been no reason.

"You don't get dropped after one game after some good performances.

"I wouldn't have been happy if I'd been dropped but, to be fair to the gaffer, he's kept me in.

"It's nice to hear the fans and the press saying I've played well but, most importantly, the manager has said it."

Tate responded with another comfortable show at right-back where Jackett has been impressed with the ability of the ex-Manchester United trainee to bring the ball out of defence.

"I've had to keep it down to the basics as I've been learning a new position," said the former centre-back.

"But I've been brought up at United with being comfortable on the ball. That's what gets drilled into you there, just get on the ball and play.

"It becomes natural over time. and I put the cross in for the first goal which, as a full-back, is what you're supposed to do."

Tate was brought up only 20 minutes from Hartlepool's Victoria Park home - and had a happier time than on Swansea's last visit in February 2003 when he ended up replacing the injured Roger Freestone in goal in a 4-0 defeat.

"To be honest, I think goalkeeper is my best position!" laughed Easington-born Tate, 23. "That was a weird day. I didn't enjoy the result but enjoyed it in goals.

"A point was probably a fair result on a windy day. They shaded the first half and it was about even in the second.

"We know we can play better but it's a hard place to come. Good teams will come here and get beat.

"They were up there last year and I think they'll be up there again."

LEE TRUNDLE promised to review his spot-kick technique after seeing his penalty saved at Hartlepool.

Trundle followed up to score from the rebound to make it eight goals in six games and earn Swansea the point which keeps them top of the League One pile.

But it was the second spot-kick Trundle has seen saved this season following his opening-day failure against Tranmere.

However, there have been two successes against Huddersfield and Bristol City - all four penalties directed in the same corner to the goalkeeper's left.

"I'll have to start changing them now - definitely," said Trundle, who has vowed to keep taking penalties even though fellow Scousers Kevin McLeod and Andy Robinson are both up for spot-kick duty.

"I have been practising other things in training. But people have been saying just keep hitting your spot with power and that's what I've done.

"The last two have gone in so I thought I'd keep hitting it that way.

"As I say, I'll change it now but I'm that confident on my penalties I'll be taking them anyway.

"Kev and Robbo have been trying to get them off me but there's no chance - I'm on pens."

Trundle's double - his first was a firm downward header - meant that for the first time in his goal-laden career he has scored in six successive games.

But the 28-year-old believes he can still improve his all-round game as the season unfolds.

"My performances haven't been the best but I'll sacrifice that I if I keep scoring," said Trundle after leapfrogging McLeod at the top of the Swansea goal charts.

"I just hope I can keep going. As a forward you're confident when your goals are going in.

"With that record, my confidence is going to be high going into a big game (against Nottingham Forest) on Saturday.

"I'm happy when I'm scoring and, though I missed my penalty, I was sharp to get back in there and put it away.

"With the first one I just thought head it back the way it's come.

"It was looping up in the air, so it was nice to get the power on it and put it away."

Trundle insisted Swansea's battling point had shown how far Kenny Jackett's side has come in a short space of time.

"To come to a place like this and get a result is very pleasing," he said.

"It's a hard place to come back from 1-0 down and we've done well to get a point - even though we were 2-1 up.

"We've had two away games on the bounce, so we've got to be satisfied with a point."

KENNY JACKETT wasn't sure which was the greater achievement - claiming a point at Swansea's bogey ground or surviving the novel flight north.
The Swans' decision to send an unchaperoned 16-man squad to the north-east on Friday afternoon courtesy of Air Wales had raised a few eyebrows and kept the headline writers busy.

Six wins in eight games - not to mention 18 goals in the last four - had provoked plenty of talk of flying starts, cruise control and heads in the clouds.

But the doom-mongers were warning of bumpy rides, turbulence and wings being clipped on a ground where Swansea had conceded 11 goals on their last two visits.

In the event, though, the hairiest moment came when Kevin McLeod forgot to bring his photo ID to the check-in desk at Cardiff Wales Airport. Apparently an old Swansea programme was found for McLeod to prove his identity.

And but for Lee Trundle's face-saving double which kept Swansea top of League One on goal difference, the same question might have been asked of the rest of Jackett's team.

For Swansea were a long way from the all-conquering swaggering side of recent weeks, as they had to withstand Hartlepool, who were unashamedly direct.

Such uncomplicated tactics might have been better suited to the League Two dungeon from which Swansea escaped last season, but it tested the resilience of Jackett's men to the limit.

And, like the flight north, Swansea emerged safely in one piece.

"They put you under a lot of pressure with their long throws and set-pieces," was Jackett's diplomatic take on 'Pool's aerial approach which often threatened the circling seagulls as much as Swansea's back four.

"Quite rightly as well, because where we are in the league, teams will set out to put you under pressure. I don't think we were at our best and I am pleased with a point the way the game went.

"At 2-1 we were hopeful of the three points but, collectively, myself and the players weren't at our best. You're going to have days like this and we've spoken about it in the dressing room.

"But the good thing is we haven't lost. We haven't played as well as we can, but we've got a draw so will look at it positively."

Despite adopting a short-cut route for their longest away day, lethargy had appeared to set in after Tuesday's 3-1 win at MK Dons had taken the Swans to their highest league position in 13 years.

Hartlepool were quicker all over the pitch as they hunted down possession effectively and Roberto Martinez and Marcus Bean struggled to get a midfield foothold.

That exiled Kevin McLeod and Andy Robinson to the fringes, though the former in-form marksman did deliver two volleys to keep 'Pool defenders honest.

But it was no surprise when Martinez felled Thomas Butler 25 yards out and Ritchie Humphreys, a hat-trick hero on Swansea's last visit in February 2003, curled home the free-kick.

Hardly surprising, either, was the failure of Willy Gueret to deal with the danger. The French keeper - so outstanding last season - had been hesitant on crosses and the way he palmed the ball into the net might have unnerved Jackett.

"I've asked Willy about the goal," he revealed. "He said he was disappointed with it. Maybe he felt he went with it with the wrong arm."

Having lost Paul Connor early on to an ankle injury which might keep him out for some weeks, Swansea struggled to build momentum. Lee Thorpe failed to make a case for regular inclusion with Adebayo Akinfenwa also sidelined with hamstring trouble and Mark Tinkler and John Daly might have doubled 'Pool's lead.

But Swansea can never be discounted when Trundle is in such fine form and 11 minutes after the re-start he claimed a career-first by netting in a sixth successive game.

A sweeping move found the advancing Alan Tate on the right and he crossed to the far post where Thorpe headed back to Robinson.

It might have been more shot than cross from the wideman but the ball looped up for Trundle to head home firmly.

Five minutes later Trundle won a penalty when he cleverly rolled defender Neill Collins and was crudely brought down.

Trundle's spot-kick, for the fourth time this season, went to the same corner and Greek goalkeepet Dimitrios Konstantopoulos pushed it out. But Trundle reacted quickly to the rebound and stabbed home his eighth goal in six games.

"Lee's a goalscorer," said Jackett. "He's very confident and if you give him the chances the goals will come. I have been wondering if Lee's going to put his spot-kicks anywhere else, but just look at his penalty record.

"I know he's missed one this season but his record since I've been at the club has been very good."

At that point it looked a more stylish smash-and-grab raid than any Heathrow heist but 'Pool's quest for parity was realised after 76 minutes.

Michael Maidens, on his home debut, whipped in a devilish cross and Anthony Sweeney timed his run perfectly from midfield to head inside Gueret's far post.

"There's very few times when we've had a second game on the road and won," added Jackett, alluding to Swansea's midweek exertions at MK Dons.

"I'm thinking about Scunthorpe last year, Huddersfield this season, when we've played Tuesday/Saturday.

"But this week we've had two away games and four out of six points is a good way of looking at it.

"Staying top matters little, really. What matters is we've got 19 points from nine games and that's a terrific total."

Something for Jackett to chew on as he joined his players for the long coach journey home.

So was the expense of a one-way flight for his squad really worth it?

"That's a tough one," he said. "You never quite know in terms of preparation sometimes whether it's worthwhile or not.

"But they all got out the other end - and I suppose that's an achievement in itself."

So flying high or a crash landing? As always, Jackett is just keeping his feet on the ground.

KEVIN McLeod has revealed the secret to his success this season - he's binned the booze.
The Swansea City winger smashed a hat-tick against Bristol City last weekend to take his season's tally to seven.

Afterwards, Swans' assistant manager Kevin Nugent put McLeod's superb form down to "living like a true athlete".

And the former Everton and QPR winger admits he needed to take action to stop his career going down the drain.

While his team-mates were enjoying their summer holidays, McLeod stayed at home and followed a punishing fitness regime - which included cutting back on late nights and a self-imposed alcohol ban.

And now both he and Swansea are reaping the rewards.

"I wasn't fit when I first came here," said McLeod who joined Swansea last season.

"The gaffer knew that and told me so. We were both frustrated with each other.

"I went away in the summer and did what I had to do both for myself and for Swansea City. I knocked the ale totally on the head to see what it was like.

"Everyone likes to go out and have a drink after a game to switch off, but I wanted to give myself the best chance at Swansea by cutting it out. I feel 10 times better for it. I still go out, but just don't drink as much alcohol or stick to soft drinks. It's mind over matter but it's part of living right, sleeping right, eating right and doing what professionals do."

So how did he celebrate his hat-trick last weekend?

"I chilled out at home with my family and watched Match of the Day," said McLeod.

Meanwhile, Swans midfielder Owain Tudur Jones could return to action in two weeks. The 20-year-old injured his ankle while playing for Wales under-21s in Poland and there were fears he could be out for six weeks, but he may be available for Bournemouth on September 27.

SWANSEA CITY showboater Lee Trundle will remain untouchable as the king of entertainment, according to Kevin McLeod.

Trundle notched up his 52nd goal for the club with yesterday's double at Hartlepool and his magic daps have stolen the show too many times to mention since joining from Wrexham.

But in recent weeks, as Swansea have soared to their highest league position since 1992, Trundle's vice-like grip on the thrills throne has slipped for the first time. Chief among Trundle's challengers are McLeod (inset, left) and Andy Robinson, who have helped the Swans to rack up a staggering 20 goals in just five games.

McLeod, in particular, has been setting the pulses racing recently and took his own blistering strike rate to six in three matches last weekend with a stunning hat-trick in the 7-1 mauling of Bristol City.

He even tried his luck with an audacious first-time effort from 60 yards which was miraculously tipped over the crossbar.

In short, there seems to be very little that McLeod can do wrong right now.

Yet the former Everton and QPR winger admits that, despite his own scintillating form, he will never be able to steal Trundle's thunder.

"Trunds is the showman and you can never knock him off his pedestal because he's the main man," said McLeod.

"He's on Soccer AM every week and scores 20 goals a season. How can you compete with that?

"The likes of me and Robbo [Andy Robinson] chip in with goals but it's just to help him out.

"He can still show off by scoring goals and do what he wants but just because I've scored seven this season doesn't mean I'm going to take over his crown.

"Everyone knows what Trunds is about. He will always do what he does and will get you 20 goals a season."

Trundle insists he isn't worried by the stiff competition for his crown from his fellow Scousers and told them to 'bring it on'.

"I don't see it as competition. It all helps the club and me as well," said Trundle. "The lads are all confident and the way things have been going everyone is on a high and cannot wait for the next game.

"The quicker the games come the better. This is the way we want to play football and with the new stadium we now have the stage to perform."

The Swans' rip-roaring start to the League One season has brought out the best in Trundle, McLeod and their teammates.

"It all comes down to confidence," said Trundle. "When it's high you will try things.

"Playing so well has brought stuff out of the other players that maybe they haven't tried before. None of us are scared at the moment."

But he was quick to add a note of caution.

"The goals are going in thick and fast at the moment but we know the game can change overnight," he said.

LEE TRUNDLE prevented another Hartlepool horror show as his two-goal salvo kept Swansea City top of League One.

The high-flying Swans had taken the quick route for the 350-mile trip to the north-east by letting the plane take the strain on Friday afternoon.

But Swansea were in danger of being grounded by their robust Hartlepool hosts until Trundle netted for the sixth successive game, striking twice in the space of four second-half minutes.

Trundle's double - one a downward header and the other a follow-up after his penalty had been saved - wiped out the half-time deficit and, even though Antony Sweeney grabbed a point for 'Pool, there was understandable relief in the Swansea camp.

"I'm satisfied with a point the way the game went," reflected Swans' boss Kenny Jackett after his side had withstood a pounding from Hartlepool's aerial approach.

"At 2-1 ahead we were all hopeful of the three points. But collectively we weren't at our best, so I'm pleased to be going home with a point."

Swansea stay in pole position because of results elsewhere but Jackett knows his players must show more than they did here if they are not to be remembered just as early-season pace-setters.

Jackett kept faith with the team which beat MK Dons 3-1 in midweek for Swansea to claim top spot in the third tier of English football for the first time since 1992.

The early action was scrappy and the visitors were grateful for the presence of Garry Monk who was prominent in dealing with searching long balls directed towards the Swansea back four.

Hartlepool demanded a ninth-minute penalty when Izzy Iriekpen handled Michael Nelson's shot but referee Tony Leake deemed the contact accidental.

The Swans suffered a blow when Paul Connor limped out of the action after 16 minutes and 'Pool were soon ahead when Roberto Martinez fouled Thomas Butler 25 yards out. Though Ritchie Humphreys struck the free-kick well, Willy Gueret appeared to have it covered but the Frenchman could only palm the ball inside the near post.

Having been out-muscled in the opening half-hour, Swansea eventually found some rhythm and Trundle turned smartly before sending a tame shot at Greek keeper Dimi Konstantopolous.

There was another scare for Swansea on the stroke of half-time when Mark Tinkler's 20-yard shot shaved Gueret's post.

Hartlepool were made to pay in dramatic fashion when Trundle spun the contest on its head after 56 minutes.

First Alan Tate galloped into space down the right and his cross found substitute Lee Thorpe at the far post. The ball fell invitingly to Andy Robinson who swivelled and his looping centre was met by the predatory Trundle.

The small band of Swans fans were celebrating again when Kevin McLeod's firm header allowed Trundle to turn Neill Collins in the box and the Scouse striker was crudely upended.

Konstantopoulos guessed correctly to his left but Trundle followed up his spot-kick smartly and prodded the ball home with his right foot.

But Swansea hopes of a fifth straight win were ruined when Michael Maidens whipped in a cross from the right and Sweeney planted a super header inside Gueret's right-hand post.

THE last time Kenny Jackett saw the net bulge so much two England stars were pulling the trigger.

Elton John's Yellow Brick Road led to Watford and Jackett and others at Vicarage Road marvelled at the mayhem sparked by Luther Blissett and John Barnes.

Both men would enjoy England careers but some of their finest football helped humble Watford climb through the divisions during an extraordinary journey which saw the Hornets become the second best team in the country.

Two decades on and Jackett has shaped a side as free-scoring as the one Graham Taylor created, though students of the game would agree the Swansea version is more aesthetically pleasing.

Taylor's Watford were never universally admired, deemed too direct in an age when the term long ball became a common barb in English football.

Ross Jenkins and George Reilly were the beanpoles at the point of Watford attacks, but the goals flew in and Jackett might have wondered whether he'd ever see the like in one of his sides again.

Over the last month he has - 18 goals in four games catapulting Swansea to the League One summit and making them top scorers nationwide.

"I've been very pleased as you don't expect that amount of goals," said Jackett, ahead of an examination of Swansea's promotion credentials today at last season's play-off final losers Hartlepool.

"But sides have come and attacked us this season and games have been pretty open. Last year after a certain period we were seen as a big club and sides kept it pretty tight. The quality of our pitch (at the New Stadium) has also changed the games. The Vetch was tight and had that big hump in the middle.

"When the ball went wide and it wasn't spot on it was out. Our pitch now is flat and big and when you hit a cross-field ball you've got to do something to get it over people's heads. Fellows on the line can get hold of it and that makes it more of an open game."

Even so, Swansea have still managed to score eight times - five at Walsall and three at MK Dons on Tuesday - on their last two away days.

Kevin McLeod (seven) and Lee Trundle (six) are high up the League One goal-scoring charts and Andy Robinson's return provides further potency from midfield, as evidenced by his midweek brace.

Add the likes of Adebayo Akinfenwa - out injured today - Paul Connor, Marc Goodfellow and Adrian Forbes and Jackett has good reason to believe his team is full of goals.

"We're only eight games in and we've got to see how it settles down," he said.

"But within the last six months we've had McLeod, Goodfellow and Akinfenwa coming in and that has upped our goal-scoring potential.

"With Trundle, Connor and Robinson having good goal-scoring records we've now got a lot of areas from where we can score."

But how does it compare with the Watford side Jackett played in all those years ago? Can the Swansea class of 2005 be a goal-scoring match for Barnes and company?

Like Swansea's 7-1 thrashing of Bristol City last week, Jackett can recall a similar scoreline which Watford enjoyed against Southampton in their First Division pomp.

"We were very attacking and very free-scoring," said the former midfielder, who modestly describes himself as an average "ham and egger", compared presumably to the house special which Barnes and Blissett served up.

"But it's a different game now to the one in the '80s. We were rigid but we had John Barnes and he obviously made a massive difference.

"The three years before he went to Liverpool he was nigh on the best player in the country. When he eventually went to Liverpool, the best team in the country, he was recognised as such.

"He was in the England side at Watford which was an achievement in itself. John wasn't a one-man team - Luther also played for England from Watford and got a move to AC Milan for a million pounds - but he was an unbelievable influence.

"Twenty years on the game is more open. The offside law is not so stringent. Any doubt when I played was given to the defender, now a 50-50 might go to the attacker.

"The game then was condensed into a block as everyone got up either side of the halfway line.

"But the back pass rule makes the game flow and back four to back four is a big area, whereas in the '80s it was a small area."

If Jackett provides a succinct trip down Memory Lane, Swans fans will not wish to be reminded of their last two visits to Hartlepool's Victoria Park home.

Eleven goals have been conceded in 7-1 and 4-0 defeats and the latter in February 2003 saw rudderless Swansea finish with defender Alan Tate replacing the injured Roger Freestone in goal.

"Generally, they've been a successful club since getting promotion from League Two a couple of years ago," added Jackett.

"Having a second away game in a week is tough. That's how it was when we lost at Huddersfield after playing at Colchester.

"They're strong at home and because of where we are in the league they'll be ready for us. But it's points that I look at now and we've got 18 that no one can take away from us. I'm not saying it's not nice to be top of the league but the points total is a big thing for me. It gives us something to build on because this is a very open division and the dividing lines between teams are thin."

"The big thing is to keep doing the things we've been doing. That's the message to the players. Identify what's been getting us results and then be able to keep doing it."

With Akinfenwa injured and Leon Britton suspended, Jackett's sole selection dilemma is at the back with Kevin Austin in contention again.

Austin's return from a one-match ban means Jackett has last season's first-choice back four available for the first time since the opening day victory over Tranmere. So could Tate miss out in his native north-east?

"I've got to think that one through," admitted Jackett. "Tatey's done OK and I've been pleased with him. He's settled down to the right-back spot and his application has been very good.

"At times he can bring the ball out of defence and I think it's more important in our football to bring it out from full-back than centre-half. They are the people with the most time on the ball in the modern game.

"It is a strength of his that he can carry the ball and pick out the right pass when he's got to."

LEE TRUNDLE has targeted a career-first at Hartlepool today - scoring in six successive games.

Trundle claimed the 50th goal of his Swansea stay (in 93 matches) during the 3-1 victory at MK Dons on Tuesday as he made it six for the season.

But Trundle has never scored in six successive games during his productive league career at Wrexham and Swansea and knows finding the net at Victoria Park today is an enticing prospect.

"When I first signed for Wrexham I scored seven in five games," said Trundle, referring to a successful sequence in front of goal during February and March 2001.

"But this run is right up there. With every player, but especially a forward, it's all about confidence.

"If you've been scoring goals you're confident going into games.

"You believe that every time you go out onto the pitch you're going to score."

Trundle entered the campaign with question marks hanging over his head as to whether he could flourish at League One level.

But the 28-year-old Scouser has quickly silenced the doubters with goals against Colchester, Huddersfield, Barnsley, Bristol City (two) and MK Dons in his last five appearances helping Swansea to the league summit.

"It's nice to score goals on a personal level when people are saying can he do it in this league," he said.

"I've gone out and scored six in six which is the only way to answer them.

"I know it's early in the season but I believe in my own ability to play at this level - and if I stepped up again to the next league I think I'd do exactly the same.

"As a striker, and as a player, you've got to have that confidence.

"It's not being arrogant but if you don't believe in yourself then no one else will."

Trundle will resume his forward partnership with Paul Connor in the latter's native north-east as targetman Adebayo Akinfenwa again misses out through injury.

But Trundle - who himself missed league games against Doncaster and Walsall last month - believes the depth to Swansea's strikeforce is one of the main reasons why Kenny Jackett's side has rattled in 18 goals in the last four matches.

"Whoever has played - be it me and Bayo, Conns and Bayo or Conns and me - have done well," he said.

"I was thinking a little bit would I get back in the side after the lads had done so well at Walsall (Swansea won 5-2). But all I can do is say I'm fit and then it's up to the manager.

"It's a brilliant position for the club to be in with the strikers we've got.

"Conns and me were the partnership for most of the promotion-winning season but I believe we can all cause problems and score goals.

"That's my job. I'm in the side to score goals. If I create them as well it's a bonus, but I love scoring goals and hopefully that will continue."

But even the free-scoring Trundle has had to take a backseat to fellow Scouser Kevin McLeod, who tops the Swansea goal-scoring charts on seven, while another midfielder, Andy Robinson, also chipped in with two at Milton Keynes.

"You need goals coming from everywhere," he said. "We've got that and it's a sign that we're a side on the up.

"If you want to get out of this division you need goals from wingers and midfielders, not just your strikers.

"But with the players we've got here we always knew that we were going to create chances.

"We've got a lot of attack-minded players and now we're turning those chances into goals.

"A lot of people are surprised with the position we're in. But the lads know what we can do and we've got the players to be at the top of this league.

"It's going to be hard to stay there but it's something to aim for and we've got nothing to fear.

"All the players have got football ability and we're working well as a unit."

SWANSEA CITY will be flying high again this weekend whatever the result at Hartlepool.

For the table-topping Swans are eschewing all customary football talk of "keeping feet on the ground" by letting the plane take the strain to the north-east of England.

The 16-man playing squad leave Cardiff Wales Airport this afternoon for the one-hour flight that will turn Swansea's longest journey of the season into their shortest.

The tickets are only one-way as the players will return home after the game via coach but it could be a masterstroke by club officials after one previous away trip - to Milton Keynes Dons - already this week.

"The idea is to cut down on a six- or seven-hour trip and see if it can have an effect on what we do," said Swansea boss Kenny Jackett.

"We might not have done it if we hadn't been at MK Dons on Tuesday, but the people at Air Wales have done very well for us and got us a good deal.

"It's a one-off because this is our furthest away trip and only the 16 in the squad are flying, so we have cut it right down to the essentials.

"We'll be training in Swansea on Friday morning - which is an advantage - and then the players will get in a few cars to head up to the terminal for 3.45pm."

Though no management are booked on the flight, Jackett has every confidence his players will turn up on time for departure and behave in the appropriate manner.

"We're going a bit big time flying up," laughed star striker Lee Trundle. "But we're all adults and we're going there to do a job.

"It's nice for the lads because it's a long journey and the gaffer and chairman have done well to make sure we're as well prepared as possible.

"It shows that everyone wants to do something and that we're all pushing in the right direction."

Striker Adebayo Akinfenwa is not expected to make the check-in desk after missing the 3-1 win at MK Dons with hamstring trouble.

Paul Connor will continue to deputise alongside Trundle in attack with Jackett's only dilemma whether to reinstall the suspension-free Kevin Austin in the back four at the expense of Alan Tate.

CHRISTIAN EDWARDS has returned to Bristol Rovers following his one-month loan deal at the New Stadium.

THEY'RE both spiky Scousers with goals in their boots and red cards on their records.
But there the similarities have ended this week for England and Manchester United galactico Wayne Rooney and Swansea City's returning goal hero Andy Robinson.

Whereas Wayne's world has been full of angst following his public fall-out with David Beckham and his reckless Champions League dismissal, Robinson is floating on cloud nine again after his two-goal midweek show at MK Dons sent the Swans roaring to the top of League One.

Rooney might be too quick to clap hands in the wrong direction, but the only applause Robinson has heard this week has been in recognition of his starring role at the National Hockey Stadium.

Even so, Robinson has plenty of sympathy for his fellow Scouser - and the teenager he used to share a Merseyside boxing gymnasium with.

"All Liverpudlians are passionate about their football - and you probably see that in Wayne and myself," said Robinson, whose start to the season was delayed by the lengthy ban he received at the end of the last campaign.

"He's a similar player to me in as much he just wants to do so well. You saw that in the England-Northern Ireland game when things weren't going so well and he was over-trying at times.

"(Against Villarreal) he'll probably hold his hand up and say you can't do that (clap) to a referee, but the danger when you're a passionate player is that you sometimes get overexcited.

"It's been the same with me coming out of non-league and trying to make a mark in league football. I'll be 110 per cent into every tackle - that's my game, getting around the pitch and being busy - and I don't want to lose that. But sometimes that can land you in trouble.

"The last two seasons have been big learning curves, firstly coming into the (professional) game and then being involved in off-the-field incidents.

"But I think I've learned to control it and hurt teams with my ability rather than say something out of order and get into trouble."

Swans boss Kenny Jackett will be extremely grateful for a mature Robinson for there is no doubting the midfielder's natural ability.

The 25-year-old has the enviable knack of making things happen and, for all the rich resources at his disposal, you feel an in-form Robinson would be difficult to dislodge from Jackett's first XI.

Certainly judging by the evidence of Swansea's 3-1 win at MK Dons, Robinson can expect an extended run in the first-team - even if he admits to enjoying his watching brief from the bench.

"To be fair, it was nice watching us beat Bristol City 7-1 from the dug-out," Robinson said of a victory that has helped to make it an incredible 18 goals in four games for the Swans.

"I didn't even want to come on I was enjoying it that much!

"Seriously, it was nice to make my first start of the season at MK Dons because there was a danger I could have been on the bench even longer.

"The team has been going out there and doing a job and I wasn't expecting to come straight back in the team after suspension. I don't think any player should think like that.

"Leon (Britton) has done a great job in the position and I was the first player to pat him on the back and say, 'Well Done.' Whatever's good for the club must come first, but when you get that chance you've got to take it.

"It's been a frustrating time to miss all those games but it makes you more hungry when you do get the chance to come back.

"I know I've got to keep on performing like I did on Tuesday night to keep that shirt. There's about seven or eight players competing for four midfield places, so when you get that chance you've got to do the right things on the pitch.

"Now I want to push on and establish myself in the first-team."

Britton's hamstring injury opened the door for Robinson in midweek after he had made his overdue season's bow from the bench in the 5-2 win at Walsall on August 27.

And, with Britton suspended for the long trip north to Hartlepool tomorrow, Robinson will get another chance to shine in a three-man midfield which places extra defensive responsibilities on him.

"I like to get forward, get on the end of things and try and make things happen in the final third," explained Robinson.

"But the gaffer also wants me to get back and help out on the defensive side - and that's something he's worked on with me.

"I think I've improved in that area and if I can do that then it's only going to help my game.

"We've started well and that's down to everyone - the players and the backroom staff - working so hard and believing in ourselves.

"We knew we had the ability to play in this league and it's showing in our performances that we're a club on the up."

This week, the F&C Performance of the Week Award has been won by Swansea City, following their 7-1 victory at home to Bristol City last Saturday 10th September 2005. A result that lead to the departure of City boss Brian Tinnion

Swansea manager Kenny Jackett will receive the specially engraved crystal football in a presentation to be screened on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday this weekend.

He was understandably delighted with his team’s performance.

"The result was unbelievable and the first time that I’ve experienced anything like it as a manager. It was our best all-round performance. We were solid in defence, kept possession well in midfield and there’s not a lot I need to say about us going forward is there? The seven goals speak for themselves.”

Kenny Jackett

Swansea City are now riding high on top of League One but, as Ian Hunt reports, it was a very different story just a few short years ago

IT WAS one of the bleakest days in Swansea City's recent history. A 7-1 mauling at Hartlepool in April 2002 that left the Swans sixth bottom of the old Third Division.

How quickly - and how greatly - things change.

Swansea return to the scene of that devastation this weekend top of what was then Division Two, having secured a fourth successive victory at Milton Keynes Dons on Tuesday.

Even more extraordinary, Kenny Jackett's men travel to Hartlepool seven days after committing a 7-1 massacre themselves - on supposed promotion contenders Bristol City, no less.

Swans director David Morgan admits the club's sensational start to life in League One - a staggering six victories and 23 goals from their first eight games - has far exceeded their expectations.

"It's a very long race and no-one at the club is counting their chickens just yet, but we could never have envisaged being top of the league in mid-September after making such a great start," said Morgan.

"Our next home game is against Nottingham Forest. Given their grand history, who could have thought just a couple of years back that we'd be up at the top and they'd be struggling near the bottom.

"It's fantastic. Beyond our wildest dreams really."

And the remarkable contrast between that 2002 Hartlepool hammering and the position Swansea find themselves in as they prepare to return to Victoria Park is not lost on Morgan.

He and his fellow Swans directors had only recently taken charge at the Vetch Field, with the club's narrow escape from financial oblivion and near extinction still fresh in the memory.

Things were to get a lot worse 12 months later, of course, as Swansea came within 90 minutes of dropping into the Nationwide Conference, but at the time it felt like the club really had hit rock bottom.

"We came away from Hartlepool thinking 'Where on earth do we go from here,'" recalled Morgan. "We were in a right mess.

"Nick Cusack had recently been placed in charge of the team, and we were hoping things would pick up, but the result was humiliating.

"Do you know what sticks in my mind? When the other directors and I were driving up to Hartlepool, a radio station asked us whether we could do an interview with them either before or after the match about the state the club was in.

"We decided to do it before the match, which turned out to be a wise decision. Doing an interview after that 7-1 thrashing would've been terrible. Everyone's spirits were crushed.

"Coming back from an experience like that, you can imagine how the mind operates. It's hard to stay positive.

"But, although we went through the mill the following season, things have improved greatly both on and off the pitch since that result at Hartlepool. They had to.

"But it's amazing just how much things have turned round over what's been a relatively short period of time.

"When they consider where we were after that Hartlepool game, and then again after the Hull match in May 2003, our supporters will take a great deal of satisfaction from us being top of League One.

"And, yes, I'd love to see us make amends when we go up to Hartlepool this weekend. Another victory up there would be particularly pleasing for the club and the fans."

Morgan paid tribute to Jackett for masterminding Swansea's astonishing rise to the League One summit little more than four months after the club climbed out of the bottom division.

"Kenny only brought three new players in this summer and that did worry a lot of supporters, but we always had every confidence in him," said Morgan.

"When we first met Kenny with a view to him taking over, we had an open and frank discussion about the problems he would inherit and our vision for the future.

"Kenny bought into that dream, and he and the directors have enjoyed a great relationship ever since. And it's no coincidence that we're doing so well.

"More importantly, of course, is the relationship between the manager and his players and we don't seem to have any problem in that department either.

"The squad are responding well to him. All the signs are encouraging."

It's not just results on the pitch that have changed dramatically since that dreadful April afternoon in the north east.

A week after the Swans were humbled by Hartlepool, just 3,265 turned up at the Vetch to see Cusack's side bring the curtain down on the season with a 2-2 draw against Torquay.

Such a paltry turnout is hard to believe when you consider that, so far this season, Swansea's average crowd at their glistening New Stadium is almost 14,000.

The low gates of 2002 and 2003 reflected the fact that watching Swansea back then was an often painful, sobering experience.

Not any more. The Swans are flying ever higher and everyone wants to be a part of the club's amazing success story.

"Back in the 2002-03 season the average attendance at the Vetch was 6,000," Morgan said.

"The following season it was 7,000 and then we were up to 8,000 last season.

"So in just three years our average attendance has doubled.

"And we wouldn't be surprised if we get a near 20,000 sell-out for the Forest game on Saturday week.

"Everyone, I think, is really proud of the progress we've made as a club.

"We had a dream that is fast becoming reality, and more and more people want to be a part of that."

On a more cautionary note, though, Morgan stressed that the club is keen to avoid going too far, too quickly.

"We've only played eight games so there's still a long, long way to go this season," Morgan said. "And, though no-one would be complaining if we did win promotion to the Championship, you have to remember we're still very new to this division.

"The danger at the moment is people seeing we're top of the table and expecting us to at least finish in the top six.

"But, having only just won promotion to League One, even a mid-table finish would be a good achievement for us.

"Don't forget that the last time we reached this level (in 2000), we went down as fast as we came up. First and foremost, we've got to make sure that doesn't happen again.

"We need to stabilise before we advance. Consolidation might sound boring, but that's our first objective this season."

JOHN CORNFORTH does not need reminding about the last time Swansea reached the top of the Football League's third tier.
That's because every time he goes home to his native North-East he's transported back to the October afternoon in 1992 when Swansea beat Reading 2-1 at the Vetch to go top of the old Division Two.

"Hanging up on my mother's wall in Whitley Bay is a framed picture of me scoring one of Swansea's two goals in that match," said Cornforth, the former Swans midfielder who was joined on the scoresheet that day by Mark Harris.

"It's not that it was a particularly special goal - it was only a tap-in from seven or eight yards - but I didn't score that many so I thought I'd get it blown up and framed!"

While that victory over Reading came 13 games into the 1992-93 season, Kenny Jackett's class of 2005 are scaling the League One summit just eight matches in.

Jackett has an abundance of talented players at his disposal, but, as Cornforth recalled, Frank Burrows' table-topping side of 13 years ago wasn't bad either.

"We had Roger Freestone in goal, who was the best goalkeeper around, and people like Mark Harris and Keith Walker - two excellent centre-halves - and Des Lyttle in defence," said Cornforth, a former Swans captain who had a five-year stint at the Vetch from 1991-96.

"And there were creative players too - like myself and Colin Pascoe, who would chip in with goals - Andy Legg with his long throw and Colin West up front.

"We had a good, strong squad. There was a good defensive base, plenty of options going forward and we had a marvellous team spirit."

Also in the side that beat Reading were Russell Coughlin, Tony Cullen and John Ford.

Those fans with excellent memories will recall how, ominously for the current Swans team, Burrows' men ended up finishing fifth back in 1993 before losing out to West Brom in the play-offs.

"I remember the games against West Brom vividly," Cornforth said. "We were 2-0 up in the first leg at the Vetch and Andy McFarlane scored an own goal with four minutes to go.

"That proved decisive as West Brom scored two early goals at The Hawthorns and won 2-0.

"I had many highs and lows during my time at the club, but that was my worst experience in a Swans shirt."

When the Swans had beaten Reading seven months earlier, though, Cornforth said Burrows would not entertain any talk of promotion at such an early stage of the season.

And Cornforth reckons Jackett will similarly be playing down the possibility of Swansea stepping up a level.

"Frank would never let you get carried away," said Cornforth, currently looking for a new football role after losing his job as Newport County manager.

"He was the classic example of treating each game the same - no matter how small or how big they seemed to everyone else.

"And you didn't mess about with Frank, who was certainly the best manager I ever played for.

"If you started talking about winning promotion and things like that, he'd be sure to bring you down a peg or two.

"I'm sure Kenny will be the same with his players.

"Swansea are only eight games into the season and Kenny is a pretty level-headed guy. He's got no airs and graces.

"But it would be nice to think Swansea could repeat what we did 13 years ago and finish at least in the play-offs. I'd love to see them do that."

SWANSEA CITY have been installed as favourites to win League One by the people who normally know best - the bookies.

And the news came as Swans boss Kenny Jackett used the 'P' word for the first time since the season got under way.

Ladbrokes have made Swansea 11-2 favourites to clinch the title after Jackett's men raced to the top of the table with six wins from their first eight games.

"I've talked to my players about the difference between champions and challengers," said Jackett in the wake of Swansea's fourth straight win, at MK Dons.

"You need to be able to win consistently and take the pressure that comes with it. The players are showing perhaps they have what it takes to get promotion."

Swansea City plundered another three goals en route to the top of League One at MK Dons last night. When Lee Trundle struck his 50th for the club early on there was a sense that this would be another cruise to victory, but this fourth consecutive success needed to be earned.

The MK Dons may be without a victory this season, but they made Swansea work and, had they taken their chances, the points might have stayed in Buckinghamshire.

But Kenny Jackett's men looked the more accomplished outfit and a fine late flourish from Andy Robinson, which made it 18 goals in four games, saw them climb to their highest Football League position since 1992.

As expected, Swansea showed three enforced changes to the side that had so memorably embarrassed Bristol City three days earlier.

Garry Monk, out with a combination of leg and calf problems since the opening day of the season, emerged from the treatment room in the nick of time with Kevin Austin suspended after his unfortunate sending off on Saturday.

But on to the injured list went Leon Britton and Bayo Akinfenwa, both suffering with hamstring complaints after their goal-scoring exploits at the weekend.

In came Robinson, starting for the first time in League One, on the right-hand side of midfield and Paul Connor up front.

There was a surprise change in the home attack, star striker Izale McLeod returning three weeks ahead of schedule after dislocating a shoulder.

It was just the boost the goal-shy Dons needed - they had managed fewer all season than Swansea chalked up against the Robins.

But the focus at the lop-sided National Hockey Stadium was firmly on Jackett's frontline early on as the visitors made the more positive start.

Trundle and Robinson were looking especially lively, and it was the recalled midfielder who arrowed an early free-kick just over the woodwork after his Scouse mate had drawn a foul.

Within a minute Robinson went even closer, rifling past the post after some fine work from Sam Ricketts.

The warning signals were there for Danny Wilson's team, but they were not heeded.

Roberto Martinez chipped a pass over the home defence and as they screamed for offside, Trundle lashed the ball past the helpless Matt Baker.

Just as in their three previous games, Swansea were playing some attractive football.

With plenty of possession coming his side's way, Robinson was enjoying his return to the side and almost created goal No. 2 on the half hour mark.

Connor met his cross with a firm header which Baker was at full stretch to turn around the post.

So nearly two in arrears, the Dons finally stirred.

Giant striker Clive Platt saw a header turned behind by Willy Gueret and, from the resulting Dean Lewington corner, centre-back Pablo Mills rose higher than the rest at the far post to level the scores.

Somewhat unfortunate not to be leading, inside a minute they might have been behind.

Suddenly Wilson's men had found a way through the visiting defence, but Gueret was on hand to beat away McLeod's point-blank shot.

That save meant they went in even at the break when at one stage it had looked as if Swansea would be sitting on a comfortable advantage.

The second period began as the first had finished - with much more of a contest.

And Jackett's sleeping defence had Gueret to thank for another important save when Malvin Kamara latched on to Dean Lewington's quick free-kick, only to see his point-blank effort smothered.

Gradually, Swansea's first ever trip to Milton Keynes was becoming a more difficult assignment.

Trundle sent a free-kick spinning over the top, but Welsh attacks had become much more sporadic.

Midway through the second 45 they should have been behind.

A rapid break saw Dons substitute Nicky Rizzo cross sweetly from the left. Gueret came and did not get, but to his great relief Kamara's awkward volley skewed wide of the empty net.

Moments later it was Swansea's turn to break, Connor latching on to Robinson's clearance but shooting harmlessly wide from 25 yards.

Swansea were back on the attack within a minute, however, and this time to devastating effect.

Trundle, holding off his marker as he collected possession in the centre circle, advanced 15 yards before guiding a sweet through ball for Robinson.

Clean through after breaking the offside trap, the former Tranmere man rounded the goalkeeper before stroking the ball home.

If 700 travelling fans were happy then, they were delirious five minutes later when Trundle again supplied Robinson after Connor had started the move.

This time Robinson had found space on the right edge of the penalty box but the result was just the same as he fizzed a shot under the helpless Baker.

The outcome had been firmly in the balance for much of the second half, but not now.

While home fans were flooding out, it was party time on the away end.

Things haven't been this good for Swansea since Mark Harris and John Cornforth scored to take the club top of the old Second Division some 13 years ago.

Kenny Jackett paid tribute to returning hero Andy Robinson as Swansea City climbed to the top of League One with a 3-1 win at MK Dons last night. Swansea looked like being frustrated after Pablo Mills cancelled out Lee Trundle's opener.

But Robinson, starting a game for the first time this season, scored twice in the last 18 minutes to hand Jackett's men their fourth straight victory.

''Andy Robinson has had a long suspension and, by the time we was available to us, the side was established,'' said Jackett.

''But he is a good player who is very popular and quite rightly so. He made a really good contribution to our promotion last season and we're delighted to have him back.

''We battled hard, we kept going and we got our reward at the end with two excellently-taken goals from Andy.

Jackett added: ''We're top of the league, but it's the points total I look at and 18 points from eight games is a good start.

''We're pleased with what we have done.

''We let MK Dons back into the game after the early goal and it looked for a while as though we might lack that final ball and that we wouldn't find the cutting edge we had against Bristol City, but Andy came good for us and we're delighted with that.

Jackett also praised the contributions of fellow Scousers Trundle and Kevin McLeod after Swansea's spectacular run of form.

''The three of them are good footballers,'' he said.

''They've got poor dress sense and a poor sense of humour, but I put up with all that because the three of them can play.''

At The New Stadium, the Ospreys beat the Dragons 15-9 in their Celtic League clash

Swansea winger Andy Robinson set his sights on a regular starting place after his second-half brace put City to the top of the League One table with a 3-1 win over MK Dons.
Robinson has had to bide his time this season, but Leon Britton's hamstring strain gave him his chance and he grabbed it with both hands.

The score was locked at 1-1 with 19 minutes to go when Robinson got Swansea a crucial second and he wrapped up the points six minutes later with a second to earn Kenny Jackett's men a fourth straight win.

Robinson said: "We've got a strong squad and I've had to wait for an opportunity, but hopefully I've shown the gaffer (Jackett) what I can do. Leon (Britton) has done well so far but he picked up a knock and another man's loss is another man's gain.

"The goals came at a crucial time for us and I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time. The game was in stalemate but once we got the second we were quite comfortable and after the third they were never going to come back.

"Away from home it can be frustrating but we stuck at it and got the points we deserved."

Robinson had twice come close to breaking the deadlock before Lee Trundle finally did in the 16th minute.

Ten minutes before the break the Dons were level when home debutant Pablo Mills headed in from close range but Trundle sent Robinson clear to round Matt Baker for his first.

And on 77 minutes Trundle again teed up Robinson to fire across Baker and leave Dons boss Danny Wilson still searching for a first win of the season.

Wilson fumed: "I'm very disappointed because we were second best for nearly all of the game. They pressed us far better than we pressed them.

"In the opening 20-25 minutes they got us on the back foot and we had a few scares for poor defending, eventually gifting them a goal.

"But then we got back into the game with the equaliser and could even have gone in front. All wasn't lost but second half we were slack and Swansea punished us.

"The best team won - they were better than us in every department and I've had a lot to say to the players because we are much better than that performance

Swansea winger Andy Robinson set his sights on a regular starting place after his second-half brace put City to the top of the League One table with a 3-1 win over MK Dons.

Robinson has had to bide his time this season but Leon Britton's hamstring strain gave him his chance and he grabbed it with both hands.

The score was locked at 1-1 with 19 minutes to go when Robinson got Swansea a crucial second and he wrapped up the points six minutes later with a second to earn Kenny Jackett's men a fourth straight win.

Robinson said: "We've got a strong squad and I've had to wait for an opportunity but hopefully I've shown the gaffer (Jackett) what I can do. Leon (Britton) has done well so far but he picked up a knock and another man's loss is another man's gain.

"The goals came at a crucial time for us and I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time. The game was in stalemate but once we got the second we were quite comfortable and after the third they were never going to come back.

"Away from home it can be frustrating but we stuck at it and got the points we deserved."

GOAL-CRAZY Swansea City stormed to the top of League One last night after claiming their fourth consecutive win. Lee Trundle and Andy Robinson's second-half brace did the damage against a Milton Keynes Dons side still waiting for their first win of 2005-06.

Swansea's treble inside a breezy National Hockey Stadium means Kenny Jackett's men have now scored a staggering 18 goals in their last four fixtures.

The Swans are top of this division for the first time since October 1992 when goals from Mark Harris and John Cornforth in a 2-0 win over Reading propelled Frank Burrows's team to the summit of the old Division Two.

There were no signs of complacency from Jackett's charges who had slaughtered Bristol City 7-1 at the New Stadium only three days earlier.

Trundle gave the visitors a deserved lead on 16 minutes but the Dons equalised before the interval through defender Pablo Mills.

But Robinson emerged as the Swans hero inside the last 20 minutes, firing a devastating double in a five-minute spell.

The midfielder was only playing in this match because Leon Britton was sidelined with hamstring injury, as was four-goal striker Adebayo Akinfenwa. Akinfenwa's absence allowed Paul Connor resumed his promotion-winning partnership with Trundle.

There was a third change enforced on Jackett. In defence Garry Monk made his first start since the opening day win over Tranmere after shaking off a dead leg and a calf injury.

The centre-back replaced Kevin Austin who was serving a one-match ban for his red card during Saturday's match.

After scoring 15 goals in the previous three games the visitors arrived in Milton Keynes with a fearsome reputation and they looked menacing from the first whistle.

Trundle went close in the 10th minute with a 25-yard free kick that was just inches too high. Swansea went even closer two minutes later.

Sam Ricketts weaved his way into the penalty box and found Robinson whose strike somehow missed the target.

But the inevitable goal came on 16 minutes when Trundle grabbed his 50th strike for the club thanks to Mills's mistake.

The Dons defender, on loan from Derby, was not on the same wavelength as his team-mates who looked to spring the offside trap when Roberto Martinez knocked the ball forward.

As a result Trundle found himself one-on-one with Matt Baker and the Scouse goal-getter neatly tucked the ball past the Dons' goalkeeper.

Craig Morgan, the Dons' Wales Under-21 international, denied Kevin McLeod smashing home a certain second 10 minutes later.

Trundle taunted the home side with some trickery before releasing Robinson on the right flank.

He centred for McLeod but Morgan cleared at the near post. Robinson was at the heart of Swansea's next raid minutes later, this time crossing from the left wing.

Connor flicked the ball towards the far corner of Baker's net but the shot-stopper thwarted the striker with a super save.

At this point Hartlepool manager Martin Scott, running the rule over the Swans from the stand since they are his side's next opponents, had plenty to think about.

While the Swans poured forward Willy Gueret was a spectator at the other end but the Frenchman was needed on 34 minutes to tip away Clive Platt's header.

From Dean Lewington's resulting corner - and completely against the run of play - Danny Wilson's side hauled themselves level, Mills atoning for his earlier error with a downward header that beat Gueret.

After being in complete control the Swans were stunned to have lost their advantage, shown a minute later when they allowed Nick McKoy to run into the danger area.

He set up the unmarked Izale McLeod who looked certain to score but his effort was stopped by Gueret.

Swansea's McLeod tried to restore his side's lead before the break when he ghosted into the penalty box to collect Alan Tate's high ball but his effort was too high.

The Dons almost snatched the lead early in the second-half when Lewington exposed Swansea's defence with a quickly-taken free kick but Gueret was again his side's saviour, blocking Malvin Kamara's drive from 10 yards out. Rocked by Mills's goal, Swansea were not the same side that started the first half in such style.

The fluent football that had carved the Dons open in the first half-an-hour had suddenly abandoned them.

Wilson's side, on the other hand, were causing problems and Kamara almost punished the Swans when Nicky Rizzo's cross evaded Gueret's clutches but he was unable to direct the ball home from close range.

But with 18 minutes left two of Jackett's Merseyside contingent combined to make it 2-1.

Trundle slipped a nice through ball for Robinson and the midfielder rounded Baker before stabbing the ball into the empty net. Five minutes later Robinson sealed the win with his second of the night.

Trundle was again the provider, finding his colleague in space on the right side of the Dons' penalty area.

Robinson took a touch before firing a shot that was too hot for Baker to handle.

Garry Monk makes an early return from injury at MK Dons tonight as Swansea City are forced to reshuffle after crushing Bristol City.

Kevin Austin's suspension plus injuries to Leon Britton and Bayo Akinfenwa mean Kenny Jackett must make three changes to the side which took the Robins apart on Saturday.

Monk, out since the first day of the season with leg and calf problems, slots into central defence despite pencilling in next Saturday's trip to Hartlepool for his comeback.

Andy Robinson is poised for a first start of the season on the right of midfield after Britton limped off with a hamstring strain last weekend.

And Paul Connor looks like joining Lee Trundle in attack for the first time this term as Akinfenwa is again suffering with his troublesome hamstrings.

Rejigged Swansea pay their first visit to the National Hockey Stadium knowing a fourth consecutive victory would send them to the summit of League One.

Confidence will be soaring as they face the club formerly known as Wimbledon, but Jackett is adamant their will be no over-confidence after Saturday's avalanche of goals.

''That won't be a problem,'' the Swansea boss declared.

''As a person I don't get too carried away when things are up or down and the players' feet will remain firmly on the ground.

''I'll be reminding them of all the things they have learned over the last one a half years tonight - all the things that have turned us from a mid-table League Two side to one challenging at the top of League One.''

The Dons will be desperate to end Swansea's hot streak tonight as they search for a first win of the season.

Without injured star striker Izale McLeod, Danny Wilson's team have struggled for goals so far lie second-bottom in the early-season table.

''From what I've been told they have played some good stuff and just haven't been able to finish things off,'' Jackett added.

''We have a great opportunity to go top if we can win, but in this league there is not much between first and last.

''A week or two ago Yeovil and Doncaster were bottom. We know from last season how good Yeovil are, and Doncaster looked a good side when they beat us home, so it looks very tight to me.''

Austin serves a one-match ban after seeing red for a second yellow card on Saturday, while Britton will be banned next weekend after collecting his fifth booking of the season.

''I tried to talk to the referee about both those decisions after the Bristol City game, but he wasn't going to budge,'' Jackett said.

Lee Trundle will chalk up a half-century of Swansea City goals in just his 93rd game for the club if he scores at MK Dons tonight. The Scouse striker would also take his season's tally to six in six matches should he find the target at the National Hockey Stadium.

And yet Trundle is not happy.

"I haven't come off the pitch yet this season thinking I have put in a good performance," he says.

"I have scored my goals, but I haven't really enjoyed a match so far, apart perhaps from Saturday.

"I want to get other parts of my game right and I want to take all of my chances.

"I had one against Bristol City where I was one on one with the 'keeper and there have been others in other games.

"I would normally take those opportunities easily and that's why I've been a bit disappointed. Things like that play on your mind."

Beware the rest of League One.

Kenny Jackett's team have plundered 15 goals in their last three matches, yet their spearhead believes improvements can be made.

It is not like Trundle to criticise his own form - his record since signing from Wrexham indicates there has been little need.

But he is a victim of his own success.

So consistently impressive has he been in front of goal that any wayward shot causes eyebrows to shoot up.

Trundle missed a penalty for the first time against Tranmere on the opening day and has coughed up at least two more golden opportunities in the opening five weeks of the campaign.

But he is not about to suffer a crisis of confidence.

"I didn't realise I was one away from 50," he adds.

"But that's not a bad record. Get my 50th tonight? Hopefully I'll get my 51st."

Even as he speaks, the other Evertonian in Jackett's squad is chirping away on the training ground.

Kevin McLeod, of course, leads the Swansea scoring charts - and indeed the division's - with a remarkable seven goals from six starts on the left wing this term.

"He's been giving me a bit of stick," Trundle admits through a smile.

"I think I'm going to have start tackling him when he goes through so he can't get any more goals.

"Seriously, it's good for the team that we've got goals coming from different people.

"We're all in it together and that's what we need if we're going to get out of this division."

Trundle is used to receiving the plaudits, but concedes something has changed in the last few weeks.

Swansea's success in League Two last season was built on a rock-solid rearguard which won much of the praise.

Now all eyes are on the most potent attack in all four professional divisions.

"I said at the start of the season that I didn't think we had anything to fear in this league and I think we're proving that at the moment," Trundle goes on.

"We have got players who like to play football and with the better pitches in this division, it suits us down to the ground.

"We won a lot of games 1-0 last season and that's fine, but it's much nicer to score a few goals.

"It's a lot easier when you don't have to battle and hang on at the end."

Fingers crossed, then, for another spree in Milton Keynes this evening.

Swansea look like being shorn of Bayo Akinfenwa and Leon Britton, but Paul Connor and Andy Robinson are ready to step in.

"These are players who would walk into anyone's team I think and the fact that they have been on the bench in the last couple of games just shows that we're a club moving forward," says Trundle.

"We have so many players who can create and score goals and to get seven in a local derby on Saturday was outstanding.

"I doubt there'll be anything like that tonight, but we go there full of confidence and I'm sure they won't be looking forward to playing us."

Swansea City boss Kenny Jackett has challenged Kevin McLeod to turn a stunning start into a special season. The former Everton winger heads to MK Dons tonight in the form of his life after smashing seven goals in his last four league matches.

But Jackett wants more from the player he brought to Wales from old club Queens Park Rangers back in February.

"I knew about it before, but Kevin has now shown everybody what he can do in this flash of games," Jackett said.

"The potential he has is there for all to see, but the next challenge for him is to be consistent throughout a season.

"I'm not saying I want him to score hat-tricks every week. That's unrealistic.

"But his work-rate, his tackling, his tracking back, his heading, his passing and his crossing can be consistent. That's what I want from Kevin now."

McLeod's form has left summer recruit Marc Goodfellow kicking his heels on the bench in recent weeks, though a hug from the substitute to the hat-trick hero at the end of Saturday's thrashing of Bristol City said something about Swansea's team spirt.

"I think it's helped Kevin having Marc here and it's great for the club," Jackett added.

"We have two natural left wingers and I'm pleased because they're not easy to find."

Swansea's home game with Yeovil has been brought forward to Friday, November 17 to avoid a clash with the rugby international between Wales and South Africa the following day.

Swansea's reserve game with Cardiff, scheduled for tomorrow, has been postponed.

Leon Britton insists Swansea City will not get carried away despite Saturday's sensational 7-1 demolition of Bristol City. Kenny Jackett's men will go top of League One if they win at MK Dons tomorrow after the club's best victory in 27 years - a mauling that caused the resignation of Bristol boss Brian Tinnion yesterday - made it 15 points from the first seven matches of the season.

Hat-trick hero Kevin McLeod is now the top marksman in the division, while a Swansea side who relied so often on their miserly defence last season are now the highest scorers in the land.

But Britton, supplier of goal No. 6 at the weekend, is adamant Jackett's players will not take their feet off the gas.

''It was a brilliant performance on Saturday and by winning our last three games we've shown that we can compete in this division,'' he said.

''We've shown we can cope, but it's still early in the season and we have to keep moving forward. We can't sit back because it will be no good winning 7-1 if we go and lose at MK Dons.

''We had three straight defeats before this little good run. We didn't get too down then and we're not going to get above ourselves now.

''I'm not going to start making any bold predictions about how we're going get promoted."

McLeod, whose previous best goal tally for a season was four, now has seven strikes to his name this term, while Lee Trundle is up to five and Bayo Akinfenwa four.

''There are goals in this team,'' said the former Queens Park Rangers winger.

''Lee will get 20 a season, Bayo gets his fair share, I've started pulling my finger out and there are others like Paul Connor and Andy Robinson.

''We could have had double figures on Saturday if we'd taken all our chances, but we did enough to win and, hopefully, we can keep doing that.''

Swansea will lose Britton, who was unfortunate to collect a fifth booking of the season at the weekend, and Kevin Austin, sent off in stoppage time, to suspension this week.

But Garry Monk could make a timely return after calf trouble with a testing trip to Hartlepool next Saturday to follow tomorrow night's clash with the former Wimbledon.

''Every single player was fantastic against Bristol City,'' said assistant boss Kevin Nugent.

''We have a very professional, fit, athletic squad whose fitness levels and talent shone through.

''We've shown what we're all about with that win, competing with a big club like Bristol City just a couple of years after we nearly went out of the league.

''But while the lads deserve plenty of praise for the progress we've made, they know they must stay level-headed and focus on MK Dons.''

Tickets for Swansea's next four home games, starting with Nottingham Forest on September 24, went on sale at The New Stadium today. Fans can pay at the turnstile tomorrow night.

It could have been more than six, someone suggested in the post-match press conference. ''It was,'' Kevin Nugent said through a grin as wide as the chasms that had earlier appeared in Bristol City's defence.

There had already been some thrill-packed games in the opening month of Swansea City's season, but this was on another level.

Football fans are used to inquiries about the score as they make their way home on Saturday evenings, but not by people who had been to the same game.

Such was the remarkable nature of Saturday's, er, contest at The New Stadium that some needed to check.

For those still looking for clarification, Kenny Jackett's men chalked up a 7-1 victory - Swansea's most handsome league success since Alan Curtis and Robbie James collected hat-tricks in an 8-0 drubbing of Hartlepool in 1978.

Of the goal-scorers this weekend, only Lee Trundle was on the planet back then. And he was one and a half.

Bristol City, favourites for promotion at the start of this season and perennial play-off contenders in recent times, had not endured such a thumping since the 1930s.

Poor Brian Tinnion. The former Robins player had been under pressure even before the trip across the Bridge, struggling to find his feet in the manager's office. Around 5pm on Saturday he could not bring himself to stand up.

Left slumped in the dugout talking into a mobile phone, he eventually took his conversation on to the pitch where his side had been embarrassed.

It needed the club's chairman, Steve Lansdown, to coax Tinnion down the tunnel some 30 minutes after the final whistle had stopped the flow of Swansea goals.

''It's been a disastrous day for us,'' said Lansdown, taking over the post-match duties from the beleaguered Tinnion.

''It was a humiliating result and a humiliating performance. We lost 7-1 and it could have been a lot more. We're lucky it wasn't double figures.

''In the circumstances, Brian doesn't feel able to come and talk about it.''

On this strange day, in fact, there were two silent managers.

Since arriving in South Wales some 17 months ago, Jackett has not once passed media responsibilities to his No. 2.

To his credit, he has always answered questions, whether in triumph or disaster.

It was perhaps to Jackett's credit also that after this most spectacular win of his reign he dispatched Nugent to receive the plaudits.

''I've been learning from Kenny all along,'' Swansea's player-assistant manager said.

''He's let me out for once and it's nice of him to do so. He is a very humble man.''

Jackett, meantime, was looking for answers in the referee's room. Typical Swansea, even after their biggest win in almost three decades, some of the focus was on discipline.

For Leon Britton and Kevin Austin both face one-match suspensions this week after mysterious cards.

Britton was booked two minutes after limping off with a hamstring injury for leaving the field without the referee's permission. Ridiculous.

Austin, booked for a tackle in the 84th minute, saw yellow again in stoppage time after a clash with Michael Bridges that left the Swansea defender needing stitches in a head wound. Odd.

''By all accounts Kevin got an elbow,'' Nugent said.

''That decision and Leon's booking were both very strange.''

The focus did not stay on discipline for too long, however. The lasting memory of this game was Swansea's goals, even if some found it a little tricky to recall how many there had actually been.

At the interval Jackett's side had managed only one, a curling Kevin McLeod corner that bent all the way into the net.

Still, there was a sense that the home side may regret their profligacy in front of goal, for they should have been at least three to the good by the turnaround.

Lee Trundle and Bayo Akinfenwa had both come agonisingly close, but they would not pay as it turned out.

Tinnion's team just got worse and worse, crumbling miserably in the face of a home side high on confidence.

Akinfenwa supplied goal No. 2 five minutes into the second half - a fine individual effort that saw him brush aside two defenders before guiding the ball home from 20 yards.

Next was a Trundle penalty after some shirt-pulling in the box.

Then, having seen an outrageous 50-yard effort pawed over the bar, McLeod arrowed home the fourth from a mere 30 yards out.

A quick Roberto Martinez free-kick saw Trundle poke home his fifth of the season before Swansea's Spanish skipper had a hand in goal No. 6.

Martinez ended a rare visiting attack by passing to Britton on the edge of his own penalty area.

Off went the former West Ham man on a 70-yard run that featured stylish stepovers and ended with a left-foot shot into the corner of Steve Phillips's net.

David Cotterill's strike offered a crumb of comfort for 700 travelling fans, but McLeod was soon celebrating his hat-trick at the other end.

Swansea were dancing a jig once more a minute from the end, but Izzy Iriekpen was denied because of a push.

Many thought Swansea had eight. That they did not mattered only to goal difference.

Five wins from seven League One matches represents a seriously encouraging start to the season.

Bristol City boss Brian Tinnion last night paid the price for a hugely disappointing start to the season as he stepped down as manager. Saturday's 7-1 hammering at Swansea City proved to be the final straw and Tinnion spent most of yesterday in crisis talks with chairman Steve Lansdown.

The talks ended with the former longserving midfielder relinquishing control of first team affairs at Ashton Gate after 15 months in charge.

Tinnion's assistant Keith Millen has been installed as caretaker-manager and will take charge for the first time against Blackpool on Saturday.

The popular player and club stalwart succeeded Danny Wilson in June 2004 after City lost the Division Two play-off final to Brighton.

His brief was to deliver Championship football to Ashton Gate, but last season City failed to reach the play-offs.

Despite high-profile signings such as Marcus Stewart and Michael Bridges, Saturday's defeat leaves the club languishing near the bottom of the table.

GOAL-CRAZY Swansea City smashed their way to their biggest League victory since John Toshack was playing for them - and then set their sights on more sizzling stuff against MK Dons tomorrow night.

Kenny Jackett's men hammered Bristol City 7-1 to take their tally to an incredible 15 goals in their last three matches.

Not since April 1978, when Toshack's side beat Hartlepool 8-0 at the Vetch in an old Division Four clash, have the Swans hit seven in a match.

Back then Alan Curtis and Robbie James each hit hat-tricks, with Pat Lally and Toshack himself also netting.

Jackett's No2 Kevin Nugent, who was sent out to speak to the media because the manager wants to emphasise the Swans team ethic, purred, "This was a fantastic result - and it could have been more than seven.

"This result shows just how far we've come. A couple of years ago we almost dropped out of the league.

"Today, we're beating the likes of Bristol City like this."

After the MK Dons clash, the Swans ironically clash on Saturday with the very team they hammered 8-0 those 27 years ago - this time up at Victoria Park.

Footnote: When the Swans went up there in April 2002, they had another 7-1 scoreline. Only on that occasion, they lost!

IT WAS the abiding image of an extraordinary afternoon. Brian Tinnion, alone and clearly distraught, wandering around the centre-circle as he talked on his mobile phone.
The Bristol City manager was trying to come to terms with his side's embarrassing defeat at the New Stadium - a defeat that ultimately cost the former Robins midfielder his job.

The reason for his frantic communications became clear 24 hours later when the 37-year-old agreed to relinquish his post after a faltering start to the campaign.

After adding Marcus Stewart and Michael Bridges - two strikers with a top-flight pedigree - to an already strong squad, the Ashton Gate public was expecting Tinnion to lead the Robins into the Championship this term.

But a return of six points from the first six games had put Tinnion under some early pressure so the last thing he needed on Saturday was to be on the receiving end of Swansea's biggest league win in 27 years.

From his dugout the Geordie watched in dismay - and probably disbelief - as Kenny Jackett's rampant Swans rammed seven goals past his dreadful Robins, six of them coming after the interval.

Yet it could have been even worse. Goalkeeper Steve Phillips made some fine saves and referee Tony Bates disallowed what appeared to be a valid Marcus Bean goal late on, ensuring the Swans did not hit double figures, as they seemed more than capable of.

"I'm sure Brian is shell- shocked but he won't want me feeling sorry for him," said Jackett's assistant Kevin Nugent, who played with Tinnion when he was on Bristol City's books from 1995-97.

"I've been on the end of a 7-0 defeat as a player. That was hard so it must be even worse if you're the manager.

"Brian was unfortunate today because he was without a few of his key players such as Steve Brooker, Alex Russell, Matt Heywood and David Partridge."

Swansea's in-form winger Kevin McLeod bagged a hat-trick to bring his tally for the season to seven. Lee Trundle netted two - his first from the penalty spot - while Adebayo Akinfenwa and Leon Britton also got in on the goal scoring act.

The quartet conjured up the Swans' biggest league victory since John Toshack's side beat Hartlepool 8-0 at the Vetch in a Division Four clash in April 1978.

It was four men who did the damage that day - Alan Curtis and the late Robbie James scored hat-tricks while Pat Lally and Toshack netted the other two.

Jackett's men have now scored an astonishing 15 goals in their last three League One matches. Milton Keynes Dons, who face Swansea tomorrow at the National Hockey Stadium, watch out.

"This is a fantastic result for us and it could have been more than seven," added Nugent.

"We're a fit and athletic squad and we've got talent. Today we showed what we're all about.

"For the first time this season we totally dominated the game. It was a great performance and we scored some great goals."

Jackett asked Nugent to speak to the media because he was keen to stress Swansea's current success is very much a team effort.

"This result shows just how far we've come. A couple of years ago we almost dropped out of the league. Now we're competing with the likes of Bristol City," continued Nugent.

"It's fantastic to score seven goals and the players deserve all the praise they get."

The result was a combination of Swansea playing great attacking football and Bristol City producing a shocker.

Time and time again the Swans opened up a defence that was as resilient as the Maginot Line.

"It's all about looking forward and we've got a game against Milton Keynes Dons on Tuesday," said Nugent.

"The players will be back in training on Monday and 10am and that's when the work starts for Tuesday's game.

"We'll keep them level- headed. It doesn't matter how many goals you score, whether it's seven or one, you still get three points for a win."

On the minus side, defender Kevin Austin became the fourth Swansea player to be dismissed this season after picking up two yellow cards while Britton will be hit with a one-match ban after collecting his fifth booking of the campaign, for leaving the pitch without permission.

Nugent described Austin's second booking, for retaliation on Bridges, as "very strange" and said they will look at the incident on video to see if there is a chance of an appeal.

"Every single player produced a terrific performance today. If I have to pick one player out it's Kevin McLeod who is doing really well," said the Swans No2.

"When he came to us in February he had an illness which had dragged on for a while.

"He hadn't been playing well until then and that had affected his confidence.

"But he has changed his lifestyle. He's living like a true athlete and it's really paying off for him on the pitch."

McLeod's first, which opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time, came direct from a corner. Akinfenwa doubled the lead shortly after the interval. Trundle made it 3-0 from the penalty spot before McLeod scored the best goal of the game, beating Phillips with a sensational 25-yard shot after evading Luke Wilkshire's challenge.

Not to be outdone, fellow Scouser Trundle got a second before Britton ran almost the length of the pitch for Swansea's sixth.

Wales Under-21 international David Cotterill pulled one back for the visitors inside the last 10 minutes with a well-taken strike, but McLeod had the final say three minutes from time.

Bean, on loan from QPR, thought he had made it eight when he headed McLeod's cross past Phillips but Bates had spotted an infringement.

Then there were Swansea's near-misses. In the first-half Akinfenwa headed just wide while Phillips, the only Robin who could return home with any credit, twice denied Trundle just before the break.

In the second-half Phillips denied McLeod with an excellent save after the winger tried his luck with a Pele-style long distance effort and near the end he again foiled the former Everton and Queens Park Rangers player who tried to finish off a three-man move involving Martinez and Trundle. In between Trundle went close with one of his free-kicks.

Robinson almost grabbed his first of the season in the last minute but Phillips turned his low shot away for a corner.

"It was a brilliant performance. We passed the ball about well and scored some cracking goals," said Britton, who was forced to quit the action with a hamstring problem. "It's still early days but we've shown we can compete at this level.

"We're only a few games into the season so I don't want to make any predictions but if we carry on playing like this then I don't see why we can't do something in this division.

"Confidence is high in the camp but we won't get carried away. The gaffer will make sure of that."

Swansea City 7-1 Bristol City

KEVIN McLEOD inspired Swansea City to their biggest win in 27 years as they demolished Bristol City with a second-half wonder show.

Not since they hammered Hartlepool 8-0 in 1978 have Swansea fans seen such a goal fest.

And the victory could have been even more convincing had Swansea taken more of the chances they created against an abysmal Bristol side.

The fact that it happened to the nearest thing Swansea have to a next-door neighbour in League One made the victory taste all the sweeter.

McLeod started the rout when he scored directly from a corner in first-half injury time.

And fittingly it was the skilful midfielder who finished the scoring off when he claimed his hat-trick in the 87th minute.

In between. in an amazing second half Swansea racked up the goals through Adebayo Akinfenwa, Lee Trundle, McLeod with his second, Trundle again and then Leon Britton.

It was the visitors' worst defeat since 1934 and it could have been even worse had Izzy Iriekpen's 89th minute header not been disallowed.

Manager Brian Tinnion's job is now hanging by a thread after a terrible start to the season.

He cut a dejected figure afterwards as he kept his own counsel in the centre circle leaving his chairman Steve Lansdown to describe the result as a "humiliation".

The only sour note of a quite unbelievable afternoon for Swansea was the late sending off of Kevin Austin for a second yellow card and a farcical booking for Britton which landed him a one-match suspension for reaching five cautions.

Wales under-21 international David Cotterill grabbed his first league goal on 81 minutes to make the scoreline 6-1 but the afternoon belonged to the home side who have now scored 15 goals in their last three league matches.

And no player is enjoying his football at the New Stadium more than McLeod. The former Everton and QPR midfielder came to Swansea last season desperate to repair a battered reputation.

Although the start to his Swansea career was hardly the one he intended, a punishing summer fitness regime has got him into the shape of his life.

McLeod's three-goal salvo took his haul to six in three games and seven overall and in this scintillating form he will be giving opposing defenders nightmares all season.

He opened the floodgates on the stroke of half-time curling in directly from the corner flag.

His second was even better, finding the top corner from 30 yards after shrugging off a half-hearted challenge to make it 4-0 on 69 minutes.

His eye for the extravagant saw him denied another from inside his own half when a shell-shocked Steve Phillips tipped the ball over the bar.

By his standards his third was positively boring, a tap-in at the far post after Andy Robinson's shot had been pushed into his path.

But although McLeod was the star performer it was by no means a one-man show.

Akinfenwa had snubbed Bristol to join Swansea and waltzed through the visiting defence to plant his shot past Phillips.

Trundle was denied a clear penalty after being tripped by Richard Keogh before actually scoring from the spot after Roberto Martinez had been dragged back on 57 minutes.

At 3-0 down Bristol had long since given up hope as the home fans' delirious chants of "easy" reverberated around the New Stadium.

A quick piece of thinking from Martinez at a free kick allowed Trundle to grab his second on 71 minutes.

Then Britton stormed past two defenders and had just enough energy left to make it 6-0.

A few minutes later he walked off after pulling a hamstring, and was booked for leaving the field without permission.

Cotterill's consolation goal for City hardly seemed to matter as McLeod made it 7-1.

A blood-splattered Austin was given his marching orders in injury time for a second yellow card after tangling with former Premiership striker Michael Bridges.

But even that wasn't enough to upset the celebrations at the final whistle.

KENNY JACKETT has warned his Swans they will "end up on their backsides" if they get carried away with their good start to the season.
Swansea City are only two points adrift of League One leaders Huddersfield and with a game in hand after winning four of their first six fixtures.

And they face Bristol City at the New Stadium today on the back of two impressive wins, a 5-2 victory at Walsall and a 3-1 home triumph over Barnsley.

But Jackett believes it is too soon to decide whether the Swans are genuine promotion contenders.

He reckons he will have a better idea of his side's potential after Swansea's 13th league match - at Yeovil on October 8.

"If we get carried away we could end up falling on our backsides," said Jackett ahead of the Severnside derby.

"The points total that separates the team in fifth from the one that is 18th can be very minimal.

"I think this is a very open league. Teams can take points off each other.

"You only have to look at how Nottingham Forest and Bristol City, two of the biggest clubs in the division, are going to see that.

"Doncaster beat us at our place and they are second from bottom with five points."

Bristol City are among the hot favourites for promotion, especially after signing strikers Michael Bridges and Marcus Stewart in the summer.

But Brian Tinnion's side are currently seventh-bottom after winning just one of their first six clashes.

Jackett, however, expects the men from Ashton Gate to come good and challenge for a top-six spot.

"They have some very good players and they've been in the top half of this league for the last seven years," said the Swans chief.

"It's early days. Considering the size of the club and the players they've got, Bristol City will be contenders."

Jackett also praised full-back Sam Ricketts (pictured) who has returned to the New Stadium after starring in Wales' World Cup double-header against England and Poland.

The former Telford player managed to tame dangerman Shaun Wright-Phillips during Wales' narrow 1-0 defeat against England.

"Sam had two good games for Wales. It's nice to have your players playing for national teams," said Jackett.

"I guess it has been a while since Swansea had someone playing for Wales in more than a one-off game.

"Sam has now played six games on the trot for Wales. You probably have to go back to the days of Alan Curtis for the last time we had a player playing that regularly for Wales.

"It's an achievement for Sam and it's also an achievement for Swansea City.

"We also had Owain Tudur Jones in the Wales U21 side. I'm proud of what these boys did in international week."

Tudur Jones misses today's match after picking up an ankle injury during the 4-0 reverse at the hands of the England U21 side.

Jackett is also without another midfielder, Kris O'Leary, who is also sidelined with an ankle problem.

Defender Garry Monk and winger Adrian Forbes are making good progress but remain on the casualty list.

Marcus Bean, back at Swansea for a second loan spell, will go straight into the Swans' engine room alongside skipper Roberto Martinez.

Tinnion has his fair share of injury woes. Striker Steve Brooker (achilles), winger Scott Murray (dead leg), midfielder Scott Brown (thigh) and defender Clayton Fortune (ankle) are all doubtful for the New Stadium trip.

He is already without former Sunderland marksman Stewart, who is missing with a broken finger.

"Swansea are still on a roll after promotion and will be very tough to beat," Tinnion told the club's official website.

The Robins chief ran the rule over Jackett's charges in their 3-1 bank holiday win over Barnsley.

"Barnsley were the better side on the day and were unlucky to lose but the supporters gave Swansea great backing and that's something we have to be prepared for. There's always an edge to Anglo-Welsh battles," he continued.

MARC GOODFELLOW is dreaming of "coming on and scoring" this afternoon when his former club Bristol City visit the New Stadium.

The 23-year-old winger was forced to quit Ashton Gate earlier this summer after being frozen out by Robins chief Brian Tinnion.

Goodfellow left Bristol to rejoin Swansea City - the club where he enjoyed a successful loan spell last season.

The former Stoke player made only five outings under former Robins team-mate Tinnion, who replaced Danny Wilson in the hot-seat after the club's play-off final failure against Brighton last year.

And Goodfellow, certain to start this afternoon's match on the bench because of Kevin McLeod's excellent form, said, "It would be nice to be involved in this game. It would be nice to come and score.

"I haven't got a point to prove to Brian Tinnion. I accept different managers have different opinions.

"But I have got a point to prove to the Bristol City fans because they never saw what I could do. When Brian took over he never gave me a chance.

"When I first joined Bristol City I was playing well and scoring goals. But then came a change of manager and that didn't help me."

It was Wilson who lured Goodfellow to the West Country, paying Stoke £50,000 up front for the winger's services in January 2004 in a deal that could have risen to £125,000.

The ex-Sheffield Wednesday boss regularly used him although most of his appearances were as a substitute.

Wilson was axed after the Brighton defeat and was replaced by veteran Robins midfielder - and Ashton Gate favourite - Tinnion.

Goodfellow clearly did not figure in the new manager's plans and he was loaned out to Port Vale, Swansea and Colchester.

"I had a foot injury when Brian became manager. I was out a long time and that's the reason he gave for not playing me," explained Staffordshire-born Goodfellow. "I went out on loan and did well, but when I came back to Bristol he kept saying the same thing to me. I don't know if it was an excuse or not.

"Sometimes your face doesn't fit and there's nothing else to do but move on."

Kenny Jackett made no secret of the fact he wanted to bring Goodfellow to South Wales on a permanent basis after he fired four goals in an impressive eight-match loan stint.

The Swans chief offered the Robins £25,000 for the player last January but it was turned down because they wanted £65,000.

But Jackett remained patient and snapped up Goodfellow in June on a free, taking over the remaining 12 months of his Bristol City contract with an option to sign him for another year.

Goodfellow believes his current club is in a healthier situation than the one he recently left.

He reckons the Robins have still not recovered from their shattering play-off final defeat against Brighton 19 months ago - a game Wilson's side were firm favourites to win.

Goodfellow made an 88th-minute appearance in that ill-fated match at the Millennium Stadium - four minutes after Leon Knight hit the winner from the penalty spot.

"I think Swansea are going forward quicker than Bristol City at the minute," he said.

"I don't think Swansea are quite as big a club as Bristol City right now, but it's in a better situation.

"Swansea is a better place to be. We've got a new stadium and great support. It's going to become a big club in the next five years.

"We've started this season well and things are going all right for us."

The Robins missed out on the play-offs last term and at present languish seventh from bottom after picking up only six points from their first six League One matches.

"They've been trying to get out of this division for the last few years. Their best chance was in that play-off final against Brighton," he said.

"After scoring two goals in the last few seconds against Hartlepool in the play-off semi-final, everyone thought Bristol would go on and win the final, but we didn't turn up for that game.

"They haven't done anything since then. They finished seventh last season when everyone expected them to get promoted and they haven't started this season very well.

"Brian Tinnion has signed some big players in the summer like Michael Bridges and Marcus Stewart, so they're expecting big things this season.

"The manager there is under pressure. When you bring in players like that, you expect to get something out of it at the end.

"Bristol need to be in the top two at the end of this season but the way they're going at the moment they're more likely to be in the bottom two."

Goodfellow started the campaign in Jackett's starting lineup but has since made way for McLeod, who has been in sizzling form, netting four goals in the last three league matches.

"The manager has told me why I'm not playing. Kevin came in against Doncaster as I was asked to play up front because Lee Trundle was injured," he said.

"Kevin did very well and scored so he deserved to stay in the team. When Lee was fit he went back into the side.

"Kevin has carried on scoring so it's hard to drop him. I've just got to bide my time and wait for my chance."

Adrian Forbes could be the sole absentee when Swansea City return to action against Bristol City next weekend. While Forbes continues to struggle with a worrying combination of knee and hamstring problems, Swansea are optimistic Garry Monk (pictured right) will emerge from the treatment room in time to face the struggling Robins.

"Fingers crossed we will have everyone accept Adrian," said boss Kenny Jackett.

"Garry Monk has done well with his calf. He should be stepping up his training today and we'll be delighted to have him back."

Kevin Austin (ankle), Kevin McLeod and Bayo Akinfenwa (both groin) all missed training last week because of slight problems but should all be available come Saturday.

The news is not so good for Forbes, who could be out for another three weeks with the injury he sustained at Huddersfield in the third game of the season.

"Adrian's had a major shake-up around the knee and it's taking a little while longer than we'd hoped to settle down," Jackett added.

"We're still assessing it at the moment and, hopefully, a shake-up is all it will prove to be."

(Letters)

My wife and I are both avid Swansea City supporters and full season-ticket holders and delighted with The New Stadium Swansea - or White Rock to give its proper name. However, the frustration of having to put up with a management company that cares less for the paying public is starting to annoy many, many people.

For example, why can't the ticket issues be sorted out?

Hundreds of supporters did not get into White Rock on Bank Holiday Monday to watch the Swans against Barnsley because of the farcical ticketing arrangements - all costing the Swans money.

Secondly, the quality of the food in the concourse together with the excessive pricing is putting people off. Fast food (in this day and age) is all that is on offer - madness.

I would like to point out I have e-mailed my concerns to Councillor Gerald Clement (StadCo chairman) but have not had a reply.

We have a wonderful opportunity to showcase The New Stadium, instead we discuss the failings of the management company to get to grips with running a sporting arena.

Welcome to White Rock - the new Leisure Centre fiasco. Stadco, please sort it out, or get out.

Rob Park

Heol Tircoed, Penllergaer,

Swansea.

Other letters from Saturday's Post

I Am surprised they didn't write 'five' in brackets when Swansea City's result came through on the videoprinter last Saturday night. You know, to confirm that there had not been a mistake and that Kenny Jackett's team really had thumped Walsall on their own patch.

Come on, be honest, who would have bet on Swansea going up there without Lee Trundle and coming away with a 5-2 win?

Not me.

When I heard that Trundle (pictured bottom right) was out injured, I thought oh heck, where are the goals going to come from?

How wrong I was.

The bank holiday weekend has told me that Jackett has a host of players capable of getting on the scoresheet, and that has to bode well for the rest of the season.

Look at Kevin McLeod (above and top right). He is like a new signing.

We didn't see him last year because, for whatever reason, he didn't exactly pull up any trees when he arrived from Queens Park Rangers. But he has started this season like a house on fire and the way he is going he could end up getting 15 goals.

The last player we had at Swansea capable of doing that was Robbie James, and it makes a huge difference to a side if you have got someone contributing like that from midfield.

That is not to mention Andy Robinson, who we know is worth eight or 10 goals a year, and Marc Goodfellow, who I am sure will score when given the chance.

Neither of those two has got going so far, and yet seven different players have already scored this season.

That is simply fantastic for the club.

WHAT it will do is take some of the pressure off Trundle's shoulders.

When you look back at last season, I think Swansea were a little bit fortunate that he stayed fit throughout and kept on scoring.

Promotion might never have happened without him, and it is not healthy to rely on one player all the time.

He is the confident type who will say he does not mind having the responsibility to keep on providing the goals.

Of course, he loves being top scorer.

But I think the goals coming from elsewhere will actually help Trundle's game.

I have not even mentioned Bayo Akinfenwa yet.

The first time I saw him play was for Barry again Cwmbran in the Welsh Cup final at Llanelli.

He looked liked he had never been on a football field before, and was substituted at half-time.

Then I saw him a couple of times playing for Torquay last season, and I remember thinking that someone must have got hold of him.

To score 16 goals in a relegated side is quite an achievement.

If chances are created for he him will score plenty of goals this season, and he will create plenty for other people with his physical presence.

He looks a really good signing to me.

PAUL Connor had a great game up at Walsall and yet he had to settle for a place on the bench come Barnsley last Monday.

He was entitled to feel unlucky, but you need to have more than two good strikers in your squad if you are going to do well.

He is off the mark now, and I am sure he will get his fair share of goals, too.

Even Roberto Martinez (below right) got in on the act last Saturday.

He is never going to score many because of the position he plays, but if he can get three or four over the season that will be a good return.

I would say the same about Leon Britton.

He is not a penalty box player who is going to get you 10 a season like Robinson or Goodfellow.

He is more of a Beckham-type provider who might create 15 or 20 for others over the season, and if he does that Jackett should be delighted.

I think everybody at Swansea should be well pleased with the way the squad, and the season, is shaping up.

When your former manager gets a bigger cheer than your current manager, it is clear all is not well at your club. That is the case at Bristol City just now, where another summer of great expectation is already weighing heavy on the shoulders of boss Brian Tinnion.

The signings of Marcus Stewart and Michael Bridges - among others - made the Ashton Gate club promotion favourites despite the big-money departure of last season's top scorer, Leroy Lita, to Reading.

But as so often in recent times, the Robins are underachieving.

Last weekend's 2-2 home draw with MK Dons made it just one win from six before today's meeting with Colchester United.

And how Tinnion needed a victory given the events of last weekend.

MK Dons, of course, are managed by Tinnion's predecessor Danny Wilson.

Back at his old club - where he was sacked after failing to deliver promotion - Wilson was greeted with rapturous applause by the locals while the current incumbent got only a lukewarm reception.

For Tinnion, a long-serving City player who took over as player-boss in summer 2004, that was difficult to take.

"It's a sad situation for me," he said.

"I've given 13 years of my best as a player for this club, through thick and thin for the fans, yet someone who was paid probably treble what I am earning was given a standing ovation when he couldn't get us out of the division after four years of trying.

"He (Wilson) has never had to sell anyone for £1million as I have had to (with Lita).

"I have generated £2m in transfer fees for the club since I took over and effectively brought in only two players on transfer fees (Steve Brooker £250,000 and David Partridge £150,000) if you consider we brought in Paul Heffernan (£125,000) and then sold him a year later for the same money.

"I gave Leroy his big opportunity, which Danny didn't, and what happens? He scores 30 goals in the season and gets sold for £1m.

"I haven't had £600,000 to spend on bringing Lee Peacock to the club like Danny had when he first took over.

"Give me four years to get it right like Danny had and if I haven't got this club promoted by then, I'm prepared to walk."

If results do not improve fairly soon, Tinnion may not getting anything like that time to make his mark just across the Bridge.

To compound his current misery, former Sunderland striker Stewart has broken a finger and definitely misses next Saturday's trip to South Wales.

There was a spell at Walsall last weekend when almost every time you looked up Swansea City scored a goal. So inviting was Andy Oakes's net, in fact, that even Roberto Martinez got in on the act.

While the Spaniard was troubling the scorers for the first time in more than two years, however, his away day room-mate was frustrated in front of goal.

"We won the game 5-2," Leon Britton recalls, "but getting back on the bus I was gutted.

"I should have scored in that game and I couldn't believe I hadn't."

Not exactly a prolific marksman himself, Britton did cough up a couple of chances at the Bescot, the beleaguered Oakes denying him once in each half when the latest in the procession of goals looked on the cards.

But for Britton to feel disappointed as Swansea headed home from the Black Country did not make sense.

For the ex-West Ham youngster had just conjured one of his finest performances since he took Vetch Field by storm in his first season in Wales.

No goals maybe, but plenty of effort and a significant dollop of class.

On a day of numerous impressive Swansea performances - such handsome away wins do not normally arrive without them - the diminutive Britton stood head and shoulders above the rest.

"Some of my performances last season were not at the level I hoped for," he admits.

"And last Saturday probably was one of my better ones in quite a long time.

"Hopefully I can keep that sort of form going in the matches to come."

Such a star in central midfield under Brian Flynn, Britton has not always been so effective in the right-sided role Kenny Jackett has often asked him to play.

He had appeared unhappy at times out wide last season, and yet his grand contribution at Walsall came from the flank.

So what has changed?

"I think sometimes in the past I've put too much pressure on myself before games," reckons Britton.

"I would go out there thinking 'I've got to do well, I've got to do well'. But recently I've just thought to myself 'relax and try to enjoy your football'.

"I know now that you're going to have games where things will go right for you and you'll have other games where things don't go right.

"I've realised there's no point beating yourself up about it. Trying to relax has definitely helped."

Britton is well aware he cannot take things too easily, however.

Jackett may have failed to recruit any new faces before Fifa's transfer window shut this week, but midfield is still the most hotly contested position in Swansea's squad.

Britton, Martinez, Kris O'Leary, Kevin McLeod, Andy Robinson, Marc Goodfellow, Owain Tudur Jones and Adrian Forbes are all competing for just four slots.

Britton's chance has come thanks to the injury collected by Forbes, Jackett's usual first choice on the right, at Huddersfield three weeks ago.

The former Luton winger still looks some way off a return, so Britton should get a few more opportunities to stake his claim in the role.

"It's not nice for Forbesy, but when someone gets injured it opens the door for another player and my aim has to be to keep my place even when he is fit again," Britton adds.

"You're only really happy when you're in the starting XI and I want to make sure I stay there."

With Kenny Jackett's improving side second in the table this morning, it is not only Britton who is enjoying life at The New Stadium.

He continues: "It was funny reading Paul Merson's comments after the Walsall game saying that we were only a mid-table side.

"I think we proved with that result and the win over Barnsley on Monday that we can do well in League One.

"I'm not saying we're going to finish up in the top two or anything, but if we keep playing like we are then we'll have a chance."

Too young to vote, only just old enough for driving lessons and already a Swansea City player. Teenager Shaun MacDonald is living the schoolboy's dream.

A couple of years back he was a pupil at Daniel James School in the week, a supporter on the North Bank at the weekend.

Now the boy from Blaenymaes is rubbing shoulders with Lee Trundle and Co in training every day.

And despite being the puppy of Kenny Jackett's squad - he only turned 17 in June - MacDonald has twice joined Swansea's senior stars on the pitch in the last fortnight.

"I did a little bit of training with the first team at the back end of last season," he says, "but this season has been amazing."

With injuries and suspensions limiting Jackett's options, MacDonald's senior bow came in extra-time in the Carling Cup defeat at Reading 11 days ago.

He saw 20 minutes of action after replacing another promising youngster, Owain Tudur Jones, and won praise from the manager in the wake of Swansea's 3-1 defeat.

Last Saturday came another substitute appearance, this time in the dying minutes at Walsall, before MacDonald dropped out of the 16 as Jackett's bigger-name players returned to the fold.

As a second-year scholar, he is expecting to spend most of his time in the youth team this season.

But MacDonald savoured his taste of the top level and the indications are that he will be back.

"Coming on at Reading was an incredible feeling," he adds.

"Just being on the bench was a big surprise and I never imagined it happening really. I only got a few minutes at Walsall, but it was nice to get on at the end of a cracking win in front of the Swansea fans."

MacDonald can play at centre-back but prefers the midfield role he has filled in his fleeting appearances to date.

You sense he would play in goal if it meant getting another call from Jackett.

"Manchester United are my favourite team in the Premiership, but I'm a Swansea fan," he goes on.

"My dad used to take me down to the Vetch when I was growing up and to be playing football for my city team now really is a dream come true."

ONE is a global superstar who rakes in around £120,000 a week at Real Madrid, the other a frighteningly quick winger who cost Premiership champions Chelsea £21m.

Asking Sam Ricketts whether he'd rather mark David Beckham or Shaun Wright-Phillips is a bit like asking a turkey whether he'd prefer to see Bernard Matthews or Jamie Oliver at Christmas time.

Either way, you suspect he could end up getting roasted.

The big question is whether England stick with a rigid 4-4-2 system that would see Beckham teasing Ricketts down the right or let the deadly Wright-Phillips loose on the Wales left-back as part of a more flexible 4-5-1?

Not until 3pm this afternoon will Swansea City star Ricketts really have an idea what he's up against. Only then will it truly dawn on him the phenomenal progress he's made over the last 12 months.

"Probably the worst scenario is England starting with Beckham on the right before bringing Wright-Phillips on for the last quarter of an hour just to finish me off," Ricketts smiles, perhaps half in excitement, half in nervousness.

"I guess I'll just have to take it as it comes!"

Beckham or Wright-Phillips? Real Madrid galactico or Chelsea's hottest new talent and a future kingpin of the England midfield?

For someone who was still playing Nationwide Conference football 18 months ago, and whose domestic diet currently includes matches against Scunthorpe, Yeovil and Doncaster, it is extraordinary Ricketts is even pondering which opponent he'll face.

"This'll be the biggest game I've ever played in, no question," said Ricketts, who continues to live the international dream six months after John Toshack first swung the Wales door open for him.

"When you're a kid you think, 'Wouldn't it be great to play against England in front of a full house at the Millennium Stadium.'

"Now I've got the opportunity to do it. It's massive. Playing in games like this is why you come into football.

"It's going to be something to remember - especially if you're playing against Beckham...or whoever, come to think of it, because England have got 11 world-class players."

Not even 11 months ago, when England beat Wales 2-0 at Old Trafford, could Ricketts have envisaged this happening.

"The night before that match, I was playing against Mansfield Town for Swansea at the Vetch," said the 23-year-old, as he prepares to collect his fifth cap against Eriksson's team.

"As far as I can remember, I've never played against any of the England players. The odd pre-season friendly against Premiership teams would be the closest I've come.

"I've never played against someone worth 20-odd million.

"I don't think I've even seen Beckham play live anywhere. A few years back I went to watch a few Manchester United games, but he wasn't playing.

"I wouldn't have thought he'll recognise me. I'm probably bottom of his list of people he's worrying about.

"Someone asked me who I'd ask to swap shirts with at the end of the match and I said I didn't know - I'd be happy with anyone's.

"Perhaps Beckham might want to do the dishes with my shirt or something!"

Of course it's extraordinary for someone who plies his trade in League One to be charged with the task of shackling a Beckham, a Wright-Phillips, or even a Phil Neville.

Come 3pm, though, there will be no question of Ricketts rubbing his eyes in star-struck amazement at those he's sharing a pitch with.

"People say I've got nothing to lose, but I expect things of myself," said Ricketts.

"You'd expect someone like Beckham to be better than me and to beat me easily, but it's down to me to stop that happening.

"How do you do that? With great difficulty, I'd imagine.

"Beckham can pick a pass out from anywhere on the pitch. In that sense he's a different type of player to a more traditional right winger who runs straight at you, like Wright-Phillips.

"Beckham is someone you've got to get tight to in order to stop him passing the ball. But, even if you do get tight, he'll probably just bend the ball round you to put it in the box anyway.

"The bottom line is I'm playing against people who play for Real Madrid and Chelsea, so I can only try my hardest.

"But it'll be a terrific experience to play against them just to see what I can do. I always hoped I would get into the Welsh set-up, but I didn't expect it to happen as quickly as it has done this year.

"Now I'm here, though, now I'm playing in such a huge match, I've got to take the chance with both hands.

"I've got to prove to myself and other people that I can do this."

A whole nation is watching.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins has criticised West Ham manager Alan Pardew for not loaning them Gavin Williams. The Wales midfielder has not played in the first team this season and is keen to join Swansea, but Pardew wants him to be loaned to a Championship club.

"It's a sad thing about football, players can lose a good opportunity when a manager thinks otherwise," said Jenkins. "Alan's view is strange."

Jenkins says Swansea will continue their midfielder search next week.

Merthyr-man Williams moved to the Hammers for £250,000 from Yeovil last December, leaving him little game time in any of the higher leagues.

"He's never really played at our level [League One]," Jenkins told BBC Sport Wales.

"It's better for someone to be playing there than not at all.

"If the player is comfortable moving to a club that is going forward - irrespective of the league they're in - that has to be in their best interests."

Swansea City fans are again being urged to buy tickets in advance ahead of their meeting with Bristol City on September 10. Many supporters missed the kick-off of last Monday's 3-1 win over Barnsley at The New Stadium because of ticketing problems.

Swansea are keen to avoid a repeat come their next home game, which is expected to attract a large crowd.

''We urge our fans to get their tickets in advance from the stadium office or the booking line,'' said Swansea director David Morgan. ''We are encouraging people not to leave it until the day of the game.''

The transfer window closed last night after a quiet day at Swansea, with no sign of players coming in or out of the club.

From zero to cult hero in a little over a fortnight. Kevin McLeod's Swansea City career has been more about promise than delivery ever since he switched to South Wales from Queens Park Rangers back in February. Until August 20, that was.

Then problems with suspensions and injuries saw Kenny Jackett summon McLeod for his first start of the season.

And, although Swansea ended up losing the game, the visit of Doncaster Rovers was a personal triumph for the ex-Everton winger.

He scored the first of four goals in his last three league games - a remarkably hot streak for a player whose total career tally stood at just eight before 2005-6.

And he gave a first airing to the swim-away celebration which has gone down so favourably with Swansea's supporters.

McLeod's breaststroke motion refers to the well-regaled story of how a group of Cardiff followers used Swansea Bay as their escape route when confronted by locals following a Vetch Field derby in the late 1980s.

But how come McLeod, an Everton supporter from Merseyside, has chosen the swim-away celebration, which is fast becoming Swansea's answer to the Ayatollah head-tapping that goes on at Ninian Park?

"You've got to do it, haven't you?" he says.

"I don't like Cardiff just like our fans don't like them, so I'm just joining in with them. For me it all stems back to the play-off final (when QPR played Cardiff) in 2003.

"Their fans were giving me a lot of stick. Then they chucked a sheep in a Cardiff shirt onto the pitch and I trod on it.

"Then they wanted the shirt back, but I just left it where it was. I was getting booed and jeered all through the game after that."

Things have never got quite that bad at Swansea, but it is fair to say McLeod prompted rumblings of discontent on the terraces at the back end of last season.

There were moments when his undoubted talent shone through - like when his sweet pass set up Adrian Forbes to settle the last ever league game at the Vetch.

But too often McLeod was a peripheral figure, disappointing through his lack of influence down the flank.

Watching his man-of-the-match performances against Doncaster and Barnsley, plus a fine showing at Walsall, it is not easy to believe that this is the same player.

So what has changed?

"I had a word with the gaffer," explains McLeod.

"Since then I've stayed off the drink and stopped the partying.

"I've concentrated on keeping myself fit and staying behind to do extra work after training. Basically, I've been acting like a professional footballer.

"The social life was a problem before I came to Swansea.You think 'I can't stop, I've got to go,' but when you're one of the lads it's not easy.

"But now I've got my family down here in Swansea with me so I just knock it on the head, go home and watch Match of the Day."

McLeod walked away with a bottle of champagne from the sponsors after his sterling display on Monday when two glorious strikes from outside the box sandwiched Lee Trundle's free-kick as Swansea climbed to second in League One.

On current form, the bubbly will soon be clogging up his fridge.

"I don't know if the goals will keep coming like they have," he says.

"But I'm glad to have helped the team get back to winning ways.

"The gaffer wanted six points over the Bank Holiday weekend to put pressure on other teams, and that's exactly what we've done."