Walsall raced to their seventh successive home league win to keep alive their automatic promotion hopes.

Swansea were unlucky to have a 16th-minute goal by Giovanni Savarese ruled out because of a foul on the goalkeeper, but once Brett Angell shot the Saddlers ahead after 33 minutes there was no doubt about the outcome.

In the second half Walsall ran riot as Angell scored his second after 51 minutes and top-scorer Jorge Leitao headed his 13th of the season after 65 minutes.

Steve Watkin pulled one back for Swansea with a 68th-minute penalty, before winger Paul Hall grabbed two more for Walsall to keep them on the heels of Millwall at the top of the table.

Walsall: Walker, Brightwell, Tillson, Roper, Aranalde, Hall, Bennett, Keates, Matias, Leitao, Angell. Subs: Marsh, Wrack, Byfield, Bukran, Barras.

Swansea: Freestone, Stephen Jones, Smith, O'Leary, Howard, Price, Romo, Lacey, Jenkins, Savarese, Watkin. Subs: Jason Jones, Cusack, Bound, Casey, Boyd.

Referee: M North

Walsall welcome back defender Zigor Aranalde for the visit of Swansea to the Bescot Stadium.

The match is subject to a Saturday morning pitch inspection.

The Spaniard missed the disappointing 2-1 defeat at bottom club Oxford due to a one-match ban awarded after he accumulated five bookings.

Striker Jorge Leitao came through the ill-fated Manor Ground clash unscathed after sustaining an ankle injury in the FA Cup defeat against West Ham.

Ray Graydon may also include new short-term signing Ronnie Ekelund in his squad after he missed out on a game in midweek when the LDV Vans Trophy clash with Wigan fell foul of the weather.

Graydon said: "The players will be looking forward to the game after the Oxford result."

THE New Plans differ from the previous planning applications in that they seek to erect a completely new, 25,000-seater stadium for football and rugby on the western side of the Tawe, together with the hotel and health and fitness club.

All of the retail floorspace (with the exception of the shop in the stadium itself), the cinema and bowling facilities and the restaurants, together with the relocated netball courts would be provided on the east.

The existing grandstand would be demolished. The two sides of the river would be linked by a new road over the Tawe and two pedestrian footbridges.

A new subway would link the existing Landore park and ride site to the stadium while enhanced bus interchange facilities and a subway under the old Neath Road to the west are also required, say planners.

SERIOUS questions are posed by council planners over the effect of the proposed massive Morfa Stadium development.

What will the impact be on other retail centres? Can Swansea sustain another multiplex cinema? How will Pare Tawe survive? And will it hit the proposed Castle Quays city centre redevelopment? How will traffic be affected? What about the environmental impact?

In a 100-page planning report, the planners said the consultants for the scheme, Chapman and Warren, concluded 'the vitality and viability of other retail centres would not be put at risk."

But to test that the council sought independent expert advice from retail planning specialists Roger Tym and Partners — they reached a different conclusion.

They warned the impact on Parc Tawe would be considerable, at 14.4 per cent of trade and they voiced concern regarding its "effect on investor confidence and the ability to promote development at Castle Quays without undue delay.'

Council planners concluded that "while retail impact studies may not be a precise science, there would appear to be sufficient capacity to support the development of the currently proposed retail scheme at Morfa along with existing commitments.

"Between them, however, they are likely to absorb almost all future comparison goods expenditure growth up until 2006 and Roger Tym and Partners consider that in the short term this will have a negative effect upon investor confidence in the city centre."

But council planners accept the retail element of the scheme is vital "as enabling development for the stadium and the creation of a regional sports focus at Morfa."

They said: "There wouldn't be a significant reduction of trade away from Parc Tawe."
And council consultants Donaldson said that without a multiplex and bowling alley the scheme showed a deficit.

Chapman and Warren said Swansea has the potential to support three multiplex units, but council experts insist that is over-optimistic.

Realistic

One extra multiplex with a further 12 screens would be a more realistic appraisal of theoretical demand, concluded the planning officers.

They added: "The market for multiplex cinema development is far less buoyant than it was two years ago.

"There is no evidence of current market interest from a new operator. There is a risk of a detrimental impact on the vicinity and viability of the city centre. This would be particularly serious if UCI were to seek relocation to Morfa ;

Traffic assessments of the impact of the new stadium have been carried out based on stadium attendance of 8,500 in 2002, rising to 15,000 in 2009.

Highway chiefs said in terms of the commercial development it was essential the capacity of Addis and Pentrechwyth roundabouts was increased to accommodate the predicted traffic.

Regarding the stadium, a package of measures was needed to provide remote car parking, control car parking and improve bus facilities.

Subject to the following there were no highway objections:

•Improvements to the capacity of the Addis and Pentrechwyth roundabouts;
•Pedestrian links (with subways) to park and ride and Neath Road. Also surface level link to Pentrechwyth;
•Bus passenger facilities in Neath Rd;
•A bus facility to be provided within the curtilage of the retail area.
•Directional signing.
•The development of a travel plan(including park and ride, encouragement to use non-car transport and police control);
•A scheme for traffic regulation orders in the vicinity and in residential areas; and
•The accommodation of National Cycle Network route 43 through the site, together with cycle storage.

Swansea planners have recommended the scheme is approved. But it has to go to the Assembly because of its sheer size and the regional importance.

Residents have voiced concerns over the loss of the green fields, one of the few remaining green lungs in the centre of the city.

The Assembly too will pose the questions. What conclusion it reaches remains to be seen.

LANDORE businesses and residents will fight multi-million pound plans to build the new Morfa Stadium on the west bank of the River Tawe.

They fear violent incidents and anti-social behaviour while shop owners fear road closures could force them out of business on match days.

David Miles, who runs DSM Plant Hire in Neath Road, said: "All the businesses in the area are concerned about their livelihoods.

"I was born in Landore and have been in business here for 30 years and now I feel I am going to be forced out.

"I don't know if I can set up elsewhere and I have four staff.'' Peter Phillips, from fitness centre Better Bodies in Neath Road, said the latest proposals for the stadium would increase rubbish, noise and vandalism in the area.

He said earlier plans to build the stadium on the east side of the River Tawe were far more acceptable and environmentally friendly.

"The latest proposals for the siting of the stadium are an abomination and the impact on the community will be huge," he said. Carer Sandy Taylor, aged 42, of Waun Wen. who looks after a resident in Neath Road. said she was worried about potential violence and parking problems.

"I would say to the councillors — you wouldn't want this in your area, would you?

"We are looking at getting the planning application called in by the Assembly," she added.

"It was fine when it was going to be a stadium on the existing site but this plan could turn into a nightmare," she said.

Homeguard (Wales) director Charles Cole said: "We can't get any guarantee there won't be problems with policing. It is well-known that problems in Sandfields on match days are unbelievable.

"They're talking about putting an underpass to come out by Rossi's fish bar and there will only be 1,000 parking spaces. Where is everybody going to park?

"Business is best on a Saturday but if this plan goes ahead it will be decimated." Jack Miller, aged 74, of Tabernacle Street, said he was concerned about noise, fumes, lack of parking spaces and loss of playing fields to make way for the stadium.

"You can understand why we are so worried. Parking will be a nightmare, our cars could be damaged," said Mr Miller. "We wanted the council to stick to the original plan and put the stadium on the eastside. where it is now." he added.

Council planners are recommending approval for the development and the stadium could be ready by September 2002.

Ray Graydon has ruled out any experiments as the Saddlers aim to get back to winning ways against struggling Swansea tomorrow.

After crashing to a 2-1 defeat at rock-bottom Oxford last week, the worried Walsall boss needs three points to keep his promotion drive on track. Graydon was aiming to bring in some younger players in Tuesday's postponed LDV Vans Trophy tie with Wigan.

But he will revert to the tried and tested line-up as Walsall look to make it eight league wins on the bounce at home. The Saddlers, who have been using braziers to move the frost from the pitch, are unbeaten in the Second Division at Bescot and determined to keep the home fires burning.

Graydon said: "We owe Swansea a return on what they gave us over Christmas at The Vetch when they won 3-1, and my players owe me something after the performance at Oxford last week.

"Swansea are desperate for points to improve their position, but we need to win because if it wasn't for our home results we would be in trouble in terms of winning something this season.

"Since the Oxford defeat we have had a very interesting week and the players have been left in no doubt that things were not acceptable.

"But we are still handily placed as we go into two successive home games." Swansea have won only one of their last 14 games - against Walsall - now they are hoping for an unusual double over one of the divisions top teams.

Walsall manager Ray Graydon has been given a triple fitness boost as he prepares his side for tomorrow's Bescot clash with Swansea City.

Strikers Jorge Leitao and Darren Byfield and midfielder Dean Keates have all been under treatment this week but are fit to face the Welshmen.

Leitao had been battling to shake off the ankle injury that he picked up against West Ham United in the FA Cup third round clash earlier this month. Byfield and Keates were both injured during last weekend's dismal 2-1 defeat at the hands of bottom of the table Oxford United.

Byfield suffered a foot problem and Keates a knee injury. Graydon's only fitness doubt now surrounds Hungarian international midfielder, Gabor Bukran, who has a slight hamstring strain. One change that Graydon looks certain to make is to recall Spanish left-back Zigor Aranalde. He missed his first game of the season - and his first game as a Walsall player - when he was serving a one match ban last weekend.

Having been given a roasting by Graydon after the debacle at the Manor Ground, there will also be revenge in the air for the clash with Swansea. Like many other teams this season, the Welshmen hammered Walsall on their travels, winning 3-1 at the Vetch Field on Boxing Day.

Despite their struggles away from home, Bescot remains something of a fortress with West Ham still the only side to win there this season. Walsall will be chasing their 11th home win in 14 League games - a run that has ensured they remain in the thick of the promotion race despite their woeful away form.

Walsall: Walker, Brightwell, Barras, Tillson, Aranalde, Hall, Bennett, Bukran, Matias, Leitao, Angell.

Swansea City boss John Hollins is hoping that his players rise to the occasion once more tomorrow when they take on promotion-chasing Walsall at the Bescot Stadium.

He knows that his players perform better against higher-quality opposition and the Midlanders have pushed Swansea to the limits this season in a Boxing Day Christmas cracker.

The Vetch Field outfit came out on top that day 3-1 with one of their best displays of the season thanks to goals from Venezuelan hitman Giovanni Savarese, Steve Jones and Steve Watkin.

Hollins knows that another display like that will give Swansea the best chance of a result tomorrow.

"The harder the game, the more you are under pressure," said Hollins.

"But it seems my players thrive under that pressure.

"We have tended to give teams a goal or two start in the past few games.

"It's about time we got off to a good start ourselves then we will see how we can perform when we go one or two goals up.

"We did not play badly against Peterborough in the first half last week but found ourselves two goals behind.

"If we can possibly put our second-half performance into the first half then who knows what will happen?"

Hollins will be hoping that the Bescot Stadium pitch will stand up to the freezing weather which has struck the country.

Wallsall's stadium manager Roger Johnson has been using braziers to try and thaw out the pitch after the midweek game against Wigan in the LDV Vans Trophy was called off.

Manager Ray Graydon may look to change things around against Swansea after last week's dismal 2-1 defeat at Oxford.

The former Aston Villa winger may choose former Southampton midfielder Ronnie Ekelund who is on an extnded trial at the club.

Swansea City:
(From) Freestone, Jones, Price, Bound, Smith, Howard, Roberts, Jenkins, Romo, O'Leary, Lacey, Watkin, Savarese, Cusack, Casey, De-Vulgt J Jones, Keegan.

Walsall:
(From) Walker, Brightwell, Barras, Tilson, Marsh, Wrack, Bennett, Bukran, Matias, Byfield, Leitao, Angell, Ekelund, Emberson, Roper, Hall, Keates.

Swansea City's youth team went out of the FA Youth Cup last night in a fourth-round replay at Bramall Lane.

The brave youngsters went down 2-1 to Sheffield United to end a superb cup run.

SAM HAMMAM’S plans offering Cardiff City, Swansea City and Wrexham a route back to Europe, have been given the thumbs down by Uefa and the Football League.

And they will be opposed by Welsh FA member Alun Evans at next Thursday’s special council meeting called to discuss the revolutionary proposals.

Hammam, City’s owner, believes the anomaly preventing Wales’s three Football League clubs competing in Europe, can be overcome by them each taking over a current League of Wales club. He wants to buy Cwmbran Town.

City, Wrexham and the Swans could then compete for Champions’ League or Uefa Cup places via the League of Wales while remaining in the Nationwide League, he claimed.

“I have studied all the rule books and can find nothing to prevent a Nationwide League club buying a League of Wales club,” said Hammam.

But a Uefa spokesman said yesterday, “It is not going to be possible for the same players to be allowed to play in different leagues in different countries.

“Initially, it is a matter for the Welsh Football Association to consider but I do not think they will proceed.”

The Football League has been made aware of Hammam’s idea, but a league spokesman said it was “highly unlikely” the matter would be taken further..

Evans, the League of Wales representative on the FAW, reckons the plan stands “very little chance at all.”

He added, “I think Sam Hammam is marvellous for publicity but rather unaware of the realities of Welsh football.

“According to the League of Wales rules it’s not possible for a club to have a nursery club or the same players operating as two teams in separate national leagues.

“Nor is a nursery side or reserve team of any existing club allowed to compete in Wales’s national league. Cardiff City might be able to buy a stake in a League of Wales club. But that’s as far as they could go.

“Rick Wright (a previous City owner) tried to form a club called Cardiff Majestic in the League of Wales. It failed then. It will fail now.”

Council officers are recommending the go-ahead for a major commercial development at Swansea's Morfa Stadium even though consultants are warning it will have a significant impact on Parc Tawe.

Hundreds of jobs will be created by the multi-million pound stadium development.

It was announced yesterday that the plans will go before city planners at a special council meeting to be held on January 29.

They will be told that a consultants' report had found commercial and retail developments at Morfa, including a cinema and restaurants, would not prejudice projects such as Castle Quays or undermine city centre shops.

But it added: "However, the consultants consider that there would be likely to be a significant impact on Parc Tawe and a potential short-term threat to investor confidence in the city centre."

The report warned that without the commercial side of the Morfa development the stadium project would not be economically viable.

The 100-page document on the project will be considered at next Tuesday's meeting of the area development control committee.

Council highways chief Paul Thomas said the scheme would lead to increased traffic.

Improvements to the capacity of the Addis and Pentrechwyth roundabouts and a package of measures to encourage people to use public transport, cycle or walk would be necessary.

The council said the size of the stadium is designed to allow it to be used not only by the Swans and Swansea RFC but for smaller international soccer matches considered unsuitable for the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and for large events such as pop concerts.

Swans Supporters' spokesman Dave Morgan said: "It means the stadium is that much further ahead than it was and that is to be welcomed.

"However, many people will not believe that it is happening until they see the diggers move in.

"It has been one great big saga and we hope it is now nearing the end," he added.

Council leader Mike Hedges said the development would bring hundreds of new jobs to Swansea and secure hundreds of others.

"It is vital for the future of both clubs — the Whites and the Swans — that Morfa goes ahead," he said.

Deputy council leader Lawrence Bailey said: "It is one of a series of major projects designed to reinforce Swansea's status as a regional centre."

The plans involve large-scale retail and leisure uses at Morfa, including a 14-screen cinema, health and fitness club, 60-bedroom hotel, drive-through restaurant, two other restaurants and a bowling alley.

There would be another bridge across the River Tawe, new roundabouts, bus stops and associated landscaping, as well as a link road through the site.

Two pedestrian foot bridges would also be built.

SWANSEA CITY and Wrexham will follow Cardiff City into the League of Wales if Sam Hammam’s revolutionary plan to buy-out Cwmbran Town is given the go-ahead.

The Bluebirds’ owner wants to take over Cwmbran Town and play in European competition using players from City’s squad.

Football Association of Wales officials will discuss the proposal on January 25 and the two other Welsh league clubs will be watching the situation closely.

If Hammam is allowed to buy Cwm-bran and field a Bluebirds team in the League of Wales as well as the Nationwide League then Swansea and Wrexham will follow suit.

“This is not a Cardiff thing, it’s a Wales thing,” Hammam said yesterday. “If this comes off as I hope it will, Welsh football will very much be the winner.”

Mike Lewis, Swansea City’s managing director, said, “In essence, we are in agreement with Sam’s idea. If the FAW were to give the green light to Cardiff, it would certainly be something that we would look closely at.”

The three Nationwide League clubs were banned from Europe five years ago after Uefa ruled their participation in the English game meant they could not compete in the Welsh Cup, their

route to European football.

“It’s a major concern of ours that we need to get more of our non-playing first team players involved in regular,

competitive fixtures. This is something that Sam’s proposition provides,” added Lewis.

“If it were to open up the possibility of a return to European competition then it would be even better.

“But we don’t want to do anything that upsets the English football authorities because, at the end of the day, they have the ultimate decision on who does and who doesn’t play in their league.

“However, we long for the day when a club from outside the UK plays here. We badly miss those European games.

“At the moment, and because of the competition’s structure, none of the League of Wales sides get past the preliminary round. That’s not flying the flag for Welsh football, is it?”

Hammam’s move could be rubberstamped by the end of the season, which means if Cwmbran finish in the position they currently hold, which is second, then the Bluebirds will be playing in the Uefa Cup next season.

But if Cwmbran win the championship, then Cardiff could be playing in the Champions’ League.

David Rhodes, managing director of Wrexham, said, “We support Cardiff’s idea. We are interested in anything that leads to a way back into Europe without jeopardising our Nationwide League place.

“We will be watching developments in Westgate Street very closely. If the FAW agree to the idea then of course we’d have to look at doing the same thing, especially if there is a chance of playing in Europe.”

There are obstacles to Hammam’s plan. The League of Wales rule book states that no reserve side can take part in the league while Uefa insists no club can play in two different national leagues.

Rhodes believes the Lebanese tycoon’s idea has several merits. “The League of Wales would be strengthened if Cardiff, Swansea and ourselves were involved,” he said.

A probe is under way after a fire broke out in the Centre Stand at the Vetch Field during Saturday's Division Two clash against Peterborough.

A discarded cigarette end is believed to have started the minor blaze, although it is feared it could have taken greater hold had it not been spotted by Peterborough squad member Dean Hooper who was watching the game with other Posh staff.

There were around 2,000 fans in the mainly wooden stand with plastic seats, but the flames were put out by stewards using fire extinguishers.

Spectators have said they were told by stewards that things could have been worse had Hooper not spotted the outbreak, and though the fire brigade did not need to be called, environmental health officers from Swansea Council have asked the club for an explanation.

However, Swansea's Financial Director Martin Burgess said the stand was "mainly concrete" and that the cigarette could have slipped through a gap and set fire to dry grass!

Lions switch confirmed

The Football League have ordered Swansea to put their home Division Two match against Millwall back a day to Sunday, February 11.

The match will now be kicking off at 1.00pm and follows top level meetings at the start of the week between the South Wales and Metropolitan Police forces, with League spokesman Dave Cookson saying: "After looking at the police evidence, we felt we couldn't ignore what they were saying.

"We agreed to the police request to switch to Sunday lunchtime in the interests of police safety." The Swans have always opposed the switch and Managing Director Mike Lewis said: "We always favoured the Saturday. The police say that Millwall are bringing 2,500 fans, but they took 3,000 to Reading the other week and there was no trouble."

The Swans had suggested a 7.45pm kick-off on the Friday if a switch was unavoidable, but the police refused. Lewis has now insisted ordinary fans would now suffer as their plans to see the game would have to be altered at the police request.

He also pointed out the Swans would be hit financially with the match sponsor likely to pull out, and with a greater chance of a reduced attendance, he said it was likely the club would press for compensation from the police.

Travel House millionaire Martin Morgan has dismissed speculation linking him to a proposed takeover of Swansea City.

With Swansea chairman Neil McClure expected to announce the sale of the Vetch Field club by the end of the month, Morgan has been tipped as the favourite to take over.

The 38-year-old Swans fan, said to be worth around £40million after the sale of his Swansea-based Travel House business to holiday giants Thomson, has been linked to the club for some time.

McClure tried to persuade Morgan to join the board of directors last year, but he declined and took up a non-executive post with Swansea Rugby Club instead.

The asking price, believed to be around £2million, would be a snip of Morgan's fortune, but the former welder from Plasmarl has ruled out the move because of time rather than money.

While Morgan did not want to be drawn into the Swansea City saga, he told the Evening Post : "I've got three large projects on the go at the moment with Swansea Airport, The Travel House and a new hotel.

"These projects are consuming all my time at present and I've got to focus all my efforts on them. The rumours linking me with a takeover of Swansea City are not true."

Even Swansea-born actress Catherine Zeta Jones and husband Michael Douglas have been linked with the club.

But former Swansea chairman Robert Jones, Catherine's uncle and current supremo at League of Wales club Llanelli, ruled out the link.

"Catherine has watched quite a few football games at Llanelli," explained Jones. "But I wouldn't think her or Michael would be interested in the Swans.


Swansea City have reacted angrily to the Football League's decision to rearrange their Vetch Field clash with Millwall next month.

Swansea communications manager Peter Owen confirmed today that they will be submitting a compensation claim to the Metropolitan Police for loss of income after the game was switched from Saturday, February 10 to the following day with a 1pm kick-off.

Evidence from the Metropolitan Police suggested the match should be moved in the interests of public safety, but Swansea today hit back.

"We look likely to lose our match sponsor as his guests will not be able to attend the game now," said Owen. "We also think the attendance will suffer.

"Some Millwall fans will not travel because of the switch and some Swansea fans may not turn up because of the fuss stirred up by the police.

"We will be filing a claim for compensation to the police based on the money that we'll lose because of this."

The police told the Football League that 700 known hooligans could make their way from London to the game and also claimed there could be trouble after what happened at the New Den when the two teams met in September.

The game ended 1-0 to Millwall but 20 fans, from both sides, were ejected from the ground during the game and there were violent clashes between rival supporters at London Bridge.

Police also had to close Victoria Station for a time as they sought to disperse the travelling supporters.

However, Owen believes there would not be similar problems at the Vetch Field.

"We have a barrier system which has been well tested to keep opposing fans apart," he added. "We won a Nationwide award earlier in the season for the quality of our stewarding.

"We have been dictated to and at least if it had been moved to the Friday night some Millwall fans wouldn't have travelled because of work commitments.

"Two seasons ago the game was moved to a Friday and there were no problems.

"The police also said that Millwall are expected to bring 2,500 fans here, but they took more than 3,000 to Reading last weekend and there were no problems.

"By playing at 1pm the troublemakers who want to come will still do so."

But Owen hopes the Swansea faithful will not take too much notice of the concern shown by the police.

He added: "I would tell them not to listen to what the police have said and look back on the many safe experiences they have enjoyed at the Vetch Field."

Swansea will have to find a new date for their home game with Wycombe scheduled for January 27. Wycombe will be involved in the third round of the FA Cup following last night's 3-1 win at Grimsby.

SWANSEA CITY are to submit a compensation claim to the Metropolitan Police following the decision to put their home game with Millwall back 24 hours.

The Swans will claim for loss of income after the game was switched from Saturday, February 10 to Sunday, February 11 with a 1pm kick-off following Metropolitan Police advice that the match should be moved in the interests of public safety.

Swansea did not want the fixture changed but suggested, if the game were to be moved, that it be played on the Friday night with a 7.45pm start.

Communications manager Peter Owen said, “The Metropolitan Police wanted the game moved because they felt there was the serious possibility of trouble.

“The club objected to this as we believe we can combat any problems and little has gone wrong at the Vetch Field in recent years.

“But the Football League have insisted we move it in the interests of safety.

“We look likely to lose our match sponsor, as his guests will not be able to attend the game now. We also think the attendance will suffer.

“One reason is that some Millwall fans will not travel because of the switch. The other is that Swansea fans may not turn up because of the fuss stirred up by the police.

“We will be filing a claim for compensation to the police based on the money that we’ll lose because of this.”

The police told the Football League that as many as 700 known hooligans could make their way from London and also claimed there could be trouble after what happened at the New Den when the two teams met in September.

Some 20 fans, from both sides, were ejected from the ground during the game and there were violent clashes between rival supporters at London Bridge.

Police also had to close Victoria station for a time as police sought to disperse the travelling supporters.

However, Owen believes there would not be similar problems at the Vetch Field.

“We have a barrier system that has been well tested to keep opposing fans apart and we won a Nationwide award earlier in the season for the quality of our stewarding,” he said.

“We have been dictated to and at least if it had been moved to the Friday night some Millwall fans wouldn’t have travelled because of work commitments.

“Two seasons ago the game (in the FA Cup) was moved to a Friday and there were no problems.

“Also the police said that Millwall are expected to bring 2,500 fans here, but they took more than 3,000 to Reading last weekend and there were no problems.

“By playing at 1pm the troublemakers who want to come will still do so.”

Swansea City's FAW Premier Cup clash with Connah's Quay tonight is in doubt again.

Llanelli referee Nigel Richards carried out a 5pm inspection at Vetch Field last night after heavy frost had made the pitch rock solid.

While he deemed it playable at that stage, Richards was due back at the club at noon today for a second inspection with the Centre Stand shadow causing the most concern.

Swansea's Second Division fixture against Peterborough on Saturday also had to beat two pitch inspections before being given the go-ahead.

The Group C meeting was washed out in November after the League of Wales side travelled the six hours from North Wales only to be sent back home 30 minutes before kick-off.

Swansea were hoping to announce their decision early to prevent Connah's Quay making another wasted journey.

Manager John Hollins is hoping the game goes ahead to give Matthew Bound, Nick Cusack, Walter Boyd, Steve Jones, Ryan Casey, Leigh De-Vulgt, Jason Jones and Michael Keegan some action for different reasons.

Meanwhile, the Second Division clash with Millwall has been moved back to a Sunday on Football League orders.

Millwall were due at Vetch Field on Saturday, February 10, but the intervention of the South Wales and Metropolitan Police has put the game back to a 1pm kick-off the following day.

Swansea objected to the switch, but failed to get the backing of the Football League who were concerned with public safety.

Police feared a repeat of the violence that marred Swansea's trip to London in September. With the club top of the Second Division, police are expecting around 2,500 Millwall fans at Vetch Field.

Swansea failed to bring the game forward to the Friday night and are now expected to submit a compensation claim to the police for loss of income.

THE expected sale of Swansea City FC for an estimated £3m has led to heightened speculation about potential new owners, with long-term fan Martin Morgan being linked to a possible consortium takeover.

Morgan, the former BP welder who became one of the richest men in Wales when he sold his 23-shop Travel House chain to holiday giants Thomson for £22.5m in 1999, is now involved in running Swansea Airport with his wife and business partner Louisa.

The soccer-loving entrepreneur also has plans to open a major hotel in the centre of Swansea. He made it clear when the sale of Travel House was announced that he was not prepared to “lie on a beach doing nothing”.

Originally from Plasmarl, Swansea, 38-year-old Morgan has been a visitor to the Vetch Field since he was a young boy.

Unavailable for comment yesterday, many have linked the fan with a sharp business brain to a possible takeover consortium headed by former Swans chairman Steve Hamer, another long-term Swans fan.

Hamer left the club last year after expressing his displeasure with a share flotation scheme.

Current club chairman Neil Mc-Clure, who did not endear himself to Swansea supporters last year when he made it known that he was a Norwich City supporter, is widely expected to announce the sale of the club at tomorrow’s board meeting.

The asking price has been put at around £3m. The club’s yearly accounts are expected to show a £500,000 loss.

But Swansea City’s parent company Ninth Floor is negotiating a deal to establish a new 25,000 stadium two miles away from the outdated Vetch Field at Morfa.

This would be surrounded by a major shopping mall, cinema complex and ten-pin bowling centre.

And the club has the potential to draw in big crowds from across South West Wales if success can be achieved on the field.

McClure would not comment on the sale speculation yesterday but did say that “an announcement” would be made at tomorrow’s board meeting.

He said, “We are in the process of reviewing everything at the moment, that picture will become clear on Wednesday.”

Swans manager John Hollins said yesterday however that his team had to remain focused on playing.

He said, “All the speculation about the finances of the club has no effect on us ... that is for business people only. Our job is to play football.”

TORQUAY UNITED last night said they had not received any formal approach from Swansea City for striker Tony Bedeau.

Swans manager John Hollins has been linked with the 21-year-old forward who would cost the Welsh club £150,000.

But Torquay chairman Mervyn Benney said there had been no inquiry from the Second Division club and dismissed the speculation as Hollins refused to confirm interest in the London-born striker.

Sources in Devon insist the Swans are interested in the pacy Bedeau, who scored 17 goals for the Gulls last season, and that Hollins has already made one attempt to sign him.

But Mike Lewis, Swansea’s managing director, said yesterday, “John has not come to us with a player he wants and a sum of money alongside that.

“We will look at that if it occurs, but at the moment it’s a loan player we are looking at to supplement the team.”

Goalscoring has been a problem for the Swans all season, although Giovanni Savarese, who has scored 10 goals in 14 games since arriving last October, has partly solved the problem.

Bedeau was valued at £500,000 Torquay two years ago but his disappointing form this season - he has only netted six goals - has caused his valuation to fall.

He was dropped from the starting line-up that lost 5-0 at Blackpool on Saturday, appearing as a 65th-minute substitute.

Several other clubs have shown an interest in him, including Stoke, but Rochdale are the only club to have made an official offer for him, agreeing to pay struggling Torquay £150,000.

However, Bedeau did not agree to the move because he wanted to sign for a club in a higher division rather than join another Third Division team.

Hollins is not confident of receiving money from chairman Neil McClure to spend on new players.

He will meet him at a board meeting tomorrow with speculation mounting that McClure is ready to put the club up for sale at £2m.

“I’ve got no doubt we can stay up without any new players,” Hollins said yesterday. “All the speculation about the finances of the club has no effect on us.

“Our job is to play football. If we maintain our drive and determination, and the players take on board the knowledge we pass onto them, then we’ll be all right.

Swansea City’s FAW Premier Cup game against Connah’s Quay Nomads at the Vetch tonight is in doubt.

A pitch inspection will be held at 11.30am today to decide if the surface is playable following a forecast of heavy frost overnight.

Fourth official Nigel Richards, from Carmarthen, inspected the Vetch Field pitch at 5pm yesterday and decided it was still playable.

But a second inspection will be necessary. In the other FAW Premier Cup games, Total Network Solutions face Barry Town and Bangor City take on Carmarthen Town.

Swansea City were today linked to a bid for Torquay striker Tony Bedeau.

Reports from the Devon club confirmed manager John Hollins's interest in the 21-year-old striker who would cost around £150,000.

It is understood that Hollins has already had one attempt to sign Bedeau blocked by the Vetch Field hierarchy.

Bedeau, who missed the first six games of the season through injury, hit 17 goals for Torquay last season and has scored six so far this campaign.

While Hollins would not confirm his interest in the highly-rated striker, the Swansea manager is due to meet chairman Neil McClure at a board meeting on Wednesday but he has hinted that he is not expecting too much rope for squad strengthening.

"It's all about the art of coaching," said Hollins. "It's about Alan (Curtis) and myself thinking about the way we play because we can't go out and buy the player we want and fit him into the jigsaw."

The loan option now looks like Hollins's only hope, with Swansea managing director Mike Lewis stating: "John is looking for loan players from a higher level to bring in as soon as he can and the money is there for that."

But Lewis denied that Hollins had asked for cash to spend on Bedeau or any other player, adding: "John has not come to us with a player he wants and a sum of money alongside that.

"We will look at that if it occurs. But at the moment it is a loan player we are looking at to supplement the team."

Hollins added: "The person we are looking for is somebody who is not doing it enough in the Premiership or First Division, but who can come in and fill a space and change things for us.

"But I've got no doubt that we can keep Swansea up even without any new players. Yes, I would like some and who is to say I won't get them."

But Hollins is likely to be told by McClure at Wednesday's board meeting that he is officially putting the club up for sale with an asking price of around £2million.

"We are in the process of reviewing everything and the position will become clearer soon," said McClure.

Hollins, however, is remaining focused. "All the speculation about the finances of the club has no effect on us. That's for business people only.

"Our job is is to play football. If we maintain our drive, determination and pass on our knowledge to the players and they take it on board then we'll be all right."

Hollins is delighted with the home draw against Reading in the Southern Section quarter-final of the LDV Vans Trophy.

Swansea lost 5-1 at the Majeski Stadium earlier in the season and will be gunning for revenge when they meet again on Tuesday, January 30 at Vetch Field. "I'm pleased with that," explained Hollins. "We'll see just how far we've improved since the last meeting."

Former Welsh international Mark Aizlewood hopes Venezuelan hit-man Giovanni Savarese keeps making him eat his words.
Aizlewood predicted that the Swansea City striker would not hit 10 goals this season only to see Savarese reach the double-figure target in the 2-2 draw with Peterborough on Saturday.

A summariser with BBC Radio Wales, Aizlewood had to describe Savarese's 49th-minute goal live on air after regular commentator John Hardy pulled out of the game through illness.

But despite being pilloried by the North Bank, Aizlewood told the Evening Post today that he was pleased for the striker.

Aizlewood said: "To be honest with you, I'm sick and tired of it.

"What people don't realise is that it was a comment made off air and then put on air and based on the first 45 minutes of his first game for the club.

"What I said was that if he kept playing like that he would not score 10 goals this season.

"But he has improved dramatically and I'm delighted because the one single factor strikers are judged on is putting the ball in the back of the net.

"Unfortunately, my initial comment has left all of Swansea believing I don't want them to be successful. But that couldn't be further from the truth.

"I hope he goes on to score 40 goals because Swansea desperately need it. But if he scores 20 to keep them up then that will be good enough.

"If it wasn't for his goals so far, Swansea would probably be on their way down by now."

While Savarese refused to rub salt into Aizlewood's wounds, he was quick to point out: "In football, sometimes the people who talk the least are the people who know the most."

It was a typical response from an American graduate who can speak four languages and is as intelligent off the pitch as he is on it.

"I don't care what people say. Football is a wonderful game and people can say whatever they want," he added.

"I'm just pleased to find the net again and get the hope back for Ryan (Casey) to score a great goal. Unfortunately we couldn't get another one to get the three points."

It brought rave reviews from Swansea manager John Hollins, who pointed out: "He's adapted very well to the British game and conditions. He knows where the goal is, but he can bring players in. As far as I'm concerned he can only get better."

Savarese's main concern though is to see his side secure their Second Division status. But to do that, the striker knows they have to put in a full 90 minute performance instead of their customary second half fight-back.

"We have to work at being the same team in the first half that plays in the second half," added the 29-year-old. "We've proved in the second half against every team we've played that we can compete with anybody.

"Now the question is why can't we do it in the first half? We've got to have the right attitude to play from the beginning and do the things we know we can do. If we do that then we'll have a good end to the season."

Contrary to a report at the weekend Stuart Roberts is not on the transfer list, although a number of clubs are thought to be eyeing the player.

Manchester City are believed to have joined Spurs, West Ham, Southampton and Sunderland in keeping a close eye on the 20 year old Llanelli-born wide-man.

It waits to be seen if there are any developments in these links

Millwall match switch?

The Swans home match with Millwall on Saturday, February 10th could be move to the following afternoon with the police fearing violence.

Millwall are set to bring over 2,000 fans to the game with around a third suspected to be troublemakers and police feel that such a move would cut down the possibility of violence.

The Swans are against the move with MD Mike Lewis saying: "We feel we've got sufficient security arrangements in place to host the game on Saturday with no problems. We haven't had difficulties inside the Vetch for many seasons. But if we are ordered to move the game to the Sunday then we'll have no choice.

There were some disturbances when the sides met in London earlier in the season and when Millwall played Cardiff last season - fans clashing in both capitals."

South Wales Police will meet their Metropolitan counterparts on Monday when a final decision is likely to be made.

SWANSEA CITY manager John Hollins has told his players to ignore escalating club takeover speculation.

The Second Division club’s owners, Ninth Floor plc, were at the weekend reported to be poised to put it up for sale.

“We are in the process of reviewing everything, the position will be clearer soon and a statement made,” was the only comment by Neil Mc-Clure, the Swans chairman and managing director of the parent company.

Former club chairman Steve Hamer, sacked because he would not sign the paperwork for a club flotation which has still not taken place, has been linked with a return as head of a takeover consortium.

Mike Lewis, the club’s managing director, said last night, “This is a very important issue but it would be inappropriate and premature for me to comment at this stage.

“Neil McClure is the only person who on a day-to-day basis knows the state of play with regard to Ninth Floor. I haven’t spoken to him about this issue, if indeed there is an issue.

“Of course it is imperative that we avoid relegation. “But have faith in the owners of the club. They invested heavily in bringing Second Division football to the Vetch and in supporting the club since October 1997. Lewis insisted that Hollins would be allowed to strengthen the squad with one or two loan or permanent signings if required.

“Fortunately we have a manager who is frugal in his spending but if John requires resources the directors are willing to listen and act if necessary.”

Hollins may put that promise to the test and seek clarification of the club’s future at Wednesday’s board meeting .

But after Saturday’s 2-2 home draw with Peterborough United he said, “All the speculation about the financial state of the club has nothing to do with us.

“That’s for business people. Our job is playing football. If we fall down on our job we won’t stay up.

“If we maintain our drive and determination we’ll be all right.

“I would like some new players and who’s to say I won’t get some?

“But even without new players I have no doubt we can keep Swansea City in the Second Division.”

GIOVANNI SAVARESE’S 10th goal of the season sparked a splendid second-half Swans revival. And no-one was more pleased than Mark Aizlewood.

Three months ago, the former Wales defender had predicted on air that the Venezuelan international would not reach double figures.

Aizlewood, at the Vetch Field on Saturday as match summariser for BBC Radio Wales, was heckled by Swans fans after Savarese had converted a Stuart Roberts cross at the second attempt in the 49th minute.

He said later, “I won’t be having supper because I’ve been made to eat my words.

“But people have got the wrong idea about this.

“Savarese has shown that he is a natural scorer. If you put the ball in the box he has a very nice habit of drifting in between defenders.

“I’m absolutely delighted he scored his 10th goal because it’s been getting on my nerves and everybody else’s nerves.

“I genuinely hope he scores 40 goals this season, that the Swans stay up and Cardiff City go up.”

Savarese, whose goals have come in 14 starts, said, “I’m not bothered what people say about me. I’ve scored goals wherever I’ve been.

“I try to score in every game but haven’t really set any targets. I’m just happy to be part of the team and the most important thing is that we stay up.”

Alan Curtis, assistant to manager John Hollins, said, “Giovanni certainly has no critics at the Vetch Field. His strike rate is phenomenal.

“As long as we can provide him with a service I’m sure he’ll keep knocking in the goals.”

Hollins said, “Giovanni is a solid player who knows where the goal is and also brings other people into play. He’s adapted very well to our conditions and the weather and I think he can only get better.”

Barry Fry believed his Posh side were heading for their first win in seven Vetch visits when they scored twice against the run of play.

Swansea’s defence struggled to cope with lively strikers Andy Clarke and Leon McKenzie. Clarke combined smoothly with Richie Hanlon to set up McKenzie for the opening goal after 33 minutes and from another swift counter-attack, McKenzie returned the favour for Clarke to score with a low left-footer 10 minutes later.

The visitors would have established a 3-0 interval lead had Hanlon convert Clarke’s centre from barely a yard. But Swansea were a different team after the break,staging a storming fight back to claim a precious point.

After Savarese had reduced the deficit, Peterborough ’keeper Mark Tyler had to make urgent saves from Roberts and Lee Jenkins while Jason Price volleyed over.

Swans pressure was rewarded after 83 minutes with a second goal from Michael Howard’s inswinging corner. The ball cleared a packed goal-mouth to reach substitute Ryan Casey whose ferocious half-volley left the ’keeper helpless.

The Irishman’s first goal for 30 months could help earn him a new contract when his current deal ends this summer.

“I’m so pleased for Ryan. He won’t need reminding he missed terrific scoring opportunities at Bournemouth and Wrexham but we know he can finish,” said Hollins.

Peterborough would still have avenged a 2-0 home defeat but for two superb saves by Roger Freestone late in the game to deny dan-german McKenzie.

“I thought we would get an away win. Clarke and McKenzie looked like unlocking the Swansea de-fence all the time in the first half,” said Fry.

“But they threw bodies forward and put us under a lot of pressure in the second half. The referee wasn’t particularly keen to play the game because parts of the pitch were frozen.

“But I said I wouldn’t have any complaints, win lose or draw and John Hollins also wanted the match played. It was an entertaining game in difficult conditions.”

SWANSEA City are to be put up for sale, Wales on Sunday can reveal today.

And that will spell good news, according to the vast number of fans who are unhappy with the current Neil McClure/Mike Lewis regime. It could even mean a dramatic return to the club for former chairman Steve Hamer, if he can put a consortium together with the right financial muscle.

Swans chairman McClure would only say officially: "We are in the process of reviewing everything and the position will be clearer soon." But he did admit: "A statement will be made then."

By then:

SWANSEA bounced back well to claim a deserved draw after Peterborough had looked to have the match sewn up at the break.

McKenzie put Posh ahead and doubled the advantage before half-time as the home side looked dead and buried. Swansea put themselves back in the game when Savarese pounced on to a rebound to score.

And with time running out, Casey powered home from beyond the far post to level.

Swansea bounced back well to claim a deserved 2-2 draw after Peterborough seemed to have buried them with a first-half blitz.

The dangerous Leon McKenzie put Peterborough ahead after 32 minutes when he finished off some good work from Andy Clarke and Richie Hanlon.

Clarke ran on to a ball from McKenzie to increase the Peterborough lead with a clinical finish from just inside the area three minutes before the interval.

But Swansea pulled themselves back in the game after 47 minutes when Giovani Savarese pounced onto a rebound after Mark Tyler had blocked his header from a Stuart Robins cross.

The Peterborough defence came under increasing pressure as Swansea stepped up the tempo and the equaliser came after 82 minutes.

Substitute Ryan Casey powered home from beyond the far post after a Michael Howard corner had dropped perfectly for him.

Swansea: Freestone, O'Leary, Howard, Smith, Price, Lacey, Jenkins, Romo, Roberts, Savarese, Watkin. Subs: Cusack, Bound, Jason Jones, Casey, De-Vulgt.

Peterborough: Tyler, Drury, Edwards, Scott, Gill, Forsyth, Hanlon, Oldfield, McKenzie, Clarke, Farrell. Subs: Connor, Murray, Forinton, Broughton, French.

Referee: D Crick (Worcester Park)