Bouquet of the week goes to Swans manager John Hollins who has come out and laid it on the line, telling the fans that there is no money in the pot to buy new players.

Ask most supporters and they will say that they knew this already, but at least we now have it straight from the horse's mouth.

The official club line has always been that Hollins has cash available to buy if he wants to strengthen his Second Division strugglers, but the powers-that-be there have not said how much.

Well good for Hollins. I say, because, clearly fed-up with all the speculation, he has now cleared the whole muddled matter up once and for all — and on the official Swans website to boot, revealing that the only players he can bring in are loan ones.

Hollins's comments came Just 48 hours after Swans managing director Mike Lewis was quoted as saying that the club would back any request by their manager to buy new players.

Seems like a major case of contradictions to yours truly, but at least we now know where we stand — and that is third from bottom and with only the loan system available to us, a sorry state of affairs for a club who climbed out of the Third Division as champions.

All the good work appears to be unravelling at a rate of knots. While it does now look at long last as if Swansea's multi-million-pound 25,000 seater stadium at Morfa is actually going ahead — though I won't actually believe it until the first JCB moves in — will we have the team to grace it?

At the moment I would have to give an unequivocal no to that one.

Swansea will be without their new French signings for their trip to high-flying Bristol City.

Nicolas Fabiano and Matthias Verschave, signed from Paris Saint-Germain, have returned to France to complete the formalities of the deal and have yet to receive international clearance to play.

They are in line to make their Swansea debuts on Tuesday against Northampton.

Irish midfielder Ryan Casey is out for the rest of the season after rupturing medial ligaments in his knee and suffering a depressed fracture of the tibia in the LDV Vans Trophy success over Reading.

I've heard it's an excellent pitch and they're a very well-supported club so it should be a good match On a more positive note, midfielder Jonathan Coates is back in training after a three-month absence, but according to Hollins "still needs a lot more strength in his leg".

Striker Steve Watkin is also back after missing the midweek cup tie through suspension, but midfielder Martin Thomas and right back Steve Jones are both still injured.

Hollins is enjoying the matches coming thick and fast for his side as they face another stern test against Danny Wilson's side.

He said: "We've had Reading, now we've got games against Bristol City, Northampton and Millwall so it's definitely tough.

"But we seem to play well against the big sides so the tougher the better. We played extremely well against them early in the season but they showed that they can come back and have spirit.

"I've heard it's an excellent pitch and they're a very well-supported club so it should be a good match."

Bristol City boss Danny Wilson has no fresh injury concerns for the game.

Wilson's biggest decision is whether to play Peter Beadle or Tony Thorpe alongside Lee Peacock in attack.

Thorpe came off the bench to replace Beadle last week and scored the late equaliser to ensure a second bite of the cherry against Conference side Kingstonian in the FA Cup.

Unbeaten in their last three league games, the Robins will be hoping to build on their current position of seventh in the table.

Keith Millen is urging his Bristol City teammates to forget FA Cup fever and concentrate on "a massive game" tomorrow.

While his men were in cup action last weekend against Kingstonian, Stoke took the opportunity to forge four points clear of City with a 2-0 win over third-placed Wigan. Leaders Walsall and fourth-placed Rotherham also enjoyed victories as the promotion race continued in earnest without Danny Wilson's team.

But they're back in Second Division action against Swansea City tomorrow (noon) aiming to secure sixth spot - at least until Reading entertain Port Vale later in the day.

And Millen stressed: "We've got a replay coming up with Kingstonian on Wednesday but this is far more important. "I didn't feel results went our way over the weekend and it's important we get a run going now. I'd like to see us going unbeaten at least until March when we're taking on the likes of Walsall and Millwall again.

"Tomorrow's game is a massive one for us because it could give us the gee-up we need; we can't afford to start losing ground at this stage of the season."

City go into the game fresh off the back of an emotional, energy-sapping scrap against Kingstonian at Ashton Gate. But, despite the Conference side so nearly stealing a famous victory, before Tony Thorpe's dramatic late intervention, Millen insisted: "I really didn't think we played that badly on the day.

Give Kingstonian credit, they worked very hard. "We passed the ball quite well, but we will be looking to be that bit sharper against Swansea, because we did get sucked into becoming a bit predictable going forward.

"We have to put the fact we have a replay on Wednesday firmly out of our minds. Nothing other than tomorrow's match with Swansea matters and we cannot afford any more slips."

Millen, however, said he was determined to show any doubters that City DO possess the mental strength to force their way into promotion contention.

"I really do believe we are good enough to be in the play-offs and I still think we can aim for a top-two spot," he added. "It's a case of trying our utmost to win every game. We're playng catch-up as it stands, although that just might work in our favour."

While Millen and his team-mates will be aiming to put the Cup to the back of their minds, off the field plenty is being spoken about Wednesday's fourth-round replay at Kingsmeadow.

With both City and Kingstonian guaranteed £150,000 from live Sky TV coverage, there are fears that a possible postponement, with a freeze expected next week, could blow away that cash windfall.

It has meant both clubs frantically trying to insure the fixture, but chairman John Laycock admitted: "The companies we rang have told us insuring the match is too risky, with it being just a few days away.

"We have recommended Kingstonian use a hot balloon to cover the surface and ensure the game is played." l Defender Mark Lever made a welcome return to action in a reserve game at Crystal Palace which City lost 2-0. The 30-year-old, sidelined with a knee problem since August, played 55 minutes and appeared to come through unscathed.

Damian Spencer and Marvin Brown both had first-half opportunities before being replaced by Kay Odejayi and Albano Correia.

Cirencester youngster Kevin Sawyer made his debut in goal as a trialist, while another trialist, John Wordsworth, replaced Lever.

SWANSEA CITY manager John Hollins is hoping his two loan signings from French giants Paris St Germain will be available for next Tuesday’s league match at Northampton.

Midfielder Nicolas Fabiano, 19, and striker Matthias Verschave, 23, have returned to France after signing for the Swans until the end of the season.

They will return to Swansea on Monday hopefully to finalise a deal that will keep them at the Vetch.

“They’ve been with us a couple of days. We’ve watched them train and play and they’ve looked at us,” said Hollins last night. “We like them, they like us. I’m hoping to have them available for Northampton.

“They’ve gone back home to get their luggage and to sort out all the bureaucracy - they need clearance from the French Football Federation before they can play for the Swans - and they’ll be back here on Monday morning and raring to go.

“They were never going to be involved for the Bristol City game,” added Hollins.

“What we’ve seen of them in training has been bright and sharp. They’re both skilful and aggressive, with quick feet.

“We’re trying to give the team something different. We’ve been a little shy in trying shots at goal and we need people who have the confidence to take a shot.”

Hollins has been tracking one of the French pair, Fabiano, for the last eight months. “I tried to get him on loan eight months ago, but the club wouldn’t let him go. He’s a bright, young player.”

They will boost Hollins’s quota of French players to three, following the arrival of David Romo last October.

“They will increase our goalscoring power. Without putting pressure on the two lads, I think they will be exciting,” added Hollins.

Fabiano is in his first year as a professional and was a member of the French side that won the under-18 European Youth Championships last summer.

Verschave has been at the club since 1996 and was last season’s top scorer in the reserves. He has been unable to force his way into the first team ahead of Nicolas Anelka and Brazilian Christian Dionisio.

WHEN Swansea City play Bristol City tomorrow, the size of the task in front of them will become clear.

Manager John Hollins has been told there is no cash in the kitty for the permanent signings that could keep Swansea City in the Second Division.

Yet at Ashton Gate, Roger Freestone will come face to face with Lee Peacock, a striker who cost Bristol City a cool £600,000.

Welcome to the Second Division where players, especially strikers, are being bought for huge six-figure sums.

“We played Reading a few days ago in the LDV Vans Trophy and in Jamie Cureton and Martin Butler they’ve spent £1m on strikers,” said Freestone, member of a squad that cost less than £300,000.

“The strikers are better than those in the Third Division - they’re brighter and sharper. We’ve conceded a lot of goals but, if you look at the table, we’re not the only side who have let in quite a few goals.

“There’s a massive difference between us and some of the other clubs when it comes down to money.

“Obviously, Swansea can’t afford to pay the kind of money Reading have spent.”

Last year Freestone helped the Swans keep a remarkable 22 clean sheets as they swept to the Division Three title.

But this season they have had problems bridging the gulf between the Third and Second Division, and Swansea have so far conceded 39 goals in the league.

“Everybody knew it was going to be tough,” added Freestone. “We were stepping up a level and when you step up - in any type of work - you know it’s going to be more difficult, more cut-throat.

“ I think we’ve found it as difficult as we expected to find it.

“If we concede four but score five that would be great. If you score one more than the opposition we’ll win. That’s the attitude we’ve got to have.”

The last occasion the Swans kept a clean sheet in the league was on October 17, in the 0-0 draw against Swindon at the Vetch.

“It’s a team game. There are 11 players out there,” said Freestone. “Last season everyone was saying the back five took the credit for keeping so many clean sheets, but I believe it’s down to all 11 players.

“The spirit among the players here is brilliant. It’s just like last season. We work hard in training - all we need is that little bit of luck on a Saturday.

“The manager is confident of staying up, all the backroom people are confident. We’ve just got to go out there, roll our sleeves up and give 150 per cent.”

Freestone is in his 10th season at the Vetch. Widely recognised as one of the best goalkeepers outside the Premiership, he made an uncharacteristic error during Swansea’s last league match, a 5-1 defeat at Walsall.

He was responsible for Walsall’s second goal, losing possession just outside area when he tried to dribble past a Walsall forward.

“I hold my hands up, I made a mis-take. It was a crucial mistake because we were 1-0 down at the time. I read the situation wrongly. It was a silly thing to do but it happened.

“If you look at goalkeepers, one of their jobs is to sweep up behind the defenders.

“I think I’m pretty good at that - I’m not making any excuses but look back at the games when I have come out of my area. At Walsall, that was the first time I’ve been caught out this season.”

In the 1-0 LDV Vans Trophy victory over Reading three days ago, Freestone continued to race out of his penalty box - but this time he hoofed the ball into the stand.

“If you make one mistake as a goalkeeper then nine times out of 10 you’ll get punished, whereas outfield players can usually get away with mistakes,” he said.

The longest-serving player at the Vetch, Freestone has recently launched his own website. He is one of only a handful of non-Premiership to have his own site.

“It was something someone asked me to do,” he explained. “I was more than willing to do it. It’s nice to get feedback from the supporters and to

give them something in return.”

He has also been voted - in an internet poll - the best goalkeeper in Swansea’s history ahead of names such as Noel Dwyer and Dai Davies.

“No, I didn’t know about that,” he said. “It’s a funny thing to be voted really because when I’m gone someone else will replace me and he might be better than me.

“But it’s nice to be acknowledged by the supporters. Now if I do make a mistake I’ll just say, ‘Hang on, I’m the best!’”

TWO players from French giants Paris St Germain have arrived at Vetch Field for talks over possible loan spells at Swansea City.

Nicholas Fabiano, a 19-year-old midfielder, and Matthias Verschave, a 23-year-old striker, flew in to watch the Swans beat Reading on Tuesday night before taking part in a practice match yesterday.

"We have invited them over for both parties to weigh each other up," confirmed Swans boss John Hollins.

"They played yesterday, looked sharp and had some nice touches. Now we have to get down to the nitty gritty and talk.

"I would like to have them available for Bristol city on Saturday, but we still have to finalise a deal to secure them both until the end of the season."

Right-sided Fabiano was part of the French under-21 squad which won the European Championships in 2000. Verschave finished top scorer for PSG's reserve team last season.

The Frenchmen may have arrived just at the right time as midfielder Ryan Casey could be out for the rest of the season after he was stretchered off during the win over Reading.

The unfortunate Irish under-21 international had only been on the field 19 minutes when he was clattered by Royals right-back Graeme Murty, who was booked for the challenge.

Casey, a 22-year-old youth product, had looked impressive after replacing Michael Keegan.

He is looking to secure a new Swans contract before his present one runs out in the summer.

"It looks likely that Ryan has suffered damage to his medial ligaments," said Swans physio Richard Evans.

"I am keeping my fingers crossed that it is not as bad as it looks as Ryan will be facing some time out of action."

The injury is thought to be similar to the one which has kept fellow midfielder Jonathan Coates out since October.

Casey had a scan yesterday and was seeing a specialist today to discover exactly what has happened to his knee.

Casey, who made his Swans debut in 1996, had only recently forced his way back into the team after a series of injuries had kept him out of contention. He has scored three goals for the club.

Meanwhile, Swans managing director Mike Lewis has said the recent decision to invest heavily in brand new pitch covers was the right one after the Reading game went ahead despite adverse weather conditions.

"We decided we had to spend this money in order to look after the pitch," said Lewis.

"The groundstaff have made heroic efforts over the last few months but were always fighting a losing battle.

"With this extra tool, they can now ensure that the quality of the Vetch surface can be looked after better."

Manager John Hollins also declared the new covers a success.

"The pitch looked much better against Reading.

"All the hard work can go to waste if we don't protect the pitch when we can and and now we have seen the rewards of the investment the club has made."

SWANSEA CITY could lose top goalscorer Giovanni Savarese if they reach the LDV Vans Trophy final at the Millennium Stadium at the end of April.

The final on April 22 takes place two days before Venezuela - the country Savarese plays for - face Colombia at home in a World Cup qualifier.

With Fifa rules stating national teams can call their players up to five days before a game, the Swans would have to field a side minus 11-goal Savarese should Venezuela insist he plays against the Colombians.

“This isn’t a problem at the moment because we’re not in the final,” said Swansea manager John Hollins last night.

“It’s something we will have to deal with if and when we reach the final.” After Tuesday night’s quarter-final victory over Reading - thanks to Savarese’s 75th-minute winner - Hollins’s side are now just two games away from the final in Cardiff.

They will face either Brentford, Swindon or Southend in one of the two southern section semi-finals. The date of the draw has not been confirmed but it is expected to be made on February 10.

Mike Lewis, Swansea’s managing director, said, “The regulations are quite clear on this issue - international duty comes first. We would have to ask Venezuela for special dispensation to get Giovanni released.

“It’s far too premature to pop the question to them at the moment. We’re not looking that far ahead.” Swansea could ask Venezuela to omit Savarese for the clash against Colombia since the Venezuelans - bottom of the South American qualifying group with just three points from 10 games - have no chance of reaching the 2002 World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea.

“This is uncharted territory for us. Since Giovanni has been with us Venezuela have had no reason to call

him up,” added Lewis.

Meanwhile, Hollins is hoping to strengthen his squad with two players from Paris St Germain in time for Saturday’s match at promotion-chasing Bristol City.

Nicolas Fabiano, a 19-year-old midfielder, and Matthias Verschave, a 23-year-old striker, were in Swansea last night having talks. Hollins hopes to sign the Frenchmen until the end of the season.

Right-back Steve Jones and midfielder Martin Thomas, who escaped unhurt from a city centre car crash earlier this week, are both doubtful for the trip to Ashton Gate.

One player who will definitely miss the match is Irish midfielder Ryan Casey who was stretchered off with a knee injury during the 1-0 LDV Vans Trophy win over Reading.

Casey, who only returned to first-team action last month after a series of injuries, will today see a specialist to assess the full extent of the damage, but he is facing a long lay-off.

Richard Evans, the club physiotherapist, said, “It looks likely that Ryan has suffered damage to his medial ligaments.

“If that is the case it’s a similar injury to the one that has kept Jonathan Coates out for so long.”

SWANSEA City manager John Hollins has called for more courage from his players in the relegation battle despite their 1-0 victory.

He praised the side's performance against Division Two promotion hopefuls Reading and believed they deserved to go through to the LDV Vans Trophy Southern section semi-final.

"We are learning from what we are doing all the time but we have got to show drive, guts and determination," he said.

"I thought we showed more of that in this game than we have been but we still need to show even more.

"As a team we were strong, lively and sharp but I know we can do a lot better. We have knocked out two decent footballing sides in this tournament so we are close to something good."

Hollins said the win was particularly pleasing as Reading fielded their strongest side, virtually the same line-up which hammered the Swans 5-1 at the Madejski Stadium back in September.

"We had something to prove. We have been working on making it difficult for teams to play and I thought we got what we deserved," he said.

Hollins praised his strike partnership of Giovanni Savarese and especially local boy Stuart Roberts.

"He can cause problems for opposition teams because he is quick and he is lively," he added.

GIOVANNI Savarese's 11th goal of the season was enough to see off Reading and send Swansea City one step closer to the Millennium Stadium.

The Venezuelan's 75th-minute header was no more than the Swans deserved after a committed and courageous display against big-spending opposition.

And with only Brentford, Swindon and Southend left in the southern section of the LDV Vans Trophy, John Hollins's men must now fancy their chances of a springtime day out in Cardiff.

Savarese's simple back-post header came after Reading's ex-Spurs midfielder Darren Caskey failed to clear, Stuart Roberts picked the ball up and crossed from the right edge of the penalty area.

Roberts, who always looked lively on the ball and chased everything, could have given Swansea the lead himself in the 21st minute.

Influential Frenchman David Romo collected the ball on the halfway line and although his pass was intercepted, Lee Jenkins latched on to the loose ball and slipped it to Roberts.

Clean through, the 20-year-old looked certain to score but struck his shot straight at Reading goalkeeper Scott Howie.

Roberts's effort was easily the closest the Swans came to a goal in a first half which also saw Savarese's shot deflected wide and Romo's well-struck half-volley comfortably saved.

For Reading, Caskey bent a 25-yard free kick round the post and sent another long-range shot just wide shortly before the interval.

The Royals started the second period brightly, with Martin Butler, who had replaced Tony Rougier at the break, threatening three times in the space of five minutes.

On the hour, top scorer Jamie Cureton somehow wriggled past three Swans defenders inside the area but Roger Freestone and Jason Price combined to clear the danger.

Seconds later, Freestone's full-stretch diving save was just enough to prevent the impressive McIntyre from breaking the deadlock.

A goal would have been harsh on the Swans, for whom fine performances by centre-backs Jason Price and Kristian O'Leary merited a second clean sheet in the tournament.

Things went downhill from then on for Reading.

Ex-Wrexham defender Barry Hunter was booked for tackling Roberts from behind, as was Graeme Murty for clattering into substitute Ryan Casey.

Murty's challenge proved to be the only sour point for the Swans as Casey was stretchered off with suspected knee ligament damage just 19 minutes after replacing Michael Keegan.

Romo could have scored after a fine move but blazed his half-volley over the bar, before Savarese did score.

To cap it all for the visitors, Murty inadvertently drove a touchline clearance straight into manager Alan Pardew's backside, much to the amusement of the home support.

Although Caskey hit the top of the bar with a cross in the closing minutes, the Swans held on for a deserved victory.

SWANSEA City moved a step closer to a Millennium Stadium final last night thanks to another goal from top marksman Giovanni Savarese (left).

But the Venezuelan predator brushed aside all the praise for his 11th goal in 16 games to issue a message to his team-mates: "We must do better against the teams around us in the league."

Savarese pounced in the 75th minute with a header from Stuart Roberts' cross to take Swansea through to the semi-finals of the LDV Vans Trophy Southern Section after a 1-0 win against Reading.

It was another good display against one of the top teams in division two but Savarese called for more consistency.

"It was a good performance because of the way the team fought for the whole game," said the 29-year-old.

"We showed a lot of determination and proved once more we are able to beat the good teams.

"It was a great result because they came here wanting to win. We showed that we can beat anyone if we want to but I think that we have to work the same way against teams who are close to us in the division.

"We must get the results against the teams who are in the same position as us."

Savarese and Swansea had not played at Vetch Field since the draw against Peterborough in the league and the Venezulean said it was nice to be at home again.

"It's always different when you play at home," he said.

"It's a great feeling to play in Swansea and win. Although this was a cup game it was an important result for us especially after they beat us 5-1 earlier in the season.

"It shows the determination of this team. We have shown that we can win games."

Despite hitting the winner last night to take Swansea into the semi-finals of this competition and three games away from Millennium Stadium, Savarese was not thinking too much about a trip to Cardiff.

"You cannot think like that," he said.

"You must think first about the next game and try to win that. We have beaten Reading 1-0 and we have another game against them later this month and we have to look for the same result."

The Venezuelan striker did, however, allow himself one moment to dream of a day in Cardiff.

"It would have been a pleasure to have played at Wembley in a final," he said.

"The Millennium Stadium does not have the same history but I have seen it and it is a beautiful stadium and it will be great if we can get there. But in the meantime we have the next game in the league to concentrate on.

"The league is more important to us but this win is great for confidence."

Manager John Hollins was also pleased with the result saying his team thoroughly deserved the 1-0 quarter-final win. But he was still not satisfied.

"We had something to prove after they put five on us earlier in the season," said Hollins.

"Overall I thought we deserved to win the game because of the way we went about it.

"There were some good individual performances and some of the players were disappointed with their own games but I still think we can play a lot better as a team. I know we can do better."

GIOVANNI SAVARESE’S 11th goal of the season at the Vetch Field last night put Swansea two steps from the final of the LDV Vans Trophy at the Millennium Stadium.

The Venezuelan international, who netted the winner in the last round at Bournemouth, cleverly lost his marker to convert a cross by Stuart Roberts in the 75th minute of this fiercely-contested southern section quarter-final.

It gave the Swans sweet revenge for a 5-1 September Second Division defeat by the Royals who visit the Vetch again in the league next month.

John Hollins’s side deserved their victory over promotion-chasing opponents, producing a gritty performance that will be a confidence booster for Saturday’s noon league showdown with Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

In a niggly encounter, Sutton Coldfield referee Ray Olivier filled his notebook with six bookings - Reading’s Barry Hunter, Graeme Murty, Jimmy McIntyre and Ricky Newman plus Swans pair Michael Howard and Roberts.

Roger Freestone had kept the Swans in the Trophy with two quality saves midway through the second half.

The 32-year-old ’keeper, poised for a call-up to the Wales squad for next month’s World Cup preparation in La Manga, Spain, got his angles right to keep out a close-range strike by Jamie Cureton after 57 minutes and within 60 seconds made a spectacular flying save to turn aside McIntyre’s pile-driver.

In the absence of suspended striker Steve Watkin, Hollins chose regular winger Roberts to partner leading scorer Savarese, leaving Jamaican international Walter Boyd on the bench.

Within four minutes Savarese went close to adding to his 10 goals in 15 starts from a free-kick which dipped just over the bar.

Both sides created openings in a game that swung from end to end at a quick tempo.

Cureton could have done better than shoot weakly on the turn when he was set up by Tony Rougier.

Swans full-back Howard hit two powerful shots from 30 yards, the first flashing well wide, the second claimed by ’keeper Scott Howie.

Roberts ought to have given Swansea a 20th minute lead after David Romo’s shrewd through ball had opened up the Reading defence.

But the makeshift striker delayed a shot the advancing Howie did well to block with his legs.

Freestone rescued his side with a smothering save at Cureton’s feet when Phil Parkinson and McIntyre combined neatly on the left to put him free.

McIntyre became the first player to be booked for a foul on Jason Price and Rougier was fortunate to avoid a caution for a crude late tackle on Jason Smith.

Swansea kept their defensive discipline to frustrate their high-flying opponents, restricting them to efforts from distance by Darren Caskey and Cureton.

Ryan Casey replaced Michael Keegan on the hour but was himself substituted 20 minutes later after being injured by a heavy challenge which earned Murty a yellow card.

Swansea used the flanks to give their second-half raids width although some of their crosses lacked accuracy.

The second period was littered with fouls as tempers flared but the Swans had the edge. Romo volleyed over from another telling cross by Roberts and the Swans showed resilience to defend their lead, a

hanging cross by Caskey that dropped on to the top of Freestone’s crossbar in the 88th minute, being the nearest Reading came to an equaliser. Swansea City: Freestone, Howard, Smith, Savarese, O’Leary, Lacey, Roberts, Price, Jenkins, Keegan (Casey, 60, Cusack, 81), Romo. Subs (not used): Bound, Boyd, Mounty.

Reading: Howie, Viveash, Hunter (Mackie,

84), Murty, Caskey, Cureton, Igoe, Parkinson, McIntyre (Hodges, 66), Newman, Rougier (Butler, 46). Subs (not used): Gamble, Ashdown.

Referee: Ray Olivier (Sutton Coldfield) Attendance: 2,516.

WORK on Swansea's multi-million pound Morfa Stadium development could begin next month, the council said today.

Planning permission was finally given to the long awaited project at a special council meeting yesterday, It now has to be approved by the Assembly. But if there is no hold-up, preparatory work on the project will start within weeks, said a council spokeswoman.

"Site investigations will start next month," she said, But Landore residents remain opposed to the siting of the new stadium, which they say is only yards from their houses.

They believe that the problems the Vetch has caused in Sandfields for years will simply be transferred to Landore- There is also mounting concern over possible traffic chaos the scheme would bring to the lower Swansea Valley.

Robert Speht. Liberal Democrat spokesman for the Swansea East constituency, said: "II is no use hoping that what presently is in place is adequate, there is a real lack of buses, park and ride and local train stops in Swansea Enterprise Park."

But the council said a new railway station to serve the development could be created at Landore and mat a £100,006 study now being carried out into the proposed Hafod bypass would take account of the new stadium.

Council leader Mike Hedges said; "This gives a very real and positive message of confidence in the future of our area." Cabinet member for development Byron Owen said; "We are now looking forward with confidence to the day when the status of the Swans and the All Whites will be reinforced by the creation of a state-of-the-art, purpose-designed stadium."

He pledged to address local concerns. A West Wales Chamber of Commerce spokesman added; "Businesses are in support of the development and are encouraged by the positive move to develop plans which are of economic benefit and which will restore pride in me city."

Swansea City will be looking to avenge their 5-1 league defeat at Reading last September in the LDV Vans Trophy quarter-final at Vetch Field tonight (7.45).

The Swans have the added incentive of a possible trip to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, which will be just two games away if they can overcome Alan Pardew's strong side.

Assistant Manager Alan Curtis said: "We are looking for a win as it is important to win any game, but obviously the priority is the league.

"I think cup competitions keep everyone's interest going and of course it would be great to get to Cardiff."

Like Swansea, the Royals have just had a weekend off and bring a powerful squad to Vetch Field. Their game at Luton was postponed because of snow.

They are without long-term injury victim Nicky Forster.

Pardew said: "Swansea is always a tough place to go but we will be going there with plenty of confidence."

The Swans will be without the suspended Steve Watkin. Martin Thomas (calf) is said to be very doubtful and Steve Jones (thigh) is still out.

Also missing will be reserve goalkeeper Jason Jones, who will be out for a couple of weeks with a sprained ankle.

Curtis said although Jones had fallen in a nightclub over the weekend, his injury had been picked-up in training.

As a result, 19-year-old goalkeeper Carl Mounty has been recalled from a loan spell at Bangor City having played there just once.

Youth product Mounty was recalled from a loan spell at Waterford United to cover for Jones earlier this season.

Meanwhile, club chairman Neil McClure has welcomed Swansea Council's decision to give the Morfa development the go-ahead yesterday.

He said: "True, it has taken a long time to get to this stage, taking over three years so far, but the benefit to sport in Swansea and to the prosperity of the city will be enormous when the stadium is completed.

"Having the Swans and the Whites playing at a brand new purpose built stadium will be a triumph for the city.

"As a partnership with the council we have now created a working platform from which the stadium can be built, where rugby and football can flourish in magnificent facilities."

The club confirmed this morning that there is no problem with the Vetch Field pitch despite overnight rain.

Fellow Division Two strugglers Bristol Rovers have sacked their manager Ian Holloway.

The Pirates have failed to win at home in the league so far this season under the former Queen's Park Rangers midfielder.

Swansea:
(from) Freestone, Howard, Smith, Savarese, Cusack, O'Leary, Roberts, Lacey, Price, Romo, Jenkins, Casey, Bound, De-Vulgt, Boyd, Mounty.

Reading:
(from) Whitehead, Newman, Gurney, Hunter, Viveash, Parkinson, Caskey, Igoe, McIntyre, Cureton, Butler, Rougier, Hodges, Howie, Murty.

Striker Jamie Cureton will hope to add to his 17 goals so far this season, the latest coming in the 1-0 win against Bristol Rovers on January 20.

Midfielder Martin Thomas is expected to be named in the Swansea squad for Tuesday's LDV Vans Trophy clash with Reading after returning from his injury lay-off.

Thomas had been out of action for a month with an ankle problem and took a kick on the calf in his comeback match against Barry Town in the FAW Premier Cup last Wednesday.

But manager John Hollins thinks he will be part of the Swans squad taking on Reading at the Vetch.

Hollins needs to check on the fitness of Steve Jones (thigh) and David Romo (knee) while Giovanni Savarese and Ryan Casey are recovering from flu.

Big game

He said: "It's a big game, it's a cup tie that is important to us to try and stay in the competition.

"We're getting closer to the final but you have to just concentrate on the round you're in."

Hollins acknowledges that Reading are one of the stronger sides in Division Two but said: "Everybody can be beaten."

Reading had the benefit of a free weekend after Saturday's Division Two clash against Luton was postponed, leaving Alan Pardew with a fully fit squad for Tuesday's quarter-final.

"Swansea is always a tough place to go but we'll be going there with plenty of confidence."

COUNCILLORS in Swansea yesterday gave their backing to a £70m regional sports stadium, leisure and shopping complex on a riverside site at Morfa.

The site, which will create more than 500 new jobs, will help to guarantee top-class rugby and soccer in the city by becoming the home of Swansea RFC and Swansea City FC.

The 25,000-seater stadium will see Swansea City leave its ageing Vetch Field home and the All Whites from their outdated, but picturesque, St Helen’s ground. The stadium is expected to be open for the start of the 2002 rugby and football seasons.

Alongside it will be a 60-bedroom hotel, three restaurants, a huge DIY store, a 14-screen cinema centre, a 10 pin bowling alley, a major food store, petrol station, health club and sports goods superstore plus other shopping units.

Developers Millers are currently drawing up a list of big-name clients with plans to fill the hotel, retail and leisure spots in the 80-acre development which will be served by a new road bridge over the River Tawe and two new pedestrian bridges.

Because of the size of the scheme, the National Assembly will have the final say on the project but after virtual unanimous approval from local councillors yesterday the ambitious scheme now seems certain to proceed.

Planning consultants say the vast acres devoted to shops, cinemas and hotel rooms will have a short-term effect on the rest of Swansea, particularly other superstores and businesses in the city centre area.

But the consultants, Chapman Warren, say because the growth of consumer spending power is rapidly increasing by 2006 the over-capacity will have been absorbed.

There have been concerns raised by residents living in Hafod and other Swansea districts leading to Morfa that the giant new sports and leisure project will exacerbate existing traffic problems.

But council officials said that with park and ride facilities and other transport schemes, including the building of a new road bridge, these problems could be overcome.

Swansea’s cabinet member for development, Byron Owen, said, “Morfa is a large and complex project but now we’re on the home straight.

“We are now looking forward with confidence to the day when the status of the Swans and the All Whites will be reinforced by the creation of a state-of-the-art purpose-designed stadium.”

The reaction of Swansea’s business community has been mixed, although a West Wales Chamber of Commerce survey of 58 of its members found general support for the project.

Neil McClure, chairman and chief executive of Ninth Floor plc, the company which owns Swansea City FC said, “The backing by Swansea City and County Council is a crucial step forward towards the new Morfa Stadium project becoming a reality.

“True, it has taken a long time to get to this stage, taking just over three years so far. But the benefit to sport in Swansea and Wales and to the prosperity of the City will be enormous once the stadium is completed.

“Having the Swans and the All Whites playing together in a new 25,000 all-seater stadium will be a triumph for the city.”

Swansea RFC director Rob Davies said, “From the outset of our agree-ment to take part in Morfa our goal has been to see Swansea gain in every way.

“For rugby our aim has been to see the All Whites playing at a stadium that mirrors the ambitions and success of the club.

“For sport in general, our aim has been to see Swansea get the sort of facilities that will make it a city of true sporting excellence in every sense.”

JOHN HOLLINS is closing in on new signings to improve Swansea City’s chances of avoiding relegation.

But the Swans manager has made it clear on the club’s official website that he has no money to buy play-ers.

“I can confirm that I have money for loan players only,” said Hollins.

He made the statement to clear up any confusion among supporters which may have been caused by speculation, statements and counter statements, he said last night.

“I don’t usually make many state-ments but when I do they are about what I know to be a fact,” added Hollins.

“I hope this makes the situation clear. If it doesn’t I’ll have to go on the Internet again.”

Clubs are at liberty to borrow up to eight players during a season but only two at any one time plus a goalkeeper in an emergency.

“I have been working on bringing in loan signings for the last two weeks and now have a number of players in mind,” added Hollins.

“There is a chance they may be at the club soon.”

Hollins could complete at least one loan deal before Sunday’s noon Second Division showdown with Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

At the Vetch Field tonight he hopes his side will be good enough to beat Reading and reach the southern section quarter-finals of the LDV Vans Trophy.

“It’s an important match for us and a means of trying to get some sort of consistency with games,” said Hollins.

Tonight the Swans will be looking to avenge a 5-1 defeat at Reading last September prior to the return home league encounter on February 24.

Reserve goalkeeper Jason Jones will be missing after apparently falling downstairs at a nighclub at the weekend and injuring his leg.

He is facing a club fine and possibly being transfer-listed and this has forced Karl Mounty’s recall from a loan spell at Bangor City to under-study Wales international Roger Freestone.

The Swans will also be without suspended striker Steve Watkin and midfielder Martin Thomas who has calf and ankle injuries.

Jamaica international Walter Boyd could start alongside 10-goal leading marksman Giovanni Savarese.

Midfielder Damien Lacey plays his first game since signing a new contract that will keep him with the club until 2003.

The 23-year-old from Bridgend was one of more than a dozen Swansea players whose contracts are up at the end of the season.

“We are talking to some players about new deals and waiting to see how things go with others,” added Hollins.

Swansea City and County Council are expected to give the £75million Morfa Stadium project the go-ahead at a special meeting today.

Developers Centros Miller are to market the project, which will include a 60 bedroom hotel, a superstore, shops, a cinema complex, a bowling alley and a club merchandising outlet.

Council leader Mike Hedges believes that the Morfa Stadium will be able to provide an alternative to Cardiff's Millenium Stadium for hosting special events such as pop concerts and other sporting events.

He also believes it will be brilliant for the city of Swansea and said: "We are talking about many hundreds of jobs for people in that part of Swansea. There'll be rich pickings on offer."

Hamer confirms interest

Former Swans chairman Steve Hamer has confirmed his interest in leading the Vetch Field club once again. Hamer left the club in September last year but has now revealed his interest in re-joining and re-directing the Swans.

Speaking to local media, Hamer said: "I am keeping a close interest on what happens down at the Vetch.

"I have an interest and obviously if the club is put on the market that interest will be magnified." Hamer has also blasted the way in which the new board are running the club.

He said: "The club is enjoying too many luxuries at the moment that it cannot afford. "I believe the time is right for a new infusion of blood because I think the club needs people at the helm with an enthusiasm and a belief and a love for Swansea City."

Former Swansea City chairman Steve Hamer has launched a stinging attack on the way the relegation-threatened club is being run.

Hamer, who was ousted last September after three years in charge, also claimed the Swans could avoid the drop and confirmed his interest in returning to Vetch Field.

Hamer said: "The club is enjoying too many luxuries at the moment that it cannot afford.

"I believe the time is right for a new infusion of blood because I think the club needs people at the helm with enthusiaism and a belief and a love for Swansea City."

Speaking on local radio, he added: "I would really like to see people there who can take the club forward and hopefully climb back to a respectable position in the football league."

The former chairman spoke of the apparent contradictions from current chairman Neil McClure and chief executive Mike Lewis regarding buying and loaning new players.

"They are not speaking as a united or unified voice down at the Vetch," said Hamer.

Hamer said he believed McClure, acting on behalf of Ninth Floor shareholders, would put the club up for sale in a statement expected soon.

He added: "The players are good enough and the manager has won a championship so there's nothing too wrong there. I think we can achieve results.

"I am keeping a close interest on what happens down at the Vetch.

"I don't waver in my commitment to see the club enjoy success and it hurts me to see match reports when we have been beaten.

"I have an interest and obviously if the club is put on the market that interest will be magnified."

Meanwhile, Swansea's players are preparing for tomorrow night's visit of Reading in the LDV Vans Trophy southern section quarter-final (7.45).

Victory would leave the Swans just two games away from a trip to the Millennium Stadium for a showpiece final.

Manager John Hollins confirmed today midfielder Martin Thomas would be fit for the game despite being involved in a city centre car crash on Saturday.

Hollins said Matthew Bound had not been in the car and would also be fit.

So Swansea City are up for sale.

That's the easy bit and the good news as far as the fans are concerned. The bad news, I'm afraid to tell them. is that there win be no quick- fix solution at The Vetch.

Because, as I've seen with Swansea and Cardiff City during the 1990s, takeovers at football clubs simply do not happen overnight.

Which means - without wishing to appear a doom-and-gloom merchant - that the Swans are destined to go down unless John Hollins can somehow conjure up an amazing sequence of Great Escape results.

Which, to keep the theme going, is probably just want any potential buer of the Vetch club wants, however preposterous that may seem.

Why? Just leave the football part - and the passion and enthusiasm that goes with it - aside for one moment and put a cold, calculated business head on. Believe me, any prospective new consortium will.

If the Swans go into Division Three, common sense says the club will be cheaper to purchase. As a bonus, a new owner would be able to work from a more solid foundation next season on the basis that it is a weaker standard of football. The Swans have already shown they can thrive in Division Three; in Division Two, it's been a grim struggle.

That, in turn, means any new owner would be an instant hit with the fans. And we know how much some football owners love to curry favour.

As I have already pointed out, though, the timescale Involved in this decrees that nothing is likely to happen overnight anyway.

First, Nell McClure has to seek a new buyer.

Then they have to go through the books and strike a financial deal which suits the two parties.

Next, lawyers spend months going through the fine details in drawing up a Heads of Agreement document. What Invariably happens then is that there is brinksmanship from at least one of the parties - whether buying or selling - and that puts everything back another few weeks.

That little lot means that even if a buyer was found tomorrow, and I doubt very much one will be, a new owner couldn't be installed at the Vetch until next summer at the earliest.

It's simply the way it happens in football

Doug Sharpe wanted out in the early 1990s. He didnt sell to McClure's Silver Shield group (these days Ninth Floor) until 1987. - — Two carrots that McClure can dangle in front of potential investors is a cracking new stadium and also the possibility of going into Europe again.

But even permitting for that little lot, it will still take time. As far as fed-up Swans fans are concerned, however, the sooner the better.

At least those fans do know that we were correct with our original story two weeks ago stating that McClure was ready to put the club up for sale. Swans managing director Mike Lewis said on print and on radio that he did not believe our story was right.

Last week Ninth Floor issued a statement saying they were indeed ready to consider a trade sale of the Swans. The question is: When will it happen?

JOHN HOLLINS' need to sign new players for Swansea City's relegation fight has developed into a "Has he or hasn't he" situation?

Got money to move into the transfer market, that Is. The club have always said their manager DOES have funds to strengthen his struggling Division Two team.

But Hollins, fed up with the speculation, appears to maintain he DOES NOT. He states the only players he can bring in are loan signings. Issuing a statement on the Swans' official website, Hollins said: "There has been much speculation, many statements and counter statements, made recently by various people on the subject of playing budgets.

"I can confirm that, I have money for loan players only, so that is what I am looking for.

"I have been working on this for the last two weeks and continue to work on it.

"I am hopeful of bringing somebody to Swansea City Football Club and there is a chance they may be at the club soon."

Hollins' comments came less than 48 hours after our sister newspaper, the Western Mail, quoted the Swans' managing director Mike Lewis as saying the club did not have financial problems and that they would back any Hollins' request to buy new players.

"Do we need new players? Yes we do - and that's down to the manager," Lewis was reported as saying.

" Had he wanted new players, we would have reponded to his requests. But he has not come to us with with a proposition for a player. When he does it will be considered favourably, either for a loan signing or a purchase.

Hollins appears to contradicts that view on the Swans

Midfielder Martin Thomas has been given the OK to continue playing after being brought off in his comeback game against Barry Town this week.

Thomas stepped back into the fray on Wednesday night after a month out on the sidelines with an ankle problem. He came on as a second half substitute in the FAW Premier Cup tie with Barry but promptly left the field 20 minutes later after sustaining another knock.

However, club physio Martin Evans has allayed any fears Swans fans had that the 27-year-old would again be spending time in the treatment room. He told the club's official website: "Martin took a kick to the calf, which was a bit sore, nothing more.

We felt it was better to get him off, than risk any further problems." Evans went on to say that the calf is only bruised and that the player trained on Friday with the rest of the squad.

It is expected that Thomas should be ready for a first team return against Bristol City next Saturday.