Premiership side Southampton have admitted their interest in Swans and Wales Under-21 international Stuart Roberts.

Roberts, who is out of contract in the summer, was under the watchful eye of former director of youth development at The Vetch, Malcolm Elias, who now works for Southampton.

Despite the 3-1 defeat at The Manor Ground, Roberts seemingly impressed Elias, sparking talk of a possible summer swoop.

Indeed, Elias admitted his interest to the press. He said: "I am looking at Stuart Roberts and Jamie Brooks of Oxford. We have been watching them for some time, tracking their progress."

Oxford United fans who feel bad about this dreadful season will no doubt spare a thought for the supporters of fellow relegated club Swansea City who visit the Manor Ground tomorrow. At least United fans' pain has been tempered by the knowledge that rivals Swindon could be joining them in the third division next season.

But Swans fans' pain was made worse by the fact that, on the day their relegation was confirmed, last Saturday, bitter rivals Cardiff City clinched promotion. It is the exact opposite of last season when Cardiff went down (finishing just below Oxford) and Swansea went up.

Swansea's club captain is Nick Cusack, the former Oxford United striker, who has been playing in recent years in central midfield. He's now 35 but, unlike eight of the other better players at the Vetch, he is not out of contract this summer.

Manager John Hollins says he's likely to mix his team in the final few games of the season to get the chance to see who he wants to keep. For Oxford United, of course, it's the opportunity to complete their second league double of the season. They won 2-1 in south Wales last October when Joey Beauchamp and man-of-the-match loanee Keith Andrews got the goals.

United are looking at ways in which they can sell season tickets for the new stadium from the ticket office at the Manor during the summer. Secretary Mick Brown said: "Somehow we've got to try to sell season tickets for the new stadium off a plan. It's going to be quite difficult, but we've got a few ideas."

Mark Jones, United's soccer course director, overcame injury problems to complete last Sunday's London Marathon in 4hrs 23mins 33secs, and is on course to raise more than £1,200 for the Oncology Unit at the Churchill Hospital.

Jones, representing Oxford United in their blue and white away strip in the Football Challenge section of the run, even beat Olympic champion Sir Steve Redgrave.

“I hadn’t trained for five weeks prior to the Marathon,” said Mark, “so I knew it would be tough, but I didn’t expect it to hit me so hard so soon.

United's youth development officer Les Taylor is keen to hear back from any boys' clubs or football teams who want to recommend Under 9 players for next season.

Taylor has sent out letters to clubs asking for recommendations but is still waiting to hear back from many before trials are held for current under 8s.

JOHN Hollins is set to give Swansea City's young generation another chance in the Second Division basement battle with Oxford United tomorrow. (3pm)

The Swansea manager started with seven players aged 21 or below against Wrexham in midweek and, despite suffering a 1-0 defeat, seems likely to pick another youthful line-up for the Manor Ground clash.

As he plans for next season's Third Division campaign, Hollins is looking to run the rule over his entire squad before the summer break.

"We are trying to give people who would not normally get opportunities a chance," he said.

"It could well be another young side like the one we played against Wrexham.

"The way I look at it, if you give a young player 90 minutes in this division and he copes, he will certainly be able to cope in Division Three next season."

Hollins added: "We are trying to get a blend of people together for next year and we are looking at every player and every position."

Despite his experimental selections, Hollins is still searching for victories to restore some pride at the end of a sorry season.

"I go out to win every game and we could do with something to get us out of the rut we're in," he said.

"To say bringing the youngsters in reduces our chances of getting a victory would be unfair on them.

"I thought they did very well against Wrexham and we were unlucky not to get a result. We hit the bar twice and the keeper made some good saves.

"It would be nice to get one over on Oxford now because they could well be one of our competitors in Division Three."

Having failed to score in the Welsh derby, Swansea could be boosted by the return of strikers Giovanni Savarese and Steve Watkin.

Savarese is back after making a substitute appearance for Venezuela in their World Cup qualifying clash with Colombia while Watkin has made a good recovery from an ankle problem.

But the treatment room at the Vetch remains a very busy place. Jason Smith, Kris O'Leary, Michael Keegan, Ryan Casey, Steve Jones and Richie Appleby are all out.

Swansea:

from Freestone, J. Jones, De-Vulgt, Bound, Todd, Howard, Price, Mumford, Phillips, Jenkins, Roberts, Watkin, Savarese, Boyd, Verschave, Fabiano, Coates, Romo.

The FAW Premier Cup final has been set for May 14, with a 6.55pm kick off.

If Swansea overcome Merthyr in the semi-final, the game will be played at the Vetch. If not, it will go to Penydarren Park.

In last night's replayed quarter-final, Barry beat Total Network Solutions 3-2 and face Wrexham in the other semi-final.

Peter Nicholas's side now face Wrexham in the last four, with the first leg taking place next week.

Oxford United boss David Kemp faces yet another injury crisis ahead of the Manor Ground clash with relegated Swansea.

Asked about the increasingly desperate injury situation, Kemp said: "We've got lots of everything. If you name everybody, you won't be far off."

Phil Gray will be out for the rest of the season after a cartilage operation on Thursday.

Highly-rated youngster Chris Hackett, Robert Quinn, Jon Richardson and Paul Tait are also expected to miss the Swansea match.

Young midfielder Jamie Brooks and full-back Simon King are in line for full debuts, alongside fellow youth-teamers Sam Ricketts and Dean Whitehead who have already started for the first team.

Kemp, who described managing United as "difficult", said: "You want to put kids in when the time's right, not when it's forced on you."

Smiles amidst the gloom

Swansea manager John Hollins is feeling upbeat despite the club being relegated from Division Two.

There are a considerable number of casualties in Hollins' squad, as only "14 or 15 players trained on Wednesday".

But the manager is hoping to have a few more of his troops back for the game.

Hollins admitted he is set to bring some youth players into the squad if the first-team players fail to prove their fitness before the game.

But he remains in good spirits ahead of the clash, saying: "We're feeling excellent and we're looking forward to it.

"It's a good pitch, a good surface and it should be a good game."

SWANSEA City's band of out-of-contract players have just three league games left to prove they should be part of John Hollins's Third Division squad.

After relegation from the Second Division was confirmed last weekend, the Swansea boss stated that he would use the remaining matches to review who he wants to keep at the club next season.

Hollins sent out a team of youngsters in the Welsh derby with Wrexham on Tuesday night and was pleased with what he saw.

"Chris Todd is just getting stronger and better with every game," he said.

"(Andrew) Mumford did exceedingly well. He bossed the middle and it was a shame he had to come off.

"I've learned a lot more about certain players. We are finding out who has got something about them."

Hollins said that Saturday's trip to fellow relegation certainties Oxford would again be used for further assessment.

"We've got to go to Oxford and try to make amends for the Wrexham defeat," he added.

"I'll be looking for three points, but more importantly I'll be looking at individual performances with next season in mind."

Among the players whose contracts are up in the summer are strike trio Giovanni Savarese, Walter Boyd and Matthias Verschave.

Other star names include Stuart Roberts, Steve Jones and Jason Price.

Meanwhile, Norwich City's Wales under-21 international Chris Llewellyn has been banned for three games by Uefa following his sending-off against Ukraine last month.

Ruud van Nistelrooy showed what Manchester United fans can expect next season by scoring within 12 minutes of his appearance as a substitute for Holland last night.

The £19million British record signing went on in the 70th minute for his first international after almost a year out with injury and scored the fourth goal in a 4-0 romp over Cyprus.

SO Wrexham inflicted league defeat number 24 of the season, but for Swansea City league points don't matter any more.

All eyes now are on next season and whether John Hollins's beleaguered side are capable of bouncing back up to Division Two.

With relegation finally confirmed last weekend, the Swansea manager decided to use this tame Welsh derby to give a few youngsters some Second Division exposure and assess who he wants on board in the next campaign.

He picked a side brimming with youth, including no fewer than eight players aged 22 or under.

Skipper Matthew Bound, Jonathan Coates and Jamaican international Walter Boyd provided the slim backbone of experience.

It was the sort of line-up normally saved for the FAW Premier Cup and one which has taken Swansea to this year's semi-finals.

But not surprisingly at Second Division level, it only produced another defeat.

The home side were undone by a fourth minute goal from Wrexham striker Craig Faulconbridge.

There was a suspicion of offside when Darren Ferguson fed Kevin Russell and again when the bald-headed veteran crossed for Faulconbridge.

But the flag stayed down, allowing the 23-year-old striker to head home past a stranded Jason Jones.

Despite the early setback, Swansea responded well and, bar Carlos Edwards's wayward effort, created all the first-half shooting opportunities.

The lowest league crowd at Vetch Field since John Hollins took charge nearly three years ago looked like being treated to a goal, but it never came.

Stuart Roberts's overhead kick deflected off the crossbar to safety, as did Andrew Mumford's close-range drive.

Even so, the loyal home fans were in surprisingly good voice for the first hour at least.

The game petered out in the second period, with substitute Robins striker Hector Sam coming closest to a goal on three separate occasions.

So what might Hollins have learned as Swansea moved 90 minutes closer to the return of meaningful league matches?

His star performers were among the fresh-faced brigade, namely Chris Todd and Gareth Phillips.

Todd, who only made his first-team debut last month, once again shone despite being part of a fragile defence.

The 19-year-old centre-back is lightweight compared to others in his position, but looks assured and has not let Hollins down in his short senior career.

Phillips, meanwhile, was the chief irritation for the visitors' midfield.

As ever, the Pontypridd-product charged round the field snapping at opponents' heels and often emerged with the ball.

If he could then produce a few incisive passes, he would surely become central to Hollins's plans.

He showed his ability in possession with a bending 20-yard shot which forced David Walsh into a smart save.

Elsewhere, Leigh De-Vulgt and Mumford acquitted themselves reasonably well, while Jonathan Coates continued to progress following his long-term knee injury.

But Hollins must be looking to strengthen his strike force before the Third Division kicks off.

Matthias Verschave — who has been a disappointment anyway — is due to return to France at the end of the season.

The future of Boyd, who did little in this game, and top scorer Giovanni Savarese remains uncertain with both players out of contract in the summer.

That leaves Steve Watkin, who has notched only seven of Swansea's dismal total of 39 goals in the league this term.

Hollins stated the obvious after the Oldham defeat when he said his side were going down because they had conceded too many goals and not scored enough in Division Two.

Obviously then, to be successful next year, their capable defence must rediscover the miserliness of last season, and Hollins must find a combination up front which nets far more goals.

Swansea:

J Jones, Howard, Boyd, Roberts, Bound, Coates (Fabiano 76), Phillips, Jenkins, De-Vulgt, Mumford (Romo 45), Todd. Subs not used: Verschave, Cusack, Freestone

Wrexham:

Walsh, McGregor, Hardy, Carey, Russell (Sam 63), Faulconbridge, Ferguson, Williams, Edwards, Roche, Thomas. Subs not used: Dearden, Ridler, Chalk, Blackwood

Booked:

Carey 33, Williams 39

Referee:

Eddie Wolstenholme (Blackburn)

Attendance:

2,665

Star Choice:

Gareth Phillips

JOHN Hollins is desperate for a win from his Swansea players to restore some pride at the end of a disastrous season.

The manager saw his side dominate for long periods of the first half in last night's Welsh derby with Wrexham but still slip to their eighth 1-0 defeat of the campaign thanks to a disputed early Craig Faulconbridge goal

Hollins wants at least one win from the remaining matches at Oxford on Saturday and the home games against Brentford and Cambridge next week to restore some much-needed confidence ahead of next season's Third Division battle.

Hollins was also unhappy that Kevin Russell was allowed to play on when he looked offside before crossing for Faulconbridge to head home, but believed his players fought back well after the early disappointment.

"I thought we dominated the first half, but we could not get that all-elusive goal," said Hollins.

"There were some encouraging performances from a number of young players. But we have got to win.

"I want to make sure before the end of the season we say goodbye to this division with one or two wins. It would be a pleasing feeling if we could do that.

"It was just disappointing to get nothing from the game when we looked the more determined, especially in the first half, and dominated."

Hollins used the game to try out some of his younger players and was pleased with the showings of Andrew Mumford, Chris Todd, Leigh De-Vulgt and Gareth Phillips.

Mumford had to leave the field at half-time on his full league debut with a calf injury.

"It was a shame he had to go off," said Hollins. "He was doing well.

"He was disappointed to come off but he will get another chance.

"Phillips was another who had a good game. It is quite unbelievable how he gets around the pitch and forces people to play.

"It was encouraging that a few more young players have come through but we have to get a win. That's the bottom line, so roll on Oxford."

Seats are available on the official supporters' club coach for the game at Oxford on Saturday, priced at £12.

The coach will depart Morriston Cross at 8.45am and the Quadrant at 9am. For further information contact Ugo Vallerio on 01792 413423 or the club shop.

Swans boss John Hollins has praised the contribution of his young contingent in last night's 1-0 Welsh derby defeat by Wrexham.

With mass injuries and unavailabilities, Hollins fielded a side including seven players aged 21 or under, and said: "They did really well - as we've done so often we lost an early goal but we roared back at them, hit the bar twice, hit the keeper and did everything but score.

"I was especially pleased with the way Andrew Mumford played in his full debut - it was just a shame that he took a kick on the calf and had to go off. "Gareth Phillips does an incredible amount of work in stopping opponents from being able to play, while Jason Jones in goal made a vital save in the first few seconds of the game and didn't put a foot wrong all night." He added:

"Their goal definitely looked offside, but nonetheless the young players did very well. I'm still looking for more though - now we're relegated it's important we pick up at least a couple of wins before the end of the season to finish it on a high note."

Swansea City 0 - 1 Wrexham

Swansea City's smallest league crowd of the season saw the already doomed Swans crash to their ninth home league defeat of the season, losing the Welsh derby against Wrexham at the Vetch Field last night.

There was a distinctly funereal atmosphere inside the Vetch as only 2,665 people braved the bitter April cold to watch what was, in reality, a meaningless Division Three fixture.

Following Saturday's 2-1 defeat against Oldham, Swansea had already booked their place in the league basement next season, while Wrexham, sitting comfortably in mid-table, had nothing to play for except professional pride.

For the Swans last night it was the same old story - plenty of possession and several chances - they hit the woodwork twice - but John Hollins's men just could not stick the ball in the back of the net.

As for Brian Flynn's Wrexham, they remain a role model for all clubs operating on a shoe-string budget.

Despite gates of under 4,000 they are more than holding their own in the Third Division thanks to outstandingly shrewd acquisition in the transfer market and a superb spirit inside the dressing room.

The Robins victory on a dreadful Vetch surface - it was more brown than green - meant they completed a league double over the Swans having beaten them by the same scoreline at The Racecourse last October.

The Swans got off to the worse possible start, falling behind after just three minutes. Wrexham play-maker Darren Ferguson released striker Kevin Russell - there was a hint of offside about the move but no flag was raised - and Russell crossed for Craig Faulconbridge who headed past Jason Jones from five yards out.

The visitors came close to doubling their lead after 15 minutes when Carlos Edwards capitalised on hesitancy between Jones and his defenders, but the Trinidad and Tobago international rolled his effort inches wide of the post.

Jonathan Coates, at the heart of most of Swansea's promising moves, fed Gareth Phillips and his vicious first-time strike was swerving into the far corner until Wrexham's goalkeeper David Walsh got his fingertips to the ball, pushing it out for a corner.

The home side nearly levelled from that subsequent corner. Midfielder Andrew Mumford, a free transfer signing from Llanelli and making his Swans debut, whipped in a delightful ball which found Stuart Roberts whose overhead kick hit the crossbar.

The Swans hit the crossbar for a second time when Mumford's rasping drive smacked the woodwork with Walsh well beaten.

Hollins's side began the second period brightly. David Romo, who replaced the injured Mumford at the interval, tested the Wrexham 'keeper with his trademark curling free-kick. Walsh fumbled it but Chris Todd could only stab the rebound wide.

The Robins however had most of the play in the second half and always looked the best bet for a second goal.

Danny Williams tested Jones with a 20-yard strike and substitute Hector Sam ballooned his effort high into the East Stand after combining neatly with Faulconbridge.

The final whistle was greeted by a chorus of boos from a depleted North Bank.

THE hard work for next season begins tonight. That's the firm message from Swansea City skipper Nick Cusack.

Cusack said that it was up to the team to start showing some real character beginning with the Welsh derby against Wrexham.

"It's a real character thing. Will players want the ball, will they be able to show what they can do?

"Questions will be asked but I think we have a good bunch of lads at the club who are honest professionals and want to do well for this club. And they can start tonight."

The skipper said the Welsh derby was a perfect opportunity to prove to the fans that there is enough spirit in the team to bounce back from the disappointment of being relegated with four games remaining.

"The fact that we are playing our rivals from North Wales should add some extra spice," said Cusack.

"A win will not make up for the massive disappointment of going down. But at the end of the day these games are important as a springboard for next season.

"It is critical we come right back. We cannot afford to go back to where we were a couple of years ago when we were languishing in 18th place in the Third Division. That is just not acceptable."

Cusack said that the last four games could provide a chance for more of the club's youngsters to stake their case for a first-team spot.

"Maybe some will come in tonight and that will be good experience for them," he said.

"There is nothing like playing in a professional match in the league against a top side.

"Wrexham have got some good quality players and obviously they will be relishing the trip down here.

"They will be thinking that we are down in the dumps and all they have to do is pass the ball around, play some nice one-twos and really try and rub it in our faces.

"We have got to make sure that doesn't happen and the young lads have their part to play in that."

The skipper said it is vitally important that Swansea are quick off the mark to stamp some authority on tonight's game which means taking the chances when they present themselves.

"When we get opportunities we must stick them away," he said.

"We have to start getting goals. That is what everyone wants.

"I would love to see us score a few goals tonight.

"When you look at the number of goals we have scored this season it's a disappointing tally.

"Maybe it's time to throw caution to the wind and get at teams. We need to get some confidence back. That's what everyone needs now."

Looking back to the weekend defeat by Oldham and the inevitable slip into Division Three, Cusack said it was important that the players felt bad about what has happened this season.

He said when the day came it really hurt.

"It brought it home that the success and euphoria of last year has dissipated into depression. And that is only right because if you don't care about times like this then you can't draw on it and it won't give you strength to show people what you can do.

"It is vitally important that people feel bad over the next few weeks and want to come back fighting.

"We must make sure that next season we are strong from the off and really get going early.

"But that all starts tonight and this game is vital to our preparation for the hard job ahead of us."

JOHN Hollins has thrown down the gauntlet to his players ahead of tonight's Welsh derby with Wrexham, challenging them to earn their places in next season's squad. (7.45).

Despite the club's relegation, the Swansea City boss insists there remains a big incentive to perform well.

"They are playing for the opportunity to be part of the team next season," explained Hollins.

"I have got a good idea of what I want and I am trying to assess everybody.

"They all have a chance to show what they are made of in the remaining games.

"Perhaps we will make a few changes to see what other personnel are capable of, and to show some of the youngsters what it is like to play in the Second Division."

As well as Wrexham tonight, Brentford and Cambridge are still to visit Vetch Field this season, while Hollins's men must travel to fellow relegation certainties Oxford on Saturday.

Once the league is over, the Swans face an FAW Premier cup semi-final tie with Keith Walker's Merthyr.

"The aim now is to do justice to all the other teams in the division who still have something to play for buy performing at our best," added Hollins.

"And I want to finish the season on a winning note. We could pick up a trophy, and winning habits can go on through the summer so we will not be giving up."

And Hollins, whose selection will once again be severely hampered by injuries tonight, is hoping to get virtually the whole squad fit before May 5.

"It would be nice to be able to field the team which we felt could have kept us in this division before the season ends," he said.

Hollins has hinted that changes will be made to the squad for the Third Division campaign but refused to be drawn on the issue.

He said it was likely to be the end of the season before anything happened and that much depended on the takeover of the club.

Missing through injury tonight will be Jason Smith, Steve Jones, Kris O'Leary, Damien Lacey, Steve Watkin and Ryan Casey.

Roger Freestone and David Romo could return after missing the Oldham defeat, while top scorer Giovanni Savarese is still on international duty with Venezuela.

Wrexham will be without new-boy Lee Trundle, who has netted eight times in nine starts since signing from Rhyl, and fellow striker Andy Morrell.


Swansea:

(from) Freestone, J Jones, Todd, Cusack, Bound, Howard, Price, Fabiano, Romo, Coates, Phillips, Roberts, Jenkins, Verschave, Boyd, Appleby, De-Vulgt, Mumford.

Wrexham:

(from) Walsh, Roche, McGregor, Carey, Hardy, Edwards, Williams, Ferguson, Blackwood, Faulconbridge, Russell, Thomas, Chalk, Sam, Evans, Dearden, Ridler.

Llanelli face title-chasing Cwmbran Town in a rearranged League of Wales clash at Stebonheath Park tomorrow night (7.30pm).

Swansea goalkeeper Roger Freestone is set to return as John Hollins' relegated side face Wrexham at the Vetch Field.

Freestone missed the 2-1 defeat against Oldham on Saturday with a back injury but has recovered sufficiently to be included.

French midfielder David Romo is also available again after a groin injury but Steve Watkin remains on the sidelines with an ankle problem.

Striker Giovanni Savarese is absent as he is on international duty with Venezuela.

Steve Jones, Kristian O'Leary and Jason Smith are all closing in on returns to first-team action but none will be included against Brian Flynn's side.

Bari Morgan (groin) and Ryan Casey (ligament damage) are both out for the rest of the season.

Midfielder Nick Cusack said: "All the players acknowledge we have under-achieved as a squad. All we can do now is to start looking ahead to next season and we wish this game was the start of the season."

Clean bill of health

Wrexham have no major injury concerns .

Midfielder Danny Williams and forward Michael Blackwood were both taken off injured in Saturday's 3-1 defeat by Stoke but are back in training as normal and should be fit.

Manager Brian Flynn said: "Our games with Swansea are invariably good games of football and I don't think this one will be any different.

"They'll want to win to get some small consolation and we're now aiming to beat the 62 points we got last season."

Swans skipper Nick Cusack has spoken out in favour of John Hollins by saying that he is the best man to continue as manager next season. Takeover rumours have linked other names being lined up for a managerial role, but Cusack stood by the current boss when he said: "Just look at the state this club was in when John arrived. Okay this season has been disappointing, but overall he's done a superb job.
"Yes John's had his critics, but he's always faced them and tried to put together the best strategy to get the club going forward."
Cusack said that even in Division Three, Hollins was the only man for the job - pointing out that he had taken the club up from there as champions last season.
He added: "Who's to say any new manager would do a better job? We're a close-knit bunch who care passionately about the club, and we feel we've let the fans down - not by lack of effort, but we just feel we shouldn't be in this position.
"I know people say the table doesn't lie, but we've got good enough players and we have to accept that we haven't performed."
Cusack said that the October departure of former chairman Steve Hamer could not be used as a reason for the side's subsequent decline (they were ninth when he left), but said it was rather too few goals scored and too many conceded.
"We need to hit back next year, and John's already proven he knows how to win the Third Division. He's working hard and has all the players behind him," he added.
Cusack concluded by saying that they have to make The Vetch a fortress again and not concede "soft defeats" like the recent 3-0 home reverse against Bournemouth.
Boss looks at silver lining

Manager John Hollins has admitted it was "heartbreaking" to see the team relegated to Division Three after Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Oldham.
Despite that though, he says the side have become better from the experience!
He commented: "When I first came here, we lost in the play-offs, and I told the players to remember how much that hurt them. They did, and the next year we won the title.
"Now this has happened to us, and I'll be telling them again to remember how it hurts. We've got to do it all over again, and that's what we'll do."
Hollins said there'd been a number of reasons for their demise and he continued:
"We haven't scored enough goals, and we've conceded too many. That's always a warning, particularly when last season we had the best defensive record possibly in all four divisions.
"Football can be such a cruel game, but I've got no intention of leaving Swansea City. It's only a year since we went up as Third Division champions - why not do it again in a year's time."

HEARTBROKEN Swansea City boss John Hollins insisted the club would bounce back after the 2-1 defeat by Oldham sent them crashing down to the Nationwide League basement.

Swansea's slim hopes of survival were finally dashed by Sam Parkin's second half double strike for the visitors.

An immediate return to Division Three was mathematically confirmed, but afterwards Hollins remained as defiant as ever.

"It's extremely disappointing, heartbreaking really," Hollins confessed.

"It's a choker given all the work we've done and it hurts a lot more than I am going to show.

"We're not smiling much at the moment, but one thing we are is determined and we're certainly not dead.

"This club has still got a lot going for it believe it or not and it will go forward while I'm here."

Back in the Third Division and up for sale, Swansea supporters would be entitled to wonder with some concern what the future holds for their club.

According to the manager, things are not that bad at Vetch Field.

"We have all worked extremely hard from top to bottom and as a team and as a club we are in a better position in terms of the way we're run then when I came here.

"In three seasons we've reached the play-offs and won a championship - two good seasons out of three isn't bad.

"We've got to do it all again now and I've told the players to remember how much relegation hurts so it doesn't happen next time we're here.

Looking ahead to next season, Hollins added: "I've already put things into place and started planning.

"It's difficult with the club being up for sale, I'm guided by the directors.

"They say they will inform me soon of what's the next step. I've been told that things will carry on until the new owners come in."

With four games remaining, Swansea have managed just seven league wins compared to 23 defeats this season.

Nevertheless, Hollins claimed some good had come from the Swans' foray in the Second Division.

"We've done a lot of good things, learned a lot. There are always positives.

"Good young players have come through the successful youth scheme which is our life blood.

"It's been a tough time to come in but they will benefit from the experience.

He added: "We had a squad that was pretty sound and though it took a bit of time to add to it, I thought it was good enough to keep us up.

"We were not going to get promoted, but it would allow us to be in the division.

"Injuries have been a problem — we've had last season's back four together maybe three times this season.

"But that's an excuse and (Kris) O'Leary and (Chris) Todd have come in and done well.

"With the gift of hindsight there are things I could have done differently, but the bottom line is that we have not scored enough goals and we've let in too many,"

SWANSEA City skipper Nick Cusack says the players have to take relegation on the chin and come out fighting for their places until the end of this season and into next.

Cusack was devastated after a goal double from Sam Parkin had condemned Swansea to returning to Division Three.

He blamed sloppy defending for both of the on-loan Chelsea striker's strikes after Swansea had looked in control in the first half and the early stages of the second and led through Stuart Roberts's goal.

But the skipper said that all should be forgotten about and the club should begin to plan for next season.

"We are in the Third Division,'' he said.

"I don't know what comings and goings will take place in the close season but anyone who is under contract should be starting to work really hard.

"That means from now until the end of this season, throughout the close season and beyond making sure that they are in tip-top condition to come back.

"It's going to be a big battle next season but it is essential we come straight back.

"We are capable of doing it we have got the players here who can achieve it and we have done it in the past.''

Cusack admitted there was a lot of sadness around the club on Saturday night at the way the season had ended.

But said it was not beyond the team to bounce back and that was what they were aiming to do.

"We know exactly what we have to do,'' he said.

"The only bonus is that we haven't been out of the division for that long so it won't be a culture shock for us. But anybody who thinks it will be the opportunity to get the ball down and play is mistaken.

"We can do that at some stage but most of all it will be about battling and commitment. We know what to expect and everybody has got to be up for it.

"It's not all gloom and doom, we have got a mix of youth and experience and the gaffer (John Hollins) knows what the Third Division is all about.

"When he came here we were in a poor position and he got us the championship.


"It has been disappointing this season and people have been laying the blame at his door.

"But the players have got to take the responsibility as well. It's no use pointing the finger, it's up to all of us to be strong and deliver.

"If we can do that, like Cardiff have done, then I am sure the fans will forgive us and get behind us.

"We know we are down now but we have to take it on the chin. It's all about character now and players have got to show they have it in them to bounce back.''

Swansea City...1
Roberts (20)

Oldham Athletic...2
Parkin (54, 62)

WHAT a difference a year makes.

At the same stage last season Swansea City were beating Torquay 2-1 at the Vetch to leave them top with three games to go.

Everyone knows what happened next: three matches went by and Swansea became Third Division champions at an emotional Millmoor.

The scenes at the Vetch could not have been further removed from those at Rotherham on May 6 last year.

There was no pitch invasion. In fact, a fair proportion of the small crowd had gone well before the end.

There was no champagne flowing, and there was no boasting of staying up in division two.

It was not a pleasant scene. Heads were down, there was a sense of doom and gloom, summed up afterwards by club skipper Nick Cusack.

The captain had accepted the inevitable before kick-off that, barring miracles, the Swans were down.

He said the team just wanted to put on a show for the supporters.

"I thought we did that in the first half,'' said Cusack.

"We capitulated in the second half and conceded two sloppy goals when we were in no danger.

"It's really depressing to think that we have gone down after losing at home with four games still to play.

"It has been our home form that has really let us down and there's nothing but depression today.

"We should have performed better in the second half but we didn't.''

It had been an impossible dream to think that Swansea would win all five remaining games and Cambridge and Swindon both lose all their games.

And to make things worse, manager John Hollins was dealt a blow before kick-off with the news that keeper Roger Freestone had withdrawn with an injury suffered in training on Friday.

With David Romo and Steve Watkin also receiving knocks and missing from the line-up, it meant Swansea were without eight senior players through injury and Giovanni Savarese's international call-up.

Injuries have plagued Hollins all season but he has never complained and has taken the chance to blood a few young players.

It might stand him in good stead for next season's tough campaign in Division Three.

But experienced players are needed too if Swansea are to bounce back. The youngsters, led by Gareth Phillips, started off well enough on Saturday and with five minutes gone they had a great chance to take the lead.

Roberts beat Paul Rickers for pace and crossed to the near post for Walter Boyd but the Jamaican was unable to beat David Miskelly.

Swansea were on top early on and Jonathan Coates, starting his first league match since his injury at Rotherham in October, showed the crowd what they missed while he was out.

A great move involving Coates and Michael Howard almost brought the first goal after 10 minutes.

They worked an opening for Verschave but his fierce 20-yard drive flew straight at Miskelly.

This was Swansea's best half at the Vetch for a number of months and they were cruising.It was only a matter of time before Swansea scored and their pressure told on 20 minutes.

A Barry Prenderville backpass put Miskelly under pressure and his clearance fell to Stuart Roberts.

There was still a lot to do but the youngster took his time and coolly chipped the keeper from 25 yards.

Jason Jones in the Swansea goal was untroubled until the 31st minute when Neil Adams's 30-yard free-kick forced him to save.

The game was a mirror image of a lot involving the Swans this season.

On top, creating chances, but unable to take them through poor finishing or good goalkeeping. Roberts almost doubled the home side's lead with a left-foot piledriver which was beaten away by the Oldham keeper.

Somehow you knew if Swansea did not take the chances then Oldham would get at least one as they raised the tempo.

And so it proved. In the 54th minute Oldham broke away to grab an equaliser.

Tipton played a great through ball and keeper Jones hesitated, allowing the loan star to round him and slot into an empty net.

And almost to confirm the point about missed chances, Price headed over from a Roberts free-kick a minute after the Oldham goal when he should have done better.

Realising that things were on the slide Hollins made a change, pushing on Cusack for Chris Todd and reshuffling his pack into a 3-5-3 formation.

Sadly, for the umpteenth time this season it exploded in his face.

Seconds laterTipton broke down the right and his cross picked out Parkin who finished from three yards.

All the life seemed to drain out of the home side as they now accepted the inevitable.

They realised, if they didn't already know, that the impossible dream was turning into their worst nightmare.

The Vetch fans have put up with a lot this season as Swansea's home form has gone from bad to worse.

They let their feelings be known as the game drifted away by joining the Oldham fans by singing about their team going down. It was something I have never heard before and it can't have done much for the players' morale.

But, as Hollins always says, the fans pay their money and they have the right to have their say.

They almost had something to cheer when Richie Appleby's superbly struck volley hit the post late on.

It summed up the season but it would have been too little too late.

The club needs to invest in new players and quickly.

It seems that nothing was learned when Cardiff dropped back into Division Three after only one season.

They have bounced back but only because of a chairman, Sam Hammam, who has been prepared to splash out and, according to a Sunday newspaper, is ready to splash out some more.

Oh for a saviour like Sam Hammam! A man with money and commitment to the cause. Something has to be done and quick. Otherwise there is a bleak future ahead at Swansea City.

I personally believe that the six months that chief executive Mike Lewis spoke about last week regarding the possible time it would take for the sale to go through is too long.

Players are out of contract and they need to be assured of their futures one way or another.

The way forward is sticking with the youngsters at the club already.

It is now time to throw in a couple of players who have experienced the Third Division.Then, who knows, there could be another promotion next season. If not, it could be a long, hard struggle.


Swansea City:

Jones, Howard, Bound, Coates, Phillips (Appleby, 74), Roberts, Todd (Cusack, 62), Price, Jenkins, Verschave (Mumford, 87), Boyd.

Oldham Athletic:

Miskelly, McNiven, Garnett, Duxbury, Rickers, Tipton (Allott, 73), Parkin, Salt (Sheridan, 73), Prenderville, Adams, Carss.

Bookings:

Tipton (foul), Carss (foul), Garnett (foul), Price (foul).

Attendance:

3,261.

Referee:

Paul Armstrong (Thatcham, Berks).

Swans Star Choice:

Gareth Phillips.

John Hollins rates Swansea's relegation as the biggest disappointment of his long footballing career.

But he promised fans, "We'll bounce back again. Going down hurts a lot more than I am going to show. It's heartbreaking really. But I have told the players to remember how it hurts next season, just as missing out on the play-offs spurred them to become champions last season. We have to do it all over again. And that's what we'll do.

"I've already put plans in place for next season and will sit down with the Board next week to see what it (the meeting) brings.

"With the club up for sale it's difficult to say what will happen. I can't answer that. I'm guided by the directors.

"There's been enough hot air about managerial changes. I'm not going to hide. I'm here to be shot at. I have armour under this shirt.

"I'm a professional manager. I'll get on with the job. If it's not good enough, it's not good enough. With the gift of hindsight there are things I could have done differently.

"But I have dealt with situations in the best was I thought possible The club is everything and this club will go forward again.

"Two good seasons out of three isn't bad and this club won't go backward while I'm here.

"Of course, we've suffered a setback. But we have done a lot of good things, learned a lot.

"There are always positives. Good young players have come through the successful youth scheme which is our life-blood. It's been a tough time to come in but they will benefit from the experience.

"I've been told things will carry on as usual until somebody buys the club, invests in it or does what is needed to take it forward. As far as I'm concerned everybody here will carry on working hard until the season finishes.

"We still have to play four league games and home and away FAW Premier Cup-ties against Merthyr. I've got a job to do and I intend to carry it through. If I sit still the whole thing will stop.

"The club still has a lot going for it. We have been kicked in the teeth. But we went up top of the pile last season and there's no reason we can't do it again. The players here know how to do it."

Despite being hamstrung by a lack of funds for necessary team strengthening, Hollins had no axe to grind with the club's owners, Ninth Floor plc.

"No-one up there (in the boardroom) has let me down. I knew what was and what wasn't available and have worked accordingly.

"It would have been different had I been promised £1m to buy players and didn't get it. But that wasn't the case. I knew what I was letting myself in for before I came here and I've loved every minute of it.

"The fans have continued to support us. There's not been a lot to shout about and the odd guys have had a go. But that's what makes football the fantastic business it is. If you didn't have the lags making their feelings known it would be a miserable place."

John Hollins has said that The Swans' season-long injury crisis has been the major factor behind their drop back to Division Three. Hollins feels that he might have done much better in the higher division if he had been able to play a more settled side.

He said: "We don't cry about it but we haven't been able to field our strongest team through injury on many occasions. With a squad of 30 already, we couldn't go out and buy three or four more, and when you lose players you have to adjust somehow.

"We never started out expecting to be in this position and there are a number of reasons why. For example, we didn't have someone to score goals alongside Giovanni Savarese.

"Consistency wasn't helped by long-term injuries to Jason Smith, Jonathan Coates, Walter Boyd and Ryan Casey. "I don't know if I've run over a black cat or something but the win over Stoke in early October seemed to sum it up.

We fielded our best and most settled side, then immediately lost three of them through injury." Now The Swans boss must face up to another season in Division Three, when he will hope that his best players can spend less time in the treatment room and more on the pitch.

"Youngsters such as Chris Todd and Leigh Devulgt have come in and done well, but fielding a consistently settled side like we did in last year's Division Three championship winning season would have been a real plus," added Hollins.

NOT even a freak 20th- minute goal by Stuart Roberts could prevent Swansea losing their long battle against the drop just 12 months after winning promotion.

Roberts took advantage of a schoolboy howler by Oldham keeper David Miskelly, who sliced his intended clearance of a Barry Prenderville back- pass straight to him.

The youngster took his time and delicately lobbed the ball over Miskelly and under the bar from 22 yards, to give the Swans the lead their early play fully deserved.

Walter Boyd had missed a chance to put them ahead after only four minutes. Roberts burst down the right and pulled the ball back to Boyd just inside the penalty area, but the striker's shot lacked real power and was easily dealt with by keeper Miskelly. There was little urgency in Oldham's play and Swansea continued to make most of the running, with Roberts, Jason Price, and Jonathan Coates prominent.

Roberts almost grabbed a second late in the half. Miskelly could not hold his 18-yard drive but Prenderville moved in sharply to tidy up.

On 54 minutes the Swans' defence paid the penalty for not playing to the whistle when Sam Parkin was left on his own to tap the ball into an empty net.

And 10 minutes later it was all over as Parkin netted his second from six yards after Matthew Tipton had crossed from close to the by-line.

Swansea City were sent back down to Division Three by Oldham, who clinched a 2-1 away victory courtesy of two goals in 10 minutes from striker Sam Parkin.

Midfielder Stuart Roberts had fired the Swans into the lead with a bizarre goal in the 20th minute after Oldham goalkeeper David Miskelly had made a terrible hash of a back-pass by Barry Prenderville.

The Swans deserved their interval advantage but the visitors equalised in the 53rd minute when Parkin ran on to a ball played through the middle by Neil Adams and rounded home goalkeeper Jason Jones before side-footing it into the net.

In the 63rd minute, Parkin struck again. Matthew Tipton pulled the ball back from close to the byline for him to drive it into the roof of the net from just inside the six-yard box.

Swansea City: Jason Jones, Price, Howard, Bound, Todd, Coates, Phillips, Jenkins, Roberts, Verschave, Boyd.
Subs: Cusack, Appleby, De-Vulgt, Mumford, Fabiano.

Oldham Athletic: Miskelly, McNiven, Garnett, Duxbury, Rickers, Tipton, Parkin, Salt, Prenderville, Adams, Carss.
Subs: Kelly, Sheridan, Allott, Hotte, Futcher.

Referee: P Armstrong (Thatcham).