SO, at last, we have come to the end of a long, disappointing season.
It was one which began so full of hope, maybe not of promotion or play-offs, but, certainly one of consolidation in mid-table at very least.

How very sadly wrong we all were, and from September to October onwards, things have got steadily more and more disappointing.

However, not all is doom and gloom, as there have been several bright spots amidst the clouds, notably, the contribution of Giovanni Savarese, whose goals gave us a glimmer of hope, and also, Chris Todd, who has been a revelation since his introduction against Northampton in April.

Andrew Mumford has broken into the team, and his arrival, albeit belatedly, should not surprise anyone, as I have felt all along that he was capable of playing first-team football.

Injuries have been a big factor in certain departments, notably Jason Smith and Kris O'Leary as central defenders, which although opened the door for Todd, still left the Swans short of quality in in the middle of the back line.

Jonathan Coates and Richard Appleby have both been out for long spells, and although very different players, are able to give the team good balance on the left-hand side.

To be fair to John Hollins, he has never used these injuries as an excuse, but from experience, it is very frustrating for a manager when he is looking for results, but unable to select some of his better players.

The most disappointing feature has been the reluctance of some (not all) senior players to accept responsibilities for the situation.

And you only have to look at Nick Cusack and Roger Freestone, and follow their example, and you won't go far wrong.

The supporters have been magnificent all season, especially those hardy souls who have travelled to away games.

But everyone deserves praise for their continued loyalty and devotion to the club.

Which brings me on to a slightly critical note.

The anger and frustration aimed at Mike Lewis last Saturday was probably understandable, but in my opinion a little unfair.

Due to the continued absence of our esteemed leader (Mr McClure) Mike Lewis, as managing director, has been placed in an unenviable position, where he has to answer the criticisms of these supporters when really, Mr McClure, as chairman should be in the firing line.

But when he hasn't been to the Vetch for a league game since December 2, I suppose, inevitably, Mike Lewis was next in line to receive the brickbats.

Maybe, if Mr McClure came to Swansea, and witnessed for himself, the passion and commitment of the supporters, he may not be so apathetic and dismissive of the club.

But I don't see much chance of that ever happening, so the sooner the club is sold, the better, and I am sure I speak for every Swansea City fan when I say that.

Every relegation and promotion issue is now settled, and while congratulations go out to the winner, one must never forget the losers, especially Barnet, who have only been bottom of the league once this season, yet find themselves now relegated to the Conference, to be replaced by Rushden and Diamonds.

I can advise every Swans fan, that he or she should try to attend the game at Rushden and witness one of the best stadiums outside the Premiership, where everything is done so professionally.

They will certainly enhance the profile of Division Three, in particular, highlighting the need for Morfa Stadium to get up and running, to put us somewhere in the pecking order should we manage to do well again next season.

This is my last column of the season, so I thank you all for your comments, I hope I have given you plenty to talk about, and whatever happens to our wonderful football club, I know your support will never fade and die.

John Hollins was delighted after his team booked their first ever appearance in the Final of the FAW Premier Cup, after their 2-0 over Merthyr.

Goals from Matthias Verschave and Michael Keegan gave the 10-men Swans a 2-0 win after Nicholas Fabiano was sent-off for aiming a headbutt at an opponent.

Hollins said: "That is two very good performances against Merthyr, two good goals, especially the cracker from Michael Keegan and we are looking forward to the Wrexham clash.

Hollins went on to talk about the sending off of Nicholas Fabiano: "He didn't make contact but I suppose the referee felt there was intent."

SWANSEA City could struggle to muster a full squad of 16 senior players for Monday's FAW Premier Cup final against Wrexham at Vetch Field.

Nicolas Fabiano is likely to be banned after his red card in last night's 2-0 win over Merthyr, bringing the total of unavailable first-teamers to 17.

Other probable absentees include Steve Watkin, Gareth Phillips, Jason Smith, Kris O'Leary and Lee Jenkins.

"We had 16 players out before the Merthyr game and I expect that will now become 17 with Fabiano's sending-off," said Swansea manager John Hollins.

"I am just hoping we haven't picked up any more knocks. As it is, we are going to have keep going with our young players, while I would think Wrexham will be at almost full strength."

Hollins handed debuts to youngsters Stephen Healey, Craig Draper and Luke Middleton in last night's win.

Centre-back Healey, who played the full 90 minutes, was impressive alongside 20-year-old Chris Todd and Matthew Bound in a back three.

With a solid defence, goals from Matthias Verschave and Michael Keegan gave Swansea a comfortable if not thrilling victory.

"It was a nice chance to introduce a couple of youngsters. Stephen Healey and Toddy have been a good pair in the youth team and they did well," said Hollins.

"Now we are through to the final and I want to finish the season with some silverware."

Holders Wrexham will come to the Vetch on Monday hoping for their third victory over Swansea this season.

"I think it will be a terrific game. They will be favourites because they have won the competition before, but it could be a first time for us."

Fabiano's dismissal came after the French loan star appeared to head-butt Merthyr midfielder Danny Carter right in front of the dug-outs.

Hollins had no complaints about referee Nigel Richards's decision afterwards."Whether he made contact or not, you cannot have that sort of thing," he said.

Hollins's opposite number Keith Walker said his side had been guilty of missing chances in his last game in charge.

The former Swansea skipper also paid tribute to the Vetch supporters who gave him a standing ovation before kick-off.

"I've had 12 fantastic years in Wales and I've always had a great relationship with the Swansea fans. It was great to get such a warm reception," said Walker, who returns to his native Scotland later this month.

Swansea 2 Merthyr 0 (Swansea win 4-0 on aggregate)

Goals by Matthais Verschave and Michael Keegan eased slick Swansea through to an FAW Premier Cup final date against Wrexham at the Vetch Field on Monday.

Swansea's bid to lift the BBC-sponsored competition trophy for the first time took a hammer blow two minutes from the interval when Nicolas Fabiano was sent off.

The effervescent Frenchman - borrowed from Paris St Germain - received his marching orders from Llanelli referee Nigel Richards for aiming a head-butt at Merthyr's Danny Carter.

With his Vetch contract expiring early next week, it means the link-man has likely played his last game for the Swans and is ruled out of Monday's final with Brian Flynn's Robins.

John Hollins's side went ahead after 15 minutes.

Jamaican Walter Boyd's clever flick split Merthyr clean open and Verschave advanced before beating Neil Thomas with a crisp right-foot finish.

Former Cardiff City favourite Cohen Griffith replaced Lee Price after the hour, but Merthyr's hopes vanished when Keegan lashed home a second in off an upright 12 minutes from time.

JASON Price could play his last game for Swansea City in Monday's FAW Premier Cup final.
The 24-year-old, transfer-listed at his own request for much of the season, has confirmed that he will quit the club when his contract runs out in the summer.

And Swansea manager John Hollins conceded that he could do nothing to stop the right-sided player from leaving.

"We made him a terrific offer. We did everything possible, but if he wants to go elsewhere, that's his right," said Hollins.

"We are sorry to see him go because he has given us good service and worked very hard.

"I think our youth department should take a lot of credit for bringing Jason on. He owes them a lot," he added.

A further blow for Swansea is Price's age. He turned 24 last month and can therefore leave for nothing under transfer regulations.

Price explained that he feels the time is right for a change.

"I want something new. It's nothing to do with Swansea City — they've always treated me well," he said.

"I fancy a move, not just in football but in life. Nothing will make me change my mind."

The Aberdare-product said his decision was not based on Swansea's relegation, but a desire to play on a bigger stage.

"I'm aiming for the First Division as I believe I can play at that level," he said.

Where Price will be heading is not yet certain, with rumours linking him with a variety of clubs in recent months.

"There's a lot of speculation flying about at the moment. There's nothing definite lined up yet but I'm sure something will happen during the summer."

Price's Swansea career could end tonight if they fail to overcome Merthyr in the FAW Premier Cup semi-final (7.15)

Hollins admits it would be a "major disaster" should his side fail to reach their first final now.

While he will not accept that the tie is over, he knows a 2-0 advantage from the first leg should prove unsurpassable at the Vetch.

"To lose it from here would be a major disaster, but we will not be taking Merthyr for granted," he said.

"But it's certainly not over at 2-0 and it will be a hard game. We'll treat it as if it's 0-0."

Swansea will be without first-leg goalscorer Gareth Phillips tonight and in the final should they reach it. He is on crutches after damaging ligaments in his right ankle but should be fit for pre-season training.

Ticket prices have been cut to £5 for adults and £3 for concessions in an attempt to boost crowds.


Swansea City:

(from): Freestone, Howard, Bound, Todd, Cusack, Price, Savarese, Verschave, Fabiano, Coates, J Jones, Boyd, De-Vulgt, Keegan, Roberts, Mumford, Draper

Merthyr:

N Thomas, Regan, Giles, Carter, Abraham, Power, Elliott, Needs, Loss, D Thomas, Ryan, Griffiths, Perry, Clarke, Walker, Morris, Price

Swansea are believed to be in the running to sign striker Sean Farrell, who has just been released by Second Division Notts County.

He is most heavily being linked with one of his former clubs - Luton Town - who will also be playing Third Division football next season.

However, John Hollins has always maintained his desire to add competition for places in his squad, particularly in the striking department.

Therefore, Swansea could offer Farrell an alternative as he looks to find himself a new club.

Stadium plans on track

Swansea Council chiefs have confirmed that work is still on course for the new £75 million Morfa Stadium despite rumours to the contrary.

Rumours had started that negotiations had stalled, but council leader Mike Hedges said: "It is going very well with no problems at all, and will be ready as planned."

He also said that the clubs, the council and the developers were fully dedicated to making it a success. "Tenants have been set-up and by the end of May detailed designs should have been agreed," he continued.

"It is really in demand as it will be the only development of its kind in Britain, with an excellent site and ideal rail and road connections."

Diggers arrived at the Morfa site for the first time last week, and detailed investigations are now being undertaken.

Swansea City wideman Jason Price will definitely quit the Vetch Field in the summer in the hope of joining a First Division club.

Price, one of 15 players out of contract at the club, has told manager John Hollins that after six years at the Vetch he wants a change of scenery.

"I want something new," said the 24-year-old from Aberdare. "It's nothing to do with Swansea City Football Club - they've always treated me well.

"I don't want to go stale and I think that can happen if you stay at a club too long. I fancy a move, not just in football but in life."

If Swansea overcome Merthyr Tydfil tonight in the second-leg of the FAW Premier Cup semi-final at the Vetch, then next Monday's final will be Price's swansong.

"I've been in the first team for three years and I've played 140-odd games. It's the same thing day after day and I want to meet new people," he added.

"Even if we had stayed in the Second Division, that wouldn't have changed my mind. The six years I've had at the Vetch have been terrific. In that time I've been to Wembley, reached the play-offs and won a championship.

"But I want to move on and nothing will make me change my mind. I'm 24 and it's the right age to do it. They say a player is at his peak from 24 to 28. Hopefully, I can go on to better things.

"Of course, it will be an emotional moment for me when I leave the Vetch for the last time because I started my career there and the club has done everything for me."

Several clubs have been tracking the right-sided player, Aston Villa and Bolton believed to be among them.

But Price said, "There's a lot of speculation flying about at the moment. There's nothing definite lined up yet but I'm sure something will happen during the summer. I'm optimistic about that.

"I'm aiming for the First Division. I believe I can play at that level. I've played against First Division teams and I haven't felt out of place."

Price - nicknamed JJ - was an integral part of John Hollins's Third Division championship-winning side last season but admits he has had a disappointing 2000-01 campaign.

"I was on top of my game last season but this one has been different. I've had more downs than ups. One minute we were in mid-table, the next we couldn't win a game. When we got to November we just went downhill.

"I've played right wing-back most of the season because Steve Jones has been injured. I don't mind where I play as long as I'm in the team, but my favourite position is in midfield because I like to attack.

"I hope Swansea can get back up straight away. If they can keep people like Giovanni (Savarese) and Walter (Boyd) they will have enough firepower to do it."

Wrexham have denied any interest in Shrewsbury striker Nigel Jemson. The forward, who has played for Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday, is available on a free transfer.

JOHN Hollins says his Swansea City team still has a job to do despite taking a 2-0 first-leg lead over Dr Martens Premier League Merthyr in the FAW Premier Cup semi-final at Penydarren Park.

A spectacular 25-yard volley from Gareth Phillips and a second-half strike from Jonathan Coates saw Swansea earn a healthy advantage for tomorrow night's second leg at Vetch Field, but Hollins is taking nothing for granted despite seeing his side dominate and put in a thoroughly professional display.

"It's only half-time," said Hollins. "We still have a tough match ahead of us and we have picked up a couple more knocks.

"I was satisfied with the performance but it's not over yet."

Hollins looked on as Phillips, who spent a month on loan at Merthyr earlier in the season, smashed in his wonder strike and Coates rifled in the second midway through the second half but he knows the scoreline could have been even more emphatic but for Merthyr goalkeeper Neil Thomas and a few more near misses in the second half.

"You are always disappointed that you don't score more goals but overall it was a satisfying performance," he added.

"It was a great pitch to play on and sometimes we overplayed it and made it a bit complicated.

"But we had a lot of the ball and we could have wrapped it up last night.

"Full credit to Merthyr they had their chances and it was a good game of football. Gareth Phillips's goal was great and it was one of those that could have gone anywhere, but if you don't take a chance then you don't score.

"The second leg will be tough but it's vitally important that this club has some silverware at the end of the season."

Merthyr boss Keith Walker said his team had not given up the game despite the result.

"We had our chances but never really tested Roger Freestone," said the ex-Swansea skipper.

"That was disappointing. They took their chances and Phillips's goal was a great strike.

"Tomorrow is my last game before going back to Scotland and it's fitting it will be at the Vetch. We will give it our best shot."

Merthyr Tydfil...0

Swansea City...2
Phillips 45 mins, Coates 58 mins

A WONDER goal from Gareth Phillips set Swansea on the way to a thoroughly convincing first-leg win and put John Hollins's men 90 minutes away from their first FAW Premier Cup final.

The job is not finished yet, but if Swansea can perform half as well as they did at Penydarren Park last night then Hollins can look forward to a final at the Vetch next week with holders Wrexham the likely opponents.

Jonathan Coates's 58th-minute second gave the visitors the breathing space they needed after Phillips had given them the lead in first-half stoppage time but in the end it could have been even more comfortable if Martyrs' keeper Neil Thomas had not made some top quality saves in a one-sided second half.

Merthyr had already upset Cardiff City in the quarter-final 1-0, so Hollins knew they were no pushovers especially when his side arrived with 12 professionals on the injury list.

Former Swansea skipper Keith Walker, taking charge of Merthyr for the last time before moving back home to Scotland, had got his side well prepared and they went at the visitors from the start.

They soaked up some Swansea pressure and Thomas was forced into a great save when he pushed Matthias Verschave's header on to the bar after 16 minutes before skipper Nick Cusack had his effort cleared off the line.

But the home side caused early problems for the Swansea defence and ex-Cardiff defender Gareth Abraham was unfortunate to see his powerful header strike a post after 22 minutes.

This seemed to wake the visitors up and, despite the odd break, they managed to keep Merthyr at bay for the rest of the half and had the best chances through Cusack and Nicolas Fabiano.

They were asserting themselves on the match and deservedly went into the lead right on half-time.

Coates sent in a cross which the Martyrs' defence could not deal with and the ball fell to Phillips 25 yards out.

In an instant he volleyed the ball past a static Thomas to score his first senior goal.

It was just what Swansea needed and they came out after the break a more relaxed side.

Driven on by Cusack, who had an outstanding match, they took hold of the match by the scruff of the neck.

The skipper had a header saved two minutes after the break to set the pattern and from then on it was all Swansea.

Phillips was replaced by Leigh De-Vulgt on 56 minutes with ankle ligament damage and looks extremely doubtful for tomorrow but his departure did not alter the sway of the match.

Verschave had a goal disallowed five minutes later when he looked onside and although Merthyr tried to give as good as they got they were reduced to sporadic attacks.

The lead was doubled on 58 minutes when Coates slammed home a half-cleared ball after Jason Price had headed Fabiano's cross into the danger area.

It should have spelt trouble for the home side. Fabiano was revelling in the space and combining well with Giovanni Savarese.

The Venezuelan had a few chances to end his goal drought but found Thomas in top form and saw his 72nd-minute shot just go wide.

Swansea were totally on top but to their credit Merthyr stuck to their task and sub Grant Thomas twice went close in the closing minutes.

The efforts were close but it was John Hollins's night and after this totally professional display he will be disappointed if his side is not lining up in the final on Monday.

It's only half-time, but it should be all over.

Merthyr Tydfil 0 - 2 Swansea City

A wonder goal from Welsh under-21 international Gareth Phillips aided the healing process for relegated Swansea City last night as they secured victory at Merthyr Tydfil.

The Swans worked hard for their Premier Cup semi-final first-leg victory and look poised to face Wrexham in the final unless there are two major upsets tomorrow night.

Phillips struck a 30-yard pile-driver on the stroke of half-time after a poor defensive clearance.

The Swans were denied an earlier goal when keeper Neil Thomas pulled off a stunning save in thew 14th minute to deny the impressive striker Matthias Vershave. The elusive Frenchman headed powerfully at goal from a Coates corner but Thomas tipped the ball on to the bar and away to safety.

To their credit, Merthyr put up a brave fight and created a number of scoring chances.

Their best effort came from a corner taken by Darren Ryan and Gareth Abraham saw his header rebound off the outside of the post.

Phillips left the field with an ankle injury after 55 minutes but Swansea maintained control.

Coates extended the lead when the lively striker shot low and hard into the left hand corner from 12 yards, once more taking advantage of a poor defensive clearance.

So Swansea look set to face Wrexham in the final later this month, the North Wales outfit also hold a two-goal lead following their 3-1 first leg victory over Barry Town.

Swansea's relegation-culminating campaign is reflected in this year's attendance figures, which show a near 17 per cent drop from 1999/2000.
Saturday's gate of 3,383 left The Swans' average for this season at just 4,912 - nearly 1,000 down on the season before, the championship-winning campaign of 1999/2000.
Play-off contenders Stoke and Reading (who enjoyed the biggest percentage increase in home attendances) enjoyed the Second Division's biggest crowds this season, averaging 13,766 and 12,647 respectively while champions Millwall were third in the crowds table with an average of 11,441.
Meanwhile end-of-season figures just released also put Swansea fairly low down in the disciplinary table. Only Bristol Rovers, Millwall and Wigan collected more red cards than Swansea's total of 6 and the Swans also accumulated 68 yellows.
Crucially the only statistic that really matters is that of the Second Division's 24 teams, only Oxford picked up less points than Swansea this season.

ALAN Curtis believes Swansea City must take something out of tonight's trip to Merthyr if they are to end a miserable season on a high note. (7.15)
And the Swansea assistant boss insists the club are determined to lift the FAW Premier Cup, despite the competition's lack of glamour.

"It's a massive game for us and I think it's vital that we get a result even though we'll get two bites at the cherry," said Curtis.

"If we can get something tonight, it should make it easier for us in the return leg on Thursday.

"We're desperate to end the season well and our last two league games weren't bad.

"Now we're in a positive frame of mind and we want to win this competition. We don't care what competition it is, we want to win it."

Swansea are due some success in a tournament they have never won, but they will have to do it without a number of players in tonight's game at least.

A lengthy injury list includes centre-backs Kris O'Leary (knee) and Jason Smith (ankle), striker Steve Watkin (wrist) and young midfielder Lee Jenkins (thigh).

Meanwhile, Merthyr player-boss Keith Walker is hoping to end his long stay in Wales by causing an upset.

The centre-back spent 10 happy years at the Vetch after joining the club back in 1989.

But fans' favourite Walker will quit football and return to his native Scotland to start a career in the police force when Merthyr's Premier Cup run comes to an end. "It's ironic that my last game looks like being at the Vetch," he said.

Merthyr: N Thomas, Regan, Giles, G Thomas, Abraham, Needs, Power, Loss, Clark, Ryan, Perry, Griffiths, Elliott, Walker, Morris, Williams.

Swansea: Freestone, Howard, Cusack, Bound, Coates, Todd, Price, Fabiano, Verschave, Savar-ese, Phillips, Mumford, J Jones, Boyd, De-Vulgt, Keegan.

Swansea City have mounting injury worries going into tonight's FAW Premier Cup semi-final first leg clash with Merthyr Tydfil at Penydarren Park (7.15pm).

Central defender Kris O'Leary is ruled out with a knee problem and Welsh Under-21 international midfielder Lee Jenkins's thigh strain will keep him sidelined.

Winger Stuart Roberts, a target for Premiership Southampton and Sunderland, also faces a late fitness test after a knock in last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Cambridge at the Vetch Field.

Skipper Jason Smith is unlikely to be risked. And should the Martyrs be successfully negotiated, former Wrexham favourite Steve Watkin will miss a possible meeting with his old club next Monday - ironically at Penydarren Park in the competition final - he is recovering from an operation on his wrist.

Acknowledged Swans manager John Hollins, "Merthyr will be a tough test for us. We certainly won't underestimate them, but I'll take no risks with players who are less than 100 per cent fit.

"I've prepared my men for a couple of searching encounters with Merthyr - they had a good result against Cardiff at the quarter-final stage, we must heed the warning."

And even though the BBC-sponsored competition carries no European qualification, Hollins is desperate to lift the trophy - and not just for a six-figure cash boost.

He said, "We might not have the carrot of exciting trips abroad, but there is plenty of incentive for us to lift some silverware. We want to reward our loyal fans with a trophy after a disappointing season."

Merthyr, who secured their spot in the Dr Martens Premier League some weeks back, include a clutch of former Barry Town stars in their line-up - Darren Ryan, Danny Carter and Justin Perry are all expected to start.

Tonight and Thursday promises to be charged occasions for Martyrs player-manager Keith Walker - the hardy Scot spent over a decade at the Vetch. The former Swans skipper plays his last matches before returning to his native Scotland to join the police.

SWANSEA City's managing director Mike Lewis says he is prepared to sit down with fans to discuss the club's future.

Lewis was the target of a small band of around 150 supporters who, having seen their team sink back to the depths of Division Three after only one year in the higher flight, vented their anger after the 1-1 draw with Cambridge at Vetch Field .

The managing director said that the ‘Lewis out' chants hurt him but he would take it on the chin and try to sort things out at the club.

"I don't think the demonstration was totally unexpected," he said. "But we as a board are paid to get things right and the fans pay their money to watch football. They have every right to complain when things go wrong.

"It does hurt me when I hear my name being chanted and maybe it would have been nice if there had been other people here so their names could have been shouted instead of mine. But I will take it on the chin be-cause I am big enough to take it."

Lewis said it would have served no purpose to have spoken to the group of fans who were pitchside on Saturday.

"I would have loved to have gone down there and spoken to them all," he said, "but that would have solved nothing. It would be much better if I met small groups of fans and we could discuss club matters.

"I won't dodge any bullets. I am there to be shot at, but if and when we arrange these meetings, they have to be sensibly run. There is no point in them turning into slanging matches.

I will then try and put the facts on the table because there have been a lot of people who have been putting two and two together and making five. I want to get them to make things add up to four. These meetings could go a long way to getting things back on track."

Lewis is unsure what his position would be if and when new owners take the club over from Ninth Floor.

"People have called for me to go," he said, "and when the new owners come in, if they want me to go then I will leave, but until then there is a lot of work to be done."

Defiant Swansea City managing director Mike Lewis said he will not bow to fan pressure and resign from his post at the Vetch Field.

Lewis was the subject of a post-match protest involving around 200 supporters on Saturday following Swansea's last league match of the season, against Cambridge at the Vetch.

But after the game Lewis said he will only leave the relegated Swans if the new owners do not want him to stay.

He also said he wants to hold a series of meetings with supporters to explain to them the situation at the club.

"I don't think I should resign and I've never felt that I should resign. Perhaps it's resilience but I want to stay here. I'm 60 this year and I don't want to be moving on again," said Lewis after the 1-1 draw with Cambridge.

"There's a bigger battle ahead now, a bigger hill to climb. We've got to streamline, we've got to make this club lean and mean. I think I can help to achieve that.

"If the new owners, whoever they may be, come in and say I don't fit the bill then I'll stand down. But you've got to draw the line in the sand when it comes to pride."

Lewis, who runs the club in the absence of chairman Neil McClure, added, "If the next owner wants me and John Hollins to go, then we'll go. I've been described before as a journeyman in football.

I don't want to leave but it wouldn't be the end of the world if I did move again. But that decision will be down to the new owners of the club."

Lewis said he wants to meet with Swansea supporters over the next couple of months and talk to them about the current state of the club as well as its future.

"I'd like to do what Sam Hammam has done at Cardiff City and try to explain things to the fans. It's only fair the club gives an opportunity to the them, in a peaceful environment, so they can say how they feel about the club," he said.

"I'm quite happy to meet the fans undefined particularly those from the North Bank because I think sometimes they feel ostracised. Hopefully we can set up a series of meetings, and I mean meaningful meetings, not slanging matches, so I can put some of the facts on the table.

"People have been jumping to conclusions, as they do in football, putting two and two together and making five. I want to make sure it adds up to four. The North Bank is the hotbed of Swansea City Football Club and we should set something up so we can talk to the fans who stand there.

"I'm quite happy to do that and I don't see why some meetings couldn't be sorted out in the summer when things have quietened down a bit.

"I'm hurting just as much as the supporters inside and I can assure them the directors are as distressed as they are by what has happened this season," added Lewis.

"The fans pay money to watch the team play and perhaps they expected something better than we served up this season. I understand that. But the fans should also remember my reputation, and that of John Hollins and the players, is at stake as well.

"My instinct after the Cambridge game was to go on to the pitch and talk to the fans one by one but that would have been impossible, so I had to stand in the directors' box and just take the stick. One or two sensible comments were made to me and I'll certainly be taking those on board.

"We've been set back a year and with the Morfa Stadium coming up that's the wrong way to go. And because we're up for sale we're also in limbo as a club, which isn't clever either."