Swansea City and County Council yesterday (16 May) denied reports there would be a major delay on the £75m Morfa Stadium project.

The long-awaited new sports and retail complex two miles north of the city centre is designed to be a new home for both Swansea City FC and Swansea RFC.

The All Whites say a move from its St Helen's Ground is essential for the future of professional rugby in the city.

And Swans owners Ninth Floor claim that moving from the club's century-old Vetch Field is essential for survival amid the pressures of modern soccer.

Yesterday, Ninth Floor said any delays would be 'unfortunate to say the least' because there were 'real safety issues' affecting the continued use of the Vetch.

After planning permission was granted for the new venue, which will provide a 25,000 all-seater home for pop concerts and regional internationals as well as Swansea's soccer and rugby clubs, it was hoped the pitch would be laid by the start of the 2002/2003 season.

Responding to reports yesterday that the project could be put off until at least 2003, Swansea City and County Council said a 2002/03 opening was still on track.

A spokesman said the council and the sports teams involved did not have the money to pay for this development (which includes commercial elements along with the sports sections) alone.

'We are dependent on commercial partners coming on board and while that could take time there is no reason at this stage to think there could be major delays.'

Swans boss John Hollins is bidding to keep his foreign quartet at the Vetch for next season's promotion push back into Division Two.

Hollins, speaking of the quartet of Walter Boyd, Giovanni Savarese, Matthias Verschave and Nicolas Fabiano, said: "I'd like to keep them all. They did well in Division Two and may want to move elsewhere. None have said they won't be coming back, though negotiations are ongoing."

Responding to criticism from TV pundit Mark Aizlewood about not having foreigners in the team, Hollins said: "He's never been a manager so he wouldn't understand. I listen to people who have been managers but I don't consider anything he says - that's up to him.

"Our youth development programme is vital to the club's future and the likes of Alan Curtis when he was in that area, plus Ron Walton, Paul Compton and Paul Morgan have all done wonders in that department. "I did want to keep all our youngsters but some had to go," he continued.

"We needed to make room to add some players to the nucleus of a squad I really believe will be strong enough for promotion next season."

He added: "Change does nobody any harm - after a summer clear-out we'll be raring to go for next season's challenge and until a new owner comes in I'll just get on with the job.

If it's today - great, if not there'll be a squad of players ready for Division Three. "I've got the appetite to do it all over again. I'd like to think the players and fans have too."

McClure blasts Morfa delay talk

Swans outgoing chairman Neil McClure has rejected talk of a delay in the planned opening of the Morfa Stadium development. A statement from the City and County of Swansea Council had said that the planned opening for the Stadium would have to be put back again, beyond its scheduled target opening of September next year.

However, McClure has blasted the report, saying: "At this stage we have had no official notification of any delay.

Neither The Swans nor the rugby club have been party to any details of the scheme's funding, and therefore those issues are outside the scope of both clubs.

"The availability of new facilities to replace the Vetch has always been a key aim in the future of Swansea City.

There are real safety issues concerned in the continued use of the Vetch Field, so further delays in the Morfa project would be unfortunate to say the least."

Fresh fears for Morfa ground after latest deferral of completion date

WILL it ever happen?That is the question hanging on the lips of Swans and All Whites supporters today in the wake of the acknowledgement of further delays to the £75million Morfa Stadium project.

Supporters hoped to see the stadium up and running years ago. They are still waiting

It was in June 1990 that plans were first hatched for a luxury stadium that would be the new home of Welsh international football.

Swansea was reported to be bidding to take over from Ninian Park, Cardiff, as the headquarters of Welsh football.

Within months Swansea RFC unveiled plans for a £4million facelift of its St Helen's ground.

Proposals included turning the rugby pitch around to make room for a 9,000-capacity stand 30 feet higher than the existing grandstand.

By December 1993, the Post was reporting on its front page that the Swans were finally poised to leave their Vetch Field home and move to Morfa by the start of the 1995/96 season.

Residents living near the Vetch Field were delighted. Years of misery and disruption seemed set to end.

Speculation then mounted that the Swans could be in line for millions of pounds in grants from the Football Trust, which had £39million to give away.

Early in 1994 the then council leader Trevor Burtonshaw scotched rumours of a deal between the council and the Swans over a move to Morfa.

But by the summer the Swans were pleading for help to make the Morfa move.

Club vice-chairman Glyn Hammond said the council should have the foresight to help take the city into the next century.

In 1996 new council leader Tom Jones revealed his dream for a super stadium on the outskirts of Swansea that would be "one of the finest in the land".

This dream moved a step close in February the same year when Councillor Robert Francis-Davies, commenting on top-level talks on the stadium plan, said: "It may not come to anything in the end but I think that would be an opportunity missed."

By the beginning of 1997 the people of Swansea could see glimpses of what the new stadium could look like, thanks to an artist's impression supplied by the council.

One of the main features of the plan was the so-called Millennium Dome, an indoor arena which, like the stadium, would have have a multi-purpose role. It was designed with seating for 3,000, increasing to 5,000 for boxing tournaments and other events.

In September 1997 the Post revealed that a £5.5million Lottery grant bid towards a proposed revamp of St Helen's had failed. The pressure was growing for a joint Swans and Whites move to Morfa.

Then, in October, the new owners of the Swans, Silver Shield, ruled out any future for the club's Vetch Field ground, saying it had a lifespan of no more than three years.

They aimed to kick off the 1999 soccer season at Morfa.

Swans vice-chairman Neil McClure said: "The Rugby World Cup is being hosted in Wales in September 1999 and it would be nice to show the WRU we will be able to meet its requirements."

He added: "We want to be at Morfa in two years."

By February 1998, Mr McClure was talking up the scheme. He said HSBC — one of the world's top investment banks — was interested.

In July 1998 new council leader Mike Hedges said: "The stadium will be up and running by September next year or, if not, definitely by the end of the year."

The following year saw reports that Neil McClure wanted to move to Baglan Energy Park instead of Morfa. The option was eventually ruled out.

In 2000 a new target was set for completion of the stadium — September 2001.

By April the talk was of a stadium of light, to be built by Miller Developments, the company behind Sunderland's massive 40,000-seater stadium.

Then, in June, the council switched the site for the stadium from the east side of the River Tawe to the playing fields in Landore "to help meet the 2001 deadline".

In August, council cabinet member for development Byron Owen said he hoped the stadium would be ready in time for the 2002/03 season.

"It has not been physically or financially possible to arrange this timetable for the opening of the new stadium any quicker than we have done," he said.

"We have never officially announced a deadline of 2001. Nobody in their right mind would say the stadium would be up in the next year."

Frustrated Swans chairman Neil McClure threatened in December to quit the project in a row over ownership of the stadium.

He said it had taken four years of hard work and "literally millions of pounds" to get things going on the move and the council wanted to retain full ownership.

Bn January 2001, outline plans for the scheme for the west bank were approved by the council.

February saw the Assembly give the scheme the green light. But Mr McClure dampened the city's celebrations with a warning that the Swans would not move from the Vetch until issues over the stadium ownership had been resolved.

April saw diggers move on to Morfa for on-site investigations.

On April 28 Councillor Hedges pledged the scheme would be ready in time for the 2002/03 season.

"Morfa is progressing very well indeed, there are no problems and it will be ready for the start of the 2002/03 season," he said.

Then, yesterday, Councillor Owen said the deadline was unrealistic.

It was, he said "better to have to wait a bit longer than not to have a stadium at all".

Swansea City manager John Hollins intends keeping all the foreign players he's been advised to jettison by former Wales defender Mark Aizlewood.

Negotiations are ongoing with outof-contract internationals Giovanni Savarese (Venezuela) and Walter Boyd (Jamaica) plus Nicolas Fabiano and Matthias Verschave from France, Hollins revealed when he announced his retained list yesterday.

Frenchman David Romo is already under contract for next season.

Outspoken pundit Aizlewood caused a storm by branding foreign footballers as unreliable on BBC Wales television.

'I am not xenophobic but if I was manager of Swansea I would not have foreigners in the club if they were the last people on earth, especially free transfer players because they are unreliable,' he said.

'Foreign players at this level can be volatile, unpredictable and undisciplined. I would be better off working with young Welsh battlers.'

Top scorer Savarese, Boyd, one of the championship-winning heroes last year, and Fabiano and Verschave, on loan from Paris St Ger-main, may have played their last games for the club.

However, Hollins said, 'I would like to keep them all. They performed well in the Nationwide Second Division and might want to go elsewhere.

'But at present none has indicated he won't be coming back. Negotiations are ongoing.

'I don't subscribe to anything Mark Aizlewood says. I don't think he's been a manager, so he wouldn't understand anyway.

'I listen to anybody who has been a manager but I don't consider anything he says.

'What he says and does is entirely up to him. I do what I do. I know what I know. We'll leave it at that.'

Nine players are leaving the Vetch Field including two first-team regulars, freed full-back Steve Jones and midfielder Jason Price who has rejected new terms.

Youngsters Lyndon Gregson, Kristian James, Luke Middleton, Dean Jenkins, Tino Baptista, James Berry and 'keeper Carl Mounty have also been released.

Out-of-contract Wales Under-21 winger Stuart Roberts has been offered a fresh deal together with emerging talents Alex Davies, Gareth Phillips, Leigh DeVulgt, Chris Todd, Andrew Mumford and Bari Morgan.

Youngsters Steve Healy, Chris O'Sullivan and Craig Draper have agreed new terms.

'Our successful youth development programme is a vital part of the club's future,' added Hollins.

'A lot of credit for the club's young talent must go to coach Ron Walton, my assistant Alan Curtis in his time as development officer, Paul Morgan and Paul Compton who has taken over the youth department.

'I would have liked to keep all our youngsters but some had to go. We had to make room for the new players I aim to add to what I believe is the nucleus of a squad that will be strong enough to mount a serious promotion challenge next season.

'Change doesn't do anybody any harm and after a summer clear-out we will be raring to go again.

'We are even more determined to bring in a different style and quality to take us straight back out of Division Three.

'If somebody buys the club tomorrow, all well and good. If the takeover takes two or three months there will be a squad of players ready.

'Until a new owner comes in I'll just get on with the job. Everyone associated with the club is aware of what is needed.

'We have the backbone of the side that took us up last year. I have the appetite to do it all over again. I would like to think the players and the supporters have too.'

Roberts set to give Swans decision within 48 hours

STUART Roberts will decide within the next 48 hours whether his future lies with Swansea City.

The highly-rated 20-year-old, rumoured to be a target for a number of clubs, has been offered a new contract in writing by the club and manager John Hollins is now awaiting a reply.

Also revealed in Hollins's end-of-season retained list issued today is the club's desire to keep the foreign quartet of Giovanni Savarese, Matthias Verschave, Walter Boyd and Nicolas Fabiano.

Negotiations are continuing with all four and could run until the June 30 deadline.

Impressive youngsters Gareth Phillips, Chris Todd, Leigh De-Vulgt and Andrew Mumford have all been offered new contracts.

A surprise inclusion on the retained list is attacking midfielder Bari Morgan, who has been handed a new deal despite not starting a league game this season.

The only first-team squad members not to be kept on are goalkeeper Carl Mounty and full-back Lyndon Gregson.

Trainees Stephen Healey, Chris O'Sullivan and Craig Draper were all due to sign their first professional contracts today.

Hollins's retained list also confirmed the departure of Jason Price from Vetch Field after the 24-year-old turned down the offer of a new contract.

Should all the players on the retained list re-sign for the club, Hollins's playing staff would be 30-strong — just one fewer than last season.

This would go against the prediction of a sharp reduction in the size of the squad made by club owners Ninth Floor earlier this week.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Signing new deals today:
Steve Healey, Chris O'Sullivan, Craig Draper.

Offered new deals
Alex Davies,Gareth Phillips,Lee De-Vulgt, Chris Todd, Andrew Mumford, Bari Morgan, Stuart Roberts.

On-going negotiations:
Walter Boyd, Giovanni Savarese, Matthias Verschave, Nicolas Fabiano.

Released:
Steve Jones, Lyndon Gregson, Carl Mounty, Kristian James, Luke Middleton, Dean Jenkins, Tino Battista, James Berry.

Rejected new terms:
Jason Price

I'm no quitter, we'll bounce back again

GV: How disappointing has this season been?

JH: Extremely disappointing. Disappointing is not even a good word for it, it's more than that. We finished last season with high hopes and a good squad — I thought we were strong defensively and needed to add some strikers. Tactically we knew how we wanted to play and I did not think we had a problem.

GV: What were the main reasons for relegation?

JH: Injuries hurt us badly because we had to keep changing players. Looking back, the away game at Stoke was a turning point. We went there with the back three I wanted — Jason Smith, Matthew Bound and Kris O'Leary — and we won. But then we got back and Richard Evans (the club physio) told me Smith and O'Leary were out. Our Third Division title-winning defence played together only eight times in Division Two. Injuries played a part and a lack of consistency played a part. We also let in early goals through defensive errors on too many occasions.

GV: What positives can you take from the season?

JH: The injuries gave us the chance to put other players in, including a number of youngsters. They have come in and done well. Another positive is that eight or nine times we have played against the best teams and been the better side — but we haven't done it enough.

When we've played poorly we haven't picked up points — in Division Three we could. I now know what I want to do for next season and how I want to play.

GV: Some fans have shown their displeasure at times this season. Does that affect you or bother you?

JH: No. I appreciate the fans and I understand them. I cried with the guys when we lost to Scunthorpe in the play-offs, I cried with the guys when we won the championship and I cried with the guys when we went down.

No one knows how much it hurts me that we haven't stayed in Division Two. All I want the fans to do is appreciate what the players do on the pitch, and if they don't perform they're entitled to complain. I only get angry when people run onto the pitch.

Fans talk about buying new players, but they cost us money every time they come onto the pitch in fines.

It seems we've learnt nothing from Rotherham.

GV: Have you at any stage thought about quitting?

JH: Why should I? Swansea had not won a championship in 51 years before last year. As far as I am concerned I've got a job to do and I am planning for next season.

I am here and I am going to do my job until somebody tells me not to.

GV: Has the club being up for sale affected you?

JH: No, because I am employed here. If your newspaper is up for sale, it would not affect you. If a business is for sale, it still has to carry on running.

This club is business and it will keep running. I am planning to make a fresh approach to the new season.

GV: Does the uncertainty over the club's owners affect that planning?

JH: I am planning with what I have got. I started with a blank piece of paper and put down all the things I wanted.

There are meetings going on at the moment about what is going to happen and I can't wait for someone to say to me: ‘you can do it'. Then I will do what I want to do.

GV: What is the situation with the out-of-contract players you want to keep?

JH: Some have signed, while others have not and there's still a lot of negotiating to do. Anyone aged over 24 can keep me waiting until the end of June before they decide whether to re-sign, but I need to know so I can plan for next season.

I have tried to preempt that by saying this is an offer and it's the last offer.

I would like to keep a lot of players, but we have gone down to Third Division so some may not want to stay — Jason Price has already decided. That's their choice.

GV: Are you sorry to see people like Jason Price and Steve Jones go?

JH: I have got to look to the future. I am sorry to see people go but they are decisions which have to be made. Nothing is personal. It's hard but that's what I get paid for.

GV: Do you foresee any new faces joining the club over the summer?

JH: Yes, that's what I am planning for. To allow you to have new faces sometimes you have to change things around. We have been together three years and sometimes three years is repetitive. I want a new look, a new approach. We will change it and it will work.

GV: After the joy of leaving Division Three, is it hard to motivate yourself for a return?

JH: No, not at all.

GV: Do you think you have the squad here to do well in Division Three?

JH: I am confident I have got the nucleus of people here to succeed next season, and I want to make some additions.

GV: Will you win promotion back to Division Two next season?

JH: I said after we lost to Scunthorpe in the play-offs that we would go up next season, although not necessarily as champions.

We did. I'll say the same again.

THE future of Swansea City's 15 out-of-contract players could be settled later today with the release of manager John Hollins's retained list.

And with the club looking to trim the size of the playing squad considerably, many could be on the way out of Vetch Field.

Among those out of contract are the overseas quartet of Giovanni Savarese, Walter Boyd, Matthias Verschave and Nicolas Fabiano.

Those of promising youngsters Stuart Roberts, Chris Todd, Leigh De-Vulgt, Andrew Mumford and Gareth Phillips are also up.

Hollins is thought to want to keep many of those players, but how many he can hang on to remains to be seen.

Club owners Ninth Floor want to slash the squad from 31 players last season to around 22 for the Third Division campaign next season.

Jason Price has already confirmed he will be leaving the club this summer, while Steve Jones and Kristian James were released last month.

Meanwhile Reading boss Alan Pardew is confident his side will beat Wigan at the Madejski Stadium tonight in the Second Division play-off semi-final second leg.

"The fans can play their part," he said. "We don't want them to come here thinking it's going to be tense. I'm sure we'll do it, but the fans can instil a positive attitude in the players."

Angry Swansea City manager John Hollins has issued a "hands off Roger Freestone" warning in response to reports that arch-rivals Cardiff City want to sign the Welsh international 'keeper.

"I want to make it clear that Roger Freestone is not for sale," said Hollins.

"There has been no approach for Roger and I don't want any player from Cardiff, although I would take Robert Earnshaw.

"That's where I'm coming from and if I see any more stories about Freestone going to Cardiff I won't be speaking to whoever writes them. They won't be welcome here. They won't get any help from me or the club."

Cardiff manager Bobby Gould confirmed City had expressed no interest in Freestone. He described a Sunday tabloid story linking them with the 'keeper as "irresponsible".

Freestone was so concerned he sought clarification about his future with the club for whom he will begin his testimonial season in August.

He has said he would be happy to spend another decade with the Swans. But stand by for a Vetch Field exodus of many, if not all, the 15 players whose contracts are up.

Overseas recruits Giovanni Savarese, Walter Boyd, Matthias Verschave and Nicolas Fabiano have probably played their last games for the club.

Full-back Steve Jones has already departed, probably to either Cheltenham Town or Kidderminster Harriers, and midfielder Jason Price - who could become a Cardiff City target - has also decided to leave.

Hollins will probably try to keep winger Stuart Roberts and emerging youngsters Gareth Phillips and Andrew Mumford.

Owners Ninth Floor plc want the present 31-strong squad slashed by up to 10 players.

Under-contract Freestone, Jason Smith, Mathew Bound, Steve Watkin, Kris O'Leary, Damien Lacey, Ryan Casey, Jonathan Coates, Richard Appleby and Michael Howard - who broke a hand in the season's finale against Wrexham on Monday night - will form the nucleus of next season's squad.

But Hollins will need to make five or six quality signings for the side to become a Third Division force, making it imperative for the impoverished club to be sold as soon as possible.

He must envy Cardiff counterpart Gould who is compiling a short list of players to make City First Division promotion contenders next season.

Owner Sam Hammam has authorised £2m spending for a quality 'keeper, defender, midfielder and forward. City have checked on Darren Ward, free to leave Notts County under the Bosman ruling.

But the 27-year-old 'keeper - an understudy to Wales's Paul Jones - is keen to play at a higher level and a £1m move to Nottingham Forest or Sheffield United is on the cards.

Ryan Green, capped twice by Wales at senior level when Gould was in charge, could be on his way to his hometown club, though.

City may also move for centre back Kit Symons when Premiership-bound Fulham sign Martin Djetou from Monaco for £7m, as well as Alan Neilson, his club-mate and fellow Welsh international.

Meanwhile, Wrexham manager Brian Flynn is hoping some of the £160,000 earned from FAW Premier Cup success will be made available for team strengthening.

Mark Aizlewood last night insisted he was not a racist after he caused outrage by branding foreign footballers as unreliable on BBC Wales television.

The former Wales defender could be in trouble with race relations watchdogs.

"We will certainly be investigating Aizlewood's remarks. He is using a huge brush to tarnish every overseas player," said Ray Singh, chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality in Wales.

Angry viewers protested when the 41-year-old pundit indicted Swansea City for signing foreign players during live television coverage of Monday night's FAW Premier Cup final against Wrexham at the Vetch Field.

"I am not xenophobic at all but, if I was a manager, I would not have foreigners in my club if they were the last people on earth, especially free transfer players, because they are unreliable," he said.

Aizlewood was commenting on the eighth-minute dismissal of Swansea's Venezuelan international striker Giovanni Savarese for elbowing Wrexham defender Mark McGregor in the face.

He condemned the foul as 'absolutely disgraceful' and added, 'this is what foreigners give you. To me that is cowardice.'

BBC Wales yesterday distanced itself from Aizlewood's remarks and apologised unreservedly 'for any offence caused.'

"Mark was making a general point about free transfer players following a particularly nasty incident on the pitch," said a BBC spokesman.

"However, we regret that his comments could be open to misinterpretation. Mark should have stuck to the specifics. He realises the comments were unfortunate."

Last night Aizlewood said, "I am probably the least xenophobic person in Wales. I support Chelsea, who have eight foreigners in the side most weeks, and a Jamaica international footballer was best man at my wedding.

"They certainly weren't racist remarks. I was just making the point that if I was Swansea's manager I wouldn't have free transfer foreigners in my club at that level.

"Quality foreign players have been a fantastic step forward for British football, but (Frenchmen) David Romo, Nicolas Fabiano and Matthias Verschave, Jamaican international Walter Boyd and Savarese have not been outstanding successes at the Vetch.

"As the Swansea manager I believe I would be better off working with young Welsh battlers. If I was a player coming through Swansea's youth ranks I would be questioning what the imports could do that I couldn't.

"Foreign players at this level can be volatile, unpredictable and undisciplined. Fabiano was sent off last week for a butt and Savarese was very lucky.

"Had McGregor taken the full force of the elbow he could now be looking at a serious assault charge. It could have shattered McGregor's cheekbone, broken his nose or knocked out his teeth."

Savarese did not comment on the first dismissal of his career before flying home to New York yesterday with his wife Michelle and baby daughter Valentina.

JOHN Hollins claimed a kick in the head led to Giovanni Savarese's sending-off in last night's 2-0 defeat by Wrexham in the FAW Premier Cup final at Vetch Field.

The Swansea City manager refused to defend Savarese after he elbowed Mark McGregor, but said his star striker had been provoked.

"There might be a little story behind what he did," said a fuming Hollins.

"He had to go, but he was kicked in the head on the far side of the field. That made it very hard for us."

With the 14-goal Venezuelan out of contract at the Vetch next month, the red card could be a sour end to Savarese's Swansea career.

Savarese's dismissal overshadowed a game in which Swansea never recovered from being reduced to 10 men in the ninth minute.

Second-half goals from the outstanding Lee Trundle and Mark McGregor gave Wrexham a deserved fourth Premier Cup in five years.

But angry Hollins blasted Holyhead referee Brian Lawlor, claiming neither goal should have been allowed.

"I thought the referee was absolutely appalling, for both teams not just one," he said.

"The first goal was a push in the back on Kris O'Leary and for the second, the free-kick was not a free-kick.

"The man fell over. How many times he fell over I don't know, but that's the way our luck goes and it sums up our season really."

Hollins bemoaned the fact that half his squad were ruled out of the final through injury or suspension but praised the efforts of those who did play.

Last night, left-back Michael Howard was forced off at half-time with a broken hand.

"It's been one of those seasons but there are a lot pluses, like Chris Todd, Stephen Healey and Craig Draper," he said.

"Some good things have come out of this season although it might be hard to convince the supporters of that. But there are things that bode well for next season and I can't wait."

Swansea City...0

Wrexham...2
(Trundle 49, McGregor 58)

SWANSEA City's season of woe ended on a sour note on a controversial night Vetch Field.

Venezuelan striker Giovanni Savarese was sent off after only eight minutes by Holyhead referee Brian Lawlor after elbowing Wrexham defender Mark McGregor in a bad-tempered FAW Premier Cup Final.

Then inevitably as the 10 men of Swansea tired, goal machine Lee Trundle headed home a 49th-minute opener before McGregor wrapped things up when he headed home Darren Ferguson's free-kick nine minutes later.

It meant that Wrexham picked up the £100,000 prize for winning the BBC-sponsored tournament and Swansea picked up £40,000.

But that was scant reward for Vetch boss John Hollins who was scathing about referee Lawlor in the post-match press conference.

"I thought the referee was absolutely appalling," said Hollins.

"Not just for Swansea but for both sides. For the first goal there was a push in the area and the second came after a free-kick was given which should not have been on somebody (Ferguson) who had been falling over all night."

Lawlor was not up to the standard required for a game of this stature.

He had no other option but to send Savarese off but from then on his decisions spoilt the game.

Consistency is all that players ask for and Lawlor should have sent off Wrexham skipper Brian Carey and at least booked Danny Williams after the midfielder led with his elbow on Nick Cusack soon after the Savarese sending off.

The game had a lively start with Savarese complaining he had been kicked in the head by McGregor.

Then on eight minutes came the turning point. The Wrexham man challenged Savarese from behind and the striker raised his elbow and seemed to catch the Wrexham man.From then on it was always going to be tough for Swansea to contain the visitors, especially striker Lee Trundle.

He showed some delightful touches and after shooting just wide on 15 minutes, forced Roger Freestone into a decent save.

Ferguson was booked after 23 minutes for retaliating after fouled by Matthias Verschave as things threatened to get out of hand. Verschave almost gave Swansea the lead before the son of the Manchester United boss brought another great save from Freestone three minutes later as Wrexham pushed forward and the big keeper did superbly to keep out Kevin Russell's point-blank header on 36 minutes.

It seemed only a matter of time before Wrexham took the lead and it came from that man Trundle four minutes after the break.

Carlos Edwards crossed from the right, and with Swansea players appealing for a push, Trundle headed home.

There was no way back from that moment for Hollins's men. They ran themselves into the ground, especially Verschave, who ploughed a lone furrow up front.

Swansea chances were few and far between but Matthew Bound and Jonathan Coates both had efforts saved by Kevin Dearden before Wrexham doubled their lead.

It was another controversial moment. Jason Price, on as a substitute, misplaced his pass to Michael Keegan and the youngster was adjudged to have fouled Ferguson. It was harsh and Swansea were punished further when the midfielder's free-kick picked out McGregor and he headed home.

There was certainly no way back now but Swansea kept pushing looking for a consolation goal.

Carey was booked for a dreadful challenge on Keegan with 12 minutes left and four minutes later clattered into Nick Cusack on the touchline.

Somehow he escaped another card and was there to lift the FAW Premier Cup at the end.

It was a disappointing end to a sorry season. Hollins can't wait for the next to start. I am sure that would be echoed all around the terraces at Vetch Field — as long as it's better than this.


Swansea City:

Freestone, Todd, Howard (De-Vulgt 46), Cusack, O'Leary (Draper 73), Bound, Keegan, Romo (Price 54), Savarese, Verschave, Coates. Subs not used: Jones, James.

Wrexham:

Dearden, McGregor, Hardy, Trundle, Carey, Williams, Thomas, Russell (Faulconbridge 65), Edwards (Gibson 82), Ferguson, Roche. Subs not used: Morrell, Rogers, Lawrence.

Bookings: O'Leary (foul), Carey (foul), Ferguson (retaliation).

Sending Off: Savarese (violent conduct).

Referee: Brian Lawlor (Holyhead).

Attendance: 2,600

Star Choice: Matthias Verschave.

FAW Premier Cup final
Swansea 0-2 Wrexham

Wrexham's position as the best side in Wales was confirmed in emphatic fashion at the Vetch Field on Monday night.

The Robins won the FAW Premier Cup for the second successive year with a comprehensive 2-0 win over Swansea.

Brian Flynn's side's bank balance will be boosted by the winner's cheque of £100,000.

The Swans, who were relegated from division two this season, struggled with 10 men for most of the game.

Guilty party was Venezeula international striker Giovanni Savarese - sent off for a terrible elbow on Mark McGregor after seven minutes.

Wrexham's slicker passing and movement - epitomised by the impressive Carlos Edwards - was helped by the man advantage.

Pushed

Swansea's youngsters battled hard, but never really threatened Kevin Dearden's goal.

Wrexham's first goal came from prolific striker Lee Trundle, in controversial circumstances after 48 minutes.

The former Rhyl forward looked to have clearly pushed Christian O'Leary before heading past Roger Freestone.

Mark McGregor scored the second 10 minutes later, gaining revenge for Savarese's assault.

He arrived late in the box to loop a header over a stranded Roger Freestone off a Darren Ferguson free kick.

Wrexham controlled the first-half, with Swansea living off scraps and relying on quick breaks.

Powerful

The Robins created the clearest scoring chance when Kevin Russell fluffed his shot off an Edwards cross.

Earlier Verschave had given Swansea their best opening of the first period.

Wrexham's Ferguson was caught in posession on the edge of the Swansea box and the ball was belted upfield.

Only a diving block from McGregor prevented Frenchman Verschave's powerful effort from troubling Dearden.

The Frenchman looked the most likely to bring the Swans something from the game.

But too often his hard running up front was not backed up with the necessary support.

If Savarese had stayed on, things might have been different.

NICK Cusack believes victory in tonight's FAW Premier Cup final (6.55pm) would begin the healing process for Swansea City fans after the club's painful Second Division campaign.

And the Swansea skipper says success against Wrexham at Vetch Field would be a first step on the long road back to Division Two.

"It's been a very disappointing season and basically we're looking forward to the next one," admitted Cusack.

"But lifting the Premier Cup would give us a boost and would be a step in the right direction.

"Obviously the league was our main priority this year and I don't expect anybody in Swansea to feel ecstatic if we do win, but we still feel it's well worth going for.

"All we can do is try to win and in a small way make amends for relegation."

But John Hollins's side must pass a tough test if they are to take the trophy and £100,000 prize money for the first time.

They must overcome Brian Flynn's Wrexham, current holders and winners three times in the competition's four-year history.

The North Walians have already beaten Swansea twice this season on their way to a 10th place finish in Division Two.

"Wrexham have got some good players and a good manager and you only have to look at their league position to know they start as favourites," said Cusack.

"But it's nice for us that the game is at the Vetch where we should get a sizeable crowd.

"It may not be the FA Cup, but it's a prestigious trophy in Wales and it's a cup final after all.

"Hopefully, our fans can make a lot of noise and create an intimidating atmosphere to help our cause."

Swansea will not be helped by an end-of-season injury crisis which could see 17 players ruled out.

Striker Walter Boyd is the latest name on the injured list after suffering a calf strain in the semi-final second leg against Merthyr.

Nicolas Fabiano is suspended after his red card in the same game, but compatriot David Romo is back from a training camp with the French Olympic squad.

"We may have to turn to the youngsters again but they have never let us down before," said Hollins.

Tickets for tonight's match have been cut to £5 for adults and £3 for concessions, while under-16s can stand on the East Terrace for only £1.

All areas of the ground are open and the game will be shown live on BBC 2 Wales.

Swansea:

from Freestone, Howard, Todd, Price, Bound, Healey, Romo, Cusack, De-Vulgt, Keegan, Verschave, Savarese, Coates, J. Jones, Draper, Middleton, Jenkins.

Swansea may struggle to name a full 16-man squad for Monday's FAW Premier Cup final with Wrexham at the Vetch Field.

Swans faced Merthyr on Friday evening with 16 first-team members unavailable and, following the dismissal of on-loan PSG star Nicolas Fabiano, that number has increased. The youngster will not be allowed to play in the final following his early bath. "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."

Swans are hoping to lift the trophy to take away the sting of relegation back to the Third Division but, having handed debuts to three youngsters in the semi-final second leg, Hollins looks set to be fielding an inexperienced side again for tomorrow's final.

ROGER FREESTONE has pledged himself to Swansea City for another 10 years amid mounting speculation linking him with a move to arch-rivals Cardiff City.

The Bluebirds, trailing a top goalkeeper for their push up the Nationwide League, are said to be prepared to swap three players in return for the signature of the Swans' No 1.

The move would cause uproar in Swansea with concerned fans, aware of the rumours, already But Freestone says, I'm staying at Swansea for 10 years threatening a season ticket boycott.

The Swans moved swiftly to try to dampen the mounting transfer talk by issuing an official statement on the club's website.

The statement read: "We have received no enquiries for Roger and neither are we expecting to. Roger is contracted to the club and next season he will enjoy a testimonial."

Cardiff manager Bobby Gould, however, is a keen admirer of Freestone. And the club have made it public knowledge they are targeting a top goalkeeper as part of their plans for successive promotions next season.

Admitting he was aware of the Cardiff talk, Freestone tried to play down the speculation.

He said: "Why can't I further my career with the Swans? I've been here 10 years and I want to remain for another 10 years.

"I can't see me leaving just yet, but if the club wanted to get rid of me it would have to be to somewhere hot." He went on to joke: "Manchester United would do!"

WREXHAM'S 'Bionic Man' woke today as a hat-trick hero.

Midfielder Stephen Thomas, 21, scored three as Wrexham dumped League of Wales champions, Barry Town, out of the FAW Premier Cup.

Wrexham won 4-2 and 7-3 on aggregate and now face relegated Swansea City in a £100,000 winner-take-all final at The Vetch on Monday, 6.55pm.

But if that's something to look forward to, Thomas is just happy looking back on his big night. Thomas - nicknamed Ozzie - said: "That's my first hat-trick as a pro.

One or two of the lads quizzed me whether I touched my first goal but I can assure you I did!"
It was a night to remember for Thomas, who has been through the mill with injuries in the last two years.

"I've had two foot operations, a broken ankle, a double hernia and a cartilage operation," he said. "My head was all over the place. I had all sorts of problems, but I just had to keep hanging on.

Seven or eight weeks ago the gaffer said he was going to give me a run of games He has always encouraged us to get into the box as attacking midfield players and, I suppose, I did that to get a hat-trick."

Manager Brian Flynn said: "I'm pleased for him because he's had a difficult two years. It's been stop-start for him after a freak foot injury and that returned. But this is his first senior hat-trick and he's done really well.

"This is our fourth final which is very nice. But it's the first time we will have played away from home in the final and Swansea, after what has happened to them, will want to make amends.

It's going to be tough. We got the start we wanted, but I thought we got a little bit complacent for a period. I thought all three midfield players had good games. They disrupted their attacks and that meant they couldn't get into any sort of rhythm.

"But Monday's final is going to be tough. Swansea won 2-0 away and they've got there after another 2-0 win at home. League status won't come into it on Monday."