Swansea City are poised to lose their Wales under-21 starlet Stuart Roberts after the winger turned down a new contract.

Llanelli-born Roberts, 21 next month, was one of 15 players out of contract at the Vetch Field at the end of the 2000-2001 season that saw Swansea relegated into the Third Division.

The winger said he wants to stay with the club he supported as a boy from the North Bank but he described the new pay deal as 'insulting'.

Roberts was linked with a move to Premiership clubs Sunderland and Southampton last season while Stoke City, Charlton Athletic and Wycombe Wanderers were also said to be monitoring his progress.

Roberts is too young to fall under the Bosman ruling, so if he left the Vetch a transfer tribunal would decide a fee.

Wrexham have asked for a personal hearing with the Football Association of Wales after being charged with miscon-duct and bringing the game into disrepute following crowd trouble during a home match against Millwall last April.

The game was held up on a couple of different occasions and it is claimed that Wrexham sold tickets on match day.

PREMIERSHIP Charlton and Second Division promotion hopefuls Stoke are the latest clubs reported to be chasing Swansea City winger Stuart Roberts.

The two join a number of clubs who have shown an interest in the Llanelli-born youngster including Sunderland, Southampton, First Division Grimsby, Oxford and FA Cup semi-finalists Wycombe.

Roberts is currently on holiday mulling over his future and before going away he told the Post he was unhappy things could not be sorted out regarding his future with Swansea.

"I am upset that no contract has been agreed with the Swans," said Roberts, who is 21 next month.

"I have got a lot of thinking to do and as soon as I come back from holiday I will have to make a decision.

"I can't hold on too long because I have to plan for the future."

Roberts was probably Swansea's best player during the disastrous campaign in Division Two last season.

His contract is up at the end of this month and he is able to move on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling.

However, if Roberts did decide to leave Swansea could seek compensation under transfer regulations as the player is under 24.

Contract talks have been ongoing with Roberts since around Christmas and the youngster has always said that he does not want to leave the club he loves.

But the Welsh Under-21 international may now think there is no other option other than to move on if a deal cannot be drawn up.

"I have to decide," said Roberts. "If I do make the choice to leave then it will be a massive wrench to leave the club.

"I love it at Swansea especially the fans, but I have got to start thinking about my career."

Swansea have confirmed that they are looking to bring in two new strikers during the course of the summer. The Swans are stepping up their search as Giovanni Savarese, Walter Boyd and Matthias Verschave have all yet to sign the new contracts that are on offer to them.

It means Steve Watkin is currently the only genuine striker on the books, and following the arrival of the Football League's list of 494 released players this week, Swansea are now actively looking to recruit new blood.

Swansea have also confirmed that they will be looking at Europe for possible recruits.

Boyd goes AWOL

Walter Boyd has been replaced in the Jamaican National squad after apparently failing to show up.

The striker was recalled for the first time since November for this Saturday's World Cup qualifier against the USA. However, before the 4-1 friendly victory over Cuba last Sunday, team coach Clovis De Oliviera said the Jamaican Football Federation had not heard from him.

"I can't tell you anything about Walter Boyd," the Jamaican chief confirmed. "People keep asking us, maybe they should ask him.

"We paid for the plane ticket, but maybe he doesn't want to play for Jamaica."

Boyd was replaced in the party by Wolde Harries from American Major League side New England Revolution.

LEIGH De-Vulgt has become the first of Swansea City's out-of-contract players to re-sign for the club.

The 20-year-old full-back has penned a new two-year deal and has now set his sights on a regular spot in John Hollins's first team.

"It feels great to have re-signed for Swansea. I'm really pleased," said De-Vulgt.

"I can't wait for the season to start now so we can get straight back up to Division Two again.

"It's down to me to get my head down and get into the first team in as many games as I can."

De-Vulgt, who made nine appearances last season, is hoping to become one of Hollins's first-choice full-backs following the departure of Steve Jones and Jason Price from Vetch Field this summer.

The Swansea-born youngster's good form last season was recognised by Wales under-21 boss Jimmy Shoulder, who called him into the squad for the games against Poland and Ukraine earlier this month.

Swansea assistant boss Alan Curtis was delighted to have secured the services of De-Vulgt for another two years.

"It's good news for Swansea. It's been a bit awkward with Leigh being called into the Wales squad, but now we have had the opportunity to sit down and talk he has re-signed," said Curtis.

"He is one of the bright young players we have at the club and hopefully we will do all this again soon with the likes of Gareth Phillips and Chris Todd."

And Curtis said the search for new recruits was hotting up after the complete list of released players was made known this week.

Some 494 Nationwide League players are now unattached and Curtis has already been on the phone chasing possible signings.

"We have been trawling the list," said Curtis.

"The main priority is strikers at the moment. The difficulty is at this time of year it is hard to get hold of players and I have left a number of messages on answering machines.It is an ongoing thing and we will keep searching."

Curtis confirmed that Walter Boyd had left the club, and that he does not expect to see Giovanni Savarese back at the Vetch unless the Venezuelan fails to find a new club.

The 29-year-old has said he wants to play at a higher level than Division Three to improve his chances of further international recognition.

Mike Lewis last night denied Swansea City was a club in limbo due to delay over its sale by Ninth Floor plc.

'It's business as usual. The manager John Hollins has the go-ahead to bring in new players,' said the club's manager director.

'Ninth Floor is still supporting the club as it has done for more than four years. When it is sold we have to be sure it is going into the right hands.'

Lewis, who had Vetch Field talks with McClure last week, said that until the sale to one of a number of interested parties 'we have to keep operating as normal.'

But it was revealed yesterday that a rights issue of Ninth Floor shares, raising almost £1m, had reduced McClure's stake in the parent company to 1.6pc.

To slash Swansea's operating costs the playing staff has been reduced by 12 to 22 and there will be no reserve side next season, the club having been refused entry to the Football Combination second division, added Lewis.

Venezuelan international Giovanni Savarese and Jamaican international Walter Boyd have been released.

Savarese, Swansea's top scorer last season, wants to play at a higher level.

But if he is unable to realise his ambition, the Swans would be happy to give him a new contract - 'provid-ng we can afford him', said Lewis.

Loan signings Nicolas Fabiano and Matthias Verschave rejoined Paris St Germain at the end of the season. But Swansea are looking at the possibility of making them permanent signings from the French club.

They have left the door ajar for new contract offers to teenagers Andrew Mumford and Bari Morgan.

The Swans are seeking talks with all supporters bodies with a view to them becoming actively involved with the new regime and one of their representatives joining the board.

Former Oldham Athletic chairman Ian Stott has become a director of Cardiff City. He has a long-standing friendship with City's owner Sam Hammam.

Meanwhile, City may offer Spencer Prior a promotion incentive bonus in an attempt to lure him to Ninian Park

City have agreed a club record £650,000 fee for the 30-year-old Manchester City defender but his wages - currently around £8,000 a week - could be a stumbling block.

Shaun Holmes, a clubmate of Prior's at Maine Road, has agreed a two-year deal with Wrexham after being released by Kevin Keegan.

And Robins manager Brian Flynn received a further boost when fullback Mark McGregor signed a new three-year contract.

The possible takeover deal for The Swans involving West Wales businessman David Bradshaw could be a step closer - although at a lower price.

There are reports that Bradshaw and the money men backing his proposal met departing chairman Neil McClure within the last week. Bradshaw would not comment, but the reports quote a source close to the club - widely believed to be McClure himself.

The source said: "There was a positive meeting and an agreement made in principle to do a deal." A sticking point, thought to be the asking price of £1.5million, was also mentioned.

The prospective purchasers are reckoned to feel that £500,000 is more realistic for a Third Division club, and an agreement may be struck for a lower-priced sale with a concession to McClure that he'd receive payment should the Morfa Stadium move get the go-ahead.

The Bradshaw group reportedly wants to bring in ex-Swansea winger Leighton James as team manager - something a large number of fans are said to be opposed to given his unproven track record as a manager.

Under such a move, current manager John Hollins would apparently be given more of a 'director of football' type role.

Youngster heads to frozen north

The Centre of Excellence's Under-16 star midfielder Adam Powell is set to have a one month spell with Icelandic side FC Throttur in Reykjavik.

The deal is part of a 'talent-spotting' programme agreed by Director of Youth Development Paul Compton when he was in Iceland earlier this year.

Compton was impressed by the Icelandic club's impressive facilities plus was swayed by the fact that they're still in the midst of their domestic season.

Drink to flow on North Bank

Swans fans on the North Bank will be able to enjoy a drink in their own bar next season.

Work will soon begin with the club keen to use the licensed premises which were established at the ground two years ago.

Another planned step was to provide a covered area as the club want to do all they can for supporters following the delay in moving to the Morfa Stadium.

THE buyout of Swansea City moved a step nearer last night after top-level talks between Swans chairman Neil McClure and a wealthy northern-based businessman.

Owners Ninth Floor plc have been looking to ditch the Swans for months. But, according to a source near the new consortium, they are about to slash pounds 2.5m off the asking price.

The insider said: "Neil McClure met with the person interested and the talks were very amicable. It seems the sale price could be reduced from pounds 3m to around pounds 500,000.

"It is good news for Swansea if he does become involved because he's pledged over pounds 1m for squad strengthening."

A group of Swansea fans who are considering a co-operative to buy the up-for-sale club have held an initial meeting to discuss plans.

The fans met with Supporters Direct, the government group formed to co-ordinate such bids, and it was resolved that the whole spectrum of of Swans supporters organisations should be consulted before a public meeting was held.

Individuals representing fan groups are asked to call 07641 105904 to leave their details. Another discussion meeting will be held soon and it is hoped a public meeting can take place soon after.

The Football League has voted against increasing the number of teams promoted from the Conference to Division Three from one to two.

The League decided at their AGM in Chester to maintain just the one promotion and relegation place between the two divisions - a decision that will be welcomed by most Division Three chairmen, and which will disappoint their counterparts in the Conference.

David Burns, the Football League chief executive, said: "This change has not gone through and I do understand, and indeed share, the concerns of the clubs that these proposals did not fully address the financial effects of losing league status. We have asked the Conference and the Football Association to present a financial proposal that will reassure our clubs and allow them to take a step they are genuinely keen to take.

"The board of the Football League remains committed to working with the Conference and other interested parties as part of a wider review of promotion and finance within the Football League. We are confident that this will ultimately lead to a successful resolution of this issue."

OUT-OF-CONTRACT Swansea City midfielder Gareth Phillips looks set to pen a new deal with the club.

The 21-year-old Pontypridd-product has confirmed he is not looking to move on and wants to re-sign in the near future.

"I am planning to stay with Swansea," said Phillips.

"I want to stay and I expect that's what will happen. Hopefully it will be sorted soon."

News of Phillips's intention to remain at Vetch Field is a major boost for manager John Hollins as he plots an immediate return to Division Two.

Former trainee Phillips was a revelation in 15 appearances at the back end of last season.

The youngster's tenacity and commitment were recognised by Welsh under-21 boss Jimmy Shoulder, who gave him his first cap last spring.

Swansea are keen to sort out the futures of their six-strong band of out-of-contract youngsters.

Defenders Leigh De-Vulgt and Chris Todd have both indicated they hope to remain Swans, as has utility man Andrew Mumford.

Winger Stuart Roberts and Bari Morgan are still thinking over their options.

As yet, none has signed a new deal, and club general manager Mike Lewis has hinted that players should put pen to paper soon or face missing out altogether.

"The only concern, for both the players and the club, is that we are now at the stage where we are setting the budget for next season in concrete," he said.

"And there is a very real possibility that if they take too long to decide, the pot may be empty by the time they make their mind up.

"It is a player's prerogative to delay any decision until the end of his contract.

"Indeed, it is commonplace for a player to weigh up any offers on the table and not respond to their club until the end of June.

"This was the case with Matthew Bound last year, so it should not be taken for granted that because someone does not sign up straight away, they will not do so eventually."

The suggestion is that if players do not commit themselves reasonably soon, the club will begin to look elsewhere for new faces to replace them.

Meanwhile, two more pre-season fixtures have been announced. Swansea will Dr Martens League side Newport County away on July 23rd, then make the short trip to Port Talbot four days later.

John Hollins has re-affirmed he will not be quitting in the wake of the club's relegation, saying: "Just give me one good reason why I should".

Hollins said: "We will bounce back again next season, mark my words. No-one can ever say I've let spirits fall or come to the ground down in the mouth, that's not my style. I have a job to do and I'll get on with it.

"I come to work every day - if I disappeared for six weeks maybe there'd be a good reason for getting rid of me."
The boss said while last season had certainly been disappointing, overall the direction of the club was better than when he arrived, and after 35 years in the game, he trusts himself to keep it going.

He added: "My planning has catered for every outcome - If we're sold, if we're not sold, no different.

"I don't get down with people calling for my head, that's what journalists are paid to do, just spell my name right."
Hollins reaffirmed that he would use the disappointment of last season's relegation as motivation for his side to bounce straight back into Division Two, hopefully as Third Division Champions, saying: "We've done it once already."

He said the relegation feeling was a new one for him, the first time in 35 years as a player and a manager, pointing out that a championship winning side did not become a bad side overnight, but factors such as injury and lack of confidence took their toll.

Swansea Rugby club have echoed Swans chairman Mike Lewis in expressing concern about the lack of progress in the Morfa Stadium development.

Lewis yesterday expressed his dismay that there were as yet no commercial backers for the project, and this view was backed up today by Swansea RFC General Manager Byron Mugford.

Mugford was also concerned about the image Swansea RFC's current ground, St Helen's, was projecting. He told the South Wales Evening Post: "We anticipated making a move in September 2002 and it has yet to be confirmed. Any delay is disappointing.

"People no longer feel the standard we are offering at St Helen's is acceptable. We need a new stadium."

More woe for Swansea youngsters

Jason Jones and Lee DeVulgt finished on the losing side yet again on Tuesday as Wales Under-21’s lost 1-0 in the Ukraine.

Despite a much-improved performance after their 4-0 defeat by Poland last week, the youngster were still unable to end a winless streak which now stands at 20 games.

Goalkeeper Jones was beaten by a 58th-minute penalty, whilst DeVulgt had to be content with a place on the bench.

Former star on the move

Former Swan Martin Thomas is looking for his third club in as many months after being told by Brighton that his services are no longer required.

The midfielder joined The Seagulls on transfer deadline day to link up with his former Fulham boss Micky Adams on a short-term deal.

But after failing to earn a new deal at the Withdean Stadium, Thomas is now one of the 650-odd players who are on the lookout for a new team.

SWANSEA City Football Club fear it could be at least another two years before they move to their new home at the Morfa Stadium.
The club spoke out after Swansea Council admitted no businesses have signed on the dotted line to move to the £25million development.
Mike Lewis, managing director of the Swans, said he had noted "with dismay" a statement in Saturday's Evening Post by Swansea Council cabinet development member Byron Owen that no tenants had yet been found.

Mr Lewis said today: "We have no option but to move. Really we are playing at a ground which should have been demolished two years ago.

"Instead of being in a new stadium we will be budgeting for patching up the Vetch. We understand the council's difficulties but it does not help us run a business we are trying to find a buyer for.

"We appreciate their problems but we are dismayed to be looking at another season at the Vetch, and possibly the next as well.

"We want a clear picture of what is going on because we originally hoped we would have moved two years ago."

The only company to have expressed a firm interest in moving to the Morfa development is Northern supermarket chain, Morrison's, who are anxious to extend their expansion southwards.

Swans supporters' spokesman David Morgan said today: "This comes as no surprise to us at all. We will only believe the club are going to Morfa when the diggers and the bulldozers move in at the Vetch."

It was hoped to have the Morfa Stadium ready by the 2002 season but problems with securing the commercial side of the development are causing delays.

ROGER Freestone is not giving up on qualifying for next year's World Cup finals as he prepares for tomorrow's D-day clash with Ukraine in Kiev.

The Swansea goalkeeper says that although Wales are some seven points off second place and a possible play-off, he will not give up on qualification just yet.

"There's no way we are out of this yet," said a determined Freestone, after last night's training session.

"Until it's mathematically impossible for us to qualify then we will be fighting for every point.

"That's the attitude that Mark Hughes, Mark Bowen, Eric Harrison and Eddie Niedzwiecki have taken.

"They have shown great belief in the players. We need to start showing something and responding to their faith by getting a couple of wins."

The big 'keeper was delighted to be back in the Wales fold after missing out on the trip to Armenia and the match with Ukraine back in March after suffering concussion against Swindon in the League.

Although manager Hughes has suggested he might make a few changes for tomorrow's clash, Freestone did not think he would dislodge Wales's current No.1 Paul Jones from the keeper's spot.

"I was obviously disappointed to not be on the bench against Poland," he said.

"But I think Paul was superb and kept Wales in the game on Saturday.I have got no complaints of not playing ahead of Paul.

"I am just disappointed not to be on the bench ahead of Darren Ward.

"It's a good battle between the two of us for that place. Darren did well with Notts County last season and got his move to Nottingham Forest, so maybe it's his chance now.

"But I will just be patient and, hopefully, when I am needed I can give my best. I certainly won't let Wales down."

Ahead of tomorrow's clash in the NSC Olympic Stadium, boss Hughes has a couple of injury worries to key players.

Last Saturday's man-of-the-match Mark Pembridge sat out last night's training session. He damaged an ankle in the game and also has a heavy cold.

Mark Delaney, meanwhile, is resting a hamstring injury which kept him out of Saturday's match at the Millennium Stadium.

Darren Barnard was the other not to train after limping off in Saturday's match.

Hughes said that none of the injuries were serious and it was just a precautionary move.

There were no problems with the surface of the training pitch in Kiev when the Welsh players went through a short session last night.

Following the three-hour flight the first-team squad were put through their paces on a perfect lush green playing area, unlike the rubble-strewn pitch they were forced to endure in Armenia.

SWANSEA City have been installed as fourth favourites to repeat their Third Division championship success of two seasons ago.

Bookmakers Jack Brown are offering odds of 10-1 for John Hollins's side to finish top of the pile once more next season.

And they make Swansea 11-4 shots to win immediate promotion by any route.

The more fancied sides are the three that came down with Swansea from Division Two last season.

Managerless Bristol Rovers, who are currently being linked with former England player Gerry Francis, and Luton Town, under Joe Kinnear, share the favourites' mantle at 6-1.

Oxford United, with a new manager in Mark Wright and a new home at Minchery Farm, are 8-1 to bounce back from their Second Division campaign by taking the title.

Other sides in with a shout for the top spot according to Jack Brown include Hull City, Leyton Orient, Plymouth and Rushden & Diamonds, winners of the Conference last season. All are priced at 14-1.

Torquay and Exeter City are the outsiders for the championship at 40-1.

Also well down the betting are Kevin Ratcliffe's Shrewsbury, Carlisle and Halifax at 33-1.

Meanwhile, work has begun to improve the much maligned Vetch Field pitch before next season kicks off.

Specialist London firm Sports Turf Ltd, who maintain the surfaces at Watford and Queen's Park Rangers, have been brought in to carry out a complete overhaul.

"For many years the pitch has suffered from a lack of investment with a move to Morfa on the cards," said Vetch stadium manager Don Goss.

"But after the wettest 12 months in history, the condition of the pitch means it is no longer practical to look ahead to Morfa at the expense of what we have here.With this in mind, we have decided to invest in a programme of pitch renovation."

Swansea have also confirmed four pre-season friendlies, with no tour of Ireland this summer.

They will go to Barry for a behind-closed-doors match on July 7, then they travel to Aberyswyth Town on July 18, Tiverton Town on July 27 and Pontypridd Town on August 7.

GIOVANNI Savarese could quit Swansea City in favour of a First or Second Division club in the next fortnight.

The 29-year-old striker is looking to play at a higher level in an attempt to prolong his Venezuelan international career.

The club say Savarese is keen to stay at Vetch Field, but only if no better-placed team comes in for him.

And managing director Mike Lewis hinted that Swansea could give up their interest in the Caracas-born star.

"I thought at the start of the week that we had a good chance of retaining the services of Giovanni, but the situation now appears a little different," said Lewis.

"Gio is very keen to stay at Swansea if no offer is received from clubs in the First or Second Divisions.

"But we at Swansea have to make our plans for next season in terms of playing staff, and the question is whether or not we can afford to stand still for two weeks waiting for something that might not happen."

The bad news comes after talks with Savarese's American-based agent Eric Manasse.

He has asked for two weeks to find a new club for Savarese. If no club is found, Swansea will have first refusal on last season's top-scorer at the Vetch.

Only last week, Savarese's British-based agent, Barry McIntosh, had suggested the player was ready to re-sign with the Swans. McIntosh is Manasse's junior.

Savarese, currently on international duty in America, joined Swansea on a free transfer from San Jose Earthquakes last October.

He scored 14 goals in all , including a hat-trick at Luton Town.

He is one of three out-of-contract Swansea strikers, along with Walter Boyd and Matthias Verschave.

The Swans' hopes of re-signing top scorer and Venezuelan international Giovanni Savarese have been dented as he is keen to move up a division.

The player and his British agent indicated last week that he was keen to stay on at The Vetch, but his American agent Eric Manasse has now said that they want a fortnight to try and find him a Nationwide First or Second Division club.

However, if they fail to secure him a move, The Swans still have first choice on the player ahead of any teams in Division Three.

Former Swan's five game ban

Ex-Swan Steve Torpey is already contemplating missing the first five games of the season after receiving his third red card of the last campaign.

Scunthorpe striker Torpey will miss the first four league games for The Iron, and the new one-off Worthington Cup First Round.

The 30-year-old has also been stripped of the Scunthorpe captaincy and fined a fortnight's wages after also picking up 10 yellow cards last season.

Pitch renovation to start

The Swans are to begin work to renovate the condition of the Vetch pitch after it deteriorated throughout the course of the season.

After a winter of sustained rain, coupled with poor drainage from the Vetch pitch, certain areas of the pitch were showing signs of damage with bare patches appearing, particularly on the Centre Stand touchline.

However, the club have now called in SportsTurf Ltd, a London based firm specialising in re-turfing sports grounds.

Stadium Manager Don Goss explained: "For many years, the pitch has suffered from a lack of investment, with a move to Morfa on the cards. But after the wettest 12 months in history, the condition of the pitch means that it is no longer practical to look ahead to the Morfa, at the expense of what we have here.

"With this in mind, we have decided to invest in a programme of pitch renovation. They are involved in the maintenance of many pitches, including Watford and QPR, both examples of where football and rugby clubs ground share," he added.

"This is not a case of covering up the cracks. The club has invested a considerable amount of money, for them to carry out a complete overhaul of the playing surface, and should ensure a good pitch for the remainder of our time at the Vetch," he told SwanseaCity.net.

RAMPAGING Swansea City fans were blamed today for disturbances across South Wales which resulted in 18 arrests after the Wales versus Poland World Cup qualifying match in Cardiff on Saturday.

Arrests were made in Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot. There was also trouble in Bridgend where people were ordered off a train.

Most of the problems surrounded a train which left Cardiff just after 9pm for Swansea but there was another incident when a service called at Port Talbot soon after 7pm.

Police said a gang of between 20 to 30 supporters got off the train and confronted people drinking in the beer garden of the Red Lion opposite the station and accused them of being Cardiff City supporters.The group were later traced to another pub in the town centre and police were today studying CCTV footage before deciding on further action.

Experts from the South Wales Police football liaison office in Swansea were trying to identify ringleaders.

In Neath a gang of 20 aggressive supporters swept past police on the footbridge over the railway line and went into the town centre where eight were arrested for violent disorder.In Swansea a British Transport Police spokesman said two people were arrested as they got off the train at High Street.

Police had been expecting trouble from the lunatic fringe of troublemakers.

A police spokesman said: "The group in Neath were very aggressive and they brushed passed police on the footbridge. Eight were arrested outside the station for violent disorder."

Swansea goalkeeper Jason Jones had a nightmare debut as Wales Under-21's were thrashed 4-0 by Poland last night.

With no chance of qualifying for the European Championship finals, Jones was amongst five new caps named by coach Jimmy Shoulder in an experimental line-up, but the young reserve had no answer to some classy finishing by the Poles.

Wales have now gone 20 games without a win and have lost six qualifiers in a row.

Roger Freestone will be hoping for a bit more luck with the senior squad today, but he will be on the bench for the game against Poland at the Millennium Stadium.