Kidderminster Harriers boss Jan Molby hopes his side can hit the goal trail tomorrow when goes head to head against his former club Swansea City in a Nationwide League Division Three clash at Aggborough (3pm).

The clash sparks memories of when Molby was controversially sacked by the Swans after a 19-month spell in the managerial hot-seat which began in February 1996.

The Vetch Field connection adds extra spice tomorrow's showdown in which shot-shy Kidderminster will be bidding to end a run of seven matches without a victory.

They have also scored only five goals in 10 matches this season.

Harriers are, however, unbeaten at home in the league this season and Molby hopes Harriers can go one better than they did on Tuesday when they produced a impressive display in an entertaining goalless draw with Oxford United at Aggborough.

He knows, though that the fixture will rekindle memories of his Swansea experience.

Molby said: "You would like to say that it doesn't matter that it's Swansea, but I had 19 good months there. I really enjoyed it. It's a very, very passionate place.

"Once we got the football going there we played some good stuff and we got to Wembley in the play-off final. "There was a massive support from the city and it was good. I enjoyed my time there, but that's in the past now.

"Unfortunately there aren't a lot of people left who were there when I was there but nevertheless. I guess the fans will be the same."

Molby is uncertain about what kind of reception he will receive from the Swans supporters, but is not particularly bothered as long as his side come out on top.

He said: "Whatever the reaction is, it's not important. I'm not a football manager for people to like me.

"I'm a football manager because I want to be one. Whatever reception the Swansea fans decide on you have to take it in your stride.

"But as far as the Swansea link goes you can play it down as much as you want but there will be an added incentive."

With central defender Craig Hinton still on the sidelines with groin trouble Molby is planning to name an unchanged side, which will include former Swansea midfielder Tony Bird.

Harriers are currently one place below Swansea, now managed by former Hereford United boss Colin Addison, in 19th.
Kidderminster (from): Brock, Clarkson, Shail, Smith, Joy, Bird, Davies, Blake, Stamps, Bennett, Larkin, Murphy, Shilton, Williams, Hadley, Sall.

Swans deny sale to Australian

THE sale of Swansea City may have moved a step closer despite chairman Mike Lewis denying an unconfirmed report that the club had been sold to an Australian businessman.

Rumours have been rife in the city with reports claiming the club would not go into administration as some others had suggested, but would be handed back to Ninth Floor plc on Monday before being sold to the Australian, said to be Graeme Downie, chairman of Brisbane Lions Australian rules football team.

Lewis bought the club for £1 from Ninth Floor with a three-month clause, giving the former owners the option to buy it back if no new investors came forward. That period will be up next Thursday.

The report said the deal was worth around £180,000 plus £200,000 for the debt incurred during Lewis's 11-week spell in temporary charge.

Lewis said the speculation was wide of the mark. Although the Post can confirm Australians have been at the past two Swansea matches at the Vetch, they are believed to be from the Australian Football Federation.

"The club has nothing to report at the moment," said Lewis.

"All I will say is that we are still talking to some groups and the talks are at an advanced stage.

"But the club has definitely not been sold yet."

It was suggested that the deal was completed during a Chinese meal in a city restaurant on Tuesday after the game with Shrewsbury with Lewis, director Martin Burgess, chairman of Ninth Floor Alan Wix and someone acting on behalf of the Australians.

Lewis laughed off these claims saying that a number of staff members had gone for a meal but any suggestion that the club was being sold was way out."Staff and myself often go for a meal after a match," said Lewis.

"There were a couple of unfamiliar faces there, including Mr Wix, but if anyone is going down the line that the club was sold then, they are way off the mark."

The Post also believes a Sunday newspaper will be running a story that the club will go into administration next week.

Lewis again dismissed those claims.

"It's utter nonsense," he said. "All of it is pure speculation. I came in as temporary chairman specifically to make sure that did not happen."

Downie has served on the board of the Brisbane Lions, who play in tomorrow's Australian rules grand final, for nine years and was appointed chairman of the club in February last year.

Swansea City manager Colin Addison wants unsettled winger Stuart Roberts to pledge his future to the club.

The 21-year-old has been on a week-to-week deal since June when contract talks broke down and he spent part of the summer on trial at Rotherham.

Now Addison wants the resume the dialogue with the talented Wales under-21 star, who has already scored four times this season.

"I've said to the lad that I want him to stay," said Addison. "We are going to talk, towards that end, and hopefully he will.

"He's been made an offer, which I understand is a very good one, but perhaps it needs us to get our heads together for him to come to a decision.

"We want to get him settled because being on this weekly deal doesn't help anyone," Addison told swanseacity.net.

The Swansea manager is also looking to strengthen his squad.

It looks like Nathan Tyson's loan deal from Reading will be extended for another month, while Scarborough striker Steve Brodie is still a Swans target.

SWANSEA City's first-team squad travelled up the M4 to Cardiff this morning for a team-bonding day.

New Vetch Field boss Colin Addison decided to do something different after the 3-3 draw with Shrewsbury on Tuesday, his fourth match in 10 days in charge.

So the players and management made their way to the luxurious Vale of Glamorgan hotel for a day of fun — plus a little bit of serious stuff.

The hotel is used as a base by the Welsh national soccer and rugby squads, and after training on the indoor astroturf area this morning, Addison's men had the choice of golf, squash, tennis, a swim or a sauna.

"We've had a very busy time since we've been here, so it's just a day for everyone to unwind," he said before heading east.

"We'll still be having a full training session in the morning so it's not a day off, rather a change of routine and a change of scenery.

"It's important for the players to spend time together. It's good for team spirit and it raises morale.

"And with Peter (Nicholas) and myself new to the club, it gives us some time to get to know the players and to find out what makes them tick.

"In an ideal world, with no game for 10 days after Saturday, I would love to be able to take them all away for a few days, but with finances tight, I'll have to settle for this."

Addison took his mobile phone with him as he continued the search for a loan-striker, with Scarborough's Steve Brodie still the favourite. No developments were expected today, however.

Meanwhile, seats are available with Amman Sports Tours for Saturday's trip to Kidderminster, priced £10.

Colin Addison was pleased with his team's performance but disappointed by the result after drawing 3-3 with Shrewsbury at the Vetch last night.

Nigel Jemson opened the scoring for the visitors shortly after the kick off, but the Swans boss was full of praise for his side getting back into the game.

Addison said: "We gave ourselves a terrible burden after they scored in the first minute, but we hit back so well, with two cracking goals by Stuart Roberts and Jonathan Coates. "It was disappointing to let them back into it, with a header for two-all, we have to learn to defend better.

"And there were no complaints from me about the penalty they equalised with - it was clearly deliberate handball by Kris O'Leary."

Meanwhile, Addison will be sitting down with Stuart Roberts this week to discuss a new contract for the winger, who is currently on a week-to-week deal.

Addison has also revealed that there was still a significant chance of signing Scarborough striker Steve Brodie on loan in time for Saturday's game at Kidderminster.

Freestone remains philosophical

Roger Freestone is remaining philosophical about his dropping from the Wales senior squad for their World Cup qualifier with Belarus.

The Swans goalkeeper said that it did not come as too much of a shock as he believes the coach is perhaps beginning to turn towards youth.

He said: "I am a little disappointed, but I was kind of expecting it as I had to drop out of the last squad with injury and Danny Coyne's been in very good form for Grimsby this season. "It could be that at 33 my age is against me with Mark (Hughes) possibly looking to younger keepers like Danny and also Darren Ward."

Freestone may not be taking part in the game on October 6, but said that he would still be looking at working his way back into the reckoning for the future, but if it did not happen, he had enjoyed being involved with the Welsh set-up over the last year.

SWANSEA City boss Colin Addison admitted he enjoyed not being booed off after his second home game in charge at Vetch Field.

The former Atletico Madrid manager is still waiting for his first victory after the thrilling 3-3 draw with Shrewsbury Town last night.

But the Vetch faithful's response at the final whistle was quite different to the reaction after Addison's debut defeat against Halifax 11 days ago.

They showed their appreciation for some patches of fine football from the home side and two spectacular goals from Stuart Roberts and Jonathan Coates.

"Halifax seems a long way away now," said Addison, "and I must say it was nice to be clapped off at the end.

"It was an excellent game of football and I'm sure the fans went home feeling relatively pleased.

"Of course it's disappointing not to have got all three points, but after the terrible blow of an early goal we fought back well and showed great character and resilience.

"It's another improvement. We have taken the league leaders on and should have won.

"We were very positive, we made things happen and we're on our way now."

As was the case at Hull on Saturday, Addison was left disappointed by some slack defending and has targeted that area for improvement.

One thing which does not need to get any better, though, is the form of makeshift striker Roberts.

And with the 21-year-old currently on a week-to-week contract at the club, Addison is keen to sort out a longer-term deal.

"Stuart's strike has to be a contender for goal of the season," he enthused.

"Now I would like him to sign a contract. We will talk in the next few days and hopefully he will do so."

Addison confirmed he is still chasing Scarborough Steve Brodie and hinted that Nathan Tyson's month-long stay at the Vetch, due to run out next week, could be extended.

Swansea City 3
Shrewsbury Town 3

Swansea : Freestone, Jenkins, Howard, Phillips, Coates, O'Leary (sent off 83), Bound, todd, Roberts (Appleby 90), Williams (Tyson 67), Cusack. Subs not used: Jones, De-Vulgt, Mumford.

Shrewsbury : Cartwright, Drysdale (Moss 36), Rioch, Jagielka, Redmile, Heathcote, Aiston (Wilding 90), Atkins, Rodgers, Jemson, Murray.
Subs not used: Dunbavin, Tretton, Lowe.

Referee : Grant Hegley (Bishop Stortford).

Attendance: 3,131.

SWANSEA City are hoping to sign a striker this week, but on last night's evidence perhaps it is a centre-back they should be looking for.

Colin Addison's side came as close as they have to handing the new Vetch boss his first win, but slack defending again let them down in a dramatic contest.

After falling behind in the very first minute, Swansea took the lead through stunning goals from Stuart Roberts and Jonathan Coates.

But they sat back and allowed Karl Murray to level matters with 17 minutes remaining.

The home side soon had their noses in front again thanks to a scrappy second from Coates.

Surely they would not make the same mistake again, you thought. They did, and Kris O'Leary saw red in the process.

Swansea's most consistent defender this season now faces a suspension, and with Jason Smith still seemingly a long way from fitness, Addison faces big problems at the back.

"We need to defend better," admitted the 61-year-old. "We cannot give people time and space in the box. We must tighten up.

"In the second half we lost our way a little bit and defended a little too deep.

"And as I've said before, if you cannot defend efficiently and competently for 90 minutes you will lose more games than you win."

The home side's rearguard was exposed almost straight from the kick-off by Shrewsbury's free-scoring frontline.

Gregor Rioch, son of former Arsenal manager Bruce, advanced down the left and sent in a hopeful cross for veteran Nigel Jemson to nod home.

For the umpteenth time in this campaign, Swansea had been inexplicably opened up by an aerial ball into the box.

To their credit, Addison's men responded to the early setback with their best spell of football so far this season.

Wing-backs Michael Howard and Lee Jenkins both got forward well, while the midfield trio of Coates, Nick Cusack and the ever-active Gareth Phillips worked well together.

John Williams chased everything up front, and emergency strike partner Roberts continued his electric early-season form.

Swansea put together some fine passing moves, the best of which led to Roberts's first opening on 21 minutes.

The Llanelli flyer cut inside from the right but saw his sweet left-foot drive deflected wide.

Soon afterwards a carbon-copy run and shot evaded the visiting defence and flew into the far corner of Mark Cartwright's goal.

Three minutes later Swansea were in front through an even more spectacular strike.

With Williams standing offside, Shrewsbury chose to ignore Roger Freestone's long clearance.

Only Howard seemed alert to the fact that the big striker was clearly not interfering and raced through to put pressure on Cartwright.

He was left stranded after kneeing a clearance to the centre circle, where Coates met the ball first time and fired it left-footed into the empty net.

More goals may have come had Swansea continued in the same attcking vein after the interval.

But instead they held their defensive line so close to Freestone's area that the home midfield, so effective going forward in the first 45 minutes, hardly got over the halfway line.

The equaliser seemed only a matter of time, and it was. Rioch was again involved, along with Luke Rodgers, before substitute Darren Moss crossed from the right and Murray headed in at the near post.

Needing a goal, Swansea proved they were capable of breaking down former Wales captain Kevin Ratcliffe's defence once again.

Coates fed Roberts down the left and he returned the ball to the 25-year-old as he charged into the area.

An awkward volley sent the ball ricocheting between two defenders before bouncing back on to Coates and into the net.

It was not quite as memorable as Swansea's first two strikes, but nobody cared.

Swansea failed to learn their lesson, though, and the scoring in a spectacular 3-3 draw was completed with seven minutes to go.

Another cross reached Heathcote via Jemson and he fired towards goal with Freestone stranded.

O'Leary instinctively handled on the line and presumably was never a goalkeeper as a youngster as the ball appeared to go into the net anyway.

Rather than awarding the goal and ignoring O'Leary's irrelevant action, referee Grant Hegley pointed to the spot and sent off the 24-year-old centre-back.

Shrewsbury didn't mind as Jemson promptly converted the penalty, but imagine the uproar if Freestone had saved.

Bound nearly added a final twist in injury-time but shot wide from 12 yards to leave Addison still winless after four matches at the helm.

The ever-upbeat manager was right when he described this performance as another improvement, but he must be desperate for that first victory to come along soon.

Kidderminster this Saturday, though away from home, is on paper his easiest game so far.

And with Swansea scoring goals despite their injury crisis, spirits should be high in the camp ahead of the reunion with Jan Molby. But any success at Aggborough will be based on solid defending.

At half-time last night, the Vetch Field Tannoy man declared that he was ‘a Third Division man' after struggling to pronounce the name of Manchester United's Champions' League opponents.

Until Swansea rediscover their old miserliness at the back, he has no need to start practising Division Two.

SWANSEA City skipper Nick Cusack has given his full backing to the possible players' strike over television money.

Cusack, Swansea's Professional Footballers' Association representative and also a member of the 10-man PFA national executive, believes the Premiership and the Football League want to destroy the players' union.

And he has made it clear that any strike action would be aimed at protecting footballers' welfare rather than increasing their wages.

"I want everyone to realise that this dispute is not about more money going into players' pockets," said the 35-year-old.

"It's about protecting the PFA, which the football authorities are trying to break. They are taking on the union.

"The PFA looks after footballers by funding things like education, training courses and welfare benefits.

"Remember the average playing career only lasts eight years and only a fraction make enough money to look after themselves for the rest of their lives.

"For example, the PFA has just helped Peter Osgood (the ex-Chelsea and England star) with the cost of a knee operation.

"Youngsters who never make it also get help from the PFA."

The dispute centres on the proportion of TV cash the Premier League and the Football League pay to the PFA.

Since 1995, five per cent — around £8m of the total £600m — has gone to the PFA.

The union say they have been offered just one per cent — around £5m — of the new £1.7 billion TV deal.

"The offer is totally unacceptable," said Cusack, who met with the rest of the PFA national executive in Manchester over the weekend.

"It's less money even though their revenues have gone up threefold.

"I have spoken to the boys at Swansea, many of whom have benefited from the PFA, and they are fully behind it.

"They know that if it was destroyed they would be in a very vulnerable position.

"Gary Neville was at the meeting on Sunday and indicated that Manchester United's players support the strike. Also foreign stars like Gianfranco Zola are in favour."

He added: "We are not happy about having to take action, we just want to get on with playing football, but we've got to put across our point of view. We are not bluffing about a strike."

Shrewsbury striker Nigel Jemson slotted home an 83rd-minute penalty to deny Swansea their first victory under new manager Colin Addison.

A shot by Mick Heathcote was handled on the line by Kris O'Leary, who was sent off, and Jemson stepped up to beat Roger Freestone from the spot.

Jemson had opened a high-scoring match with a header inside the opening 60 seconds but goals from Stuart Roberts and Jonathan Coates put Swansea 2-1 up.

Karl Murray pulled Shrewsbury level with a header in the 73rd minute, Coates netted his second of the match just four minutes later to put Swansea back in front before Jemson ended their hopes of a win.

Swansea: Freestone, Jenkins, Howard, O'Leary, Todd, Phillips, Coates, Bound, Cusack, Roberts, Williams. Subs: Jones, Appleby, De-Vulgt, Mumford, Tyson.

Shrewsbury: Cartwright, Drysdale, Rioch, Redmile, Heathcote, Murray, Atkins, Aiston, Jagielka, Rodgers, Jemson. Subs: Dunbavin, Tretton, Moss, Wilding, Lowe.

Referee: G Hegley (Bishops Stortford).

SWANSEA City must tame the most potent strike force in the Third Division when the high-flying Shrews visit Vetch Field tonight.

Former Premiership star Nigel Jemson and teenage sensation Luke Rodgers have fired Shrewsbury to the top of the table with 13 goals between them already this season.

And Swansea manager Colin Addison knows shutting out the veteran and the new kid on the block could be the key to success.

"We've had Shrewsbury watched twice and Ratters (Kevin Ratcliffe) has got them really well organised and they have had a very good start," he said.

"Nigel Jemson is very experienced and Rodgers is a good young player with tremendous pace.

"Just like David Beresford of Hull at the weekend, they are dangerous and we will need to look out for them."

Rodgers, 19, is leading the Third Division scoring charts with eight goals, including five in his last three outings.

By contrast, Swansea's top marksman Stuart Roberts has just three strikes to his name.

And with a 5pm deadline to complete a loan signing in time to play against the league leaders, Addison was hoping to add some much-needed fire-power to his squad this afternoon.

"With Mamady Sidibe and Steve Watkin out we feel we could do with someone up front," he said.

"We've spoken to a few clubs and let's just say there's still a possibility."

Addison's options have increased since Saturday's defeat at Hull with the return to fitness of skipper Nick Cusack and loan striker Nathan Tyson. Argentinian midfielder Nicolas Mazzina may also be available.

"Things are looking a little brighter on the injury front with Cus and Tyson back in the squad and that's a big plus," he added.

"We've been through the door for 10 days now and had three games and everybody's looking to get that first win.

"If we can show the sort of consistency we did on the two away trips last week we'll have a chance.

"They were good, competent displays. Now we're looking forward to coming back to the Vetch and hopefully a good crowd will turn up for what is a big game."

Shrewsbury, top of the league for the first time in seven years, are likely to be unchanged from the 1-0 win over Rochdale on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Swansea's clash with Rochdale, set for October 6, has been put back three days because of Wales's World Cup qualifier with Belarus.

The LDV Vans Trophy first round meeting with Brighton will take place on October 16.

Manager Brian Flynn and assistant Kevin Reeves have parted company with Wrexham after 12 years in charge at The Racecourse. Joey Jones takes control of the team against Port Vale tonight.

IN-FORM Stuart Roberts reckons he has found a new niche in the Swansea City side and he's loving every minute of it.

Top scorer Roberts has hit three goals this season and two of those have come when the youngster has played in a dual-striking role.

The latest came on Saturday against Hull when the 21-year-old headed home from Richie Appleby's delightful cross to give Swansea some hope as they tried to fight back from 2-0 down at Boothferry Park.

Roberts was delighted to get on the scoresheet again and says there are more goals to come if he can continue in his new position.

"It was great to score against Hull," he said. "That was my only real chance and I was pleased with the finish.

"I missed a great chance against Scunthorpe last week which disappointed me, so it was good to add to my tally.

"I know I should get more goals and I think they will come if I can stay in this role."

Roberts was forced into his switch up front after injuries to Nathan Tyson, Mamady Sidibe and Steve Watkin.

But he is really enjoying his spell up front and wants it to continue against Shrewsbury at the Vetch tonight.

"I love playing there," he said. "It's definitely my position. Out on the wing I don't get as involved. You have to wait for the ball to come to you.

"In the centre you can chase the game more and I love getting really involved.

"Every time I play up front I feel I should score and I want to get that chance."

Roberts, who is still on a week-to-week contract with the club, is not resting on his laurels because he knows that with the other strikers at the club returning from injury, he will face competition for a role up front.

"I am happy with my form at the moment," he said.

"Hopefully I can keep banging in the goals and I am aiming for double figures."

With his sights set, Swansea's new sharp-shooter will take some ousting.

WELSH SOCCER SQUADS

Wales v Belarus

Millennium Stadium

October 6

P Jones (Southampton), Crossley (Middlesbrough), Ward (Nottm Forest), Coyne (Grimsby), Delaney (Aston Villa), Jenkins (Huddersfield), Melville, Symons (both Fulham), Page (Sheff Utd), Barnard (Barnsley), J Robinson (Charlton), M Jones (Leicester), Koumas (Tranmere), Pembridge (Everton), Davies (Tottenham), C Robinson (Wolves), Blake (Wolves), Speed, Bellamy (both Newcastle), Roberts (Norwich), Hartson (Celtic).


Wales U-21 v Belarus

Ninian Park

October 5

Walsh (Wrexham), Jones (Swansea City), Day (Man City), Gabbidon, Low, Maxwell (all Cardiff City), Price (Hull), Roberts, Phillips, DeVulgt (all Swansea City), Gibson (Sheff Wed), Valentine (Everton), S Thomas (Wrexham), J Thomas (Blackburn), Llewellyn (Norwich), Gall (Bristol Rovers), Williams (Crystal Palace).

SWANSEA keeper Roger Freestone has been overlooked for Wales's final World Cup qualifying squad against Belarus next week.

Grimsby keeper Danny Coyne has taken his place and wins a recall to the full Wales squad for the first time in five years.

But Freestone, although disappointed, was philosphical about the decision to leave him out.

"I am little bit disappointed," he said. "But I think I half expected it anyway.

"I pulled out of the last squad and Danny has been in good form for Grimsby already this season. I can't really have any complaints."

Freestone did admit that maybe his age — he is now 33 — may have had a bearing on Wales manager Mark Hughes's decision to overlook him this time round.

"Maybe he is looking to the future," he said.

"Danny and Darren Ward are in their 20s and perhaps that's the way he wants to go.

"But there is always next year and hopefully I can work my way back into the squad. I haven't given that up yet.

"If it doesn't happen it has been great being involved in the Wales squads this year."

Former Tranmere goalkeeper Coyne has been winning rave notices for his displays at Grimsby this season and is one of four goalkeepers named by boss Hughes.

Prestatyn-born Coyne has one previous full cap; he played 45 minutes in a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in Lugano in April 1996.

The 28-year-old has previously played for the B team, the Under-21s and Wales Youth before his free transfer to Grimsby in July 1999.

Hughes is without Leicester's Robbie Savage and Manchester United's Ryan Giggs, who are both suspended.

Gary Speed and Mark Pembridge should both be available after injury, but if skipper Speed fails to recover from a knee injury in time Andy Melville is likely to captain his country for the first time as he wins his 48th cap.

There was better news for Swansea with five youngsters making the Under-21 squad for the Belarus match.

Jason Jones, Leigh De-Vulgt, Gareth Phillips and Stuart Roberts have been chosen but surprisingly there is no place for Lee Jenkins.

SWANSEA CITY'S forgotten man Richard Appleby comes in from the cold tonight believing that Kevin Keegan "lost" a generation of play-ers at Newcastle United.

Appleby has suffered two miserable years at Swansea, where he was often driven to the brink of despair under John Hollins, but now he hopes to put that behind him - starting against Third Division table-toppers Shrewsbury Town at the Vetch.

The 26-year-old managed only five appearances for the Swans last season but his nightmare ended when ex-Merthyr, Scarborough and Yeovil manager Colin Addison and his No 2 Peter Nicholas arrived at the Vetch 12 days ago.

He immediately found himself on the bench against Halifax Town and a couple of cameo appearances preceded an excellent display at Hull City where he set up Stuart Roberts's goal in the 2-1 defeat.

But Appleby - unfortunately known as much for his quick temper as his natural ball-skills - says he will never forget the frustration he felt under Hollins, a throwback to his teenage days under former Newcastle manager Keegan.

"I'd progressed quickly through the season at Newcastle," said Appleby. "Keegan gave me a three-year contract and promised plenty.

"At 18, I made the first-team frame - one of a number of local lads like Paul Brayson and Alun Armstrong who had a real chance. But as each year drifted on, we saw the youth systems being dismantled at the club.

"Keegan had a big cheque book and brought in people like David Ginola, Ruel Fox, Keith Gillespie and Temuri Ketsbaia - there were foreigners coming in every week.

"We all felt as if we were hitting a brick wall and were convinced there was no future for us at Newcastle.

"Keegan just wanted quick success from a pool of 20 international play-ers. His philosophy, arguably, did work for three seasons but he's made Newcastle pay a huge price to my mind.

"Now they haven't got good youngsters filtering through and I believe Kevin Keegan destroyed a number of boys' dreams at St James' Park."

Appleby followed his mentor Colin Suggett to Ipswich and then moved on to Swansea in August 1996 at Jan Molby's invitation. But when former Chelsea manager Hollins took over in the summer of 1998, Appleby found himself surplus to requirements again.

He said "It's been a nightmare for me at Swansea over the last two years. I've been training every day with no game on which to focus at the end of most weeks.

"I don't know why Hollins ignored me but he made it blatantly obvious that my face didn't fit."

Only encouragement from Appleby's older brother, Matthew - at Barnsley - kept him sane. "Matt told me to keep going and that things would change - they did, of course," he said.

Now Appleby is in line to start against Shrewsbury after sparking Swansea's revival at Hull, and Addison should also be boosted by the return of Nick Cusack, Nicolas Mazzina and loan-signing striker Nathan Tyson..

Red-hot Shrewsbury have no injury worries and hope Luke Rodgers can add to his eight-goal tally. Nigel Jemson will support in attack.

Meanwhile, French midfielder David Romo has been transfer-listed at the Vetch while Scarborough striker Steve Brodie could join Swansea on a month's loan.

GANGS of hooligans ran down the street swinging baseball bats as trouble flared between fans of Swansea City and their Hull hosts.

Riot police were deployed as violence reared its ugly head again at a match involving Swansea City.

At one point a riot officer was dragged from his horse.

But the trouble was prevented from becoming too serious by a major police operation.

Problems erupted on the Great Thornton Street estate in Hull just before 2pm.One woman, who did not wish to be named, described seeing gangs armed with baseball bats and throwing bricks.

She said: "I could not believe what I was seeing but the police soon arrived and within minutes there were police horses and dogs everywhere," she said.

There were running skirmishes in various streets on the estate for about 10 minutes.

At one stage, police officers in riot gear were pelted with bricks and the mounted officer was dragged from his horse.

One Swans fan said: "Personally, I was glad all those riot police were there.

"There were about 300 Swans fans and half of them were troublemakers."

Police were stopping cars with South Wales registration plates on the roads leading in to Hull in the hours leading up to Saturday's game, which Swansea lost 2-1.

Some Swansea supporters are believed to have tried to avoid the police operation by arriving in Goole some 20 miles away.

It is understood that they were spotted by an off duty officer who alerted colleagues.

Humberside Police then commandeered buses to take the Swans fans to Hull.

"These buses were also used to take them back to Goole after the game, even though they had been vandalised while the game was going on," said the Swans fan.

There were reports that some Swans fans objected to the £16 entrance fee, which was then dropped to £8.

It is also believed that groups of Swansea and Hull fans tried to leave at half-time, but police would not let them.

A Humberside police spokeswoman said no one was arrested before or after the match.There were two arrests made during the game, but neither for public order offences.

"A strong police presence had actually prevented problems," she said.

"It looked worse than it was in Great Thornton Street where Hull supporters and Swansea supporters were attempting to meet."

Swansea City spokesman Peter Owen said: "We do not know the full details but we do not condone any violence as it obviously reflects badly on the club."

HULL City manager Brian Little says there is light at the end of the tunnel for cash-strapped Swansea City.

The Tigers' boss has been on a roller-coaster ride at Boothferry Park since taking over from the sacked Warren Joyce back in March 1999.

During his tenure, the ground has been sold, the gates of Boothferry Park locked by former owner David Lloyd and the club put into administration.

In February of this year former Davis Cup tennis captain Lloyd, who had been the landlord of the ground, had locked the club out.

Hull City was at its lowest ebb.

It went into administration soon after but from then on things have turned around massively thanks to former Leeds United director Adam Pearson, the new chairman. Now there are plans to move to a new £43.5m stadium.

Little said he did not know the full situation at Swansea but he offered some comfort.

"Swansea may find it difficult and there may be some tough times ahead," said the ex-Aston Villa and Stoke City boss.

"But everyone at the club has to stick together and find a way through."

Little said he had enjoyed every minute of his time at Hull even though at times he said he didn't think the club would pull through.

He said that obviously money was needed but it was important to have no long-term aims.

"It has to be one step at a time," he said. You do need that knight in shining armour who rides in and helps financially.

"Fortunately we have had an influx of cash and a chairman who loves the club and wants to run it in the right way.

"We have one aim — to get out of the Third Division. Anything on a longer term has to be taken one step at a time.

"I don't know the full story at Swansea but I am sure they will get through this rough patch."

On the pitch, Little said that the tactics employed by Colin Addison and Peter Nicholas had upset his side.

Swansea were in charge territorially for most of the first half before Hull struck twice.

Then a late Stuart Roberts goal put the fear of God into Little's side and they were hanging on at the end.

But Little said he was glad his players were given that experience.

"Swansea came with a good game plan," he said.

"They were difficult to break down and controlled the game for a lot of the first half.

"But they had to change when we scored and I thought after the second goal we would go on and win it quite comfortably," added Little.

"It was our own fault that we didn't because we defended poorly to allow them to score.

"But I am quite glad that they got back in it and put us under pressure because it proves my boys can perform under the cosh."

SWANSEA City midfielder David Romo has been placed on the transfer list at his own request.

The 23-year-old Frenchman wants to leave Vetch Field following a lack of opportunities in the first team this season.

He has started two games so far — both under former manager John Hollins — and made three brief appearances as a substitute.

Having joined Swansea for nothing on a two-year deal 12 months ago, the former Guingamp player is available on a free transfer.

Romo figured in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Hull City, replacing Andrew Mumford for the last half hour.

Despite a second defeat in seven days, Addison remained positive about his side's Third Division prospects.

"We were very pleased with the performance," he said. "The attitude of the players has been very good and to give them credit they kept going until the end and deserved to get something out of the game.

"The boys are all disappointed not to have come away with a 2-2 draw which would have been a magnificent result.

"We're learning about the squad and have seen a lot of good things so far.

"We'll battle and we'll turn things round. We've still got plenty to do, but we're not far away."

Addison is hoping to strengthen his attacking options with the addition of a striker before tomorrow's meeting with league leaders Shrewsbury.

"We are short of firepower up front at the moment and we have a long injury list. We are working on one or two things and there just may be the possibility of something before tomorrow."

With John Williams the only available forward, Addison tried to bring in Scarborough's Steve Dobie on loan last week.

The move collapsed because Scarborough manager Neil Thompson parted company with the club on Friday, but the deal could still go through.

Meanwhile, Swansea's LDV Vans Trophy first-round tie at home to Second Division leaders Brighton is likely to be played on October 16.

Former Swan John Cornforth has been put in temporary charge of Exeter after manager Noel Blake left St James's Park.

TIGERS' manager Brian Little last night urged Swansea counterpart Colin Addison to utilise Hull as a tool for inspiration.

Despite watching his jittery high-flyers extend their unbeaten run to 18 matches in front of almost 10,500 on Humberside at the Vetch side's expense, Little is now a converted Swans fan.

Said the former Aston Villa supremo, "You just know Swansea are moving in the right direction. They came up here with a game plan and operated three centre-backs very effectively.

"We scored at quiet times in the match, that proved crucial in the grand scheme of things.

"Swansea's strike from the boy Roberts stemmed from a mistake from Theo Whitmore and our centre-halves, but you have to give credit to the way the Swans rallied.

"They really asked us a few questions in those last 20 minutes when, I have to say, we looked very nervous.

"At 2-0 we were cruising and could have gone on to an even bigger victory if the referee (David Pugh of Merseyside) had upheld a couple of penalty appeals.

"But Swansea came at us hard in the late stages. I am grateful to them for that, because now I know my boys have plenty of bottle."

The Yorkshire side's win, courtesy of a goal in each half by Laurie Dudfield and Julian Johnson, cements them amongst the Third Division pace-setters.

Littlee said, "If you're expecting me to forecast promotion by the end of this season you'll be disappointed, we take things on a daily basis up here."

Just last December the Tigers were seemingly dead in the water, in administration, drowning in debt and sliding towards oblivion, almost sounds familiar, perhaps?

Previous club owner David Lloyd, a former British Davies Cup tennis star, had locked them out of Boothferry the previous summer, but over the M62 came Adam Pearson, an ex-commercial director with Leeds United.

Dudfield, a £250,000 club record buy arrived from Leicester, Garry Alexander landed from Swindon, as did Oldham's David Beresford, and the sort of soccer revolution Swans supporters crave was hatched.

Smiled Little, " I don't know too much about Swansea finances, but things weren't rosy up here.

"Perhaps what the Swans need is a knight in shining armour arriving on a white charger with a few pennies in his pocket"

"We had an influx of finance from a chairman who loves the club.

"He works hard and is giving us a major lift.

"But the present is a big contrast to what was happening this time last year.

"I remember us playing Cardiff City last October, everything was very uncertain.

"Administration arrived to months later, but we all stuck together and came through it.

"That's what you've got to do when things get tough.

"When the accountants moved in, three or four interested parties came forward to purchase the club, out of disaster came the future!"

Judging by the opening 30 minutes, the Swans are gazing at brighter frontiers under the rule of managerial journey-man Addison and his No 2 Peter Nicholas.

Their 5-3-2 strategy effectively spiked the Tigers' guns and skip-per Matthew Bound is at last showing why the Swans thrust a £400,000 contract into his hand 12 months back.

Plucky Swansea silenced the huge home crowd in the 20th minute as John Williams's venomous right-footer speared into the side netting.

But 14 minutes later Hull were ahead via a stunning counter.

Beresford sped past Lee Jenkins on the left and Dudfield was never going to miss from 10 yards.

Two minutes into the restart the Tigers were wrapping matters up. Chris Todd never cleared from the menacing Beresford and Faroe Islander Johnson pummelled it into the net. But it was the final gripping 18 minutes that gave Addison hope.

Richard Appleby, frozen out by sacked John Hollins, made his point.

Replacing Williams on 72 minutes, he immediately carved out the chance for Roberts to nod into a gaping net.

HULL CITY.........................2 SWANSEA CITY...............1

BRAVE Swansea were still left searching for their first win under new boss Colin Addison as they slumped in front of a near-10,500 crowd on Humberside.

Lawrie Dudfield and Julian Johnsson were on target either side of the break for the Tigers as the Yorkshiremen cemented their spot among the Third Division pacemakers.

But Stuart Roberts's late reply had the home crowd holding their breath as the Swans stormed back in a white-knuckle finale which has given Addison real hope for the future.

He said: "My lads gave it a go out there and frustrated Hull - particularly in the first 30 minutes. In the end, a couple of defensive slips cost us dearly, but you have to remember we were up against a huge crowd and the favourites for promotion today.

"I thought we battled very well and had enough chances in the last 20 minutes to have nicked something!"

And the former Athletico Madrid chief crowed over substitute Richard Appleby's sparkling performance as he came off the bench to replace a tiring John Williams in the closing 18 minutes.

The Teesside-born winger, listed but left out in the cold by now-sacked John Hollins, set up Roberts for Swansea's 73rd minute reply.

And Addison said: "What a smashing ball from Richard, he did ever so well."

Even Tigers' manager Brian Little was grateful for the winger's intervention. He declared: "I'm glad Swansea put us under that late pressure.

"They provided us with some invaluable experience. It's not that usual to be put under the cosh so late in a home game.

"At least I know my boys can defend properly now!"

A clutch of catastrophic injuries again impeded Addison's options for change and the former Newport County supremo stuck with the side which prised a crucial point down the M18 at Scunthorpe in midweek. that meant a 5-3-2 strategy with unsettled Roberts continuing up front with Williams.

Little's Tigers, looking to extend an unbeaten 17-game record in their own back-yard, paraded six summer signings in their £1m squad refit. There was no place, though, for Welsh under-21 cap Michael Price, recruited from Everton. But Swansea did have to repel a £400,000 attacking warhead in the shape of Gary Alexander and Dudfield.

Dudfield, a club record £250,000 buy from Leicester, escaped on the right early on and Mathew Bound just cleared as Alexander raced in.

But the arena silenced as the Swans hit back vigorously two minutes later. Jon Coates unleashed a vicious right-side corner, Andy Holt deflecting away Andy Mumford's 10-yard glance.

Swansea keeper Roger Freestone had stated the importance of riding Hull's fury in the opening sorties and, with Gareth Phillips leading the midfield resistance the Swans were drawing the Tigers in the first 15 minutes.

And the Welshmen were even asking questions on 20 minutes. Nicky Mohan only partially stopped danger from a Michael Howard free kick - Williams's fierce right-footer fizzing wide with Mathew Glennon scrambling to his left.

Hull were piecing together a couple of crisp raids around the half-hour, however, and stormed ahead on 34 minutes with a sweet sucker-punch.

Ex-Oldham wide man David Berisford, an increasing menace down the left, swung over for the flying Dudfield to flick into the net from eight yards.

And only Lee Jenkins's vigilance kept his team mates afloat five minutes from the break - the Welsh under-21 cap's boot blocked a Mike Edwards' s drive on the line with Freestone well beaten.

Relentless Hull were tearing Swansea apart two minutes into the re-start, though, Faroe Islander Johnson drilling home from 12 yards.