Southend caretaker boss Rob Newman will be without suspended striker Daniel Webb when his side meet crisis club Swansea at Roots Hall.

Webb, whose father Dave relinquished his role as Southend manager on Tuesday, has to serve a one-match ban after recently forcing his way into Southend's starting line-up.

The 18-year-old has scored two goals this season but has also collected six yellow cards.

Newman has no injury worries and hopes to have an otherwise full squad to choose from.

He said: "All of the games I played against Swansea were very physical, and I'm sure it will be the same now.

"We have to stand up to them and I'll be looking for the same effort that we showed in the 2-1 defeat to Torquay.

"We didn't get the right result but the performance was good. We just don't seem to be able to find the net at the moment."

Meanwhile, Southend have failed in their attempt to lure Norwich striker Adrian Coote to Roots Hall.

Newman had hoped to capture Coote on loan, but the First Division club have rejected Newman's approach

Swansea manager Colin Addison should have the majority of his squad available despite the huge financial problems at the club.

Seven first team members were told that the club could no longer afford their wages.

But the club have confirmed that the entire squad have attended training and many are preparing to play without payment.

Midfielder Lee Jenkins, who has been offered a reduced contract at Vetch Field, was stretchered off with suspected knee ligament damage against Rochdale on Tuesday, is definitely out.

However, striker Steve Watkin is close to a recovery from a hamstring problem and despite having his contract cut short, he may line up in the attack for the first time since August.

Club spokesman Peter Owen said: "The full squad have reported for training and it looks like they will make themselves available even though they won't be paid.

"The concern now is whether the players' minds are going to be on the job.

It's always tough on our travels anyway, but hopefully we will get through this."

On loan striker Nathan Tyson has had his red card against Kidderminster wiped off the record and will be available to play at Roots Hall.

RON Walton will spend tomorrow afternoon on the phone.

Calls will go to Southend, Cardiff and Cirencester as he keeps up with all Swansea City's scores.

After 18 years at Vetch Field, he has a keen interest in what happens not only to the first team, but to the under-17s, the under-19s and all the other youth sides.

And that interest has not waned despite Walton's ruthless dismissal by new chairman Tony Petty 48 hours ago.

"I wish the club all the best," he said. "When you have worked somewhere for that number of years it's not nice to be sacked, especially as I've always felt I've given the club everything.

"But Mr Petty thinks he is doing the right thing and I hope for Swansea City's sake he is. Good luck to the club.

"I'll keep coming down. I'll watch the Brighton game on Tuesday night.

"And I'll be thinking of all the boys tomorrow, the first-team at Southend and the kids playing. The games have to go on and somebody will be in charge of them.

"I don't know what I'll be doing, but I know Curt (Alan Curtis) is commentating at Southend so I'll keep in touch with him on the phone to see what the score is."

Along with goalkeeping coach Glan Letheren, youth team boss Walton was first to go on Wednesday as Petty took drastic measures to reduce Swansea's costs.

In a sense it was the calm before the storm, as the Londoner next told a number of players they had no futures at the club either.

But the loss of Walton is a disaster for Swansea and he will be sorely missed.

No fewer than 14 of the current 27-strong first-team squad were nurtured at youth level by the popular 57-year-old.

And many more, like Chris Coleman, Andy Legg and Christian Edwards, have graduated through the youth ranks in the past and been sold on at a huge profit by the club.

If, without Walton, that supply line is cut off in the future, his sacking will prove an awful decision.

He added:"I have had a good relationship with all the managers, from John Bond right through to Addo (Colin Addison) and Nicho (Peter Nicholas) now. I would like to think I have earned their trust.

"But the club has to go on, and I spoke to all the young lads before I left and told them to keep going and try to take some of the senior guys' positions. There are some good players at Swansea."

Walton is now hoping the club will honour the remaining six months on his contract but after that has little idea what he will do.

If any money does come into Swansea City, it would not be a bad idea to bring him back to the Vetch.

MATTHEW Bound failed to travel to Southend with the rest of the Swansea squad this morning, fuelling speculation he is set to leave Vetch Field.

But the big central defender, one of seven players 'sacked' by new chairman Tony Petty, insists he has only stayed at home due to illness.

Swansea's Third Division rivals Rushden & Diamonds are interested in taking the 28-year-old on a month's loan.

But Bound, who joined Swansea nearly four years ago, has had no offer from the Northamptonshire club.

"I have heard rumours that they are interested, but nothing's been confirmed," he said.

"Things have turned a little bit sour at Swansea after Wednesday but if I do go anywhere, it will only be on loan.

"I am just trying to carry on as usual and the only reason why I'm not going to Southend is because I had an illness overnight. I missed training yesterday because of a misunderstanding. After everything that happened the day before, I had a few things to sort out and I needed to get my head sorted.

"I thought only the boys who had not been sacked were training, I didn't realise everyone was going down."

Rushden boss Brian Talbot may a make a move for Bound on Monday, with centre-back Barry Hunter's loan stay at Nene Park due to run out tomorrow.

Bound's absence at Southend is another blow for Swansea boss Colin Addison after a testing week.

Kristian O'Leary, who missed the midweek defeat by Rochdale through suspension, is set to come in.

First-year professional Stephen Healey is also in the squad and could be handed his league debut.

Leigh De-Vulgt is set for his first start of the season, with Lee Jenkins out for a month with knee ligament damage.

"The attitude at training has been great," said Addison. "The players are sad, disappointed and surprised but they have been excellent.

"If there's a player who doesn't feel right mentally I will understand, but we are just trying to prepare properly for the game. They are all physically ready.

"We'll be glad to get on the bus and get on the road so we can put everything behind us."

Nicolas Mazzina has also failed to travel to Southend, despite being fit.

Seats are available on the official supporters' coach tomorrow's game, which leaves Morriston at 7.30 and Swansea at 7.45. Contact the club shop or Ugo Vallerio on 01792 413423.

Swansea from: Freestone, Howard, De-Vulgt, O'Leary, Todd, Healey, Cusack, Coates, Appleby, Mumford, Roberts, Williams, Jones, Tyson, Sidibe, Draper, Romo.

Southend: Flahavan, Searle, Whelan, McSweeney, Cort, Maher, Hutchins, Belgrave, Johnson, Rawle, Bramble, Kerrigan, Gay, Broad, Harris, Newman.

THE Professional Footballers' Association last night claimed the first victory over Swansea City in its bid to resolve the crisis at the Vetch Field.

Urgent talks took place between the PFA and the club after Swansea chairman Tony Petty sacked seven first-team squad members and offered eight others reduced deals on Wednesday.

Star player Stuart Roberts, on week-to-week terms, was also told he could leave but the PFA say the club has been forced to backtrack after learning that it could not breach players' contracts.

PFA deputy chief executive Brendan Batson said the association was considering the option of offering the club a loan to pay the players' wages.

Swansea now say the seven - Matthew Bound, David Romo, Jason Smith, Steve Watkin, Michael Keegan, Nicolas Mazzina and John Williams - have been placed on the transfer list and won't be paid at the end of this month.

The eight others - Damian Lacey, Richie Appleby, Jonathan Coates, Kristian O'Leary, Michael Howard, Lee Jenkins, Roger Freestone and Nick Cu-sack - will only receive their wages if they accept massive pay cuts.

"As a result of discussions between the PFA and Swansea City, the club realises it must honour the players' contracts," Batson told The Western Mail.

"The club was told it could not simply dismiss players. Contracts signed by the players are binding and have to be honoured by both sides, unless there is a mutual agreement for them to leave."

Alluding to Australian-based businessman Petty, Batson added, "When somebody comes into a football club they have to realise what the football industry is all about and that without players there is no club."

Batson will arrive at the Vetch Field next week to meet players and club officials to discuss ways of resolving the crisis.

"One option is providing the club with a loan over an agreed period of time to pay the players' wages," said Batson. "This would be repaid through the money the club receives from the Football League's central distribution fund."

Club captain Nick Cusack has played a key role in negotiations as the players' PFA representative.

"As far as the players are concerned, what the club is doing is in breach of contract and is illegal," he said.

"This could be the thin end of the wedge and other clubs could start to do the same, so we've got to protect the players here."

Cusack said the crisis at Swansea demonstrates why the PFA is in dispute with the Premier League over its share of television money.

"All along it has not been about money going to players' wages.

The top-level players have given up their performance rights to ensure the players at the lower levels are protected. This is exactly the situation."

Meanwhile, Swansea manager Colin Addison is likely to have a full squad to pick from at Southend tomorrow after all but Bound turned up for training yesterday.

The game will go ahead as planned after the Nationwide League dismissed suggestions that Swansea would be expelled from the league.

"The attitude of the players has been excellent," said Addison. "The vast majority are very disappointed over what has gone on, but we've got to get focused."

STUART ROBERTS is ready to reject big-money offers from Birmingham City and Wycombe to see through the crisis at Swansea City, writes Ian Hunt.

The Wales Under-21 winger - arguably the club's best player and most saleable asset - has ignored a £100,000 offer from Wycombe, while First Division Birmingham wait in the wings.

Along with the seven shown the door by new chairman Tony Petty on Wednesday, Roberts - on a week-to-week contract at the Vetch - was "devastated."

His departure would be another major blow to the long-suffering supporters and manager Colin Addison, who is keen to offer him a new contract.

But, despite the turmoil, Roberts yesterday pledged his immediate future to the Swans, insisting he had not discussed a move. "I'm sticking by the players and the club's supporters," he said.

"There may be truth in the rumours about Wycombe and Birmingham - I've heard the club have accepted a £100,000 bid - but, as far as I'm concerned, I'm staying where I am."

Llanelli-born Roberts has been a crowd favourite at the Vetch since breaking into the first team.

Rotherham wanted to buy him in the summer but could not afford Swansea's £250,000 price tag.

Roberts has been on a week-to-week contract since turning down an improved deal earlier this year, but he said he was determined to stay with the club in the hope the crisis could be resolved.

"For me to leave now while the club is in this state would be a big shame. I'm a local boy and I've got a love for the club," he said.

"If a club came in with an offer I couldn't accept it. At the moment I'm sticking by Nick Cusack (the players' PFA representative) and the players and we'll have to take it from there."

Roberts was in training yesterday ahead of tomorrow's trip to Southend.

The only player missing was Matthew Bound - one of the seven players "sacked" on Wednesday - who trained alone to ponder his future.

"The things that happened on Wednesday were ridiculous, absolutely scandalous," said Roberts.

"But it won't bother us. Everyone has turned up for training and we're a great team with a lot of spirit."

SWANSEA City star Stuart Roberts has said he will not be forced out by the club's new chairman amid speculation that a fee has been agreed with Wycombe.

Tony Petty is believed to have accepted a £100,000 offer for 22-year-old Roberts from the Second Division club.

Earlier this week, Petty informed the Llanelli-born striker there was no contract available for him at Swansea and he would have to continue on a week-to-week basis for the next 18 months.

But Roberts, a huge favourite with Swansea's supporters, insists he will not be going anywhere.

"I feel as though I could be forced out, but I am not having that," he said.

"The chairman has told me there is no contract whatsoever at the club for me and that I'd have to stay on weekly deals.

"That came as a massive shock, but I'm not going. This is not the right time to leave. The club's in turmoil.

"All the players have spoken and we are going to stick together. We will stay strong and we'll come through all this.

"The rest of the boys have stuck by me over the last three years and I will do the same for them now.

"If I left the club now and it went downhill and collapsed I would never forgive myself.

"The new manager has been first class towards me since he got here and I don't want to go."

The news of Roberts's possible departure comes just 24 hours after Petty brutally sacked seven first team-players and significantly reduced the contracts of eight others in a bid to reduce club overheads.

Should the ex-Welsh Under-21 leave, it would be another massive blow to Addison's squad. He has been the star of the season to date and already netted four Third Division goals.

Roberts is set to lead the line again on Saturday when Swansea take on Southend at Roots Hall, a difficult game to approach after yesterday's dramas.

"The events today have taken us all by surprise and it will take a few days to fully digest the implications," said Addison in a brief statement issued yesterday afternoon. In the meantime I have no further comment other than to say the players will be training as normal."

SWANSEA City chairman Tony Petty insists the club would soon have gone out of existence without yesterday's brutal actions.

And the new Vetch Field boss laid the blame for the club's current financial strife firmly at the door of previous owners Ninth Floor.

Fifteen first-team players were called one-by-one into the boardroom yesterday and were either informed that their contracts had been terminated or offered new deals on substantially lower wages to stay at the club.

Youth team coach Ron Walton, who has been with Swansea for 18 years and nurtured 14 of the current first-team squad, was told his services were no longer required.

And goalkeeping coach Glan Letheren, Roger Freestone's mentor, was also dismissed.

But Petty, who arrived at Vetch Field just nine days ago, claimed club overheads needed to be reduced drastically — and quickly.

"The decisions taken yesterday were to try to save Swansea City Football Club," declared Petty, who was flanked by financial director Martin Burgess, new chief executive John Shuttleworth and former chairman Mike Lewis.

"If the players' contracts had continued, there would not be a club here.

"We could have gone into liquidation, then we wouldn't have had any players at all.

"Someone tell me how they would have got out of that situation. It was an impossibility — what am I supposed to do?

"I had no pleasure in telling those lads we could not afford to pay their wages.

"But I was not going to lead them down the garden path, saying 'Go on guys, everything's all right, go out there and play for us' and then not pay them at the end of the month.

"Of course they are unhappy, but if Swansea City is to survive and have a future the action had to be taken."

Petty rejected suggestions that he would now become the arch enemy of Swansea's shocked supporters, claiming former chairman and Ninth Floor boss Neil McClure was the culprit for yesterday's drama.

"The big bad wolf left a long time ago, we all know who that was.

"He was the guy who signed contracts this club could not meet and then when he realised he gave Mike (Lewis) the problem."

With the club in crisis, manager Colin Addison and assistant Peter Nicholas now have to somehow prepare for Saturday's Third Division clash with Southend.

But Petty, who was due to travel back to Australia last night, insisted the club would be ready for the trip to Essex.

And he suggested there may be some light at the end of the tunnel as far as Swansea's future is concerned.

"We have still got a team. Nick Cusack says the players will continue to train and play and that's music to my ears. We do not want to end up in the Conference.

"Eight of the 15 players have been offered lesser contracts and I am trying to do something for the other seven. They have not technically been sacked.

"If they don't want to take up the new offers, they can find other clubs and we will replace them.

"This club is a more viable proposition now and maybe, just maybe, somebody will come forward and invest in the club in the next few days.

"I believe we can save Swansea City and we can get a relationship going with an Australian club — if we can get through this current predicament."

Former chairman Lewis, who is staying on at the club as an advisor on the Morfa Stadium project, defended his successor's actions.

"The night in shining armour did not come out of the woodwork when I was in control and in the end I was left with only one alternative — to ask Tony to come over from Australia.

"Maybe some of the measures taken were not easily palatable, but as Tony said, liquidation was the next step.

"I was not prepared to let the club go that way. My mandate was to try to make Swansea City continue to exist and I think Tony Petty is our best hope.

"There aren't any others interested at the moment — if there are he would take a phone call straight away."

SWANSEA City supporter Wayne Davies has accused former chairman Mike Lewis of 'selling the club down the Swanee'.

Mr Davies, who runs Amman Tours, a group which lays on trips for fans to Swansea away matches, said he was devastated by the news of the player cuts and said it was even worse than when the club went into receivership back in 1985.

He blamed Lewis, who bought the club for a £1 from Ninth Floor in the summer, for panicking by handing the club over to Petty.

"I think we have been sold down the Swannee," said Davies. "I think Mr Lewis has panicked big time.

"I had a phone call to say it was on the internet and as soon as I saw it I went down to the ground.


"I am absolutely dumbfounded. It is absolutely shocking and I think this is worse than 1985.

"At least we had a chance then and I just hope there are big businesses in Swansea and in West Wales who can now come out and help Swansea stay in the Football League."

Mr Davies believed that yesterday's events could spell the end for Swansea City in the Football League and was close to tears as he spoke about the club he has supported for 30 years.

"I want to come out positive in all this," he said.

"I did say that when the takeover happened last week I sent text messages to my friends that the Swans had been bought by Petty Cash!

"Obviously what has happened has justified what I said.

"This is a bad day for all Swans supporters wherever they are.

"I think it's too late for the Supporters Trust as well unless there is someone who is willing to risk their life savings on the club.

"The only way I can see a way out of this is if a lottery winner decides to help us out.

"Life goes on but I can't see this club going on much further when you have someone coming all the way from Down Under getting rid of our best assets.

"But at the end of the day I think Mike Lewis has sold out on the club."

The Supporters Trust today called on Tony Petty to put a stop to the round of sackings currently under way at Vetch Field.

They have asked for an early meeting with the new owners so that the Trust and other influential fans and fans groups can hear first hand exactly what the new owners are planning.

Trust spokesman Leigh Dineen said: "We formed the Trust to represent Swansea City fans, bring the club closer to the community and secure professional football in Swansea.

"The news from the Vetch is very worrying.

"Mr Petty has launched a cull on staff and with our present position in the League this is a recipe for conference football."

"I have been inundated with calls today from worried supporters wanting to know what's going on.

"This is not just from the Trust members but from a range of Swans supporters — so I think I'm speaking on behalf of them all."

"Mr Petty has been with us for less than a week. For all we know he could be gone again in six weeks and we'll be left to pick up the pieces. We'd like him to explain what's going on and what he plans to do to secure the club's future.

"Until he does, we ask that he stops dismantling the team in what we see as a knee-jerk reaction to cutting the club's budgets.

"We need answers now and not when we are staring non-league football in the face.

"If he doesn't want to do that then, as an alternative, we'll be happy to buy the club off him and sort it out for ourselves."

The Supporters Trust was launched just weeks ago and has already passed the 500 membership mark.

It is a formally constituted democratic trust along the same lines as those that own and control fellow Nationwide League clubs Chesterfield and Lincoln.

For more information or to join telephone 01792 799082 or write to First Floor, 57 St Helen's Road, Swansea, SA1 4BE for a membership form and information about the "Save our Swans — Share Fund".

IT all started with a text message on my mobile phone at 9.03am.

The day of the long knives had begun.

By the time I arrived at the Vetch 10 minutes later, coaches Glan Letheren and Ron Walton had already been given the axe by chairman Tony Petty.

Players were arriving for training, oblivious to the events that were about to unfold.

The whispers of cuts in the playing staff were getting louder and louder but that was nothing compared to the incredulity when Matthew Bound announced he had been the first player to be sacked.

For a second or two, it was hard to take in. I, for one, had never heard of such goings on at a professional football club.

In the past players have been put up for sale by a cash-strapped club, but this was unprecedented.

But there was more to come. First the rumours were rife that eight more players were about to get the sack.

Next it was Steve Watkin. His expression said it all. There was anger and huge disappointment in his eyes.

Jason Smith was next to take the long walk and he reappeared with a letter saying his contract had been terminated.

The longer it went on the more unbelievable events became. Damian Lacey . . . Michael Howard . . . Michael Keegan . . . Kristian O'Leary were the next to know their fate.

They were either sacked or had been offered reduced contracts.

Out came David Romo and he shrugged his shoulders before saying: "Finished."

If it was hard for him to understand what was going on. Imagine what was going through the mind of Nicolas Mazzina.

One senior player was brought to tears by the sheer magnitude of it all.

That is something I do not want to see again. But still it went on.

Mobile phones were ringing every 10 seconds relaying the unfolding drama. Mine rang and I was told that Roger Freestone and Richie Appleby had been offered reduced contracts and had not accepted them.

Nobody knew what would happen next but all the time Nick Cusack was somehow managing to keep cool in the crisis.

On behalf of the whole squad he was in almost constant contact with PFA headquarters.

Minute by minute more were handed their fate but it was more than about them. The players were determined to stick together and a united front was being shown to all and sundry.

Those who missed the chop like Gareth Phillips, Andrew Mumford and Chris Todd were showing their support for their not so fortunate team-mates.

It reflected the team spirit that the players have built up.

Through thick and thin they have stuck together and the message was this would strengthen their resolve even more.

They all trudged into a final meeting in the dressing room before making their way out of the Vetch.

Most did not know what the future held for them but they were all vowing to make training today.

They went off shellshocked at the day's unbelievable events.

A shambolic press conference followed with Tony Petty, flanked by Mike Lewis, new chief executive John Shuttleworth and financial director Martin Burgess, trying to explain why the club had taken this course of action.

Baffled Pressmen and women were leaving, shocked at the unbelievable scenes. All the time Cusack was working tirelessly to try to sort the situation out.

Let's hope for the players' sakes something is sorted — and soon.

THE city of Swansea could lose out on future investment if the club goes out of the football league.

That is the fear of FOSCFA supporters group chief Ugo Vallerio.

He believes that if the club does get relegated from Division Three, Swansea could be put on the back burner as far as cash from businesses is concerned.

Vallerio, like many others, was left gobsmacked by the sackings of senior players by chairman Tony Petty yesterday.

"We all know that a football club does not run on fresh air but we never expected this," he told the Post .

"I don't what will happen if the club goes out of the league. I am not even sure we will go into the Conference because we are a Welsh club.

"We may end up in the League of Wales. That would be disastrous not just for the football club but for the whole city.

"If the club ceases to be in the football league it ceases as a major city.

"At the moment we are the second city in Wales and we could end up becoming the 10th city in the country.

"I strongly believe that a football club has a major part to play when it comes to investment no matter what anybody else says.

"Just look at places like Accrington compared to Burnley in the north of England."

Despite all the goings on at the club yesterday Vallerio said he would still travel to see Swansea play.

"I won't stop watching them because I have the club at heart and I don't want the club to die."

'SWANSEA City's sacked seven players and others facing pay cuts must have their contracts honoured, their union said today.

Shocked City players were returning to training this morning with important backing from the Professional Footballers' Association.

All 27 team members were expected to turn up despite seven being told they had no future at the club and another eight offered massive pay cuts to stay on by chairman Tony Petty.

The players' plan is to continue as normal and fight the actions of the Aussie-based Londoner, who arrived at the Vetch just nine days ago.

Swansea skipper Nick Cusack was one of the eight players offered a drastic pay cut to stay on at the club. But like the others, the 35-year-old will not accept reduced terms.

And Cusack, Swansea's PFA representative and a member of the union's national executive, is determined to overturn Petty's decisions.

"At the end of the day this is about players who have mortgages and kids being told they will not be paid," he said.

"Some have been sacked, although the owners don't want to call it that, others have been offered different contracts, which is a breach.

"I have spoken to Brendan Batson at length and we have said all along that Mr Petty has no right to do what he has done.

"We are now trying to digest everything that's happened and then we'll put forward some sort of action where we can fight this.

"The players are just going to stick together and not shirk the responsibility of looking after those who have been badly treated. We will carry on training and we will play on Saturday against Southend.

"The whole city is in turmoil — this club means so much to so many people. We will keep it going."

And as the players try to prepare for a league match at Southend on Saturday, their cause has been helped by the PFA.

Brendan Batson, one of the players' union's top executives, is expected in South Wales either tomorrow or Monday to meet with the squad. Also on his way is Mark Cavell, a legal specialist and expert on clubs with financial problems, and PFA chairman Barry Horne, the former Wales skipper, has already spoken out in support of the cause.

"As long as the players have the support of the union this type of problem will be resolved and they will be no worse off. I can guarantee that," he said.

"There are strict regulations in place that must be adhered to. Every player has signed a contract and this must be honoured.

"The players must be paid what is due according to their contract. There are no two ways about it."

Swansea City's Stuart Roberts wants to stay at the club, despite a reported deal for the winger being agreed with Wycombe.

The Wales under-21 international, who has been on a week-to-week contract this season, says he couldn't leave the Vetch Field while the club was in crisis.

There has been talk of second division Wycombe agreeing a fee for the Llanelli-born player, but he said: "I'm sticking by the players. There's no way I could leave the club in turmoil.

"It's in a bit of a bad state here, and to leave would be devastating. I'm going to see it through.

"Hopefully we can get a good result on Saturday against Southend and it will blow over."

Disappeared

But Roberts said reports of a move had been speculation, saying: "There's a lot of it in the papers, but that doesn't bother me.

"I couldn't move on at the present moment. If I moved now and the club went from bad to worse I would never forgive myself."

And Roberts' hopes of an improved contract have also disappeared in the wake of the cost-cutting at the Vetch.

"It was a big disappointment for me to find out that news, but I was with the players for most of the day on Wednesday.

"They've stuck by me over the last three years and I think it's time for every player in the squad to stick together."

Swansea City risk being kicked out of the Nationwide League because of the cash cuts being implemented by new chairman Tony Petty.

The Swans have released two coaches and seven players and offered eight other players reduced deals.

A spokesman for the Nationwide League told BBC Wales that their rules protected players' contracts and that Swansea could be expelled for not complying with them.

Talks between the club, the Nationwide League and the Professional Fooballers' Association are expected to go ahead on Thursday.

It's going to be tough for them now because you need all your experienced players to stay in the Third Division

But the club have defended their actions. An official said that no players had been sacked and that there simply were not the funds to pay staff.

"No player has been sacked or their contract temrinated," he said.

"Certain players were informed that there was little likelihood of their being paid at the end of the month as the club could not physically get the cash together.

"The club will not stand in their way should they be able to find an alternative club."

One of the released players, striker Steve Watkin, said he was stunned by the actions of the club.

"I was in a state of shock for most of the day," he said.

"The chairman called me in, told me the financial situation of the club and told me he had to let me go. It was a massive shock.

"I have spoken to the PFA and they have told me what the club have done is illegal."

Watkin is currently working his way back to fitness after recovering from a knee injury,

Former youth team manager Ronnie Walton, sacked after 18 years with the club, said: "Mr Petty obviously believes what he's doing is right for Swansea and, having been there as long as I have, I certainly hope he is.

"It's going to be tough for them now because you need all your experienced players to stay in the Third Division."

Manager Colin Addison said he had played no part in the cost-cutting decisions.

He said: "When myself and Peter Nicholas joined the club a month ago we were told that we needed to trim the staff.

I have spoken to the PFA and they have told me what the club have done is illegal

"But as regards who goes where and when, we had no say at all. It was purely financial.

"It could have been done another way. We have a structure in place for players to go on the transfer list and players could go out on loan to ease the wage bill."

Swansea today defended their decision to release seven players and insisted that none of manager Colin Addison's squad has been sacked.

The players, including veteran strikers Steve Watkin and John Williams, look certain to leave the Welsh club after being informed that their wages could no longer be paid.

Captain Nick Cusack and seven other members of the first team have been offered reduced contracts by new chairman Tony Petty as the Swansea board look to drastically cut expenditure at the Vetch Field.

Club officials claim no contracts have been terminated but admitted they did not have to funds to pay their staff and would therefore expect the players to now find new employers.

Those who had been offered new deals would be paid at "normal Third Division levels" which the club believed they could support, according to a statement released by the board.

It said: "No player has been sacked or their contract terminated.

"Certain players were informed that there was little likelihood of their being paid at the end of the month, as the club could not physically get the cash together in sufficient quantity.

"The club will not stand in their way should they be able to find an alternative club.

"Certain other players were offered contracts which the club felt it could responsibly afford and honour."

ALAN CURTIS fears that Swansea City could drop into the Nationwide Conference this season.

Former Wales star Curtis, who had three playing spells at Swansea and was the club's assistant manager until John Hollins was sacked last month, said he was shocked by yesterday's drastic cost-cutting exercise at The Vetch.

New Swans owner Tony Petty sacked seven members of the first-team squad - Mathew Bound, Jason Smith, Steve Watkin, John Williams, David Romo, Michael Keegan and Nicolas Mazzina - as well as backroom pair Glan Letheran and Ron Walton.

Another eight players - Damian Lacey, Richie Appleby, Jonathan Coates, Kristian O'Leary, Michael Howard, Lee Jenkins, Roger Freestone, Nick Cusack - have been offered vastly-reduced terms and Wales Under-21 winger Stuart Roberts, who is on week-to-week terms, has been told he can leave.

"I've never seen anything like it in 30 years of football," said Curtis.

"I'm sure that this can't be allowed to happen and that the PFA (Professional Footballers' Association) will intervene to stop it doing so.

"The PFA are so strong in terms of football and I can't imagine them standing by and doing nothing.

"I don't think for one moment that the new owners of Swansea City will be allowed to get away with this course of action."

Curtis - who is still so close to the Swansea players that he joined them for a city centre meeting yesterday afternoon - said he was bemused by the turn of events.

"I had `phone call from someone at the club telling me the news," he said.

"I couldn't believe it. In football, you get used to people being sacked. But I've never heard of players being sacked in this fashion.

"I'm still not convinced that they can do it but it's a sad day for Swansea City. I thought I'd seen everything in my time at the club, takeovers, relegations, promotions, cup finals.

"But I've never seen anything like this. I really fear for the club now because if things take their course you are looking at the Conference."

Swansea are currently eight places off the foot of the Third Division, only four points above bottom-placed Hartlepool United, who have a game in hand on the teams above them.

But Swans fans will be mindful that Doncaster Rovers and Chester City went into free-fall after financial cutbacks and both clubs were eventually relegated to the Conference.

"I hope it (Conference football) never comes to that, but I don't think anybody can rule it out. I don't even want to think about the prospect."

Curtis and former manager Hollins - who had a reported £115,000 per year deal before his dismissal - remain creditors of the club.

Hollins is owed around £200,000, probably the biggest creditor after previous owners Ninth Floor plc, who are owed more than £800,000.

Curtis said, "I had more or less sorted out my situation before this happened. I'm probably not going to receive too much now, but I'm more concerned about the future of the club.

"It's a massive blow for everybody and I'm sure that the supporters will do everything in their power to stop this happening.

"But the PFA have the most crucial role to play because they know the rules and will stand by the players.

"In the meantime, the players have got to remain focused on Saturday's game at Southend. It's obviously going to be very difficult for them but they have to be professional and concentrate on the game."

THE Professional Footballers' Association will arrive at Swansea City on Monday to try and resolve the growing crisis at the troubled Third Division club.

Brendan Batson, one of the PFA's top executives, will meet with club officials and players yesterday sacked or offered massive pay cuts by the club's new owner Tony Petty.

On a day of unbelievable turmoil at the Vetch, seven Swansea squad members - Matthew Bound, David Romo, Jason Smith, Steve Watkin, Michael Keegan, Nicolas Mazzina and John Williams - were shown the door.

Eight others - Damian Lacey, Richie Appleby, Jonathan Coates, Kristian O'Leary, Michael Howard, Lee Jenkins, Roger Freestone and Nick Cusack - have been told they must accept massive pay cuts if they want to stay at a club currently eight places off the bottom of the Nationwide League.

Australian-based businessman Petty, who had warned of cutbacks after taking control of the club last week from Mike Lewis, also sacked youth team manager Ron Walton and goal-keeping coach Glan Letheren. Walton had spent 18 years at The Vetch.

The management team of Colin Addison and Peter Nicholas, who only succeeded the sacked John Hollins and Alan Curtis last month, will remain in place.

But the PFA will try to find a solution to the Vetch Field crisis and could even help pay players' wages while the wrangling continues.

PFA chairman Barry Horne, the former Wales captain, last night pledged the union's full support to Swansea players affected by the cutbacks.

"As long as the players have the support of the union this type of problem will be resolved and they will be no worse off - I can guarantee that," said Horne.

"There are strict regulations in place that must be adhered to. Every player has signed a contract and this must be honoured.

"The players must be paid what is due according to their contract. There are no two ways about it."

Petty - who was involved in a dispute during his time at Australian rugby league side, the Brisbane Lions - spoke to each player individually to explain the reasons behind the cutbacks before leaving for a business trip to Australia.

"A number of players have been offered new contracts at levels the club believes it can afford," he said.

"Today's events should come as no surprise to anybody. If the club is to survive, its overheads must be reduced to match its levels of income."

Club captain Nick Cusack, a PFA management committee member, said he would be leading the players' fight against the new deals.

"Players who have got injured playing for their club - Jason Smith, for example - have been told their services are no longer required," he said.

"He has been told to go and get another club. How is he supposed to do that?

"We are informing Mr Petty that we will not accept these terms and are looking to seek redress."

Freestone said, "I have been offered something like 65 to 70 per cent less in wages. I wasn't expecting anything like that to happen, it has hit us all for six.

"A few players have been sacked and I don't even know if the club are allowed to do that. But I'm sure that we will not be going without a fight."

Wales Under-21 winger Stuart Roberts, who is on week-to-week terms but had hoped to secure a new deal, said he was "devastated" after being told he was free to find another club.

"I don't think anyone can quite believe that this happened," he said.

However, this is not the first time Swansea City has felt the stark realities of financial strife. In 1985, the club was wound up in the High Court and facing bankruptcy before local businessman Doug Sharpe took control.

More than a decade later when Sharpe wanted to sell the club there was a controversial takeover bid from Michael Thompson and an embarrassing week-long managerial reign of Kevin Cullis before the deal collapsed.

Inevitably, players - who have promised to turn up for training today and fulfil Saturday's league fixture at Southend United - were already being linked with other clubs last night.

Roberts, arguably Swansea's best player and most saleable asset, was reported to be the subject of a £100,000 bid, possibly from long-time admirers Birmingham City, and Bound was attracting the interest of league newcomers Rushden & Diamonds.

Freestone could even head to the Premiership as Bolton Wanderers seek cover for Finnish goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

MIKE LEWIS yesterday endorsed Tony Petty's drastic cost-cutting exercise at Swansea City.

Lewis, who handed over control of the club to Australian-based businessman Petty last week, said he believed sacking seven players and reducing the salaries of eight others were necessary to safeguard Swansea's future.

"It's not action that I would have necessarily taken," said Lewis, who will advise the club's chief executive officer, John Shuttleworth, while Petty is in Australia on business.

"But he was big enough to do it. I don't regret bringing Tony to Swansea because he's obviously looked at the finances and decided that the way to deal with it is by tackling the heavy expenditure.

"The simple fact is that Swansea City will not be operating as a football club if finances do not improve.

"If I did not go ahead with this deal then the alternative would be zilch. Tony Petty had to do something, he could not operate on a wing and a prayer."

Asked whether he was worried about the reception he would now get in Swansea, Lewis remained defiant.

"I've been spat in the face and had pasties thrown at me last season," he said.

"I'm big enough and grown up enough to deal with these things."

Swansea City was a club in total disarray this afternoon as new chairman Tony Petty wielded the axe on the first-team squad.

Fifteen players - including Roger Freestone, Matthew Bound, Jason Smith and Nick Cusack - were either sacked or offered massive pay cuts.

Kristian O'Leary, Jonathan Coates, Ritchie Appleby, Damian Lacey, Steve Watkin, Michael Keegan, Michael Howard and David Romo were the other players facing the chop today.

There were tears shed as goalkeeping coach Glan Letheren and youth boss Ron Walton - who has been at the club for 18 years - were also shown the door.

Letheren and Walton were the first to go this morning when Petty handed them their letters confirming their termination of employment.

Petty revealed the shocking news to the players one by one - just hours before he was due to jet back to Australia.

The fate of the rest of the squad is as yet unclear.

Petty also announced that no further cuts would be made in the club's administration - but the future of manager Colin Addison and assistant Peter Nicholas must now come into doubt.

Appleby said: "The chairman can do and say whatever he wants, but our contracts are binding and none of us are going to sign reduced deals.

"Nick Cusack is talking to the PFA(Profesional Footballers Association) and we are going to stick together."

Club captain Cusack, Swansea's PFA representative, added: "The whole future of the football club is at stake here. It's a huge shock as far as we are concerned.

"Quite a number of players have had their contracts breached and they have been told they are no longer players at the club because the club is not in a position to pay them.

"A number of other players have been offered substantially lower wages to continue playing.

"The players signed contracts in good faith and obviously this is an unexceptional situation.

"I am in close in consultation with the PFA and that will continue long into the day. We are trying to find a solution but whether this will be possible only time will tell.

In a statement Petty said: "I have spoken to all of the players this morning and they have been notified of the club's financial situation.

"A number of players have been offered contracts at levels the club believes it can afford.

"Today's events should come as no surprise to anybody. If the club is to survive its overheads must be reduced to match levels of income."

Sacked today: Glan Letheren, Ron Walton, Matthew Bound, David Romo, Jason Smith, Steve Watkin, Michael Keegan, Nicolas Mazzina, John Williams.

Offered reduced deals: Damian Lacey, Ritchie Appleby, Jonathan Coates, Kristian O'Leary, Michael Howard, Lee Jenkins, Roger Freestone, Nick Cusack.

Seven Swansea City players have been unceremoniously sacked by the club's new chairman Tony Petty.

Matthew Bound, Steve Watkin, John Williams, David Romo, Nicholas Metsina, Jason Smith, Michael Keegan have all been given their marching orders.

Furthermore, Damian Lacey, Richard Appleby, Jonathan Coates, Chris O'Leary, Michael Howard, Roger Freestone, Lee Jenkins, and captain Nick Cusack have been offered new contracts on reduced terms.

Youth team boss Ron Walton, who has given 18 years of service to the Swans, and goalkeeping Coach Glan Letheren have been ordered to leave the club with immediate effect.

The full squad were told of the cuts in a meeting on Wednesday morning.

Captain Nick Cusack told BBC Wales Sport that he has spent most of the morning seeking advice from the Professional Footballers Association.

Cusack said: "We have been talking to the PFA and to the club looking for ways out of this crisis.

"The PFA have processes to deal with this sort of situation. It's not unprecedented but obviously the players involved are devastated.

"But we have to sort something out that is in the best interests of the club."

Tony Petty took over control of the club last week, inheriting debts of more than £800,000

NEW Swansea manager Colin Addison is still looking for his first home win after a frustrating defeat by promotion-chasing Rochdale last night.

Buoyed by the 2-0 win at Kidderminster, Swansea could have jumped eight places if they had won this game, but struggled to recover after Rochdale's 42-year-old player-assistant manager Tony Ford put the visitors in front.

A win would certainly have impressed the club's new owners - the first match since London businessman Tony Petty took control at the Vetch last week and brought in investors from the Australian football club Brisbane Lions.

Swansea started much the brighter side but despite all their labour could not produce that vital touch of quality to forge ahead.

They looked favourites to open the scoring after threatening the Rochdale goal twice within the opening two minutes.

Andrew Mumford and Richard Appleby both went close with long range shots. With Rochdale sitting back and absorbing the Swansea pressure, the game's first effort on target came after 24 minutes.

Mumford fired a low shot from 25 yards which Rochdale's 'keeper could only push away for a corner. Rochdale stepped up the pace a minute later when Paul Wheat-croft's cross-cum-shot floated over Roger Freestone but bounced off the bar. Former Wales Under-21 player Stuart Roberts looked most likely to create an opening but it was Appleby again who struck for Swansea.

After a delightful nutmeg on Rochdale's Gary Jones, the Swansea midfielder was unlucky to see his shot rise above the Rochdale crossbar. A minute later Swansea fell behind when substitute Keiron Durkan whipped in a cross from the left and the veteran Ford headed past Roger Freestone.

Despite the setback, Swansea continued to put pressure on the Rochdale defence, Lee Jenkins firing a shot into the 'keeper's arms after a cross from John Williams. Rochdale might even have gone into the break 2-0 up after Swansea lost possession in midfield.

Fortunately for Swansea, Clive Platt's header went wide after a good cross from Ford.

In the second half Swansea failed to find any inspiration to draw level, Rochdale this time looking the more likely side to score.

The home side could have drawn level had a free-kick and shot from

Jonathan Coates been on target. Addison threw on French striker Mamady Sidibe - returning after almost a month out with a hamstring problem - and Nathan Tyson but the substitutes failed to have any real impact on the match.

With Swansea struggling to find an equaliser, Rochdale could have extended their lead as the game drew towards a close.

Durkan neatly cut inside Swansea full-back Lee Jenkins but shot high and wide of Freestone's goal.

Rochdale had another excellent opportunity to go two up three minutes into injury time when Swansea were caught sleeping at the back, but Platt's shot went wide.

SWANSEA City begin their new life with the men from Down Under tonight intent on moving up the Third Division table.

Victory at the Vetch over high-flying Rochdale (7.45) would see Colin Addison's men jump eight places into ninth spot which would be a perfect start for the club's new Australian owners.

Confidence is high in the Swansea camp after success at Kidderminster, but assistant manager Peter Nicholas knows a top performance is necessary to down the Dale.

"Rochdale are a good side and we know how hard it's going to be," said the former Welsh international.

"It's another tough game. We've played a lot of the early leaders since we arrived. We are not going to worry about them too much, we'll just concentrate on what we're doing.

"On the back of Kidderminster, three points tonight would move us well up the table and it would be very nice to get our first win at the Vetch."

Because of the Welsh international weekend, 10 days have passed since the new management team tasted their first success.

Momentum from the 2-0 win may have waned slightly, but according to Nicholas, the enforced break was quite handy.

"Because it was free, we had the chance to do some good work with the players last week. We had two good friendly games where we played very well," he said. "We are starting to get to know the lads a bit better and we are very pleased with what we've seen."

Nicholas was today tackling the problem of how to replace suspended pair Gareth Phillips and Kris O'Leary.

Phillips has been banned from Saturday's trip to Southend as well after collecting five yellow cards plus one red.

The good news for Swansea is the likely return of French frontman Mamady Sidibe to the squad after nearly a month out with a hamstring problem.

Rochdale boss Steve Parkin is without a clutch of players.The most notable absentee is record signing Paul Connor.

Meanwhile, Swansea's pre-Christmas meeting with Bristol Rovers has been brought forward a day to December 21, with a 7.45 kick-off.

JONATHAN Coates is loving being the centre of attention.

The ex-Wales under-21 is relishing his new central role in the five-man midfield being employed by new management duo Colin Addison and Peter Nicholas.

Coates is in his ninth season at the club and has spent the most part of his Vetch career as a winger.

But since the new partnership has arrived they have pushed him into the midfield engine room and he is loving every minute of it.

"I just seem to be happier playing in the middle," he said."And that seems to be reflecting in my play. I just love being more involved in the game. When you are out wide sometimes it's difficult to get into the rhythm of a match.

"Out on the wing if you make a mistake you don't get the ball enough to try and make up for it.

"In the centre it's all different, you don't have to go chasing the ball and I enjoy that much more."

Coates is 26 and faced a career-threatening injury last season when he damaged knee ligaments at Rotherham.

He bounced back from that quicker than most thought and although the mood at the Vetch towards the end of the Division Two campaign was disappointing, Coates was delighted just to be back in the team again.

"I was so pleased to come back so quickly after a bad injury," he said.

"On a personal note I didn't want the season to end. I was enjoying my football."

He kicked off this season in indifferent form until the switch inside.

Since then he has hit the net three times, including spectacular strikes against Scunthorpe and Shrewsbury.

He is also happy that the injury is holding up although he was forced to miss the win at Kidderminster with a hamstring niggle.

"That was disappointing, especially after scoring twice against Shrewsbury.

"But I have no problem with the knee cap after the operation. The muscle is still not as strong as it should be but I am doing a lot more weights to try and rebuild it."

Gareth Phillips will be missing from the Swansea side against Rochdale tonight through suspension so Coates is hoping to claim his spot back in the midfield.

He is looking forward to getting back into action after his enforced break.

"Hopefully I will be selected," he said.

"If I do I will enjoy it again. It's important to build on that win at Kidderminster.

"We have to string a few results together. That's important especially in the run-up to Christmas."

SWANSEA CITY manager Colin Addison has ordered his players to put the off-the-field events behind them as they prepare to face high-flying Rochdale at the Vetch tonight.

London businessman Tony Petty took control at the Vetch last week - the second time the Swans have changed ownership this year after Mike Lewis "bought" the club for £1 from Ninth Floor plc during the summer.

Petty is hoping to bring in investors from the Australian football club Brisbane Lions - and has hinted cutbacks might be needed at the Vetch because of the club's precarious financial state.

But last night Addison said, "The takeover has dominated things here the last few days but we've all just got to get on with our jobs."

The club's new owner has assured Addison and his assistant, Peter Nicholas, that their jobs are safe.

The Swans' management duo now has to make sure the players remain unaffected by the board-room upheaval.

"We have got to make people aware of their responsibilities. To be fair, the dressing room spirit has been excellent since we came here," explained Addison.

"The club has now been taken over and we have to adapt to that. Mr Petty said he wants us to stay on.

"Peter and I have got contracts and we never thought we were in any danger, but it's still nice when the new owner says something like that.

"We haven't really had a big chat with him yet. We met him last week for an hour and ironed out one or two things.

"Let's hope the takeover is a good thing for this club.

"At the moment I don't know what Mr Petty intends to do because we haven't discussed the future yet.

"We've just got to focus now on this game with Rochdale which is a very big match for us.

"The players' attitudes have been excellent, so too has their application."

Addison and Nicholas celebrated their first victory 10 days ago when the Swans won 2-0 at Kidderminster - tangible proof the team has improved under the pair.

"I'd like to think we're improving," he said.

"We could have beaten Shrews-bury and we could have nicked it at Hull before beating Kidderminster. We played reasonably well in those two matches.

"But the Kidderminster game is history now. Rochdale is going to be a difficult match, we've had them watched and they're a good side."

The men from Spotland lie in second spot behind Luton and will top the table tonight if they beat Addison's revived Swans at the Vetch Field.

Addison will be without midfielder Gareth Phillips and centre-back Kris O'Leary, both suspended, but striker Mamady Sidibe, who suffered a hamstring injury during Addison's first game in charge, against Halifax a month ago, could return.

"I've still got a lot of players out like Damien Lacey, Steve Watkin and Jason Smith.

"When they come back then they will give me more options," said the Swansea manager.

SWANSEA City boss Colin Addison insisted it was business as usual at Vetch Field today despite a week of off-the-field upheaval.

The players trained as normal in preparation for tomorrow night's clash with Third Division high-fliers Rochdale.

And Addison is firmly focused on building on the success at Kidderminster nine days ago, his first victory since replacing John Hollins.

"We got on with our work last week," he said, "and we will do the same again.

"Everything will be as normal as we prepare for tomorrow night, which is a big game."

Addison held a short meeting with new Vetch chairman Tony Petty after he was unveiled last Tuesday.

The Aussie-based Londoner was introduced to the players the following morning.

His arrival saw the end of Mike Lewis — who brought Addison to the club nearly one month ago — and resulted in Professor David Farmer's resignation from the board of directors.

Along with potential-backers from Aussie club Brisbane Lions, Petty is planning to bring a number of Antipodean players to the Vetch.

He has also indicated that the club's wage bill needs to be drastically cut.

"I had a chat with the new man last week and was there when he met the squad. Apart from that I have not had too much to do with him," added Addison. "We will be talking some more this week I'm sure, but for now I am thinking about Rochdale."

Addison will be without two key players when the second-placed side visit the Vetch.

Midfielder Gareth Phillips and centre-back Kristian O'Leary, two of Swansea's star performers this season, are both ruled out through suspension.

Stuart Roberts, Leigh De-Vulgt and Jason Jones were all expected to report back fit from international duty over the weekend.

Mamady Sidibe and Steve Watkin were set to return to full training today, while Addison was hoping for good news from Jason Smith's ankle scan results.

The manager's options were boosted by the friendlies against Merthyr (won 2-0) and Cardiff (lost 1-0) last week, in which a number of youngsters showed their potential.

"The two games were excellent workouts for us. The scores do not matter, the good thing was that seven or eight players who Peter (Nicholas) and I have not seen since we got here played a competitive game.

"They did well in both matches and we were well pleased."

SWANSEA City are set for mass redundancies with new chairman Tony Petty warning: "We've got to slash jobs to survive!"

Aussie-based Petty seized control of the cash-strapped Swans from Mike Lewis last Wednesday. The 42-year-old entrepreneur is poised to be joined on the Vetch board by Gary Wilkins and Lawrence Odendyk, money men from top Australian football side Brisbane Lions.

Petty said: "Before that happens, I have to show that Swansea City are a viable concern.

"The way things were, Swansea wouldn't have survived until Christmas. I have to say there was, and still is, a distinct possibility Swansea could die without fresh business investment and strategy."

Petty has revealed he has just under two months to cut overheads. He warns: "The next six to eight weeks are crucial.

"You wouldn't believe the sort of wage bill we have - it's got to be the biggest in Division Three!

"Cuts are inevitable."

ANDY LEGG, who led Cardiff to promotion last season, could get a chance to end his career where it all began - at their rivals Swansea.

The 35-year-old defender, whose form this year was good enough to win him an international recall, has hinted that he may retire at the end of the season. He has eight months remaining on his current contract at Cardiff, who have so far made no move to extend it.

And he said: "This might be my last season. Retirement is certainly an option. You just don't know what's round the corner."

Cardiff manager Alan Cork, who watched Legg collect his Welsh club player of the year award last week, insisted: "Andy can certainly play on for another three or four years yet. He has great ability - and he is still a very fit young man."

But Swansea's management pairing Colin Addison and Peter Nicholas were also present to watch Legg collect his award. They have certainly noted that Legg is currently unsettled.