HE Swansea City future of Colin Addison and Peter Nicholas will be in the hands of an administrator if Mel Nurse's civil court battle with Tony Petty succeeds on Tuesday.

Nurse, the Swans' biggest creditor, is looking to take the club into administration as he seeks the £801,000 debt he is owed.

Nurse believes going down that route will force out controversial chairman Tony Petty and secure professional football in Swansea.

His civil action will be heard by a Judge. Nurse hopes the case will go his way and he is then be given a six week period to come up with a financial package to convince the administrators his consortium can guarantee the Swans' future.

But in the interim it will be the administrator's duty to balance the books and ensure the club remains solvent.

If cutbacks are needed in this sort of situation, invariably the court official starts at the top.

At that point, senior player Tommy Hutchison was put in charge as playermanager. For Hutchison 1984, the administrator could read Nick Cusack this time.

However, Nurse will be hoping that issue can be avoided this time.

He plans to provide the financial assurances to convince the administrator Addison and Nicholas should carry on in their posts.

Results may not be going the Swans' way yet, but the two men are doing a valiant job in the most trying of circumstances.

Ultimately though, that will be a decision for the administrator, should Nurse be successful with his court action.

Just what happens on Tuesday remains to be seen, however.

Petty has flown back to Australia and is unlikely to be in court.

But his barristers will probably argue for an adjournment and seek to have the case heard in the `more neutral' territory of either Cardiff or London.

Petty will contest the case.

When this issue arose with the Swans back in 1984, the first peo -ple to lose their jobs were manager John Bond and his No2 Fred Davis. Sunday understands he feels he does not owe the £801,000 debt, which was originally owed to Ninth Floor, because of a complex previous takeover deal struck between the previous two chairmen Neil McClure and his successor Mike Lewis.

Lewis and Petty subsequently struck a £1 buyout of the Swans.

However, Nurse remains hopeful of carrying the day and is already planning for the future should he be successful and his group given the go-ahead to take over.

Despite emerging as the knight in shining armour to rescue the Swans, Nurse has NO plans to be chairman at The Vetch himself.

That role, it would appear, is earmarked for the club's former financial advisor Martin Burgess.

Local travel company chief Martyn Morgan would team up with Burgess and Nurse on the Board, as would supporters representative Ugo Valerio.

Nurse, who used to play for the Swans in the 1950s and 60s, has launched his action because of what he calls his deep love of the club and his desire to see professional football continue in Swansea.

Worried Swans fans have bombarded the 64-year-old hotelier with requests to get involved.

Meanwhile Addison himself has repeated his desire to see the whole controversial issue put to bed.

"The sooner this is sorted, the better. That is so important for Swansea City FC," said Addison.

"This is a club with a great tradition over the years. It has to be resolved for the sake of the great supporters, the people of Swansea as a whole and the city as a whole."

Torquay.................1 Swansea C.............2

BIG Mamady Sidibe repaid a huge slice of gratitude to Swansea as he bagged the strikes which just might preserve his club's Nationwide Football League status come May.

And one glance at Vetch boss Colin Addison's facial contours at the whistle reflected just how momentous the Swans' fifth League win of the campaign was.

Brave Swansea had turned events on their head down on the English Riviera.

It all looked black at the interval, though - an early Marcus Richardson strike creaking that conference trap door a few inches wider.

But up stepped ex-CA Paris raider Sidibe.

The gangly Frenchman - who looks more a basketball star than soccer pro - struck inside 17 startling second half minutes to leave the Gulls gasping.

That had Swansea chief Addison in seventh heaven. He boomed, "Make no mistake, this is a very big victory for us.

"It's so important. Not just for our marvellous fans, but for Swansea City Football Club itself. Events off the pitch mean we have come through a very difficult period.

"But we have shown our character and commitment here - we battled back, just when things looked against us."

Swansea's boardroom wrangles continu in the County Court on Tuesday when owner Petty grapples with former Vetch director Mel Nurse trying to enforce administration via a debt of £801,098.

But 61-year-old Addison is used to life on the front line. He is a past master of soccer miracles at Hereford, Newport County, Merthyr and Cadiz. He must take great credit for this marvellous win down in freezing Devon.

The introduction of greater width in Damien Lacey and increased muscle with John Williams worked a treat.

It was the perfect cocktail and Sidibe profited as outstanding debutant Stephen Evans - borrowed from Crystal Palace last Friday - made inroads down the left.

The giant Frenchman's first on 65 minutes was a sparkler. Stephen Evans did his bit and Sidibe rose to majestically power it into the net.

The winner - eight minutes from time - was equally satisfying. Lacey, what a display, pumped in from the right, Williams guilefully knocked down and Sidibe span before firing in a crisp left-foot finish.

And Addison was literally thanking Evans - the two of them - later. He beamed, "I thought Terry and Stephen did exceptionally well.

"Terry Evans did his job wonderfully well at the back and Stephen has made a very encouraging start.

"He is a great prospect - no wonder Peter Nicholas spoke so highly of him." And the Swans might yet attempt to make the Palace man a permanent acquisition. The First Division Eagles will allow the Welsh under 21 left-back to play in next Sunday's AXA FA Cup First Round clash with QPR - an indication he's available for transfer.

And Caerphilly born Evans is relishing his career with the Swans already. He declared, "It's just nice to get a first team game. At Palace, I don't get a sniff because their squad is so big. I enjoyed myself out there."

This excellent victory propels the Swans further away from Third Division Whitewater. But the three points looked unlikely at the interval as the Welsh side counted their fortune just to be only one down.

They had trailed to a real booty after just eleven minutes. And the game could have been out of sight for the Swans as David Graham smacked the bar with a vicious drive. Keeper Roger Freestone also did his bit as he made great stops from David Brown and Lee Canonville.

Nathan Tyson had almost landed a stunning sucker punch for the visitors on 23 minutes, though. But the tide was definitely turning well before Sidibe's first goal.

With Bridgend born Lacey so effective down the left and Stephen Evans prominent on the opposite flank an equaliser looked likely and Swansea thought they had it on 51 minutes.

Jon Coates delivered the perfect free kick from the byline. Jason Smith's header cleared off the line by Steve Woods.

Quicksilver Tyson then saw a goal bound blast deflected by the same defender, but then came Sidibe's magnifique intervention.

NEIL SHARP could be living the American dream.

Instead the 23-year-old Stateside educated defender is realising his own dream of playing in the Nationwide League at Swansea City.

Sharp has arrived at Swansea via a circuitous route of Hemel Hempstead, Canada, the United States, Boreham Wood, Barry and Merthyr Tydfil.

And, despite the current crisis that has enveloped the Vetch Field, Sharp is delighted that he has fulfilled his own ambition and followed his father Ian into League football.

Hempel Hempstead-born Sharp was 12 when his father - who played for Luton Town before his career was cut short by injury at the age of 24 - and mother emigrated to Canada.

Sharp later headed to college in the United States and it was there that his desire to play professional football grew.

"I was determined to become a professional sportsman and in America people always tell you that you can reach the heights," said Sharp.

"I was determined to give it a go and come to Britain to try and prove myself."

Sharp's ambition took him to Boreham Wood in the Ryman League and eventually to South Wales where he linked up with first Barry and then Merthyr.

But Sharp said, "When I heard Swansea were interested that was all that dominated my mind.

"I always wanted a chance to play in the Nationwide League and then it finally arrived. I was in dreamland.

"When I came out of the tunnel for my debut at Luton (Swansea lost 3-0) I was so nervous. The game was quicker than anything I was used to.

"Players close you down very quickly and there's no time on the ball. I came off after 70 minutes, not through my fitness levels but because I was emotionally drained."

Sharp, however, was more at ease on his home debut last week when Swansea enjoyed a rare shut-out against Rushden & Diamonds.

Playing between Mathew Bound and the fit-again Jason Smith in a three-man back line, Sharp cut a commanding figure, comfortable with the ball at his feet.

"We've had some positives this week and the performances of Neil Sharp and Terry Evans have been among them," said Swansea manager Colin Addison.

"It's good news for the club that Roger Freestone and Jason Smith have come off the transfer list and now we've got young Stephen Evans here for a month." Evans, the Wales Under-21 defender on loan from Crystal Palace, makes his debut at Torquay United today with Michael Howard, Leigh De-Vulgt and Lee Jenkins sidelined by injuries.

With Steve Brodie's move from Scarborough yet to be finalised, the returning Mamady Sidibe will be given the chance to spearhead the Swans' attack.

"John Williams has not done badly, but Sidibe will play at Torquay," said Addison.

"I haven't seen too much of him since I've been here because he's had a lot of injuries. But he's got a good attitude and did well in a friendly at Hereford in midweek.

"We need a goal or two but this is a game we're looking forward to."

With only Carlisle, Macclesfield and Halifax below them before last night's results, Swansea know they need points quickly.

Torquay, themselves shy in front of goal, have tried to solve their problem by signing former Manchester United and Hull City signing David Brown on a non-contract basis.

Welsh midfielder Jason Rees has also been named in the Gulls squad after having treatment for the last two weeks on a knee injury.

NICK Cusack reckons the return of the Third Division's best defender means brighter times are on the horizon for struggling Swansea City.

Jason Smith is set for his second game back at the heart of Colin Addison's defence when Swansea meet Torquay on the English Riviera tomorrow (3pm).

And after a clean sheet last weekend on Smith's return from an eight-month lay-off, club captain Cusack believes the foundations are now in place for a move up the league table.

"Having Jason Smith back is absolutely crucial because he is the best defender in this division," said Cusack.

"He lifts everybody in the team and it's a huge boost to us to have him around.

"Terry Evans and Neil Sharp have also come in and looked good and we look a lot more solid at the back now.

"The difference in our defending against Luton and Rushden & Diamonds was massive and even when Smudger came on near the end at Luton we looked stronger."

And with the leaky defence now plugged, Cusack is targeting an improvement at the other end of the field.

"If we can stay strong and stay tight then we will still be in games and we can go and get something out of them.

"Now we have got a solid base, we need to start creating a bit more and our strikers need to weigh in with a few goals.

"We are looking harder to beat, but we've got to start picking up a few points."

Smith may be back, but Swansea are likely to be without fellow centre-back Kris O'Leary tomorrow because of a hamstring injury.

Defensive new boys Stephen Evans, Terry Evans and Sharp are in contention along with striker Mamady Sidibe.

"The performance last week against Rushden was not great but we got a clean sheet and it's important to build on that if we are to get a run going," said Addison.

"Torquay had a slow start to the season and then picked up a little bit and it's going to be another difficult game for us.

"They were down below us six weeks ago so it just shows what can be done with a bit of consistency. We go into it in a positive frame of mind."

Torquay will be without suspended midfielder Gary Brabin and on-loan Crystal Palace defender Shaun Hankin, who is also banned.

Two strikers linked to Swansea in the past, Eifion Williams and Tony Bedeau, could be included.

Torquay: To be announced.

Swansea from: Freestone, S. Evans, T. Evans, Smith, Bound, Sharp, Cusack, Phillips, Coates, Williams, Tyson, Todd, Lacey, Jones, Watkin, Sidibe, Casey, Mumford.

NEW Swansea signing Terry Evans could have been forgiven for feeling like Daniel being thrown into the lion's den following his baptism of fire at the Vetch last week.

But while all around were losing their heads venting their anger at controversial chairman Tony Petty, Evans kept his and enjoyed a controlled and accomplished debut.

For 90 minutes the fans shouted abuse at the Aussie-based businessman but none of the off-field drama affected the former Cardiff City and Barry Town 25-year-old.

He just got on with the matter in hand — trying to beat Rushden & Diamonds.

"I enjoyed my debut at the Vetch," admitted Evans. "To be honest when you are playing a match you do not hear any of the stuff going on off the field.

"The only time I heard anything was when there were breaks in play and I was taking a throw-in or a free-kick.

"But I was just trying to concentrate on my football."Evans has been at Barry for the past six years since leaving Cardiff City when Kenny Hibbitt was in charge at Ninian Park.

He was originally let go on loan but that move became permanent.

He has enjoyed great success in the League of Wales but wanted to get back into the Football League.

There was never any doubt in his mind that he would make the switch back.

"I never doubted my ability," said Evans.

"I always thought I would get back into league football but I was never really given the chance.

"Although some opportunities did come along I was never given a real chance to accept them.

"I am grateful to Swansea City for giving me that chance and I hope to repay them."

Evans moved straight into the right wingback role which had been a problem position since the injury to Lee Jenkins.When Jenkins returns from injury, he may face competition for the place but he is confident of his own ability.

"I am just going to train hard and do my best on the pitch," he said.

"If I am lucky to play on a Saturday I will give 100 per cent but I am confident I can hold on to a regular place."

Peter Nicholas was Evans's boss for one year in his time at Jenner Park with Barry and the team played some attacking football.

He says he enjoyed taht type of football but there were different priorities at the Vetch.

"Defending is the main priority here," he said.

"Going forward will be a bonus but that's not saying I will not try and get forward as much as I can.

"Barry played with a back five as Swansea do, so I am comfortable with that system but if we switch to a back four I can adapt and fit in to that system."

Evans arrived with Swansea struggling near the foot of the Third Division table but he has no doubts that will change.

"I have had a look at the table," he said.

"And with two wins we can go up into the top half. So there is no need to panic.

"It's all about keeping clean sheets. We one last week and we must go on from there.

"If you stop the opposition from scoring you will get chances at the other end."

Tomorrow's game at Plainmoor sees a possible re-acquaintance with ex-Barry team-mate Eifion Williams.

If Williams makes the Torquay line-up then Evans knows all about him.

"Eifion is quick and can score goals," he said.

"But Torquay play in a similar style to us and I think we can get a result and hopefully a win."

THE chopping and changing promised by Swansea City boss Colin Addison after the Luton debacle continued today with the departure of Richie Appleby.

And as the 25-year-old Teesider left the Vetch, another player from North East England was packing his bags for the trip to South Wales.

Scarborough striker Steve Brodie has agreed a one-month loan with Swansea and will join Addison's squad on Monday after playing for the Conference side this weekend.

"It's good news because he's got lots of league experience and has scored a lot of goals," said Addison, who worked with the 28-year-old ex-Sunderland man during his time at Scarborough.

Appleby, meanwhile, has hooked up with former Swans boss Jan Molby at Kidderminster Harriers.

He is also on loan initially but a permanent move looks likely as Addison has given Molby the go-ahead to play the winger in the FA Cup next week.

"Of course I am disappointed to be moving on but there appears to be no place for me at Swansea," said Appleby, who is set for a place on the Harriers' substitutes bench tomorrow.

"The manager has given Kidderminster permission to play me in the FA Cup next week, so the picture is clear.

"The fans have always been great to me and if I've played my last game then I'd like to thank them for their support over the last five years."

Appleby joins Michael Keegan at Aggborough, whose trial has been extended for a second week.

Meanwhile, former Swan Jason Price has signed a two-year deal at Tranmere.

Crystal Palace have agreed to allow reserve team defender Stephen Evans to join The Swans on loan for the next month. Evans, who rejected the chance to join Torquay United last week, will ironically link up with The Swans in time to make his debut against The Gulls this weekend. If the star impresses, Palace have confirmed that they would be willing to extend his loan spell.

Richie Appleby will link-up again with former Swans boss Jan Molby after agreeing to join Kidderminster Harriers on a one month loan. Molby signed the 26-year-old for The Swans from Ipswich during his spell at the club and has now moved to link-up with him again. If the midfielder, who struggled with injuries last season, impresses then he could earn himself a permanent deal. Meanwhile, Molby's hopes of running the rule over another Swans star in midfielder Michael Keegan were dashed last night after a delay in his clearance. The Kidderminster manager had planned to parade the former England Under-18 international squad player in the reserves' Avon Insurance League Division Two clash against Chesterfield at Aggborough. But the necessary paperwork between the England FA and the Welsh FA was not processed in time to allow him to play.

Colin Addison is confident of completing a loan swoop for Yeovil star Steve Brodie in time for him to be eligible for the FA Cup clash with QPR. The 28-year-old must sign before midnight on Friday in order to be included for the game with The R's but there are still several loose ends to tie up. However, the boss believes he will get his man, who played under him at Scarborough, saying: "The sooner we get everything sorted the better. Steve is a player I know well and I am looking forward to working with him once again. "I won't try to tell you that he is Owen, Fowler, Yorke and Cole rolled into one, but he has a good record, and importantly, he is very experienced. Steve will prove to be an important acquisition for us," he added on the club's official website.

TONY PETTY said he regrets the way he acted when he first took control of Swansea City last September. He also admitted to being shocked by the level of hate directed towards him during last Saturday's home match against Rushden & Diamonds.

Only days after replacing his predecessor Mike Lewis, Petty told seven players they were to find new clubs because he could not afford to pay them. He also asked eight more to take pay cuts and then sold star player Stuart Roberts to Wycombe Wanderers for a give-away £100,000.

"If I could turn the clock back I would do things differently. Even a blind man can see that," said Petty. "Of course I wish I'd done things differently. The club finances weren't good and my job is to make sure the club survives, but maybe I was too radical at the time.

"The fans may never forgive me for selling Stuart, but we needed the money. We're now getting £100,000 from Sky for the FA Cup game against Queens Park Rangers which is fantastic. Things are looking up, they really are."

Recalling the Rushden & Diamonds match at the Vetch, the first time he had watched the Swans since making his drastic proposals, he said, "I had missiles flying past me and coins, too. Nobody wants that."

The Swansea chairman was abused during the entire 90 minutes, but never left his seat in the directors' box. "If I walked away I would have been seen as a coward," he explained.

"The Welsh were outnumbered by thousands of Zulu warriors in a famous battle at Rorke's Drift and last Saturday I knew how those Welsh soldiers felt."

He added, "The players have been paid. I've now taken Roger Freestone and Jason Smith off the transfer list and I've given away 30pc of the company to season ticket holders.

"Maybe the fans will never like me or take to me, but I'm hearing them loud and clear."

COLIN Addison has moved to cover the Swansea City's growing injury list by signing Welsh Under-21 full-back Stephen Evans on loan.

The Blackwood-born left-sided defender has joined Swansea for a month from First Division high-fliers Cystal Palace.

Evans has played in two FA Youth Cup finals for the Selhurst Park club, against Manchester United and Leeds, and is a player that Peter Nicholas knows well.

During his coaching days with the London club, Evans was one of Nicholas's charges in the Palace youth team and he has also coached him at national level.

Evans missed most of last season with a knee injury but is fit now and looking for first-team action. Ironically, he turned down a loan move to Torquay earlier this week and could make his Swansea debut against the Devon club on Saturday.

Addison hopes he will provide ideal cover for the injured Michael Howard especially as Leigh De-vulgt is the latest to take a seat on the sidelines.

De-vulgt was injured playing for Merthyr in the FA Trophy first-round replay win against Tonbridge on Tuesday.

He left Penydarren Park on crutches and in plaster after a late tackle and is due to go for further x-rays next week on a suspected fractured foot.

If the fracture is confirmed De-vulgt could be out for eight weeks.

But there was better news on the injury front last night when big French striker Mamady Sidibe came through a friendly against Conference side Hereford at Edgar Street unscathed.

Sidibe played for an hour before being substituted in the 1-1 draw and looked lively.

He has been a spectator for most of the time that Addison has been manager.

Addison said: "It will be like having a new player," he said.

"He has been injured most of the time I have been here. It's good he came through this."

EMBATTLED Swansea City chairman Tony Petty last night warned his opponents that he will not give up the reins at the Third Division club without a fight and vowed, "I'll still be at the Vetch at Christmas."

Petty is involved in a power struggle at the Vetch Field with ex-director Mel Nurse, who is now the club's biggest creditor after he acquired an ?801,000 debt from previous owner Ninth Floor plc.

Next week Nurse - who is being backed by the club's former finance director Martin Burgess - began steps to put the club into administration.

The 64-year-old businessman, who resigned as a director a week ago, called in the debt by serving a petition at Swansea County Court. If Petty fails to come up with the money, then it could be the end of his turbulent reign.

But a defiant Petty launched a stinging attack on the two ex-directors, claiming they were not acting in the best interests of Swansea City.

"I don't think these two gentleman have behaved honourably. They have decided to seek control of the club by fair means or foul," Petty told The Western Mail.

"What Mel is doing is, in my opinion, an abuse of court time. I don't think his action will stand up.

"This debt is not enforceable. All I have to do is pay the interest on it, which is three per cent per annum.

"It was agreed that the debt would be paid if we sold the lease to the Vetch or from the money we received for the two boys (Matthew Crowell and Richard Jones) we lost to Southampton last season."

Nurse's petition, which prevents Petty from liquidating the club, will be heard at Swansea County Court next Tuesday.

In a joint statement, Nurse and Burgess said they have taken this action "to secure the survival of the club and its Football League status."

The Western Mail understands Nurse is already recruiting the new board, which will be a mixture of local business people and supporters - and Nurse insists he does not want to be chairman.

"I'm not pleased with Mel. He told me he resigned from the board because he wanted to concentrate on his hotel business, then he buys the Ninth Floor debt, the club shop and car park," said Petty.

"He'd obviously been negotiating with Ninth Floor for some time. I'd like to know where he's coming from.

"Mel wants to put the club into administration, but what good will that do Swansea City? Does he want to take control of the club? If he does, why doesn't he just come out and say so instead of hiding in the shadows.

"He wants me out of the Vetch. Fine, but has he got any better suggestions as to what should happen at the club if I went?

"He's threatening me with administration and I'm not going to take that lying down. I've never walked away from a fight in my life.

"As for Martin Burgess, I've now realised he has been involved in these shenanigans for some time."

Burgess, who resigned from his post three weeks ago, has been assisting Nurse and insolvency practitioner Gary Stones, who is acting on Nurse's behalf.

Added Petty, "A lot of people are doing things for their own benefit, and not for the benefit of the football club.

"I've taken a lot of punishment in the last few days. I've been spat at and kicked at. I haven't thrown any punches back, but now I'm going to go on the offensive.

"If Mel Nurse and Martin Burgess want to draw a line in the sand, then that's fine by me."

Petty said he and John Shuttle-worth, the club's chief executive, believe the debt Nurse acquired from Ninth Floor may not be valid.

"We are looking into this loan to see if it really is a real loan. We have found invoices appertaining to Ninth Floor and it appears the company lost money and then put the blame on the football club.

`The amount comes to hundreds and thousands of pounds. This is something we're looking into.

"Am I worried about Mel Nurse? I've got nothing to be worried about. All I'm trying to do is improve the finances of this football club, but all I've had is interference.

"I've made mistakes since coming to Swansea. I'll be the first to admit that. But we're making real headway into improving the finances of this club."

SWANSEA CITY manager Colin Addison last night insisted he would not be quitting the Vetch Field following remarks made by chairman Tony Petty during a radio interview.

And Addison received a boost yesterday when Petty told him that he could take goalkeeper Roger Freestone and defender Jason Smith off the transfer list.

Addison was upset at an interview given by Petty to a local radio station last week regarding the sackings of youth team manager Ron Walton and goalkeeping coach Glan Letheran.

Petty said it was "a management decision", implying it was down to Addison and his assistant, Peter Nicholas.

"When Tony Petty said management he was referring to himself and John Shuttleworth (Swans chief executive), not the football management," said Addison.

"I didn't hear the interview but I was told it came over as if Peter and I had sacked Ron and Glan. But Mr Petty has made it clear the final decision was down to him.

"I've spoken to him about it and he's acknowledged that. As far as I'm concerned the matter is over and done with.

"It was just a little bit of confusion. It wasn't something I was losing sleep over.

"There's been talk of me considering my future because of what Mr Petty said, but as far as I'm concerned there's nothing to consider. I'm staying at Swansea, no question about that.

"Apparently I was having a crisis meeting with Mr Petty but that's a load of rubbish. Things have been difficult at the club but I'm enjoying the challenge.

"Peter and I are staying and we're going to fight to take Swansea out of trouble."

The news regarding Freestone and Smith should lift the Swans ahead of Saturday's trip to Torquay.

Petty wanted to move both players on in a bid to cut the wage bill at the Vetch, but has now had a change of heart.

"Mr Petty asked my opinion about taking them off the transfer list and I said I'd be delighted if that happens. We want to keep our better and experienced players," said the Swansea manager.

"They are both very good players and they're experienced - in the situation we're in we need our experienced players."

It appears this move is another example of Petty, Public Enemy No.1 in the city and who received constant abuse during Saturday's home match against Rushden & Diamonds, trying to win over the fans.

Two days ago he announced every season ticket holder and club employee will receive 10,000 shares in Swansea City Football Club.

"For a change I came into work and had some good news. This should settle both Roger and Jason.," said Addison.

FRONT-LINE Swansea City stars Roger Freestone and Jason Smith have been taken off the Vetch Field transfer list.

Welsh international goalkeeper Freestone and key central defender Smith both had their details circulated to all league clubs a month ago by chairman Tony Petty.

Now Petty has made a U-turn over two of Swansea's biggest assets - one of whom was 'sacked' on October 10 while the other was offered a 60 per cent pay cut to stay at the club.

But as both players pointed out, the move does not mean a great deal as neither wanted to leave the club anyway.

"To be honest it's good news but it doesn't change anything for me personally," said 27-year-old Smith.

"I never wanted to leave and I didn't expect to. I have just stayed focused, first of all on getting fit and then on getting back in the team.

"Now I have done that I want to help Swansea win games and get into a better league position."

Freestone, currently in his testimonial season, added: "I think everyone knows my feelings on the matter.

"I have always maintained that I didn't want to leave the club and this just confirms that.

"Hopefully I can now get on with the job in hand without all the speculation."

Last week Freestone was linked with a move to Second Division Queen's Park Rangers, while Cambridge manager John Beck enquired about Smith.

"I am obviously delighted because as I have said many times I am trying to build something here," said manager Colin Addison, "and knowing that the two of them will be staying is a huge boost."

There may be a move, however, for Michael Keegan.

The youngster was due to play in Kiderminster Harriers reserves against Chesterfield today and manager Jan Molby is expected to make a decision on the midfielder sometime this week.

Meanwhile, Addison is running the rule over Scottish left-back Jered Stirling.

The 25-year-old triallist has recently left Scottish Second Division side Clydebank. He is set to play in tonight's friendly at Hereford United (7.30).

Australian triallists Scott Higgins and Peter Hinks, meanwhile, have left the club.

Seats are available on the official supporters' club coach for this Saturday's trip to Torquay, priced £13 or £11 concessions. The bus leaves Morriston at 9am or the Quadrant at 9.15. For details contact the club shop or Ugo Vallerio on 01792 413423.

SWANSEA City chairman Tony Petty has turned down a new offer to leave the club - £2.

The chance to double his money came from the solicitors of Martin Burgess, the former financial director at Vetch Field.

Burgess has been working closely with Mel Nurse in the bid to oust Petty from the club.

"The offer was made in my name," Burgess said today, "but Mr Petty declined. He had the chanceof a way out."

Meanwhile a consortium of South Wales businessmen or a mystery figure from elsewhere could take over the club if Petty is forcoed out.

Nurse has taken part in discussions over the two possible options should Petty's reign come to an end.

Nurse has begun legal action against the controversial Aussie-based businessman over the ?801,000 debt he acquired from ex-Swansea owners Ninth Floor last week.

If, as expected, Petty, who is due to go back to Australia tomorrow, refuses to pay up, Nurse hopes to force him out of Vetch Field by bringing the administrators in at a county court hearing next Tuesday.

"I have been in a meeting with the business people of Swansea and also someone from outside of Swansea," said Nurse, who has been assisted by former financial director at Vetch Field, Martin Burgess.

"If Tony Petty does go I will be in charge, but only for an interim period.

"My aim is to make sure Swansea City survive. I would be delighted to stay on at the club but I do not want to be the chairman.

"So I will go back to my advisers and we will all sit round a table and discuss where the club is going and what the best course of action is.

"Getting local people involved would be a good thing because they would feel for the club like I do."

Petty has remained silent over the impending legal action but it is understood that he believes he is not liable to pay the debt. Nurse's camp think their case is watertight.

Swansea City goalkeeper Roger Freestone and defender Jason Smith have been taken off the transfer list by club owner Tony Petty.

Both were put up for sale by Petty a week after he took over control at the Vetch.

Several clubs have shown interest in signing the pair.

Freestone turned down an offer from Queens Park Rangers last week, and Cambridge City were rumoured to be ready to make a bid for Smith.

It was a surprising development for manager Colin Addison, who only last week said he expected the imminent sale of some of his best players.

"I'm absolutely delighted," said Addison. "It's been done immediately and we'll get on with our work from now on.

"I think most people in Swansea will be happy with this development. And I've always said we want to keep our better players.

"Roger had made it clear that he wants to stay here and we're happy about that.

"Jason Smith is a very talented player. He's not yet back to full fitness but he'll come good."

Addison, though, was less impressed with the ability of the two Australian players who had been with the club for a two-week trial.

Peter Henks and Scott Higgins have been told they can return home.

Winger Michael Keegan is also on the way out. He has gone on trial to Kidderminster.

But left back Jered Stirling has joined Swansea on trial from Scottish Second Division side Clydebank.

Addison is also hoping to bring in a new striker on loan within the next few days.

MEL Nurse has set the clock ticking on controversial chairman Tony Petty's Swansea City reign.

Former Vetch Field director Nurse, the club's biggest creditor, yesterday served a petition at Swansea County Court to call in the £801,000 debt he acquired from former owners Ninth Floor last week. Court proceedings will begin in seven days.

If Petty fails to produce the money, Swansea-born property owner Nurse will look to force him out through administration.

And today Nurse launched a stinging attack on Petty and the man who handed him the reins, Mike Lewis.

"I wish Mike would make his mind up," said Nurse.

"First he gave the club to Tony Petty for £1. Then he said he had made a mistake and would try to get it back. Last night on TV he said Petty's done nothing wrong again.

"In the summer Mike wanted £400,000 from me for 38 per cent of the shares in the club and £140,000 from supporters for 10 per cent. Then he sold them all to Petty for £1.

"A few weeks ago Petty said he wanted £500,000 for 51 per cent of the shares.

"Now he is giving them away and you have to ask why. All the inconsistencies explain why I've done what I've done.

"That's why I had to do it. All I am concerned about is the future of the club."

Nurse has been assisted by ex-financial director Martin Burgess, one of the casualties of Petty's short time in charge.

"Mr Nurse and Mr Burgess wish to assure all supporters, sponsors, players, centre of excellence players, employees, management, suppliers and all other interested parties that they are acting with the best interests of the club at heart," said a statement from administrators Stones & Co.

Petty, it is understood, believes he is not liable for what he calls ‘a loan to Swansea City'.

Following a trip to Nurse's home with chief executive John Shuttleworth on Sunday night, he insists he will be chairman for as long as he wishes.

But Nurse, who resigned from the board last week, believes his plan is watertight.

"Tony Petty says he's not worried about me but if that's the case why did he come and see me on Sunday to try to talk me out of doing this?" he said.

"I love the club and I've done this because I'm concerned for its future.

"I've had to act now before it's too late. If Swansea drop out of the Football League, we'll never get back into it."

Meanwhile, Petty has decided to give away around a third of his 46 million shares in the club.

Every one of Swansea's 1,600 season ticket holders, plus around 60 employees, is to be given 10,000 shares.

"There have been a lot of accusations levelled at me, but I can assure you that I have the club's best interests at heart," said Petty.

"This gives the fans what they have wanted for a long time, without any cost to them.

"Even if I was to leave the club next week, the fans will always have their shareholding."

Any supporter who buys a season ticket before the end of November will also receive shares.

SWANSEA CITY chairman Tony Petty has 20 days to find £801,000 after Mel Nurse, the club's biggest creditor, last night confirmed he had called in the debt.

Nurse, who resigned as a director at the Vetch last week before acquiring the £801,000 debt from former owner Ninth Floor plc, yesterday served a petition at Swansea County Court for the money.

And if Petty fails to pay Nurse by the deadline date of November 26 then the 64-year-old businessman and former Swansea player will try and force the club into administration.

That will put the ailing club undefined who are two points off the bottom of the Football League undefined into receivership and signal the end of Petty's brief but controversial reign.

Swansea-born Nurse, who has received advice from insolvency practitioners in the last few days, expects new owners to come in once the club falls into administration and he intends to be part of the new regime.

Australia-based Londoner Petty was at the Vetch Field yesterday but declined to comment on the situation.

"I love the club and I've done this because I'm concerned for its future. What I'm doing is for the club's benefit," Nurse told The Western Mail last night.

"I've had to act now before it's too late. It's no good waiting week after week. If Swansea drop out of the Football League we'll never get back into it. I mean that - I honestly think Swansea won't come back.

"We might end up having to play in the League of Wales but I want the Swans to play in the Football League.

"I've also acted on the feelings of the public. The way the people of Swansea feel about things at the club at the moment has played a big part in my actions."

Petty could scupper Nurse's plan and remain at the helm if he comes up with the £800,000, although that scenario seems unlikely.

"Tony Petty says he's not worried about me but if that's the case why did he come and see me on Sunday to try and talk me out of doing this? He's obviously worried about me," said Nurse.

"I don't want to say anything bad about Mr Petty because he hasn't done me any harm but what's been happening at the Vetch is unbelievable, frightening almost.

"He (Petty) wants to get rid of the high earners but if he does that we won't have a team. He's looking to reduce costs by cutting off the biggest earners, but you can't run a football club that way.

"We've got to sort the off-the-field problems as soon as possible so Colin Addison and Peter Nicholas (the Swans' management team) can get on with the football side.

"We could be relegated (into the Nationwide Conference). People must realise this danger. Nothing in life is secure. I know Colin and Peter can pull it round but they need the public's support.

Added Nurse, "I'm not interested in owning the club or becoming chairman. As long as I'm part of the club I don't care. I would love to be on the new board.

"Whoever takes over the club can decide who will be the next chairman. All I'm interested in is that this club survives.

"I've always said the club belongs to the public and the people running it should be a mixture of local business people and supporters. The club is part of the community."

THE man who bought Swansea City football club for £1 has a history of business failures but says, "I'm no asset stripper".

Tony Petty promised to bring the glory days back to the Vetch when he took possession of the club last month.

But he caused uproar when he immediately sacked seven players and told another eight he intended to dramatically reduce their wages.

Today we can disclose details of Mr Petty's business background that suggest he may not be the saviour Swansea fans are looking for.

Documents lodged at Companies House in London show that Mr Petty was involved in a variety of businesses in the Home Counties during the Eighties and Nineties.

His interests included a supplier of wholesale stationery, a travel agency, and two building contractors.

One of the building contractors - SOS Construction - crashed in April 1994 with debts of more than £1m. It had begun trading less than three years before in August 1991, largely doing building maintenance contracts for local authorities.

The company's shares were owned by Mr Petty, who at the time lived in Bexley, Kent, and his brother-in-law John Hayes. They employed a direct staff of 14 with a workforce of around 80 permanent sub-contractors.

A profit of £75,000 was made during the 12 months to April 1993 on a turnover of £1.9m.

But the firm ran up losses of £586,000 during the remaining eight months of that year.

A report to a creditors meeting in April 1994 attributed the losses to late or disputed payments from certain large employers, diminishing margins on contract work and losses on setting up a depot at Mitcham, Surrey.

In January 1994 the directors put forward a rescue plan that would have involved Mr Petty putting in £150,000 for extra shares in the company. The cash would have been used to compensate trade creditors at a rate of 25p in the pound within 60 days.

Preferential creditors like Lloyds Bank would have been paid off at the rate of 50p in the pound over 10 months.

But the deal was turned down by the bank, which put the company into administrative receivership.

In March 1994 the company was estimated to have a total deficiency (debts minus assets) of £610,000.

This, however, turned out to be based on an optimistic valuation of the firm's assets by the directors. They claimed the assets were worth £400,000, while quantity surveyors employed by the administrators valued them at £250,000.

In the event, by December 1994 the estimated deficiency had risen to £1,185,000. Of this, £315,000 was owed to the Inland Revenue, a further £99,000 was owed in VAT debts and the total owed to nearly 400 trade creditors was £676,000.

The company was formally wound up in December 1995.

But Mr Petty and his fellow director did not simply walk away from SOS Construction. A report filed by the administrators to Companies House shows that they paid £12,000 to take the business over as a going concern without being hampered by its debts.

The shares of the new firm - called SOS Construction (Southern) PLC were allotted to Mr Petty's brother-in-law John Hayes and to a nominee company based in the British Virgin Islands, a Caribbean tax haven.

Whatever plans Mr Petty and Mr Hayes had for this new company seem to have come to nought, for it too was wound up in September

1995. Its liquidator reported to Companies House in May this year that it had a credit balance of £2,042.48.

Another of Mr Petty's companies, Trailgrove Ltd, was a travel agency based in Dartford, Kent trading as Hollymans Travel. A liquidator was appointed in March 1994 at which time it had an estimated deficiency of £234,325.

A fourth Petty company - a stationery wholesale suppliers called SOS Paper - went into liquidation in April 1993 with an estimated deficiency of £472,449.

It had 72 listed creditors, including Charlton Athletic FC which was owed £3,240.65. Ironically, Mr Petty trumpeted his former involvement with Charlton at the time he bought Swansea City.

Another intriguing fact thrown up by Companies House documents is that the liquidator of SOS Paper was one John Colin Shuttleworth, who at that time was working as an insolvency practitioner. Last month the same Mr Shuttleworth was appointed chief executive of Swansea City by Mr Petty.

Yet another Petty company - SOS Holdings Ltd - was wound up by the High Court in London in December 1994 after a petition by a trade creditor, Jecko Paper Ltd. Details of its debts have not been filed at Companies House by the Official Receiver.

The circumstances under which Mr Petty became a director of QED Display Ltd are different.

As outlined in a further document filed at Companies House, QED was a light manufacturing firm supplying point-of-sale display equipment to the retail industry.

It rented premises at Loughborough Junction, South London from a company called Axis Europe Developments, of which Mr Petty was a director.

When QED got into financial difficulties in 1997 and was unable to pay its rent, Axis Europe seized a large portion of QED's stock, took a controlling stake in the company and put Mr Petty on the board.

Within weeks the conclusion was reached that QED's position was "highly untenable" and its remaining employees were made redundant.

A report by accountants Arthur Andersen states: "Tony Petty requested that the Bank appoint administrative receivers on January 27 1998.

"QED owned the freehold of Unit 4 at the Higgs Industrial Estate. Following a valuation by our property agents, we invited offers to be made by various interested parties.

"Having considered all the offers, we sold the freehold interest to Axis on April 3 1998."

Much of QED's assets had been stolen from the premises in three separate burglaries, but the remainder of QED's plant, machinery and stock were also sold to Axis on the same date.

Swansea City 0-0 Rushden and Diamonds

Swansea City grabbed what might prove to be a valuable point but the afternoon events on the field were over shadowed by the demands of the fans that the new chairman walk away from the club.

Swansea City's controversial new owner Tony Petty was greeted by a chorus of boos and chants when he took his seat in the directors' box a few minutes before kick-off as the fans continued to show their feelings about his handling of the club's affairs.

On the field Jonathan Coates had a first-minute opening. He burst into the Rushden penalty area but with only goalkeeper Billy Turley to beat he slightly over-hit the ball and Turley was able to gather.

Rushden did not start like a team unbeaten in their previous 10 League matches but Paul Hall came close with a 14th-minute header and Gary Butterworth forced Roger Freestone into a save with a shot from a Hall cross 11 minutes later.

Swansea fought hard to make an impression and Nathan Tyson almost got on the end of a John Williams cross with the Rushden defence exposed.

A disappointing first half ended with more problems for Swansea when defender Michael Howard had to be taken off with a leg injury.

HT: Swansea City 0, Rushden and Diamonds 0.

The shouts of 'Petty out' became almost non-stop during the second half and the Australian-based business man was soon surrounded by police and stewards.

Barry Hunter and Duane Darby came close for Rushden but in the 68th minute, Swansea came within inches of taking the lead. Gareth Phillips flicked on a corner from the right and Matthew Bound, with his back to goal, connected cleanly with an acrobatic overhead kick that struck the foot of a post.

Tyson was in quickly to try to force the ball over the line but a packed Rushden defence managed to clear.

Swansea continued to push forward in search of the breakthrough but lacked the cutting edge they needed to carve their way through a strong Rushden rearguard.