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Press cuttings |
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Saturday, June 08, 2002 Adverts must go. |
| Evening Post
Soccer mad Steve has to logo off
Football fanatic Steve Edwards thought he was putting the cty on the map when he covered his taxi with Swansea soccer logos. |
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Saturday, June 08, 2002 Time is running out to meet next Morfa date |
| Evening Post Time is running short for the new Morfa Stadium - at least as far as a September 2003 kick-off is concerned. Experts insist building work will need to start in the next few months, possibly even the next few weeks, if the target date is to be met. The long-awaited 20,000 all-seater stadium is expected to take around a year to build. But work cannot start until businesses commit to the commercial part of the scheme. And news that cut-price supermarket chain Morrisons, earmarked for a prime spot in the development, has yet to confirm its move to Swansea is certain to set alarm bells ringing for fans of the Swans and All Whites. Seven months ago they were told the Bradford-based chain was just days from sealing a move to the city. Yet still nothing. ''There is no more news on the development at present, '' a spokeswoman for Morrisons announced this week. The store - which prides itself on undercutting big-name rivals - has been in talks with stadium builder Miller Developments for more than a year. It is hoped its Swansea store will be its flagship store in Wales. But a lack of obvious activity so far suggests the timescale is beginning to look desperately tight. After all, September 2003 is only 15 months away. Time really is of the essence. Nationwide League Division One club Millwall moved into its new stadium in August 1993, a whole year after building work started. The New Den, like the planned stadium at the Morfa, has a 20,000 capacity. It was built at a cost of £14.7 million. Club press officer Dean Standing has warned any future hold-ups in the Morfa project would put the planned opening date in jeopardy. ''Certainly you have got to find the money first, or at least have enough to persuade a builder to take it on, '' he said. ''If in the next two or three months you get the money, then we have proved a stadium can go up in a year. ''But if you go much under a year, then you would be struggling.'' MONEY for the Millwall stadium came via the sale of the club's previous ground for housing, while it also secured funding from the Football Trust. The shortfall was planned to be made up from using the new stadium for high-profile events, such as world title fights. ''It never came to fruition because it is not an area boxing promoters came in to, '' added Dean. ''It contributed to us going into administration in 1997. We had a debt we were unable to bridge and it was getting worse.'' As a result Millwall sold a clutch of their best players to top Premiership sides in a bid to stay afloat. But those dark days are now firmly in the past and the club narrowly missed out on promotion to the top echelon last season. Other ambitious outfits such as Middlesbrough and Huddersfield have since built new all-seater stadiums. Bosses of both clubs visited the New Den to assess its impact and view its facilities. ''There was never any doubt it would be ready by our planned opening date, even if it did almost go right to the wire, '' said Dean. ''They came in with large chunks of the stadium and put it together on site. It was amazing how quickly it went up. ''But when you are laying a completely new pitch, there is no doubt the weather can help affect it.''All it takes is a prolonged spell of bad weather and suddenly you can find yourself right up against it.'' |
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Thursday, June 06, 2002 Feelgood factor back at Vetch |
| Evening Post Alan Curtis is hoping that the feelgood factor surrounding Vetch Field at the moment can be carried forward into the new season. Curtis, who has resumed the assistant coaching role he was forced to leave last year, says he is beginning to feel a buzz around the place after a spate of summer signings and high-profile friendlies snapped up by player-coach Nick Cusack. The Swansea legend watched from his radio vantage point as the dramas unfolded last season as the club lurched from one crisis to the next. But he now says that everyone involved cannot wait for next season to start. ''I am really looking forward to it, '' he said. ''It doesn't seem as if I was away that long and it's good to be back. ''To be fair to Nick, he has done really well in getting the new players in and arranging top quality friendly games. ''For us to be playing the likes of Steaua Bucharest, Crystal Palace and Leicester is a big boost for us. ''We have nine pre-season friendlies so hopefully by the time we start the season we can get a bond between the players and hit the ground running.'' Cusack says that Curtis was probably his most important signing as he looked to rebuild the squad after the disappointment of the past two seasons. His assistant has also been impressed with how the new player-coach has begun his tenure but knows there are harder tests to come when the season gets under way. ''The acid test is how we come through the first game and beyond, '' said Curtis. ''But it has been an exciting start and there is the promise of more players to come. ''I can't wait to get started in training again and try to get the players working together. ''It's just so nice to be talking positive for a change at the club rather than the doom and gloom that was around last season. ''The fans have seen what we are trying to do and I don't think they can be too disappointed.'' |
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Thursday, June 06, 2002 Graydon persisting with Coates talks |
| Teamtalk
Talks are still continuing with City midfielder Jonathan Coates about a possible move to Bristol Rovers. Coates is one of several players that Pirates boss Ray Graydon has identified to strengthen the squad for next season. And while confirming that negotiations are on-going with the player he stressed that nothing had been finalised as yet. Coates has earned a reputation as an attacking, left-sided midfield player who can get forward quickly to support his strikers. With The Pirates suffering from a lack of goals from the midfield department last season, a player of Coates's ability would be a welcome addition to the squad. |
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Tuesday, June 04, 2002 Thomas just the job for Cusack |
| Evening Post James Thomas is just what the doctor ordered for Swansea City according to player-coach Nick Cusack. Cusack finally completed Thomas's signing for the club last week after his release by Blackburn at the end of season, making him his fifth signing in the past few weeks. Clubs like Oxford and Bradford City were trailing the 23year-od striker and the Swansea boss reckons it's a big coup for the club to snap him up. ''There have been a lot of other clubs obviously interested in him and I am not surprised because he's a good player, '' he said. ''It shows his commitment to his hometown club, he wants to come back here and we are delighted to have him on board. ''Negotiations were a little bit protracted but I am pleased we have been able to tie up a deal and I think he will benefit the football club in a great way.'' Thomas had been trying to secure a two-year contract at Vetch Field but Cusack was confident of getting the former Wales Under-21 forward to sign despite him being offered more lucrative deals. All Cusack's new signings were offered one-year deals which he believes will get them hitting the ground running, as he puts it, at the start of the new Third Division campaign. ''It can be tough persuading them to do that especially when there are other deals on the table, '' Cusack added, ''but I have stuck to my guns. I've stood my ground and that's what I want to do. ''I think I was able to sell the club to James. He played in the trial game here and he also trained with us for a couple of days. ''He knows what I am about and knows what Alan Curtis and I are trying to do. ''It shows the sort of character he is that he has come along with better deals on the table and I think he should get great support from the fans for doing that.'' In his time at Blackburn, Thomas had limited opportunities to play first-team football but Cusack believes he has got a player who can do great things at the club. ''We are very positive about his signing, '' he said. ''He's a good link man and a good target man with very good feet. He's a left-sided player which is good also. ''Speaking to other managers they say he's got a good attitude and a tremendous work-rate and I think he will work the channels and always be available for defenders and midfielders to play the ball up to him and that's something we haven't had for a number of years. ''His all-round game, his background and his pedigree shows he is going to do well for us. ''He's never really had the opportunity to play week-in week-out and he's at the age now, 23, where he needs to get first-team games under his belt. ''He's in good shape, he's a very fit boy and to get him on a one-year deal is a great coup for us and we are really looking forward to the prospect of him playing here next season.'' |
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Tuesday, June 04, 2002 Thomas aims to kick-start career |
| Western Mail Swansea new boy James Thomas has admitted that he made the switch from Blackburn to the Vetch Field in order to kick-start his career. The 23-year-old striker put pen to paper on a one-year deal last week to become the sixth signing by Swans boss Nick Cusack. And although Thomas says he learnt a lot from his seven years with Rovers, he admits opportunities for young players at the club are limited. He told Swansea's official website: "At a club like Blackburn, it is hard because they will look to spend money on players rather than give youngsters a chance. "I know that there are a lot of good young players at Blackburn that aren't getting a chance. "I need to kick-start my career and this is the ideal place." |
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Tuesday, June 04, 2002 Steaua Bucharest friendly confirmed |
| Teamtalk Swansea have confirmed they have arranged a pre-season friendly against former European Champions Steaua Bucharest in August. Nick Cusack's men will play what is by far their most glamorous pre-season friendly on August 1 at The Vetch, kick-off 7.30pm The 15-time Romanian champions, who will be undertaking a three-game tour of the UK, are best remembered for their 1986 European Cup triumph when they beat Terry Venables's Barcelona 2-0 on penalties after a 0-0 draw. The game is the final game to be arranged for the warm-up to the new campaign, with games against Leicester, Peterborough and Crystal Palace, amongst others, also set to test Swansea's credentials. Trust backs hospital campaign The Swans Supporters Trust has backed a campaign to retain the pediatric neurosurgery unit at Swansea's Morriston Hospital. Plans are on the agenda to move the facility to Cardiff, but the Trust's chairman and Swansea board member Leigh Deenan said: "This would be just another instance of Cardiff taking things away from other areas of Wales. They must realise we need such things in west Wales." Mr Deenan has two young sons of his own and added: "If they were hurt I wouldn't want to take them on a 40 mile trip for treatment. The Swans are part of this community and that is important to us." Thomas sad at lack of chances James Thomas, City's new signing from Blackburn, says he was not given a fair chance to prove himself at Ewood Park. Thomas made just one league start during five seasons as a professional at Rovers, and the 23-year-old believes numerous big money signings scuppered his chance of enjoying an extended run in the first team. He said: "At a club like Blackburn, it is hard because they will look to spend money on players rather than give the youngsters a chance. I know that there are a lot of good young players at Blackburn that aren't getting a chance. "When you aren't playing every week, your football does suffer. When I did get a couple of games for Blackburn, I did quite well, but Graeme Souness felt it was best for me to go on loan to Sheffield United, which I was disappointed about." But despite being disappointed at his failure to establish himself at Rovers, Thomas admits that the club have helped him develop as a player a great deal. "For someone learning the game, the facilities and the players at Blackburn meant it couldn't be better. I've learnt a lot from some of the great players there," he told Swansea's website. |
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Sunday, June 02, 2002 Swans in hunt |
| Sunday Mirror SWANSEA boss Nick Cusack made Blackburn striker James Thomas his SIXTH signing in nine days then pledged: "I'll be drafting in three others soon!" Cusack declared: "I'm delighted to have got James. He's received a lot of decent coaching at Blackburn over a number of years. I'm off with my family on holiday this Monday, but I'll have three extra players in before we kick a ball next season." |
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Saturday, June 01, 2002 Duo's future shrouded in doubt |
| Teamtalk Speculation has begun over the futures of Swans duo Michael Howard and John Williams following the number of recent arrivals at the Vetch. Nick Cusack has completed six signings in the last three weeks and has promised that he has another couple of potential Swans players in the pipeline, which has inevitably led to talk over the long-term futures of a number of current Swans players. Cusack allowed eight players to leave The Vetch following the FAW Cup final and there seem sure to be more to follow, with Howard and Williams the most popular names to see the exit door according to local press. Cusack has re-shaped the squad to both improve the club's chances of promotion next season and to cut the wage bill, with only Andrew Mumford on a long-term contract which lasts beyond next summer |
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Saturday, June 01, 2002 Thomas so keen to show what he can do for Swans |
| Evening Post JAMES Thomas will be looking to prove a point or two when he pulls on a Swansea City shirt next season.
The 23-year-old Morriston-bom striker completed a one-year deal at Vetch Field yesterday and immediately looked forward to his homecoming, saying it would be an honour to wear the shirt of the club he supported as a boy. Thomas spent seven years in me wilderness at Blackburn Rovers after being signed by Kenny Dalglish. In that time he has only made 37 senior appearances, including spells on loan at Sheffield United, West Bromwicb Albion, Blackpool and Bristol Rovers.
Now he is just glad to be coming back home. "At the time they were the best team in the country, so that was probably the best time to be at the club. "Dalglish was great to me and so were the staff and players. But since then there have been so many managers coming and going it has been frustrating because I wasn't reeally given that much of chance. "I was playing in front of 50 people for the reserves, but I needed to play week-in week-out to start playing my best to show what I can do "Hopefully after signing for Swansea I can do that."
Graeme Souness let Thomas go on loan to Sheffield United when he took charge of the Lancashire club and the former Wales Under-21, star's frustration began to grow under the managership of NeilWarnock. "Neil Wamock and I didn't see eye to eye and I didn't really play there either. I was in the same boat as I was at Blackburn." Thomas, who gained a record 21 caps for Wales Under-2 Is, stood on the Notth Bank as a youngster and will be hoping that the fans on the terraces will be the ones cheering him on as he-bangs in the goals. "It will be an honour to get on the pitch rather than be in the stands "Oxford offered me something that was quite tempting but Swansea always had the edge because it's my home town. "I want to show my friends and family what I can do because they haven't seen that much of me as-1 have been so far away. "Maybe I will feel a bit under pressure if I don't score goals but hopefully it won't come to that and I will do well. "1 feel that the club has turned a comer and after speaking to Nick Cusack and Alan Curtis I like what plans they are making. "If we can start pushing towards the top eight next season mere is no reason why we can't get automatic promotion. "I really believe the future looks quite bright. "I think I am glad to have got away from Blackburn. I was going nowhere and I believe Swansea is the perfect place to kickstart my career." Swansea, meanwhile, are still looking for volunteers to help refurbish the Vetch over the summer. Many skilled workers have already offered their services, now l looking for fans who can lend a hand on a painting weekend. Anyone interested should telephone 01792 633418. |
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Saturday, June 01, 2002 Thomas delighted at Swansea switch |
| Western Mail NEW Swansea City signing James Thomas yesterday revealed his delight at delight at getting away from Blackburn Rovers. Striker Thomas, 23, completed the move to his home-town club on a one-year contract yesterday after being released by Premiership outfit Rovers at the end of last season. At Blackburn he had fallen behind fellow forwards Matt Jansen, Andy Cole, Mark Hughes, Egil Ostenstad and Yordi in the pecking order. Thomas, player-coach Nick Cusack's sixth signing in the space of nine days, moved to Ewood Park in 1995, but only made five first-team appearances for the Lancashire club. "My career was going nowhere at Blackburn and I was glad to get away," said Thomas, from the Morriston area of Swansea. "I feel Swansea is the ideal place to get my career back on track. I was never given a chance at Blackburn. "It's hard at clubs like Blackburn because they're looking to buy play-ers most of the time rather than give the youngsters a chance. "There were a lot of good young players at Blackburn. I know that because I played with them, but they never got a chance." Former Blackburn manager Kenny Dalglish signed the 6ft 1in striker the season after Rovers won the Premiership. Thomas, who won 21 Welsh under-21 caps, found himself training alongside the likes of Alan Shearer, Kevin Gallacher and Mike Newell at Ewood Park. "I worked with some great players at Blackburn. When I joined them they were the best team in the country," said Thomas. "I've learned a lot from them. You can only learn from the top players. "When I did get a game at Blackburn I thought I did quite well, so I was disappointed when I was sent on loan to Sheffield United. I didn't play there and I ended up being in the same boat as I was at Blackburn. " Thomas had loan spells with Blackpool, Sheffield United and, more recently, Bristol Rovers. He turned down the offer of a two-year contract from Third Division rivals Oxford to join the Swans. "Oxford made me a tempting offer, but Swansea had an edge because it's my home-town club and it's going to be an honour playing for them," said the striker who, as a boy, supported the Swans from the North Bank. "Ideally I wanted the security of an extra year but coming here, even for just a year, meant more because I'm from Swansea and I'd like my family and friends to see what I can do because the other clubs I played for were so far away. "I know Swansea had a lot of problems but I feel the club has turned the corner. I've spoke to Nick Cusack and Alan Curtis (assistant coach) and the plans and ideas they have are good," he said. "They have brought in a lot of new players and the future is looking bright. I think we can finish in the top eight, maybe even win automatic promotion. Nothing is impossible." |
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Friday, May 31, 2002 Cusack is happy to bring Thomas home |
| Western Mail SWANSEA CITY will today unveil former Wales Under-21 striker James Thomas as their latest summer singing. The 23-year-old, released by Premiership club Blackburn Rovers, has agreed a one-year deal with the Swans to become player-coach Nick Cusack's sixth signing in nine days. The Swans beat off stiff competition from Third Division rivals Oxford United for Thomas's signature - the Us offered him a two-year contract and more money. But Swansea-born Thomas was keen to join his home-town club and he impressed Cusack and his assistant Alan Curtis during a trial match at the Vetch earlier this month. "James has got a good pedigree. He was at a good club in Blackburn and played with the likes of Alan Shearer and Kevin Gallacher and I'm really pleased to have signed him," said a delighted Cusack yesterday. "He's got a good work ethic and he's the sort of lad we need. He's been given a one-year contract so he should be hungry to do well. "We're fortunate he's chosen Swansea because he had a few offers to go elsewhere. " The 6ft 1in Thomas joined Blackburn five years ago and he made a handful of appearances during the 2000-01 season when they won promotion to the Premiership. Last season Thomas found himself behind Matt Jansen, Andy Cole, Mark Hughes, Egil Ostenstad and Yordi in the Ewood Park pecking order. He has had loan spells at Sheffield United, Blackpool and, last season, Bristol Rovers. "He's got a good touch, good awareness and he reads the game well. I wouldn't say he's an imposing target man but he will bring other players into the game," added Cusack. "We don't know if he's going to be a 25-goal forward because he's not been given a chance before but we're hoping he will do well for us. "There will be more signings. I'm keen to shake everything up here. The players who are already here know they will have competition for next season." |
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Friday, May 31, 2002 Swans make sixth signing |
| BBC Online Swansea City player-coach Nick Cusack has clinched his sixth signing of the summer with the capture of former Wales under-21 international James Thomas. Thomas, 23, had been released by Premiership side Blackburn Rovers and turned down approaches from Oxford and Bradford City to sign for his hometown club on a one-year contract. He joins Michael Jackson, John Keaveney, Andrew Marsh, Matt Murphy and Paul Reid in Cusack's Vetch Field revolution. The Swansea chief is delighted to have added Thomas to his squad, saying: "James has arrived with good credentials. He's had quality coaching, and great experience from being at a top club, but he needs to have the hunger now. "I've given him a one-year contract, so he's got to look to extend that, and I feel that's a positive thing for the club. "I think it's a bit of a coup for us to get him, as there's been interest from a number of clubs. But it shows his commitment to the Swans." Cusack believes the move of Thomas, who made five appearances for Blackburn, is a step in the right direction for Swansea. He told Swansea City Online: "I hope this sends out the right signals to the supporters. "All I can do is look to sign players that are going to improve our squad. I think with his pedigree, James will definitely do that." |
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Friday, May 31, 2002 Cusack blasts Bantams actions |
| Teamtalk Swans boss and PFA chairman Nick Cusack has said that the actions of the administrators at Bradford in sacking 19 players cannot be accepted. The First Division club were forced into administration two weeks ago due to financial problems and have been left with just five young players on the books as a result. Cusack said: "Those administrators say what they're doing is legal but the league and the PFA will ensure that those kind of actions just can't be taken - we did that while Tony Petty was here. "Geoffrey Richmond (Bradford chairman) over the last few years has shown profligacy in running the club. "When you put a player on £40,000-a-week it shouldn't be a surprise a few years on that the club struggles financially. "To then rip up the rest of the players' contracts is basically indicative of poor management and it's the duty of Geoffrey Richmond and the football club to see the contracts are adhered to." Physio explains role Swans physio Richie Evans has spoken about his introduction to the job and his role at The Vetch. Evans said: "After I played for Bristol Rovers and got an injury I decided I needed to study while I played part-time and moved in this direction. He said he always wanted to stay in football, and so this was the ideal job - but there is more to it than there used to be. He added: "Physios aren't just the man with the magic sponge any more, they have to set up training routines and talk to the manager about what certain players should do on certain days. "It's all about striking a balance." |
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Thursday, May 30, 2002 Swans set to sign Thomas |
| Mirror SWANSEA CITY are set this Friday to make Blackburn's former Welsh U-21 international James Thomas their FOURTH new signing inside three days but Vetch boss Nick Cusack warned: "All he'll get is a one-year deal!" The Swans snapped up Bury midfielders Paul Reid and Matt Murphy on frees last week and snared ex-Liverpool Academy keeper Andrew Marsh 24 hours later. But all their new recruits are on 12-month deals - which is also the duration of player-coach Cusack's contract. |
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Thursday, May 30, 2002 Rovers in talks with midfield man Coates |
| Bristol Evening Post Swansea City's attacking midfielder Jonathan Coates is the latest target for Bristol Rovers. With striker Guiliano Grazioli safely on board after completing a medical yesterday and Crewe frontman Paul Tait currently in talks about a possible move to the Memorial Stadium, the club have turned their attention to Coates. He has already spoken with assistant boss John Still and discussions are expected to continue later this week. Coates, 26, was born and bred in Swansea and the switch to Rovers would represent his first change of club. He has made well over 200 appearances for the Welsh club and scored 16 goals - six of them last season - since signing as a pro nine years ago. Coates is out of contract in the summer and Still confirmed he was one of the many players Rovers were targeting as their busy close-season recruitment campaign continues. "We have spoken with Jonathan and we plan to hold more talks with him later in the week, " said Still. "Jonathan is not a natural goalscorer - his game is more about setting them up for others. "He can play as a wide man or further inside, and there is no doubting his ability. "He's fairly experienced, too, and has done very well at Swansea, but nothing has been agreed as yet." Striker Tait has been released by Crewe after struggled to build on an impressive first season for them in 1999-2000. He began his career with Everton as a trainee and went on to have spells with Wigan, Runcorn and Northwich before his career really took off at Gresty Road. Meanwhile, Rovers' planned preseason friendly with Yeovil Town on August 3 has been cancelled because the Glovers undertaking relaying work on their Huish Park pitch. Instead, the Pirates will travel to play Conference side Forest Green Rovers at the Lawn. |
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Wednesday, May 29, 2002 Bristol Rovers make move for Coates |
| Evening Post Released Swansea City midfielder Jonathan Coates is a transfer target for Third Division rivals Bristol Rovers. The Swansea-born 26-yearold, who spent nine years at Vetch Field, was told his contract would not be renewed by boss Nick Cusack two weeks ago. Now the left-sided player is poised to tie up a switch to the Memorial Stadium. ''We have spoken with Jonathan and we plan to hold more talks with him later in the week, '' said new Rovers assistant boss John Still. Cusack, meanwhile, has arranged two more summer friendlies as he continues preparations for next season's assault on the Third Division. The new-look Vetch Field squad will get their first chance to play together in a behind-closed-doors game against Second Division Peterborough at the National Sports Centre in Lilleshall on July 11. Four days later the gates will again be locked when they take on another of the player-coach's old clubs, Leicester City, at the Midland club's Belvoir Drive training ground. ''Both matches are against opposition from higher divisions, so they will provide a good test and a real workout for the players, '' said Cusack. ''The advantage of playing behind closed doors is that there's no pressure on so early in the pre-season and we can do things in the game that perhaps we couldn't do otherwise.'' Three days after their trip to Leicester, Swansea's squad will jet out to Holland for their six-day pre-season tour. Cusack's men will play three games at FC Den Haag's ground in The Hague. Carmarthen Town's dreams of a place in Europe next season were shattered last night when Ipswich and Czech outfit SK Sigma Olomouc came out of the hat in a 17-team draw for two Uefa Cup spots. The Richmond Park club were included thanks to their Fair Play record, despite finishing a disappointing 12th in the League of Wales. |
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Monday, May 27, 2002 More signings to come - Boss |
| Teamtalk Nick Cusack has promised there will be more new faces arriving at The Vetch over the coming weeks as the boss continues the rebuilding process. Cusack has clinched the signings of Paul Reid, Matt Murphy, Michael Jackson, John Keaveney and Andrew Marsh in recent days, but expects to add further names to the squad. He said: "There'll be someone very soon, someone in a couple of weeks, and someone in the meantime. "I genuinely think when fans see who they are it will crank things up even further and add to the bright outlook for next season." One name that has been linked to The Swans is Blackburn's Wales Under-21 international striker James Thomas, who was born in Swansea. Boss on double role Swans boss Nick Cusack says he sees no contradiction in doing both his job at The Vetch, and that of PFA chairman. He acknowledged people may think it is odd that he should be looking after players' futures with the union, and then releasing 10 from the Swans. However, Cusack said: "I don't see the conflict. Releasing players is part of the job, but I can still help them at the union. "I help ensure rules are stuck to and things like our former chairman Tony Petty coming in and effectively sacking players don't happen again." Golf Day details The Swans commercial department has confirmed details of the club's Annual Golf Day, to be held at Clyne Park on Friday July 19. The day is organized by the club's fund raising committee, and they are looking for teams of four to compete. The cost per team is £175 and includes dinner, a raffle, evening entertainment and more. Anyone interested is asked to call David or Diane on 01792 633422. |
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Monday, May 27, 2002 Swans snap up two more |
| Teamtalk Swansea have continued their rebuilding for next season by signing Cheltenham midfielder Michael Jackson and Camarthen striker Jonathan Keaveny. Boss Nick Cusack has followed the signings of Bury duo Paul Reid and Matt Murphy, as well as young former Liverpool keeper Andrew Marsh, by snapping up the talented duo. Jackson, aged 21, was never a first-team regular at Cheltenham, and has signed a 12-month deal with The Swans in the hope of first-team football on the right side of midfield. He made just 12 appearances at Whaddon Road after signing professional forms in 1998, but is highly rated by Robins boss Steve Cotterill. Swansea-born Keaveny has also signed a 12-month deal, completing an amazing year for the striker, who was only playing in the local league football a year ago. He moved into the League of Wales at the beginning of last season at Pontardawe, where he netted 22 goals in 19 games, and Keaveny then continued his amazing goalscoring record with 11 goals in nine games for Camarthen Town. And Cusack has been suitably impressed to offer the youngster a chance to show off his potential in league football. |
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