 | Press cuttings |
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Friday, June 21, 2002 Where's your Mama gone? |
| Evening Post
Mamady Sidibe's Swansea City career looks to be over after the Frenchman's second disappearing act in six months. |
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Friday, June 21, 2002 Evans returns to training |
| Teamtalk Swans defender Terry Evans is looking ahead to the new season after returning to training following four months out with a fractured cheekbone. The former Barry Town favourite has almost become the forgotten man at the Vetch Field after picking up the horrendous injury at Brisbane Road during February. However, Evans has joined in with training as the Swans squad is put through their paces at Gower Coast. Speaking to the club's website, he said: "I have had the all-clear from the specialist as far as the fractured cheekbone is concerned, and I am looking forward to kicking a ball again, and also to building up my fitness levels. "We had a light session on Tuesday, and more than anything I enjoyed the scenery, a little bit different to where I live in the Rhondda." Today's session involved a gentle five-a-side on the beach at Caswell Bay, and then a jog around the bay to Langland before finishing off with lunch at Castellamare at Bracelet Bay. |
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Thursday, June 20, 2002 Chester sign striker |
| BBC Online Ambitious Nationwide Conference side Chester City have further strengthened their squad with the signing of striker Steve Brodie. Mark Wright has handed the 29-year-old a two-year deal following his release from Swansea City. Brodie becomes Wright's eighth close-season signing as Chester set their sights on a return to the Nationwide League. The former Sunderland player has a proven scoring record in the Third Division and the Conference after spending five years at Scarborough. Brodie helped the Seasiders reach the Third Division play-offs in 1998 prior to their relegation the following season and scored 51 goals in 180 starts for the club. Former Scarborough boss Colin Addison took him to Swansea City in November of last season. But the diminutive frontman was not deemed to be part of Nick Cusack's longer-term plans at the Vetch Field after he replaced Addison at the helm. Brodie follows another former Scarborough striker, Ryan Sugden, into the Deva Stadium. And he joins newcomers Dave Cameron, Mickey Brown, Wayne Hatswell, Michael Twiss, Ben Davies and the ex-Doncaster pair of Jimmy Kelly and Kevin McIntyre on the City staff. |
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Wednesday, June 19, 2002 Sidibe heads for Swans exit |
| BBC Online French striker Mamady Sidibe looks to have played his last match for Swansea City after failing to return for the club.
Swans coach Nick Cusack, who had offered Sidibe a short-term contract to stay in Wales, said he had no contact with the Mali-born forward. "I have spoken to his agent," Cusack said. "He indicated that Mama would not be taking up the contract offer. "We are a bit concerned for the player himself, because he needs follow-up treatment for the injury. But he has decided to stay in France. Desire to play "I'm disappointed at the way things have gone. We have been chasing him up and all we have got is a garbled message from his agent.
"We looked after him in the best possible way, and got the best medial treatment for him. We weren't in a position to offer him a longer deal until he was fully fit again. "It's disappointing, but we only want players who have the desire to play for Swansea. "Mama obviously doesn't, so we will have to move on. It's better to know it now than later in the season."
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The 22-year-old was required to check in at the Vetch Field for treatment following an ankle operation, but hasn't been seen.
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Wednesday, June 19, 2002 The goal that earned Medwin a place in Welsh folklore |
| Western Mail ASK most people to name the members of Wales's 1958 World Cup squad and the likes of John Charles and Ivor Allchurch would probably be first to trip off the tongue. But while Charles and the late Allchurch have understandably hogged the plaudits, it is former Swansea Town star Terry Medwin who remains the only Welshman to score a winning goal in the World Cup finals. It arrived on a sunny evening in Stockholm, Medwin ensuring a glamorous quarter-final meeting with mighty Brazil by firing the winner in Wales's 2-1 victory against Hungary in the first-round play-off match. "I was so lucky to score that goal," recalled the former Tottenham Hot-spur player. "It is nice to be reminded about it. "People do remember. It was this time last year that I met a Welsh Canadian, who was over from Vancouver, down the Mumbles in Swansea. "He turned to me and said, `Do you know you're the only Welshman who has scored a winning goal in the World Cup finals?' "There is no doubt it was the most important goal I ever scored because it put Wales through to the quarterfinals in Gothenburg. I shall never forget it." Medwin, now 69 and living in his native Swansea, in West Cross, recalls in minute detail the match and the moment in which he etched his name into Welsh footballing folklore. "Hungary were 1-0 up but we were matching them physically and getting stronger as the game wore on," he said. "Then Ivor Allchurch scored a magnificent goal from a throw-in. "And the winner? The goalkeeper put the ball down to kick it to the fullback who, instead of looking at the 'keeper, walked out of the box completely as the ball rolled out to the edge of the 18-yard area. "I looked round, couldn't believe it, went back on to the ball, took it in and saw that big John (Charles) was square if I needed him. But the 'keeper gave me so much room to put it past him and that was that. "I knew in that situation I had to remain calm and collected and fortunately I managed to. What a fantastic feeling to know I had scored the goal which would lead to a quarter-final against Brazil." Medwin, who made his international debut against Northern Ireland in 1953 at outside-right, was a 25-year-old Tottenham player when he scored that crucial 76th-minute goal to set up a clash with the South Americans. Brazil, who topped a tough first-round group which included England, Austria and Russia, were inspired by a precocious 17-year-old called Pele. The teenager scored against Wales, bagged a hat-trick in a 5-2 semi-final win over France and claimed another two as Brazil thumped hosts Sweden by the same scoreline to lift the World Cup for the first time. That Jimmy Murphy's side - who had to play the biggest game in their history without star player, John Charles - lost by the more respectable scoreline of 1-0 provided Wales with some solace, says Medwin. "We were beaten 1-0 by Brazil, yet France and Sweden were thrashed 5-2 by them," he said. "That shows just how hard we fought to try to get a result from the game. "In fact I think we put Wales on the map during the 1958 World Cup. We drew three matches, lost one and won one. I like to think we did something for the country that year." Medwin subscribes to the popular belief that Wales might just have progressed beyond the quarter-finals had Charles, who was kicked by the Hungarians from the word go in the play-off match, been fit to face the South Americans. Charles, who the previous year had signed for Italian giants Juventus from Leeds United, was Wales's star performer but Medwin insists the 1958 squad was one of the best ever. "John was a great player, but then we had lots of great players and a tremendous team spirit," he said. "It was a nice homely affair - especially as six or seven of the players were Four years ago Medwin joined three other members of the side that beat Hungary (Charles, Allchurch and Cliff Jones) in receiving a special lifetime achievement award for services to football in Wales." Medwin, who was born in the grounds of Swansea Prison (he was the son of a prison officer), just a free-kick away from the Vetch, returned to Swansea in 1978 for a brief spell as part of John Toshack's coaching staff but had to retire because of ill health. from Swansea." |
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Tuesday, June 18, 2002 Just Like Ireland |
| Evening Post Swansea City have been told to emulate Ireland's World Cup heroes when they bid for Third Division glory next season. The advice comes from Vetch Field favourite Mel Nurse, who is optimistic about the new campaign after two miserable seasons for his hometown club. With seven summer signings confirmed and more new faces on me way, Nurse believes a dose of Irish-style spirit is the final ingredient required to ensure a successful year. "I have not felt like I did after watching Ireland-Spain for a long, long time," said Nurse, "and now I hope Swansea can do what the Irish have done. "Despite not having the biggest-name players in the World Cup, the Irish were fantastic throughout the tournament "While so many fancied teams like Argentina and France were knocked out in the first round, Ireland progressed because they played for each other. "They might not have had the individual stars, but they showed great togetherness, they were brilliant I think Nick (Cusack) will try to produce something similar with Swansea next season. Although he is not involved in the running of the club now. Nurse was part of Swansea's management committee when Cusack was given his first coaching chance back in April. And the former Swansea player believes the decision to promote from within is already being proved correct. "What Nick has done so far has justified the choice to give him the job," he added. "He has been involved with many clubs, knows a lot of players and is at the age where he can still relate to them "He has played with and against these players, and hopefully he can use the extra knowledge that brings to Swansea's advantage. It's nice to see a couple of local lads getting a chance as well " He added "Things are looking good, and I'm already looking forward to going to the Vetch and supporting the side next year " Meanwhile two of Swansea's 2002/03 Third Division fixtures have been switched. The trip to Bristol Rovers, originally scheduled for the August 26 Bank Holiday, has been put back 24 hours on police advice. The home clash with Oxford has been brought forward a day to March 28 because of Wales's European Championship qualifier against Azerbaijan in Cardiff. Port Talbot have signed former Oxford striker Robert Folland, 23, on a one year deal. The ex-Welsh Under-21 man, who can also play wingback, trained with Swansea at the end of last |
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Tuesday, June 18, 2002 Cusack looks to smith to get the balance right |
| Evening Post Swansea City playercoach Nick Cusack is hoping that the experience and quality of new signing David Smith will bring some much-needed stability to the left side of his new-look team. Smith became the seventh signing of the summer when he agreed a one-year deal on Friday and Cusack is delighted to have captured the signature of a player who has spent all of his career in the First Division and above. The 34-year-old former Coventry and West Brom player is the third left-sided signing Cusack has made and the player-coach is hopeful the problems the team encountered last season have now been solved. ''He's got experience and quality, '' said Cusack. '''He's a passer of the ball and he likes to play football and I think this indicates to the supporters we are not going to kick our way out of the division. We are going to pass our way out. ''David was involved with England Under-21s for a year and a half playing alongside the likes of Paul Gascoigne and David Platt. ''He's been up with the best and played with quality players and to get a player of his calibre here who can help the younger players will be invaluable to us. ''Last season what we tended to find is we put a lot of pressure on the boys on the left side. ''There wasn't much competition for places and if one of the lads had a couple of poor games they would still retain their place. ''I want competition throughout the team and I felt we were definitely weaker on the left side and when quality players become available with the experience and capabilities of players such as Dave I am more than happy to bring them in.'' Cusack was sure that with the players he had recruited and the remaining squad members from last season, there would be enough ammunition for the strikers to feed off. ''There will be balls coming in the box from both sides, '' he added. ''It's up to the strikers to finish them off. ''Hopefully we will have another striker coming in as well. I am hoping for developments on that in the near future. ''My other priority is to bring in an experienced centre-half and that will complete the signings. ''I am sure everyone is enthusiastic about next season. ''We have got some good pre-season games and it's an exciting challenge to mould the squad and get them into a a successful and strong team for next season.'' |
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Tuesday, June 18, 2002 Smith's Swansea hopes |
| Teamtalk New-boy David Smith is hopeful that his experience will be of benefit to Swansea's younger players after completing his switch from Grimsby. The former England Under-21 left-back put pen to paper on a deal with The Swans last week to become Nick Cusack's seventh signing of the summer. And the former Coventry, Birmingham and West Brom man is confident he will be able to help Swansea's youngsters as the club attempt to mount a serious promotion challenge. He said: "Obviously my experience can help, but hopefully I can pass on some knowledge to some of the younger players. "I didn't play a lot last season at Grimsby, and this move does give me the opportunity to play." He added on the club's official website: "Being a footballer that is what it's all about, the Saturday afternoon. If you are not involved for one reason or other, you tend to miss it." |
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Monday, June 17, 2002 Season hard to predict - Cusack |
| Teamtalk Nick Cusack believes that next season's Third Division will be very hard to gauge after digesting the new fixture list. City face Rushden & Diamonds at home on the opening day of the season on August 10 before early trips to Darlington and Bury and the boss is not sure what to expect. Cusack said: "The Third Division is very difficult to gauge - you often get some surprises - but in terms of funds most clubs are in the same boat. "Hull have got a bit more money than most and I think Rushden are also in that category but I think teams that are well organised and strong with a bit of experience will do well. "There are some surprise packages, but we will just concentrate on what we have to do." |
| Friday, June 14, 2002 Swansea sign Smith |
| BBC Online Swansea City have made it seven new signings in the close season with the capture of Grimsby wing-back David Smith. The 34-year-old has agreed a 12-month deal with the Swans after being released following four years at Blundell Park. Smith began his career at Coventry, making 10 appearances for England under-21s, before moving on to Birmingham and West Brom. He joined Grimsby for £200,000 in 1998 and has totalled over 400 league appearances during his career. Swansea player-coach Nick Cusack was delighted to have clinched the deal, saying: "David has a very good pedigree, has been at top clubs, and we're delighted to have him at the Vetch Field. "He's in great shape, and people I have spoken to speak very highly of him, people like Lennie Lawrence when he was manager at Grimsby. "David has a really good professional attitude, and his experience and ability will also be of benefit to the club's younger players." Smith joins Paul Reid, Matt Murphy, James Thomas, John Keaveney, Andrew Marsh and Michael Jackson as new faces at the Vetch. Cusack told the Swansea City official website: "Next season we will have players in the side who really know the game. "The signing of David Smith shows that if anybody thinks we are going to kick our way out of the division, then they're wrong." |
| Friday, June 14, 2002 Mariners defender signs |
| Teamtalk The Swans have confirmed the signing of former England Under-21 left-back David Smith from Grimsby. The defender is Swansea's seventh signing of the summer. Meanwhile, three of The Swans' other new signings - Paul Reid and Matt Murphy from Bury, and Michael Jackson from Cheltenham - have all completed their moves to The Vetch after passing medicals at the club. |
| Friday, June 14, 2002 Smith ponders Swans switch |
| Teamtalk David Smith is pondering over a move to Swansea City after being told he has no future at Blundell Park at the end of last season.
The former Coventry and West Brom midfielder could not force his way into the Town first team of a regular basis and ended the season with a torn hamstring. It is believed that Smith is reluctant to drop down to the Third Division and even more reluctant to move to South Wales given that all that is being offered is a one-year deal. However, at 33, he might not get that many offers particularly as there are plenty of players looking for clubs during this summer |
| Friday, June 14, 2002 Smith and Chapman set to join new clubs |
| Grimby Telegraph TWO OF Grimsby Town's out-of-contract players are heading for new clubs in Division Three.
Smith had already been told he did not figure in Paul Groves' plans at Blundell Park, while there had been no word on Chapman. But the former West Brom winger is expected to sign for the Swans when manager Nick Cusack returns from holiday. Youngster Chapman had battled his way back into contention last season after being told he could leave for nothing last summer. After rising through the youth ranks the 5ft 6ins defender made 22 appearances for the Mariners last season including the Worthington Cup clashes with Liverpool and Arsenal - even playing one cup game at centre-back against Lincoln City. He starred at left wing-back when Groves first took charge at Christmas but was dropped from the squad until the final two games of the season when Tony Gallimore was ruled out by suspension. "Ben has a good pedigree at first division level and I think he will be a player of exactly the calibre we need," said Pilgrims boss Steve Evans. While Bottesford-born Chapman made his breakthrough last season, Smith had his most disappointing at the club. After being sidelined by a calf injury he was shunned by Lennie Lawrence and ended the season with just four appearances, having torn his hamstring deputising for Gallimore at Gillingham in March. |
Winger David Smith will this week sign a one-year deal with Swansea after being released by Town.
And full-back Ben Chapman has signed a deal with Football League newcomers Boston United - linking up with his former Town stablemate Daryl Clare.| Friday, June 14, 2002 Rushden at home first up |
| Teamtalk Swansea will play Rushden & Diamonds at home on the opening day of the season on August 10 before early trips to Darlington and Bury. The Swans meet last year's play-off finalists at The Vetch Field in what is being billed as a meeting between two of the more-fancied sides in Division Three. The clash at Darlington then follows on Tuesday, August 13 before the trip to Bury's Gigg Lane on August 17. The Welsh derby at Wrexham is scheduled for September 14 with the return at the Vetch set for March 1. Nick Cusack's men end the season with a trip to Rochdale on April 26 before a tough looking home game against Jan Molby's Hull City on May 3. Boss pleased with opener Nick Cusack has admitted he is pleased Swansea have been handed a home game against Rushden and Diamonds on the opening day of next season. The Swansea boss says it is nice to begin the season at home and gives the fans the chance to see the club's new signings for the first time. And the fact that Brian Talbot's men, who narrowly missed out on promotion when they lost to Cheltenham in the play-off final in May, are the visitors is also good news to Cusack as he feels they may be "demoralised" after that defeat. He said: "It's nice to start at home and the fans will be able to see our new players. "It could also be a good time to play Rushden as the team's who lose in the play-off finals sometimes suffer a reaction and are demoralised at not going up. "I'm sure Brian Talbot will have them all fired up and ready - we know from last season how good they can be when we lost at their place, so we'll have to be ready for that," he added. |
| Friday, June 14, 2002 City are the favourites for the title |
| Western Mail CARDIFF CITY have been installed as 9-2 favourites to win the Second Division next season on the eve of the new fixture list being released. After missing out on promotion last year following their semi-final play-off defeat against Stoke City, the Bluebirds are firm favourites to go up automatically in 2002-03. And South Wales bookmakers Jack Brown are tipping City to clinch the Division Two championship ahead of the sides relegated from Division One, Barnsley priced at 10-1, Crewe 12-1 and Stockport 16-1. "There will be lots of good teams fighting to win the Second Division, but Cardiff are worthy favourites on the back of their 14-game unbeaten run at the end of last season," said Karl Williams, spokesman for Jack Brown. "Of course, Cardiff are yet to make any new signings and the odds could alter drastically if they brought in a couple of big names." Swansea City, who have made five new signings in an attempt to improve on a disastrous 2001-02 campaign, are 28-1 outsiders to win Division Three. "I can't see the Swans winning the league," said Williams. "But, as you can finish seventh - which doesn't take too much - and go up via the play-offs, they are priced at 5-1 to win promotion. "There is a sense of optimism now that Alan Curtis (assistant manager) is back and the new signings they have made. It will be interesting to see how they gel together." Relegated Wrexham, now under the ownership of property developer Mark Guterman, are third favourites at 10-1 to win Division Three. "They have a far more credible chance than the Swans," said Williams. "They are a good, physical side, who are probably too good for Division Three but not quite good enough for Division Two. "We will have to wait and see what impact the new chairman has on the club. Wrexham's odds could come down if he releases some money to allow (manager) Denis Smith to make a couple of good signings." ODDS Division Two: 9-2 Cardiff City; 8-1 Wigan, Huddersfield; 10-1 Barnsley; 12-1 Crewe, Bristol City; 16-1 Stockport, QPR, Tranmere; 18-1 Plymouth, Brentford, Luton; 22-1 Oldham; 25-1 Notts County; 28-1 Wycombe, Port Vale; 33-1 Blackpool, Swindon; 50-1 Mansfield, Peterborough, Colchester, Northampton, Chesterfield, Cheltenham. Division Three: 13-2 Hull City; 8-1 Bournemouth; 10-1 Wrexham; 12-1 Bury; 14-1 Cambridge, Scun-thorpe; 16-1 Rushden & Diamonds, Darlington; 18-1 Hartlepool; 20-1 Rochdale, Kidderminster, Boston, Oxford, Shrewsbury; 22-1 York, Bristol Rovers; 25-1 Southend; 28-1 L Orient, Swansea, Macclesfield; 33-1 Exeter; 40-1 Carlisle, Torquay; 50-1 Lincoln. |
| Thursday, June 13, 2002 Rushden home start |
| Evening Post Swansea City will be hoping for a bumper crowd when they kick off the new season at home to play-off finalists Rushden & Diamonds on August 10. Brian Talbot's men lost out to Cheltenham at the Millennium Stadium after only one season in the league and will provide a stern test for Nick Cusack's new-look side. With six new signings already and the promise of more to come, the interest has been heightened among Swansea fans. The last time the two sides met at Vetch Field the supporters had other things on their minds and the 0-0 draw played second fiddle to a protest in the stands against former owner Tony Petty. The good news of a home start was tempered a little by the news that the first away game the following Tuesday is a testing trip to Darlington. New signings Paul Reid and Matt Murphy have a chance to renew old acquaintances at Bury on August 17 while there is an early chance to test themselves against Wrexham at The Racecourse on September 14. ''Hopefully we can get a big crowd for the first game, '' said a club spokesman. ''It's always nice to get a home game for the opening day and with all our new signings I think the crowd will be looking forward to it. ''Season tickets have been selling well so far let's hope with the fixtures out now more will be sold.'' The highlight of the season will be the Welsh derby against Wrexham which coincidentally falls on St David's Day. Over Christmas and the new year Swansea will entertain local rivals Bristol Rovers on Boxing Day and travel to relegated Bournemouth on January 1. Like last season, Swansea finish their league campaign with a home clash against Jan Molby's Hull City. The home fixture against Macclesfield clashes with Wales's rugby clash with Fiji on November 9 and is likely to be moved to the previous night, but Swansea are away to Hartlepool and Kidderminster when Wales are at home in the Six Nations. |
| Tuesday, June 11, 2002 Swans back league move |
| Evening Post Swansea City have backed moves to introduce a two-up two-down system from nonleague football next May. |
| Monday, June 10, 2002 Loan rules relaxed |
| Teamtalk The Swans will be allowed to take twice as many players on loan next season after the Football League agreed to a change at its AGM yesterday. In recent seasons, Nationwide League clubs have been permitted to bring in only five loan signings over the course of the season. However, the current financial crisis has led the chairmen of the 72 member clubs to agree to double that amount in order to maintain competition for places. Another benefit is that as many as five loan signings may be included in a matchday squad of 16, an increase of three on previous campaigns. The other relaxation of the rules is that, at any one time, clubs can have up to four players on short-term loans and up to four on long-term loans. The main piece of business at the meeting at Kensington's Copthorne Tara Hotel was the decision to promote two clubs from the Nationwide Conference from next season. That move will see play-offs introduced to the Conference for the first time, with the champions gaining automatic promotion and the next four clubs contesting an end-of-season contest. |
| Monday, June 10, 2002 Conference play-off for second league slot |
| Western Mail The Nationwide Conference today introduced end-of-season play-offs for the first time in the competition's history following the decision to increase promotion and relegation from the League to the Conference to two teams. The champions of the Conference will automatically go up to the Third Division and then the next four teams will face a knock-out competition along the lines of the system in use in Divisions One, Two and Three. Conference chief executive John Moules told PA Sport: "I am thrilled that a lot of hard work over the last few years has come to fruition and that next season we look forward to introducing play-offs for the first time. "The champions will automatically go up and the next four clubs will go into a play-off. There will be two-legged semi-finals and a single-legged final." But the Nationwide League were quick to point out that any club whose ground failed to meet their criteria would miss out - even if they finish as champions. "It's the same," said League spokesman John Nagle. "In order to be promoted you have to have your ground up to scratch. "The Conference have already put this into their rules and regulations which says that in order to get into the play-off and compete for the second place you have to have your ground up to scratch anyway. "Only clubs who have their grounds up to scratch will compete in the Conference play-offs for that second place and they will be able to go for promotion. "But if you look at it now, out of the 22 clubs in the Conference that's 14 or 15 now that have their grounds up to scratch. "So it really is less of a problem now than it's been. There's just a few where there are still problems." The member clubs voted in favour of the changes, and the plans were formally ratified at today's Football League annual general meeting. One of the main issues which was ironed out was an agreement on payments to clubs in the event of relegation from the League to help prevent them going out of business. Football League chief executive David Burns said: "Twelve months ago this step was rejected because of the absence of a suitable financial package. "I am very glad to say that this is no longer the case and I would like to thank the Football Association for the role they have played in bringing this matter to a successful conclusion." The historic change, which received the overwhelming support at the meeting of all 72 member clubs of the Football League, was made possible after a funding package worth £6million over the next five years was agreed with the FA. As a result, all Third Division clubs will receive £50,000 at the start of each of the next five seasons as a compensatory payment for the increased likelihood of them losing their League status. The two promoted clubs will receive £35,000 and, in addition, parachute payments will be made to the two relegated clubs for one season. Burns continued: "I would also like to pay tribute to John Moules, the chief executive of the Football Conference, for his sensible and consistent approach to negotiating and acceptable resolution. "The Conference has been a national league for over 20 years with crowds now averaging over 1,500. "There is no doubt that this extra promotion place will enable it to enhance and add to its appeal and this can only be good for football as a whole." Dagenham & Redbridge were just pipped by Boston for promotion to the Football League last season, and Daggers chairman David Andrews welcomed the decision. He said: "It's great news and gives the Conference a chance of a play-off situation for second place and it will bring in more revenue. "It will keep the excitement going right up to the end of the season which can only be good for the league. "It gives everyone a lift and keeps the latter part of the season alive for teams that are even in 10th position. "It's great news for everybody so I am personally over the moon. The attendances would increase and who knows what can happen in the future?" Meanwhile, the Football League have also implemented a new rule that clubs can now have four players on short-term loans and four on longer-term loans. Nagle confirmed that was the case but added: "(Clubs) will only be able to field a maximum of five (loan players) in a 16-man squad and that will be at any time in the season." |
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