Press cuttings

Saturday, March 01, 2003 Brian is so honest it cost him a job at the top

Daily Mirror Honesty is the best policy but in Brian Flynn's case maybe it hasn't done him too many favours. Wrexham and Wales legend Joey Jones worked alongside Flynn at the Racecourse Ground for 12 years and Clunks if the little man had been a bit more pushy he could be preparing' a team in the Premiership -instead of trying to keep Swansea in the Football League. The emotions are bound to be raw at the Vetch today when Flynn's Swansea take on Wrexham - the club he gave the best dozen years of his life before leaving in acrimonious circumstances in 2001. Jones, who now looks after Wrexham's reserve team, will spend this afternoon around the youth game circuit trying to discover new talent for the club where he is idolised. But it will be impossible to stop thinking of the times he spent next to Flynn and assistant Kevin Reeves, including promotion into the Second Division and the thrilling FA Cup win against Arsenal. '•I always thought Brian would go on to manage at a higher level," admits Jones, who has spent 24 years in three spells with his home-town club but is best rime- red for winning the European Cup with Liverpool in 1977. "You find a lot of managers apply for jobs informally rather than formally - they put it about to the right people •they are Interested. Brian never did any of that - his interest was solely in taking Wrexham to the next level. "Once or twice Brian's name was mentioned on the grapevine and I know he was very close Co getting the Wales job instead of Bobby Gould. But Brian was too honest to push himself forward when the big jobs came up. "It's a shame, because I don't see any reason why he couldn't. have managed at the highest level. Maybe be regrets it himself, But even now he's still only 48 so it's not too late. "It is always David O'Leary, George Graham or famous foreign coaches linked with big .jobs. but Brian has served his apprenticeship, I know he is very tactically aware and goes about the job in the right way. "He also set up the whole youth system at Wrexham that helped keep the club alive by selling players like Bryan Hughes to Birmingham and Lee Jones to Liverpool." The harsh reality, however. is that Flynn couldn't be further from the glamour of the Premiership. Two sides drop into the Conference and Swansea are only two points clear of the dreaded 23rd position. Flynn only got the .job after the Swans' last meeting against Wrexham - a 4-0 drubbing at the Racecourse in September, "I can't see them being that bad again," says Jones. "Brian actually rang me after that game, and was concerned about the team. "A few days later. Swansea lost at Boston and they gave Brian the manager's job. Knowing Brian and Kevin, they will get them out of trouble." As a youngster. Jones helped Wrexham reach the FA Cup quarter-finals in 1974. The following year he moved to Liverpool where he won two championships and two European Cups before returning to The Racecourse in 1978. When Flynn arrived as manager in the late-1980s he sorted a new career out for the 72-timea capped Welsh international. "I was 37 and had a badly broken ankle which more or less needed to be sewed back on," says Jones. "Brian asked me to be one of his coaches and from then onwards it was always Brian. Kevin and myself working together." Fearful of going stale, Flynn . announced his intention to leave at the end of the 2001-02 season but went six months early under pressure from the board. Jones wasn't offered a pay settlement and stayed, a decision which affected his relationship with Flynn in the short-term - although the pair are back on each other's Christmas card list

Friday, February 28, 2003 Neil to rescue

Evening Post The 6ft 1in 26-year-old has agreed an initial one-month loan stay at Vetch Field and goes straight into the side for tomorrows Welsh derby with Wrexham at Vetch Field (3pm) in place of the suspended Roger Freestone. A former England youth international. Cutler joined First Division Stoke from Aston Villa in summer 2001 after making just one Premiership appearance. The Birmingham-born stopper has also played for Chester, Crewe and Oxford having come through as a Trainee at West Brom, Cutler was No. 1 choice at the Britannia Stadium for the first half of the season but lost his place when Stoke boss Tony Pulis signed Welsh international Mark Crossley and then Bolton's Steve Banks after taking over the reins from Steve Cotierill. With Crossley now back at Middlesbrough. Cutler is Stake's current No. 2 ahead of the Finnish international Jani Viander — and would have been on the bench this weekend. But attracted by the chance to play first-team football again, inc player opted to head for South Wales, and with Freestone facing up to a month on the sidelines with back trouble. Cutler should get a health y run in the First team. His signature comes as a major relief to Swansea's director of football after countless phone calls to other clubs this week and rebuffs from among others Cardiff's Mark Walton and Famborough's Tony Pennock. Influential midfielder Lenny Johnrose is on course for a return tomorrow after two games out with calf trouble, while James Thomas is also hopeful of a recall after netting the only goal in the reserves' win at Barry in midweek, Steve Watkin (ill) and Kieran Durkan (Achilles) both miss out on facing their old club. Flynn. who faces the Red Dragons for the first time since ending his 12-year Racecourse reign, insists The St David's Day derby has no special meaning for him.

Friday, February 28, 2003 WREXHAM IN DEBT TO FLYNN - CAREY

Evening Post Wrexham stalwart Brian Carey has saluted the managerial prowess of Brian Flynn ahead of a first reunion with his old Racecourse boss at Vetch Field tomorrow. The Red Dragons centre-back, signed by Flynn three times during his 12-year Wrexham reign, acknowledges that he owes Swansea City's director of football for igniting his career when he was languishing in Manchester United's reserves. And the 34-year-old Republic of Ireland international believes much of what is good about Wrexham now is down to the efforts of his former manager. ''I've got a lot to thank Brian for,'' Carey said. ''He pulled me out of United's reserve team on loan twice and wanted to sign me permanently but couldn't afford it. ''I went to Leicester, then eventually I made the permanent move to Wrexham from there. ''And along with Kevin Reeves and Joey Jones, he was very influential in starting my international career.'' Carey, who first played for Wrexham in early 1991, watched first hand as the Flynn-Reeves team lifted the North Wales club from the very bottom of the Football League to the brink of the Second Division play-offs and picked up a clutch of major FA Cup scalps along the way. ''Brian's good with people,'' he continued. ''He treats them right and makes them feel welcome - the whole atmosphere around the club was good when he was in charge. When I first joined Wrexham they were right at the bottom and a lot of hard work had to be put in. ''Brian always picked up a lot of good loan signings and, when put together with a few more experienced players, it meant there was a good mix in the team. ''He also paid a lot of attention to developing the youth structure at the club and was involved in setting up the new training facilities we have. ''That all helped to bring young players through which, along with the cup runs, generated a lot of cash for the club.'' Flynn left the Racecourse in September 2001 by mutual consent and was replaced Denis Smith. After a slow start to the season, the former Sunderland, West Brom and Oxford boss could not arrest the decline and the Dragons joined Swansea in the Nationwide League basement last summer. Currently sixth in the table and with at least one game in hand on every other side in the top half, a squad packed with Flynn's signings look good for a play-off place at worst come May. And with Swansea still deep in trouble at the ugly end of Division Three, Carey insists there will be no mercy for the old boss tomorrow. ''We faltered a bit before Christmas, but we're going okay and we're going for the play-offs,'' he added. ''We need the three points tomorrow. I'm sure Brian and Kevin will understand that.''

Friday, February 28, 2003 DRAGONS FIRED UP FOR WELSH DERBY

Wrexham Leader TOMORROW is St David's Day – which seems an ideal one for a Welsh derby. Wrexham make the long journey to South Wales today in readiness for tomorrow's game against strugglers Swansea. There is added interest in the game in that the Swans are now managed by former Wrexham duo, Brian Flynn and his assistant Kevin Reeves. A few weeks ago it looked as if Swansea were destined for the drop into the Nationwide Conference, but there has been an improvement in recent weeks and they are now lying in fourth place from the bottom, two places and two points above the drop zone. It is a six-pointer for both teams, for a win for Swansea will take them further from the relegation zone while a win for the Red Dragons means they could move further up the promotion play-off places. The Swans have now gone 38 games since a 0-0 draw and have won only seven of their 16 home games this season. Wrexham have lost only one of their last six games and have lost only three games on their travels. The Swans were hammered 4-0 by runaway leaders Hartlepool last Saturday and for much of the game were down to 10 men after Marc Richards had been sent off for a foul. To make matters worse, goalkeeper Roger Freestone left the field injured and Flynn has been searching for a 'keeper in case Freestone is not fit by tomorrow as he has no reserve. Wrexham had a convincing 4-0 win when the sides met at the Racecourse in September. Andy Morrell scored in the ninth and 12th minutes and Hector Sam made it 3-0 before half time. The fourth came in the 55th minute when Carlos Edwards made a superb 40-yard run, rounded Freestone to put the ball into an empty net. Swansea were poor and Wrexham were hardly threatened throughout. Flynn had not been appointed manager at that time. Long trek It's another long trek for Wrexham on Tuesday when they travel to Exeter, who are bottom of the table and look destined to have Conference football at St James' Park next season. They went down 2-0 at Bournemouth last Saturday, and so far this season they have won only four of their home games, having drawn four and lost eight. It was another 4-0 victory for the Dragons when the sides met at the Racecourse in the week following the win over Swansea, Morrell scored a hat-trick taking his tally to nine goals in nine games with Darren Ferguson scoring the other. As the score suggests, Wrexham were on top throughout and goalkeeper Andy Dibble had virtually nothing to do. Exeter finished the game with ten men after Chris Curran was sent off. Manager Denis Smith said after Sunday's 0-0 result against Darlington: "Obviously it was a disappointing result. They came to frustrate us and achieved it. We lacked penetration. "It was frustrating that the game at Boston being called off in midweek because that would have given me Paul Edwards today at home against a team that was packing the defence. "I think you need somebody like him. Carlos (Edwards) was off his game on the other side and Holmes is more of a defensive type of player. "The options I had was to put Steve Thomas on the right and Carlos on the left and I possibly would have done that but Steve has been ill all night. It took away my contingency plans for this sort of thing happening." He added: "But we've got to look on the bright side. We got a point and kept another clean sheet so we are looking extremely difficult to break down at the moment. The game was there to be won, but we didn't work the 'keeper enough and we didn't put enough quality balls into the box . "There were a few players below par but there's not much we can do about it. There were very few chances." Referee Marc Boyson incurred the wrath of both sets of supporters with some poor decisions and turned down two penalty appeals by Wrexham. Smith said: "There were a few decisions that people will question but I'm not the referee so I can't make those decisions. "I can give opinions on things but I can't see the point because it ain´t going to change. "There were too many bookings in the game for the type of game it was. It wasn't that physical but it was competitive. There was nothing really nasty going on."

Friday, February 28, 2003 Wrexham's Vetch visit like any other game

Western Mail SWANSEA CITY director of football Brian Flynn will not be struck by sentiment tomorrow when Wrexham - the club he managed for 12 years - visit the Vetch Field for the Welsh derby. Red Dragons coach Joey Jones worked alongside Flynn during his lengthy spell at the Racecourse Ground and he insists the Swans boss will treat this vital Second Division match as just another fixture. Flynn was appointed Wrexham manager in 1989, a post he held until September 2001 when he and assistant Kevin Reeves - now his No 2 at the Vetch - left the club by mutual consent after a series of poor results. The former Wales midfielder was the third-longest serving league manager after Crewe's Dario Gradi and Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson when he quit the Racecourse. "Brian doesn't get emotional about football," said Jones, who was one of Flynn's trusted lieutenants at the North Wales club. "He will treat Wrexham the same as if Swansea were playing Macclesfield. "This will be the first time both Brian and Kevin will have come up against Wrexham since they left and I'm sure both of them will be playing this match down. "They were at Wrexham for a long time and that has given this match a little bit of spice, but I know Brian and it won't make any difference to the way he will prepare his side. "When he was at Wrexham we played Burnley a few times. Brian played for that club for a long time but playing against Burnley made no difference to him whatsoever. "He will just want to beat the team that's put out in front of him - it doesn't matter if it's Wrexham or a team from the planet Venus." Both sides need the three points tomorrow - Wrexham to maintain their promotion charge and Swansea to move away from the relegation scrap. "A draw isn't really good enough for either team," added former Liverpool and Wales defender Jones, now serving under Denis Smith at Wrexham. "It's an important match for both teams but for different reasons. "I remember the Wrexham-Swansea game at our place earlier in the season when we won 4-0. "I'm sure the Swansea team we'll see at the Vetch will be very different to the one that came to the Racecourse. "Swansea were atrocious that day. I'm not having a go at them, I'm just being honest. I'm sure they won't be that bad in this game. "I saw Swansea at Macclesfield a few weeks ago where they won 3-1 and they played really well. If they play like that against us then we're in for a tough game."

Thursday, February 27, 2003 LENNY ON MISSION

Evening Post Swansea City midfielder Lenny Johnrose is desperate for a return to action in Saturday's Welsh derby clash with Wrexham. And after two games on the sidelines with calf trouble, the 33-year-old enforcer was today racing to prove his fitness in time. ''The injury came at just the wrong moment and it's getting me down now,'' said Johnrose, who limped out of Swansea's 3-0 defeat at Bournemouth 16 days ago. ''I'm hopeful of being fit to play this weekend - although it's not certain.'' Signed on non-contract terms last month, ex-Bury player Johnrose is still living in his native north-west and is training with another of his former clubs, First Division Burnley. ''I had treatment there all last week and the same again this week, but I haven't done any running yet so I'll have to see how it goes,'' he added. ''It's still a bit sore, but hopefully I'll be given the okay for Saturday because I'm dying to get back involved. ''We won a few games before I got injured and it was going well. We've lost a couple recently but we're still in a far better position than we were when I joined.'' Johnrose's return would be a welcome boost for Brian Flynn, who was still searching for a goalkeeper to face his old club today. With a deal due to be completed in the next 24 hours, whoever he signs seems set for a run in the first team as first-choice Roger Freestone could be absent for a month through the back problem he aggravated at Hartlepool last weekend. But Flynn has confirmed that like Cardiff's Mark Walton, Swansea-born Farnborough stopper Tony Pennock will not be coming to Vetch Field on loan because his club will not let him. ''There was never a possibility of us completing a permanent deal for Tony,'' Swansea's director of football explained. ''But we did enquire about taking him on loan, which was something they wouldn't agree to. ''He was just one option open to us which has now been closed, but we have others. ''I have plans in place, it's just a case of waiting for other clubs to get back to me.'' Teenager Ryan Harrison donned the gloves as Swansea's second string overcame a strong Barry side in a friendly at Jenner Park yesterday. James Thomas, without a first-team strike since October, scored the only goal while centre-back Neil Sharp made a successful comeback after six months out with knee ligament trouble.

Thursday, February 27, 2003 Swans face keeper crisis

Evening Post Swansea City are facing a desperate race against time to sign a goalkeeper before Saturday's Welsh derby with Wrexham. First choice stopper Roger Freestone is suspended for the Vetch encounter after picking up his fifth yellow card on Saturday. The 34-year-old Welsh international would have missed the match anyway because of a back problem. This leaves Swansea without a senior goalkeeper in their squad, so director of football Brian Flynn has stepped up his search for a replacement. Flynn had hoped to sign Cardiff City's third choice keeper Mark Walton on loan for the rest of the season. But Cardiff have refused to sanction the move - despite owner Sam Hammam's pledge to help Swansea's relegation fight. "I made an enquiry about Mark Joining us, but basically I've received a refusal from Cardiff. "A while ago they said they would help us a as much as they could, but it doesn't appear to be happening - and that's disappointing," Flynn said. The Swans have also failed to sign Swansea-born Tony Pennock from Farnborough Town. "Tony Pennock was just one option open to us. I have plans in place, it's just a case of clubs getting back to me," the Swansea boss added. Freestone hopes to be fit for Swansea's next match against Boston, but Flynn says he still wants to sign an experienced alternative. "It's not easy as goalkeepers are in demand at the moment, but we are working on it."

Thursday, February 27, 2003 Flynn vows to fill gap

Western Mail BRIAN FLYNN has insisted he will sort out Swansea City's goalkeeping void. With Roger Freestone ruled out for up to a month with back trouble, director of football Flynn has little time to bring in a replacement before the visit of his former club Wrexham on Saturday. But Flynn said, "I've been in this situation before and I'll sort something out. "Roger's injury means we clearly need to bring in another keeper for more than a month. "We're looking at Roger being out for three to four weeks - and we've been told his back could go at any time after that. "That's clearly something I'm very concerned about and, obviously, Roger is too. "We have to bring in a keeper for the remainder of the season. We can't afford to be stranded without one should Roger's back go again." Flynn, already refused permission from Cardiff City to borrow Mark Walton, confirmed last night that Farnborough's Swansea-based keeper Tony Pennock would not be coming. "Tony is not an option," said Flynn. "He is out of the equation because Farnborough refused point blank to let him go. "The clubs I've spoken to are understandably very reluctant to let their keepers go." Former Swans star Brian Evans, father of current club physiotherapist Richard Evans, has died at the age of 60 after a short illness. Evans, a member of the 1964 side that reached the semi-final of the FA Cup, played 343 league games for the Swans, scoring 57 goals, before moving onto Hereford United. He won seven caps for Wales, his first against Finland in 1971 and his last against Poland two years later.

Wednesday, February 26, 2003 FIVE TO SURVIVE

Evening Post Swansea City coach Kevin Reeves has targeted Saturday's reunion with former club Wrexham for the first of five wins which should ensure Nationwide League survival. The former Racecourse No. 2 admits it will be "very strange'' to come up against a side he built alongside Brian Flynn for the first time since the duo ended their 12-year association with the North Wales club in September 2001. But Reeves insists that emotions will not cloud Swansea's focus in their bid to secure the all-important three points. ''It's going to be very strange in many respects coming up against Wrexham for the first time,'' he said. ''We had 12 good years there and we hold some fantastic memories of the place, from the cup upsets to winning promotion. ''We had good relationships with a lot of people up there and you only look back to the good times once you've been away for a while.'' He continued: ''Although they play a different system under Denis Smith, we know a lot about their team. There are a lot of players there who we took to the club. ''We know all about what Darren Ferguson can do and Carlos Edwards has been a revelation this season. ''We've spoken to a lot of people and they are regarded as one of the best teams in the division this season.'' The Red Dragons, currently sixth in the table, are nicely poised for an assault on the automatic promotion places with at least one game in hand on every other side in the top half. Just two places above the relegation zone after last weekend's thrashing at Hartlepool, Swansea could be boosted by the return of Lenny Johnrose (calf) and ex-Wrexham man Kieron Durkan (Achilles) as they bid to restart their climb away from danger. ''It's a big Welsh derby on St David's Day, and hopefully if we perform as we have done generally over the last six weeks we should have a good chance of winning,'' added Reeves. ''I think another four wins after that and we will be pretty close to safety.'' Flynn, meanwhile, has not yet secured the services of a new goalkeeper to cover for the suspended Roger Freestone this weekend, though he confirmed that Farnborough's Tony Pennock remains an option. Freestone, who is to have a scan on the back problem aggravated at Hartlepool, looks doubtful for next Tuesday's meeting with Boston. Ryan Harrison, 17, was expected to play in goal in this afternoon's reserve-team game at Barry. Swansea's relegation rivals Exeter have named former Preston manager Gary Peters as their new boss after sacking Neil McNab.

Wednesday, February 26, 2003 Swans face keeper crisis

BBC Online Roger Freestone needs an experienced deputy Swansea City are facing a desperate race against time to sign a goalkeeper before Saturday's Welsh derby with Wrexham. First choice stopper Roger Freestone is suspended for the Vetch encounter after picking up his fifth yellow card on Saturday. The 34-year-old Welsh international would have missed the match anyway because of a back problem. This leaves Swansea without a senior goalkeeper in their squad, so director of football Brian Flynn has stepped up his search for a replacement. Flynn had hoped to sign Cardiff City's third choice keeper Mark Walton on loan for the rest of the season. Match report: Hartlepool 4-0 Swansea But Cardiff have refused to sanction the move - despite owner Sam Hammam's pledge to help Swansea's relegation fight. "I made an enquiry about Mark Joining us, but basically I've received a refusal from Cardiff. "A while ago they said they would help us a as much as they could, but it doesn't appear to be happening - and that's disappointing." Freestone hopes to be fit for Swansea's next match against Boston, but Flynn says he still wants to sign an experienced alternative. "It's not easy as goalkeepers are in demand at the moment, but we are working on it," he said.

Wednesday, February 26, 2003 Freestone targets Boston clash

Teamtalk Swansea goalkeeper Roger Freestone is hoping to be able to face Boston next Tuesday despite sustaining a back injury. Freestone will miss the visit of Wrexham at the weekend through suspension, but hopes it will be the only game he misses as Brian Flynn's side battle to avoid the drop. Freestone, who sustained the injury during the loss at Hartlepool on Saturday, said: "I have to be honest with myself and look at this week as an opportunity for a rest. "I've been very sore, but it's definitely improving and I'd like to think I'll be fit and available to play against Boston," he told the club's official website.

Tuesday, February 25, 2003 FLYNN FACES UP TO GOALKEEPING CRISIS

Evening Post Brian Flynn today admitted he may be forced to turn to youth in his search for a new goalkeeper with Roger Freestone facing a possible injury lay-off. First-choice Freestone, the only senior stopper on the books at Vetch Field, hobbled off after aggravating an old back problem at Hartlepool on Saturday. The former Welsh international is suspended for next weekend's Welsh derby with Wrexham anyway, but there are now fears that he could be facing a longer spell on the sidelines. The 34-year-old, who also has long-term complaints with both ankles, will see a specialist this week to determine the extent of what is thought to be a disc problem. After centre-back Alan Tate deputised at Victoria Park, Flynn is hoping to sign a replacement early this week ahead of a first reunion with his former club. And with possible moves for Farnborough's Swansea-born keeper Tony Pennock and Cardiff City third-choice Mark Walton both appearing to have run aground, he has conceded he may have to shift his sights in the transfer market. ''I would prefer to sign someone with experience and I have drawn up a list,'' said Swansea's director of football. ''But if the options that I have got do not come to fruition, then it may be that I have to get a young keeper in. ''I have done a lot of phoning around to a number of clubs over the weekend, and the sooner we can get something sorted the better.'' Freestone had already conceded three goals it could have been twice as many at least - when he collapsed in a heap after taking a goal-kick just after the hour at Hartlepool. It was a minor miracle that Tate was only beaten once on an afternoon of one-way traffic. Swansea, who had Marc Richards sent off eight minutes before half-time, barely mustered a shot against the league leaders and now sit just two points and two places above the Third Division drop zone. ''It's a massive kick in the teeth for us but we have to move on and push on to the next game,'' added Flynn. ''There's still a massive job to be done I would have said that even if we had won at Hartlepool. Collectively we will pull through after that defeat.'' Richards, the hero just seven days earlier when he scored both goals in Swansea's 2-0 win over Cambridge, walked for raising his hands at Polls skipper Micky Barron. Flynn revealed the 20-year-old now faces internal disciplinary action.

Tuesday, February 25, 2003 Flynn left in lurch by Bluebirds

Western Mail BRIAN FLYNN last night voiced his disappointment over Cardiff City's refusal to let goalkeeper Mark Walton sign for the Swans. Flynn wanted Walton, who started his career at the Vetch and is now third-choice keeper at Ninian Park, to join Swansea for the rest of the season as cover for Roger Freestone. The Swansea director of football needs to sign another goal-keeper before Saturday's Welsh derby against Wrexham as Freestone is ruled out through suspension. And the need to find cover for the 34-year-old grew on Saturday when he hobbled out of the 4-0 defeat at Hartlepool after aggravating a long-standing back problem. But The Western Mail can confirm Walton will not be the man to step in - despite Bluebirds owner Sam Hammam's pledge to help Swansea's fight for league survival. "I made an enquiry about Mark joining us, but basically I've received a refusal from Cardiff," said Flynn, who said Farnborough were similarly reluctant to let Tony Pennock join the Swans. "A while ago they said they would help us as much as they could. But it doesn't appear to be happening - and that's disappointing." Cardiff City manager Lennie Lawrence said the Bluebirds needed Walton to cover his other two goal-keepers, Neil Alexander and Martyn Margetson. "The problem is if one of our keepers goes down, we would need Mark on the bench," said Lawrence. "There is the option of recalling players if they go out on loan but I'm not certain you can do that in the first month. "In any case, that would be no good for Swansea because they wanted Mark for the rest of the season." Flynn hopes to end his search for a keeper in the next 24 hours. "It has proved difficult because most clubs are cautious about releasing keepers at this stage of the season," he said. "It's difficult to say yet whether Roger will be out for days, weeks or months. "We don't want to risk his back, which is why we ideally need cover for the rest of the season."

Monday, February 24, 2003 Swans fail to perform

Western Mail ALAN TATE won't be applying for the Swansea City goalkeeping vacancy this week as Brian Flynn continues his search for a new No 1. Tate was pressed into emergency action between the posts after the injured Roger Freestone was forced off during an embarrassing one-sided romp, and the young defender showed enough talent to suggest why goal-keeping was his first football love. "I wanted to be a keeper when I was a young lad," said Tate, on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season. "But then I found I was better playing out. But I play in goal in five-a-sides with my mates when I go home and I've played there a couple of times with the United U-13s and U-15s. "It's a team game and you've got to do things for the good of the team, but I wouldn't want to play a full game there. I'll be pleased to go back to centre-half next week." Freestone, ever-present this season, would have missed Saturday's Welsh derby with Wrexham anyway through suspension and Swans director of football Flynn has so far tried to arrange cover without success. Farnborough's Swansea-based Tony Pennock and former Cardiff City `keeper Mark Walton have both been touted as possible short-gap replacements but completing any deal has proved difficult because it had ostensibly been seen as a one-match job. Ironically, Freestone's injury could make a temporary switch to the Vetch more attractive, although that individual will hope for better protection than the two Swansea goalkeepers received on Saturday. It was little wonder there were few volunteers when the struggling Freestone eventually hobbled off with designated deputy Andrew Mumford already substituted. The shirt seemed several sizes too big for Tate, but his smart goal-line save from the outstanding Darrell Clarke raised the biggest cheer of the afternoon and he was only beaten when left exposed to an incredible three-on-one situation. "I had one great save and it was probably the best moment of the game," quipped Tate, who was born and brought up just a few miles from Hartlepool. "There were a couple of people behind the goal from Murton, where I'm from, and they gave me a bit of stick. But it was all in good fun because they were 4-0 up by then and weren't going to lose the game." Flynn defended his decision not to have a reserve `keeper on the bench, saying losing a goalkeeper had only happened to him twice in 13 years of management. Of more concern to him, no doubt, was the way Swansea were remorse-lessly ripped apart after a heartening run of 13 points from six matches and the loss of a couple of league places in the scramble to avoid relegation to the Conference. "It could have been four or five in the first half," admitted Flynn. "We were lucky to be coming in as we were only two down. To be honest, there were no positives that we can take from the game. We didn't perform and we gave them too much time and space. It's a massive kick in the teeth, but we have to move on and look to the next game." Flynn clearly felt justified employing a 4-3-3 formation after Swansea had seemingly turned the corner in the last month and moved off the bottom. But such an adventurous approach was inviting trouble against opponents now 14 points clear at the top of the Third Division and already with the championship champagne on ice. Making the most of their extra man in midfield, the hosts hogged possession throughout and playmaker Richie Humphreys would not have expected as much freedom as if he'd been on the vast expanse of sand at nearby Hartlepool Bay. Humphreys, the former England B international, ensured one sportsman with that surname would finish the weekend a winner when he skipped past Mumford's timid challenge and was left unchallenged to fire a 20-yard drive off the far post. Eifion Williams and Adam Boyd both gave Ryan Giggs a run for his money in the amazing misses department before the contest was effectively ended by Marc Richards' moment of madness in the 37th minute. Richards, the hero seven days earlier when his two goals accounted for Cambridge, lashed out at Micky Barron after taking exception to the home captain's touchline tackle. Worse still, the act was committed right in front of the assistant referee and Richards' red card - the fifth of Swansea's season - was inevitable. "If you raise your hands you deserve to get sent off," said Flynn, who clearly had little sympathy for Richards and confirmed that he would be taking disciplinary action against the on-loan striker. "We said at half-time that the only thing we could get out of the game was to keep the score down. You've got to be realistic when you're playing against a side that is top of the league and in form." By the break Swansea were in deficit further after Williams, the former Barry Town marksman, freed Boyd, who drew Freestone for Humphreys to double his tally with the easiest of tap-ins. Swansea's threat had been non-existent in the first period, but the arrival of James Thomas did provide some impetus and the Wales Under-21 international tested Hartlepool's Welsh goalkeeper Anthony Williams with a volley at his near post. But Hartlepool continued to attack in waves and scented more goals after Freestone, who has complained of back problems in recent weeks, was left in obvious discomfort after taking a 58th minute goal-kick. The keeper bravely carried on until Humphreys headed home Barron's cross for his hat-trick and Tommy Widdrington added the fourth three minutes later as Tate the goalkeeper was greeted by a cavalry charge bearing down on him. Thankfully Swansea were spared further humiliation and even received some words of comfort from Hartlepool manager Mike Newell, who has sent out sides against Carlisle, Boston, Macclesfield and Exeter since the turn of the year. "The lad getting sent off killed them here, but we've had good reports about Swansea," said the former Everton and Blackburn striker. "They've probably got more of a threat than some of the other teams down the bottom. You need to score goals and win games. I think they've got a little bit more than others around them."

Monday, February 24, 2003 Hartlepool 4, Swansea 0

Evening Gazette Hartlepool boss Mike Newell kept the faith with the side that drew 0-0 at York City for the visit from Swansea who brought in Kevin Nugent for Steve Watkin up front after taking 13 points from their last six games. Both goalkeepers got an early touch of the ball as the sides pressed forward. Humphreys then drove a long ball down the left wing and the same players' resulting throw in was headed back to keeper Freestone. Pool produced a neat, crisp passing move but Humphreys took the ball wide left and Freestone easily collected his effort. Play shifted to the home end and Nugent forced a save from Williams with a long range volley. Lee made an excellent block on the edge of his own box as Swansea broke forward. HUMPHREYS then dipped into his box of tricks to produce a magical solo goal on 10 minutes to open the scoring. The former Sheffield Wednesday star made a fool of Mumford just over the halfway line before launching a solo run to score with a low 20 yard drive which went in off the post. Pool continued to push forward in an attempt to extend their lead and a Robinson cross caused panic in the Swansea ranks. Tinkler then sent Clarke clear only to see his left foot shot go wide from just outside the area. Swansea eased the pressure on them on 20 minutes and won a free kick when Richards was checked 30 yards from the Pool goal. Martinez fired high and wide from the free- kick. Pool should have increased their cushion but Williams and Boyd both missed golden opportunities. Westwood picked up a yellow card before Swansea suffered a bigger blow when striker Richards was sent off for lashing out at Pool captain Barron in the 37th minute. Pool made their extra man count just three minutes later when HUMPHREYS scored his second of the game when he polished off a square ball for Boyd following a precise pass from Williams. The home crowd began to cheer every pass and were almost treated to a third goal when Clarke chip narrowly cleared the bar. Boyd took a leaf out of Clarke's books and saw his lob plucked from underneath the bar by Freestone. Half-time: Hartlepool 2, Swansea 0. Pool started the second period with a swagger. Williams beat Evans on the left but his cross had too much pace for the on-rushing Clarke. Swansea then went up to the other end, where the dimunitive midfielder Britton saw his cross gathered by Anthony Williams after a mazy run. Swansea boss Ryan Flynn then made two substitutions in a bid to get back into the game. James Thomas replaced John Williams and Gareth Phillips came on for Andrew Mumford. The duo combined soon after and Thomas forced a diving save from keeper Williams. Swansea then saw their Spanish midfielder Martinez booked for a trip on Williams. Boyd stole through the fourth hobbling from the keeper the block at his feet and Widderington wafted a pot shot wide. HUMPHREYS then grabbed his hat-trick on 69 minutes to sink the sorry Swans without a trace. The ex-Premiership star headed in off the underside of the crossbar after meeting a deep Barron cross. Defender Kris O'Leary replaced the injured Freestone in the Swansea goal soon after and his first job was to kick the ball out of the back of the net. TOMMY WIDDRINGTON tapped in Pool's breakaway fourth goal on 72 minutes, converting a Clarke pass. O'Leary almost put his side five down when he was robbed by Williams but Boyd somehow managed to miss an open goal. With Pool coasting, Mike Newall brougt on Marcus Richardson for Pision Williams and Kevin Henderson for Adam Boyd. Widdrington also went off as Paul Arnison got a brief run out. Swansea were forced to clear off their line shortly before the final whistle from a Clarke looping header. Referee Barry added three minutes of stoppage time and Pool keeper Williams was forced to make a point blank save from striker Thomas. But nothing could stop Pool from recording their biggest win of the season.

Sunday, February 23, 2003 `POOL MAKE MONKEYS OUT OF SAD SWANS

Wales on Sunday THERE are two things you can do to incur the wrath of the good people of Hartlepool. The first is to term them `Monkey Hangers' - a reference to when an unfortunate monkey was mistaken for a French spy 200 years ago and hanged by the natives on the port's quayside. The second is to deny precious promotion points to the town's soccer team - a sensitive issue because `Pool have suffered playoff heartbreak for the past two seasons. In the end, Swansea didn't upset anyone. Indeed, they made the 350-mile trek back to Wales with Hartlepool's inhabitants toasting their performance. It wasn't so much swashbuckling, though - more bizarre in the third degree! This clash had more unanswered questions than an average Stephen King thriller. Like, why didn't Swansea's borrowed Blackburn rookie Marc Richards have more sense than to lash out at Hartlepool's Micky Barron on 37 minutes? Another poser was, why wasn't Swansea's evergreen goalkeeper Roger Freestone withdrawn earlier than the 70th minute because of his crippling back problem? A third ditty was, why didn't Hartlepool emulate the seven goals they'd notched against the hapless Swans back in April 13 last year? True, ex-Sheffield Wednesday star Richie Humphreys notched a treble inside 58 minutes either side of the break - Tommy Widdrington also putting Swansea to the sword. But former Barry Town man Eifion Williams, Adam Boyd, Darrell Clarke and Widdrington were all guilty of 24-carat wastefulness - a point not lost on shell-shocked Vetch boss Brian Flynn. He conceded later: "We could have been 5-0 down by half time in this game - Hartlepool were that much better than us." And on the dismissal of Richards, Flynn snapped: "He'll be disciplined internally. "The task up here against the League leaders was hard enough without us going down to 10 men," Flynn was equally decisive about his plans to replace injured Freestone in time for next Saturday's home Welsh derby with his former club Wrexham. He said: "We knew Roger would be suspended for this game. Plans are in place to rectify this situation." The 46-year-old Welshman was philosophical about this latest hammering and the fact that relegation rivals all picked up points. He said: "We will have setbacks along the way - it's something we've got to expect. "We must now take this defeat on the chin and bounce back quickly." Kevin Nugent, snapped up from Leyton Orient recently, had made the journey to the North and started in attack with Steve Watkin dropping to the bench. But the Swans never got out of the starting blocks and they found themselves trailing after only 11 minutes. Skating past Jason Smith, ex-Cardiff loan player Humphreys advanced before finishing via a post with a sweet left footer. It was the striker's seventh goal of the campaign and battered Swansea were being forced to funnel back into defence as rampant Hartlepool threatened to inflict damage at will. Williams and Boyd had both missed sitters before Clarke blazed over the bar. Then Richards decided to help Pool's cause with a ridiculous jab at Barron - Lincolnshire referee Neale Barry acting immediately. Swansea were grateful to be just one down at this stage, but they collapsed again in the 41st minute as Humphreys stabbed into an empty net. The Swans were ringing the changes soon after the restart as Gareth Phillips and James Thomas replaced Andy Mumford and John Williams. But events were darkening by the minute for Flynn's men as Freestone winced in agony with his back at the slightest move-ment. And his injuries clearly weren't helped as Humphreys leapt to bag his hat-trick on 69 minutes -Freestone fishing the strike out of his net. It was the 34-year-old's last act. Kris O'Leary came on for him as borrowed Manchester United youngster Alan Tate went into goal. But his first action was to watch Widdrington race through for a fourth goal 18 minutes from time. And it was a nautical pantomime in the closing stages as stand-in Tate almost gifted Pool a fifth - Boyd somehow touching wide of a gaping net when another goal looked certain.

Saturday, February 22, 2003 BE ON YOUR GUARD WARNS NEWELL

Hartlepool Mail HARTLEPOOL United manager Mike Newell today warned his championship contenders to watch out when the Swansea bandwagon rolls into town. Brian Flynn's side have been on a run of four wins, a draw and just one defeat in their last six matches and have moved from the bottom of the table to 19th spot. And, despite sitting comfortably 11 points clear at the top of the Nationwide Third Division table, Newell has warned the players not to get complacent tomorrow. He said: "They have done quite well and got the results over the last couple of weeks. We will be wary of them." Pools go into the match looking to make it 10 games unbeaten with their current run standing at seven wins and two draws. Strain And he knows their current status makes them sitting targets at the top of the table. He said: "People are expecting us to win because of ours and their positions but it doesn't always work like that. "Teams who are up there on more points challenging are going to come at us looking for a win which opens the game up more whereas some will be happy with a point." Lenny Johnrose returns to Victoria Park after leaving the club for Bury 10 years ago. Johnrose was signed by the club in the summer and is expected to return to the side after sitting out the 2-0 win over Cambridge United with a calf strain. He will replace Andrew Mumford in the Swans' three-man midfield. Flynn has managed to secure several players on loan from Premiership clubs including defender Alan Tate from Manchester United, striker Marc Richards from Blackburn, defender Leon Hylton (Aston Villa) and striker Craig Stiens (Leeds). West Ham's Leon Britton has been the Swans' best player so far with Flynn managing to secure the 20-year-old midfielder's services until the end of the season. Meanwhile, Gordon Watson will undergo a scan on Monday to assess the extent of the damage to his ankle. The striker was forced to come off an hour into Wednesday's reserve defeat at Scarborough suffering from a painful ankle. The former Southampton forward had been on the road to recovery after breaking his leg in September but it is not known how long this current complaint will set him back.

Saturday, February 22, 2003 Jones rooting for Swans revenge bid

Western Mail RESURGENT Swansea City will be looking to inch further away from the relegation dogfight this afternoon when they face Division Three runaway leaders Hartlepool United at Victoria Park. The Swans, who have won four and drawn one of their previous six league outings, will certainly be looking to avenge last season's 7-1 massacre in Hartlepool. That was a match that will haunt former Swans goalkeeper Jason Jones for the rest of his days. Jones deputised for Roger Freestone, who was sidelined with an ankle injury, when the Swans last travelled to Victoria Park, on April 13 last year, and the young `keeper ended up picking the ball out of the net seven times. The 23-year-old was released by the Swans not long after that thrashing in the North East and is now studying to become a physiotherapist at Swansea College. "That match at Hartlepool wasn't a nice day," he recalled. "I lost a lot of confidence. That experience convinced me that being a professional footballer wasn't for me." Jones may have long gone from the Vetch Field, but he will be looking out for the Swans' result at Hartlepool this afternoon. He still keeps in touch with former team-mates Andrew Mumford, Neil Sharp and Michael Howard and he still follows his former team's fortunes. The Hartlepool debacle was one of only three league outings Jones made last term. He joined the Swans in 1997, but was forever in Freestone's shadow. "The fans looked at that 7-1 defeat and thought, `Oh, it's because Roger wasn't playing. Jason was in goal,'" he added. "But they forget that there was no reserve football at Swansea. I could go two or three months without any match experience and then get thrown into the first team." The Swans were 2-1 down at half-time against Hartlepool, but the second half was a nightmare for Jones and his colleagues as a rampant Pool rammed five more past him. "I remember we were all looking forward to that trip because we were going to the PFA awards that week-end," said Jones. "But players didn't perform that day they way they should have performed and we ended up on the wrong side of a battering. "I didn't play well. I was feeling downhearted. I didn't think I wanted to be a professional goalkeeper any-more. "My heart just wasn't in it. By the time of the Hartlepool game I had made new plans for myself." Jones' Vetch farewell came a week later in what was the final game of the season - a 2-2 home draw against Torquay United. When former Swans player-coach Nick Cusack drew up a list of out-of-contract players he was releasing, Jones' name was on it. "I was half-expecting the news," he admitted. "I looked at my situation the previous Christmas and I just couldn't see myself staying in the game," said the former Wales Under-21 'keeper. "Even if I carried on playing until I was 35, I wouldn't have saved enough money to be able to retire. I thought the best thing I could do was to get an education so I had something in my pocket." Such was Freestone's dominance at the Vetch that Jones only made 10 league appearances during his five years at the club. "It might have worked out for me if I went to a different club but, at the same time, I'll always be grateful to Swansea for giving me a chance." Jones is hoping to return to football, first as a semi-professional goal-keeper and then as a physiotherapist.

Friday, February 21, 2003 Mumford looking that return

Western Mail ANDREW MUMFORD returns to Hartlepool United's Victoria Park tomorrow, the scene of the lowest point of his career so far. Last season the Swansea City midfielder scored one of his five league goals at this ground - but it couldn't even be described as a consolation goal since the Swans were massacred 7-1. Mumford is one of five survivors from the Swansea side, then managed by Nick Cusack, that was crushed by Hartlepool in the penultimate game of 2001-02. "That game was an all-time low in my career. It was a day to forget, a very bad day," said Mumford. "We were a disgrace. "Whether your a young player or an experienced one it's embarrassing to lose 7-1. We were all quiet on the coach journey back home."Everyone was quiet. I don't want to experience a coach trip like that again." April 13, 2002 is a date no Swansea fan cares to remember. Mumford's 26th-minute goal put the Swans level at Victoria Park, cancelling out Darrell Clarke's opener. But Clarke put Pool back in front on the stroke of half-time. After the break the floodgates opened with Eifion Williams, Adam Boyd, Gordon Watson and Kevin Henderson finding the net and Clarke completed his hat-trick. "It was very hard for any of us to show our faces in Swansea after a defeat like that," added Mumford. "It was embarrassing. I felt so sorry for our fans who made the long trip to Hartlepool. "We just didn't perform. It was a poor performance by the boys and, to be fair, Hartlepool took their chances. "We had a lot of problems at Swansea last season - there was the Tony Petty thing then Colin Addison and Peter Nicholas were sacked - but I don't think those things had anything to do with the performance. "We went up with a young side, we weren't playing well at the time and Hartlepool is always a tough place to go. "When I made it 1-1 I thought we had a chance of coming home with a point or maybe all three points. But they scored just before half-time and in the second half we were a disgrace. "I took a lot out of that Hartlepool match. I realised you can't sit back and relax. If you do, you'll get stuffed. I never want to lose 7-1 in my career again." Of the 14 Swans players who figured at Hartlepool last season only five remain at the Vetch - Mumford, Michael Howard, Gareth Phillips, Kris O'Leary and John Williams. Division Three runaway leaders Pool might be 11 points clear of second-placed Rushden & Diamonds, but Mumford is confident Brian Flynn's side can leave the North East with a win that will lift them further away from the relegation dogfight. The Swans have won four and drawn one of their last six league games. "Our confidence is really high at the moment. The gaffer has brought some great players to the club such as Roberto Martinez and I think we can turn Hartlepool over," he said. "It's a different game, we're a different team and I can promise you that we won't get beaten like that again. "We've shown we can match the top teams in this division. Everyone thought we were going to get stuffed at Rushden the other week but we drew 1-1."

Friday, February 21, 2003 SWANS FANS RUSH TO BACK LEON FOR THE BRITT AWARD

Evening Post Vote for Leon Britton - that's what Swansea City fans are urging. Britton, who has had an outstanding February, currently lies third in the rankings on the givemefootball.com website - the official site of the Professional Footballers' Association - for the Fans' Player of the Month award in the Third Division. Now the Vetch Field faithful are calling for supporters to log on and move the on-loan West Ham star to what they believe is his rightful place - No.1 in the charts. Britton has been instrumental in Swansea's turnaround in form which has seen them move out of the bottom two for the first time since Boxing Day and up to 19th place. He has won two Evening Post star choice awards this month already and has seven to his name altogether in 12 matches since signing the loan deal just before Christmas. Now the fans want him to be rewarded at national level. Britton is currently behind Chris Brass (York) and Torquay's Martin Gritton. With the help of Swansea fans, he could move up the list and if he does reach the top he will receive a hallmarked silver boot stud manufactured and supplied by Boodle and Dunthorne. And one fan could present him with the award if they vote, as one supporter is chosen by givemefootball.com for a VIP day at a home match where the monthly trophy is handed out. Meanwhile, Britton is part of director of football Brian Flynn's 18-man squad which will travel to take on leaders Hartlepool. Kevin Nugent, Terry Evans and Lenny Johnrose also make the trip. The team travel tomorrow morning for Saturday's game looking for their second win on the road. Swansea: Freestone, Evans, O'Leary, Smith, Tate, Howard, Martinez, Britton, Mumford, Johnrose, Williams, Watkin, Richards, Nugent, Hylton, Phillips, Stiens, Thomas. Holders Swansea have been drawn away at Welsh League side Briton Ferry in the semi-final of the West Wales Senior Cup. As in the quarter-final win over West End, Flynn is expected to take a young side to Old Road. In the other semi, League of Wales Carmarthen Town face Milford Haven.

Friday, February 21, 2003 DOUBLE BOOST FOR SWANS

Evening Post Influential duo Lenny Johnrose and Kevin Nugent could return to boost Swansea City's hopes on the long trip to runaway leaders Hartlepool this weekend. And Brian Flynn is also hoping that defensive pair Jason Smith and Terry Evans will recover from injuries sustained in last Saturday's win over Cambridge in time for the Victoria Park clash. ''Kevin only just failed a fitness test last Friday for the Cambridge game so we're keeping our fingers crossed that he'll be okay,'' said Swansea's director of football. ''We have gone easy on him in the early part of the week in an attempt to make sure he is right. We're also hopeful over Lenny, Jason and Terry.'' Nugent has missed Swansea's last three matches with hamstring trouble but is desperate to return this weekend to celebrate penning a deal on Monday which will keep him at Vetch Field until the end of the season . Powerhouse midfielder Johnrose limped off during the 3-0 reverse at Bourne-mouth eight days ago with a calf strain, while club skipper Smith hurt the same muscle last weekend. Evans would be the most remarkable inclusion in the north-east after he was stretchered off following Cambridge defender Fred Murray's two-footed lunge. ''Terry has improved dramatically and it's not as bad as we first thought. But he has jarred his knee so we'll have to wait and see if makes it,'' added Flynn. Winger Kieron Durkan (Achilles) definitely misses Hartlepool and is targeting a return against old-club Wrexham on St David's Day. But Flynn will face selection posers this weekend, particularly up front if Nugent returns. Steve Watkin scored at Macclesfield 11 days ago, while Marc Richards notched both goals in the Cambridge win. ''It's a nice selection headache. I'm quite happy to take the tablets for that kind,'' he added. Swansea received some unexpected good news yesterday when the booking picked up by Smith last weekend was rescinded. Referee Tony Leake carded the 28-year-old after a clash with Cambridge striker Omer Riza, but admitted he had ''acted hastily'' after viewing the match video. The same thing happened to Smith, who has three bookings against his name this season, after the FA Cup defeat at York back in December. He said: ''I'm extremely lucky as I could have been looking at a one-game ban.'' There was a further boost for Swansea last night when fellow strugglers Exeter crashed 5-2 at home to Kidderminster and slipped to the bottom of the table on goal difference. Macclesfield's home game with Leyton Orient was postponed because of a frozen pitch while Flynn will be hoping is old club Wrexham can do him a favour at Boston tonight. Bristol Rovers are also in action at Rochdale. Swansea's Under-18 team defeated Cardiff 1-0 at the Vetch yesterday, Antonio Corbisiero sending them through to the FAW Youth Cup semi-final with a winner in the last minute of extra time.

Thursday, February 20, 2003 Smith Has Another Booking Overturned

Teamtalk Swansea defender Jason Smith has had the booking he received in Saturday's win over Cambridge rescinded after the referee admitted he "acted hastily" in showing him the yellow card. The 28-year-old centre-back was cautioned for what appeared to be an innocuous clash with Us striker Omer Riza, but having studied video evidence of the game, official Tony Leake overturned his original decision. Smith was delighted with the news as he already has three bookings to his name this term and could have been on the verge of an automatic ban. He told the club's official website: "All I can say is I'm extremely grateful to Mr Leake for making this decision. I felt at the time the decision was a little harsh and this change of mind backs that view up." It is not the first time this season that Smith has had a booking rescinded by the referee after it also happened following the FA Cup clash with York back in December. Smith added: "It's not often a player is fortunate enough to have two bookings overturned in a season, so I know that I'm extremely lucky as I could have been looking at a one game ban by now."

Wednesday, February 19, 2003 Thank Evans, no serious injury

Western Mail SWANSEA CITY full-back Terry Evans feared his season had come to a premature end when he was stretchered off last weekend. Evans thought he had suffered cruciate ligament damage during Swansea's 2-0 home win over Cambridge after Fred Murray had caught him with a two-footed lunge. "After the tackle the first thing that went through my mind was, `That's me finished for the season.'" Evans, 27, revealed yesterday. "When I was being stretchered off my knee was numb. Then I could feel it, but I still thought I was seriously injured because of the pain I was in. "I was able to stand up after the match, although I couldn't walk over the weekend or train on Monday." But Evans trained yesterday and will go through his paces again today, putting him in contention for Saturday's trip to league leaders Hartlepool. "I haven't seen Murray's tackle on TV," he said, "but those who have told me it was a bad tackle. "I remember we were both running towards each other because we were both going for the ball. I kicked the ball with my right leg and he caught my left. "It must have been a bad challenge because my left leg was two yards away from my right. "But I got off lightly. I could so easily be out for the season - and if the injury was more serious then I wouldn't be laughing now." A year ago Evans' season came to a sudden halt when he suffered a broken jaw against Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road after an elbow caught him in the face. The Swans have won four and drawn one of their last six league matches and have risen from bottom of Division Three to 19th. "Our confidence is high, but we're still in trouble so we've got to keep the run going," said Evans. "However, now it's in our own hands. It would be frightening to think what our situation would be like if we hadn't gone on this run." Swans captain Jason Smith has had the yellow card he picked up against Cambridge wiped out by referee Tony Leake. The centre-half was booked in the 84th minute for over-reacting to a challenge by Omar Riza. But Leake spoke to Swans director of football Brian Flynn on Monday to request a video of the match and has concluded that he had "acted hastily" in booking Smith. "All I can say is that I'm extremely grateful to Mr Leake for this decision," Smith told the club's official website yesterday. "I felt at the time that the decision was a little harsh and this change of mind backs up that view." It's the second time this season that Smith has had a yellow card rescinded - referee Ray Olivier erased a booking for ungentlemanly conduct during the 2-1 FA Cup defeat at York City last November.

Tuesday, February 18, 2003 Nugent stays to keep firing Swans' revival

Western Mail KEVIN NUGENT yesterday ended the uncertainty surrounding his future by signing for Swansea City until the end of the season. The 33-year-old striker, who has scored three goals in four outings for Brian Flynn's side, initially joined the Swans on a month's loan from Division Three rivals Leyton Orient and that loan spell expired yesterday. The former Cardiff City player - who moves to the Vetch Field on a free transfer - was expected to complete the deal last Friday before it hit a last-minute snag. Following Saturday's 2-0 win over Cambridge, Flynn admitted Hull City were keen on prising the striker away from the Vetch - but Nugent decided to remain with the resurgent Swans. "I'm absolutely delighted Kevin has signed for us," said Flynn. "He's an experienced professional who knows how to lead the forward line. "He has scored goals wherever he has been and he works very hard. All these ingredients make a good striker. "Yes, the transfer suffered a hiccup over the weekend and there was a doubt over whether it would go through. Until a player signs on the dotted line there's always a doubt." The Swansea revival - they have won four and drawn one of their last six league games - coincided with Nugent's arrival from Orient although the player has missed the last three games with a hamstring injury. Victories over Lincoln, Darlington, Macclesfield and Cambridge, as well as a draw against Rushden & Diamonds, have lifted the Swans from bottom spot to 19th place. Nugent, who is hoping to be fit for Saturday's tough trip to Third Division leaders Hartlepool, told the club's official website there was no chance of him leaving the Vetch. "There were a couple of little things that we needed to sort out but it was always going to happen," he said. "I'm really pleased we've been able to tie-up everything and I'm delighted that I've been able to finalise the move. "What I've got to do now is concentrate on making sure I'm fit for what is a very tough game at Hartle-pool so that I can be in contention for a place. "In fairness, the forwards have done very well in the games I've missed so I can't take it for granted that I'm going to play if I'm fit." And Nugent is hoping to stay with the Swans beyond the current campaign. "We've got to make sure we stay up. There's no point looking beyond that. It's vital we win that fight," he said. "We're in the middle of a good run but no one is getting carried away. We know there's still a lot of work to do. "But should we stay up then I'm hoping that I'll do enough to convince the decision makers that I'm worth a new contract." Right-back Terry Evans, who was stretchered off against Cambridge after a two-footed lunge by Fred Murray, is hopeful of playing at Hartlepool. Flynn feared the defender had suffered a serious injury but the 27-year-old was yesterday back training with his team-mates.

Tuesday, February 18, 2003 Fitness boost for Evans

Teamtalk Swansea star Terry Evans should be fit to face Hartlepool on Saturday despite leaving the field on a stretcher in the 2-0 win over Cambridge. A crunching two-footed challenge from Fred Murray left Evans in a crumpled heap and sparked fears he had suffered a serious injury. But the 27-year-old defender was able to take part in training on Monday and should make a full recovery for the clash against the Third Division pacesetters. He told the club's official website: "It was very painful on Saturday and I did think that it was serious, but it's eased considerably since then and there's not really a problem."

Monday, February 17, 2003 Swans Flynn confident Nugent will stay

Western Mail BRIAN FLYNN insists Kevin Nu-gent does not want to walk out on Swansea City's fight for Football League survival - despite attracting the interest of at least one other club. Fears that Nugent's permanent switch to the Vetch had collapsed were fuelled by weekend speculation linking him with a move to one of Swansea's Third Division rivals. Flynn confirmed that Peter Taylor's Hull City were keen on snatching the Leyton Orient striker, while Bristol Rovers and Southend were also rumoured to be interested following Nugent's impressive loan spell in South Wales. Concern mounted as the Swans recorded another magnificent home win - which Nugent missed because of his hamstring problem - to reach the dizzy heights of 19th in Division Three. But, while refusing to explain why Nugent's free transfer from Leyton Orient stalled late last week, Flynn suggested the 33-year-old targetman was not considering a move elsewhere. "There has been interest from Hull, but I don't think Kevin has had second thoughts about joining us," said the director of football. "The move hit a snag, but it can be overcome. I'm keen to resolve it and, to be fair, so is Kevin. "I still want to sign him, but sometimes these things take time. When you enter into negotiations with a player, both parties must be happy with the eventual outcome. I'm sure we can arrive at that." The hitch Flynn refers to could centre on concerns about the former Cardiff City striker's fitness. Nugent has missed the Swans' last three games with the ham-string injury he sustained against Darlington and the club would doubtless be reluctant to commit to a player who is likely to spend much longer on the sidelines. Whatever the issue, Flynn must work fast to resolve it since Nugent's one-month loan spell at the Vetch expires tonight. "I'm keeping my fingers crossed that something can be completed," he said. Not that Swansea are doing too badly in Nugent's absence. Saturday's success - secured following two goals from the on-loan Blackburn Rovers striker Marc Richards - obliterated the disappointment of the 3-0 setback at Bournemouth as the Swans put their revival firmly back on track. Just four weeks after defeat at York left them six points adrift of safety in 24th place, the Swans are six places off the bottom having recorded four victories in the last six league games. A remarkable turn-around, yet -with the class of players such as Leon Britton and Roberto Martinez beginning to tell - Swansea appear capable of taking it further and finishing the season in mid-table. Flynn, however, is erring on the side of caution just for now, maintaining the Swans' fight to avoid relegation to the Conference will go right to the wire. "I understand the feelings that good results like these generate," he said. "But we can't consider the word comfortable. We still have to be cautious and definitely not complacent. Confidence in the dressing room is high, but I won't allow it to get too high because we've still only got 31 points. "And I still think there will be a yo-yo effect between now and the end of the season. "After 20 games I said to the players that are our form would need to be as good as a top-six side to get out of the situation we were in. "They're starting to show that now and we have to maintain it. Our form over the last few weeks - particularly at home - has been very good, but we still need at least another four wins and that might have to be reassessed later in the season. "Right now, though, I'm concentrating on the game at Hartle-pool at the weekend. That'll be tough because they're flying high at the top of the league, but we'll go into it with a degree of confidence." Flynn's decision to drop the out-of-form James Thomas - which meant the side did not contain a single Nick Cusack signing - paid off as Richards came in from the cold to treble his Swans tally since arriving at the Vetch in November. The first half was utterly forgettable, but the game lit up after the break when Richards slotted home from close range after Cambridge goalkeeper Shaun Marshall had parried Steve Watkin's header. Swansea sealed the win following another moment of brilliance from Martinez. The Spaniard showed great vision when he spotted Richards making a run into the box and threaded a fabulous pass through for him. A delightful lob over Marshall gave Richards his second goal and left the Wolverhampton-born striker, whose first Swansea strike came in the 2-0 win against Shrewsbury in November, desperately hoping to get a run in the side. "I was surprised to be included against Cambridge because I haven't started a game for a few weeks," he said. "And it was a relief to get the goals as I haven't scored since my second match which seems like a long time ago. "Since I arrived, the competition for places has got stronger because the manager has brought in some quality players to give the squad more depth. "To be honest, it's been a bit frustrating for me to come to Swansea on loan and then find myself not being involved. "I was dropped after the Bury game and rightly so because my performance was poor. "But I've been doing a few extra bits and pieces in training and I think I've showed the fans more of what I can do. "I think the hard work I've put in has paid off." Saturday's victory was marred by a vicious two-footed lunge on Terry Evans by Cambridge defender Fred Murray who, astonishingly, escaped with just a yellow card. The tackle has left Evans with suspected knee ligament damage, the full extent of which will become clear when he has an X-ray. "We're not sure yet how long Terry will be out for, but it's an injury we could've done without," said Flynn, who also has Kieron Durkan and Lenny Johnrose on the treatment table. "But Kris O'Leary came on and did a good job for us. It's possible he could fill there in for a while."

Sunday, February 16, 2003 Swans on the up

Wales on Sunday SWANSEA City manager Brian Flynn can finally relax, albeit briefly, after his side climbed out of the bottom two for the first time since November. A 2-0 victory over Cambridge United wasn't vintage, but Flynn won't care. He is proving his doubters wrong at last and 13 points from the last six games speaks for itself. In fact, that's championship form and a certain Lennie Lawrence would have been more than happy with a similar return from his side's last six games. The only negative, on an otherwise great afternoon for Swansea City, was a second-half injury suffered by Terry Evans. Evans was the victim of an awful tackle by Cambridge United defender Fred Murray five minutes into the second half. Murray lunged in two footed on the Swansea defender with the ball miles away. The pain on Evans's face was clear to see and the concern of his team mates was immediately evident. It is likely to be some time before the Swansea City defender plays first-team football again. The early prognosis is that Evans has knee ligament damage but the full extent of his injury won't be known until an X-ray is completed. Unbelievably, Cambridge United's Fred Murray only received a yellow card for the `challenge' when many expected red. But that injury to Evans shouldn't take too much of the gloss off an important win. While many teams at the foot of the third division have been stuttering in their battle to avoid the drop, Swansea have risen to the challenge. And Brian Flynn must take a lot of the credit, for the former Wrexham manager has completely overhauled the Swansea team. In fact, for the first time this season the Swansea team contains none of the play-ers signed by former manager Nick Cusack. Even the ever-present but short of form James Thomas was left on the bench and he was the only player from the Cusack era in yesterday's squad. There was also no place for on-loan Leyton Orient striker Kevin Nugent, whose arrival at the Vetch sparked Swansea's recent revival. The former Cardiff City striker still hasn't recovered from the hamstring injury he suffered in Swansea's 1-0 victory over Darlington a fortnight ago. But in his absence, Steve Watkin, Marc Richards and John Williams did a sterling job with Richards grabbing a brace to fire his side to glory. They were Richards's first goals since his strike against Shrewsbury in late November. Swansea won that game 1-0 and ironically that was the last time they were out of the bottom two. Brian Flynn's side started the brighter and appeared to have an early lead. Marc Richards escaped his marker and fired the ball low into the back of the net from a tight angle. However, the on loan Blackburn Rovers striker was adjudged to be offside and that effort was ruled out. The disallowed goal appeared to wake Cambridge United up and they then produced three clear cut opportunities which would have given them the lead. But every time they looked destined to hit the back of the net, Swansea somehow found a way to keep them at bay. First on 25 minutes, veteran keeper Roger Freestone superbly tipped Dave Kitson's vicious shot around the post for a corner. Then five minutes later, a last ditch Terry Evans' tackle prevented Tom Youngs from hitting the back of the net and then five minutes before half time Kitson was again denied, this time by a Michael Howard tackle. Just before the break, Swansea had a great chance to take the lead but John Williams showed poor composure and blasted straight at Shaun Marshall when a shot either side of the Cambridge United keeper would have resulted in a goal. The second half was largely disrupted by the injury to Evans with play being held up for nearly seven minutes. During that time United obviously lost their concentration because after the restart Swansea were ahead just two minutes later. Richards blasted home from close range after Marshall had parried Watkin's header. After that goal Cambridge never looked like getting back into the game and Richards made the game safe with ten minutes remaining. The on loan striker timed his run to perfection, beating the off side trap and lobbed home from 18 yards out to give the Swans a 2-0 lead. Leon Britton had a chance in the final minute of the game to make it three but the on-loan West Ham midfielder dragged his shot wide from six yards out with the goal at his mercy. It didn't matter though as Swansea still won the game to finally climb out of the relegation zone - and into 19th place.

Friday, February 14, 2003 ITALIANS ON MENU AT VETCH

Evening Post Wales's Six Nations Championship opener with Italy tomorrow will be shown at Vetch Field so Swansea City fans can catch the action. Supporters will be able to watch coverage from Rome in all the ground's bars and are being encouraged to arrive early for the 1.30pm kick-off. Having slashed ticket prices for their last two home games and attracted 5,000-plus crowds, Swansea's owners are hoping for another big turnout tomorrow. As it is Valentine's weekend, admission for females in all parts of the ground is free and all those who turn up will get a free gift at the turnstile. There will be entertainment on the pitch courtesy of the dancing girls from the Ice Bar in Wind Street, while anyone who buys a programme will get the chance to win a prize from The Travel House. ''We hope the fans will respond to what we're doing by turning up in their numbers and helping the team get back to winning ways,'' said a club spokesman.

Friday, February 14, 2003 KEV'S THE MAN, SAYS LOAN STAR BRITTON

Evening Post Leon Britton has hailed the signing of Kevin Nugent saying it could go a long way to the survival that Swansea seek. Nugent was complete the signing of a deal that will keep him at the Vetch until the end of the season this morning and Britton reckons that's great news for the club. ''If you just look at the goals he's scored three goals in his last four outings then it has to be good for the team. ''Anyone who scores goals like Nug does has to be a boost, especially for a side which is near to the bottom of the league.'' Britton, who has caught the eye with seven man-of-the-match displays since his loan signing from West Ham, is hoping that the big targetman can shake off his hamstring injury and return to the side tomorrow against Cambridge. The 20-year-old has revelled in his midfield role and reckons a lot of his outstanding form is down to the 33-year-old fellow Londoner. ''It will be great to have Nug back,'' said Britton, who has set up two of Nugent's goals with crosses. ''The thing about him is he holds the ball up well. That means I can make my runs from midfield. ''We have missed him a little bit. ''Steve Watkin did well at Macclesfield and scored and he also did well at Bournemouth but we need more goals. ''Hopefully we can have him back tomorrow.'' Britton, who shook off a foot injury in midweek to put in another top performance at the Fitness First Stadium in midweek, says Cambridge will provide just as tough a test as Bournemouth, although he believes the Cherries were flattered by the 3-0 scoreline. ''If you look at Cambridge's results they score a lot of goals,'' he said. ''They won 5-0 against Shrewsbury last week, obviously our first job will be to stop them from scoring. ''But if we can do that then maybe they have a weakness at the back and we can look at that.'' Meanwhile, in conjunction with main sponsors The Travel House, the club are offering fans the opportunity of winning a £100 Travel House voucher, a Swans shirt of their choice, white, yellow or black, and a signed football. The prizes will go to the supporters whose names are drawn out during the next home game, against Wrexham on St David's Day, March 1. All supporters have to do is purchase a copy of the matchday programme at the Cambridge game, fill in the Travelhouse voucher form and take it to the club shop, where staff will take the details. The closing date for entry into the competition is Wednesday, February 26. Six names will be drawn on St. David's Day, with the main prize being the voucher, plus the shirt of your choice and there will be five runners-up prizes of signed footballs. Swansea fans can also go on a mini weekend break to Torquay with the official travel club next month. Brian Flynn's men travel to the Devon Coast on March 8 and there are a few tickets left to travel down for the wekend. The cost is £40 for bed and breakfast and tickets are available from the club shop or by ringing Ugo Vallerio on 07876 133428.

Friday, February 14, 2003 FLYNN: NUGENT IS KEY TO SURVIVAL

Evening Post Brian Flynn has identified Kevin Nugent as key to Swansea City's survival plans after sealing a deal to keep him at Vetch Field for the rest of the season. The on-loan Leyton Orient striker completed the move today after agreeing terms with Swansea yesterday afternoon. And after hailing Nugent's line-leading qualities, Flynn challenged the former Cardiff targetman to earn himself a longer stay at the Vetch. ''It's sorted now and I'm extremely happy about that,'' said Swansea's director of football. ''Kevin's goals-per -game ratio since he arrived (three in four league starts) is excellent and he is a very important player to us. ''He is the key without a doubt because we don't have anyone else like him. ''We have got him until the end of the season, but Kevin's a very young 33 and it's up to him now to go on and win a contract for next season.'' Nugent faces a late fitness test ahead of tomorrow's home clash with Cambridge (3pm) having missed Swansea's last two outings with hamstring trouble. Flynn rates his chances as good. Winger Kieron Durkan (Achilles) and midfield enforcer Lenny Johnrose (calf) seem certain to miss out, meaning on-loan Aston Villa youngster Leon Hylton could be set for his second Swansea start, while Lee Jenkins and Gareth Phillips look the two most likely to fill in for Johnrose. Club skipper Jason Smith will play despite hurting a knee in the midweek defeat at Bournemouth. ''We lost 3-0 on Tuesday, but I felt we were a threat and had one or two chances,'' added Flynn. ''What we need is for people to get in the box with a willingness to score. ''I think everyone is desperate for James (Thomas) to get a goal. He hit the post at Bournemouth after doing well to get his shot in and he is working hard to break his drought. I'm sure that, as is always the case with strikers, once he gets one goal plenty more will come.'' Thomas's chance may come tomorrow against a Cambridge side who are lethal going forward, but are in the midst of a defensive injury crisis. With all but one of his centre-backs crocked, boss John Taylor has taken Cambridge-born ex-Swan Dave Theobald on non-contract terms.

Thursday, February 13, 2003 GIVE HER A TREAT AT THE VETCH

Evening Post Love is in the air this weekend as the whole country goes Valentine mad and Swans fans will be no different as again they plunge headlong into the fray in the continuing love affair with Swansea City. Cambridge are the visitors to the Vetch this weekend and the club, buoyed by success in recent matches, which have seen crowds of 5,000-plus attending the last two home games, have designated Saturday as Ladies Day. This is a joint Club/Trust initiative, with Trust member Roger Bell providing the working title ''And all because the Lady loves Swansea City.'' With crowds now seemingly behind the club as the team valiantly fights the prospect of relegation, Saturday will offer the male fans the opportunity to bring the lady in their life to the Vetch to gain fee admission with the added bonus of a surprise gift, too. Swansea City needs everybody's support, both now and in the future so come on, bring your wives, girlfriends, mothers, sisters, aunties and help the Swans to another victory on the road to Third Division safety. The Trust is still looking to appoint a secretary to the Trust Board. This is an unpaid position but extremely important to the future smooth running of the Trust. Applications are sought from any interested person. More information can be obtained by contacting us on the usual numbers. Finally, the draft blueprint outlining the Board's proposals for the Trust's future development, will shortly be circulated to all members for comment and perusal. The Trust can be contacted in the usual ways - phone Debbie Rees on 07977 382328 (9am-10pm), write to Swansea City Supporters' Trust, PO Box 314, Swansea SA1 7XB, or e-mail debbie.rees@swanstrust.com

Wednesday, February 12, 2003 Swans fall to late double-whammy

Western Mail SWANSEA CITY'S revival came shuddering to a halt last night as two late penalties consigned them to a crushing 3-0 defeat at promotion hopefuls Bournemouth. The Swans, missing the chance to move out of the bottom two of Division Three, were heading for a slender 1-0 defeat until the match twisted dramatically in Bournemouth's favour in a frantic climax. Trailing to James Hayter's first-half strike, Swansea conceded two penalties in quick succession - in the 88th and 90th minutes - when both Roger Freestone and Jason Smith brought down Marcus Browning. Cherries substitute Gareth O'Connor twice beat Freestone, whose foul on Browning means he will miss the Welsh derby against Wrexham on March 1 after collecting a fifth booking. And, with Freestone having no understudy, Swans director of football Brian Flynn revealed plans to bring in a goalkeeper on loan. "We were planning to bring in another experienced keeper anyway, but now we'll have to do it before the Wrexham game," he said. "It was never going to be the case that we'd go into the final 14 games of the season without a back-up for Roger." The penalty giveaway soured an otherwise impressive performance from the ever-present Freestone, who made a couple of key saves to prevent Bournemouth claiming more goals. Though Swansea failed to repeat the performance that swept aside Macclesfield last Saturday, they deserved a point from this game after producing a confident, battling first-half display. But Flynn moaned, "We didn't build on that after the break. In fact, we didn't look a threat, and had just one real chance. "That said, the result was not a true reflection of the game. People who weren't at the game will look at the 3-0 scoreline and assume we fell apart, but that didn't happen. "We've lost our four-game un-beaten run, but we must simply bounce back and go on another one - starting against Cambridge on Saturday." But Swansea could be without Len ny Johnrose after the midfielder limped off with a calf strain just before the interval. It was against the Cherries that Swansea recorded their first victory of the season, goals from Andrew Mumford and Jamie Wood giving them a 2-0 win at The Vetch on August 24. But last night only four players who started that match - Freestone, Michael Howard, Terry Evans and James Thomas - ran out at the Fit-ness First Stadium as part of Flynn's re-modelled Swans side. The former Wrexham manager made two changes to the team that thumped Macclesfield 3-1 on Saturday. Leon Hylton, on his debut, played wide on the left after Kieron Durkan picked up an Achilles injury in training and, as expected, Kris O'Leary returned to the bench as Alan Tate reclaimed his place following suspension. Having already been stripped of the club captaincy this season and ousted from the first-team since Tate's arrival, it was yet another snub for the un-fortunate O'Leary. But for Steve Watkin, scorer of Swansea's first goal at Moss Rose, there was another chance to impress Flynn in the continued absence of Kevin Nugent. It was Bournemouth, though, who made a menacing start. Working the ball smoothly across an immaculate surface, the Cherries twice came close in the opening 10 minutes when midfielder Carl Fletcher sent two headers just over Freestone's crossbar. There was a moment of controversy in the 25th minute when Bournemouth striker James Hayter appeared to foul Smith as he latched onto Steve Fletcher's nod-down. But the referee waved away the appeals and Hayter raced on into the box and fired into the side-netting. If that was the home side's best chance, Swansea's came moments later. Leon Britton, outwitting his marker in trademark fashion, chipped in a left-foot cross and Thomas, with his right boot, struck the post. Just when it seemed Swansea had done enough to go into the break level, they nodded off at the back and allowed Bournemouth to score in first-half stoppage time. The Swans defenders froze like statues as Browning knocked the ball in and Hayter slotted past Freestone. That was harsh on the visitors, who had lost Johnrose moments earlier, but there was no time to dwell on it after the interval as the Cherries laid siege to Freestone's goal. In a frantic opening to the second-half, the veteran keeper made a magnificent flying save to deny Carl Fletcher and Howard had to clear a ferocious Browning effort off the line. Flynn, whose side were missing Johnrose's muscular presence, attempted to force an equaliser by throwing on John Williams for Hylton and Marc Richards for Thomas, switching from 4-4-2 to 4-4-3. Richards should have pulled the Swans level when Howard delivered a tantalising ball across the face of goal, but the on-loan Blackburn striker side-footed wide of Neil Moss's left-hand post from point-blank range. This was not Swansea's night. That was confirmed two minutes from time when Bournemouth won the benefit of a debatable penalty decision. Freestone pulled down Browning and, though the striker was running away from goal, referee Mick Fletcher awarded the spot-kick which was smashed home by O'Connor. Swansea supporters watched on in disbelief when, deep into stoppage time, Smith curtailed Browning's run to earn Bournemouth a second penalty in the space of four minutes, the defender injuring himself in the process. O'Connor beat Freestone again with the final kick of the game.

Tuesday, February 11, 2003 Buxton deal is clinched

Bournemouth Echo CHERRIES boss Sean O'Driscoll has completed the signing of defender Lewis Buxton for a second month on loan. Buxton will now be available for Cherries' next six league games, starting with the visit of Division Three rivals Swansea to Dean Court (February 11, 7.45pm kick-off). The 19-year-old defender has made five league and cup appearances since joining Cherries from Portsmouth last month and turned in an accomplished display during Saturday's 2-0 win over Wrexham. Buxton's first month on loan expired following Cherries' victory over the Red Dragons, but Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has agreed to let him stay at Dean Court, at least until Saturday March 8.

Tuesday, February 11, 2003 Come back down to earth, says Martinez

Western Mail ROBERTO MARTINEZ insists Swansea City must "come back down to earth" if their Third Division revival is to continue at Bournemouth tonight. The Spanish midfielder, a sensation since his arrival from Walsall last month, helped Swansea stretch their unbeaten run to four games with a wonder goal in Saturday's 3-1 win at Macclesfield Town. But 29-year-old Martinez fears the Swans' resurgence could come to an abrupt halt if they allow the win to go to their heads. "We need to keep our feet on the ground," he said. "It was a fantastic victory, but we can't afford to get carried away. We must come back down to earth before we face Bournemouth. "It's going to be a massive job but if we approach it in the right manner, we can do well. We must focus on what we've got to do." Nonetheless, Martinez believes Swansea, who could climb six places off the bottom with a win at the Fitness First Stadium, head to the south coast with confidence higher than its been all season. "In our position (in the relegation zone), it's sometimes hard to feel confident," said the former Wigan and Motherwell midfielder. "But look at what we've achieved in the last four games: three fantastic wins against Lincoln, Darlington and Macclesfield and a great draw at Rushden & Diamonds. "And the crucial thing about the Macclesfield game is that we started to enjoy playing football. "We also showed great character. Having gone a goal up, we were annoyed to let them draw level. But we didn't collapse; we came back and took control." Damage limitation would probably have been Swansea's objective had the trip to Bournemouth survived the wet weather on New Year's Day, such was their wretched run of results at the time. But Brian Flynn's side have staged such an incredible comeback over the past three weeks that they can now expect to extract at least a point from the re-arranged contest. "There's no reason why we can't get something from this game," said Martinez. "As I said, confidence is higher than it's been for a long while - the Macclesfield result has given everyone a great feeling - and, with the supporters behind us, we know we can keep climbing the table. "But we have to be sensible about how we do it. As well as playing attacking football, we have to defend well. "It was a balanced performance against Macclesfield and we must do the same at Bournemouth. We must keep up our concentration levels." Swansea will again be without Kevin Nugent, though director of football Brian Flynn hopes the on-loan Leyton Orient striker's hamstring problem will clear up before the weekend visit of Cambridge. That means Steve Watkin, who opened the scoring at Moss Rose with only his second goal of the season, will be handed another chance in attack alongside James Thomas and Kieron Durkan. But Kris O'Leary is expected to make way for Alan Tate, who is available again after serving a one-match ban. Flynn may hand on-loan Aston Villa defender Leon Hylton his Swans debut at left-back to give Michael Howard's hernia problem a rest. "It's so important we take the Macclesfield performance into this game," said Martinez, whose mid-field colleague Leon Britton hopes to win his fitness battle after picking up a foot injury at Macclesfield. FORMER Swans defender David Theobald will make a swift return to the Vetch on Saturday after signing for Cambridge United. The 24-year-old centre-half was released by Swansea last month.

Monday, February 10, 2003 Watkins super strike silences critics

Western Mail STEVE WATKIN hit back at his critics after scoring one of the most crucial goals of his career to help maintain Swans incredible revival. The former Wrexham striker - booed and jeered by a small section of fans in recent matches - responded to his detractors by providing the catalyst for Swansea's first away win in the league for 12 months. As if that was not enough to produce a collective sigh of relief, it helped to stretch the resurgent Swans' unbeaten run to four games, lifting them off the bottom of Division Three for the first time in 2003. Watkin's 41st-minute effort - along with a Jason Smith header and a sensational goal-of-the-season strike from the outstanding Roberto Martinez - continued Swansea's amazing fightback by bringing them level on points with the teams above the drop zone. And for the man himself, it was the perfect response to those who taunted him during the Swans' depressing run of six straight defeats. "It was a massive win for us and I was especially pleased with the part I played in it," said Watkin, who claimed his second goal of the season as a replacement for the injured Kevin Nugent. "I've been getting a bit of stick from certain quarters recently which isn't pleasant because it can knock your confidence. "Sometimes fans can be fickle, but they pay their money every week and are entitled to voice their opinions. "You've got to take things like that on the chin and bounce back. I've kept working hard and I think I've showed what I can do - it was probably my best performance of the season. "I've never stopped believing in my abilities and perhaps I have proved a few things to some people. "But then again, I've been in the game 14 years now, so whatever criticism I get is water off a duck's back to me." The 31-year-old, whose goal was his first since August since he has been on the fringes of the first team for most of the season, admitted, "This has probably been the toughest year of my career. "It's been difficult for me personally as I haven't played as often as I would've liked and it's been a bad season for the club. "But it has been a learning experience. And because I've been in the game so long, I've learned to take the rough with the smooth. I'll wait until the summer to see what happens to me but, as far as the club is concerned, the future is looking brighter. "The manager has virtually brought in his own team and four games unbeaten is testament to how things are improving. If anyone is going to get us out of trouble, it'll be him." Talk about coming back from the dead. Four weeks ago the Swans had one foot in the Nationwide Conference, but the spectre of non-league football is now receding by the game.

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