SWANSEA CITY'S latest hat-trick hero Brad Maylett last night celebrated with a blast at the snipers who said there was no life after Manchester United.

Maylett, who lines up for the Swans again in Wednesday night's attractive Carling Cup first round clash at Bristol City, says it's yet another opportunity to rubbish the sceptics.

The Manchester-born flyer, still only 22, was a kid when he was hurled on the Old Trafford scrapheap just seven years ago.

But he admits that the gruelling United sessions under England World Cup 1966 legend Nobby Styles stiffened his resilience and earned him a second chance at Burnley.

He reflected: "When you go to a club like Manchester United you have to face some very hard facts very early. I trained as a nine-year-old with 70 other kids. Only about 20 were ever going to be offered a chance to proceed.

"I'd been with going to United's Cliff for six years, finishing at 15.

"I think Styles took to me because I'd come from the same St Patrick's school in Manchester as him. He used to spend time on me and showed a special interest.

"Luke Chadwick was in the same group as me. Lee Roach - now at Burnley - was there too, as was Danny Webber and Wes Brown.

"Sir Alex Ferguson never encouraged people to have airs and graces. We'd see lads like David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes walking around the training ground on a regular basis. They weren't superstars, just ordinary guys. We were all at the Cliff then because Carrington hadn't been built."

But Maylett recalls the dark day he was wheeled into Ferguson's office. He said: "All the boys were taken in individually. Fergie was sitting there with his youth coaches. It wasn't good news for me, but I kept telling myself I still had age on my side.

"I knew I had to stay strong mentally and physically. Professionalism was ground into me at a very early age at United."

But Maylett's career was rescued at Turf Moor - the Clarets moving in quickly as Stoke hovered. "I was 16 and back on track. Chris Waddle offered me YTS terms before Stan Ternent took over," he says.

"It was an exciting time for me. Stan was a real character, but was hell bent on turning the football club around. He was ruthless and booted out a lot of players who he was convinced couldn't cut the mustard."

Burnley secured First Division soccer within 12 months of ex-Bury manager Ternent seizing the reigns. But after almost 50 starts from the bench Maylett's future was already in the hands of a visiting coach.

He said: "I find myself at Swansea now. I'm happy to have signed a one-year deal with an option for another 12 months. But maybe all this can be traced back to the time Brian Flynn took the training at Burnley. He lives in the town and used to come to Turf Moor to take the boys training after he left Wrexham. It was then I got to really know and respect him.

"In my own mind I believe Brian will make me a better player. I'm quick, but I need to channel the speed correctly."

Maylett is part of extensive change at the Vetch. The club's playing staff has been comprehensively re-shuffled following a campaign that saw them cheat the Nationwide Conference on the final day of the season.

Alongside the wide man other new additions include West Ham midfielder Leon Britton, Aston Villa left back Leon Hylton, Wrexham strikers Lee Trundle and Karl Connelly, plus Manchester City goalkeeper Brian Murphy.

Former Cardiff predator Kevin Nugent has also re-forged Swan links - with Lenny Johnrose, experienced stopper Roger Freestone and Kris O'Leary.

Maylett said: "We had an excellent pre-season and really worked hard on the tour in Holland. We are looking very fit, but maybe the biggest aspect was familiarity.

"So many of the lads were on loan at Swansea last season.

"Technically it's virtually a new squad - except it's not! There is a fantastic spirit amongst the boys already."

SWANSEA CITY winger Brad Maylett, who hit a hat-trick yesterday, has blasted all the snipers who insist there's no life after Manchester United.
Maylett lines up for the Swans in Wednesday night's attractive Carling Cup first round clash at Bristol City - and it's yet another opportunity to rubbish the sceptics. The Manchester-born flyer, still only 22, was a kid when he was hurled on the Old Trafford scrap heap just seven years ago.

But he admits that the gruelling United sessions under England World Cup 1966 legend Nobby Styles stiffened his resilience and earned him a second chance at Burnley. He reflected: "When you go to a club like Manchester United you have to face some very hard facts very early.

I trained as a nine-year-old with 70 other kids. Only about 20 were ever going to be offered a chance to proceed.

"I'd been going to United's Cliff training ground for six years, finishing at 15. I think Styles took to me because I'd come from the same St Patrick's school in Manchester as him.

He used to spend time on me and showed a special interest. "Luke Chadwick was in the same group as me. Lee Roach - now at Burnley - was there too, as was Danny Webber and Wes Brown.

"Sir Alex Ferguson never encouraged people to have airs and graces. We'd see lads like David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes walking around the training ground on a regular basis - they weren't superstars, just ordinary guys.

We were all at the Cliff then because Carrington hadn't been built." Maylett eventually got the bad news from Fergie but his career was rescued at Turf Moor.

"I was 16 and back on track. Chris Waddle offered me YTS terms before Stan Ternent took over." Now he has moved on to the Swans and says: "There is a fantastic spirit here."

Swansea City

(Probable) Freestone, Jones, O'Leary, Johnrose, Howard, Maylett, Britton, Martinez, Connolly, Nugent, Trundle

Subs (from): Murphy, Hylton, Thomas, Coates, Durkan, Duffy

Player to watch: Lee Trundle, Having whetted the appetite of Swans fans with some stunning pre-season displays, all eyes will be on the former Wrexham ace to produce in the league

What they say: Brian Flynn, "There will be a lot of expectant people at the Vetch and it's important we get the season off to a positive start."

Bury

(Probable) Garner, Barrass, Strong, Unsworth, Woodthorpe, Singh, Duxbury, Clegg, Connell, Seddon, O'Neil

Subs: Preece, Swailes, Kennedy, Porter, Nugent

Player to watch: Lee Duxbury: A summer signing from Oldham, Bury hope the experienced central midfielder will orchestrate another Gigg Lane promotion challenge

What they say: Bury manager Andy Preece, "The expectation levels will be high at Swansea, there will be a big crowd at the Vetch and it's going to be tough for us."

Form guide: While Swansea escaped relegation on the final day, Bury finished seventh but missed out on promotion after defeat against Bournemouth in the play-off semi-final

Bookie's corner: Jack Brown - Swansea to win 5-4; Bury to win 7-4; Draw 9-4

Mouth-waterer: James Thomas to score first and Swans to win 2-1, 33-1

BRIAN FLYNN admits he can't remember the last time he felt so excited about the start of a new season.

Flynn leads his revitalised Swansea City side into today's opener against Bury at the Vetch licking his lips at what lies in store over the next nine months.

That might sound a touch fanciful given the trauma of last season's relegation fight, but Flynn is adamant the club will never again find itself caught up in such drama.

And having laid the foundations by assembling a squad he believes can challenge at the other end of Division Three this term, the director of football is desperate to start building for a more prosperous future.

"You never lose that feeling of excitement just before the start of a new season," said Flynn. "The buzz is always there. But this year I'm more excited than I have been for a long while.

"And I think that's because I've managed to sign all the players I wanted to sign.

"Pre-season has been good, but I must admit I'm looking forward to watching them perform in the league.

"I'm excited because I believe we now have a squad capable of pushing towards the top of the table.

"Some people are predicting we will struggle again. I don't agree. We won't have a season like the last."

Listen to the good things being said about the players and you could be forgiven for thinking it was Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri talking.

Yet, in stark contrast to his Stamford Bridge counterpart, Flynn has introduced just two fresh faces to his squad for the new campaign.

When Swansea get under way at the Vetch this afternoon, former Wrexham pair Lee Trundle and Karl Connolly will be the only men who played no part in last season's great escape.

That's because Flynn has brought back most of those who saved the Swans from tasting relegation from the League for the first time.

Roberto Martinez, Leon Britton, Brad Maylett, Lenny Johnrose, Leon Hylton and Kevin Nugent and James Thomas are all back on board after being called up over the course of last season.

Add the return of Swansea stalwarts like Roger Freestone, Michael Howard, Lee Jenkins and Kris O'Leary - plus a promising mix of young talent - and Flynn believes he has a squad capable of going places.

"Signing up all those players has made it one of the most hectic pre-seasons I have known," said the former Wrexham manager.

"It all started when we held a staff meeting at 11am on Sunday, May 4 - the day after the Hull game - and it has been non-stop ever since.

"I feel it's been worthwhile. I've got most of the players I wanted and I think there are brighter times ahead."

Last season Flynn struggled to contain his disapproval at the playing staff he inherited when he took over from former player-coach Nick Cusack last September.

And he admits he has never rebuilt a squad in such a short time. "It's remarkable what we have done here," he said.

"In 12 years at Wrexham I built about four teams. A new team would emerge once every three or four years.

"And the same sort of thing has probably happened at Swansea down the years.

"But last season we built a new squad at Swansea in three or four months, culminating in the arrival of Roberto Martinez in February.

"Take into account the players who have come on board since then - Leon Hylton, Brad Maylett, Lee Trundle and so on - and we have assembled a good, strong squad in a very short space of time.

"But, credit to the players, they have gelled well on and off the pitch. Their spirit in the dressing room is tremendous."

After his self-imposed exile from the game left him with little to do but tend to the garden last summer, Flynn says he has thrived on his pre-season wheeling and dealing at the Vetch.

"Last summer was the first one in 30 years as a player or manager that I had off," said Flynn, who had left Wrexham in September 2001.

"So Kevin (Reeves) and I have enjoyed getting back to business this summer - even though it has been manic.

"And I have to say pre-season has gone as well as I could have hoped.

"We haven't gone overboard about results because they never really have a bearing on how you start the season.

"Having said that, you would much rather win games than lose them and we can't have any complaints on that score."

Flynn's men head into the new season after breezing through their warm-up campaign, winning five out of their six games, netting 22 goals and conceding just three.

But Flynn knows that will all count for nothing if the Swans do not get off to a good start against the Shakers today and Cheltenham in seven days' time.

"Two tough games to begin with," he said.

"Bury are one of the best sides in the division after reaching the play-offs last season, while Cheltenham will also be regarded as one of the favourites.

"But, if we perform well and get good crowds behind us again, I know that we are capable of beating anyone."

Flynn is expected to favour veteran Roger Freestone in goal, with Lenny Johnrose set to line up against his old club alongside Kris O'Leary in defence.

Lee Jenkins will miss the game through injury, meaning Stuart Jones is likely to fill in at right-back.

Up front, Kevin Nugent is tipped to get the green light ahead of James Thomas to partner Lee Trundle.

Flynn still hopes to hand trialist Andy Robinson a short-term contract, but the striker is suspended for the first two games of the season.

AS GOOD AS THE CLASS OF 2000! Roger Freestone believes Brian Flynn's Swansea City are as strong as the John Hollins side which won the Third Division title three years ago. And the veteran goalkeeper, who looks set to kick off his 13th season as Swansea's No. 1 on Saturday, reckons silverware must be the target this term with the likes of Roberto Martinez, Leon Britton and Lee Trundle on board.

"The gaffer has made a lot of good signings over the summer," said Freestone, one of a handful of survivors from the Championship year.

"And when you add them to some of the good players who were here already, I look at the squad and I think we should be challenging for honours.

"There's no way we should finish up like we did last year, having to win on the final day of the season just to stay in the league.

"And I don't think we will do because this squad is as strong as the one that won the title in 2000."

Wingers Kieron Durkan and Karl Connolly were confirmed as the latest new faces yesterday, both penning one-year deals.

Swansea's third pre-season trialist, Andy Robinson, could be offered a three-month contract before the weekend.

"Ask any player in Division Three right now and they will probably be thinking about promotion," added Freestone, who insists the leg problem which ruined his pre-season is now behind him.

"It's all very well saying it, now we've got to do it on the pitch.

"Things have gone pretty well in the friendlies so hopefully we can take that form into the season proper. We're all excited and optimistic about it."

Swansea City director David Morgan is calling on season ticket holders to bring a friend to Saturday's league opener with Bury. The club want a bumper crowd to give the team a massive boost for the new season and Morgan says with the new bring-a-friend scheme this is an ideal opportunity to up the attendance.

"Season ticket holders have a voucher in their books which allows them to bring a friend to a match for free," he said.

"What the club would like is for people to bring their mates to the Bury game.

"Why not bring an armchair fan? Someone who would not usually get to the Vetch.

"Maybe they would be more likely to come again if they enjoy themselves."

The club are asking those fans who want to take advantage of the bring-a-friend scheme to swap the tickets by 4pm tomorrow at the club shop to avoid congestion on Saturday.

Season ticket holders for the North Bank and East Terrace can also use their voucher for the Bury game to gain entry to the West Terrace.

Family tickets are available for the Data Cabs East Stand instead of the Family Stand this season.

Tickets must be purchased from the club shop prior to the match - tickets are not available on the turnstiles.

Meanwhile, the 20 per cent discount on the new replica home shirt to season ticket holders has been extended to August 23.

Swansea City have completed the signing of former QPR and Wrexham forward Karl Connolly.

Midfielder Kieron Durkan has also agreed a new 12-month deal after proving his fitness.

Connolly, 33, was released by Queens Park Rangers at the end of the season and has not played since last November because of injury.

But he scored 114 goals under Swansea boss Brian Flynn when he was in charge at Wrexham, before spending three years at Loftus Road.

"I'm really happy to be here at Swansea and can't wait for the season to start.

"If we do get off to a great start by winning most of our opening games, I'm sure that we'll do very well this season," Connolly told the Swans website.

Durkan, 29, joined the Swans from Rochdale in January but was restricted to just four starts last season.

Durkan also previously played under Flynn at Wrexham, as well as having spells at Stockport and Macclesfield Town.

Striker Andy Robinson, who has been on trial at the Vetch along with Connolly and Durkan, is to be offered a short-term contract as Flynn continues to assess him.

Flynn had also targeted a new central defender for his squad, but he has now ruled out a move before the start of the season.

That means Kristian O'Leary is the only fit, experienced centre-half at the club, with Jason Smith out of action for up to eight weeks.

But Flynn says he is happy that midfielder Lenny Johnrose and youngsters Leon Hylton and Stuart Jones can do a job at the back.

O'Leary gets used to new role

Swansea defender Kristian O'Leary admits it is strange being one of the elder statesmen at the Vetch Field.

The Port Talbot-born centre-back is about to begin his ninth season with the Swans but is still just 25.

''It is a bit strange being one of the senior players,'' O'Leary told the South Wales Evening Post.

''But I am one of the only ones left of the lads who came through with me (in the mid-90s).

''Lee Jenkins is still here and, although he had a spell away last year, Jonathan Coates is back now as well. And that's it.

''We were all relieved to be offered contracts in May, but unfortunately a few of my friends who I grew up with are not here.

"That's the nature of the game, though, and we just have to move on.''

O'Leary has been partnered at the heart of the Swansea defence in summer friendlies by 17-year-old Jamie Rewbury - one of several youngsters in the squad.

''I remember playing alongside Keith Walker when I was their age,'' O'Leary said.

''It's great to see them coming through and fitting straight in, and it's even better news that there are more back at the Vetch who are also looking impressive.

''Stuart Jones did very well when he came into the first team last year, so hopefully the others can do the same.''

SWANSEA CITY boss Brian Flynn last night ruled out bringing in another defender before the start of the season.

Flynn insists he is happy to go into Saturday's curtain-raiser against Bury at the Vetch with just one experienced centre-half - Kris O'Leary - on board.

The director of football admits the fact club captain Jason Smith could miss the first eight weeks of the season means extra manpower is needed at the back.

But Flynn says he has no qualms about moving midfielder Lenny Johnrose into defence or fielding a youngster - either Leon Hylton or Stuart Jones - alongside O'Leary until he finds the right alternative.

"People keep asking me what I'm going to do about the defence before Saturday, but I'm not concerned about it," said Flynn.

"As I've said all along, I'm not going to bring someone in just for the sake of tiding us over.

"I had a couple of options open to me, but I haven't pursued them because I want to hang on for the right man.

"It's highly unlikely anything will happen before the weekend."

Flynn yesterday completed the signings of trialists Karl Connolly and Kieron Durkan on one-year contracts and hopes to have a third - striker Andy Robinson - in the squad for Saturday.

"Things are moving on with Andy and I would like him to be available for the Bury game," said Flynn.

"He's likely to be offered a short-term contract so that we can continue to have a look at him.

"Andy came recommended to us and hasn't looked out of place in pre-season.

"But a ball hasn't been kicked in anger yet and we need to assess how he gets on in Division Three."

Swansea have finally completed the signing of forward Karl Connolly.

The former QPR player has put pen to paper on a two-year deal at the Vetch.

Connolly links up again with manager Brian Flynn, under whom he enjoyed a successful spell at Wrexham during the 1990s.

Brian Flynn today ruled out the possibility of bringing Andrew Mumford back in from the cold to solve Swansea City's defensive crisis. The Welsh Under-21 international was told he could leave on a free transfer at the end of last season despite having another year to run on his Vetch Field contract.

Mumford has so far failed to find a new club and remains on Swansea's payroll.

At his own request the 21-year-old - who can play in midfield or central defence - has trained with the Swansea squad this week, but director of football Flynn remains adamant that the former Llanelli man will not play for the club again while he is in charge.

"He is still being paid by us and he has trained with us," said Flynn.

"He trained with the kids while we were in Holland last week, but I told him that if he wanted to train he would do it with the professionals.

"He asked if he could come to training, and out of respect for him I said yes.

"But there's no way back into the first team for him."

Mumford has been linked with Oxford United, Yeovil and Raith Rovers during the summer but has so far failed to complete a move away from his hometown club.

For now, Swansea's player of the year of two seasons ago looks like starting the new season not playing at all.

"As far as I know there are no clubs in for him and I don't know what's going to happen," added Flynn, who has just one established centre-back, Kris O'Leary, available for Saturday's Third Division opener against Bury.

"What I do know, though, is that this situation is not good for him and it's not good for us."

A Swansea City Under-19s side beat Welsh League division two outfit Skewen 4-0 at Tennant Park last night.

Kieron Durkan today targeted a flying start to the new Third Division campaign after sealing a one-year Swansea City contract.

The former Stockport County player, who endured a frustrating spell at Vetch Field last term because of a persistent Achilles complaint, was due to sign a 12-month deal today after proving his injury problems are behind him during pre-season.

And the 29-year-old wideman, who previously worked with Brian Flynn at Wrexham, is now aiming to show Swansea's fans what he is capable of.

"I'm desperate to get myself into the side as much as possible," he said.

"And if I don't get in straightaway, I'll be pushing the lads who are in before me.

"There's a good feeling in the squad about what's ahead and I'm delighted to be part of it.

"Obviously we're looking for a much better season than last year - and the signs are good.

"There are some high-quality players here now so hopefully we can get off to the perfect start against Bury on Saturday."

Durkan was due at the Vetch today to put pen to paper along with another Wrexham old boy, Karl Connolly.

Connolly, released by QPR this summer, has agreed a one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months depending on appearances.

The future of Swansea's third pre-season trialist, Andy Robinson, is yet to be decided.

"His situation is ongoing," said director of football Flynn.

Swansea fans will have the chance to watch Saturday's curtain-raiser against Bury from the West Terrace, which is normally assigned to away fans.

Because the Shakers are expected to bring just 200 supporters, they will be housed in the Family Stand, said director David Morgan.

The new system could be employed for other games this season, depending on how many home and away fans are expected at games.

Swansea are anxious to avoid a repeat of events at last season's final-day meeting with Hull. Then, only a scattering of visiting fans occupied the 2,200 capacity away terrace, while the rest of the ground was sold out.

New stadium licensing rules have meant some close-season refurbishments at the Vetch.

As well as new seating in the East Stand, barriers have been installed on all terraced areas of the ground because supporters are no longer allowed to stand in uncovered sections. Despite the changes, the Vetch's capacity has risen to 13,500.

The club is appealing to fans to help spruce up the Vetch tomorrow night.

David Morgan said there is still a lot of cosmetic work to be done to make the ground look good for the first game and would like some volunteers.

"If fans could turn up at 6pm tomorrow at Gate One with either a bucket and sponge, sweeping brush or spade that would be great,'' he said.

"We want the ground looking as good as possible and would like all the help we can get."

Meanwhile, former Swan John Williams, 35, has signed a three-month contract with Third Division rivals Kidderminster.

The Swans were in the relegation zone for most of last season before pulling clear on a dramatic final day. Things look more settled at the Vetch now - and it is unlikely things will reach such a critical stage this time.

But climbing out of the bottom division still looks beyond the Swans despite some astute signings by Brian Flynn.

Their form at the end of last season was impressive given the circumstances but they will need more than hard work and desire to challenge this time out.

New signing Lee Trundle will be expected to score the majority of the goals for Swansea next season.

But more importantly, Robert Martinez will be relied upon to create them, after making a permanent switch to the Vetch after his loan spell last season.

Martinez, and another summer arrival Lenny Johnrose, will also have the job of guiding some of Swansea's younger players - such as Leon Britton.

Flynn is adamant the Swans will not have to avoid the drop on the final day of the season again.

"That won't be repeated," Flynn told BBC Sport. "We're after a good start and we'll build up from there.

"The division is as open as ever. Any team can beat any other on any given day. It's consistency you need.

"We ended last season with 31 points from our last 20 games - if we can repeat that in our first 40 games we will be within grasp of the play-offs."

Flynn is happy with the new faces he has brought to the Vetch Field during the close season.

The Swans boss sees the capture Trundle from Wrexham as key.

Flynn said: "He scored 13 from 24 starts last seasonand he'll get goals. I'm very pleased with the other players I've managed to sign too.

"I still have spaces but I've got young players who have impressed me and I won't be afraid to use them either."

Swansea City were today set to complete the signing of Karl Connolly - but were rocked by the news that Jason Smith could miss the first eight weeks of the season. Connolly, 33, was this morning putting the finishing touches on a one-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months depending on appearances.

But the arrival of the former QPR winger was overshadowed by the news that club skipper Smith's long-term ankle problem has struck again.

The 28-year-old centre-back may now miss the first 14 games of the new season, leaving boss Brian Flynn doubly keen to strengthen his defence.

"It's a massive blow to us and it's a massive blow to Jason at this time year," he conceded.

"The consultant had told us he was ready to start pre-season, but it's hurting him again and we'll re-assess it in four weeks' time.

"We thought the operation he had at the end of last season would have cured it, but there is bone rubbing against bone in Jason's ankle."

He continued: "Obviously Jason's situation makes me want to add another centre-back to my squad even more.

"It may happen before the weekend, it may not. If it doesn't, we'll be happy with what we've got because that's what the squad system is all about.

"Ideally, we'd have everybody fit for the first game of a new season, but it doesn't always happen like that and different people will have to perform different roles."

There has been speculation that Flynn may move to bring Manchester United's Alan Tate back to Vetch Field for a second loan spell after his successful stay last season.

But the director of football poured cold water on that suggestion, saying: "Everyone keeps going on about that rumour, but I haven't phoned United."

As things stand, Flynn must deploy youngster Stuart Jones, left-back Leon Hylton or midfielder Lenny Johnrose alongside Kris O'Leary in central defence when Bury visit this Saturday.

Flynn is hopeful that Lee Jenkins (ankle) and James Thomas (back) will be fit for the Third Division curtain-raiser after they collected knocks in last night's final pre-season game at Llanelli.

Swansea ran out comfortable victors at Stebonheath Park thanks to a 16-minute hat-trick from Thomas and a late strike from trialist Andy Robinson.

James Thomas declared himself ready for the new Third Division campaign with a 16-minute hat-trick to sink Llanelli last night. The former Blackburn frontman's quickfire triple and an injury-time effort from trialist Andy Robinson rounded off a largely positive pre-season for Brian Flynn's new-look squad - and especially for the sole survivor of Nick Cusack's rebuilding work this time last year.

Thomas has bagged seven goals in four matches over the last eight days, indicating that he will begin the new season as he finished the last - on the scoresheet.

After an agonising drought from early winter through to the spring, the 24-year-old rediscovered the finishing touch in the nick of time to save Swansea from the Conference with a rather more memorable hat-trick against Hull City on the final day of last term.

And Wales's most capped Under-21 international must now be hoping he has done enough to win what looks like a two-horse race with Kevin Nugent to start alongside summer signing Lee Trundle in the Division Three curtain-raiser against Bury this weekend.

Flynn is not one to reveal his teams before the last possible moment, and may yet opt for the superior aerial threat of Nugent on Saturday.

But he said: "It's nice for James to be hitting the back of the net, albeit in pre-season friendlies.

"He has carried on where he left off against Hull and he is in the groove, which is good news for us.

"It was difficult for him last season because he was the only one scoring goals when we first arrived.

"There was no one else to score them and that eventually wore him down.

"What's good now is that we have got Trundle and Nugent who can take some of the burden off him. There is less pressure on James which can only be a good thing.''

Thomas's opener last night was partly down to new stablemate Trundle, whose presence in the penalty area forced Llanelli centre-back Gary Davies into handling the ball.

Having converted from the spot in style, the Morriston-product again had his new pal from Merseyside to thank for his second seven minutes later.

Trundle, once again parading his skills, fooled his marker on the left before lofting a pinpoint cross for Thomas to head home at the backpost.

After colliding with Reds keeper Huw Liddell as he landed, last season's 15-goal top-scorer had to leave the field temporarily because of a sore back.

But he was soon back into the action and volleyed home his third from close range after good work from Trundle, again, and Jonathan Coates.

Llanelli, relegated to the Welsh League last season, had been on the backfoot almost from the start, and might have been behind earlier but for smart saves to deny Leon Britton and Karl Connolly.

The referee saved them once too, disallowing Roberto Martinez's curling free-kick because the whistle had not been blown.

Thomas could have had a fourth but for the base of the post, before turning provider for Robinson in the closing seconds.

There was little to worry Swansea at the other end of the field, allowing Flynn to devote most of his attention to his forwards.

He may have to spend a bit more time pondering them this week, for which two of three to pick against Bury will be no easy decision.

The struggling Football Kingz have received an unexpected but welcome change of fortune with a cash injection from new director and shareholder Brian Katzen.

A London-based businessman, Katzen has taken a 10 per cent shareholding in the club, and is not ruling out increasing that over time.

Katzen, a major shareholder in English third division club Swansea, made his move to join the Auckland-based Kingz after 18 months of discussions with club major shareholder and chief executive Chris Turner.

"We are very pleased with the outcome of those ongoing discussions," said Turner. "We assessed the assets and came up with a figure acceptable to both parties. We are very pleased to have Brian with us on both a personal and professional basis."

Turner said the amount paid would remain confidential.

Katzen, a regular visitor to New Zealand where he has a brother and parents, said he hoped the arrangement would fit in with the joint venture announced last week between the Kingz and English premier club Chelsea.

"I believe Swansea will hopefully provide Chelsea with another platform for their players and more importantly they will see this as another benefit being provided to them by the Kingz."

Katzen lived in the US for 10 years before his recent move to London with his wife. He has substantial business interests.

"It was through investing in companies I became involved with Swansea. I then believed having interests in more than one club and in different regions there could be benefits for both."

The other shareholders are Turner, Sky Television, Auckland lawyer Ted Midlane and founding director John Batty.

New Zealand Soccer chief executive Bill MacGowan said he was aware of the new shareholding and has asked the Kingz for further information as part of the approval process.

New Swansea signing Lee Trundle insists the Swans have what it takes to win promotion this season - as he did last season with Wrexham.

The 26-year-old striker left the Racecourse Ground at the end of last season, but hopes to play another major part in a promotion bid.

"I said when I signed that I wasn't coming to Swansea to be part of a dogfight at the bottom," Trundle told the South Wales Evening Post.

"I came here to push for promotion, and from what I have seen in pre-season training, I believe we are capable of doing that judging by what we had at Wrexham last season.

"Obviously I don't know the squad too well at the moment, but I have seen some encouraging things. We can push for the play-offs at the very least."

Trundle played a vital part in Wrexham's promotion season, scoring 12 times as well as creating many goals for strike partner Andy Morrell.

Flynn in defender search

Swansea manager Brian Flynn is keen to sign another defender before the season starts next week.

Flynn is set to complete the signing of trialists Kieron Durkan and Karl Connolly - who both played under him at Wrexham - as well as Andy Robinson later this week.

But while he would dearly love to bring in a defender to go with that trio, Flynn insists he will not be making any panic buys.

"I'm working towards bringing in another defender, but it's not a huge concern if it doesn't happen in the next few days because we have other options," Flynn told the Western Mail.

"Lenny Johnrose has shown he can play at the back, and so can Stuart Jones and Leon Hylton.

"I'm not going to bring in someone just for the sake of it."

Brian Flynn today called on fans to ''make it like Hull again'' when Swansea City kick off the new Third Division campaign against Bury this weekend. Flynn wants the bumper crowds of last season - on average over 7,000 saw Swansea's final seven home matches - to continue as the club aim to swap relegation dogfight for promotion chase.

''The crowd (of 9,585) was fantastic when we beat Hull to stay up and to get anything close to that this weekend would be great news,'' he said.

''If we can retain the sort of passion we had at the Vetch at the end of last season then we will be starting off on the right foot.

''Big, noisy crowds would be worth a few points to us - and our home form is going to be crucial to what we can achieve.

''It will be up to us to keep the fans coming back with good performances and good results as the season goes on, but hopefully they will turn up this weekend and make it like Hull. That will help us get the same result, too, and that would be the perfect start.''

The signs ahead of Saturday's curtain-raiser are encouraging, with over 2,300 season tickets sold so far.

''We are hoping the people who were bitten by the bug at the end of last season will come back and support us again,'' said Vetch director David Morgan.

Swansea's plans for Bury were boosted over the weekend when Roger Freestone played for the reserves after a fortnight out with a leg injury. The former Welsh international keeper should feature in Swansea's last pre-season outing at Welsh League new-boys Llanelli tonight (7.30) and is on course to face the Shakers, who reached the Third Division play-offs last term.

Freestone, 34, will be part of a full-strength Swansea squad at Stebonheath Park, with Flynn likely to field vastly different sides in each half.

Meanwhile, Swansea Supporters' Trust members can buy one ticket for the club's opening league game away from home, against Cheltenham on August 16, this Thursday and Friday on production of membership cards.

Tickets are available to season-ticket holders every day this week, with the remainder going on general sale on Saturday.

The all-ticket game is likely to sell out for travelling supporters.