Swansea director of football Brian Flynn admitted he wants Premiership opposition in the FA Cup fourth round after knocking out Macclesfield.

Their passage into the fourth round for the first time since 1998 was booked thanks to prolific striker Lee Trundle, who scored both goals in a 2-1 win, while Matthew Tipton replied for Macc.

Flynn said: "We don't want to be greedy but would love to face a Premiership side down here in the next round.

"It would be massive for the city, financially for the club and especially for the players.

"To get a plum draw in the next round would be a great experience for the young players. To play on a big stage against some of the best players in the world would be a huge learning experience for them."

He added: "I think we have the ability to produce a shock. Club football is all about 'on the day' and you just never know who could cause an upset."

AFTER watching his side dump Macclesfield out of the cup Brian Flynn admitted he'd quite fancy a trip to Old Trafford in the next round - but only after holding them at the Vetch.

And then they'd beat them.

It was all said in good humour and not even the most optimistic of Vetch Field regulars could honestly believe their side are capable of matching Wrexham's historic victory over Arsenal back in 1992.

But not many Premiership sides would really fancy a trip into South Wales to face Flynn's men as they look to move back into top gear after a period stuck in reverse.

Bragging world-class players they are certainly not but in Lee Trundle they have a player who proved once again he needs the slimmest of chances to punish mistakes, grabbing a brace to send his team through.

In Leon Britton they have a midfielder close to returning to the form that had scouts queuing up to watch him. And by being the sole Welsh-flag bearers in the fourth round they have a team brimming with confidence who would fancy their chances in a one-off against anyone.

Despite the rousing 3-2 victory over Yeovil last week, Flynn still found it scary.

As per usual it was the Swans who got out of the blocks the quickest, Trundle twice making a monkey out of marker Steve Macauley within the first 10 minutes to test Steve Wilson in the Macclesfield goal.

But the most pleasing aspect of the opening exchanges was the way the Swans created their chances rather than simply the number of them, the zip and accuracy of the passing and control showing the confidence from the 3-2 win over Yeovil is still present.

But the finesse of the first period could have been easily undone had Swansea allowed their visitors' kick and rush style to shunt them out of their stride.

Some testing long balls and some determined running from Tipton and fellow forward Martin Carruthers looked at one point to bog Flynn's men down in a battle of territory.

But Swansea regrouped and upped the ante, running at their opponents with the same pace that produced the fine 3-0 win over Macclesfield back in September and it almost created the opening on the half-hour mark as Leon Britton's good through ball set up Thomas only for Wilson to block well from his snap-shot.

In previous seasons a sense of panic might have crept in as the Swans continued to fail to find an end product to their increasing number of chances. But the calmness of the 8,112 crowd is now part of the norm, the masses safe in the knowledge that their silver-booted hero needs just one glimpse of the goal to make the difference.

And the patience paid off just a minute before the break as that man again put the vital finishing touch to a sublime move started from a simple throw-in and no doubt expertly honed on the training field.

It would have had Flynn and right-hand man Reeves grinning from ear to ear as they saw Duffy's cross comfortably knocked back by Thomas and the top-scorer shoot low past Wilson.

It's generally the best time in any game to score just before the teams leave for the tunnel but even more so in the cup as John Askey's men were forced to take the game to their hosts come the start of the second period.

But Swansea were in no mood to sit back and protect their slender lead, instead preferring to turn the screw and look for the second which would all but confirm their presence in Monday's velvet bag.

But it was the Silkmen who struck next, Chris Priest's long balls eventually catching the Swans backline napping and similarly the run of Matthew Tipton. The Bridgend-born striker shrugged off Duffy and expertly finished over the head of the encroaching Freestone on 65 minutes to spark a heated debate among Duffy, captain Lenny Johnrose and Kris O'Leary as to who was to blame for the unlikely leveller.

But they shouldn't have bothered as the tempo was suitably upped to go for the winner which came a mere five minutes later.

After squandering a chance to pass to an unmarked Nugent after some good build-up play, Trundle made up for it with a free-kick which would have even Premiership players in awe during last night's highlights.

Held back by the lumbering Macauley, Trundle gratefully accepted Mark Warren's whistle and planted the ball in the top corner of Wilson's goal with aplomb.

There was still time for the traditional cup drama though, Colin Little almost taking the game to a replay when he clattered a snapshot against Roger Freestone's crossbar and Macauley seeing red for his second booking.

KARL CONNOLLY is well known among his teammates as being the joker in the Jack pack of Scousers down at the Vetch.

Wind-ups are aplenty whenever the former Wrexham man is in the dressing room.

But the wide-man had to admit the joke was on him when a bit of over-eagerness to impress cost him three months on the sidelines with a broken ankle.

Connolly said: "It all happened when I chased a ball that was going out for a goal-kick. It was really stupid from my point of view because there was only two minutes left to go, we were winning 2-0 and they had two players sent off.

"But I had been out for a bit with a calf injury and I hadn't long come off the bench so I guess I wanted to make an impression.

"The worst thing was that afterwards the gaffer gave me a bit of grief about it because he knows I wouldn't have bothered going for it normally."

Not that Connolly needs to go to great lengths to show manager Flynn what he can do.

It was Flynn who handed the 21-year-old Connolly his big chance in football back in 1991, discovering his talents in the depths of the Liverpool Sunday leagues and giving him the chance to put them on display at Third Division Wrexham.

And the pair have remained close ever since, Connolly even admitting he often pops round to chez Flynn to talk shop.

"We get on well and I still go round to his place for the odd meal," said Connolly, now approaching his 34th birthday.

"But I've been under his wing for a heck of a long time, I think it's about nine or 10 years in all. He gave me my first chance and he knows what I'm all about. It's great to be back with him again."

Swansea boss Brian Flynn wished for a big cup-tie in the next round draw as Swansea overcame Macclesfield, and also issued a hands off warning to clubs looking at two-goal hero Lee Trundle.


"It was a good cup-tie and Macclesfield played their part", Flynn said. "We allowed them too much time in the first-half but the second half was much better for us".

"When we win matches we like to play well and entertain the crowd which is what we did today."

"We don't want to be greedy in the fourth round draw but we would like some experience against a big side."

"Lee scored the goals and he's bound to get the headlines, but he's a good team player as well. As far as he's concerned, if other clubs are interested, the phone is off the hook. Every player has got a price but I'm not contemplating Lee's at the moment."

Trundle grabbed his first after Macclesfield's Steve Macauley failed to clear, but the visitors came back into the game when Matthew Tipton equalised after running through the Swan's defence in the 66th minute to fire home.

After having an earlier penalty appeal turned down, Trundle curled in a free-kick for his second, and Macauley was sent off for the visitors in the closing stages after picking up a second booking.

SWANSEA top scorer Lee Trundle grabbed his 18th and 19th goals of the season to send Macclesfield crashing out of the FA Cup.

Manager Brian Flynn reshuffled his pack in his quest for revenge against Macclesfield, who had hammered Swans 4-1 at Moss Rose in the same competition two years ago.

Kris O'Leary and Mike Howard came into a four-man defence against a side 13 places and 12 points below them in the table.

And Swans got off to a flying start, threatening twice in the first five minutes when Trundle sent a free-kick just over before testing keeper Steve Wilson with a low rocket.

At the other end, Izzy Iriekpen thrust out a telescopic limb to divert danger as Matt Tipton loitered and then keeper Roger Freestone moved smartly to clutch Chris Priest's swerving shot.

Yet the Swans continued to press as the interval loomed, and Trundle finally bludgeoned into the net from 20 yards after Steve Macauley fluffed Bradley Maylett's cross just before half-time.

Yet Macclesfield hit back after the break and a blockbuster from Priest had Freestone scampering before he played an integral role in Matt Tipton's equaliser on 66 minutes.

Swansea had strong claims for a penalty turned down when Trundle appeared to be tripped by Wilson as the home side looked for a winner.

Yet the silver-booted Scouser had the last laugh 19 minutes from time - sending a free-kick screaming into the net.

MAN OF THE MATCH LEE TRUNDLE

Stamped mark with two-goal blast.

SWANSEA: Freestone 7, Duffy 7, O'Leary 6, Ireikpen 7, Howard 6, Maylett 7, Britton 8, Johnrose 7, Robinson 8, TRUNDLE 9, Thomas 6 (Nugent 5).

MACCLESFIELD: Wilson 9, Carr 6, Haddrell 7, Macauley 6, Adams 6, Brackenbridge 7, Whitaker 7, Priest 7, Little 7, Tipton 6, Carruthers 6 (Miles 5).

MANAGERS: Flynn 7; Askey 6.

REFEREE: M Warren 6.

WELSH football stands by for new year lift-off today with Swansea City and Cardiff City spying lucrative fourth-round FA Cup ties.

With Euro 2004 play-off heartbreak still fresh in the memory, the two clubs have the perfect opportunity to put the smile back on the face of Welsh football.

Both have home ties against clubs in their own division - Swansea meet Macclesfield and Cardiff welcome Sheffield United for a High Noon showdown - and victories would leave fans keenly anticipating Monday lunchtime's fourth-round draw.

For Swansea, the most romantic date in the domestic football calendar represents the re-kindling of a much-missed love affair.

"Swansea haven't been involved in the third round of the FA Cup in recent years, so it's a match everyone at the club is looking forward to," said Vetch director of football Brian Flynn.

"It's wonderful to be involved on third-round day and let's hope we can produce the kind of positive performance needed to get us to the next stage.

"We go into the match in good shape. We're almost at full-strength and confidence is high after our crucial league win over Yeovil last weekend.

"Promotion is the No 1 priority for us this season and I would gladly sacrifice getting to the FA Cup fourth round for three points against Oxford in the league on Tuesday.

"Oxford is a more important match than Macclesfield in respect of the club's long-term ambitions.

"But we're hungry for success in the cup and the league - if I can have both, I'll take it.

"Why wouldn't you want to make progress in the FA Cup and come up against one of the top teams? That's what you look forward to.

"And I certainly wouldn't see a good cup run as a hindrance to what we're trying to achieve in the league.

"In fact, I believe making progress in the cup would help spur us on in the league. You never see it as a distraction."

Flynn admits there would be a buzz about the Vetch should Swansea see off Macclesfield and land an attractive fourth-round tie.

"How could that fail to have a positive effect on the league campaign?" he said.

"Round three is what I call dream round. Just look at Yeovil's match against Liverpool - that's the kind of draw everyone wants to get.

"Hopefully, if we produce a professional performance with the same commitment we showed against Yeovil last weekend, we'll be in with a shout of a game like that."

The FA Cup is also a timely distraction for Cardiff after four successive league defeats has dropped them from sixth to 12th in the First Division.

But City manager Lennie Lawrence has distanced himself from comments made by Bluebirds owner Sam Hammam, who said he has written off the 2003-04 season.

And, after the most recent reverse, a 2-1 loss at Watford last Sunday, Hammam described the present campaign as "a wasted year" and added, "we can almost draw a line under this season."

But Lawrence declared, "We are not done for yet. Our job is to get as many points as we can.

"We've got to try and make a challenge for the play-offs. This slump has made that more difficult - but it's not impossible."

Asked if Hammam's comments have increased the pressure on him, Lawrence replied, "You have to cope with that.

"If you buckle then you won't have a chance at a club like Cardiff. You've just got to roll your sleeves up and battle on."

City arrived at Norwich on December 13 clash occupying the final play-off spot, but a 4-1 defeat there followed by losses against Millwall, Walsall and Watford have sent Lawrence's men tumbling down to mid-table.

Not only that, a section of City fans have been using the internet to - it has to be said, unfairly - call for the manager's head.

"This is a club of high expectations. You have to live with that. That's the way it is here," added Lawrence.

"But I will say this - it's harder to be a player at Cardiff than it is to be the manager."

The City chief wants the mid-season slide to stop today against United - ironically the side that beat them in the 1925 FA Cup final at Wembley.

"It's an important game because we need to stop the rot and get back on the winning trail," he explained. "But I don't see it as a matter of life and death."

BRIAN FLYNN has revealed his determination to turn Swansea City into feared cup giant-killers.

In his 12 years at the Racecourse, Flynn's Wrexham side earned a reputation as FA Cup specialists after toppling a clutch of Premiership or Division One sides.

The most famous scalp came in January 1992 when the Red Dragons dumped Arsenal - then reigning champions of the old First Division - out of the FA Cup with a 2-1 third-round win at the Racecourse.

Wrexham also dispatched West Ham 1-0 at the same stage in 1997, while the Flynn era included several other memorable cup triumphs over the likes of Ipswich and Middlesbrough.

And, as his current side bid to set up a glamour clash with a win over Division Three rivals Macclesfield in today's third-round clash at the Vetch, Flynn has expressed his desire to make Swansea just as renowned for upsetting the FA Cup odds.

"Building a reputation is what it's all about in this competition," said the Swans' director of football. "Having done it at Wrexham, I'd love to do something similar at Swansea.

"It took a number of years to establish that reputation at Wrexham. You gain one big win - like we did against Arsenal in 1992 - and you're not instantly going to become known as FA Cup specialists. But when you beat a second Premiership team and then a third, people start to sit up and take notice.

"When I was at Wrexham we came up against Division One or Premiership opposition in cup competitions 10 times.

"We won four of them, drew three and lost three. And the only team to beat us at the first attempt in the FA Cup were Manchester United (in a 5-2 fourth-round defeat at Old Trafford in 1995).

"That's not a bad record and it's one on which our reputation of cup giant-killers was established. That's what we want to do at the Vetch. Get one or two cup upsets under the belt and people will start to say, 'Swansea in the next round - don't fancy that one much'."

You have to go back five years for the last time the giant-killing tag was attached to Swansea.

Not since John Hollins' side humbled Premiership West Ham in a third-round tie in January 1999 have the Swans made any kind of major FA Cup impact.

On that occasion Swansea triumphed 1-0 in a replay at the Vetch - they held the Hammers to a 1-1 draw at Upton Park - before bowing out with a 1-0 home defeat to Derby in the fourth round.

That was the last time the Swans progressed beyond the second round, a 4-1 defeat at the hands of today's opponents in December 2001 being one of the bleakest cup memories of the last five years.

"It's about time Swansea had some success in the cup," said Flynn, who has overseen victories over Rushden & Diamonds and Stevenage so far this campaign.

"People haven't really mentioned the last good cup run and the games against West Ham and Derby, but there's certainly a buzz about the place.

"We don't want to let people down. The fans are desperate for a good cup run and it's important for the players too. Far from being a hindrance to our league campaign, success in the cup will help lift the whole place."

But, ahead of the match, Flynn will have a note of caution for a side seeking to build on the thrilling 3-2 league win over Yeovil last weekend.

"I'll make sure the players know that Macclesfield will be no pushover," he said. "This is going to be a difficult match. Macclesfield beat Cambridge away in the second-round replay, despite being reduced to 10 men. That was a fantastic result. It shows you what they're capable of and we've got to respect them."

With Alan Tate having gone back to Manchester United, Kris O'Leary returns to partner Izzy Iriekpen in the centre of defence, while fit-again Michael Howard is expected to be restored at left-back.

Leon Britton and Kevin Nugent have also shaken off knocks, with the latter expected to feature on the bench.

As far as the league is concerned, it has emerged that midfielder Roberto Martinez is not now expected to make his long-awaited comeback in Tuesday's crunch clash against league leaders Oxford.

"We think it would really be better if Roberto takes part in a practice game first," said Flynn. "We're hoping to arrange a behind-closed-doors match for the middle of next week."

SWANSEA CITY rookie Richard Duffy insists a week of distraction will not sway him from his mission to exact FA Cup revenge on Macclesfield tomorrow.

The 18-year-old defender has good reason to want to inflict defeat on the Cheshire club when they travel to the Vetch for a third-round clash.

That's because it was in the midst of a bleak 4-1 FA Cup defeat against Macclesfield in December 2001 that Duffy made his Swans debut as a raw 16-year-old.

But this has hardly been the kind of week for the Wales youth international to concentrate solely on ensuring he avoids another cup exit at the hands of the same opponents.

Duffy has hit the headlines for other reasons, namely a proposed £400,000 transfer to Portsmouth and his plans to meet Pompey boss Harry Redknapp next week to discuss the move.

But, though he admits he could soon be saying farewell to the Vetch, Duffy insists his mind will be fixed firmly on the cup job in hand.

"It won't be at all hard to concentrate on the Macclesfield game," he said. "I'm not going to be distracted.

"All the talk about Portsmouth won't enter my thoughts. I just blank everything else out when I'm on the pitch.

"Right now I'm just looking forward to the cup game and then the league match against Oxford on Tuesday."

After that, though, Duffy's future will go on the line when he travels to the south coast to meet Redknapp.

The Swansea-born defender, who is attracting top-flight interest having made fewer than 20 appearances for his hometown club, insists he does not want to leave the Vetch.

But he said, "If a Premiership club come in for you with a good offer how can you turn that down?

"Of course I don't want to leave Swansea. I've only just broken into the first team and I owe the manager a lot for that. But, if everything was right, it would be daft not to go.

"Perhaps it would be too soon to make such a big step, but I'm not going to know unless I try.

"The bottom line is it's my decision. It doesn't really matter what others advise me to do because it has to be up to me.

"It's a case of seeing what Portsmouth have got to offer. Whatever is on the table, though, it's going to be a very difficult decision. One of the hardest I'll ever have to make."

It's a decision Duffy could scarcely expect to be confronting when he made his Swansea debut in that cup debacle at a misty Moss Rose two years ago.

The then Swans manager Colin Addison sent on Duffy as a 64th-minute substitute for Michael Howard on a day the youngster would rather forget.

"Hardly what you would call a dream debut," he said. "I was pleased to get on, but it wasn't a good afternoon for the team.

"I came on when we were 2-0 down. I remember it well, not just because we played badly, but also because it was freezing cold.

"I was only on for two minutes when we conceded a third goal and then a fourth two minutes after that.

"We just collapsed at the back. It was a disappointing performance all round.

"The manager had a few choice words for us in the dressing room afterwards.

"We'd thrown away a good chance to get to the third round and any manager is going to be angry in that situation.

"But I wouldn't say it knocked my confidence. If anything, I think making my debut at the age of 16 in a game like that made me stronger."

Needless to say, Duffy is hoping for a much more favourable outcome when he faces the Silkmen in the FA Cup again.

"If you compare our league position with their's, you'd say we ought to win this one," said Duffy, who claimed his first Swansea goal in September's 3-0 league rout of Macclesfield.

"But things don't always go according to plan in the cup. As long as we perform to our full potential, though, we should be OK."

SWANSEA CITY defender Richard Duffy has delayed plans to hold talks over a possible move to Portsmouth until the middle of next week.

Duffy had planned to travel to the South Coast today to meet Pompey boss Harry Redknapp, who is interested in taking the teenager to Fratton Park in a near-£400,000 deal.

But instead the teenager will concentrate on Saturday's FA Cup clash against Macclesfield and the league meeting with Oxford three days later before meeting Redknapp.

"That's the sensible thing for me to do," said Duffy. "It's important that I prepare properly for the cup game and the match against Oxford."

Meanwhile, former Cardiff City midfielder Layton Maxwell is to start a two-week trial at the Vetch this weekend.

The ex-Wales Under-21 international, without a club since being shown the door at Ninian Park earlier this season, has been training with Division Two Blackpool for the past two weeks.

But Swans boss Brian Flynn is a long-term admirer of the former Liverpool midfielder and could be ready to offer Maxwell a contract.

"Layton will join us on Sunday and spend a couple of weeks with us," said Flynn.

"He hasn't played many games this season so we'll have to see how his fitness is."

Swansea City manager Brian Flynn has offered former Cardiff player Layton Maxwell a two-week trial at the Vetch.
The 24-year-old former Liverpool and Wales Under-21 midfielder has been on trial at Blackpool, but has not played a competitive game for the Tangerines.

"Layton's due to come and join us for a couple of weeks on Sunday," Flynn told the South Wales Evening Post.

"He hasn't played many games this season, so we need to have a look at his fitness."

The return of loan signing Alan Tate to Manchester United and Lee Jenkins' transfer to Kidderminster Harriers has left just 20 senior players at the Vetch, and Flynn is set to move into the transfer market.

Kris O'Leary and Izzy Iriekpen are the only centre-backs at the club after Tate's departure, and the Swans could be prepared to pay their first transfer fee since John Hollins signed Tommy Mutton from Bangor for £20,000 in September 1999.

"It could be a player who comes on loan initially, or there could be a fee involved," said Flynn.

"We're looking at all the options available to us."

Richard Duffy's proposed move to Portsmouth has moved a step closer after Swansea City handed the teenaged defender permission to talk to the Premiership club. Vetch Field chairman Huw Jenkins has accepted the player's request to speak to Pompey and he could now seal a switch to the South Coast during the January transfer window.

Swansea still hope Duffy will opt to stay with his hometown club, but realise there is little they can do if the 18-year-old wants to join Harry Redknapp's Premiership strugglers.

If he leaves in the next four weeks, Swansea will hope to bank a fee of between £250,000 and £300,000.

If he sees out his current Vetch contract and heads to Hampshire next summer, Jenkins believes a compensation tribunal will award the club at least £150,000 for nurturing Duffy since he was just nine years of age.

''Richard is a free agent at the end of the season and I don't see any point in being confrontational,'' Jenkins said, "and that's why I've said he can go and speak to Portsmouth.

''We have wanted him to stay with us all along and that remains the case, but ultimately it's down to Richard.

''Upsetting him or his family isn't going to help anyone, and at the end of the day we only want players who want to carry on playing for us anyway.''

Jenkins went on: ''If Richard speaks to Portsmouth and they make him an offer then the next step will be Richard coming back and telling me he wants to go.

''If that happens we have to take it on the chin and then my job will be to make sure we get the best possible financial deal, whether it's in January or at the end of the season.

''The only offer we've had so far, of £100,000 up front and another £50,000 depending on appearances, was rejected because we value Richard a lot higher than that.

''But we feel that with that offer in writing, we shouldn't get any less than that should it come to a tribunal next summer.''

Having given Duffy his first-team chance this season, director of football Brian Flynn will be disappointed to lose the Welsh Under-19 international.

He said: ''They will have to offer a lot more than they have done to get Richard, but every player has his price.''

Flynn, meanwhile, has fitness concerns over Leon Britton (knee), Kevin Nugent (toe infection) and Michael Howard (back) ahead of Saturday's FA Cup third-round meeting with Macclesfield.

Leon Hylton (foot) and Brad Maylett (dead leg) should both be okay, while Swansea will continue to assess skipper Roberto Martinez through the week after his long-term battle with knee trouble.

With another large Vetch crowd expected, fans are being urged to turn up early for the Macclesfield game. Visiting fans will be housed on the West Terrace.

Former Swansea striker Julian Alsop, now with Third Division leaders Oxford, will miss next Tuesday's visit to his old club after losing an appeal against a five-match ban.

Former Cardiff midfielder Layton Maxwell could be a Swansea City player within a fortnight. The 24-year-old, currently without a club, will arrive at Vetch Field this weekend for a two-week trial.

A long-time admirer of the ex-Welsh Under-21 international, Brian Flynn has been in regular contact with his agent for the last six weeks.

St Asaph-born Maxwell, who watched Swansea beat Darlington at the Vetch last month, has been training with Second Division Blackpool for the last couple of weeks after cancelling his Cardiff contract.

But the ex-Liverpool youngster has struggled to make an impact at Bloomfield Road largely because Fifa red tape has denied him the chance to play for Blackpool in a competitive game.

Because he has recently been at a Welsh club, the Tangerines must sign Maxwell in order to get clearance for him to play even for their reserves.

That will not be a problem at the Vetch, where fresh faces are needed after the departures of Lee Jenkins and Alan Tate left Swansea with just 20 senior players.

''Layton's due to come and join us for a couple of weeks on Sunday," said Flynn.

''He hasn't played many games this season, so we need to have a look at his fitness.

''And it's also about him looking at us to see if he settles in.''

Flynn, meanwhile, has hinted that Swansea may pay a fee for a player for the first time in over four years as they aim to bolster their defensive options.

Tate's return to Manchester United leaves just two recognised centre-backs on the club's books, Kris O'Leary and Izzy Iriekpen.

Said Flynn: ''There's no sense of urgency in the search to replace Alan. As well as Kris and Izzy we have Lenny Johnrose, Stuart Jones and Leon Hylton who can all play in central defence if needed, so we are going to make sure we get the right player rather than rush into anything.

''It could be a player who comes on loan initially, or there could be a fee involved. We're looking at all the options available to us.''

The last time Swansea paid a transfer fee was in September 1999, when John Hollins signed Tommy Mutton from Bangor for £20,000.

Swansea City director Brian Katzen certainly relishes a challenge. His latest footballing venture is to purchase a majority shareholding in New Zealand's one fully professional club Auckland Kingz.

The Kingz currently languish at the bottom of the Australian National Soccer League, are without a major sponsor and draw crowds just in excess of 1,000.

They have stumbled from set-back to set-back since forming in 1999 and gaining special dispensation by FIFA, as a foreign entity to enter the NSL.

Since then, their best finishing position has been eighth (of 15 teams) and, on several occasions, they were reported to be on the verge of disbanding.

The Australian FA's recent decree that only clubs with budgets of approximately £2,125,000 or more would be permitted to join its revamped league, when launched in late 2004, appeared to be the final straw for the Kingz.

That figure seemed well beyond the Kiwi outfit's resources.

But, the commitment from Katzen - previously the holder of a minority interest in the Kingz - has transformed the situation.

New Zealand's own FA, which had previously only offered lukewarm support for the club's participation in the new Australian competition, is now endorsing it wholeheartedly.

Katzen, whose parents live in New Zealand, sees similarities between the Kingz' current situation and Swansea City's before he joined the Swans' board.

"Thankfully, Swansea have been turned round during the past year and there is no reason why the Kingz, through a fresh start, can't follow suit," he said.

Theoretically, due to Katzen's links with both clubs, promising and ambitious young New Zealand players may find their way to Vetch Field.

However, in their short history, the Kingz have produced just one player who has made any significant waves in Europe - Ivan Vicelich, a midfielder presently at Dutch first division side Roda J. C.

For the foreseeable future, it is likelier players will be flying from Britain to Auckland, rather than moving in the opposite direction.

Less than a day after Katzen confirmed his extended involvement, the Kingz announced they had recruited Walsall's New Zealand international defender Danny Hay. Others are expected to follow.

PORTSMOUTH chairman Milan Mandaric last night promised his club will be recruiting during the January transfer window - but Swansea City remain confident of holding onto Pompey target Richard Duffy.

As The Western Mail reported yesterday, Premiership strugglers Portsmouth are poised to test Swansea's resolve to keep their highly-rated Wales youth defender with a near-£400,000 offer.

Duffy - whose Vetch contract runs out next summer - and his agent Wayne Elsey can talk to other clubs from tomorrow and the pair are poised to meet Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp on the South Coast within the next 48 hours.

Mandaric says Redknapp is keen to strengthen his squad for the second half of the season and, although he insists the recruitment of experienced personnel is paramount, the chairman admits greater defensive resources are required.

"We are looking at three or four players. Three is the absolute minimum," said Mandaric.

"That's a goalkeeper, midfielder and striker, with the possibility of an additional defender. But what Harry really needs now is experience - players who can help immediately."

That last remark could cheer Swans fans worried that one of their talented youngsters is poised to leave the Vetch after playing fewer than 20 games for the club.

And Swans chairman Huw Jenkins - who rejected a £150,000 Portsmouth bid for Duffy earlier this month - is still hopeful the 18-year-old will commit himself to his hometown club with a 12-month contract extension.

"We haven't had another offer either from Portsmouth or anyone else," said Jenkins, mindful that a soccer tribunal would determine Swansea's compensation package should Duffy move in the summer.

"But I understand that another Premiership club and a First Division club have been watching Richard for the last few games and are interested.

"We've had a few tentative enquiries about Richard and certainly there are other clubs looking at him.

"But I would imagine it will be the middle of January before anything else develops, when we hope Richard and his family will decide that signing the contract we've put on the table is the best way ahead for him.

"Portsmouth do not appear to be rushing to bring him in to be part of their first team and I would think they have more pressing concerns at the moment."

Meanwhile Swans director of football Brian Flynn is ready to bolster his squad by signing a defender before Tuesday's visit of league leaders Oxford.

Alan Tate played the final game of his loan spell from Manchester United in the 3-2 defeat of Yeovil on Sunday, and Flynn is keen to strengthen his rearguard in the wake of Jason Smith's retirement earlier this season.

"I hope to have something sorted out before the Oxford game," said Flynn.

"But we've got the FA Cup tie with Macclesfield first and it's great to be in the competition as the big boys come in.

"We've got a home draw - and any manager wants that. The two clubs are in the same division and it should be a cracking tie.

"We beat them 3-0 at the Vetch earlier this season - in what was one of our most fluent performances of the season - and we would obviously like to repeat that.

"But they've had a change of manager since then and we know it's going to be a difficult game.

"The fans were fantastic against Yeovil, not only were there nearly 10,000 at the game but they showed their passion, and we hope to give them more to cheer about on Saturday."

Portsmouth are facing competition from two other clubs in their bid to sign Swansea City defender Richard Duffy. Vetch Field chairman Huw Jenkins has admitted that another Premiership side and one from the First Division are tracking Duffy, who he hopes will sign a 12-month contract extension in the next fortnight.

With the transfer window due to open later this week, Jenkins was swift to deny rumours of an improved Pompey offer for the 18-year-old after a bid of around £100,000 was rejected earlier this month.

''We've had a few tentative enquiries about Richard and certainly there are other clubs looking at him,'' he said.

''We haven't had another offer either from Portsmouth or anyone else, but I understand that another Premiership club and a First Division club have been watching Richard for the last few games and are interested.

''I would imagine it will be the middle of January before anything else develops, when we hope Richard and his family will decide that signing the contract we've put on the table is the best way ahead for him.

''Portsmouth do not appear to be rushing to bring him in to be part of their first team and I would think they have more pressing concerns at the moment.

''As far as I know, Richard has not spoken to them and if he does we would expect to be told.''

Duffy, from Brynhyfryd, has attracted interest from Southampton and Nottingham Forest in the past.

Should he choose to move on when his current Swansea deal expires at the end of the season, his hometown club will be entitled to compensation because he is under the age of 24.

Jenkins, meanwhile, expects there to be at least one new Swansea signing in the next few days following the departure of loan defender Alan Tate.

As for further squad strengthening, he added: ''We always said we would assess the situation in January and at this stage I don't know if Brian Flynn will want to add anyone else.

''A lot will depend on when Roberto Martinez regains his fitness because we are missing him in midfield desperately and also as a captain.''

With four points gained in Swansea's last two matches, a winnable FA Cup third-round tie to come on Saturday and a crowd of almost 10,000 at the Vetch last weekend, Jenkins is content going into the New Year.

''Things are looking pretty bright,'' he conceded.

''We have had a bit of a flat period but the last two results have stabilised things and stopped anybody starting to panic.

''I think what we should do is look back to what we achieved last season from January onwards and aim to do the same again.

''Roberto is on his way back and we have a fantastic opportunity to progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup which would really keep interest in the club going.

''When we set out our budgets at the start of the season no cup revenue was included, so further progress will help us to make different decisions in the transfer market.''

Lee Trundle will be chasing his Premiership dream when Swansea City take on Macclesfield Town in thethird round of the FA Cup this weekend. Swansea's 16-goal top scorer, enjoying his most profitable season in the professional game, wants the chance to strut his stuff on the big stage having taken Division Three by storm this season.

Victory over the Silkmen would see Swansea into Sunday's fourth round draw, when Trundle hopes they will be paired with one of the heavyweights of the top flight.

"I would like the opportunity to come up against one of the big clubs on live television," the 27-year-old said.

"I am scoring goals in the Third Division and I think a lot of people look and say 'it's just the Third Division'.

"But I don't see it like that.

"I think if you are one on one with someone it doesn't matter whether it's the Third Division or the Premiership.

"I believe that if I get with a defender I have always got a chance of scoring."

Trundle's double strike in a 3-2 win against Yeovil on Sunday means his first campaign as a Swansea player is already his best since leaving non-league football for Wrexham in February, 2001.

His 16 strikes have come in just 20 starts, leaving him on course for a 30-goal season should he stay free of injury and suspension.

"People ask me a lot if I can believe how well it's gone for me at Swansea and I say I'm not surprised," he added.

"I know the ability I have got, and the difference from previous seasons is that I'm playing under a manager who believes in me.

"Brian Flynn lets me go out and enjoy myself and enjoy my football.

"That's how to get the best out of me.

"I'm not targeting a certain number of goals. The plan is just to keep scoring and then we'll add them up at the end of the season."

Then Trundle reckons he will be celebrating promotion for the second straight season, having gone up with Wrexham last May.

"There's no doubting that we are a top three side. We showed that by beating Yeovil,'' he said.

"But it's no good saying it. We must now go out and prove it more often.

"We've had our problems with injuries and when Roberto Martinez comes back it will be a huge boost to the team.

"With everyone else fit too, we can look forward to pushing on up the table in the second half of the season," added Trundle.

Two Swansea schoolboys were rewarded with a day in the directors' box for Sunday's thriller with Yeovil in front of a near-10,000 crowd after returning Lee Trundle's magic gold daps. Cousins Cameron Williams, aged 10, and Scott Morgan, aged 11, both of Dyfed Avenue, Townhill, tracked down the boots after they were 'stolen' from the Vetch last week.

They snapped themselves in five different locations with the boots to win the prize.

The two Swansea fans also got the chance to meet their hero and return the boots to the club's top scorer before the game with Yeovil.

It was just as well they did, because Trundle struck twice as Swansea won a pulsating game 3-2.

SWANSEA CITY could cash in rookie Richard Duffy to Premiership club Portsmouth in a deal worth nearly £400,000 within the next week.

But Swans boss Brian Flynn insists that Duffy will play in Saturday's FA Cup third round home tie against Third Division rivals Macclesfield Town.

Accompanied by his agent Wayne Elsey, the outstanding Wales youth international is poised for advanced talks with Pompey boss Harry Redknapp on the South Coast on Thursday.

Portsmouth, in competition with Manchester City for the 18-year-old's signature, have already offered the Swans £150,000 up front plus increments of £25,000 for every 10 first-team matches Duffy plays.

That bid was rejected by Vetch chief Flynn 10 days ago, but the canny Welshman might accept £250,000 with additional payments totalling £125,000 for one of Swansea's prized youngsters.

The Swans could hang onto Duffy until July 2004. But the player would then be able to walk away - any monies Swansea receiving being dependent on compensation set by a soccer tribunal.

Duffy, whose older brother Robert plays for Rushden & Diamonds, has made just 18 appearances for the Swans since turning professional 12 months ago.

But the shock switch was confirmed by Elsey, who said, "Richard, his parents and myself will be going down to Portsmouth later this week for talks.

"Harry Redknapp is very keen on Richard after watching him earlier this season at Northampton. Portsmouth offered Swansea £150,000-plus for Duffy 10 days ago, but that was turned down.

"But Portsmouth seem determined to land him - they could well increase any cash offered. They watched Richard at Doncaster just before Christmas and I think they had representation at Swansea's game with Yeovil on Sunday.

"Swansea are faced with a bit of a dilemma. Richard is out of contract at the club this summer.

"The Swans have offered him a fresh deal but he hasn't signed anything and is entitled to speak to other clubs from January 1.

"The Swans would be entitled to compensation because Richard has been with them since the age of nine.

"They could take cash up front or gamble on getting more from the tribunal in terms of compensation because Richard is under the age of 24."

Swansea are in a difficult position because the club is still tied under a Company Voluntary Arrangement until next March.

A percentage of the fee for Duffy would automatically go to club creditors.

There has been speculation that Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric will offer the Duffy family a £250,000 house as a sweetener to land the teenager but Elsey was tight-lipped on that.

But he did say, "Richard knows a move to Portsmouth would be a big lift for his full international prospects with Wales.

"Mark Hughes will see him training with top quality Premier League players - that would really move his career on a few notches.

"Soccer can be a relatively short career - a bad injury has ended so many dreams too early.

"I'm telling Richard to be sensible, but also to make the most of any opportunities that come along."

But Flynn said, "I don't want to lose Richard. Portsmouth have made an official offer but not one that we thought acceptable.

"Richard has told me that he wants to play for Swansea and he will play in the cup tie against Macclesfield."

Brad Maylett and Leon Britton are both expected to shake off knocks picked up during the 3-2 victory over Yeovil to figure in the Macclesfield tie.

Swansea boss Brian Flynn sung the praises of 16-goal star Lee Trundle after this cracking rollercoaster win.


Trundle and Karl Connolly put Swansea on the path to victory before Gavin Williams and Kevin Gall scored in the closing minutes to level the scores.

However, Trundle's 16th of the campaign - two minutes into injury time - captured the points.

Flynn said: "It was a cracking game with a dramatic ending and wonderful entertainment. There were some great performances but we need Lee Trundle. He has confidence in his own ability and it shows.

"This win proves what we are capable of - we have to beat the top sides at the Vetch.

"This is a big three points. We never put our heads down and our dressing room spirit showed on the field."

9,000 packed the Vetch and Flynn hailed the atmosphere as 'fantastic' but Yeovil boss Gary Johnson was far from happy with the Swans faithful.

Johnson said: "The atmosphere here was very childish with lots of swearing. I don't think that is right in front of women and children. I've never known it as bad as it was today - something should be done about it."

SWANSEA CITY boss Brian Flynn watched his side claim a dramatic late win over promotion rivals Yeovil yesterday - then described it as the most important result of the season.

Star striker Lee Trundle made a sensational return from suspension to fire a 90th-minute winner that gave Swansea their first win in five league matches and lifted them back up to sixth in Division Three.

Trundle had earlier put the Swans in front from the penalty spot and substitute Karl Connolly grabbed a second before Yeovil drew level through Welshmen Gavin Williams and Kevin Gall to set up a thrilling finale.

The former Wrexham striker put a smile back on the faces of a bumper Vetch Field crowd with his 16th - and, insisted Flynn, his most crucial - goal of the season.

And afterwards Swansea's director of football stressed that the last-gasp victory over fifth-placed Yeovil must act as a blueprint for the rest of the season. "This was a big win for us - the biggest win of the season so far," said Flynn.

"Yeovil are a good side but, after going through an indifferent period, we have again showed exactly what we are capable of.

"It was a performance which demonstrated that on our day, we are a top-three team. That is where we want to finish and why not?

"But if we're going to do that, if we're going to improve or at least stay where we are, we've got to get results against the other top sides in the division.

"Apart from when we beat Mansfield early in the season, this is the first time we've got three points against another top-six team, and that is so crucial.

"We've got home games against Oxford, Doncaster and Hull coming up and we've got to aim to get results from those too.

"There's a big gap now between sixth and the top three but we're good enough to bridge it. The challenge is there for us to go on and do that."

Victory over the Somerset club - perhaps with half an eye on their FA Cup glamour tie against Liverpool next weekend - was a huge relief to a Swansea side that had gone more than five weeks without a league win.

Trundle's return inspired Swansea to rediscover their cutting edge as well as some of the flair that lifted them to the top of Division Three earlier in the season.

"I'm stating the obvious, but we need Lee in the team," said Flynn.

"He scores goals and he's a highly influential player.

"What can you say about him? He's now scored 16 goals for us this season and the one he scored in the last minute here has to be the most crucial one yet.

"It was very pleasing to see that one go in. I was floored when Yeovil pulled it back to 2-2 and disappointed that we didn't defend the goals better.

"Otherwise, I thought it was a good day for everyone. Karl took his goal well and I don't think anyone had an off-day."

Next up for Swansea, who will be without midfielder Andy Robinson for one match after he collected his fifth booking of the season, is an FA Cup third-round clash against Macclesfield on Saturday.

Their Third Division campaign resumes at the Vetch three days later against an Oxford side who replaced Doncaster at the top following a 1-0 win at Southend yesterday.

In the meantime, Flynn will step up his search for another defender after Alan Tate made his final loan appearance before returning to Manchester United.

"We need three central defenders in the squad and we have to look at getting someone in now that Alan's time with us has come to an end," said Flynn.

"We knew all along that Alan would be going back after two months and I think that's the last we've seen of him at the Vetch. Generally, he's done well and obviously we wish him all the best."

TRUST Lee Trundle to provide some belated festive cheer with a dramatic last-minute winner that gets Swansea City's promotion campaign moving in the right direction again.

Swansea's irrepressible Scouser returned from suspension to fire Brian Flynn's side to their first win in five league matches with a first-half penalty and a priceless 90th-minute clincher.

It looked as if the Swans would have to settle for a draw after throwing away a two-goal lead, but Trundle's 14th league goal of the season at the death keeps his team among the Division Three pacesetters.

Another former Wrexham favourite, Karl Connolly, had earlier put Swansea 2-0 up minutes after his introduction as a second-half substitute.

A goal from each of Yeovil's two Welshmen - Gavin Williams and Wales Under-21 star Kevin Gall - looked to have secured the Somerset club a point that would have boosted their own promotion ambitions until Trundle stole the headlines once more.

It was a thrilling game in which Swansea at last rediscovered some of the verve and finesse that swept them to the top of the table earlier in the season.

That was thanks in no small part to the return of Trundle and his influence from the start only served to underline the argument that Swansea are a much bigger beast with him in their midst.

What a massive relief it must have been for both Flynn and Swans fans to see Trundle and his silver boots strutting out onto the pitch again after a three-match absence.

Just like the last time they were deprived of his services, Swansea had stuttered and spluttered without their spiky-haired striker, mustering a solitary point from the games against Southend, Doncaster and Torquay that he was forced to miss.

With Trundle partnering James Thomas for only the third time this season - Kevin Nugent was out serving a one-match ban - Connolly dropped to the subs' bench.

There was also a timely return for Leon Hylton, making his first appearance in more than three months, since left-back Michael Howard was out with hamstring trouble.

And it was a farewell outing for Alan Tate, the central defender making his final Swansea appearance before returning to Manchester United to contemplate an uncertain future.

A bumper crowd had squeezed into the Vetch hoping for a post-Christmas cracker and it was Yeovil who had the first clear-cut chance after four minutes.

It fell to midfielder Nick Crittenden, who seized on Swansea's failure to clear and fired an 18-yard volley that Roger Freestone was forced to beat out for a corner.

Swansea's first proper effort came five minutes later, wideman Brad Maylett twisting past two defenders before driving a right-footed shot narrowly wide of the near post.

There was a sense of expectation in the 18th minute when Andy Robinson laid off the kind of pass that Trundle thrives on.

From 25 yards out, the former Wrexham ace connected perfectly with the ball but it went inches wide after whizzing through a crowded penalty area.

No matter because 12 minutes later Trundle did hit the target. Williams - taunted throughout by the home fans for his apparent Cardiff allegiances - brought down Robinson just inside the area and Trundle fired the resulting spot-kick low to the left of Yeovil keeper Chris Weale.

Three minutes on and Robinson thought he had doubled Swansea's lead. He smashed a magnificent 20-yard free-kick into the back of Weale's net, but the "goal" was ruled out by referee Lee Cable after he spotted Lenny Johnrose pushing in the wall.

There was an early second-half scare for Swansea when Glovers' midfielder Lee Johnson chipped an effort just wide of the woodwork, and in the 55th minute Williams forced Freestone to push the ball out for a corner with a decent half-volley from the edge of the area.

Yeovil started to get a grip on things and came close again when Gall toe-poked a close-range effort wide of the target, yet too close for comfort for Swansea.

Thomas, who had barely had a sniff of the ball since almost all of the forward play was channelled through Trundle, was withdrawn for Connolly as the home side tried to establish of a two-goal cushion.

It took just five minutes for the substitution to pay dividends, Swansea taking the pressure off themselves with a second goal after 66 minutes. Maylett worked a short corner to Britton, whose low cross to Izzy Iriekpen was cleared only as far as Connolly.

The midfield man picked out the bottom left-hand corner, hitting the target by driving a low shot through a maze of bodies.

But Williams set up a nervous finish on 73 minutes when he latched onto a botched Iriekpen clearance and hooked a back-post volley past Freestone.

If that wound the Swansea fans up, celebrating by doing the "ayatollah" in front of the North Bank was probably not the best way to pacify them.

With a touch of anxiety creeping in, Swansea poured forward and almost claimed a third goal on 82 minutes when Richard Duffy flashed a header a fraction wide of the target from a Robinson free-kick. Moments later Yeovil pulled it back to 2-2.

Lee Johnson's free-kick from the halfway line sailed over the heads of the home defence and, after a mix-up at the left-hand post, the ball was switched to the other side of the box from where Gall blasted past Freestone.

But Trundle - who else? - was to have the last word. The ball was sprayed wide to Maylett, who eluded Johnson before supplying a cross to the far post and Trundle connected with a volley that struck the bar before crossing the line.

The Liverpudlian has scored some memorable goals this season but that one could be one of the most crucial.

Free-scoring Lee Trundle scored a last-ditch strike to condemn Yeovil to their second consecutive defeat at Vetch Field.


Swansea had appeared to be cruising but Gavin Williams halved their two-goal lead with an overhead kick finish on 72 minutes and Kevin Gall looked to have earned a share of the spoils in the 87th minute.

But Swans manager Brian Flynn promised his sides fortunes would change when Trundle returned from injury - and on this display it would be hard to argue with him.

Trundle adds much-needed bite and verve to the Swans attack and he grabbed his fourth goal in four home games from the penalty spot - after Andy Robinson had been dragged down by Williams in the 27th minute.

Yeovil, reeling from a rare home defeat on Boxing Day, had looked strong early on with Nick Crittenden forcing Roger Freestone to parry his effort to safety after just three minutes and then blazing over the bar moments before the interval.

The Glovers emerged stongly from the break as Williams forced Freestone into another smart save with a close range shot.

But Swansea doubled their lead in the 65th minute as Kevin Connolly fired home his first league goal of the campaign. Bradley Maylett had caused problems down the wing but from a shot corner Leon Britton whipped in a cross that Connolly converted.

Yeovil then stormed back before Trundle converted Maylett's cross in injury-time.

BRIAN FLYNN has urged his Swansea City side to regain some promotion momentum when they face Yeovil in tomorrow's top-seven showdown at the Vetch after watching them battle to a point against Torquay yesterday.

Flynn expressed his delight after his side put behind them two successive defeats to chisel out a scoreless draw in monsoon-like weather conditions in south Devon.

But the Swans are still without a win in four league matches - their last victory came against Darlington more than five weeks ago - and the Boxing Day results saw them slip to seventh in the Division Three table.

Flynn, who tomorrow welcomes back 15-goal striker Lee Trundle from suspension, insisted last night that he does not want to settle for a play-off place this season.

And he has challenged his team to close the gap between them and the automatic promotion places against a Yeovil side who slipped to fifth following a shock 2-1 home defeat to Kidderminster.

"Considering what has happened in the last two matches, Torquay was a big game for us and I'm pleased with how it turned out," said the director of football.

"The weather was almost monsoon-like and that made it very difficult for us, but I'm pleased with how we performed. It's a hard-earned point and it's a good point.

"A week or so ago I spoke about having a platform to build on and we have to make sure this result is that platform.

"What we need to do now is get some momentum going - the kind we had earlier in the season - and put a good run together.

"We're exactly halfway through the season and we've got 36 points, which is pleasing. Doubling that in the second half of the season ought to be enough to get us into the play-offs.

"But that is the least we're aiming for. It would be nice to avoid the play-offs and the players we've got are capable of getting us into the top three.

"And, as I said, to do that we need to build some momentum - starting against Yeovil at the Vetch.

"Apart from when we beat Mansfield very early in the season, we haven't won against another top-six team and we have to put that right." Swansea, who led the Third Division little more than three months ago, have collected just nine points from their last nine games and remain in the top seven only by virtue of having a better goal difference than Torquay in eighth.

But Flynn had plenty of positives to dwell on as he prepares his team to face a Yeovil side who slipped to fifth after their Huish Park upset.

"Losing a third game on the trot would have been a massive blow to us, so I'm delighted we've kept a clean sheet and picked up a draw against a good side," he said.

"In many ways, we were trying to make amends, not only for the two recent defeats against Doncaster and Southend, but also last Christmas when we lost six in a row.

"It was good to see so many fans make the trip down and we wanted to produce a good show for them.

"But the conditions made it difficult for us to play our normal style of football. At times the wind was so strong that the ball was blowing away from the players' feet!

"We adapted well, though, managed to create some good chances and were strong at the back when we needed to be.

"And it was good to have Brad Maylett and Karl Connolly (returning from injuries) back in the team. Neither of them are 100 per cent match fit, but I was pleased with their contributions."

Kevin Nugent, who started yesterday's match on the bench as a precaution against a toe infection he picked up earlier in the week, is suspended for tomorrow's game.

But Swansea will hope the Trundle factor kicks in against the Somerset club, who claimed a 2-0 win over Swansea earlier in the season.

"It'll be a great boost to have our leading scorer back," said Flynn, who has a slight doubt over Connolly after he suffered a reaction to his calf problem at Plainmoor.

"I wouldn't disagree with the argument that we present more of a threat when Lee is in the team and let's hope that proves to be the case.

"This will be a big test. Yeovil have done well and they'll be confident of getting a good result at the Vetch. It could be a bit of a battle. But it should be a cracker."