A SHOW-STOPPING performance from Stuart Roberts was not enough to secure Swansea City all three points from a pulsating Third Division clash against the league leaders.

Swans winger Roberts fired Brian Flynn's men in front with a stunning 39th-minute finish and caused havoc in a thrilling game that the home side had numerous chances to win.

A mix-up in the home defence saw Doncaster hit back on 56 minutes through Chris Brown and the visitors put tremendous pressure on Swansea in the last half hour.

In the end, Swansea had to hang on for a result - a fair one on the balance of play - that cuts the gap on the play-off places to seven points.

Flynn had made one change to the Swansea side that sneaked a 1-0 win at Cambridge, Kris O'Leary returning at right-back for Stuart Jones.

Unable to tie up a deal for the Rochdale striker Paul Connor ahead of Rovers' visit, Flynn began with a 4-5-1 formation, Kevin Nugent the lone striker and Andy Robinson supporting from midfield.

Encouraging though the back-to-back wins against Cambridge and Leyton Orient were, Swansea knew their credentials would be more severely examined by a Rovers side that had arrived at the Vetch boasting a five-point cushion at the top.

Swans fans needed no introduction to the man in the opposition dug-out, Doncaster boss Dave Penney returning to the Vetch for the first time since his unpopular move down the M4 to Cardiff in 1997.

Swansea seized the early initiative, Robinson, as tenacious as ever, at the heart of things. But it was the boot of Doncaster defender Mark Albrighton that nearly put Swansea in front on 17 minutes.

Roberto Martinez sent Roberts scampering down the right and, following a tantalising cross from the wideman, Albrighton almost diverted the ball into his own net.

Moments later Albrighton went close at the other end.

Michael McIndoe sent in a free-kick and the Rovers centre-back smacked his header against the crossbar.

On that occasion Swansea had been caught napping, but five minutes later it was a stinging free-kick from Dave Mulligan that almost beat them, the defender's effort flying a fraction wide of the target.

Seven minutes before the break Rovers' on-loan Sunderland striker Chris Brown gave the Swans another scare with a low 30-yard shot that whizzed past the post.

The goal that broke the deadlock was all down to an excellent piece of finishing. Nugent flicked on Michael Howard's pass and Roberts, after accelerating down the right flank, dispatched the ball exquisitely past goalkeeper Andy Warrington.

It was one of those moments that made Roberts such a firm favourite with the Vetch faithful in his first spell at the club and why his return from Wycombe last month was met with such excitement.

And it was the perfect confidence boost for the player himself, Roberts causing all manner of problems for Rovers straight after the interval. It was his inch-perfect cross to Leon Britton that almost led to a second Swansea goal, the midfielder seeing his close-range effort blocked by the legs of Warrington.

The miss was to prove costly as, on 56 minutes, confusion at the back allowed Rovers back in. O'Leary got a weak header on Tim Ryan's forward pass and Brian Murphy came half-way without collecting.

The hesitation allowed McIndoe to intercept and square for Brown to slot home from close range.

The match turned nasty, referee Frazer Stretton issuing no less than six yellow cards as a result of an ugly melee after Albright's challenge on Britton.

Swansea then came under sustained Doncaster pressure, the visitors breaking forward with conviction and a frantic goal-mouth scramble leading to the ball being hacked clear off the line. Then, on 73 minutes, came yet another chance for Roberts, who beat the keeper but shot agonisingly wide.

Murphy made up for his earlier hesitancy with two great saves. First he blocked a Leo Fortune-West effort following some ping-pong in the box and then reacted well to smother Brown's close-range effort. In the dying moments Izzy Iriekpen had to clear off the line after McIndoe beat O'Leary and threaded a ball across for Brown before Murphy had to hack away an effort from substitute Bayo Akinfenwa.

STAYING PUT... Paul Connor is set to remain at Spotland.

PAUL Connor remains a Dale player for now after a move to Swansea broke down this week.

The striker spoke to City boss Brian Flynn at Spotland on Monday, but didn’t travel to South Wales as reported on Wednesday and is in the squad for Saturday’s relegation battle with Boston.

As exclusively revealed in last Saturday’s Observer Sport, the Swans are interested in capturing Rochdale’s record signing to boost their outside chance of a play-off spot.

But after making an initial offer - believed to be around £35,000 - on Monday morning they didn’t follow up with a bigger bid and any chance of signing Connor in time for last night’s match against Doncaster were scuppered.

Dale manager Steve Parkin said: “I know what Paul can do and I want him to stay at Rochdale. We need to keep as many of our best players as we can for next season and he is one of them."

“I had a long chat with him this week and he knows he’s not done the business this season. But he’s still very committed to this club and wants to get on with playing and scoring goals for Rochdale.”

“We must have one of the smallest squads in the league and to sell Paul wouldn’t make sense,” he added.

Connor hasn’t netted for six months, but showed signs of a burgeoning partnership with new signing Grant Holt in the impressive win against Mansfield.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins suggested Dale had been the problem in the transfer to the Vetch Field not going through.

“Rochdale are the snag at the moment,” he said. “It seems a definite ploy to up the fee. I’m not saying it’s a complete u-turn, it’s a just situation where we thought we’d agreed a deal, but then it changed.”

But his opposite number, David Kilpatrick, denied barriers had been placed in the way of the move.

“It’s a load of rubbish to say there’s a snag at our end,” he said. “Swansea made a bid for Connor. The board have investigated and discussions have taken place with the player."

“I personally don’t want Paul Connor to leave at the moment,” he added.

Parkin will be doubly glad of the striker’s services after seeing his squad reduced to the bare bones by injuries and suspensions.

Daryl Burgess will finally complete his ban by sitting out the game at York Street, while Patrick McCourt (dead leg) and Scott Warner (ankle) picked up knocks in the reserves’ 4-0 defeat by Stockport on Wednesday night.

Dale have lost the services of loanee Jeff Smith, who was recalled by Bolton after just one game. But it looks likely defender Danny Livesey will stay for another month on loan from the Reebok.

Striker Lee McEvilly has been recalled from Accrington to boost numbers.

Parkin, meanwhile, has been casting an eye over experienced Hull City left-back Shaun Smith.

DAVID PENNEY is expecting stick from Swansea fans tonight - not because he is in the opposition dug-out but because he left the Vetch for Cardiff City.

Doncaster Rovers boss Penney returns to the Vetch for the first time since his switch to Ninian Park in 1997.

The Yorkshireman captained the Swans side that reached the Third Division play-off final under Jan Molby seven years ago.

But the North Bank has never forgiven him for leaving the Swans to join their South Wales rivals a few months after that 1-0 Wembley defeat to Northampton.

Penney, whose Doncaster side have stormed five points clear at the top of the Third Division, said, "Moving from one Welsh club to the other is regarded as the ultimate sin down there.

"I'm expecting to get a bit of stick from the Swansea fans - but it's nice to be going back with a team that's top of the table.

"If we can take three points so much the better."

Wakefield-born Penney was signed by Frank Burrows and played for the Swans from 1993-97, although he'd had a previous loan spell at the club in 1991.

"I enjoyed myself at Swansea and it was a good club to play for," said Penney.

"I had many good times there as captain, so I would like to do well on my return."

Penney's Doncaster team won promotion from the Conference last year and have adapted well to life in Division Three.

Rovers have opened up a gap on fellow top-three teams Hull and Oxford and are now nine points clear of the fourth-placed side, Huddersfield.

They thumped Kidderminster 5-0 last Friday and were due to play at Rochdale on Tuesday, but the match was called off because of a frozen pitch.

"When you're on a roll you want to keep playing," said Penney.

"We were hoping to go there (Rochdale) and win, giving us the chance to put some more daylight between us and the second club."

Doncaster are on course to hit 81 points and no Third Division side team has reached that figure and not won promotion.

"That's an interesting statistic, but we intend to stay focused and we will still try to win every game," he added.

Swansea need to follow up back-to-back wins over Leyton Orient and Cambridge with another victory to keep their play-off challenge simmering.

Brian Flynn's side are eight points adrift of Yeovil - who occupy the last play-off spot - but have two games in hand.

The Swans are likely to be unchanged from the side that won 1-0 at Cambridge on Tuesday, with Alan Tate recovering from the knee injury that forced him off before the end of the first half.

"It is easing and we are hopeful that Alan will make it," said Flynn. "It will be a major boost if he does."

Swans are still hoping to complete the signing of Rochdale striker Paul Connor, although the deal might not be done in time for tonight's game.

Paul Connor's transfer from Rochdale to Swansea City was in doubt today with chairman Huw Jenkins accusing the Lancashire club of moving the goalposts regarding the player's fee. The 25-year-old striker, whose contract at Spotland is up at the end of this season, was due at Vetch Field yesterday to talk through a deal, but did not travel to South Wales following the last-minute hitch.

It had been hoped that Connor would sign on loan before Swansea's trip to Cambridge on Tuesday and then complete a permanent deal after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.

Now Jenkins says the switch has hit a snag in what he described as the merry-go-round of transfer dealings.

''Rochdale are the snag at the moment,'' said Jenkins. ''It seems a definite ploy to up his fee. I am not saying it's a complete U-turn but it's a situation that you think you have agreed upon but then it changes.

''We will just have to see what develops, but what we are trying to do is sort out the best for this football club.''

Jenkins had a number of conversations with counterparts at Rochdale yesterday and was still hopeful of thrashing out an agreement with more discussions planned for today.

Flynn, too, has not given up hope of signing Connor but is continuing his attempt to bring Darlington top scorer Barry Conlon to the Vetch.

Swansea tabled another undisclosed bid for the former Irish Under-21 striker earlier in the week but Flynn is well aware it will be tough to persuade the Quakers to part with their 10-goal frontman.

''They don't want to lose him,'' he said. ''Football clubs do not want to lose their best players.''

There was better news for the director of football over Alan Tate's knee injury.

The defender limped out of the win at Abbey Stadium on Tuesday after only 41 minutes and looked a major doubt for the home clash with leaders Doncaster tomorrow.

But Flynn is increasingly confident he will be fit to take his place. ''It's very much easier,'' he said of Tate's injury. ''We are hopeful that he will make it tomorrow. It will be a major boost if he is fit.''

With up to 1,000 away fans expected at the Vetch tomorrow, the West Terrace will not be open to Swansea supporters.

The Family Stand will be open as normal and it is hoped that after help from the safety advisory group, there wll be more room on the North Bank for home supporters.

The club have had an extra row of crash barriers installed at the front of the terrace and are hopeful work will be completed in time for it to be opened.

SWANSEA CITY goalkeeper Brian Murphy has spoken about how tough it is living in Roger Freestone's shadow at the Vetch, writes Mario Risoli.

The Irishman has hardly had a look-in at the Third Division after arriving from Manchester City last summer.

The 20-year-old described the last six months of his career as "the hardest time of my life" as he failed to oust Vetch legend Freestone from the Swansea side.

But Murphy made his first league start for the Swans since August 25 in their crucial 1-0 win at Cambridge on Tuesday.

And he will almost certainly start tomorrow's home clash against leaders Doncaster Rovers.

"I left Manchester City, even though the manager, Kevin Keegan, offered me a new contract," said Murphy after the Abbey Stadium victory which kept his side's play-off dream alive.

"I left that club because I was desperate to play first-team football.

"It started well for me at Swansea, but then I found myself out of contention and the last six months have been the hardest of my life.

"It has been very tough watching every match from the sidelines and not being able to contribute anything."

Blunders by Freestone against Kidderminster and Leyton Orient ensured Murphy's six-month wait came to an end on Tuesday.

The man from Waterford got the nod ahead of Freestone in the Swans' first five matches, but was dropped after the 3-0 defeat at Oxford.

Doncaster, who have taken the division by storm this season after winning promotion from the Conference last year, are next up for Flynn's men, who are eight points adrift of the play-offs.

FORMER Swansea City player-manager Nick Cusack has escaped a driving ban so he can visit famous soccer stars to tell them how to spend their money.

Cusack, now working as a financial executive with the Professional Footballers Association, totted up 12 points for speeding on the M4.

But he was let off a six-month ban because a court heard he needs to travel around Britain to advise leading Premiership players on their massive earnings.

Cusack told Rhondda magistrates, "I visit players at home, at training grounds and at football clubs, and have to make two or three calls a day.

"It would not be appropriate for players to visit me.

"Footballers are not the most diligent of timekeepers."

Cusack, 38, was chairman of the PFA and player-manager for Swansea City before he retired last year.

He took over as financial executive with the PFA advising soccer stars on their money - and was in Manchester advising Man United's millionaire players on the day he was caught.

Cusack said, "I represent players on disciplinary matters, contract talks or when players have to retire through injury.

"This speeding conviction has been a worry for me for the last six months.

"I moved to London in September and was doing an awful lot of driving before then, between 50,000 and 60,000 miles a year."

Cusack admitted speeding at 85mph on the M4 in South Wales in July. Prosecutor Steve Head said he had nine points on his licence.

He said, "On reaching 12 points, as Cusack has now done, a driver is liable to a minimum of a six-month ban unless the court finds there are exceptional mitigating circumstances."

His brother Patrick said Cusack had never been involved in an accident and had a clean driving record.

He said a ban would be "catastrophic" for father-of-two Cusack.

Magistrates' chairman David Hackman said, "We are not going to disqualify you because of the financial hardship in this instance.

"If you have any more points on your licence, you will be disqualified."

University graduate Cusack was fined £200 with £35 costs.

ADMINISTRATORS last night turned down a bid from Third Division rivals Swansea for Darlington striker Barry Conlon.

Following a meeting with manager David Hodgson yesterday, Wilson Field - who took over the running of the cash-strapped club in December - concluded that the offer was not acceptable.

Despite Quakers' dire financial situation the administrators are leaving all transfer decisions in the hands of Hodgson.

The bid from the Welsh outfit is nowhere near Quakers' valuation of the player, who would command a six-figure fee.

"As far as football is concerned Mr Hodgson is in charge," said administrator David Field.

"We are desperate for the club to continue in the Third Division and we know Barry Conlon is a big asset for the club on the pitch.

"We are not going to force Mr Hodgson into anything he doesn't want to do, and that includes selling players.

"If he does not think the offer is acceptable then we will go along with his judgement.

"If a club came in with an offer that we couldn't refuse then it will be a different issue.

"If Mr Hodgson thinks it is worth more for him to stay we won't be putting any pressure on him to sell anybody.

"On this occasion we are both in agreement we would much prefer Barry Conlon to stay where he is scoring goals."

Former Hartlepool boss Chris Turner failed with an attempt to take Conlon to Sheffield Wednesday on loan in January, while Macclesfield had a £35,000 bid turned down in the same month.

Hartlepool and Rushden have also been linked with moves for the former York City striker.

"I've spoken to Baz about the bid and he's fine about it," said Hodgson.

"He has already told me he wants to stay and the move to Swansea just didn't appeal to him at all. We received a bid for him but it was nowhere near our valuation of him."

Meanwhile Ryan Valentine will return to the Darlington line-up against Cheltenham tonight with a challenge from Hodgson to prove his worth.

The Wrexham-born defender has not started a game since picking up his fifth yellow card of the season at Kidderminster in January.

Hodgson described Valentine's booking as "needless" in the 1-1 draw at the Aggborough Stadium and the 21-year-old was subsequently dropped.

But with Ian Clark serving a one-match ban after his dismissal against Northampton a fortnight ago, Valentine will reclaim his place in the side for the visit of in-form Cheltenham, who have lost just once in their last ten league games.

"It's up to Ryan to show me that he should stay in the team," said Hodgson.

"He's desperate to get back in and with Clarky suspended this is his chance.

"If he does well then he will stay in the team."

And Hodgson hopes Valentine's absence has made the former Everton defender a better player for his experiences.

"Ryan knows he did wrong and hopefully he's learned his lesson," said Hodgson.

"He's been out longer than he'd expected and I'm sure he'll not want to spend that much time out again."

The Quakers boss has already drawn up a list of players who are part of his long-term plans for the club and Valentine is one of them.

"Ryan is one player I really like and I would like to keep him longer," said Hodgson.

"There are a number of young players I want to keep at the club and Ryan is one."

Hodgson has already tied down Craig Liddle for another two years, while skipper Neil Maddison recently agreed to play on until the end of next season.

The return of Valentine will be Hodgson's only change from the side which claimed a point at Bury at the weekend.

On-loan striker Neil Teggart picked up a groin strain at Gigg Lane but is expected to be fit, while Maddison has shaken off an ankle injury.

With overnight frost forecast there will be a pitch inspection at 11am this morning.

The Quakers squad trained on the Reynolds Arena pitch yesterday.

Assistant manager Martin Gray said: "There has been a lot of snow on the pitch which has been cleared.

"Our main concern is the frost which has been forecast."

Robins boss John Ward is expected to keep to the same side which beat promotion-chasing Mansfield 4-2 at the weekend.

Former Newcastle striker Paul Brayson will partner Damien Spencer in attack. Horden-born Bob Taylor is ruled out with a rib injury.

Shane Duff remains sidelined with an ankle injury so John Brough will continue to play alongside Michael Duff in central defence.

ROOKIE goalkeeper Brian Murphy won the praise of boss Brian Flynn as Swansea City stayed in Third Division play-off contention last night.

Swansea's 1-0 win at Cambridge - their first away success since late-October - came after Flynn had gambled by recalling 20-year-old Murphy with veteran Roger Freestone paying the price for a couple of recent high-profile mistakes.

The Irishman had not figured in the league since he was culpable for a couple of Oxford goals in a 3-0 defeat last August.

"I had to think hard about the decision," admitted Flynn. "Brian had a calamitous five minutes at Oxford and I had to take him out of the team for his own good.

"But he has been magnificent in training and the time was right to put him back in. He has been patient and shown a terrific attitude.

"I wanted to freshen a few things up and I never doubted Brian.

"He made two great stops late in the game that helped us take the three points."

Izzy Iriekpen was the Swansea hero, his fifth-minute goal from close-range coming against the club where he spent a loan spell last season.

Added Flynn, "Izzy was superb and we defended well in the second half when they exerted a lot of pressure.

"There's always an edge to the game when you don't get that second goal, but we're still in the play-off race.

"We just need to put a very good run together."

Rochdale striker Paul Connor will travel to Swansea today for talks with Flynn and he could be signed in time for Friday's visit of league leaders Doncaster Rovers.

Swansea City are closing in on Rochdale striker Paul Connor and have tabled a bid for Darlington targetman Barry Conlon. Connor, who met with Swansea boss Brian Flynn late yesterday, was today close to signing on loan in time for tonight's trip to Cambridge, and will join on a permanent basis in the near future after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee.

And Swansea hope to have Conlon on board before leaders Doncaster visit Vetch Field on Friday night after lodging another undisclosed bid with the Quakers.

The proposed double deal is a last-gasp attempt to rescue the club's ailing play-off bid and shows real ambition to escape Division Three come May.

The last time Swansea splashed out on a player was way back in September 1999, when £20,000 flop Tommy Mutton arrived from Bangor City.

Connor, who learned his trade at Middlesbrough before spells at Hartlepool, Cambridge and Stoke, has proven his quality in the Nationwide League basement since Rochdale paid the Potters a club record £150,000 for his services in March 2001.

Born in the North-East, the skilful 6ft 1in frontman had an immediate impact at Spotland before struggling with injury in his first full season with the Lancashire club.

Last term, though, the 25-year-old bounced back with 15 goals - including a spectacular strike at the Vetch - and has six more to his name in the current campaign.

Conlon, also 25, leads the scoring charts at struggling Darlington, having netted his 10th of the season in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Bury.

The 6ft 3in powerhouse is a former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international who started life at Manchester City.

He cost Southend £95,000 in 1998, York £100,000 just over a year later and Darlington £60,000 in 2001, and has had loan spells at Plymouth and Colchester. A menace in the air, Conlon plundered 17 goals last season.

''This is a statement by the club saying that we are committed to trying to reach the play-offs,'' said Vetch chairman Huw Jenkins.

''We believe that in addition to the players we have got, these two will make us capable of putting the run together that we need to push back to the top seven.

''Having watched the Bolton-Middlesbrough game on Sunday, we want to get to the Millennium Stadium for the play-off final.

''That's something the fans and the club deserve, and hopefully everyone will recognise now that we have no intention of letting our season fizzle out into nothing.''

If Swansea are to satisfy their chairman, a victory at Cambridge - the club with the worst home record in the league - looks almost vital.

Connor will come straight into lead Flynn's attack if his move is completed in time, with Stuart Roberts and Brad Maylett set to start on either flank.

Andy Robinson will push back to midfield alongside Roberto Martinez and Leon Britton to make way for the new boy, while Michael Howard and Stuart Jones will start on either side of defence.

With a run of eight games in 25 days beginning at the Abbey Stadium, Swansea recognise that the time has come to build a run of positive results if they are to stand any chance of promotion.

''The run of games is going to be a test physically,'' said coach Kevin Reeves, ''and we have to hope for a bit of luck with injuries.

''Cambridge came down here and played very well to take our home record, but the loss of Dave Kitson (to Reading) has been big for them and we go there hoping to build on our win over Leyton Orient. We need to improve our away record.''

Meanwhile, former Swan Kieron Durkan is set to join Conference club Halifax after leaving the Vetch at the weekend.

Stuart Roberts is relishing tonight's return to the Swansea City spotlight after two and a half years at Wycombe spent waiting in the wings. As his second stint as a Swansea player begins in earnest at Cambridge, the Llanelli flyer admits the pressure is on to recapture the form that won him a £100,000 move away from Vetch Field.

But Roberts, capped 13 times by Wales at Under-21 level, insists he is relishing the chance to once again display the talent which had former Swansea boss Colin Addison tipping him for full international honours.

"Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday last week were the busiest three days of my life," said the 23-year-old, who arrived as a 64th-minute substitute in last Tuesday's win over Leyton Orient after signing just hours before kick-off .

"Friends from back home and in Wycombe have all been ringing to wish me luck which is great, but in the end I had to switch my mobile off.

"Then people were knocking at the front door or ringing the house phone, so I finished up in my bedroom with the door locked.

"The pressure is on me.

"I am aware that there's a lot of expectation and the next three months are going to be massive in terms of my whole football career.

"I want to stay at Swansea beyond this season, but I've only got a short-term contract and it's vital that I perform.

"There's been a lot of hype and it's up to me justify it. That's the challenge I accepted when I decided to come home."

The task facing Roberts, who looks set for a wide left role tonight, is to click back into gear having spent far too many matchdays warming the bench in recent months.

In fact the good times were few and far between from the moment he switched to Wycombe, even though he remained extremely popular with Chairboys fans until the end.

"I could have stayed stewing in the reserves, but that was never an option once Swansea came in," he added.

"I was sad to leave some of the great people I met at Wycombe, but I went back up at the weekend to collect my gear and all that's left now is to sell my house.

"Things are already starting to settle down again here and it's time to start concentrating on my football."

There should be plenty of opportunities for Roberts to strut his stuff in March - Brian Flynn's men kick off a daunting run of eight games in 25 days this evening.

"It's a lot," he continued, "but we're fit enough to handle it and I know we're capable of getting the results we need.

"I remember when we reached the play-offs under John Hollins in 1999, we had to play four games in the last week of the season.

"We won at Rochdale on the Saturday, then got thrashed 4-1 at Brentford on the Tuesday night.

"We needed to beat Cambridge at home on the Thursday and then Hull on the Saturday to get there and we did it.

"The challenge ahead of us now is similar and, if we can build on the Orient win with another at Cambridge, we'll really be on our way.

"Get another result against Doncaster on Friday and suddenly everyone will be talking up our chances of making the play-offs again."

Cambridge United manager John Taylor has blasted his players ahead of tonight's clash with Swansea City. Taylor watched on in anger as his side slumped to a 4-1 defeat at Yeovil on Saturday.

Cambridge now lie only six points off the last relegation spot.

And Taylor says the time has come for the players to start taking some of the responsibility for the poor performances.

''I've told the boys I can't come out and defend them,'' he moaned.

''All of a sudden, they step over the white line and play like schoolboys.''

United's had boasted one of the better away records in thedivision prior to Saturday, with six wins coming on their travels.

But sloppy defending contributed greatly to his side's downfall and Taylor is demanding big improvements as he attempts to prevent the club being drawn into a relegation battle.

''Yeovil are a good side but they're not fantastic,'' said Taylor.

''We were sloppy, made mistake after mistake and made them look good.

''Some of the defending was Sunday class football, and if you're going to do that in the Third Division you're going to get punished.''

DALE have denied Saturday's opponents Swansea have made an approach for record signing Paul Connor.

The 25-year-old striker, who hasn’t found the target since September, is rumoured to be in the frame along with Torquay forward David Graham as City manager Brian Flynn looks to bolster his front line.

Rochdale were contacted last month by Yeovil Town with a view to signing Connor, who is out of contract in the summer, but the bid was turned down.

Manager Steve Parkin said: “There has been no approach from Swansea. The way I see it, the nearer to deadline day we get the less chance there is of anyone offering money for Paul.”

Clubs have until 25 March to bring any new players in for the end-of-season run-in. If Connor is to leave, it’s likely he’ll depart in the summer on a free transfer. Ironically, the former Stoke City star is likely to get the nod for a starting place against the Swans in partnership with Grant Holt.

Parkin was disappointed with Kevin Townson’s performance against Cheltenham seven days ago and could opt for the partnership which served his side so well in their thumping 3-0 win against Mansfield - Dale’s last victory three weeks ago.

Parkin will be missing Daryl Burgess at the Vetch Field, the defender seeing out his two-match ban. Patrick McCourt trained with the squad on Thursday, but was rated only as “possible” to make the trip to South Wales.

SWANSEA CITY chairman Huw Jenkins will demand a top-two finish next season if the Swans blow their promotion chances this time around.

Brian Flynn's men will try and keep their fading Third Division play-off hopes alive at Cambridge tonight.

The Swans are 11 points adrift of the top-six although they have two games in hand over most clubs above them.

But Vetch Field chief Jenkins warned his players that he will be "very disappointed" if they fail to secure a play-off finish this season.

And he said he is hoping to land a striker this week - Steve Basham (Oxford), Paul Connor (Rochdale) and Barry Conlon (Darlington) are all being pursued - to give the Swans' promotion push one last kick.

"It's not acceptable for us to be outside the top five or six," he told The Western Mail.

"Our form has tapered off in the last four months and I expect a lot more from the team.

"If we don't go up this season then the pressure to go up next year will be on us from day one.

"If we are still in the Third Division next season then I don't expect us to challenge for the top six - I will expect us to be in the top two."

Added Jenkins, "We will have a new stadium in 12 months' time and we do have players capable of playing on that stage.

"We have signed some reasonable players, which is what our fans deserve, and most things Brian (Flynn) has asked for we have done our best to get.

"I will be very disappointed if we don't make the play-offs this season."

The Swans topped the table earlier in the season but have plummeted to 10th after winning only five of their last 21 league outings.

"No disrespect to clubs like Boston and Kidderminster but we should be going to these places and winning comfortably," said Jenkins.

"Our form has fallen away in the last few months and maybe that is down to a lot of our players not being used to playing 30-35 games in a season and constantly producing the required form.

"That has probably been a big factor in our results and hopefully that will be addressed.

"We can still make the play-offs. We have players here who are capable of putting together a 10-match unbeaten run and that would put us back in contention.

"We are making every effort to sign one or two players this week. Strengthening the forward line is a priority for Brian and a signing could happen in the next few days - but time is not on our side.

"Ideally we should have made these signings eight weeks ago. Then the FA Cup took over and things got left on the shelf.

"But I want our supporters to know that we are not going to let the season peter out and just wait for next season. I can assure them that we won't be doing that."

Swansea City will ask Andy Robinson to spearhead their attack at Cambridge tomorrow as their search for a striker goes on. Boss Brian Flynn is desperate to recruit a new frontman, but feels the options available in the transfer market are less attractive than switching Robinson from his preferred midfield role.

Swansea have identified a number of possible targets, including Torquay's David Graham, Paul Connor of Rochdale and the Darlington powerhouse Barry Conlon.

But so far their attempts to lure a regular goalscorer to Vetch Field have failed, leaving Robinson as their most potent threat going into the next critical test in the club's Third Division play-off push.

''It's proving tough at the moment,'' coach Kevin Reeves conceded. ''We have tried quite a few players, but the difficulty is that everybody is playing for something at the moment so they don't want to lose their best players.

''Our other option would be a young Premiership striker on loan, but we have to ask ourselves if that would be any better than what we've already got in Andy and the answer has been no. I thought he was outstanding playing up front against Leyton Orient last week and we know that he did it for Tranmere's reserves last season.

''Andy is the type of striker we have been looking for as well, so at the moment it looks we'll be sticking with him.''

After their meeting with Rochdale fell foul of the freezing Vetch weather, Swansea slipped 11 points behind Huddersfield in the last play-off spot over the weekend.

Even with two games in hand on many of the sides above, a first away win since October tomorrow night looks close to vital if they are to push back into the top seven come May.

Swansea could receive a triple fitness boost ahead of the trip to the Abbey Stadium, with Kris O'Leary, Jon Coates and James Thomas all in contention.

Cambridge, owners of the worst home record in the division, warmed up for Swansea's visit with a morale-sapping 4-1 thrashing at Yeovil.

FORMER Swansea City defender Richard Duffy has expressed his frustration at being unable to make the big Premiership breakthrough at Portsmouth.

Duffy insists he has enjoyed his first month on the south coast after a dream move that saw him swap Division Three and the Vetch for Fratton Park and the Premier League.

However, the 18-year-old Wales youth defender, who made a near £400,000 move to Pompey after making little more than 20 Swans appearances, admitted his first four weeks could have gone so much better.

But that is down to the small matter of Duffy having to serve a five-match ban rather than Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp deciding to leave him out in the cold.

"Because my sending off at Bury in my last Swansea game was my second red card of the season, I was suspended for four matches," he said.

"On top of that I had a one-match ban for picking up five bookings so I've been kicking my heels in the first month at Portsmouth.

"It's been so frustrating wondering what might have been had I avoided the red card at Bury.

"What's worse is the gaffer (Redknapp) has had a lot of injury problems so I could have been involved in some of the Premiership matches.

"I was cup-tied for the FA Cup game against Liverpool, but since I joined the club, we've had a home game against Chelsea and one at Tottenham.

"I know it's all ifs and buts now, but it is frustrating when I think I could have found myself in the squad for those games."

So instead of preparing to run out at White Hart Lane or face Claudio Ranieri's men at Fratton Park, Duffy has been restricted to two reserve outings in surroundings about as far removed from the glamour of the Premiership as it gets.

"I've played against Charlton at Havant & Waterlooville's ground and West Ham at Dagenham & Redbridge - an eye-opener in both cases!" he said.

"But I knew what joining Portsmouth would be all about. I'm not expecting to walk straight into a Premiership team.

"Going from being a regular member of the Swansea first team to being on the fringes at Portsmouth is a bit of a contrast for me.

"But that was one of the things I had to consider carefully when I joined the club, and I think I've made the right decision.

"I accept that I'm going to have to be incredibly patient. I obviously want to play in the first team but, if the manager thinks I'm not ready, then I'm not ready."

The Swansea-born defender admitted that when he first joined Portsmouth, mixing with big names like Teddy Sheringham and Patrik Berger left him slightly overawed.

But he said a few words of encouragement from the former Manchester United and England striker helped him to settle in.

"It was a bit daunting at first because, although it's not Manchester United or Liverpool, you can't help being a bit star-struck," he said.

"But you soon feel at home because everyone mingles together. Everyone has come up to me and said 'Good Luck.'

To be fair, they're all top class.

"Teddy came up to me and said 'All the best, hope you do well.' That was nice because he's one of the players you look up to."

Duffy came into contention for a place in the Pompey squad for the first time yesterday when Redknapp's side faced Newcastle at Fratton Park.

His old club, meanwhile, suffered another setback in their bid to bridge the gap on the play-off places when their home tie with Rochdale fell victim to the cold weather.

On Swansea's promotion prospects, Duffy said, "It would be fantastic to see Swansea get into the play-offs, but the problem is they're running out of games.

"They've only got 15 matches left and to get into the top seven I think they'd have to win 10 of those, plus hope the teams around them drop points.

"I hope they do it, but it's a big ask. Lee Trundle being out for a month is not going to help either."

Brian Flynn's side tackle the first of eight March matches tomorrow when they travel to Cambridge.

Kieron Durkan last night jumped off Swansea City's Division Three play-off bandwagon.

The 30-year-old winger, one of Brian Flynn's first signings, asked to leave the Vetch due to "personal reasons."

It is believed that Durkan wanted to be nearer his family in Manchester and asked the Swans to settle up on the remainder of his contract, a deal that was due to expire this summer.

Durkan's career in South Wales has been plagued by injuries and he made just 25 appearances in 12 months - but the Chester-born man will be remembered for one "special" FA Cup goal.

Swansea vice-chairman Leigh Dineen recalled: "That goal against Rushden and Diamonds in the FA Cup second round was one of the best goals the Vetch has seen for a long while.

"It was a wonder goal, a special strike. Kieron has been a good servant to the club and while his time here was hampered by injuries he always did a job for us.

"I think, however, the travelling back and fore to see his family was getting too much."

Swansea City winger Kieron Durkan has parted company with the club. Durkan, who signed for Swansea last January on a free transfer from Rochdale, has been plagued by injury during a frustrating stay at Vetch Field.

In all he managed only 25 league and cup games, scoring two goals, but always looked surplus to requirements following this week's arrival of Stuart Roberts.

''The club has come to a mutual agreement with Kieron for personal reasons,'' said Jenkins.

''An amicable settlement was reached and we wish him all the best for the future.''

The club's management team, meanwhile, were today set to make the most of their unexpected day off - by going to watch their Third Division rivals in action.

After training with their players this morning, director of football Brian Flynn and coach Kevin Reeves were planning scouting missions on two of the sides they will soon be up against.

Cambridge, hosts of Swansea in the Third Division on Tuesday night, were at Yeovil today, while Bristol Rovers, who Flynn's men face in April, were in action against Oxford United.

"We wouldn't have minded a trip to watch Malaga,but unfortunately they're not in our league," smiled Reeves.

"We're going to do some work and that means one of us going to watch Yeovil and probably the other to Bristol Rovers.

''We were going to see Rhyl, who we play in the FAW Premier Cup, at Carmarthen, but that game's been called off as well."

Swansea's home clash today with Rochdale - now re-arranged for Tuesday, March 9 - was called off yesterday afternoon because of a frozen pitch after an inspection by Llanelli referee Ceri Richards.

Reeves added: "We're disappointed because it was a chance to build on the Leyton Orient win, but on the other hand it gives players like James Thomas, Kris O'Leary and Jon Coates the chance to get fit for the match against Cambridge."

SWANSEA CITY winger Brad Maylett believes he and returning hero Stuart Roberts can be the Vetch Field wide boys.

Maylett admitted he faces stiff competition for his place on the right flank following the return from Wycombe of former North Bank favourite Roberts.

Local hero Roberts came off the bench to replace Maylett during the midweek win against Leyton Orient and could have taken his place today had Rochdale's visit not been frozen off.

But Maylett, who admitted his recent slump in form was partly because he was trying too hard to impress, believes there is room in the Swansea side for the two widemen.

"I'd like to think we could play with me down the right and Stuart wide left," said the former Burnley winger.

"Obviously it's up to the manager, but I think there would be room for both of us. Potentially it would work very well.

"With a winger on either side and Lee (Trundle) up front as well, you'd have a great attacking emphasis that could cause defences a lot of problems.

"When I was at Burnley we always played with two wingers and that's how a lot of teams seem to operate.

"I prefer it that way. It provides balance and sets you up to attack. As long as you link up properly with the full-back, it can work well."

Maylett also believes playing Roberts on the opposite flank would take some of the attacking pressure off him - and make Swansea less predictable.

"At the moment it does feel like everything's going down the right," he said.

"Having a left-winger would lift the pressure off me a bit and give us an extra attacking dimension.

"I think sometimes teams identify the way we play and know how to kill things off.

"Playing Stuart wide left would help make us a bit more unpredictable and get the surprise element back."

The 23-year-old Mancunian, who returned to the Vetch last summer after a loan spell towards the end of the 2002-03 campaign, has been one of the enigmas of Swansea's season so far.

He made a sensational start to the year, netting a hat-trick in the opening day 4-2 win over Bury and generally causing mayhem down the right flank. But, though injury robbed him of two months of the season before Christmas, in recent matches Maylett has been a shadow of his early-season self.

"I'm disappointed with my form and the manager has had a chat with me about it," he said. "He has encouraged me to just keep going, but my confidence has taken a bit of a knock lately.

"I think part of the reason I've not been doing so well is I've been trying too hard to impress the fans.

"After making such a good start to the season, I've been trying to live up to that and perhaps putting too much pressure on myself to perform.

"But I'm confident I can get back to how I was. Every player has a dip in form. You can't really expect to play well throughout the whole season."

If ever there was a period in which Swansea needed an on-song Maylett it is the next four weeks.

Today's postponement means the Swans face a draining eight-game schedule in March, a fixture pile-up certain to place huge demands on Brian Flynn's wafer-thin squad.

But Maylett does not believe the hectic programme will prove lethal to Swansea's play-off hopes.

"It's going to be a very busy month, but sometimes it's good to have matches coming thick and fast," he said.

"If you hit a run of form, you want the games to come along quickly so you can maintain the momentum.

"I believe we can make the play-offs.

"The win against Leyton Orient was crucial and the challenge now is to rediscover the form we showed at the start of the season.

"If we can do that and manage to avoid many more injuries, we'll have a very good chance."

SWANS midfielder Kieron Durkan has terminated his contract at the Vetch, citing personal reasons for his decision.

Durkan joined the club from Rochdale in January 2003 and made 25 Swans appearances, scoring twice.

BRIAN FLYNN admits his Swansea City squad will need strengthening in order to tackle a manic March schedule.

The postponement of today's Vetch Field clash against Rochdale means the Swans will have to play an exhausting EIGHT matches next month.

Rochdale's visit - called off at lunchtime yesterday because part of the pitch was frozen - has been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 9.

It means Swansea face two games a week throughout the month - starting with Tuesday's trip to Cambridge and the home clash against Doncaster three days later.

The hectic March programme also includes trips to Southend, Macclesfield, Mansfield and Huddersfield, as well as a home meeting with Scunthorpe.

And Flynn, who had been struggling to put together a 16-man squad today, admits the fixture pile-up increases the need for extra personnel.

"It's going to be a very busy period and ideally we could do with two or three more fresh faces to help us get through it," said the Swans boss.

"March is always an important month of the season but, with eight games to be played, it's going to be an even more crucial period for us.

"We're disappointed the Rochdale game fell victim to the weather as we wanted to keep the momentum going from our win against Leyton Orient.

"But at one point we only had nine professionals available for the game, so at least that situation should improve by the time the game goes ahead."

Currently on the Vetch treatment table are Lee Trundle, Kieron Durkan, Lenny Johnrose, Karl Connolly, Shaun Byrne, James Thomas and Jonathan Coates.

And, with top scorer Trundle out for at least a fortnight with a pulled hamstring, Flynn's quest to bring in another striker goes on.

"Hopefully, we'll have two or three players back from injury for the Cambridge game," said Flynn.

"But we're looking to add another striker to the squad and I'll continue to work on that this weekend."

March madness: 2, Cambridge (A); 5, Doncaster (H); 9, Rochdale (H); 13, Southend (A); 16, Macclesfield (A); 20, Scunthorpe (H); 23, Mansfield (A); 27, Huddersfield (A)

Brian Flynn could take the bold approach to keeping Swansea City's play-off dream alive by pitching two flying wingers into action against Rochdale tomorrow. With his quest to add a new striker seemingly set to fail, the Swansea boss may tinker with his 4-3-3 formation to accommodate new signing Stuart Roberts - who has clinched a deal until the end of the season - as well as Brad Maylett.

Ex-Burnley speedster Maylett would stay on the right flank, while Roberts would operate on the left - the position he favours less but played for the club's reserves on Wednesday.

''That's certainly an option we're looking at,'' said Flynn.

''With those two on top form, we would cause any team in this division all kinds of problems.

''Stuart can play on the right, on the left or up the middle, so we know he can fit in.

''Brad's confidence is a bit down at the moment, anyone can see that. I think he's just trying a bit too hard to get back to his best and that sometimes means you don't improve.

''But we all know what he is capable of and I'm certain he'll soon be back producing his best.''

Injuries to Lee Trundle, James Thomas and Karl Connolly mean Flynn will pair Andy Robinson and Kevin Nugent up front unless he can find a last-minute addition.

''I've been very, very busy on the phone,'' he groaned, ''but it's looking unlikely that we'll get anyone before tomorrow.

''We want a proven goalscorer and right now clubs aren't too keen to let that sort of player go.''

For a new face to be eligible for the Rochdale game, the deadline for a permanent transfer is 5pm today and 12 noon tomorrow for a loan deal.

As well his transfer tribulations, Flynn has injury headaches to contend with going into the game, with on-loan West Ham man Shaun Byrne (hamstring) likely to be replaced by Stuart Jones.

Swansea have agreed to extend Byrne's stay at the Vetch by another month, but that could change if his injury does not improve in the next seven days.

Flynn has indicated that Roger Freestone will continue in goal despite errors in the club's two previous matches.

''Fortunately the one against Orient wasn't costly,'' he added, ''because that was an important win for us.

''The gap to the play-offs is down to eight points so that's a little bit more rosy, and if we could win against Rochdale tomorrow things will look even better.

''It's amazing what a couple of wins can do. We would suddenly be on a roll again.''

Rochdale, currently 19th in the table and just three points above the relegation zone, are facing up to their first serious relegation battle at the foot of the Nationwide League since the late 1980s.

The hosts when Swansea last won away from home, back in October, they should include striker Paul Connor - one of Flynn's transfer targets.

Michael Howard is relishing the prospect of a reunion with Stuart Roberts tomorrow. Howard looks set for a recall to Swansea City's starting XI ahead of Leon Hylton when Rochdale come to Vetch Field.

And with Jon Coates struggling with a knee injury, it could be that the 25-year-old defender teams up with old pal Roberts on Brian Flynn's left flank.

''There aren't too many of us left from when Robbo was here,'' Howard said.

''But it's great to have him back. He's a real favourite with the fans and that's because he is a good player.

''To get him for £100,000 was a steal for Wycombe and for us to get him back for free is an even better deal.''

Howard was part of Colin Addison's side when Roberts produced his best Swansea displays in the early part of the 2001-2 season.

The Llanelli flyer had five goals to his name by the October of that campaign when he left in what was viewed as a cut-price deal.

''Tony Petty was in charge and the club was in trouble so Robbo had to be sold,'' Howard added.

''As it's turned out, he hasn't had the greatest time at Wycombe, but hopefully he can settle down again with us and get back to his best.

''He was in great form when he left, and if he can recapture that now it will be great news for us.''

Andy Robinson aims to soften the "massive blow" that is losing Lee Trundle by filling Magic Daps' goalscoring boots. Midfielder Robinson seems set for a lengthy run in Swansea City's frontline after 20-goal Trundle was ruled out of an otherwise misfiring attack for up to a month with hamstring trouble.

And having excelled as Trundle's strike partner in the midweek win over Leyton Orient, this season's Vetch Field revelation is hoping to extend his own healthy goals tally.

''I've got eight in all competitions so far, and I think 10 in a season is not a bad return for a midfielder,'' Robinson said.

''But if I do get a run up front now because of the injuries we've got, hopefully I'll be able to add a few more than that.

''That'll do me nicely, because there's nothing like running over to celebrate with the fans on the North Bank.''

Though he arrived at the Vetch as a striker, Robinson's effectiveness on Tuesday night - Brian Flynn described his performance as excellent - came as something of a surprise.

After all, the 24-year-old did not exactly set Swansea alight when used as a striker during pre-season, and the same could be said of his handful of outings up front when injuries struck Flynn's squad last autumn.

Perhaps as a result of the confidence gained from numerous star showings in midfield, though, Robinson looked totally at home against Orient.

Maybe we should not be that taken aback.

As a forward in Tranmere's second string before joining Swansea, Robinson notched 17 goals in half a season.

''Unfortunately I never really got into the first-team up there, but I showed I could score a few in the reserves,'' he added.

''I prefer to play in midfield because I like to be involved in the game as much as possible, but if the gaffer wants me to play up front then that's fine.

''He said to me before Orient that he wanted to me to provide a bit of a spark, and hopefully I did the job.

''To be honest, I felt as sharp as I have done all season and even a bit quick, which I don't say very often.

''Losing Lee at this stage of the season is obviously a massive blow to us because he is such a big player on the field and in the dressing room.

''But we're going to have to be big enough and strong enough to deal with it.

''Hopefully I'll be able to chip in with a few goals and create one or two more for whoever's around me so we won't miss Lee too much.''

KEVIN REEVES has told Vetch Field prodigal son Stuart Roberts that he won't be able to walk straight into the Swansea City side.

Roberts, 23, rejoined the Swans earlier this week on a month's loan, but yesterday the Third Division club made his switch from Wycombe Wanderers a permanent one.

The former Wales Under-21 winger was Swansea's star player before he left for Adams Park in a controversial £100,000 deal in October 2001.

His lively displays on the wing earned him Swansea's Player of the Year award at the end of the 2000-01 season.

But only hours after seeing his return on a free transfer rubber-stamped, first-team coach Reeves said, "Stuart can't expect to walk back into this side.

"When Stuart was at the club before he was the player who stood out.

"No disrespect to him, but now we've got players like Lee Trundle, Leon Britton, Andy Robinson and Roberto Martinez, who stand out.

"These lads are all very popular with our fans, so he might find it a bit tougher to get into the side this time around.

"To be fair to Stuart, I think he will be the first to admit he can't walk back into the team because he wasn't playing regularly for Wycombe and lacks match-fitness.

"That's why we played him in a reserve match earlier this week.

"Stuart's arrival means Brad Maylett has competition and that's what we want right across the pitch. We want players fighting for places."

The Swans, eight points adrift of the play-offs but with a game in hand, entertain Rochdale tomorrow.

Reeves said, "This was a good time to bring Stuart to the club. We've got a chance of making the play-offs and a fresh face can give everyone else a lift."

Reeves revealed he and Swans chief Brian Flynn remembered Roberts from their Wrexham days.

"Whenever we played Swansea, Stuart was the player who caused us the most problems," explained Flynn's No 2.

"He is quick with good feet and very direct. You always felt he was going to be their main threat.

"To get him on a free transfer from Wycombe is a bonus. Now it's up to him."

Roberts came on as a 64th-minute substitute against Leyton Orient on Tuesday and helped the Swans to their first league win of 2004.

"Stuart has got a real feeling for Swansea City. It's his local club and sometimes that means you get little bit extra out of the player," said Reeves.

"He has got pace and we're looking for that in the forward positions. He is still young so he has got a big future in front of him.

"The club was in dire straits when they sold him to Wycombe, but he has come back and we're looking forward to watching Stuart do it here again."

Top goalscorer Trundle has been ruled out for two weeks with a pulled hamstring.

Stuart Roberts started a match at Vetch Field for the first time since October, 2001, but was unable to help Swansea City's reserve side stave off defeat by Bristol City. Roberts played 45 minutes as he looked to improve his match fitness ahead of Saturday's Third Division clash with Rochdale.

He slotted into the left-hand side of midfield and would have been happy - after an eventful 24 hours - with his form.

The Llanelli-born winger showed he has lost none of his pace in his time at Wycombe and swung in a couple of decent crosses before being replaced by younger brother Matthew at half-time.

Another to get a run out was Roberts's former Wales Under-21 colleague Layton Maxwell.

The ex-Cardiff midfielder played his first game in Swansea colours since injuring his ankle 10 minutes into his first training session with the club last month.

Maxwell was also lacking sharpness and was a little off the pace set by a young Bristol City side, although the longer the game went on, the more he settled into this Pontin's Combination clash and his passing was a feature of the second half.

There was also a place on the right side of midfield for 22-year-old Jacob Guy, who impressed in a trial game for one of the Swans junior sides last week.

Guy showed some neat touches going forward but struggled to get involved in the game for long periods.

Kicking into the teeth of a strong wind and regular snow flurries in the first half, Swansea, led by Michael Howard, struggled to keep the young visiting side at bay.

Brian Murphy was beaten by a fierce long-range drive from Craig Loxton and was grateful to see the ball thump against a post. Chris Mills also volleyed wide when well placed and Murphy produced a top-drawer save from a Cole Skuse effort.

The visitors' pressure paid off early in the second half when Joe Anyinsan cut in from the left before powering home from the edge of the box.

That was a blow for a young Swansea side but they used the wind to their advantage and carved out some decent chances.

Skipper Howard saw his shot saved by veteran Mike Stowell in the Bristol goal before Antonio Corbisiero shot wide following a smart Mark Pritchard lay-off.

Pritchard set up the younger Roberts but he lifted his shot over Stowell but also over the bar.

Anyinsan was causing problems down Swansea's left and he forced Murphy into some smart saves on a couple of occasions.

But the best chance of the half for the home side fell to Jamie Rewbury after more good work from Pritchard.

Thrown up front from his starting centre-half position for the closing minutes, Rewbury latched on to a Pritchard knock down but blasted high and wide with only Stowell to beat in the dying seconds.

STUART ROBERTS last night said he holds no grudges against Wycombe Wanderers boss Tony Adams for not making him part of his future plans.

Instead, the 23-year-old thanked the former Arsenal and England defender for allowing him to rejoin his beloved Swansea City.

Winger Roberts returned to the Vetch yesterday on a month's loan on Tuesday, making a substitute's appearance in the Swans' 2-1 win over Rochdale that night.

And The Western Mail understands the Third Division club will today extend Robert's stay until the end of the season when he becomes a free agent.

"Tony Adams called me into his office on Tuesday. He said I could stay at Wycombe for the rest of the season, but I would be on the bench," said the man from Llanelli.

"But he said I could play first-team football at Swansea, who had come in for me. I told him, 'I'm getting my boots, then I'm off!'

"Before I knew it I was on the M4 and driving back to Swansea."

Roberts, who joined Wycombe from Swansea two and a half years ago in a £100,000 switch, added, "Things didn't happen for me under Tony.

"I only started four or five games under him. But I don't hold any grudges against him.

"The other wingers at the club are Darren Currie and Jermaine McSporran and they are both good players.

"Those who know me know that I'm not the sort of person to hold a grudge.

"Tony Adams is a lovely chap and a genuine person - I can't knock him. He was honest with me and I appreciate that. I wish him all the best.

"I'm grateful to him for letting me join Swansea. Bristol Rovers came in for me a few weeks ago, but he turned them down.

"He could have turned Swansea down as well, but he didn't, so I thank him for that."

Adams replaced Lawrie Sanchez in the Wycombe hot-seat last November when the Chairboys were rooted to the bottom of the Second Division after claiming just 11 points from 17 games.

But the former Highbury stalwart has only tasted victory twice in 18 matches at Adams Park and will need a miracle to keep the Wycombe - 10 points adrift of safety - in the Second Division.

"I wish Tony all the best at Wycombe. He's got the backing of the players there, but it is looking bleak for them this season," continued Roberts.

"He has got a difficult job there. He's learning the management game and he's got no money to spend.

"I think he will be a success as a manager, but he needs time. He can't turn it around straight away.

"Tony is rebuilding the club and he must be judged at Christmas time next season.

"He is turning the corner - Wycombe have drawn their last five matches. But they need wins."

Roberts added, "What I will say about Tony is that he works really hard, but maybe he's had a bit of a shock at Wycombe, not realising just how hard it was going to be."

North Bank favourite Roberts, whose transfer to Wycombe courtesy of former Vetch chief Tony Petty caused outrage, is hoping to start for the Swans at Cambridge on Saturday.

"I don't think I've taken a step back coming to Swansea. It's a club on the way up while Wycombe are on the way down," he said.

Stuart Roberts will rejoin Swansea City on a permanent basis in the next 24 hours after his second debut for the club ended in a vital win over Leyton Orient last night. And director of football Brian Flynn's desire to add a new striker to his squad ahead of their play-off push heightened today after Lee Trundle was ruled out for a fortnight with a pulled hamstring.

Fans' favourite Roberts, from Llanelli, returned to Swansea colours as a 64th-minute substitute after a frantic day which saw him cleared to play just an hour before kick-off.

The 23-year-old was signed from Wycombe on a month's loan yesterday afternoon so he could feature against Orient, as any permanent move has to be completed at least one day before a game.

But Roberts, who left Swansea for Wycombe in a £100,000 deal almost two and a half years ago, will put pen to paper on a contract until the end of the season by tomorrow afternoon.

With his free transfer switch all but completed, Flynn will turn his attention to snaring a new frontman ahead of Saturday's clash with Rochdale.

''We had the loan deal done with Wycombe at 1.30pm yesterday and he arrived at the Vetch at about 4.40pm in time for us to register him with the Football League at 4.45pm,'' Flynn explained.

''Then we had a hiccup with international clearance, but thanks to some sterling work by (secretary) Jackie Rocky we eventually found out he could play at about 6.40pm.''

''I tried to sign Stuart earlier in the season and I'm delighted to have him here now.

''He's not match fit yet, but he's got pace going forward and can play on either flank or down the middle. Predominantly I see him playing wide on the right.''

Flynn went on: ''Losing Lee is a blow, but it's not the first one we've had this season and it's one we'll have to deal with. I'll certainly be looking for another new face before the weekend.''

Roberts was on the field to see Alan Tate's first senior goal hand Swansea a lifeline in their quest for a play-off place after Trundle's 20th strike of the season had been cancelled out by Wayne Purser.

He said: ''When I left for Wycombe I said I would be back and it's great to be here again.

''It was all a bit frantic. Yesterday morning I was a Wycombe player and when I went to training I was told to get myself to Swansea.

''At 6pm the gaffer told me I wouldn't be able to play and I was gutted. Then threequarters of an hour later he came back and said he could and I was delighted.

''I had some good times at Wycombe but I was on the bench a lot and that wasn't ideal. The manager, Tony Adams, told me I could stay there for the rest of the season or come and try to play first-team football, so I shook his hand and said 'Thanks very much, I'm going.'

''The only place Swansea are going now is up, and I just hope to be part of that.''

Flynn, who also lost on-loan West Ham defender Shaun Byrne to a hamstring injury that could sideline him for a fortnight last night, reserved special praise for his other Robbo after clinching a first league win in 2004 to close the gap on the play-offs to eight points.

Playing up front rather than in his usual midfield role, Andy Robinson was Swansea's star performer yet again.

''Andy was always lively and a constant threat. He was excellent,'' said Flynn.

New Swansea signing Stuart Roberts was a happy man after helping the club to their first league win of 2004.
The wing, who joined on loan from Wycombe moments before the deadline for the Leyton Orient game, came on as a sub in the 2-1 win at the Vetch.

"I woke up a Wycombe player, but could not refuse the offer to come home. I've always been Swansea City," said Roberts who was sold by the Swans in 2001.

"It wasn't pretty against Orient but we got the three points."

Roberts, whose family home is in Llanelli, hopes that his month-long loan deal can become permanent.

"My contract with Wycombe is up at the end of the season so who knows," Roberts told BBC Sport Wales.

"It's good to be back. Maybe I've got a point to prove, but that will take care of itself."

Swansea director of football Brian Flynn was keen to sing Roberts' praises.

"He's got quality, he's got pace and he'll be a threat," said Flynn. "There's no doubt he'll be an asset for us.

"He's on loan but there is a view to a permanent deal."


Swansea's joy at the Leyton Orient win was tempered when it was learnt that leading scorer Lee Trundle faces several weeks on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring strain in the game.

Swansea finally ended a disastrous sequence of results that has seen them fail to win a league game in 2004 as they earned three points against Leyton Orient.

Alan Tate was the hero for the Welsh side, scoring the all-important winner nine minutes from time.

The Swans have been ultra reliant on Lee Trundle this season and so it proved again as the striker scored his 21st goal of the season after only 12 minutes.

It was no more than the home side deserved after a powerful opening that saw Orient goalkeeper Glenn Morris tip Andy Robinson's long-range effort round the post.

Orient could have been back on level terms on 24 minutes but John Mackie's headed over the bar from only six-yards out.

Wayne Purser dragged his side back on level terms on 31 minutes with an opportunist finish. Swans goalkeeper Roger Freestone could only parry a free kick from Billy Jones and Purser took full advantage to fire his side on level terms.

Swansea deservedly scored the winner late on through Tate after wasting a number of second half chances. The wastefulness in front of goal almost cost the Swans late on as Purser was presented with a wonderful chance but the striker failed to find the net.



Swansea boss Brian Flynn praised his side after finally watching them end their winless streak in 2004.

Five months ago Swansea stormed to the top of the league after winning seven of their opening ten league fixtures, but despite progressing to the FA Cup fifth round, it has all been down hill of late.

The Swans had only picked up eight points from a possible 33 prior to kick off but a late Alan Tate goal rescued his under-fire boss.

Lee Trundle scored Swansea's opener but it looked as though the home side would have to settle for a point when Wayne Purser equalised. Tate rescued his side nine minutes from time with the all-important goal.

"We haven't given up the ghost just yet," said Flynn. "I know performances have been disappointing recently but we can still get into the play-offs.

"Considering our good start to the season, it's disappointing the situation we've got ourselves into it. I'm just relieved."

FOR all the optimism generated by the return of former fans' favourite Stuart Roberts, it was one of the more unlikely sources who secured Swansea City a priceless victory last night.

Defender Alan Tate's first-ever senior goal gave the Swans their first league win of 2004 - and fresh hope of making the Third Division play-offs.

It looked as if Brian Flynn's side would have to settle for a point from a dismal match after Wayne Purser had cancelled out Lee Trundle's 20th goal of the season on the half-hour mark.

But Tate's 81st minute strike settled a scrappy contest and gave Swansea's promotion prospects the kiss of life in the process.

It was a crucial win in the light of Torquay's 1-0 triumph over Scunthorpe, with the gap between Swansea and the final play-off spot now down to eight points.

Flynn will hope the arrival of Wycombe winger Roberts on a month's loan - with the view to a permanent move - provides a much-needed lift when Rochdale are Vetch visitors at the weekend.

Roberts' return was completed a minute before the cut-off point for last night's match but because international clearance did not arrive until 6.45pm - by which time Flynn had named his starting XI - he had to settle for a place on the bench and a second-half cameo.

Controversially packed off to Wycombe for the scandalously-low sum of £100,000 during the stormy Tony Petty era in October 2001, 23-year-old Roberts has struggled to settle in Buckinghamshire.

Despite making 22 appearances for the Second Division club this season, the Llanelli product has been told by manager Tony Adams that he is free to leave.

Swansea will aim to make Roberts' return permanent should he prove as successful over the next month as he did during his first spell at the Vetch.

Had the deal been sewn up earlier, doubtless it would have swelled what was a poor turn-out for this meeting with rejuvenated Orient. Still, it was hardly a surprise there was such a poor crowd given their recent league run.

Such has been Swansea's decline over the past two months that it was 10th-placed Orient - 19th when the two sides met in October - who went into the match entertaining the more realistic hope of claiming a play-off spot.

But, after a minute's silence for John Charles that was impeccably observed, the Swans, with Jon Coates in for hamstring victim Kevin Nugent and Andy Robinson pushed up front, were not slow to set about into their east London opponents.

Three times Swansea almost took the lead in the opening 11 minutes. Andy Robinson almost beat 'keeper Glen Morris with a lob from the edge of the area which Brad Maylett, had the ball not bounced over his head, was placed to head in at far post.

Moments later Robinson was involved again, picking Tate's free-kick and producing a fierce left-foot strike that Morris could only scramble for a corner.

Then came the goal and no prizes for guessing who was involved.

Robinson shot through a crowded penalty area and Morris beat it out but was helpless to stop Trundle tucking home the rebound from close range.

Despite their lead and handsome share of the early possession, Swansea were not looking comfortable.

And it was another slip from 'keeper Roger Freestone that allowed Orient to draw level.

The veteran Swans' No 1 fumbled Billy Jones' curling free-kick and Purser mopped up the spillage with a clinical finish.

Level after the first 45 minutes, precious little daylight emerged between the two sides in a poor second half. Possession was being squandered and passes went astray at both ends.

With 64 minutes on the clock and the Swans in need of some inspiration, at last Flynn sent on Roberts.

Four minutes into his second Vetch spell Roberts sprinted the length of the pitch as Robinson drove Swansea forward down the left. But it was Trundle who collected the pass and fired over the bar.

That was to prove Trundle's last, the Swans striker making way for Nugent moments later after appearing to damage his hamstring.

There was a scare for Swansea on 75 minutes when Jabo Ibehre latched onto a long ball down field and almost beat the sprawling Freestone from 12 yards.

Nine minutes from time, though, Swansea grabbed a precious goal. Stuart Jones' throw found Nugent and the veteran striker's shot was blocked by Morris. But Tate was on hand to drill home the rebound.

Just how crucial could it prove to be?

Chairman Huw Jenkins today threatened Swansea City's players with the axe should their ailing promotion bid fizzle out. Brian Flynn's men have won just three of their last 17 league games to leave them drifting in mid-table, as close on 42 points to the relegation places as they are to the play-off spots.

Failure to bounce back against Leyton Orient tonight and Rochdale on Saturday would all but end their hopes of making the top seven, and Jenkins has warned that such an outcome will see a major reshuffle of Swansea's playing staff.

"The next couple of weeks are going to dictate our season," he said, "and if we end up with nothing to play for then Brian (Flynn), Kevin (Reeves) and I will have to sit down and decide what changes in personnel will be made for next year.

"Because there will be changes, and whether players are on one-year or two-year contracts will be irrelevant.

"If some of the players are unable to help us produce results then we will have to look at getting rid of them and bringing others in. It's as simple as that.

"They have got to perform because they are getting well paid to do that and we cannot stand still.

"I will feel very upset for the fans who have given us such fantastic help both vocally and financially by coming through the gates this season. They deserve a lot more.

"We are not going to let anything stand in the way of our aim of moving up the Football League.

"If any player comes to this club thinking that we do not expect results then we will be left with no alternative.

"We will give the supporters what they deserve - a successful, committed football team."

With last week's draw at Boston and the demoralising defeat at Kidderminster fresh in the memory, Jenkins went on: "It's no good talking about playing well.

"It's no good saying you've played well and were unlucky not to win or saying you've played well for a half a game, that will get you nowhere. The proof is in the scorelines.

"We're averaging crowds of almost 8,000 this season so we're working on three times the budget of clubs like Boston and Kidderminster and, no disrespect to them, our fans are entitled to expect us to go to places like those and win games.

"Naturally they are going to be very unhappy, and they are not the only ones. I expect more, and Brian and Kevin expect more."

With just 10 points separating Flynn's side and second-bottom Southend going into the final third of the season, Jenkins is concerned that Swansea's alarming slump in form could see them dragged into a relegation battle for the second successive year.

"I don't really like to think it's an issue, but unless we start winning games it could be.

"Everyone remembers what happened to Shrewsbury last season and goes through your mind after the cup run we've had.

"They beat Everton and thought they were a good team, then couldn't get any league points and ended up going down.

"There's no doubt that the publicity a cup run brings can get to the players and our quality has not come through of late - we haven't won a league game in 2004 and we've only scored two goals.

"I appeal to our fans to stick with us and try to provide the spark for a turnaround in fortunes, just like last year.

"They gave us a massive effort then, and I hope they will do the same now to play their part in lifting us into the play-offs.

"We will try to do our bit by bringing a couple of new faces this week, and then it will be time for the team to make things happen.

"You can't keep saying you've got to do better. The fact is you have to do it."

Swansea City were today closing in on the loan signing of a left-sided attacker in time for tonight's home clash with Leyton Orient. Boss Brian Flynn, who hopes to add another new face before Saturday's meeting with Rochdale, has given few clues about the identity of his target, but the player is capable of operating either on the wing or as a central striker.

He should sign on a month's loan before today's 4.45pm deadline with a view to a permanent contract running until the end of the season.

After extensive negotiations yesterday, Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins would only reveal that the club he has been speaking to are from a higher division in the Nationwide League.

''I'm reasonably confident that the deal will be done in time for the player to face Leyton Orient,'' he said this morning.

The new face would go straight into Flynn's starting line-up, possibly alongside Lee Trundle up front given that Kevin Nugent faces a late fitness test on a hamstring injury.

There will be a change in central defence following Saturday's miserable defeat at Kidderminster, with Stuart Jones likely to make away for Izzy Iriekpen, back having missed two matches through suspension and injury.

Down in 11th spot, their worst position this season, following the 2-0 Aggborough reverse, Swansea head into the meeting with 10th-placed Orient knowing victory is close to essential if they are to resurrect their fading play-off hopes.

With 15 more games to come after tonight, Flynn reckons his side must bag at least 32 points to finish in the top seven - unlikely given their desperate recent run but still possible should they rediscover the spectacular form of early season.

''Our play-off chances are slipping,'' he said, ''but we haven't given up yet.

''We need to take an average of two points per game from now on in. That would take us to 74, and I think it's going to need at least that given that some of the sides above us are already well into the 50s.''

The average sum required to extend a season into mid-May over the past five years in Division Three has been 70 points.

Added Flynn: ''If we are going to do anything this season then the Vetch is where it's going to happen given that we haven't won away since October.

''We keep saying 'We've got to do this and we've got to do that', but it's got to happen now.

''We need to produce the form of a top-three side and, if I get what I've asked in terms of new signings, I will believe that we are capable of doing that.''

Flynn is known to have enquired about Portsmouth's Courtney Pitt, but the winger is currently injured, and has not given up hope of snaring Oxford striker Steve Basham.

He has agreed to extend utility man Shaun Byrne's loan from West Ham by another month, and will watch Layton Maxwell play for the reserves tomorrow. The ex-Cardiff midfielder is training at the Vetch having recovered from injury.

''It's not easy to get players in. A lot of clubs are looking to strengthen at the moment and they all want players who are scoring goals, so there is plenty of competition. Generally, clubs don't want to lose the players who are scoring for them anyway,'' Flynn added.

There will be a minute's silence in memory of John Charles before kick-off tonight.

Chairboys on the Net understands that Stuart Roberts has returned to his former Club Swansea City on a month's loan and will go straight into their side to face Leyton Orient at The Vetch on Tuesday evening.

The Welshman signed for Wycombe in October 2001 for a fee just over £100,000 and his current contract expires this summer.

SWANSEA CITY last night issued a "don't panic" plea to supporters fearful that the club's promotion dream could be over.

Club chairman Huw Jenkins issued a rallying call to disgruntled fans on the eve of tonight's crunch Third Division clash against Leyton Orient at the Vetch.

Jenkins admitted the disastrous slump in form which has seen Swansea - expected to sign a left-winger in time for the match - slip out of the promotion race was not acceptable.

And he said it would rank as a failure if Swansea, currently 10 points adrift of the top seven in 11th, missed out on the play-offs having made such a sensational start to the season.

But Jenkins said he was confident the team was heading in the right direction under Brian Flynn and is backing them to reverse a run which has seen the Swans pick up just eight points from 33.

"We've got faith that Brian and his team will turn things round sooner rather than later," said Jenkins.

"It goes without saying that recent results have not been acceptable.

"Take last week, for example - no disrespect to Boston or Kidderminster, but we should be going to places like that and winning comfortably.

"Considering the good start we made to the season, the situation we now find ourselves in is particularly disappointing.

"I would regard it as a failure if we don't get into the play-offs this season - even though last summer most of us would've been happy to finish in mid-table.

"But we haven't given up the ghost just yet. We can still get into the play-offs and, as disappointing as results have been, we need the supporters to get right behind the team."

Five months ago Swansea stormed to the top of the table after winning seven of their first 10 league matches.

But, with just a couple of changes made to the squad since then, the Swans have slid towards mid-table having not picked up a Third Division win since December 28.

"We've invested money in some quality players and at the moment we're not getting a return on that investment," admitted Jenkins.

"But part of the problem for some of the younger players, is that it is their first full season playing 30 or 40 matches.

"Perhaps what we need is one or two more hardened Second or Third Division players who are 30-plus to give us extra experience.

"But it's proved hard to bring players like that in. Especially at this time of year when clubs are reluctant to let players go."

Flynn hopes to get the green light today to bring in a winger on a month's loan with a view to a permanent move.

The player would be eligible to face Orient as long as he is registered no later than three hours before kick-off.

West Ham defender Shaun Byrne has extended his loan period at the Vetch for a second month.
The right-back's deal was due to expire next week.

Byrne, 23, has made three substitute appearances for West Ham after coming through the Upton Park Academy, and has spent time on loan at Bristol Rovers.

Meanwhile, striker Kevin Nugent is doubtful for the league game against Leyton Orient because of a hamstring injury.

James Thomas is definitely out with a gashed shin.

Also out are midfielders Lenny Johnrose (calf), Karl Connolly (thigh), Kieron Durkan (thigh) and central defender Kristian O'Leary (calf).

Izzy Iriekpen will be back after a one-match ban.

Brian Flynn will step up his search for fresh faces to bolster his Swansea City squad after his side's play-off hopes dealt another massive blow with a 2-0 defeat at Kidderminster. Swansea sit in 11th place in the Third Division some 10 points behind Torquay, who occupy seventh spot, and while Flynn still believes the race is not over yet, he admits that new players are needed.

''I think with the small squad we've got we have to do it immediately,'' he said. ''We have been working towards that for the past couple of weeks. We do need that impetus of fresh faces and there has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes to achieve that.''

Swansea are still searching for their first league win in 2004 and have managed only two goals this year. Flynn admits that is the biggest area of concern and is desperate to put it right.

''We need another goalscorer,'' he said. ''It's simple. We have not scored that many goals. James Thomas is injured and Kevin Nugent has been battling valiantly with a hamstring injury which has been causing him problems.

''We need new impetus, we need something to lift us and I think the players realise that as well. It is a help for the players not a threat but I will only do it to improve the squad. I won't just bring a player in for the sake of bringing one in. I want to improve things.''

Flynn will certainly need an improvement against Leyton Orient - who went ahead of his team on Saturday - at Vetch Field tomorrow.

The director of football had targeted a decent return from last week's games against Boston and Kidderminster but was left to reflect on only one point from six after a Roger Freestone gaffe which helped hand three points to Jan Molby's men at Aggborough.

Swansea's keeper dropped the ball at the feet of Ian Foster to give Kidderminster the lead midway through the second half before Jesper Christiansen wrapped up the win with a header.

Swansea had dominated the first half but after the break allowed Kidderminster - themselves without a win this year before Saturday - to dominate.

''It's definitely flat,'' he admitted. ''I thought with the Boston performance that generally our form was coming back, that perhaps we had turned the corner but this result proves they are not.

''Roger's mistake was one of those you'll see again on 'what happened next?' It just seemed to pop up and slip from his grasp.

''Goals can give you impetus and that was a massive one for Kidderminster.

Calls grew today for a lasting memorial to Swansea-born soccer legend John Charles in the city. The 6ft 2in "Gentle Giant" of football, who died on Saturday, has been described as one of the greatest Welsh sportsmen of all times.

But he still has no permanent tribute to him in Swansea. Now there are hopes he will at last get one.

There are suggestions the new White Rock stadium, currently being built at Morfa, could be named after him. And it is possible a statue in his honour could go up at the site.

Swansea-born Celtic striker John Hartson described Charles today as a "true gentlemen'' who deserved to be honoured in the city. He added: "He was a legend and there should definitely be some sort of honour to him in Swansea.

"If there's anybody that deserves a stadium to be named after him, it's John Charles.''

Assembly First Minister Rhodri Morgan has also said there could be "no better name'' for the new Swans stadium than John Charles.

He added: "We have lost a great Welshman. There should definitely be some sort of statue to him - they could even name the new stadium after him.''

Meanwhile, former Swansea and Wales manager John Toshack today led tributes to the man many say was Wales's greatest ever sportsman.

He said Saturday morning's announce- ment of his death had not come as a surprise but it had been a tragic blow nevertheless.

Toshack, who has just moved to manage another Spanish side, said he had been a tremendous influence to him in his younger days.

He added: "The last time I saw him was in Verdi's in Mumbles and I could see then that things had taken their toll on him."

"But my best memories of him are when I started aged just 16 at Cardiff City. John was just finishing.

"It was a tremendous thrill for me to play a couple of games with him in the Cardiff City reserve side.

"He was the greatest thing that I'd ever seen at that time.

"In this situation everybody says what a great performer he was but for me at 16 years of age it was the biggest thrill of my life.

"I have seen, worked and played with a number of great players and I've been fortunate enough to coach great players, but, although I'm biased, John for me was the greatest player I have even known.

"He was a very well loved person.

"They will be mourning him in Italy as they will be back in Wales. He was such an influence on people everywhere.

"John could look after himself but he wouldn't go in for retaliation and that's something I always remember as a player.

"He was very very important to me in my early days.

"He was a great player and I will always remember him as one of the greatest men I ever knew."

Football Association of Wales general secretary David Collins said: "John was one of the greatest of all Welsh players, if not one of the world's great players."

Wales's First Minister Rhodri Morgan said: "We have lost one of the greatest Welshmen of the 20th Century."

Juventus vice-president Roberto Bettega eulogised Charles for his contribution to the club during his five-year spell in Turin.

"We mourn a great champion and a great man," said Bettega.

"He is a person who interpreted the spirit of Juventus in the best possible manner and he represented the sport in the best and purest manner.

"The whole of Juventus is thinking of his wife Glenda and of the children of the 'Gigante Buono', who we will never forget."

At bookmakers in Kidderminster on Saturday afternoon before 3pm you could have got 40/1 on Ian Foster scoring first and the Harriers beating Swansea 2-0. An outside bet that may have been, but any Swans fan wishing to have a gamble on their team reaching the Third Division play-offs today may find the local Jack Brown office offering even longer odds against their side's promotion chances after another defeat by a side more likely to go down than up.

Brian Flynn's men would have been odds-on favourites for a win double over Boston and Kidderminster at the start of this week, even though his side had not won a game in the league in 2004.

But one point from six on their travels leaves Swansea an almost dead cert for mid-table obscurity and a real long shot for a place in the top seven come May.

The fat lady may not be singing but she's certainly warming up her vocal cords, and another season in the Football League basement seems more than a distinct possibility.

Even before Roger Freestone's uncharacteristic blunder in the second half handed Foster the first goal on a plate, Flynn's stuttering side hardly performed like a top-half-of-the-table side, let alone one pushing for promotion.

And when Dane Jesper Christiansen doubled the lead for Jan Molby's side seven minutes after Freestone's blunder when he dropped the ball in Foster's path, you could hear the groans from the faithful Swansea fans from behind Kidderminster keeper Stuart Brock's goal.

After last season's miraculous escape and the subsequent flying start to this season, they could have been forgiven for thinking that this was to be Swansea's year.

It might still be. But something has to change and quickly, and the supporters know it.

Their patience is wearing thin and they made their feelings known on Saturday.

Molby, who knows a thing or two about the passionate Swansea support, reckons the fans still believe, but time is running out and the great Dane knows it.

''It's going to be a big ask for them to make the play-offs,'' said Molby, who suffered heartbreak in the play-off final as the Swansea boss at Wembley in 1997.

''They have good, talented players. But I think sometimes you know how they are going to play and you set yourself up to counteract that, and without our playing well in the first half I don't think they caused us a lot of problems.''

That predictability, as Molby suggests, could ultimately be Swansea's downfall.

Lee Trundle is patently Flynn's most potent attacking weapon. But when he is not firing on all cylinders, Swansea do not look the attacking force they were at the start of this season.

Trundle had another quite game by his standards against the Harriers, and without him at full throttle Swansea do not look as if they will put sides to the sword as they did back in August and September.

The first-half performance suggested they would get their promotion bid back on track.

Kidderminster were short on confidence as they too were without a win in 2004.

Andy Robinson fired in a couple of trademark free-kicks which had Brock at full stretch, and skipper Roberto Martinez fired just wide from distance.

But other than those long-range efforts there was not much to trouble the Kidderminster keeper, despite Swansea's territorial advantage.

And as on Wednesday at Boston, the home side gained confidence, and the longer the game went on the more that grew.

Molby had done his homework and, it seems, that could have been the deciding factor, other than Freestone's error.

''We've had Swansea watched on a number of occasions and we know how they play,'' he said.

''If they are on song, with the talent they have in the side, they are very difficult to stop.

''But at the moment they are not playing at the top of their game and it certainly worked to our advantage today.

''People know that Trundle wants to get everything on his left foot. On song there is only so much you can do to try to stop him, and he still has one or two things in his locker that can unlock your defence.

''But certainly the way they are playing at the moment the element of surprise maybe isn't quite there.''

Swansea need to find some unpredictability soon if they are to step up their promotion bid again.

Flynn's side have two home games this week, on Tuesday against Leyton Orient, who overtook Swansea on Saturday, with Rochdale to come next weekend.

Two wins look possible and by next Saturday night Swansea fans may still be believing the play-off dream is still a reality. But they will take a lot of persuading to change their minds that the season could well be over now.

Trundle himself knows just how important it will be over the next seven days.

''We came to Kidderminster expecting a win,'' he said. ''We let ourselves and the fans down.

''The game's gone now and it's no good sulking about it. If we want to climb up the table and get in the play-offs we have to put it right on Tuesday.

''There is enough ability in the side to get out of this division, never mind winning games.

''All the lads are upbeat and we now have to put in a top performance against Leyton Orient.

''There is still a long way to go but we cannot keep saying that because sooner or later that will not be the case.''

An honest assessment by Swansea's star of this season, but if that performance does not materialise then it could be a case of the campaign ending with a whimper.

And after starting with a bang, that will be a massive disappointment for all concerned.

Brian Flynn has added his tribute to Welsh footballing great John Charles, who died on Saturday aged 72. Swansea City's director of football played for Charles's first club Leeds in the 1970s and 1980s and met the great man on a number of occasions.

''He will be sadly missed,'' said Flynn. ''The words Gentle Giant aptly suited what he was both on and off the field. He never got booked which is an incredible thing.

''I had the pleasure of playing alongside him in a charity game. John was probably in his 50s then but he still had that aura about him.

''He was a legend in world football let alone in the Welsh game. He would definitely be in an all-time world XI, but where would he have played? He was as good at centre-half as he was at centre-forward.

''John Charles was a total gentleman. He had time for everyone and the one thing about him was he always remembered where he came from. He was proud to have come from Swansea.''

SWANSEA boss Brian Flynn said it all, moaning: "This has put a severe dent in our play-off hopes."

Most Welsh soccer hacks feel the last week has been a defining point in the Swans' season - an FA Cup fifth round defeat at Tranmere followed by demoralising League setbacks at Boston last Wednesday and this dive on the edge of the Black Country.

Arguably, the source of the Vetch club's latest despair is of secondary importance. For the record, it began when evergreen goalkeeper Roger Freestone allowed Adam Murray's bog-standard cross to squirm away for Ian Foster to net on the hour.

Dane Jesper Christiansen confirmed Swansea's fate six minutes on.

But the undeniable fact is the Swans have taken just eight from a possible 30 points and are still seeking their first league victory of 2004.

Only a madman or the bravest of punters would now put sizeable cash on Flynn's men reaching the 70-point target that Bury hit to clinch the last of the play-off positions last May.

And worried manager Flynn admitted: "I've told the players we built ourselves a reputation at the start of the campaign that has now slipped.

"This defeat has severely dented our hopes of reaching the play-offs. This is a huge disappointment."

Ex-Wrexham chief Flynn might have been crestfallen, but he diplomatically continued, "In every game there are key moments. Kidderminster's opening goal gave them the confidence they needed.

"I didn't have to say anything to Roger Freestone about it in the dressing room later. It'll be confined to something out of what happened next.

"But we had chances in this match. While you're on top, you have to take your chances - this didn't happen again today. You have to build yourself a cushion when things are going well."

With his Harriers dangling over the divisional trapdoor, boss Jan Molby had his own concerns. But the former Kop idol would have recognised the sort of frustration that eats into Swansea counterpart Flynn.

Seven years ago this spring, the Great Dane led the Swans to a Third Division play-off final at Wembley Stadium. That quest for glory was cruelly spiked by Northampton's John Frain, whose controversially-taken last-gasp free-kick fatally wounded the Swans.

And unless Flynn sees his Vetch stars register two home wins against Leyton Orient this Tuesday and Rochdale next Saturday, another season in Division Three will loom large for him too.

To ease his frustration, Flynn should rightfully point to his team's progression after cheating the dreaded drop into the Conference on the final day of the last campaign.

But the Swans board have invested heavily in Lee Trundle, Leon Britton and silky Spaniard Roberto Martinez. Alan Tate has recently landed from Manchester United on a six-figure deal.

It means anything less than a play-off ticket will be a crushing blow to all concerned - a danger acknowledged by Flynn in midweek.

Molby, still fond of the Swans, said: "It's a special win for me because it's my first against Swansea as a manager since I've been away from them.

"I'd love to see the Swans go up, but they'll now have to put the sort of run together that they did last season. Maybe teams have worked them out.

"We had them watched and there were no surprises for us."

Biting cold winds had blown into the stadium at kick off - a suitable backdrop to the minute of silence that was afforded the late John Charles.

And the Swans, with rookie Stuart Jones replacing damaged calf victim Kris O'Leary in central defence, were soon dominating opponents who are in danger of returning to the Nationwide Conference four years after escaping it.

Kidderminster had bagged only 26 goals in 31 matches, but it was their rearguard, strengthened by the return of Wayne Hatswell, that was being stretched before the break.

Harriers hadn't won in nine League and Cup games and their fate should have been sealed very early in this contest. Keeper Stuart Brock made a smart stop from Robinson and unmarked Britton fatally hesitated - Matt Gadsby robbing him.

It took struggling Kidderminster 44 minutes to bring Swans' keeper Freestone into the action. And the visitors' frustration steepled as Martinez's right-foot rocket ripped fractionally wide.

Andy Robinson twice extended Harriers 'keeper Brock with fierce efforts before Trundle ballooned an angled drive past the near post.

But it was all going hideously wrong for the Swans as Kidderminster buried all their failings in 60 seconds of madness near the hour - Freestone fumbling and Foster doing the rest.

Dane Christiansen plundered his first goal of the campaign from Scott Rickards' cross just six minutes later to relieve the pressure on manager Molby, who reflected later: "You just hope that this will help to see us safe.

"But there are so many other battles ahead."

FORMER Vetch Field boss Jan Molby claimed Swansea City have become too predictable.

Molby's Kidderminster side chalked up their first league win of 2004 and edged away from the relegation zone with Saturday's 2-0 triumph over his old club.

The result left the Swans 10 points adrift of the Third Division play-off places after making it six league matches without a win.

And former Liverpool favourite Molby claimed part of the reason Swansea have slipped out of play-off contention is because teams are beginning to suss them out.

"Sometimes you know how Swansea are going to play and you set yourselves up to counteract that," said Molby, in his second spell as Harriers boss.

"We'd had Swansea watched on a number of occasions and we knew how they were going to play.

"Swansea take a lot of passes to get into areas where they can create chances and they do allow you to get into positions where you can hurt them. The way they're playing at the moment, the element of surprise is maybe not there."

The Big Dane also claimed teams know what to expect from Swansea's 19-goal striker.

"Lee Trundle on song is capable of pulling out something special, but you know what he will basically try to do," said Molby.

"He wants to get everything onto his left foot, so you know it's a case of keeping your eye on the ball and not diving in."

Molby led Swansea to the Third Division play-off final against Northampton in 1997 during his 19-month stint at the Vetch. But he reckons current Swans boss Brian Flynn will struggle to do likewise this season.

"It's a big ask for Swansea to get into the top seven now," he said. "They'd have to put one hell of a run together.

"They've certainly got the talent in the side to go on a good run and I'd love to see them get to the play-offs.

"But it's going to be a big job to get one of those top-seven places and, at the moment, Swansea are probably a bit short on confidence."

Molby, who returned to take charge at Aggborough Stadium last October, admitted he gained a little extra satisfaction from the win against his former employers.

"It's nice to put one over on Swansea because I've never beaten them before," he said.

WHY is a team that started the season in such explosive championship-winning form now limping along like one fighting to avoid relegation?

Why is Brian Flynn unable to get the best out of a talented bunch of players the club has invested heavily in?

Where are the goals going to come from if another goalscorer is not brought in pronto?

Questions, questions, questions.

Yet even Swans boss Flynn was struggling to find all the answers after this shattering defeat all but condemned his side to another season in the Football League basement.

"It's hard to put your finger on why we're not performing as we did at the start of the season," admitted Flynn after Kidderminster, rather than Swansea, gratefully collected their first League win of 2004.

"We've basically got the same squad of players who made such a bright start.

"But since Christmas it has been flat. We're not scoring goals or playing at the level we're capable of.

"Against Boston I thought it looked as if our form was coming back, that perhaps we had turned the corner.

"Here, we proved that we haven't."

For the record, Swansea started Saturday's contest much the better side and dominated possession, but, as at York Street three days earlier, failed to do anything with it.

Though it was a terrible fumble by Roger Freestone that allowed Kidderminster to edge in front 14 minutes after the break, the Swans scarcely looked like scoring themselves in a second-half display that was nothing short of pathetic.

And, as Flynn acknowledged, therein lies the biggest problem, one he admits he must address as a matter of urgency if Swansea are to resuscitate their play-off hopes.

"The team needs to be strengthened immediately," he said. "We need an impetus - fresh faces - and it's obvious that we need a goalscorer.

"It doesn't necessarily have to be a striker - it could be a goalscoring midfielder. But we need someone who can help score goals very soon.

"A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes over the past couple of weeks, and hopefully that will come to fruition this week."

All season Swansea have insisted they are not over-reliant on top-scorer Lee Trundle, but the claim is beginning to have a hollow ring to it.

Where would they be now without his 14 League goals? It is no coincidence that Swansea have not picked up a League win since Trundle last hit the net in a Third Division match - twice in the 3-2 win over Yeovil on December 28.

With 10 points now separating the Swans from the final play-off place and just one game in hand remaining on seventh-placed Torquay, the prospect of mid-table mediocrity now looms large.

"I don't think our play-off hopes have gone, but you have to say the odds are stacked against us now," admitted Flynn. "But we'll keep striving to do our best. What we don't want is the season just fizzling out. We still want to make our mark on the League, to make a statement."

For the fans, the most puzzling aspect of Swansea's slump is how the players are failing to live up to their potential, individually and collectively.

Flynn was at pains to stress that he has not spent a single penny on a player, but this is hardly a squad assembled on the cheap.

Decent contracts have been handed out this season. The likes of Alan Tate, Roberto Martinez, Leon Britton, Brad Maylett and Trundle are not playing for a pittance.

For that reason, there will be more than a few rumblings of discontent both in the boardroom and on the terraces if the season fades into oblivion.

Yet Flynn maintains it is important not to lose sight of the bigger picture.

"Considering the start we made to the season and what the players are capable of, it's a huge shame we've slipped down the table," he said.

"But I think you've got to judge as at the end of the season. You've got to ask, 'Have we improved as a club and as a team? Have we improved on last season?'"

The season is not, of course, all over just yet. Home victories against Leyton Orient tomorrow and Rochdale on Saturday would put a different complexion on things.

It's just that you wouldn't put your house on Swansea picking up six points after their second-half capitulation at Kidderminster.

At times the Swans made Jan Molby's side look Premiership class, slack defending allowing Jesper Christiansen to head home the second goal in the 66th minute.

"We had a good first half - just as we did at Boston - but we're struggling to capitalise on our possession or take the chances we get," lamented Flynn.

"We need to finish teams off. You need a cushion when your playing against a team who are fighting for their lives. We should know that because we were in a similar position to Kidderminster this time last year."