THE fact the Vetch Field PA announcer had to remind fans to indulge in their traditional end-of-season pitch invasion said it all.

Normally there needs to be no invitation to the Swans' support to leave the terraces and celebrate with the players.

But after a season of unfulfilled promise and a final 90 minutes devoid of any kind of thrills or spills you couldn't blame the ground staff for giving the weary fans a little nudge.

Rewind the clock to the final day 2003 and there was no stopping thousands of emotionally-exhausted fans rushing on to the turf to embrace the heroes who had secured the club's league football future.

Fast-forward 12 months and you can bet your life just as many tearful supporters will be dancing on the pitch as their side brings its tenancy at the stadium by the sea to an end, all set to move lock, stock and barrel a few miles up the road to the White Rock.

In fact, pretty much every year there has been something on the last game of the normal season, be it promotion, playoff places or relegation.

But yesterday was a far more subdued atmosphere, to be expected given the massive anti-climax season 2003/2004 turned out to be.

Tenth spot - where Jackett's men ultimately ended up - is a good eight or nine places down on where so many had predicted after the early days of autumn when the Brian Flynn masterplan was going to schedule.

And even when that marvellous FA Cup run seemed to take everybody's eye of the ball, somewhere in the top seven was an attainable target and good enough consolation.

But as the season unwound, so the Swans unravelled and, a change of manager later, all that was left on yesterday's contest was the novelty value of seeing York City in league action for the last time for a while. Judging by yesterday it could be a long while before the Minstermen make another trip to Swansea.

The hammer blow of relegation has obviously hit Chris Brass' inexperienced side hard, weeks of striving to avoid the inevitable taking its toll.

But yet still Swansea struggled to see their visitors off, greater possession counting for little when it mattered.

Jackett's style and system seems to be slowly creeping into the Swansea performances and he will admit there is hope for the future.

But he would have wanted that little bit extra from his men as they blew a chance to stop people's minds looking to what might have been rather than what the next season could hold.

The signs from the start didn't suggest such a dour outcome as Stuart Jones went close to adding a vital touch to Leon Britton's cross after just two minutes, sparking hope that Swansea could sign off with a much-overdue rout.

But it never came and even when the Swans strung some neat passages of play together the decisive ball was sadly lacking.

It was left to Kris O'Leary to force York 'keeper Chris Porter into his first save with a low drive from outside the box after 10 minutes. It wouldn't be the last time the Port Talbot-born stalwart would impose himself on the game, another battling performance away from his natural centre-half position seemingly guaranteeing him another contract at the club he loves so much. Turkish Under-19 international Levant Yalcin, cutting a lonesome figure as York's sole attacker, did manage to get one shot to test Roger Freestone on 18 minutes, but it was Swansea who went close again seven minutes later.

Paul Connor, looking more and more settled at his new club, had already caused the York defence problems with his running and was unlucky to see his volleyed strike disallowed for offside.

Connor would again be denied three minutes later, this time Porter doing well to keep out his looping header after the former Rochdale front man had connected well from Roberto Martinez's cross.

But there the first half action ended for the fans as the game became bogged down, and sadly it didn't fare much better after the restart.

Full of running and slowly getting back to his best, Leon Britton did offer a glimmer of hope when his neat run and clever pass fed Connor only for Porter to be equal to the effort yet again five minutes after the break.

And a delightful through ball from Izzy Iriekpen freed Brad Maylett - another who impressed - with acres of space down the right only for his shot to flash across the goal.

But the score remained goalless with little or few other chances to shout about, bringing the curtain down on a drab game and a disappointing season.

LEE TRUNDLE admits that an evening rubbing shoulders with the cream of the Premiership has re-ignited his desire to jump out of the Football League basement - with or without Swansea.

The Swans' talisman has just enjoyed the most successful season of his career notching up 21 goals and becoming a household name across the land.

His performances in the FA Cup, in particular, have brought 'Magic Daps' far more than his 15 minutes of fame and helped earn him a place in the PFA Division Three team of the year.

The Scouse striker has made no secret of his desire to ply his trade on the higher stage, having belatedly embarked upon a professional career three years ago via Stalybridge and Rhyl.

But after mixing with Premiership stars including Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira at the prestigious PFA awards ceremony last month the 27-year-old admits he is more determined than ever to get out of the Third Division.

"Whatever we do next season we have got to achieve promotion, no question," said Trundle.

"I honestly don't think anything else will be acceptable. If we are not in the top two or in a play-off spot then we will certainly have failed and we cannot allow that to happen.

"Our last manager Brian Flynn paid the price with his job this season so there can be no clearer signal of what is expected of us this time next year. The new manager Kenny Jackett has talked about winning promotion next season and that is our number one priority."

Trundle admits his appearance at the recent PFA awards was a real eye opener and has inspired him to live up his star billing again next season.

"There were so many top players there and I felt honoured to be in the same room," said Trundle. "I had to sit on the Norwich City table because the rest of the Swansea lads had to train the following day but I was next to the Arsenal table with Henry and Vieira which left me in awe to be honest.

"I asked Vieira to have my picture taken with him but I didn't ask for an autograph!

"He said a few things to me which was fantastic and it was an honour to be there.

"The experience has maybe spurred me on a bit to achieve something more."

Whether Trundle will still be around to spearhead Swansea's next assault under Jackett remains to be seen. Continually linked with moves up the league it seems likely that at least one manager will be willing to take a punt on the spiky-haired forward's dazzling skills.

Trundle remains under contract for another season but is coy about his long-term prospects at the Vetch.

"I'm a Swansea player and I love it here and at the moment I can say I will be here next season," said Trundle.

"I can't have an effect on speculation linking me with other clubs but if an offer does comes in from a higher level it would be stupid to say I wouldn't look at it.

"If you haven't got ambition as a player you've got nothing in my book. I have always wanted to test myself at the highest level possible. Hopefully I can step up with Swansea next season."

KENNY Jackett insisted Lee Trundle IS part of his Vetch Field plans despite leaving him on the bench yesterday.

And the Swans boss played down fans' fears that the terrace hero trickster wouldn't fit in with Jackett's disciplinarian style.

"He's very much part of my plans," said Jackett.

"In half-a-dozen games or so I've seen of him, I've been very pleased with him. His attitude in training is great.

"He's a talented lad, which everybody knows, but having got to know him, he's somebody I can work with and I look forward to doing that next year.

"It wasn't a snub not to start Lee, but I like to reward good performances and both Kevin (Nugent) and Paul (Connor) did well last week and they deserved the start.

"I'm looking for him to be here. I wouldn't want to lose him.

"Whoever you are, be it Swansea City or Manchester United, if somebody comes in with a big enough offer, then you can never say.

"But as far as I'm concerned, he is part of the future of this club."

The Vetch Field faithful sent a clear message to Jackett that they want to see more of the Scouse scud, interrupting his after-match speech by chanting Trundle's name.

But while it seems the former QPR assistant is happy to see the club's top-scorer stay in South Wales, Jackett admitted several Swansea stars have played their last game for the club - and the time for decisions is close.

"I'll take the weekend to have a look at the situation and I'll come to my decisions about the players out of contract," he said.

"I have an idea in my head, but it would be inappropriate for me to comment on who's staying and who's going.

"There's plenty of reason to be optimistic next season and the next fortnight will be very busy in who's available and who's not.

"Things move on and you always need to improve a team. We do need to improve.

"There's people who I want to bring in and there's people I'm going to talk to over the next few weeks."

KENNY JACKETT has spelt out precisely why Swansea City MUST avoid ending the season on a flat note.

Jackett's men bring the curtain down on a disappointing 2003-04 campaign when they face relegated York City at the Vetch today.

If ever there was a match that might be described as meaningless, the visit of the Conference-bound Minstermen would appear to be it.

But you can be certain that is not a sentiment shared by Swans boss Jackett.

He insists there are several reasons why today's encounter - which could see long servants such as Roger Freestone, Jonathan Coates and Kris O'Leary don a Swans shirt for the last time - is hugely important.

"It's possible some people will look at the match and think there's absolutely nothing left to play for," said Jackett. "But not for one minute am I thinking along those lines and neither, I believe, are my players.

"It's very important to me and it's very important to the supporters that we finish with a good result and a good performance.

"I would not be happy if we went out and played as if we were thinking about our summer holidays."

Jackett went on, "I have to say that our supporters have impressed me immensely since I came to Swansea last month.

"If for no other reason, it is for those fans that we have to go out and put on a bit of a show.

"I also want the fans to see the progress my team has made since I took charge - progress which was evident for perhaps the first time in our 2-1 win at Darlington last week.

"Plus, as I said when I first arrived, I do believe that if you finish one season strongly, more often than not you start the next one strongly.

"We want to have good, not bad, memories of how this season finished."

Another reason why Jackett insists an indifferent performance would be unacceptable is contracts are still there to be won.

Midfielders Karl Connolly and Richard Jones yesterday joined Layton Maxwell and Lee Fieldwick in being told they will not be kept on beyond the end of the season.

That leaves eight Swans players - Freestone, O'Leary, Coates, Kevin Nugent, Matthew Rees, Stuart Roberts and Stuart Jones, plus the injured Michael Howard - sweating on their futures.

But, though he by and large knows who he wants to keep for next season, Jackett insists his decisions are not yet cast in stone.

"People shouldn't think that it is too late to persuade me to offer them a new contract," said the former Wales international.

"There might be only one game to go, but people can still stake their claims for the future.

"I'm prepared to change my mind if individuals can show me things I haven't seen or I've perhaps overlooked."

Misfortune for rookie goalkeeper Brian Murphy - he is expected to miss today's match with the hip injury he sustained at Darlington - could be to Freestone's good fortune.

Because, if the veteran keeper's 674th Swansea appearance turns out to be his last, he will doubtless be pleased that it will have come on the final day of the season and in front of his appreciative fans.

Attacking-wise, Lee Trundle has shaken off the arm injury he picked up at Darlington, meaning Nugent will probably need to come off the bench to impress again.

A catastrophic run of 19 games without a win has seen York go from being play-off contenders at Christmas to relegated just four months later.

York player-boss Chris Brass is likely to include four teenagers in his starting line-up after eight senior professionals were released upon their demotion to the Conference.

Defender Richard Hope, sent off along with Trundle when the pair tangled in the 0-0 Bootham Crescent return fixture last November, is back after suspension.

Roger Freestone heads a seven-strong list of players who could don the Swansea City shirt for the last time when York visit Vetch Field tomorrow. Karl Connolly and the on-loan Southampton youngster Richard Jones were today told they will not be offered fresh terms in the summer and follow Layton Maxwell and Lee Fieldwick through the Vetch exit door.

Now the spotlight falls on Freestone, Jon Coates, Kris O'Leary, Matthew Rees, Stuart Roberts, Kevin Nugent and Stuart Jones - plus the injured Michael Howard - who all see their current deals expire next month.

Veteran Freestone, who made his Swansea debut way back in 1989, seems set to play tomorrow as Brian Murphy continues to struggle with a bruised hip.

Coates, O'Leary and Jones also look certain to make Kenny Jackett's starting line-up with Nugent - who has a back problem - Rees and Roberts more likely to figure on the bench.

Jackett will not reveal who stays and who goes before issuing his end-of-season retained list, but it seems certain that a number will bid Swansea farewell this weekend as he makes room on the wage bill for summer signings.

''I've got a pretty good idea about who I want to keep now and I will be sitting down with all the out-of-contract players next week,'' Jackett said.

''But this week my priority has been working to make sure we finish the season off well in front of our own fans.''

Jackett has Lee Trundle (arm) available to face Conference-bound York, but player-of-the-season Andy Robinson (knee) has lost his race to be fit.

Searching for a first win since January 10, the visitors are likely to include four teenagers in their starting line-up plus four more on the bench having released eight senior professionals since relegation was confirmed a fortnight ago.

''Obviously they haven't had great results, but my concern is my team and making sure they build on what they achieved at Darlington last week.

''From what I can tell, my players are not just thinking about their holidays and are keen to produce another good performance for our supporters.

''Personally I'm not particularly glad it's the end of the season because I'm still new in the job and I feel like we've only just started. I'm full of enthusiasm.''

Winger Connolly, 34, has managed just seven Swansea starts since joining on a free from Queens Park Rangers.

''Karl moved his family down here and had good intentions but has been very unlucky with injuries,'' said chairman Huw Jenkins. ''We're all sorry that it hasn't worked out. He has said he plans to stay on in the area and we hope things go well for him.''

Swansea's second string rounded off their Pontins League season with a 3-1 home win over an Oxford side featuring Matthew Bound yesterday. Trialist Jacob Guy and Mark Pritchard (2) were on target.

Roberto Martinez leads Swansea City in their final game of the season tomorrow believing 2003-4 should be remembered more for success than failure. ''Our first thought may be one of disappointment that we're not going up,'' said the Spanish club skipper, ''but when you take an overall view you can see progress has been made and that the signs for next season are encouraging.

''If we beat York tomorrow we can finish 10th in the league and whatever happens we will be one of the 10 sides in the division who at no stage this season have flirted with relegation.

''When you consider where we were 12 months ago, and where all the sides who were down there with us last season are now, it is clear that we have taken a step in the right direction.''

York's recent run of four points taken from the last 57 on offer makes Swansea's form in 2004 - 19 points from a possible 63 - look relatively good.

But few can argue that a squad stuttering under Brian Flynn and then stunned by his departure have struggled in the second half of a campaign which had begun with so much promise.

''We all wanted to achieve promotion this year, we're not going to lie about that, and the start we had brought that to the forefront of everyone's minds,'' adds Martinez.

''But I think our good FA Cup run certainly distracted us and the injury problems we've had would have affected any squad, let alone one as thin as ours.

''To be successful and win championships it's not good enough just to be a good side who do everything well, you need a bit of luck as well. We have to hope for more of that as far as injuries go next season.

''We must also try to be more consistent - and try to recognise that drawing games is not a catastrophe.

''Northampton have done the opposite to us, starting the season badly and then improving, and next year we must remember that the decisive time in a season is the final third. The board, the players, the manager and the fans must all work towards the end of the season.''

Do that, and the 30-year-old former Real Zaragoza youngster believes the Vetch Field's final season will witness a suitably thrilling climax.

''Some of the football we produced at home this year, especially in the first few matches, inspired a great feeling, and on those afternoons you could feel the size of this football club.

''The cup run showed what quality we have and improved the image of Swansea City all across Britain. Maybe in the last three or four years that image has been in the shadows, and we must not let it go back there now.

''This is a big club which hopefully is going thorough a little spell in the Third Division, where it should never be.

''Next season is going to be very special because of the great memories everyone has of the Vetch and the fans will want to make the most of it. If everybody keeps their head and the club doesn't shoot itself in the foot, then I believe the players will not let them down.''

Andy Robinson today thanked Evening Post readers for making him Swansea City's player of the year, then targeted an even better showing in 2004-5. Midfielder Robinson, who polled 72 per cent of votes in a two-horse race with Lee Trundle, was presented with his engraved trophy at Vetch Field yesterday.

He said: "To get this award based on the fans' votes just rounds off an unbelievable season for me.

"There have been loads of high points for me, with the free-kick I scored against Preston probably the best of the lot.

"Now I want to keep on improving and try to go as far as I possibly can in the game, hopefully as part of a successful Swansea team."

WALES international Iwan Roberts last night expressed excitement at the possibility of becoming player-coach at Swansea City.

Norwich striker Roberts was linked with the vacant No 2 job at the Vetch after being told last week he won't be kept on for the Canaries' return to the Premiership.

The 35-year-old revealed he has been swapped with enquiries from a host of clubs interested in obtaining his services for next season.

He insisted he had received no approach from Swans boss Kenny Jackett - but said a move to South Wales would be his preferred option.

"If Swansea were to get in touch to offer me a player-coach role then I would seriously consider it," said the 15-times capped striker.

"Moving to Swansea is something that would excite me. It's a big club that should be in the Second Division, if not the First Division.

"I'm fully aware of the vacancy that exists at the club. It would be an ideal opportunity for me at this stage in my career."

Roberts went on, "Since it was announced I wasn't going to be given a new contract at Norwich the phone's been red hot with people making tentative enquiries.

"I've been approached by a couple of Division Two clubs and one in Division One, which is flattering.

"There aren't many places I would want to leave Norwich for, but the prospect of going home to Wales really appeals to me.

"Though I'm from Bangor, my wife is from South Wales and I think it's more likely I would head there than go back to North Wales."

Jackett has admitted he is a big admirer of the man he played alongside at Watford in the late 1980s.

And Roberts, who hopes to make a farewell Norwich appearance in their match at Crewe on Sunday, has no reservations about dropping down to Division Three.

"Playing at that level doesn't worry me at all," he said. "I've only started 13 games this season so I'm feeling four or five years younger!

"The important thing is finding something that combines playing with coaching and that would appear to be on the table at Swansea.

"Coaching is what I'm keen to get into now. I've already got a UEFA B licence and I'm hoping to do my A licence within the next year or so.

"Swansea haven't been in touch with me, but if they do I'll be very interested to hear what they've got to say.

"I know Kenny well having played with him at Watford when I was a youngster and he was having to finish playing because of injury."

Others to have been linked with the No 2 job at Swansea include former Vetch favourites Andy Legg and Colin Pascoe.

Jackett, preparing to bring the curtain down on the season with tomorrow's visit of Conference-bound York, insists he won't be rushed into making an appointment.

But he said, "Iwan has had a top-class career. He's a very good player who has still got a lot to offer. As regards the No 2 job, I'm looking at several options and appointing someone in a player-coach capacity is one under consideration."

Brad Maylett has finally signed a two-year Swansea City contract extension after being given the green light by Kenny Jackett. The new Swansea boss put the proposed new deal on hold when he took over the Vetch Field reins last month, citing a desire to assess Maylett's talents himself.

But Jackett has already seen enough of the former Burnley winger to okay a contract which means Maylett will be a Swansea player when the club moves to the new White Rock Stadium in autumn 2005.

''I've been very impressed by Brad during my short spell at the club and I'm delighted to tie him down for another two years," said the Swansea boss. ''I wanted to assess Brad amongst all the other options we had, and I've seen that he is a good athlete who is on the up. I would like to think he has the quality to go forward with us.''

Maylett, signed by Brian Flynn last summer after a brief loan spell at the Vetch last season, was relieved to put pen to paper having begun negotiations during the departed director of football's reign.

''I wanted to complete it sooner but the new manager was always going to have his opinions,'' said 23-year-old, man of the match in last Saturday's 2-1 win at Darlington.

''I had to prove myself to him and didn't have long to do it, but thankfully I've done that. I think the arrival of Stuart Roberts, who has done well since he came back to the club, put the pressure on and gave me the nudge I needed.

''Now I can't wait to be involved with Swansea when we move to the new stadium.''

Vetch chairman Huw Jenkins added: ''We're glad to secure Brad as part of the club's future and we hope that over the next couple of years we will see the best of him.''

FORMER Swansea City boss Brian Flynn last night declined to comment on speculation he is front-runner to become the new Burnley manager.

Flynn was installed as one of the favourites to take charge of the Clarets after the First Division club announced yesterday it was parting company with current boss Stan Ternent at the end of the season.

The vacancy at Turf Moor provides Flynn with an ideal opportunity to bounce straight back into frontline management after being controversially sacked by Swansea in March.

Flynn is based in the Burnley area and is still revered by many Clarets fans for the two spells he had as a player there between 1972-77 and 1982-84.

But last night the former Wales international would not be drawn on whether he would be applying for the post.

"There are bound to be a lot of applicants for the job," said Flynn. "But Stan is a close friend of mine and, out of respect for him, I can't say anything about it. Besides, technically Stan is still the manager of the club."

Flynn admitted he travelled on the team bus for Burnley's 3-0 defeat at Rotherham on Saturday.

But he said, "The only reason I went was because Stan invited me as a friend."

ONLY a few months ago Richard Duffy was playing against the likes of Carlisle, Lincoln and Macclesfield in the football basement.

But tonight, at Fratton Park, the former Swansea City right-back is expected to make his full debut for Portsmouth - against Premier League champions Arsenal.

With Gunners boss Arsene Wenger deciding to rest Robert Pires for the trip to Hampshire, the 18-year-old will find himself up against £20m Spaniard Jose Antonio Reyes and England left-back Ashley Cole down Arsenal's left flank.

And if dealing with that pair wasn't enough, Thierry Henry - the French superstar who has bagged a staggering 37 goals in 45 outings for Arsenal this term - occasionally tries his luck on the left.

So, Swansea-born Duffy - who replaces the injured Linvoy Primus - can expect a busy evening, but the man who handed him his league debut believes the teenager will rise to the occasion.

Former Swans boss Brian Flynn groomed the youngster during his time at the Vetch and he does not expect him to suffer from stage fright against Henry and co.

"I'm sure Richard will take it all in his stride. He is a strong character who believes in his own ability," said Flynn.

"I'm sure he will be able to handle what's coming. Yes, he's playing against a top team in Arsenal, but that won't bother him.

"I don't think he's someone who has a problem with nerves.

"The match is at Fratton Park which gives him a slight advantage. Also, Portsmouth are safe from relegation and that will also help him.

"The other thing on his side is that by coming on against Fulham on Saturday, he has already had a taste of Premier League football."

Added Flynn, "My advice to Richard before the game would be to go out and enjoy it. I'm sure his team-mates at Portsmouth will help him through the match.

"I've got to say it's funny that his full debut will be against Arsenal because that's the team I played on my debut, for Burnley in 1974."

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp swooped for Duffy in January in a switch that could cost the Premiership newcomers £400,000.

It was a dream move for the Wales Under-19 international who, before the season started, was unheard of outside the Vetch.

Duffy made his Swans debut in an FA Cup defeat at Macclesfield in December 2001, but it was Flynn who blooded him into league football, as a substitute in the 4-1 home win over Mansfield last September.

His first Swans league start came just over a fortnight later, in a 2-2 draw at Scunthorpe.

The Welshman has had to wait for his first match in Pompey colours but last Saturday, in the 1-1 draw with Fulham at Fratton Park, that came to an end.

The ex-Swan replaced Primus, who hobbled out of the action after 25 minutes with a hamstring injury.

"I'm delighted Richard has finally got his chance in the Portsmouth team and I really hope he does well," added Flynn, who was controversially sacked by the Swans in March.

"Earlier in the season he was playing against Macclesfield and Southend. That shows what can happen in football.

"Without a doubt, Richard is a very talented player. People are going to make comparisons and he is similar to Mark Delaney, although he's not as quick as Mark yet.

"I actually think Richard will end up playing in central defence. He will be more influential in that position."

Arsenal have already thrashed Pompey at Fratton Park, winning 5-1 in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup two months ago.

Wenger's men - who have won 24 and drawn 11 of their 35 Premier League matches - are also desperate to finish the Premiership season unbeaten.

"I'm sure Mark Hughes (Wales manager) will be aware of Richard playing against Arsenal," said Flynn.

"He will know all about Richard and I've no doubts that he will one day play for Wales.

"It's always a pleasure seeing footballers you've developed go on to better things and become very good players.

"Richard couldn't play for me when I first arrived at Swansea because of a back injury. He had to wait until the following season.

"But I asked Alan Curtis (Swans coach) and Richard Evans (club physio) what was his best position.

"They said he could play in the centre of defence or in midfield and that if you put him up front he will score goals!

"In the pre-season games at Bradford and over in Holland we played him at right-back and he never looked back after that."

Rarely will three points which mean so little to a team's cause mean so much to their manager as those collected by Swansea City this weekend. On the face of it, Saturday's trip to Darlington counted for little in a campaign already certain to end in mid-table mediocrity.

While a brush with relegation had Swansea sweating in the last-chance saloon this time last year, all the high stakes on this term's penultimate weekend were being played for elsewhere.

But there was no telling Kenny Jackett this was a meaningless end-of-season affair.

The way he crouched with tension as Darlington searched for an injury-time equaliser and then sprang up with delight when they failed to find one proved that.

The way he shook hands and shared a smile with the chairman outside the away dressing room afterwards proved that.

Just as in 2003, although for entirely different reasons, Swansea's manager is breathing a large sigh of relief in early May.

''There's no doubt about it, that result feels fantastic,'' said Jackett, who had lost five out of five as the new Vetch Field supremo before the long trip north.

''The first win is a big thing for me because you need results to help your self-belief.''

Even another defeat at Darlington would not have made Jackett fair game for flak.

He has, after all, been in South Wales for only a matter of weeks and has had no opportunity as yet to do what all new managers like to do - bring in a couple of his own players straightaway.

Yet questions were already being asked in some quarters, particularly those where Brian Flynn's departure was viewed as a disappointing surprise, about the new regime before this last away trip of the season.

The squad Flynn left behind had not responded to his replacement, and a new club-record run of defeats loomed.

Hence Jackett's joy as Swansea handled the disruption caused by early injuries to Brian Murphy and Lee Trundle and went on to their first win since mid-March.

''It's a tremendous result for us and one I felt we thoroughly deserved,'' he added.

''We had to make two substitutions very early on and then we lost Leon Britton for 12 or 13 minutes while he had three stitches in his head.

''But despite all that, I thought we were the more solid side throughout the game.

''I have stressed all along that we've got good ability on the ball and we've got goals in our team but that we've been too brittle from the day I arrived.

''We showed the good things going forward once again, we created chances and we scored goals. The difference was that we looked more resilient and defended better.

''I'm looking for zeros and ones against us in games but since I've been here it's always been twos and threes.

''Conceding that many goals means you've got no base to work off so you don't have a chance to compete for points.

''That all changed here because we produced our best defensive display.''

Darlington's decision to leave No. 1 threat Barry Conlon on the substitutes' bench no doubt aided Swansea's cause, for the home side's attacking efforts in the first half ranged from hopeful to hopeless.

Jackett had complained bitterly about his rearguard's aerial failings following the home defeat by Northampton nine days ago, and it was telling that powerhouse Conlon inspired a goal within three minutes of his belated arrival.

The 6ft 3in Irishman's header fell to Daniel Graham, who rounded Roger Freestone to score an equaliser the Quakers scarcely merited.

Swansea had gone ahead soon after half-time thanks to a flick-on from their own targetman, Kevin Nugent.

The veteran Londoner helped on Freestone's long free-kick and Paul Connor, showing rather more composure than when he fired wide of a gaping net just 80 seconds into the contest, snaffled his fifth Swansea goal with little fuss.

The motley visitors - they wore their regular black away shirts with the yellow shorts and socks of Darlington's second strip because of a colour clash - were celebrating again 11 minutes from the end when Roberto Martinez came close to his first goal of the campaign.

When the Spaniard's curling free-kick cannoned off the post, Nugent was on hand to head the winner.

''It was an excellent finish from Paul. He's looking really sharp at the moment, and Kevin followed up what was a very good effort from Roberto well to get the second,'' Jackett enthused.

''We've often looked good going forward and I've seen things I want to keep hold of and capitalise on, no doubt about that.

''It was our shape and our strength that we needed to improve, and that's what we've done here.

''When corners came in I felt we looked a big enough and an aggressive enough side to deal with their threat.

''That's a very important thing in Division Three, and the progress we've made gives me pleasure.

''The resilience was there in my team - and it is my team now - and that is a definite step forward.''

Swansea City were running fitness checks on Lee Trundle and Brian Murphy today as they aim to end the season in style against York next weekend. Kenny Jackett's men ended a run of seven straight defeats with a well-deserved 2-1 success at Darlington on Saturday, but the victory came at a price.

Goalkeeper Murphy hobbled off just eight minutes into the contest after being clattered by Quakers skipper Craig Liddle, then top-scorer Trundle followed only five minutes later complaining of numbness in his arm.

Murphy has heavy bruising on his hip which makes him a doubt for the visit of Conference-bound York, but Swansea are hopeful Trundle will be available.

''Lee took a severe blow to the upper part of his arm and felt numb down one side of his body,'' Jackett said.

''Brian took a really bad bang. We knew straightaway he was in trouble because the challenge was so late.''

Jackett would like to see Murphy in first-team action once more before the season ends as he prepares to tinker with his squad in the summer, though Trundle may face a battle for his starting place even if fit.

Substitute Kevin Nugent and the in-form Paul Connor combined admirably after Trundle's early exit at Darlington, scoring a goal each to hand Jackett his first Swansea points.

''I thought Kev did really well when he came on,'' said Connor.

''He wins his headers and it's up to me to get on the end of them. Thankfully I did that to put us ahead.

''Kev showed just what a good forward he is by reacting quickest to Roberto Martinez's free-kick and scoring from the rebound. He deserved that goal.''

Nugent, 35 last month, faces an uncertain future with his contract set to expire in the summer.

He said: ''I've got no idea what's going to happen at the moment, but I'm desperate to be part of things at Swansea next season.

''All I can do to try to make that happen is the same thing I have done since I made my league debut in 1987 and that is to go out and do the best I possibly I can in every game I play.

''Hopefully that might get me a reward, but if it doesn't then so be it.''

Jackett has already told Layton Maxwell and Lee Fieldwick they will not be offered fresh terms in the summer but still has to decide on a host of players' futures.

''This is going to be a big summer for me in my career and there are a number of big decisions for me still to make,'' the Swansea boss added.

''I have got some good ideas now on who I want to keep but it's all going to depend on who I can bring in and at what price.

''First of all, though, I want to get another win next weekend. Finishing with a bang is vital to me, to the players and to our fans.''

HUGE relief for Kenny Jackett - but the win Swansea's new manager had been craving for almost a month was not without some irony.

Ironic because in little more than seven days from now three, perhaps four, of the side that gave Jackett his first victory as Swans boss could well find themselves being shown the door by him.

After the outpouring of relief came the guessing games, as the scribes assembled in the bowels of Darlington's nameless yet magnificent new stadium tried to determine which of the 10 Swans players nearing the end of their contracts will go and which will stay.

Just as he said little about speculation linking both Andy Legg and Iwan Roberts with the vacant No 2 job at the Vetch, though, so he remained tight-lipped on the subject of his retained list.

But, of those who produced this thoroughly-deserved victory - thus ending a dismal run of seven successive defeats - Roger Freestone, Kevin Nugent, Kris O'Leary and Jonathan Coates are clearly on the most-at-risk register.

On Saturday's efforts alone, that might seem a little harsh, especially as it was Nugent's 80th-minute header that secured Swansea a first win in 14 matches and Freestone's superb fingertip save that prevented Darlington scoring a second and potentially decisive goal.

But, though Jackett pledged to give the players he inherited right to the last whistle to stake their claims for the future, it would clearly be remiss of him not to know by now who he's likely to keep or let go.

And, after expressing delight with the result and the performance in equal measure, Jackett admitted, "I've got very good ideas about which players I want to hold onto for next season.

"A lot of the decisions I've got to make depend on who I'm able to bring in during the summer and at what price. It's all about balancing things up.

"But there's no doubt the next couple of weeks are going to be very important for the future of this football club.

"I've said all along that I'm not frightened to make big decisions and I'm reaching the point where I've got to do that.

"This summer is a big one for me. The decisions I make will have a big bearing on whether or not we're successful next season.

"That means this is a hugely important period in my career. I've got to make sure I make the right choices."

So poor have Swansea been in the second half of this season that not even those players on long contracts have been entitled to feel comfortable about their Vetch futures.

But several of those who fall into that category would have done their prospects the power of good against a woefully bad Darlington side.

Not least Brad Maylett, whose form has been up and down like the proverbial yo-yo recently but produced arguably his best display since those heady early-season days.

Usually a threat with his running and crosses from wide right, this time Maylett kept surging through the middle, running past defenders and shooting as if the ball was strapped to his boot.

Almost as impressive was Leon Britton, the little midfielder rediscovering his ability to evade his markers and invade opposition territory, despite missing 13 minutes of the first half to have three stitches in a head wound.

"Brad and Leon both played really well," said Jackett, who also lost goalkeeper Brian Murphy (hip) and striker Lee Trundle (arm) in a bizarre start to the game.

"Lately, I've been urging Brad to really impose himself on games because I felt he was capable of doing that and it's pleasing to see him do so.

"As for Leon, it was worth waiting for him to go back on because he was one of our most influential players."

A painfully dull first half - not to mention the ghostly atmosphere inside Darlington's spick new 29,000-seater arena - was soon forgotten when Paul Connor's crisp finish put Swansea ahead five minutes after the break.

Darlington drew level on 65 minutes when Swans dropped their guard at the back to allow on-loan Middlesbrough striker Daniel Graham to slide in from an acute angle.

To their credit, though, Swansea looked dangerous each time they moved forward and with 10 minutes left won a free-kick just outside the area. Roberto Martinez steered the ball round the Darlington wall and, after shaving the left-hand post, it sat up perfectly for Nugent to head in his 10th goal of the season.

SWANSEA CITY boss Kenny Jackett has warned his under-performing squad not to expect too much free time this summer, writes ANDY ROSE.

The Swans complete their Division Three fixtures at home to York on Saturday hoping to end the season with a morale-boosting victory.

A promising campaign has petered out into a drab non-event with Swansea drifting aimlessly in mid-table after a string of defeats since Christmas.

But Jackett, who stepped into the breach after the removal of Brian Flynn, is determined to work his players hard well into the off season in a bid to toughen them up for the start of the next campaign.

The new man at the helm has hardly covered himself in glory since taking control at the Vetch last month kicking off his tenure, with five straight defeats.

Angered by a lack of fitness Jackett has privately blamed a bulging treatment room on the players' poor conditioning.

His first step on arrival was to double training sessions and Jackett has also enlisted the help of an RAF drill instructor to put the squad through their paces twice a week.

A keen follower of sports science, Jackett also plans to bring in a nutritionist to help educate his players in the ways of healthy eating.

But with just days left until the end of this season Jackett has told his players not to start dreaming of their holidays just yet.

"There will certainly be some training through the summer months," said Jackett.

"Obviously people will be entitled to holidays, but I will be talking to them about what I am planning shortly. I have taken on a part-time fitness coach who works for the RAF and has a good sports science background.

"He also knows about discipline and will collate information to pass on to the players to let them know exactly how to look after themselves and keep fit when they are away from the club."

Jackett has clearly been taken aback by the lack of preparation and fitness from some of the players he has inherited, which has seen them out-muscled in games time after time.

After his appalling start in South Wales, some fans have even started to call for the former QPR and Watford assistant's head.

But Jackett has pleaded for time to impose himself and mould the side into his own image over the summer.

"I'm not trying to write off this run of defeats but I don't feel that I have particularly had the tools to win the games," he admitted.

"I have inherited this team and although people are judging you all the time, next season will be when I can say it is my team out there on the pitch.

"I have had to bide my time in terms of changing what I want to change. I know what I want to do and how I want to do it but I am okay for now with biding my time and just waiting."

OLD gunslinger Kevin Nugent and sidekick Paul Connor fired the shots as Swansea finally delivered their first win for relieved boss Kenny Jackett in a stadium with no name.

Just under 5,500 rattled around in a stylish 30,000 all-seater arena. They generated a ghostly atmosphere, but ex-Wales star Jackett will always remember this momentous day.

The 42-year-old Welshman had halted a five successive league and cup defeats on his 26th day in charge - ironically wearing Darlington's second-strip shorts and socks.

Yet it took a strike from 35-year-old Nugent 11 minutes from time to give Swansea their first win in eight matches. The former Cardiff predator's reaction was rapier-like as he latched onto a Roberto Martinez free-kick which smashed against the base of the post.

It certainly lifted Nugent, who is one of 10 Swans out of contract this July.

He said: "I am still enjoying every moment at Swansea. If another deal is offered to me, I would love to stay on."

And ex-Rochdale striker Connor, who rattled in the Swans' opener on 49 minutes, paid tribute to his team-mate, saying: "He is a very clever player. I think we work well together.

"I am really pleased the boys have won at last.

"But I can't say I am surprised about this victory because we have looked impressive during training."

Gritty Swansea needed to show real determination to spike a Quakers side who had levelled seven minutes after the hour through on-loan Middlesbrough raider Danny Graham, the 18-year-old latching onto sub Barry Conlon's flick to ram home from an acute angle.

But nothing could erase Jackett's joy after Nugent's winner.

He said: "We got what we deserved. This was a very resilient display from my team.

"We have been too brittle defensively of late, but we put all that right today.

"What I am after is zeroes or ones against.

"We've never managed that up to this point.

"When you are strong at the back, you have got a foundation on which to build. I believe there are goals in my team and we have proved it here."

Swansea were unchanged from the line-up which slumped at home to Northampton last Saturday, while crisis club Darlington, who just avoided the big drop to the Conference, made three changes.

In came former Southampton star Neil Maddison, on-loan Sunderland striker Neil Taggart and Mark Convery, while Quakers stalwart Craig Liddle made his 300th appearance. But the 32-year-old was aware that Darlo, £20m in debt, face a critical meeting with creditors on May 19.

Ex-chairman George Reynolds is in court 24 hours later battling bankruptcy. And the former safe-cracker will have a major say on whether the North-Easterners survive a league deadline in 26 days time.

But Swansea had problems of their own within the first 16 minutes, goalkeeper Brian Murphy and star striker Lee Trundle departing with injuries with Roger Freestone and goal hero Nugent replacing them.

The Swans should have had the lead after just 80 seconds, Martinez's swift free-kick released the outstanding Brad Maylett and the former Burnley man speared in from the right but blond-haired Paul Connor spooned his angled effort over an empty net.

Swansea had opened in confident fashion, yet losing two key men disrupted them. Ian Clark sent in a deep left-side cross and Wales under-21 international Ryan Valentine sent a looping header wide of the far post.

There were more worries for the Swans when pocket-sized midfielder Leon Britton was forced off for more than 12 minutes as he received stitches in a head wound after a clash with Liddle.

And the 10-man Swans were wobbling as Clarke's inswinging corner totally out-foxed Freestone, Taggart nodding onto the top of the goal.

But Swansea had the lead on 49 minutes thanks to a route-one goal. Freestone launched a giant clearance which Nugent flicked on for Connor to coolly rifle into the far corner.

It was the Bishop Auckland-born striker's fifth Swans strike, but all his enthusiasm evaporated as Graham brought the hosts level on 67 minutes.

But it was Swansea who were to have the final say after Freestone had brilliantly thwarted goal-scorer Graham to prevent the hosts taking the lead.

And the visitors' winner arrived on 79 minutes as Martinez's free-kick was pummelled past Michael Price by Nugent after the ball had cannoned back off an upright.

SWANSEA boss Kenny Jackett enjoyed his first taste of victory yesterday - then hinted he could do with a Legg up! After yesterday's long-awaited 2-1 victory at Darlington, Jackett gave a strong hint that former Welsh international Andy Legg could be on his way back to the Vetch after an 11-year absence. The Swans have been strongly linked to the ex-Cardiff City player, who will be 38 soon. And Jackett said: "Age is no barrier. I've seen Andy on a number of occasions this season and he is a very good player."

Layton Maxwell and Lee Fieldwick have been told they have no Swansea City futures as Kenny Jackett's summer of squad rebuilding gets underway. Former Cardiff midfielder Maxwell and on-loan Brentford defender Fieldwick have been shown the door after failing to impress during brief stays at Vetch Field.

Maxwell, 24, was signed on a short-term contract in March having initially joined Swansea on an extended trial basis during Brian Flynn's reign.

But the ex-Welsh Under-21 starlet, from Rhyl, has managed just one start plus two substitute appearances and has never looked fully fit.

Londoner Fieldwick arrived on transfer deadline day as cover for injured left-backs Michael Howard and Leon Hylton.

He started four games after making his debut as a substitute at Huddersfield, but has struggled to make an impact in a misfiring Swansea side.

The news that he will not be granted a longer stay completes a miserable week for the 21-year-old, who learned on Wednesday that he would not be offered fresh terms at Brentford.

''We would like to thank both Layton and Lee for what they have done for us,'' said Vetch chairman Huw Jenkins.

''Difficult decisions have to be made at every club at this time of year and Kenny Jackett has told them both that there will be nothing on offer for them with us next season.

''Layton came here trying to prove himself but unfortunately he has been unlucky with injuries and we probably haven't seen the best of him.

''We are grateful to Lee for coming down to help us out during our injury crisis and just like Layton, we wish him all the best.

''Normally these decisions would be made at the end of the season, but Kenny felt it was only right to make them aware of his thoughts as soon as was possible.''

Neither Maxwell, who is suffering with a hamstring problem, nor Fieldwick is expected to appear in a Swansea shirt again.

ROGER FREESTONE feared his days as Swansea City No 1 were over when Brian Flynn was in charge at the Vetch.

Freestone has revealed how he resigned himself to leaving Swansea after being dropped shortly before Flynn lost his job as director of football.

But the long-serving Swans goalkeeper was restored to the starting line-up straight after Flynn's departure and he says the arrival of Kenny Jackett has given him a new lease of life.

Freestone now faces an anxious few weeks before discovering whether his long and colourful Vetch career will be extended by another 12 months or finally brought to a close.

But the 35-year-old former Wales international said that when Flynn was still in charge, he was convinced his days were numbered.

"Under the previous manager, I think I might well have been released," said Freestone ahead of today's Third Division meeting with Darlington.

"I was, as the manager put it, 'rested' from the team and, to be quite honest, I couldn't see a way back in.

"When Brian was still in charge, it was my understanding that Brian Murphy would be the No 1 goalkeeper next season.

"I never really had the chance to sit down with the manager to talk about my prospects at the club because he was given the sack.

"There are no hard feelings towards Brian - I had a lot of respect for him and appreciated he had decisions to make about players' futures.

"Not for one minute am I thinking I'm definitely going to be given a new contract - I've got no idea whether or not I will be.

"All I'm saying is that Kenny coming in has given me a bit of enthusiasm and the hope that I will get another deal."

Swansea City without Roger Freestone? Unthinkable, surely. But, with the man who first pulled on a Swans shirt way back in September 1989 entering his 37th year at the start of next season, Jackett could decide now is the time for fresh blood between the posts.

And Freestone - now playing under his 15th different Swansea manager - insists that if Jackett decides his time is up, he'll move on with good grace.

"I'm realistic enough to accept that it's got to come to an end one day and if that's in a week or two from now, then so be it," said the former Chelsea stopper.

"We'll just have to see what happens but, personally, yes of course I'd love to stay.

"I've still got the same enthusiasm I've always had and feel fit enough to keep on going. People might say 'Well, he's coming up to 36 now' but that's hardly over-the-hill for a keeper.

"The manager's got some big decisions to make as there are a lot of players in the same boat as me. Hopefully I've done enough to impress the new manager since he arrived, but he'll have his own ideas."

Should this season indeed prove to be Freestone's Swans song it is hardly one that he will wish to cherish.

Eight months ago the Newport-born keeper might have hoped he would sign off with another Third Division championship medal such was the sensational start Swansea made to the campaign.

But a glance at the statistics - Swansea head into their final two matches 16 points adrift of the play-off places and a whopping 33 short of top spot - shows just how badly things have slipped away.

"It's so disappointing and the worst thing is no-one can seem to put their finger on why it's happened," said Freestone.

"We started the season like a house on fire but, since we beat Yeovil 3-2 in a fantastic game at the Vetch at Christmas, it's been relegation form.

"It's just as well we picked up so many points at the start of the season or we'd be in trouble again."

But - with five straight defeats making Jackett's first month in charge a disastrous one and the team having lost seven in a row - Freestone insists Swansea must finish with a flourish.

"We need to pick up a win for ourselves," he said. "And I think we've got to aim to beat both Darlington and then York on the last day of the season."

Freestone could find himself warming the subs' bench again today as Jackett uses the match to take another look at Murphy.

Striker James Thomas is another who will be given a chance to impress the new boss, while Izzy Iriekpen should take his place in the defence, despite hobbling out of last week's 2-0 home defeat to Northampton.

Darlington, who have slipped into administration following the departure of their chairman and benefactor George Reynolds, need one point to be mathematically safe from relegation.

Former Welsh international striker Iwan Roberts is being hotly-tipped for a player-coach role at Swansea City next season. The Bangor-born targetman has been told his current contract at Premiership-bound Norwich will be not be renewed this summer.

And the Evening Post has learned that Swansea boss Kenny Jackett, who played with Roberts at Watford, is keen on linking up again with the 15-cap 35-year-old.

Roberts said: ''I'm 36 in June so I think going into coaching is the way forward for me,'' he said, ''but I would like to play for another couple of years, too. One thing that appeals is going back to Wales.''

Lee Trundle will lead Swansea City's attack at Darlington tomorrow with some kind words from Patrick Vieira ringing in his ears. Swansea City's 21-goal top-scorer and the brilliant Arsenal captain came face to face at the Professional Footballers' Association end-of-season awards dinner this week.

And Trundle revealed: ''I went up to him afterwards and asked him to have his picture taken with me.

''He did it then said: 'Oh, by the way, I think you're an excellent player'.

''To be honest I couldn't quite believe it.

''For someone like that just to know who you are is a pretty good feeling and for him to say that was brilliant for me.''

French international Vieira is a regular at the annual PFA awards bash, and was celebrating regaining the Premiership title at this year's event after the Gunners' 2-2 draw at Tottenham last Sunday.

Trundle, by contrast, was rubbing shoulders with British football's biggest stars for the first time having been named in the Third Division team of the season.

''I was on a table near Vieira, Thierry Henry and the rest of the Arsenal lads,'' he added.

''And I was a bit in awe of it all really.

''It was just nice to be surrounded by players of that calibre.

''It's the first time I've been in one of the PFA sides, and the fact that it is voted for by fellow players makes it an even better accolade because it means you've stuck in their minds.

''I get into that many scuffles when I'm playing that I thought no one would vote for me because they didn't like me, but thankfully it turned out all right,'' he adds with a grin.

Trundle's votes for Division Three's top two strikers went to Torquay's David Graham - who made the XI alongside him - and Scunthorpe goal machine Steve MacLean.

Had he been allowed to vote for any of his Vetch Field colleagues, the former Wrexham player would have named one of his fellow Merseysiders.

''I think Andy Robinson's been excellent and I thought he might have made it.

''But maybe because it's his first year as a first-teamer people haven't noticed him as much. I think if he can reproduce the same form next season he will definitely get in.''

Trundle should keep his place alongside Paul Connor tomorrow even with Kevin Nugent and James Thomas fit and hoping for a chance to impress.

And though Swansea's final away trip of the season means little in terms of the points on offer, he reckons there is plenty of incentive to finish on a high note.

''We're on the worst run we've had since I've been here and it's not nice for anyone,'' the 27-year-old adds.

''A couple of wins now would be good for the new gaffer and for the players' confidence, plus it would help get the fans back on our side.

''That's important because we need their support in what is going to be a big push for us next season.''

Swansea City are offering fans the chance to have their names featured on next season's away shirt. The club have come up with the idea to mark their final season at Vetch Field before the move to the new White Rock Stadium.

For £25 each, 1,000 supporters will have their names - featuring up to 20 characters - printed within the material of the new red away shirt for next season.

Application forms are available from the club shop or on Swansea's official website now ahead of the May 14 closing date.

Meanwhile, there are still places available on the official travel club coaches heading for Darlington tomorrow.

Coaches leave Morriston Cross at 6am and the Quadrant at 6.15am and the price is £20.

For further details contact 07876133428 or the club shop.

FORMER Vetch Field favourite Colin Pascoe has emerged as a front-runner for the No 2 job at Swansea City.

The Western Mail has learned Swansea are interested in linking Pascoe up with his former Wales colleague Kenny Jackett as part of the new Vetch management team.

Pascoe, from Port Talbot, is currently the youth team boss at the Swans' bitter rivals Cardiff City, but is understood to be keen on moving up to a front-line coaching position.

And the 39-year-old would seem to fit the bill for a Swans board who have said they want a young coach, rather than a more senior figure, to work next to Jackett. Pascoe played with Jackett during a Wales career that saw him pick up 10 caps between 1984 and 1992.

He started his club career at the Vetch in 1982 and made more than 170 appearances for the Swans before moving to Sunderland five years later.

Pascoe returned to Swansea for a second spell in the early 1990s before moving on to Blackpool, Merthyr and Carmarthen as well as having a stint in Hong Kong.

The former striker has spent the past five and a half years at Ninian Park, overseeing the progression through the ranks of star man Robert Earnshaw as well as the likes of James Collins and Stuart Fleetwood.

Swansea, however, are unlikely to appoint an assistant to Jackett before the end of the season.

Jackett - still searching for his first win since taking over at the Vetch on April 5 - will go it alone for tomorrow's trip to Darlington and the home clash against York on the final day of the campaign.

The Swans boss has pledged to give last season's top scorer James Thomas a run out against the Quakers as he continues the task of assessing his new charges.

Thomas picked up a thigh injury just five minutes into Jackett's first training session but is fit to return after completing a midweek reserve match against Yeovil.

"It will be good to have James back," said Jackett. "He's got a good pedigree having been at Blackburn and I watched him several times when he was on loan at Bristol Rovers."

Defender Izzy Iriekpen should also be fit to face cash-strapped Darlington despite limping out of last week's 2-0 defeat against Northampton.

Swansea manager Kenny Jackett has dismissed speculation linking Peterborough's Andy Legg with a player-coach role at the Vetch Field as "premature".

Former Swans player John Cornforth is another name being linked with the position.

But Jackett said: "A player-coach is something that has been discussed with (chairman) Huw (Jenkins).

"There are a number of people that I have considered for the role and Andy's name has been mentioned before, as has John's.

"I don't personally know either of them but I know that Andy still has a job to do at Peterborough so all this speculation is a bit premature."

Striker Iwan Roberts will leave newly promoted Norwich when his contract expires at the end of the season.
"Iwan was one that we thought long and hard about," said Norwich manager Nigel Worthington.

"It may also give Robbo an opportunity to add to his career elsewhere - perhaps look for a player-coach role."

The 35-year-old Welsh international has netted 94 goals in 303 games for the Canaries since his £850,000 arrival from Wolves in July 1997.

Roberts admitted he had "a gut feeling" he would not be offered a new deal, but has now set his sights on finishing the season with a Division One championship medal.

"I am a bit disappointed but I can totally understand where the club and the gaffer are coming from," said Roberts, who has already been linked with a player-coach role at Swansea City.

Worthington said the decision not to offer the club captain a new deal after seven years' service had been difficult, as he plans for life in the Premiership next season.

"He's had limited starts this year, but it's not about me, it's not about Iwan Roberts, it's about Norwich City Football Club and trying to keep the club going forward," Worthington added.


"As for the timing, that was geared towards the last game of the season and it is only fitting for him and the supporters to be able to say their farewells under such great circumstances - the promotion scenario.

"Iwan is a model professional who conducts himself with dignity on and off the pitch and his goals have been crucial to the club - he is a true Norwich City great."

While admitting it would be a wrench to leave Carrow Road, Roberts said that he was looking forward to a fresh challenge in "new pastures".

"It's been a pleasure to play here. I've felt more at home here at this football club than I have anywhere else in my career and I know it's going to be very emotional for me on Saturday," Roberts added.

"The fans have always been fantastic with me since I first came and I'd just like to thank them for all the love that they've shown me over the years."

ANDY Legg is prepared to sacrifice his managerial career to help Posh out of the relegation mire.


The Posh player-coach was linked with a similar post at Third Division Swansea today, but the 37-year-old refuses to switch his attention from the final two games of the Second Division campaign.

Swansea was Legg's first professional club and their chairman Huw Jenkins has made no secret of his desire to bring the Welsh international home to assist rookie manager Kenny Jackett.

But Legg is not interested in leaving Posh in the lurch. He said: "If I miss out on managerial jobs because I am concentrating on Posh staying up then so be it.

"If we go down I'll take it as a personal insult. Big things were expected of me when I came here, but I took a lot of time to settle down which was a disappointment.

"I have a lot of pride in my performanace and everyone can rest assured that there's no-one more focussed on keeping Posh up than me.

"U went down with Cardiff once and it hurt like mad, I don't want to experience that feeling again.

"Barry Fry mentioned extending my contract at Posh again yesterday, but any player who starts discussing contracts in the middle of a relegation battle is out of order."

Posh boss Fry offered Legg an extension to his player-coach contract months ago, but further talks have been abandoned until the end of the season.

Legg's input into first-team coaching has decreased since the arrival of Bobby Gould at London Road, but Fry still rates him highly.

Fry said: "I don't want Andy to go anywhere which is why I offered him a new deal at the start of the year.

''He is concentrating on helping to keep the club in Division Two before he makes a decision on his future.

''I've no doubt that several clubs would be keen to get hold of him as a coach because he has an excellent reputation in the game."

SWANSEA CITY chiefs have given Kenny Jackett the so-called dreaded vote of confidence... after just four League matches.

Swans chairman Huw Jenkins insists there is no reason to panic, despite a run of results which has seen Jackett's team lose to Lincoln, Hull, Bristol Rovers and Northampton.

The new Swans manager also had the embarrassment of seeing his side lose to Rhyl in the FAW Premier Cup.

But Jenkins insists he is not worried by the alarming slump in form and maintained next season is the time for the fans to judge Jackett.

"In anything you do, everybody wants to have something to aim for," said Jenkins. "And because we are in mid-table with no chance of going up and no chance of going down, the players haven't got that at the moment.

"I think that is why the results haven't been great and therefore it is not worth panicking. I say roll on next year when we will have something to play for again. Let's see what signings we can make in the summer and start judging things as we move on next year."

Jenkins went on, "Some might say our players should be motivated by the need to impress the new manager.

"But a lot of them are under contract anyway and some of those who aren't have accepted already that they are not going to be given new deals."

He insisted, "There has been an improvement in the last two home games. We seem a bit fitter and a bit quicker in what we do, which hasn't been reflected in the results. The sooner this season ends and Kenny has the chance to change things around, the better."

Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins has admitted Andy Legg is a candidate to assist Kenny Jackett next season. Jenkins has revealed that Legg, whose contract as player-coach at Second Division strugglers Peterborough expires this summer, is one of a number of names being considered as Swansea aim to build a promotion-winning team.

But the Swansea chief dismissed speculation linking former boss Colin Addison with a return in a No. 2 role after he watched last Saturday's defeat by Northampton from the Vetch Field directors' box.

''We are taking our time over an appointment because we don't want to bring someone in when the right person may become available in the summer,'' said Jenkins.

''Andy Legg has always been on our list and he is one of many we are looking at.''

Jenkins tried to sign Legg as a player on transfer deadline day last month, when the six-cap Welsh international was understood to be keen on a return to the club where he started his career but saw a move blocked by Peterborough.

And the Briton Ferry product, who left Swansea for Notts County after five years at the Vetch in 1993, may well be tempted should the opportunity to come home as a player-coach arise this summer.

Legg, who turns 38 in July, has managed 40 league appearances this season after being released by Cardiff last summer.

Known primarily as a left-back, he has done a sterling job for the Posh in a holding midfield role and as a sweeper, while his famous long-throw remains a potent attacking weapon.

Known for his fitness, he could be a useful playing acquisition for Jackett, who has already outlined his desire to bring in at least two specialist full-backs this summer.

Legg has been offered a fresh 12-month contract as a player-coach at London Road although the arrival of Bobby Gould to assist manager Barry Fry in February lessened his responsibilities.

He has said he will make a decision on his future in the summer.

''A player-coach is certainly a possibility we are looking at,'' added Jenkins.

''All we're doing at the moment is keeping our options open. Kenny is happy to do that for now and I think it's just common sense.''

Jenkins, 40, went on: ''Part of the reason we went for Kenny was because he is a similar age to those of us on the board of directors, and I think it's safe to assume that we will be doing the same when it comes to appointing someone to assist him.

''From that you can tell that Colin Addison is not in the running.''

One other name who has been linked with Swansea is ex-Vetch skipper John Cornforth, who is known to be keen to return having spent his happiest playing days in South Wales.

Kenny Jackett will get a first look at James Thomas when Swansea City's second-string host Yeovil Town tomorrow (2pm). Thomas, sidelined since picking up a thigh injury just minutes into Jackett's first training session three weeks ago, aims to finish a desperate season on a high note.

Last season's top-scorer and final-day hero has managed just 11 first-team starts this term, scoring three goals, thanks chiefly to a string of injury problems.

But he will hope to figure against Darlington on Saturday and then at home to York seven days later if he can prove his fitness tomorrow.

Leon Hylton (hamstring) and Andy Robinson (knee ligaments) are also hoping to make surprise returns against York having made good progress in the last week.

Izzy Iriekpen should be fit for the trip to Darlington despite limping off with a calf problem against Northampton last Saturday, and Stuart Jones could also face the Quakers after joining up with the Welsh Under-21 squad despite suffering a bang on the head over the weekend.

Michael Howard, though, is wondering if he has played his last game for Swansea after undergoing surgery on a hernia problem yesterday which will rule him out until the summer, when his Vetch contract expires.

Swansea will play two rearranged reserve games next week, both at home, to Bournemouth on May 5 and Oxford just 24 hours later.

Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins is refusing to panic despite seeing new boss Kenny Jackett lose the first five games of his reign. Northampton's 2-0 success at Vetch Field last Saturday followed league defeats by Lincoln, Hull and Bristol Rovers plus the embarrassing FAW Premier Cup exit at Rhyl which marked the start of the Jackett era.

It has been a desperate opening for the former Queens Park Rangers No. 2, with just four goals scored and 11 conceded.

Defeats in Swansea's last two games of the campaign, at Darlington on Saturday and at home to York seven days later, would see Jackett's new charges move within one setback of the all-time league record - nine straight reverses in 1990-1.

But Jenkins insists he is not worried by the alarming slump in form, citing a lack of meaningful games as Swansea's biggest problem.

''In anything you do, everybody wants to have something to aim for,'' he said, ''and because we are in mid-table with no chance of going up and no chance of going down, the players haven't got that at the moment.

''I think that is why the results haven't been great and therefore it's not worth panicking.

''I say roll on next year when we will have something to play for again.

''Let's see what signings we can make in the summer and start judging things as we move on next year.''

Jenkins admits he has been far from happy with recent results, but reckons Swansea have showed some promising signs under Jackett's stewardship.

''I thought we were quite energetic and entertaining for half an hour against Northampton and didn't look like a side with nothing to play for,'' he added.

''That's down to Kenny, who has come in at a difficult time given our situation.

''There has been an improvement in the last two home games. We seem a bit fitter and a bit quicker in what we do which hasn't been reflected in the results.

''The fact is the two sides we've played at home have had something to play for and people shouldn't overlook what a difference that makes.

''Some might say our players should be motivated by the need to impress the new manager, but a lot of them are under contract anyway and some of those who aren't have accepted already that they are not going to be given new deals.

''Thankfully there are only two more games before we have something to play for again, and I think we're all looking forward to next season.

''The sooner this one ends and Kenny has the chance to change things around the better.''

SWANSEA CITY are sweating on a referee's report that will determine whether they face punishment for an incident in which a steward clashed with a rival manager.

The Swans are at the centre of a rumpus which began when Northampton Town boss Colin Calderwood was sent from the dug-out during his side's 2-0 win at the Vetch on Saturday.

The former Scotland defender appeared to be man-handled by Swansea's chief steward as he tried to climb into the directors' box after being dismissed for arguing with the fourth official.

Television pundits Lee Dixon and Chris Kamara reacted in amazement when the scuffle was played back during Sky Sports' Goals on Sunday programme.

Both clubs have moved to play down the incident with Swansea yesterday denying there had been any physical contact between Calderwood and the steward.

But television footage and pictures of the 24th-minute skirmish clearly show the former Tottenham star being manhandled.

And Swansea could face punishment from the Football Association of Wales if the incident is flagged up in match referee Andy Penn's report.

Video evidence would be called for if the FAW decide Swansea have a case to answer, though the club insist the matter has already been laid to rest.

"All that happened was there was a misunderstanding by Colin Calderwood about which way he should go into the directors' box," said safety officer John Morgan.

"Sometimes we find it is better if a manager who has been sent from the dug-out goes down the tunnel and comes back up into the box to defuse any potential situation.

"That was all the steward was trying to do - point Mr Calderwood towards the tunnel.

"As far as we're concerned - and as Colin himself has gone on record as saying - he was not man-handled.

"I certainly don't think there was any malice on either side.

"Mr Calderwood actually apologised to the steward after the match and the matter has been resolved amicably."

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins added the club would ensure there would be no repeat of the episode.

"It was an unfortunate incident and there are lessons to be learned," he said.

But it was not the first time this season that there has been a pitch-side scuffle involving a rival manager at the Vetch.

Former Southend assistant manager Paul Brush tangled with stewards after being dismissed - along with three visiting players - during his team's remarkable 3-2 win at Swansea last December.

Roberto Martinez hopes the squad Brian Flynn built is not broken up this summer as he believes they can win promotion next season. The Spanish club skipper backed Swansea City's current playing staff for success despite Northampton inflicting their seventh straight defeat on Saturday.

Two goals before the break from Eric Sabin condemned Swansea to their latest reverse, and things would have turned even worse had Martin Smith not missed a second-half penalty.

But Martinez remains adamant that a squad accused of lacking physical strength does have the power to deliver Second Division football in time for the move to the White Rock Stadium in autumn 2005.

"Without a doubt this set of a players has what it takes to get out of this division," the 30-year-old insisted. "We are good enough and we proved that at the beginning of the season, but there are things we have to learn for next season.

"We must always remember that every team goes through bad spells during a season and, rather than shooting ourselves in the foot when they come, we need patience and belief.

"We need to get together as players, staff, directors and fans and get through the bad times.

"Since August 29, we have never been able to keep the same team because of injuries and our FA Cup run, as enjoyable as it was, definitely didn't help.

"I saw the potential here at the start of the season and felt it was just a matter of time until we achieved promotion. Unfortunately we didn't have the time.

"Now it's up to Kenny Jackett whether he wants to change the squad and, like any new manager would, he probably will.

"All we can do is try to show him that we are strong enough to achieve success, as we feel we are, in the next two matches."

Lee Trundle's case for a place in Jackett's plans was boosted last night when he was named in the Professional Footballers' Association's Third Division team of the year, which is voted for by fellow players.

Northampton boss Colin Calderwood, meanwhile, has claimed innocence after clashing with a Vetch steward when he was sent from the dugout on Saturday.

"I don't know why I was sent to the stand, you'll have to ask the ref that," said the former Scottish international, ''and I will refute any claims that they make about what happened after that."

Chairman Huw Jenkins said today no action would be taken against the steward involved, but pledged to make sure the same thing does not happen again. ''It was an unfortunate incident and there are lessons to be learned," he said.

SO much for the new manager effect.

When Kenny Jackett breezed into the Vetch three weeks ago, being hailed as the man to breathe new life into the spluttering Swans, he would have expected his arrival to inspire his new team to at least the odd win.

Not in his worst nightmare would Jackett have imagined a scenario where each of his first five matches ended in defeat.

He admitted as much after this latest setback not only left Jackett still searching for his first points as Swans boss, but also condemned the team he inherited to their seventh straight loss.

He said, "I must admit that I didn't imagine I'd get off to such a disappointing start at Swansea. To lose my first four league games, and five in all when you add the FAW Premier Cup match at Rhyl, is very disappointing.

"It's been a bad run and it just shows you how football can kick you right between the legs.

"And when things aren't going well it just seems that everything works against you.

"That's something which is summed up if you look at the players who've scored the winners against us in the last two matches - Eric Sabin for Northampton and Junior Agogo for Bristol Rovers - I've worked with both of them at Queens Park Rangers!"

It is starting to sound painfully familiar: disappointing result, poor defending ... yet still plenty of positives to take out of the match.

But, after watching former pupil Sabin spoil his afternoon with a two-goal show that kept Northampton in the hunt for a play-off place, Jackett also acknowledged once again the fact it is results on which he will be judged.

On that basis, it is just as well Swansea brought in a new manager with six games to go rather than in the summer which most observers, this one included, initially thought would have been the most sensible option.

Because the prospect of Swansea starting next season as they are contriving to finish this one is something neither Swans fans nor the club's highly-expectant board would wish to contemplate.

Saturday's defeat means this under-achieving team has collected a meagre 16 points from the 60 available to them in 2004. Shocking. But at least Jackett is getting the chance to assess almost each individual member of the squad in competitive action in order to work out whether it is wholesale change or just some tinkering that is required for next term.

On this latest evidence, some Swans fans might urge him to go for the former rather than the latter, but all the signs are it will be somewhere in between.

Jackett had cause to feel confident about his new charges after watching them dominate the opening 30 minutes of this eventful match, but it was their failure to turn possession into goals - sounding familiar again? - that left him frustrated.

In truth, the only moment that really roused the shirt-sleeved Swansea crowd was when Northampton boss Colin Calderwood was dispatched to the stand, scuffling with a steward en route, for remonstrating too forcefully with the fourth official.

As for the Swans players, it wasn't just the hot sunshine that left them red-faced such was the ease with which Sabin skipped past them to claim his 34th and 43rd minute goals.

Jackett, reflecting on some costly moments of indecision, moaned, "Defensively, we've got to come into the real world.

"When the ball is bouncing about and needs to be cleared that's exactly what you've got to do. Long kicks come at you thick and fast in the Third Division - either from the goalkeeper or the back four - and we've got to be big enough and strong enough to win that first header.

"At the moment balls are bouncing in our own half too many times and, as soon as it happens, defensively there is uncertainty that you can sense all round the stadium.

"Perhaps there's a bit of naivety there. Perhaps we're missing an old head in the defence just to calm things down a bit.

"That's something I've got to address in the summer. But without doubt I will be working and competing for players in all areas of the pitch."

With 10 players nearing the end of their Vetch contracts, the debate about who Jackett should keep and who he should let go will keep Swansea tongues wagging for a little while longer.

But there is another thing troubling Jackett - the question of why the Swans can't seem to perform to any consistent level.

"Performance-wise, at home - against Hull and against Northampton - I've seen some positives, but away from home we haven't quite looked the same team," he said.

"It's difficult to know exactly why that is happening. But it is a big thing. We can't be a side that only gets up and has a go when our crowd are with us. We have to be able to turn on those kind of performances away from home - and it must start on Saturday at Darlington."

CAPTAIN Roberto Martinez believes the current Swansea squad would be strong enough to win promotion next season.

Martinez accepts new Vetch Field boss Kenny Jackett will almost certainly strengthen the Swans squad in the summer with three or four new faces.

But Martinez is convinced Swansea would learn from the shortcomings that have seen them drift 16 points off the play-off pace after winning just three of their last 20 Division Three matches.

And he reckons the players Jackett has inherited from Brian Flynn would not fall short again in 2004-05.

"I believe, without a doubt, that the squad we have here is good enough to win promotion," said the Spanish midfielder.

"Obviously people will 'say 'Well, you haven't done it this season', but I think we'd learn from the mistakes we've made and come back stronger.

"What we've got to realise is you don't win promotion in December. And we've got to learn how to come through the bad spells.

"But being a part of this squad, I know the potential is here to take the club into Division Two.

"I just think that this season we've struggled to keep things stable. We've had a huge number of injury problems and I don't think our FA Cup run helped us."

Martinez added, "Personally, I would hope there are not massive changes to the squad in the summer.

"But that is up to the manager. We haven't won promotion this year and it's his job to evaluate why that is and what needs to be done.

"That means he'll obviously have ideas about who he thinks should be brought into the club and who should stay.

"As a group of players, we believe we're good enough to achieve promotion, but the manager will have his own view."

A former team-mate of Martinez, Northampton's Marc Richards, enjoyed a happy return to the club he spent six months on loan at last season.

And after playing a part in the Cobblers' 2-0 win, Richards said the fact Northampton are chasing a play-off place vindicated his decision to turn down a contract at Swansea last summer in preference for a move to the Sixfields Stadium.

"Deciding to join Northampton instead of Swansea was a bit of a gamble for me", said the former Blackburn man. "It was a tough decision to make but I think the gamble has paid off."

1994 was the year in which the World Cup went to the United States and few Americans knew anything about it, while Mr Blobby made No1 in the pop charts.

Keeping up the theme of the improbable were Swansea City AFC at Wembley.

Pulp Fiction had just come out as a box office movie smash. Appropriate that, because it was almost fiction-like as the Swans first got to Wembley, and secondly pulped Huddersfield on penalties to win the AutoGlass Trophy.

Oh, the AutoGlass Trophy. If the FAW Premier Cup, according to Cardiff City's chairman Mr Hammam, is a Minnie Mouse Cup, then that one was definitely a Mickey Mouse affair.

Yeah, right. Try telling that to the 18,000 strong army of Swans fans who, 10 years ago almost to the day, turned the M4 into a sea of black and white as they made the three-hour trip to London for the big day out.

What an occasion it was. April 24, 1994. Huddersfield 1 Swansea City 1. Frank Burrows' men winning 3-1 on penalties.

It was the day of the flying dragon. The cuddly toy I, and three fellow scribes, took into the Wembley Press box and firmly planted in front of us to raised eyebrows from bemused stewards.

Well, a professional Welsh club hadn't been at Wembley since 1927, we tried to explain. So this was one day when the unwritten professional rule of not cheering in the Press box went out of the window.

When Andy McFarlane scored for the Swans, we were out of our seats and the Dragon got thrown around in joy.

Great occasion, great win, great memories. How ironic that the great 10-year anniversary should come just as things are so great down at The Vetch at the moment.

KENNY Jackett has pledged to give James Thomas every chance to rebuild his promising career after a spate of injuries and illness.

That's despite Thomas being laid low with a hamstring injury just THREE minutes into his first training session with the new boss.

The bustling striker, who will be forever remembered by the Jack faithful as the man who scored THAT treble against Hull City last term to save the Swans' Football League status, is desperate to win a regular place in the Jackett era.

And his confidence soared when the new Vetch supremo took him to one side and told him how he's followed Thomas' career - and rated him highly.

Then came his latest injury blow but Thomas is prepared to put in the hard yards to get himself fully fit and firing for next term.

And that should be music to the ears of disciplinarian Jackett, who has been critical of his squad's fitness levels since landing the Vetch post.

"Kenny has really given me a boost and has revived my confidence," said the former Blackburn Rovers trainee.

"But I still haven't had a chance to impress the new boss. Five minutes into our first session with Kenny I suffered a thigh strain and have been sidelined ever since.

"But that just summed my season up. I felt so depressed and thought the world had fallen in on me but Kenny was first-class. He called me into his office, told me that he'd followed my career from my Blackburn days and said he had confidence in my ability. That was superb and I walked out feeling a new man. I will repay that faith he's shown in me."

The 25-year-old hit-man reckons hard training is key to getting fit - and staying fit.

Thomas, who used to take lessons on the striker's art from Alan Shearer at Ewood Park, has had his fair share of problems - even gout. But now he's determined to start with a clean slate under a new boss.

"Brian Flynn was a good man but the insignificant amount of training didn't benefit me, especially because I wasn't getting much first-team action," he added.

"I would not only have a lot of time off in the week but Saturday too as I wasn't playing regularly. Some players prefer a lot of rest and it works for them but that was not best for me. I found it hard when given a first-team chance because I wasn't sharp or anywhere near match-fit. I didn't perform to the level I know I can.

"I know to get the best out of me, I need a rigorous training schedule. The fitter I am, the sharper and stronger I am and the more confident I feel.

"Hard work does not bother me as I know that is what will ensure I perform to my peak. I mean, that's what I was used to at Blackburn. I've been told that Kenny likes hard workers and that'll hopefully benefit me as I'll sweat blood for the cause. I know to get the best out of me, I need a rigorous training schedule."

Swansea City have received a host of applications for their vacant assistant manager's role. And chairman Huw Jenkins has revealed whoever is appointed Kenny Jackett's No. 2 will have a range of responsibilities as part of a backroom revolution at Vetch Field.

Jenkins and Jackett have discussed plans to appoint two part-time scouts and a part-time goalkeeping coach before next season.

Swansea have already enlisted the help of RAF fitness expert Craig Gill, who is at the Vetch two days a week in a bid to improve players' conditioning.

And there are plans for regular meetings with a nutritionist as Jackett aims to get his squad in peak physical condition by the time the new season kicks off in August.

''It's about bringing Swansea City into the modern world so we get the best out of our players,'' Jenkins explained.

''We have been talking with Kenny about putting a new structure in place and we will be looking to make some appointments in the next month in readiness for next season.

''A lot of people have come forward and offered their services for the assistant manager's role and between us we will have to decide who is the right person for that job. We want the person to come in for the right reasons.

''Whoever it is will not be an old-style No. 2, they will have a whole range of duties.

''There will be time to perform them because we are looking to bring in a number of other new faces on a part-time basis.

''We want two scouts who will be responsible for watching our opponents and looking for players and we want a goalkeeping coach.

''We have already a got a fitness adviser in and we will also be looking for a nutrition expert - someone to give the players programmes to stick to.

''I think most clubs who have achieved anything in recent times have already got these people in place, and that's something we want to emulate.''

Jenkins, meanwhile, expects to tie up a settlement with axed management team Brian Flynn and Kevin Reeves in the next seven days.

''At the moment they are both still on the payroll,'' he explained, ''but we have verbally agreed deals with them and all the paperwork should be done in the next week.

''We've decided there will be no joint statement when things are complete, though. There's no need to go back over old ground because we're into a different reign now.''

KENNY JACKETT blasted his defence for yet more costly errors - fuming, "They need to get into the real world."

Jackett may still be getting used to his new surroundings at the Vetch, but he has already admitted the problems at the back are glaringly obvious.

And to make it worse for a ex-Wales defender, it was a former colleague who took full advantage of the uncertainty in the Swansea back-line.

Last week it was ex-QPR striker Junior Agogo who did the damage for Bristol Rovers, and seven days later it was another former Loftus Road man who struck.

Cobblers' striker Eric Sabin, signed from the Hoops a month ago, was the difference between the sides as his first-half brace made it four without a win for Kenny, seven without the win for the Swans.

"One of the things about football is that when you're down, it can really kick you between the legs," said Jackett.

"Last week, it was Agogo who I was with at QPR, this week it was Sabin - a guy who I've worked with and known all season.

"But that's just the way things are when it goes against you. We made it easy for them at times and it is all the more disappointing when you look at how we dominated them territorially and created the better chances.

"But defensively we have to come into the real world. We've let the ball bounce around the box too many times. We have to deal with long balls - we should be big enough and strong enough to cope.

"When you let the ball bounce, it creates uncertainty, so much so you can feel it around the whole stadium. It's something we have to address."

Sabin used his pace and power to grab the killer goals in the space of 10 first-half minutes.

Firstly he strolled past Jon Coates to scramble home the opener after 34 minutes, before pouncing on Mark Richards' flick to make it two nine minutes later.

It could have been worse when Stuart Jones brought 29-year-old Sabin crashing down in the box on 62 minutes, only for Martin Smith to fluff the resulting spot-kick.

But it was the defensive lapses that had Jackett pondering the need for new faces at the back.

"The problems in defence need addressing and it's quite possible we are a bit too naive back there," he said. "We've lost our last four games and we've conceded two or three goals each time. We haven't kept a clean sheet, but that's got to be our priority.

"It doesn't help when you have to chop and change the back four, but you can guarantee we will be working and competing for players in the summer."

Jackett's disappointment at a fourth league loss since his arrival was all too evident, perhaps even more so because of the way the Swans raced out of the blocks. Apart from an early disallowed effort by Richards, the hosts were in promising form in the opening quarter of the game.

The short-sleeved crowd bathed in the South Wales sunshine, enjoying both the weather and the football which harked back to the start of the season when everything had looked so promising.

Ashley Westwood hacked Kris O'Leary's deflected shot off the line before Harper was again on hand to deny Lee Trundle.

But the scorching temperatures seemed to be boiling over on the touchline as Northampton manager Colin Calderwood found himself making his way to the stands on 24 minutes after he was deemed to be a tad too vigorous in his argument with fourth official Mark Cassidy.

But then Sabin latched on to a delightful pass from Chris Willmott and found far too much space before scoring.

Only another fine stop from Harper from another Connor effort kept Northampton in front before Sabin struck again, forcing his way through after a hatful of errors at the back.

The Swans carried on in vain after the break, not giving in despite Sabin finding more opportunities to stretch his legs.

Alan Tate and Trundle both flashed chances wide, but Smith's penalty chance proved just who had the cutting edge.

But his miss ultimately didn't matter - with Jackett left having to choose his post-match words to his dithering defenders very carefully indeed.

KENNY JACKETT has revealed he wants to rebuild his Swansea City side in the shape of former team Queens Park Rangers.

Jackett, who was Ian Holloway's No 2 at Loftus Road before moving to the Vetch, said he may return to Rangers in the summer to recruit players for Swansea.

But he said he also wants to model his Swans on the team that he helped push towards promotion to Division One for the second season in a row.

Last year QPR lost out to Cardiff City in the Second Division play-off final, this term the west London club are on course to go up automatically.

And Jackett - still searching for his first win since swapping Loftus Road for the Vetch earlier this month - said he plans to use the ingredients that have made Rangers successful to create a new-look Swansea side.

"I'd very much like to model my team here on the one I worked with at QPR," said Jackett, aiming to ruinNorthampton Town's play-off ambitions today when they visit the Vetch.

"This is something we'll have to work on in the summer, but there will be similarities between the two sides.

"It's something I'm keen to do, both in terms of the way QPR play and the type of players they have in the side.

"At QPR we played a high-tempo game, we moved the ball about quickly and closed down the opposition.

"At times that tempo carried QPR away from other teams and ensured that they kept up the pressure on sides until the last minute.

"We want to do that at Swansea. That work ethic, that determination is something I want to mirror here.

"The QPR team also has that physical presence that we need at Swansea."

In terms of player recruitment, Jackett is still reluctant to put an estimate on how many extra men he will need for next season.

But the former Wales international, who has expressed a preference for a squad laced with as many Welshmen as possible, will almost certainly be on the phone to Holloway.

"It's possible that I will go back to QPR for players," said Jackett, who must soon decide the fate of 10 Swans players out of contract this summer.

"Obviously I'm fully aware who's available and who's out of contract there.

"A lot will depend on which division QPR are in. The same goes for a lot of other clubs."

With so many futures at stake at the Vetch, Swans players should not be short of an incentive to secure their first win in seven matches when the Cobblers come calling.

But, just in case some of them might be tempted to start looking ahead to their summer jaunts, Jackett has issued a stern warning.

"This season is far from over," he said. "We've got to start picking up results - it's as simple as that. There are three games to go and we've got to rouse ourselves.

"We've got to finish off strongly because I want there to be an upbeat mood that we can take into next season.

"Whichever level of professional football, you want to win your next game and we are in big need of a win."

Jackett will aim to secure his first victory at the fifth attempt as Colin Calderwood's side look to bridge a two-point gap on the play-off places.

Izzy Iriekpen and Stuart Jones are expected to return to the Swans defence, with Jon Coates possibly coming in at left-back for Lee Fieldwick.

With Andy Robinson ruled out with knee ligament damage sustained in last week's 2-1 defeat at Bristol Rovers, Jackett is considering handing Kris O'Leary a midfield role.

The Northampton squad will include former Swansea loan striker Marc Richards, who hit seven goals in a six-month spell at the Vetch last season.

Kenny Jackett will look to lay down some Welsh foundations when he masterminds a summer of rebuilding work at Swansea City. The new Vetch Field supremo is predicting a busy close-season as he bids to a assemble squad capable of winning promotion to the Second Division next year.

And Jackett, who expects to kick-off next term with 18-20 professionals on Swansea's books, has revealed plans to form a squad featuring as many Welshmen as possible.

''I'll be looking everywhere from non-league to the Premiership for new faces in the summer,'' he said, ''and I want to capitalise if at all possible on the Welsh lads - whether it be those who are already here, those playing in the local leagues or those who have gone off to play in England.

''I realise that won't get me all players and there will be others, but I think being from the area can be a be a very important factor.''

Jackett played down talk of a move for Port Vale defender Liam Burns, a Northern Irishman, but did admit that he has already drawn up a list of possible summer targets.

''I've enquired about a lot of players already, and because I'm a new manager a lot of other managers, coaches and agents have contacted me regarding certain players.

''I've got lots of lists of lots of players, and it's good for me to know what's out there and who is available.

''But I've got people in mind who would definitely help Swansea City already and it's going to be a question of persuading them to join us.

''This is a good opportunity for me to mould a squad in the way I would like it and I think we will be an attractive club.''

Jackett has discussed budgets with Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins and accepts he will be working largely in the free transfer and loan markets.

''I think the board of directors may take the chance with a small fee if it's the right player,'' he continued.

''How many players we can get in depends on what they might cost in terms of transfers, signing-on fees and wages, and it's difficult to say what the number will be at this stage.

''It's a bit like a jigsaw puzzle really, working out what you can fit in with the budget, but what I can say is that I will work to bring in as many good quality players as I possibly can.

''A club is only as good as its players, and we have got to get people who can do a job at this level.''

Jackett insists there is still time for those already at the Vetch to impress as he seeks a first win in five games at the helm against play-off hopefuls Northampton tomorrow.

Stuart Jones is set to return at right-back after hamstring trouble, while Izzy Iriekpen could make a first start under the new manager in central defence.

Jackett is toying with the idea of fielding Jon Coates in place of Lee Fieldwick at left-back and switching Kris O'Leary to midfield in the absence of Andy Robinson.

''It's going to be a busy summer,'' he added, ''but my immediate priority right now is to get a first win and I'm looking for a rousing home performance tomorrow.

''We have got to have a more solid base at the back and we have got to make ourselves harder to beat.''

Former Swan Marc Richards is set to start in attack for the visitors after their 10-game unbeaten run was ended by Huddersfield in midweek.

Alan Tate has urged Swansea City's fans to give Marc Richards a warm welcome when he returns to Vetch Field with Northampton tomorrow. Striker Richards never won the hearts of Swansea's support in the same manner as Leon Britton or Tate himself when he joined the club's Third Division survival fight on a temporary basis last season.

But Tate views the ex-Blackburn Rovers man's Swansea goal tally - he notched seven times in 14 starts - as reason enough for a good reception.

''I think Swansea have a lot to thank Marc Richards for,'' said Tate.

''He got some very important goals for us last season, like the winner at Rochdale in our last away game.

''And the two he got against Oxford in March stick in my memory because we won the game 3-2 and climbed up to 18th in the table.

''Who knows, if he hadn't played against Oxford we might not have won the game and we might not have stayed up.

''Ricco definitely played his part and I hope he gets a good welcome from the fans tomorrow.''

Tate, who has since joined Swansea on a full-time basis of course, was borrowed from Manchester United in November 2002 by Brian Flynn, arriving the same day as Richards made the switch from Ewood Park.

Richards, too, might have become a permanent fixture at the Vetch, but opted for Northampton last summer in order to be nearer his Staffordshire roots.

His time at Sixfields began disastrously, with only one league goal coming in his first six months as a Cobbler.

But that all changed in spectacular fashion at Macclesfield last month.

Richards netted four times inside 21 unforgettable first-half minutes to spark his Northampton career into life.

''We still speak on the phone and I know he was having a difficult time earlier in the season,'' adds Tate.

''But he forced his way back in, and to score four times in 20-odd minutes is a great achievement for anyone.

''He's got a couple more since then - I saw him score a great goal at Hull a couple of weeks ago on the telly - and although they lost in midweek, he's helped Northampton onto a bit of a role.

''It would be nice to mark him tomorrow, although it won't be an easy task.

''We played against each other a few times in reserve games between United and Blackburn, and he is a big, strong lad who is quicker than you think.

''He proved that he is a good player when he was here last season.''

Richards is set for a recall tomorrow after Northampton saw a 10-game unbeaten run which has pushed them to brink of the play-offs ended by Huddersfield in midweek.

After that setback, Colin Calderwood's men come to South Wales knowing one more defeat will all but end their unlikely promotion push.

''They're probably the form side in the division,'' Tate went on, ''whereas we're still looking for our first win under the new gaffer.

''But we've got to start winning again.

''We don't want to go into the summer with nine straight defeats behind us, we want to go away in high spirits and looking forward to coming back next season.

''It's not as bad as last year - there's no pressure now because we're not going up and we're not going down - but we want to finish well and I'm optimistic we can do that.''

A Decade on, and the day Swansea City won at Wembley is still being relived in John Cornforth's household. ''Whenever my old man comes down to stay,'' says Swansea's Autoglass Trophy-winning skipper of April 24, 1994, ''he wants to watch the video.

''It's nice for my kids to see it, too, because they were too young to know what was going on at the time.

''And I must admit that I like watching it now and again as well, because it brings back such fantastic memories.''

In fact there are two different videos in the Cornforth cabinet: Swansea City v Huddersfield Town the match and Swansea City v Huddersfield Town the fans' view.

''The second one was taken by the supporters themselves and starts with them leaving a pub in Swansea at about 6am to get up to London,'' adds Cornforth.

''It just shows what going to Wembley meant to them. It was an unbelievable time.''

Second Division Swansea had seen off Plymouth, Exeter, Port Vale and Leyton Orient before squeezing through a pulsating two-legged area final against Wycombe.

Frank Burrows's team won 3-1 at home courtesy of two goals from Colin Pascoe and another from Jason Bowen, and so could afford to lose a memorable second leg 1-0 at Adams Park.

''That was a fantastic night,'' remembers Cornforth, ''and the build-up to Wembley started from then on.

''Everybody knows how fanatical the Swansea fans are anyway, but given a little success they were coming out from anywhere and everywhere.

''I think Huddersfield might have had more supporters at Wembley than we did, but on the way from our hotel to the stadium we only saw the black and white of Swansea.

''We saw some of them again when we stopped at the services on the M4 on the way home - I think I lost my tie and my blazer.''

Welsh celebrations were all the more intense as Swansea's first and only Wembley win had come thanks to a dramatic penalty shoot-out.

''The game had started well for us,'' continues Cornforth, who was voted man of the match.

''A long kick from Roger (Freestone) eluded everyone and big Andy McFarlane got on the end of it.

''Unusually, he showed a little bit of composure and finished it well.''

Richard Logan's second-half leveller meant 30 more minutes of what had been a frantic, see-sawing contest.

And after Huddersfield's Steve Francis had produced the save of the day to deny Cornforth a spectacular extra-time winner, penalties were required.

''We had been at the stadium the day before, looking towards the end where the players' tunnel was,'' says Cornforth.

''The place was massive, and somebody said: 'Can you imagine having to take a penalty at that end with all the opposition fans behind the goal?'

''We should have known then that's what would be happening 24 hours later.

''They missed the first penalty - the ball hit the post and rolled away behind the goal towards the Huddersfield fans.

''I think all the ball-boys must have been Huddersfield supporters as well, because nobody threw it back.

''I had to go and fetch it myself and, as you can imagine, got a fantastic reception from all their fans.

''Thankfully, when I finally took the penalty, I smashed it into the top corner.

''Kwame (Ampadu) scored another one for us and they missed again, Phil Starbuck I think hitting the bar.

''Then Steve Torpey scored and Tom Cowan needed to score for them.

''His penalty must have bounced about 14 times and I think Roger saved it with his hat.''

Cue delirium among 18,000 Swans followers who had made it to the English capital - plus a busload who had trekked down from the North-East to see Whitley Bay-born Cornforth, a Geordie Jack, in action under the Twin Towers.

''My mum and dad were there, and I'd given them a Swans flag one of the fans had given me and the champagne I got for being man of the match,'' he recalls.

''There were about 40 Geordies in all and, with the flag stuck in the window, they passed the Huddersfield team bus on the M1 just as they were about to get home.

''It must have finished them off after the day they'd had, but we enjoyed ourselves.

''It was just a great time to be a Swansea player.''

COLIN CALDERWOOD is aiming to inflict more misery on new Swansea City boss Kenny Jackett tomorrow.

The Swans chief has lost all of his first four matches since replacing Brian Flynn in the hotseat earlier this month.

And Northampton Town manager Calderwood, whose Cobblers visit the Vetch this weekend, is looking to make it five defeats in a row.

Calderwood's men - ninth in Division Three and just two points adrift of the top seven - know a win would give their play-off hopes a huge boost.

They also want to put Tuesday's 1-0 defeat against promotion rivals Huddersfield - their first reverse since March 2 - behind them.

"This game against Swansea is very important and, if we get something there, we will keep our hopes going," said the former Tottenham and Scotland defender.

"We are underdogs to get into the play-offs, but that doesn't mean we can't win our last three games.

"We haven't been in the top seven yet this season but, if we get there by May 8, that's fine with me.

"We are looking forward to the match at Swansea. We will be positive and we are going to give it a real go at the Vetch.

"We are obviously disappointed we didn't get the right result against Huddersfield. We had a big crowd and the expectation was that we could make the top seven.

"The Huddersfield 'keeper made three excellent saves in the second half. Credit to him, and credit to his team.

"Huddersfield looked a top-of-the-league side - but I don't think we are too far behind them.

"We are still in with a shout of making the play-offs and we are still very positive. It looks as though it will go to the last game now."

The Cobblers shot up into play-off contention after a fine six-match run that saw them win five and draw one.

But the faltering Sixfields outfit are without a win in three matches, so Jackett must fancy his chances of grabbing his first victory as Swansea manager.

Jackett's debut in the Swans dug-out, at Rhyl in the FAW Premier Cup semi-final, ended in defeat.

The former Watford boss and Queens Park Rangers No 2 has since seen his side lose league games against Lincoln, Hull and Bristol Rovers.

Jackett will be without Andy Robinson (knee ligaments), Michael Howard (hernia) and James Thomas (thigh) for the Cobblers clash.

But Kevin Nugent and Izzy Iriekpen are both off the casualty list and will be included in the Swans squad.

Stuart Jones, who has been sidelined with a hamstring problem, might also figure if he passes a fitness test

Meanwhile, Jackett has been linked with a summer move for Port Vale defender Liam Burns.

The 6ft stopper is out of contract at Vale Park at the end of this summer and last week the Northern Irishman was dropped from the Valiants side that drew with Chesterfield.

Port Vale centre-back Liam Burns is the first player to be linked with a summer move to Swansea City. The Belfast-born former Northern Ireland Under-21 defender is the longest-serving player in the current Vale Park squad, having signed as trainee in August 1997.

He is one of a number of players out of contract at the club and is still to sit down with manager Martin Foyle to discuss a new deal.

According to the Evening Post's sister paper, the Stoke-based Evening Sentinel, the 6ft stopper could be an early target for Swansea boss Kenny Jackett as he looks to strengthen his squad for next season.

Jackett would have seen the 25-year-old in action twice for the Potteries' club while No. 2 at QPR.

The defender was in Foyle's side which beat Rangers 2-0 at Vale Park in October and in the return at Loftus Road which QPR won 3-2 early last month.

Burns has started 22 games this season but was left out of the side for Saturday's home draw with Chesterfield, suggesting he may not be on Foyle's retained list this summer.

Full-back Michael Howard, meanwhile, will go under the surgeon's knife on Monday in a bid to cure his long-standing hernia problem.

Howard has been struggling with the injury for the latter part of this campaign and has not featured in the side since the 1-1 draw at Mansfield on March 23.

Andy Robinson is also sidelined with knee ligament damage, but there is better news on the injury front regarding Kevin Nugent and Izzy Iriekpen.

Both have trained all this week training after substitute appearances last weekend and will be included in Saturday's squad to face Northampton.

Stuart Jones could also figure if he passes a fitness test on his hamstring problem.

James Thomas, however is still not ready for a return to action.

Jackett believes fitness is the key for the players as they look to put an end to conceding late goals.

Three defeats in three games have come courtesy of strikes inside the last 10 minutes.

''Conceding goals at any time is not good, but to let in goals so late in games is very frustrating,'' he said.

''By the same token it shows me what needs to be addressed.''

Port Vale's out-of-contract defender Liam Burns is interesting Swansea City. The Belfast-born centre-half, who is the longest-serving player in the Vale squad, has yet to learn whether he will be offered a new deal at Vale Park.

Swansea boss Kenny Jackett is keen to strengthen his squad for next season as it seems likely the Swans will miss out on promotion this term, despite challenging at the top of the table in the opening months of the campaign.

Burns has started 22 games this season, but was left out of the team for last Saturday's home game with Chesterfield.

The club has signed Billy Paynter, George Pilkington, Jonny Brain and Craig James on two-year deals, while Simon Eldershaw, Levi Reid, Chris Birchall and Simon Robinson have agreed one-year contracts.

However, the Valiants are still waiting on answers on contract offers from Michael Cummins, Marc Bridge-Wilkinson and top scorer Steve McPhee.

Like Burns, Adrian Littlejohn, Michael Walsh, Dean Delany and Neil Brisco are due to be out of contract in the summer and are waiting to hear if they will be offered new deals.

Meanwhile, the Valiants are likely to make late decisions on the fitness of Steve Brooker and Craig James before Saturday's trip to Notts County. Both missed the Chesterfield draw, but have been able to return to light training this week.

VALE are at home to Notts County in the final of the Midland Youth Cup tonight (7pm).

Port Vale have dismissed speculation that out-of-contract Liam Burns is set for a move to Swansea.

The Belfast-born centre-half, who is the longest-serving player in the Vale squad, has yet to learn whether he will be offered a new deal at Vale Park.

He has started 22 games this season, but was left out of the team for last Saturday's home game against Chesterfield.

The Sentinel newspaper reported that the Swans were keen to capture Burns, but such talk has been dismissed as "pure speculation" by a Vale spokesman.

The spokesman said: "There are a number of players who we still need to talk to with regards to contracts.

"No announcements are yet being made on these players, including Liam Burns, but our manager Martin Foyle will make those decisions as and when it is appropriate."

Andy Robinson admits the pressure will be on Swansea City next season as they bid to sign off at Vetch Field with automatic promotion. But this year's player-of-the-season frontrunner believes Kenny Jackett's men do have what it takes to secure Second Division football in time for the move to the White Rock Stadium in autumn 2005.

''When you consider where the club was a year ago, we have made a definite improvement in the table,'' Robinson said.

''It's been disappointing this season because we haven't lasted the pace after making such a good start, but the aim was always to make sure we were in Division Two in time for the new stadium.

''That means our target has to be automatic promotion next year, and therefore there will definitely be more pressure on us.

''The pressure told this season, the fact that the gaffer went proved that, but it's going to be even greater next year because there's so much at stake.

''This club deserves Second Division football, that's obvious, and I think we can deliver that.

''I've said since I joined Swansea that there are players here who can definitely do it at a higher level, now we have to work as a team to get there.

''Like me, this was a first season in first-team football for a lot of us, so the experience we've gained should serve us well next season.

''Hopefully the new players the new manager brings in during the summer will bed down nicely and together we'll be able to achieve what everybody wants.

''This club is a sleeping giant in Division Three, and we want to change all that.''

Robinson has switched his attention to 2004-5 after collecting a knee ligament injury which seems certain to rule him out until pre-season.

With an MRI scan today due to shed further light on the damage suffered at Bristol Rovers last weekend, the former Tranmere reserve-team striker accepts he is unlikely to achieve his goal of appearing in the final-day meeting with York next month.

''I'd love to be involved in the York game, but I think it's more likely to be pre-season before I'm playing again,'' he added.

''I'm looking forward to next season already.

''I've had a great time this year, but now I've got a taste of it I can't wait to get a good summer of preparation under my belt. After that the aim will be to push myself and keep on improving.''

Former Swan Chris Todd, now playing for Conference outfit Exeter City, has been named in the Wales semi-professional squad for this year's Home Nations tournament.

SWANSEA CITY defender Michael Howard fears he has played his last game for the club.

The 25-year-old left-back is one of 10 Swans players out of contract at the end of this season.

But Howard is the only one who will have no chance to convince new Swansea boss Kenny Jackett to offer him a fresh deal.

Injury has prevented the former Tranmere Rovers defender from playing since Jackett took charge at the Vetch earlier this month.

And Howard, due to have an operation on a nagging stomach muscle complaint next Monday, is definitely sidelined for Swansea's last three games of the season.

That means the Scouser, who has been at the Vetch since Alan Cork signed him on a free transfer from Tranmere in February 1998, will have to rely largely on the chairman determining his Swansea future.

"The thought that I've played my last game for the club has crossed my mind a few times," admitted Howard.

"There's a part of me that thinks it's all over for me at Swansea.

"You can't help but think that when your contract is coming to an end and you don't have a chance to impress the new manager.

"I've had a chat with Kenny and, to be fair, he's promised to watch videos of me playing and ask the chairman for his views.

"It's an awkward one for the new manager and it's not the way I'd want my future at the club to be decided.

"But there's nothing I can do about it because I need to have this operation and that means I can't even play a reserve game. These things happen in football."

Howard has made almost 230 league appearances for Swansea, but he has been hampered by injury recently and hasn't featured since the 1-1 draw at Mansfield on March 23.

"I'm happy at Swansea," he said. "I don't want to leave and I'm trying to keep an open mind about the future.

"But, if I'm told it's time for me to move on, then that's something I'll have to accept."

Huw Jenkins believes many First Division managers should envy Kenny Jackett because of the flair players he has inherited from by Brian Flynn. But the Swansea City chairman still reckons at least five new signings are needed this summer if the club are to achieve their aim of Second Division football in time for the opening of the new White Rock Stadium in autumn 2005.

''I would say that we have already got the ability and the flair that 60 to 70 per cent of managers throughout the Football League are looking for,'' Jenkins declared.

''I think most managers from Division One would be envious of the ability within our squad. We have heard that from other clubs on many occasions this season.

''The problem is that teams we are coming up against are all equally aware of our deficiencies.

''We have all seen this team getting muscled out of games this season which we should have won because we have much more ability.

''What we need is for Kenny to find four or five players - and that could be a conservative estimate - with the strength and stature to boost our physical presence as a side.''

With almost half the Swansea squad out of contract at the end of this campaign, Jenkins revealed plans to discuss players' futures with Jackett in the next few days.

''We need to make sure the right decisions are made so Kenny has the opportunity to bring in the right new faces before next season,'' he added.

''People like Roberto Martinez, Leon Britton and Lee Trundle are looked upon as good players at this level.

''What we are looking to do is bring in others to complement them and make sure that we always compete next season.''

Jenkins went on: ''I think it is going to be another busy summer. That's not we wanted, but being 30 points behind the Third Division leaders at this stage of the season wasn't what we wanted either.

''We all expected more and because we haven't got that, an assessment on all the players will be made.

''All those who are still here next season need to be aware that we won't stand for the sort of complacency that has set in at the club in the last few months.

''Just as in any other business, you need to work hard if you want to be a successful footballer. If you want an easy life, you shouldn't be in the game.''

Tickets for the four games on Swansea's pre-season tour of Holland are on sale in the club shop for an all-in price of £16.

One ticket will mean admission to matches against FC Den Haag (July 27), Stormvogels/Telstar (July 29), Noordwijk (July 31) and Haarlem (August 1).

KENNY JACKETT has been tipped to transform Swansea City's fortunes in the same way Mick McCarthy has at Sunderland.

Former Swans striker Jimmy Gilligan believes Jackett - a close friend from their days together at Watford - will guide the Vetch Field club towards promotion like McCarthy has the Black Cats.

Swansea's new manager might not appreciate the comparisons, but there are parallels to be drawn between his current outlook and that of McCarthy 12 months ago.

Like the former Republic of Ireland boss at the Stadium of Light, Jackett has made an inauspicious start to his Swansea career - Saturday's 2-1 loss at Bristol Rovers the fourth straight defeat since he arrived.

After taking over at Sunderland in March 2003 McCarthy's side lost all of their remaining nine games, the winless run that had begun long before his arrival, culminating in a club record of 17 consecutive defeats.

While Swansea are in no danger of being relegated and are unlikely to go on such a horrendous run, Jackett clearly has a similar rebuilding job on his hands at the Vetch to the one McCarthy undertook last summer.

But, just as McCarthy picked up the pieces and constructed a team fit for a return for the Premiership, so Gilligan believes Jackett will transform Swansea from Third Division also-rans to genuine top-three material.

"Kenny hasn't had the greatest of starts to the job at Swansea but Mick McCarthy is an excellent example of how things can turn round," said Gilligan.

"Just look at how last season ended at Sunderland - they were relegated after suffering a terrible number of defeats.

"But Mick has turned that club round to the extent where they're now third in Division One, made it to the FA Cup semi-finals and could be back in the Premiership next season.

"In a similar way, Kenny can get things back on track at Swansea. I really feel he'll do a good job there and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him take them to the top next season.

"He has the credentials to succeed at Swansea. He's hard-working, very well-organised and, perhaps most importantly, he's a very good coach."

Like Jackett, Gilligan - who made 62 appearances for Swansea from 1990-93 - started his career at Vicarage Road and the two were team-mates during Graham Taylor's first spell in charge there.

Former Cardiff City striker Gilligan was also Watford's youth development officer when Jackett took charge of the Hornets' first-team in 1996-97.

"Kenny had to pick up the pieces after Watford had been relegated to Division Two," said Gilligan, now first-team coach at Wimbledon.

"It was a tough situation. He had a limited playing staff and very little money to spend on players.

"But he coped admirably. He didn't let the outside pressures affect him and made sure the players were focused on football matches.

"That experience, and all the years he has spent as a coach, will hold him in good stead for the Swansea job.

"He has more than served his apprenticeship and, as I said, I feel he will turn things round at Swansea and get them moving in the right direction again."

Swansea's injury jinx, meanwhile, has struck again with the news midfielder Andy Robinson could miss the last three games of the season with damaged knee ligaments.

SWANSEA CITY striker Paul Connor last night sounded the bugle to raise Vetch spirits by insisting, "Put your shirt on us for success next season."

Blond-haired Connor and bleach boy Lee Trundle - both strapping six-footers - appear best suited for the pop charts or Australia's sun-scorched Gold Coast rather than the muck and nettles of Division Three.

But the striking duo will grace Boston, Bury and Chester next season. And Connor, who notched his fourth Swansea goal in eight starts since completing a £35,000 switch from Rochdale, declared, "I think Lee Trundle and myself have the making of an exciting partnership.

"You can always tell if two attackers have anything going between them. I'd say Lee and myself have certainly clicked in training, we're on a similar wavelength.

"Trundle is a clever player, he possess outstanding ability, and we're both capable of scoring goals."

Few Swansea followers would dispute that statement. Liverpool-born Trundle has fired 20 goals in only 32 starts - providing a huge input to the Swans reaching this term's FA Cup fifth round and making national headlines.

It remains to be seen whether or not Division Two outfit Tranmere make the audacious swoop to lure £200,000-rated Trundle back to his native Merseyside.

Either way, former Stoke star Connor, raised at Bishop Auckland in the north east, is out to write himself into Swansea folklore.

He said, "I really needed my move to the Swans. I had a decent spell a Rochdale but it was better for all parties concerned that I moved on.

"I've never doubted my ability once as I know what I can do.

"My girlfriend and myself love it at Swansea. The nearby beaches are so relaxing."

All Swans followers will hope that the seaside will bring out the potency in a predator who has scored goals wherever he's been.

In a two-year spell at the Britannia Stadium, the former Middlesbrough trainee scored 10 times in only 23 starts.

Another 32 goals followed in 87 games at Spotland after a club record £100,000 move in March 2001.

Connor, 25, admits to have been dismayed at Brian Flynn's departure so soon after his Swans debut.

He said, "If I was honest, he (Flynn) was one of the main reasons I came to the club.

"It was a shock to see him go. But I've worked under a lot of managers in my career.

"What's important is to keep your head down and graft hard, it's particularly vital when there is a new boss.

"Everyone has to prove themselves all over again, alteration is part of football.

"But I'm convinced that the gaffer (Kenny Jackett) is the man to take Swansea forward."

SHOULD Swansea need to know the meaning of the word ruthlessness they found themselves in the right place.

The Pirates had the cutting edge as razor-sharp raider Junior Agogo left the bench and put the sad Swans to the sword.

It took Agogo just nine minutes to cut loose and virtually secure Rovers' coveted Third Division status as the Swans capsized for a sixth successive match.

Former Sheffield Wednesday warrior Graham Hyde had cancelled out Paul Connor's early opener for the visitors on the half-hour before Agogo supplied the winner eight minutes from time.

Swansea had been mugged by a late assault for the third time inside seven days - a fact seized on by disgruntled manager Kenny Jackett.

The ex-Wales and Watford defender is only a fortnight into a Vetch rule already punctured by three League defeats and an embarrassing FAW Premier Cup setback against the part-timers of Rhyl.

Jackett has traded a Second Division play-off race at Queens Park Rangers for a losing run at Swansea and he sent out a warning to the 10 Swans stars whose contracts expire this summer.

"I will be in a position to bring in my own men in the months ahead," he said.

"That wasn't possible when I arrived because we'd past the transfer deadline.

"But I'm assessing individuals constantly and have gained impressions on players already.

"I'll be talking to everyone in due course and seeing where they fit into the budget."

Jackett's post-match manner should have the likes of Stuart Roberts, Roger Freestone, Michael Howard, Kris O'Leary, Kevin Nugent, Layton Maxwell, Brad Maylett, Jon Coates, Karl Connolly, Stuart Roberts and Stuart Jones racked with anxiety.

So, too, injured left-back Leon Hylton and reserve goalkeeper Brian Murphy, who have 14 months remaining on their deals but have done little to suggest that they will be part of Jackett's long-term plans.

"I do feel we lack balance," Jackett added. "And I will have the opportunity to turn things around because a lot of my players' contracts are up very soon.

"There are some big decisions ahead and I've got 23 lads to look at. I have to make hard choices to take Swansea forward and I'm not frightened to make them.

"When you first take over as manager there are normally chances to bring in your own players, albeit on a short or a long-term basis.

"It wasn't there for me when I came in, but I will be looking to strengthen the squad this summer."

Jackett will doubtless have a few names in mind. But priority must be a specialist left-back and an influential schemer like Rovers veteran Hyde.

The 33-year-old dominated the midfield attrition and sparked intelligent movement from willing runners Aaron Lescott, Ally Gibb and Kevin Austin.

Hyde's steel, the dominance of former Hull destroyer John Anderson and Adam Barrett, plus substitute Agogo's exuberance, was the basis for The Pirates' critical victory.

Jackett will be seeking a similar mix from his charges in the months ahead. The Swans slumped to another bad day and he moaned, "We've conceded late goals in each of our last three matches.

"We're not getting hammered in games, but the difference between victory and defeat can be such a crucial edge. For the second away game on the trot we've led, only to lose. We've conceded seven goals in our last three matches and that is too many.

"I saw some positive bits and pieces in the first half and Lee Trundle and Paul Connor worked a good goal together.

"But after the break we never came out and we really didn't create anything against the wind and a slight slope.

"I was disappointed with Rovers' winning goal. Agogo scored from nothing, going past three of my players before firing into the bottom corner."

Yet Swansea, with Alan Tate and midfielder Leon Britton restored as rookies Jamie Rewbury and Antonio Corbisiero dropped out, grabbed the perfect start after eight minutes in front of an expectant home gate of just under 8,000.

Trundle's clever ball found Connor and he raced through to beat Kevin Miller with an angled right-footer, despite having Barrett in hot pursuit.

It was the former Stoke striker's fourth goal in only eight starts, but Rovers should have equalised after 21 minutes.

Lee Thorpe's flick released Ijah Anderson and he stretched Roger Freestone to his right with a low 10-yard effort.

But Swansea's keeper was fishing the ball out of his net nine minutes later. Hyde worked a smart interchange with Dane Bo Henrikson and the old warhorse sent a rasping drive skidding into the net.

And the Swans were staring at their 10th League defeat on the road when Agogo spun past Tate and Matthew Rees to bag his third in four outings.

KENNY JACKETT has admitted he is ready to make "big decisions" to take Swansea City forward.

Jackett's nightmare start as Swansea boss continued across the Severn on Saturday as Bristol Rovers produced a 2-1 comeback victory.

It was Jackett's fourth defeat since moving into the Vetch hot-seat a fortnight ago - an embarrassing FAW Premier Cup defeat to Rhyl's part-timers followed by League setbacks against Lincoln, Hull and now Rovers.

And Swansea's slide from table-toppers in September to also-rans in April was perfectly illustrated by one fact, Swansea are now as close to the last relegation place as they are the final play-off place occupied by Oxford.

"There are some big decisions ahead and I've got 23 lads to look at," said Jackett, alluding to the strength - or lack of it - of his squad.

"I have to make hard choices to take Swansea forward and I'm not frightened to make them. When you first take over as manager there are normally chances to bring in your own players, albeit on a short or a long-term basis.

"It wasn't there for me when I came in because the transfer deadline had passed, but I will be looking to strengthen the squad this summer."

Ten players - Roger Freestone, Michael Howard, Kris O'Leary, Kevin Nugent, Layton Maxwell, Brad Maylett, Jon Coates, Karl Connolly, Stuart Roberts and Stuart Jones - are out of contract and others too will be sweating on their futures.

"I will be in a position to bring in my own men in the months ahead," he said.

"That wasn't possible when I arrived because we'd passed the transfer deadline. But I'm assessing individuals constantly and have gained impressions on players already."

Meanwhile, the Football Association of Wales have announced ticket prices for the friendly with Canada at Wrexham on May 30.

Wales have not played in the north since October 1999 when a poor Racecourse crowd for a Euro 2000 qualifier was largely put down to high ticket prices.

But the FAW have kept prices down for this game with Kop terrace tickets costing £7.50. As with the Millennium Stadium, there will only be concessions in the family enclosures, £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s in the Eric Roberts Stand and the Sainsbury's Paddock.

Swansea City midfielder Andy Robinson seems certain to miss the rest of the season after damaging knee ligaments at Bristol Rovers on Saturday. The player-of-the-year candidate is still harbouring hopes of being fit for Swansea's final-day meeting with York at Vetch Field, but physio Richie Evans is predicting anything up to a four-week lay-off after Robinson hobbled off in injury time at The Memorial Stadium.

''We'll see how things go in the next couple of days to decide whether he needs an MRI scan,'' Evans explained, ''but it looks like what is known as a grade one disturbance.

''That's relatively good news when you consider Lee Trundle (four weeks out) was a grade two when he was injured earlier in the season and Roberto Martinez (five months) a grade three.''

Robinson's late withdrawal capped another miserable afternoon for Swansea, who lost their sixth game in succession despite leading through Paul Connor's fine eighth-minute effort.

Rovers were level thanks to Graham Hyde before the break, then sealed victory when Junior Agogo waltzed past a statuesque defence eight minutes from the end.

Nevertheless Connor, who now has four goals in nine Swansea appearances since his £35,000 move from Rochdale, believes there are brighter times ahead for Jackett's strugglers.

''This time next year we want to be up there challenging for promotion in the last few games of the season,'' he said, ''and when you consider the ability that there is in the squad, I think we will be. I've got a good feeling about next year and I think most of the lads will tell you that as well.

''What's left of this season is mainly about building for next year and we're all looking forward to the fresh challenge the new season will bring.''

After combining with Lee Trundle to put Jackett's men ahead on Saturday, Connor is relishing the prospect of a full campaign playing alongside this year's top marksman.

''Partnerships take time," he added, ''but even in training you can tell when you're going to click with someone and Lee and I are on the same wavelength.

''He is a quality player, and I also enjoyed playing with Kevin Nugent when I first got here.

''I never doubted my ability to get goals even though things didn't go too well for me at Rochdale earlier in the season, and four from nine has been a good start.''

Kenny Jackett is not one who could be accused of only singing when he is winning. Many more days like this, though, and the new Swansea City manager, who belted out Daydream Believer at the club singsong last week, will be humming the blues all summer.

The unorthodox team-bonding exercise is evidence of just how keenly Jackett has been chasing a first Swansea success as he looks to make his mark.

But for all his efforts, the former Queens Park Rangers No. 2 has seen his Vetch Field reign begin in disastrous fashion, with four defeats in four matches to date.

And with just three more games to come before Division Three packs up for the summer holidays, the morale-sapping prospect of no win before next season is starting to loom.

With three weekends of this anti-climactic campaign to come, Swansea have opportunities to succeed against Northampton and York at home and away at Darlington on the first day of May.

No more encounters with the Nationwide basement's classier outfits, then, but all three opponents should be craving points more than Jackett's new charges.

York are deep in trouble at the bottom, Darlington are not quite out of it and in-form Northampton come to South Wales next Saturday knowing victory could push them into the play-off spots.

''Nobody likes losing,'' said Jackett, ''and I dislike it even more than most. Losing hurts.

''I'm desperate for my first win because football is a results business - the most important thing is winning matches.

''Certainly, we would like to get a few successes under our belts before the summer because the start has been very frustrating.

''I do feel a bit unfortunate to have started with four defeats. We could have done with a bit of luck along the way, which we haven't had and, while I generally don't like talking about referees, I do think we were treated harshly at Bristol Rovers.

''It's a difficult situation we're in. There's work to be done to get out of it and I've told the players that there's only really us who can address things.''

First on the agenda at training this week must be how to avoid late goals, for a painful pattern has emerged in Jackett's first three league games at the Swansea helm.

Beaten by Simon Yeo's 82nd-minute header having led at Lincoln, then denied a point on home turf by Hull thanks to Ben Burgess's 87th-minute strike, and now seen off by Junior Agogo's 82nd-minute effort when a 1-1 draw had looked odds on.

''We've conceded three in three matches in the last 10 minutes and they've all been important goals,'' lamented Jackett. ''That's very disappointing.

''This is the second time we've taken the lead away from home and then come away with nothing, which is a frustrating feeling.

''And throughout the three league matches we've conceded seven goals, which is simply too many.''

Problems at the back, then, for Jackett, who sent out a back four for the second half at the Memorial Stadium made up entirely of central defenders.

The stationing of Kris O'Leary at right-back and Izzy Iriekpen on the left shows that Swansea's injury problems remain a hindrance, even if Alan Tate and Leon Britton were okay to return this weekend.

''Our defensive options were limited,'' Jackett added, ''but we still should have defended the winning goal better than we did.

''We still should have been strong enough to get something out of the game.''

From the home side's point of view, this contest was won by a memorable solo goal from Agogo.

Swansea, though, were left cursing their failure to snuff out a move which began with a throw-in near the halfway line.

After fellow substitute Paul Tait had won the flick-on, Agogo was allowed to skip past a visiting defence seemingly uninterested in tackling.

Having waltzed through to the penalty box, beating Roger Freestone was a simple task for the ex-Barnet striker.

Agogo might have added to Welsh misery at the end had his rasping drive not cannoned off the post, but by then Swansea's sixth straight defeat was confirmed.

Rovers had created the better opportunities from the moment Paul Connor combined stylishly with Lee Trundle to register his fourth goal in nine appearances since his £35,000 move from Rochdale just eight minutes in.

Ijah Anderson should have equalised before the break, and Graham Hyde did after capitalising on a rare mistake from Andy Robinson.

''We started brightly and it was an excellent move between Lee and Paul to create the goal,'' added Jackett.

''But we've got to know how to win matches, and giving away the goals we have given is not how to do it.

''We have got three games of the season left to put that right, and the good news is we are getting people back from injury and getting closer to being able to field the side that people tell me is a good Swansea outfit.

''With everybody fit and having done some training, they should be back towards something like their maximum and that's what I want to see. I want them to prove they are a good side.''

From the day he was unveiled, Jackett has made a point of talking little about names and never about numbers when asked about his summer rebuilding plans.

After this setback, though, he offered a clue.

''We're losing games by the odd goal rather than getting thrashed,'' he mused.

''And it's interesting to see what's happened at Bristol Rovers in the last few weeks.

''They were really struggling before the new management team arrived and brought in five or six players on deadline day.

''Since then they've turned things around.''

THINK of the star names who have started out at Swansea City and Frank Lampard doesn't immediately spring to mind.

Chris Coleman, Dean Saunders and Alan Curtis have all taken their first tentative steps on the stardom trail at the Vetch over the years.

And yet England and Chelsea midfielder Lampard also followed in their footsteps as a teenage rookie earning his trade on a footballing crash course.

Still wet-behind-the-ears, 17-year-old Lampard was given his league debut by ex-Swans manager Bobby Smith after joining on loan from West Ham.

And former Hammers boss Harry Rednapp reckons his nephew's nine-game spell at the sharp end proved to be the making of the £11m man.

"It was a tremendous learning experience for Frank and he hasn't looked back since," said Rednapp, who sent Lampard out on loan during the 1995/6 season.

"He was always going to be a good player, you could just tell, but he learned an awful lot from his time in Wales.

"Bobby Smith asked me if he could have him for a while and I was more than happy to let him go.

"I sent Rio Ferdinand to Bournemouth and Frank to Swansea. I wouldn't like to say who got the better deal but they both came back as better players. I'm a massive fan of loaning players out at a young age.

"Farm them out and see what they can do, that's my philosophy. There are always questions over players at that age but loaning them out helps to answer them and that certainly happened with Frank."

Lampard made his league debut in a 2-0 win over Bradford that season and scored once in his brief but successful spell before returning to London having broken his league duck.

Swans' goalkeeper Roger Freestone recalls Lampard's stay and agrees that the seeds for success were sown in South Wales.

"He was quite impressive while he was with us," recalls Freestone.

"He was quiet but mixed with all the boys and looked a good player even then with good stamina and excellent distribution.

"But then you knew he must be something special coming from a Premiership club.

"He probably wouldn't remember me now but it's nice to think we played our part in his career."

Lampard has been short-listed for this season's PFA player-of-the-year award and goes for Champions League glory with Chelsea against Monaco on Tuesday night.

But although the 25-year-old Romford star is in the form of his life just now he is still finding it tough to break into Sven-Goran Eriksson's first-choice midfield.

Rednapp, though, has no doubt he is good enough to line up alongside Beckham, Gerrard and Scholes in Euro 2004. "He has made himself into a great player by working so hard at his game," said Rednapp.

"It's all down to putting in the extra work on the training ground and some days it was hard to get him off it.

"I always knew he had it in him and now he is showing the world."

WHEN fans' favourite Stuart Roberts returned to Swansea City earlier this year he admitted it marked the end of a personal nightmare.

Rescued from a Wycombe Wanderers career that had turned sour, the former Wales Under-21 star was anticipating a long and prosperous second spell at the Vetch Field.

Less than two months after making an emotional return to Swansea, however, and the Llanelli product is already contemplating an uncertain future.

The departure of Brian Flynn and the subsequent arrival of new manager Kenny Jackett means Roberts - one of 10 Swansea players out of contract at the end of the season - is having to prove himself all over again.

But the winger, who in recent matches has lost his place in the Swans side to former Burnley winger Brad Maylett, is philosophical about the change at the top that leaves his future at the Vetch less clear.

"Yes, I'm having to prove myself again, but that's football for you," says Roberts, who might have to settle for a place on the bench again at Bristol Rovers today.

"To be honest, the pressure was always going to be there. Even if Brian Flynn was still in charge, I'd have to convince him I was good enough to keep on.

"Personally, I'm not concerned about the contract situation. What happens in the summer, happens. It's not weighing on my mind."

Roberts went on, "When Brian brought me back from Wycombe I was thrilled. I really felt he had saved my career.

"But you have to accept that managers come and go. Football is like that. It happens at every club.

"My job now is to impress the new manager. To be professional, play as well as I can when the chances come along and then see what happens.

"I'm no different to anyone else at the club. We're all in the same boat. Contract or no contract, everyone has got to impress the new manager if they want to play a part next season."

Roberts has made eight starts and two substitute appearances, scoring one goal, since returning to the Vetch in February.

He dismisses suggestions he hasn't so far made the kind of impact that made him such a favourite with the Swans faithful before his controversial departure to Wycombe in October 2001.

"I saw the comment in The Western Mail recently that I was long overdue a good game, but I don't think I've been playing poorly," said the 23-year-old.

"I've only been back two months and I feel it's gone fairly well.

"I'm in direct competition with Brad for my place in the team and there's nothing much I can do if he's playing really well and keeping me out.

"One thing's for certain, though. I'd much rather be on the bench at Swansea than on the bench at Wycombe, who've just been relegated.

"I'm enjoying being back in South Wales with my friends and family and I'll just have to wait and see what the future holds."

Roberts was a substitute for Swansea's 2-1 defeat at Lincoln last weekend and the 3-2 reverse against Hull on Easter Monday.

With Maylett hitting a rich vein of form, Roberts is likely to be part of a bench strengthened by the return from injury of a clutch of key players today.

Defender Alan Tate, midfielders Leon Britton and Karl Connolly and strikers Kevin Nugent and James Thomas could all be available for the Memorial Stadium clash.

Jackett will aim to secure his first win as Swansea boss at the fourth attempt as Rovers search for three points that would all but ensure their Third Division survival.

The Pirates appeared to be drifting towards the Conference last month, but have managed to steer clear of the relegation zone under the caretaker management team of Kevan Broadhurst and Russell Osman.

Rovers' 10-goal top-scorer Paul Tait is forced to sit out Swansea's visit with an ankle problem.

Swansea City have held their own Pop Idol-style singsong as Kenny Jackett looks to build a side to top the Third Division charts next season. The new Vetch Field supremo was master of ceremonies as Lee Trundle, Roberto Martinez and Co attempted to hit the right notes in a bonding exercise designed to enhance team spirit.

Jackett explained: ''Everybody had to get up and sing a song, with the idea being that if each player could get up and do the first few lines on their own, the rest of the lads would help out with the chorus.

''I'm a big believer in all for one and one for all and it's a good exercise in terms of team spirit.

''We're all going out for lunch again today for the same reason. Team spirit is very important to me because we're in a team game and it's something all my players have to buy into. If they want to improve their individual careers, they have to commit to the team because then the team will be successful. If the team is successful, it's good for individual careers.

''If there's anything we can do that can give us as little as one per cent extra in any field, I'll be looking at it.

''I did Daydream Believer - one of my personal favourites I must admit - and ''I did feel that I was the best singer out of everyone,'' Jackett added with a smile.

''But as you would expect in Wales, the land of song, there were a couple of the lads who werent too bad.

''Roger Freestone did a Tom Jones number which was excellent, so good it was worth repeating. Andy Robinson did a bit of a dance routine with his. It involved a bit of Scouse humour and was very interesting.

''But judging by some of his foot movement in the dance and what I saw against Hull on Monday, he is probably a better footballer than he is a singer.''

Swansea's players will focus on the serious business of trying to secure a first win for their new manager at the fourth attempt when they make the short trip to Bristol Rovers tomorrow.

Jackett seems set to reinstate Alan Tate in central defence following a toe problem, while Leon Britton and Kevin Nugent are likely to figure on the bench having returned to fitness.

Under the caretaker stewardship of Kevan Broadhurst and Russell Osman following Ray Graydon's departure, Rovers have collected seven points from the last on 12 offer to leave them probably only one win short of guaranteed safety.

''All that's missing for me at the moment is a win,'' added Jackett, who has moved into a house in the area since succeeding Brian Flynn as Swansea boss 11 days ago.

''Bristol Rovers are certain to provide a very tough test given that they are still in a slightly uncomfortable position in the bottom half of the table.

''When I arrived I wanted to instil some passion and spirit into my players first and some fitness and physical strength second.

''Whatever level you play at you need those things, and I thought against Hull they started to show that they had them. I want more of the same now, and if I get that I'm sure the results will soon follow.''

Swansea defender Stuart Jones and on-loan Southampton midfielder Richard Jones have been named in the Welsh Under-21 training squad for the first time. Former Swan Richard Duffy, now at Portsmouth, is also included.

Kenny Jackett has not had too much to grin about as Swansea City's manager, but the smile on Andy Robinson's face this week should have cheered him up. Robinson, the man who was knocking around in the non-league depths little more than a year ago, had been absent from the first two matches of Jackett's reign through injury.

After Rhyl in particular, the new manager might have wondered if he had taken on a bit too much at Vetch Field.

Jackett's third game in charge, against Hull last Monday, ended in a third straight reverse, but there was one major plus point for Brian Flynn's successor - Robinson.

The former removal man produced yet another all-action showing to move a little further ahead of Lee Trundle in the race to be Swansea's player of the season.

With a dynamic display to rival any other of his many man-of-the-match showings this term, Robinson staked his claim for as bigger role under Jackett as he had played under the previous regime.

Robinson had been knocked sideways by the departure of Flynn, the man responsible for giving him a chance in the Football League at the age of 23. The decision not to celebrate after scoring against Scunthorpe in the first game of the post-Flynn era illustrated the midfielder's deep sense of disappointment.

But the 5ft 8in Merseysider has proved a tough man to keep down ever since he signed for Swansea last summer, and this week's efforts have proved the buzz is back.

''It felt brilliant against Hull,'' Robinson said.

''The smile was back on my face and I thoroughly enjoyed it out there - maybe you could tell that from the way I played.

''The gaffer doesn't know too much about me. He just told me to go out and express myself, to keep doing what I've been doing all season.

''Hopefully I did okay, because everybody's got something to prove whether they are the so-called star players or people who have not played that much this season.

''The slate's been wiped clean by the new manager and it's up to all of us now to start playing the way he wants us to.''

With two more years on his Vetch contract, Robinson is one of the lucky ones in the Swansea squad who knows he will definitely not be exiting professional football in a month's time.

But the former Everton schoolboy insists there is no chance of him easing off while others scramble for new deals.

''Like I've said before, I've seen the other side of football and there's no way I want to go back there,'' he added.

''I've got to try to keep pushing forward and make certain that I make the best of the short space of time I have got.

''There have been ups and downs this year, especially with the manager going, but generally it's been absolutely brilliant.

''They tell me the second season's always harder than the first when you break through, so I'll just have to work hard and hope I can keep performing as I have done so far.''

Whoever Swansea sign come the summer, more of the same from Robinson will surely go a long way towards keeping Jackett smiling next season.

LEE TRUNDLE is hoping new boss Kenny Jackett does not rip up the Swansea City squad this summer.

Swansea's leading scorer believes Jackett already has the nucleus of a good side at the Vetch and fears dismantling it could set the club back 12 months.

Jackett has some big decisions to make over the next four weeks as no fewer than 10 Swans players will be out of contract at the end of the season.

The former Wales international has already expressed his desire to mould his own team as he begins the search for a formula that will make Swansea a Third Division force once again.

But Trundle, who still has another 12 months to run on his own Vetch contract, is hoping Jackett does not decide to make wholesale changes to the current playing staff.

"None of the players are 100 per cent safe as the manager will have his own ideas on who he likes and who he doesn't like," said the 21-goal striker.

"But I wouldn't like him to make a lot of changes in the summer.

"I wouldn't like there to be a big clear-out because I think then we would be back to square one.

"My worry is that if seven or eight players left in the summer we'd have to go through the whole rebuilding process again.

"As it is, I think we've got a decent squad which perhaps just needs strengthening in a few areas for us to do well next season."

Rumours abound that Trundle might not even be at the Vetch come August, with Tranmere Rovers and even West Ham having been linked with the Liverpudlian striker in recent weeks.

Following the departure of Brian Flynn - one of the key factors that persuaded Trundle to join Swansea last summer - doubts surfaced about whether he would be as keen to hang around at the Vetch.

But the 27-year-old, who got his name on the scoresheet for the first time in six weeks in Monday's 3-2 defeat against Hull, yesterday reaffirmed his intention to stay with the Swans.

"I signed an extension to my contract that keeps me at the club until the end of next season and I intend to see that out," said the former Wrexham man.

"I can't say whether other clubs might come in for me. But it's not a case of me saying I want to leave in the summer."

Trundle has had something of a mixed season at Swansea. The first half of the campaign could scarcely have gone better with Trundle hitting 12 of the 16 league goals he's scored this term.

But a combination of injury and a dip in form has seen him claim just four more Division Three goals since Christmas.

Trundle admits that his sharpness has been missing since returning from a hamstring complaint that forced him to sit out virtually the whole of Swansea's eight-game March programme.

"The trouble was I was out for the best part of five weeks and I haven't had any reserve games to help me get my match fitness back," said Trundle.

"I've had three league games in a row now and in the first couple I felt a bit short of sharpness.

"But I felt better in the Hull match and was pleased to score again, though it was a big disappointment that we ended up losing the game.

"Hopefully, I'll be able to get on the scoresheet again at Bristol Rovers on Saturday, but the main thing is we pick up a result this time."

Jackett could be boosted by the return of at least five injured players for the Memorial Stadium clash against relegation-threatened Rovers.

Kenny Jackett will give all his players every opportunity they need to prove they have what it takes to be a part of his plans at Swansea City. The Vetch Field boss has until the third Thursday in May before he has to release his retained list to the Football League and says he will wait until as late as possible before making a decision on who stays and who goes at the end of the season.

The contracts of nine players are up at the end of this term and Jackett says he will be fair to all before making a final decision on their futures.

''It's an ongoing assessment period of trying to win as many games as possible,'' he said.

''I was disappointed over the weekend with the results if not performances. The performances were good.

''They have to maintain those type of standards, particularly of that against Hull on Monday. Results will then follow.

''In the long term it's making an assessment of the players as to going forward next year,'' Jackett went on.

''After last night's reserve game I would have seen every player at least once, apart from five or six injured lads.

''As a new manager I need to take as much time as I have got, which isn't much, to make that assessment to see who can do what for us and, most importantly, what we need to add to this group to help the team to be successful.''

Jackett has not yet seen the likes of injured left-back Michael Howard and front-runner Kevin Nugent in action, but he will get help from club insiders if he does not get the opportunity to see how they and other injured players perform in the last few weeks of this campaign.

He also says he will be willing to talk to those who want to discuss their futures.

''There is a board of directors and Alan Curtis here who have got a very good knowledge of all the players and I will obviously consider their opinion in the final assessment,'' Jackett added.

''I'm open to anyone who has got anything to talk about or any problems they may have. But in the end we have got a three-and-a-half week period and it will be at the end of that when we will have the best picture and best idea.

''I will remain open-minded right until the end and assess every day as we go along because that will be important.''

Having been in this situation both as a player and a manager in the past, Jackett realises just how difficult it can be at this time of the season, but he cannot wait to make the decisions he believes will take the club forward.

''I can see the players' view that it is a difficult thing to handle,'' he said.

''But it is a part of life in the lower divisions. Contracts are getting shorter, people don't find three to four year contracts quite as often now as before.

''Now there is a situation where you get one-year deals and you have to earn everything above that. It is a facet of life, but I can understand it's a tense time for the players.

''I don't dread it at all. It's a fantastic time for myself and one that I am enjoying and thoroughly looking forward to.

''Without a doubt it's about the last four games added to considerable heart in their performances over the weekend.

''I'm just coming in and learning a lot about the club all the time. I have got a picture now.

''I have got to the stage where walking around the place I know everybody's name, which is nice.

''As a manager there's nothing worse than walking in for the first four to five days and you know some names and not others, whereas I am at the stage now where I can put names to faces which is a good thing.''

SWANSEA CITY captain Roberto Martinez has warned his team-mates that no one is safe from the axe this summer.

New Swans boss Kenny Jackett has now had three games to assess the current Vetch Field playing staff and admits the side needs beefing up for next season.

In just four weeks' time the former Wales international must decide the fate of no fewer than 10 Swans men who are out of contract at the end of the current campaign.

But Martinez insists that even those players with 12 months or more left on their current deal will be sweating on their future over the next month.

"Whether or not people are still under contract at the end of the season doesn't make any difference," said the Spanish midfielder.

"All of the players are vulnerable. No one has a divine right to be here next season and everyone has to fight for their future.

"The new manager will have his own ideas about who he wants to keep and who he doesn't like the look of.

"Just because someone is under contract doesn't mean they are safe.

"Football doesn't work like that. You've got to keep on competing if you want to be a part of the future."

With so many players reaching the end of their contracts - Roger Freestone, Michael Howard, Kris O'Leary, Stuart Jones, Layton Maxwell, Jonathan Coates, Stuart Roberts, Karl Connolly, Brad Maylett and Kevin Nugent are the 10 - Jackett has scope to make major changes.

But Martinez admits even some of the star players - people like himself, Lee Trundle, Leon Britton and Alan Tate - are not guaranteed to be part of Jackett's plans.

"Everyone at the club wants to play a part in the future of Swansea City, but they've got to convince the manager that they deserve to be," said the Swans skipper.

"As I said, that goes for all the players, not just those who have more time left on their contracts.

"My situation is no different to anyone else's. I want to be a part of the future at Swansea, but ultimately that's down to the manager to decide."

Jackett, who will aim to secure his first win as Swans boss at the fourth attempt in Saturday's clash at Bristol Rovers, insists that whoever he brings in over the summer they must be prepared to live locally.

"It's difficult to say how many players we will be bringing in, but I want people who want to live in the area," he said.

"I don't particularly like players who can only give you two or three days a week because they are travelling from here, there and everywhere."

Howard's Vetch future could be in doubt

Swansea left-backs Michael Howard (hernia) and Leon Hylton (hamstring) will miss the rest of the season.
But Kevin Nugent, Leon Britton and Karl Connolly look likely to be available to face Bristol Rovers on Saturday after recovering from injury.

James Thomas (thigh) and Alan Tate (toe) are also hopeful of being fit.

Defenders Izzy Iriekpen and Stuart Jones are getting back to fitness and are targeting Northampton's visit to the Vetch next week.

Howard, 25, has been troubled by his hernia for much of the past 12 months and will be sweating on his future at Swansea as his contract runs out at the end of the year.

"The problem has not settled down as we had hoped it would and it now looks like he needs another operation that will keep him out for the rest of the season," Swansea physio Richie Evans told the South Wales Evening Post.

Kenny Jackett admits he cannot wait for the chance to bring his own players to Swansea City after suffering the third defeat of his week-long Vetch Field reign yesterday. But the new Swansea boss saluted his current charges for a gallant effort as they lost out in a five-goal thriller to Ben Burgess's 87th-minute strike for Second Division-bound Hull City.

''It was a terrific team performance in which the players gave everything,'' Jackett said in the wake of his Vetch debut.

''The style I want us to play is starting to come and I saw some pride, some passion, some effort and some application out there.

''At times there was some good football too. They linked well, moved the ball from side to side nicely and showed some of the touches of class they are capable of.

''But I do feel we will need to be physically stronger and I am looking forward to bringing in some of my own players. That will be important for me.

''Usually when a new manager comes in he is able to bring in two or three straightaway, but because the transfer deadline has passed that has not been the case.''

With almost half the squad he inherited from Brian Flynn out of contract at the end of the season, there is scope for a major overhaul in the summer.

Nevertheless, Jackett was keen to stress that the opportunity is still there in the remaining four games of this campaign for those players already at the club to prove that they are worthy of winning new deals.

''There will be a lot of players available and the summer is the time for signing players,'' he added.

''I'm fully aware of the market and will be working hard to make sure we get people in who will improve the squad.

''But it's difficult to say how many we will be bringing in. I want to give the group we already have every opportunity to be a part of what we'll be doing next season,'' said Jackett.

''I don't want to be in the situation where there's somebody under my nose who could do something for us in the future without realising it.

''Who we bring in is also going to depend on what quality we are looking for and how much they want to earn.

''What I would say is that I want people who want to live in the area.

''I don't particularly like players who can only give you two or three days a week because they are travelling from here, there and everywhere.''

Jackett handed full debuts to youngsters Antonio Corbisiero and Jamie Rewbury yesterday, but saw his side lose their fifth game in a row despite strikes from man-of-the-match Andy Robinson and top-scorer Lee Trundle.

The former Watford boss added: ''I've given Swansea debuts to four players in two league games because I want to assess what we have got.

''But it's not all about doing that between now and the end of the season.

''First and foremost I want to start getting some results.''

Peter Taylor ruined Kenny Jackett's Vetch Field welcome party, then tipped his old mate to inspire much bigger celebrations in the future at Swansea City. ''I know Kenny very well and I think Swansea have made an absolutely brilliant decision to bring him in,'' said Taylor, the man known for making David Beckham captain in his one game as England's caretaker manager.

''He's a great coach with good ideas who's very well organised and hard working, and I've got no doubt he will be a very successful manager here.

''He will make sure the players are prepared 100 per cent correctly for every game. He will work them hard and I think they will respond to him.

''Kenny deserves his chance as a manager. He has been a No. 1 before at Watford, but that might have come a bit early for him.

''That might not have been the right time, but I'm convinced that this is. I have been recommending him all over the place because I think he is ready.

''He's a good man and I'm sure Swansea have got a good one here.

''Swansea is a difficult place to come and play already with a crowd that gets behind the team, and I think it could become a real fortress next season. I'm sure Kenny will be working hard to make sure that is the case.''

Taylor, of course, seems unlikely to be around to find out, for Hull's entertaining victory yesterday has left them needing probably just one more win from five remaining matches to guarantee a place in Division Two next season.

But his is a glowing endorsement for Jackett, youth boss at Watford a decade ago when Taylor was assistant manager to Steve Perryman.

After two defeats on the road, Swansea's new supremo ended his first week in charge with a somewhat miserable third reverse.

So much for the new manager effect.

But there were some very definite good signs following a first home game for Jackett, who was warmly greeted at the beginning and the end by a decent-sized Bank Holiday crowd.

''There was a lump in my throat,'' he said.

''All my family were in the crowd, and to get that sort of reception before the game and afterwards was fantastic for me.

''Of course I'm disappointed with the result after getting back into the game twice, but I think there were a lot of positives to be taken out of it for us.''

Most obvious was the performance of Andy Robinson, who picked up where he had left off under Brian Flynn.

The former West Cheshire League player's latest all-action showing on the left side of midfield proved once more just what an inspired signing he was by the fallen regime.

There were further encouraging efforts, too, in a Swansea side who had looked so lost at Rhyl less than a week ago.

Embarrassed by the North Wales part-timers in the FAW Premier Cup, Jackett's men competed valiantly with a promotion-bound Hull team who only just had enough to win a thrilling contest at the end.

Again they could not claim to have produced their best performance as a team, but perhaps that is understandable given that 10 players were unavailable.

After all Michael Howard, Alan Tate, Leon Britton, Kevin Nugent, James Thomas, Leon Hylton, Karl Connolly, Stuart Jones and Izzy Iriekpen would all have been candidates to make Jackett's 16 yesterday if fit.

As it was Jackett needed to pair Matthew Rees and 17-year-old Jamie Rewbury in central defence to handle what is almost certainly Division Three's hottest strike pairing.

With all of 92 minutes' Football League experience between them, both were willing and showed that they have something to offer.

But Danny Allsopp, a £100,000 signing from Notts County with 15 goals to his name this season before Hull's trip to South Wales, and Ben Burgess, £100,000 from Stockport with 16, always seemed likely to cause problems.

And they did.

Allsopp had already wasted one golden chance before drilling a low shot past Roger Freestone to give the visitors a 10th-minute lead.

After near misses from Lee Trundle, Paul Connor and Rees, Swansea gained a deserved equaliser in first-half stoppage time when Robinson's 25-yarder flummoxed Hull keeper Boaz Myhill with the aid of a freakish bounce.

Swansea began the second period with more possession than at any other stage, but it was Hull who created the chances.

Allsopp and £215,000 winger Stuart Elliott had gone close before Burgess's chip slithered through Freestone's hands and into the net on the hour.

''Robinson's goal might have bobbled in front of our keeper, but I think we had a bit of luck with that one,'' admitted Taylor, ''because if Freestone hadn't touched it, it might have gone over the bar.''

A trademark Robinson free-kick would have levelled things again had Myhill not stretched to tip the ball onto the crossbar, and it was not until a couple more smart saves at either end that Swansea found an equaliser.

Trundle and Robinson both swished at Kris O'Leary's cross before the former passed his 21st goal of the season into the far corner seven minutes from the end.

''I like what I've seen of Lee and I was pleased to see him score,'' added Jackett.

''He's trying to take on board what I've been saying and I definitely see him playing a big part for us in the future.

''That goal should spur his confidence now, it's just a shame it didn't earn us a point.''

That it did not was down to Burgess, who muscled in to head an 87th-minute winner after substitute John Walters was adjudged to have broken Swansea's offside trap.

''We competed well and I didn't think we deserved to get beaten,'' reckoned star man Robinson.

''It felt like a punch in the stomach when they scored the winner, but I think there are some good times ahead for us.

''The new gaffer seems like he knows where he is going and all the players will work for him.

''He will bring his own players at the end of the season and, hopefully, they will fit in well and we'll be able to move forward together.''

If Taylor is proved right they may well do, and it will be Swansea who are closing in on automatic promotion this time next year.

KENNY JACKETT must be wondering what he has to do to pick up his first win as Swansea manager.

Since taking over at the Vetch last week, Jackett has seen his new team suffer three defeats and had his hopes dashed more times than he could probably remember.

At Lincoln on Saturday Jackett's anguish was clear as the Swans surrendered the lead to end up losing 2-1 thanks to one or two dubious refereeing decisions.

And there was more Easter misery yesterday as Swansea twice came from behind to within sight of a deserved point only to crash to a fifth successive defeat at the death.

Swansea hopes were on a high at half-time after Andy Robinson had cancelled out Danny Allsopp's 11th-minute opener with his 10th goal of the season.

Likewise, when Lee Trundle claimed his first goal in six weeks seven minutes before the end of a contest that exploded into life in the second period after a slow start.

Swansea were left to reflect on a costly mistake by Roger Freestone, the veteran keeper allowing a weak Ben Burgess chip to sail over his head when he froze on the spot on the 60-minute mark.

Just when Trundle's equaliser seemed to have earned Swansea a draw, Burgess delivered another blow as his 87th-minute header secured a win for Peter Taylor's Tigers.

So no victory, but Swansea's new manager could have few complaints with the enthusiasm and energy his side displayed.

Cleary, adjustments will need to be made in the summer but at least the Swans seem to have rediscovered some of the desire and determination which went missing from their game for so long.

With an injury crisis still dictating team selection, Jackett made three changes to the side that crashed to that defeat at Lincoln. Youth team stars Jamie Rewbury and Antonio Corbisiero were both handed first senior starts as Jackett's squad was hit by the absence of no less than 10 first-teamers.

Robinson returned from a hamstring problem as Layton Maxwell and Jonathan Coates both dropped to the bench.

How things have changed since the last meeting between these two sides last September. When Brian Flynn's side headed to Humberside they were top of the Third Division after winning seven of their first 10 league matches.

Yesterday the Swans went into the return fixture 12 points adrift of seventh place, their promotion campaign having hit the rocks over Christmas before sinking without trace.

Jackett had urged his new team to make his Vetch debut an occasion to remember but, until Robinson struck seconds before the break, there was little about Swansea's first-half performance for him to cherish.

At times, the Swans looked half-asleep as Hull beat them to the ball and repeatedly cut them open down the middle. Swansea hopes were raised after seven minutes when Brad Maylett cut in from the right and Trundle forced a smart fingertip save with a magnificent diving header.

But then Hull, spraying the ball about neatly, began to take control and should have taken the lead when Allsopp fired wide with only Freestone to beat.

A minute later the Tigers were in front, Stuart Green slipping through a pass from the right and Allsopp cutting inside Lee Fieldwick and tucking past Freestone.

Home openings were scarce, though Paul Connor did come close with a diving header from Maylett's cross. Matthew Rees should have buried a header from Trundle's corner, but Swansea drew level seconds before the interval when Robinson seized on a loose ball after Kris O'Leary had a shot blocked.

The Swans midfielder celebrated his return to the side when his drilled 20-yard shot slithered through the keeper's clutches after taking an unfortunate bounce.

Robinson's goal was the cue for a more aggressive second-half performance and, with Maylett going close with a header, it seemed Swansea would soon capitalise.

But how Jackett's heart must have sank as, within 15 minutes of the restart, Freestone's howler left them trailing again.

Robinson almost came to Swansea's rescue once more in the 67th minute when he struck a ferocious 25-yard free-kick that keeper Boaz Myhill tipped onto the bar.

Going 2-1 down deflated Swansea and Hull had chances to wrap it up with time to spare. Moments after Rees saw a header cleared off the line, Trundle brought Swansea level with a low shot after Hull had made a mess of O'Leary's cross.

But the sting in the tail came three minutes from the end when Burgess headed home John Walters' cross to leave Jackett still searching for his first Swansea win.

Swansea City: Freestone, O'Leary, Rewbury, Rees, Fieldwick (Coates 69), Maylett (Roberts 76), Martinez, Corbisiero (Maxwell 46), Robinson, Connor, Trundle. Subs (not used): Murphy, Pritchard.

Hull City: Myhill, Joseph, Dawson, Delaney, Thelwell, Ashbee, Lewis, Elliott (Hinds 90), Green (France 73), Allsopp (Walters 81), Burgess. Subs (not used): Musselwhite, France, Forrester.

The majority of Swansea City supporters, and crucially players, remain shocked, saddened and unhappy with recent events following the ridiculous decision to sack Brian Flynn and Kevin Reeves. Regardless of the Rhyl result and performance which was a shambles, Kenny Jackett is not the man for the job.

Flynn and Reeves did a superb job in bringing in many quality players last season, in the process of getting rid of the deadwood from Nick Cusack's disastrous time as manager.

They steadied a sinking ship and while performances and results have been inconsistent this season, we must not forget that this squad of players have provided some of the most entertaining football seen at the Vetch for many seasons.

Without doubt, players of the quality of Lee Trundle, Leon Britton, Roberto Martinez, Alan Tate and Brad Maylett among others would not be at the Vetch but for Flynn.

The shambolic and unnecessary treatment of Flynn and Reeves throws into doubt the credentials of those who made the decision to sack them with just 10 games to go.

Chairman Huw Jenkins said he wanted someone with international playing experience who played at the highest level who had contacts within the game. Flynn had all these qualities.

Huw Jenkins and the board have messed up.

The Supporters Trust representative even suggested that the board were right to sack Flynn and Reeves and yet 70 per cent of supports according to an Evening Post poll did not agree with the decision.

The Trust have a representative on the board which is a tremendous step forward but they have taken several steps back as the supporters are still not being listened to.

Flynn created some solid foundations on which the club can build further.

His thanks for doing just that has been the sack!

Nigel Maimone

Cae Melyn, Llangyfelach, Swansea.

SWANSEA CITY boss Kenny Jackett has urged his side to make his Vetch Field debut today an occasion to remember.

Jackett wants the Swans to repay the Third Division club's long-suffering supporters by producing a passionate Easter Monday performance against Hull City.

Swansea welcome Hull to the Vetch for the first time since a 4-2 win against Peter Taylor's men on the final day of last season saved them from relegation to the Conference.

Almost 12 months on from that momentous victory, the Swans head into another home meeting with the promotion-chasing Tigers on the back of a disastrous run of form.

Saturday's 2-1 upset at Lincoln City was their fourth successive defeat and Jackett's second since succeeding Brian Flynn in the Vetch Field hot seat seven days ago.

But Jackett could at least take comfort from the Swans putting behind them a string of dismal performances with a more encouraging display at Sincil Bank.

And, as he prepares to send his new team out in front of home fans for the first time, Jackett has called on Swansea to produce a similarly heart-warming show against a team bidding to clinch automatic promotion.

"What I want is for us to go out and produce a performance full of good old Welsh passion," said the former Wales international.

"It's important that we put in a passionate performance for the supporters. They deserve that from us.

"And, after two tough away matches, I'm interested to see what my players can give me at home against another quality team.

"It's my first game in charge at the Vetch and I'd like to have good memories of it. I want my team to reflect the enthusiasm that I have for this job."

Jackett is desperate to clinch his first win as Swansea manager having seen his new charges crash to an embarrassing FAW Premier Cup defeat at Rhyl as well the Lincoln reverse.

The players were called in for training yesterday as Jackett sought to capitalise on the strengths of Saturday's performance as well as assess what went wrong.

"I'm not a great believer in days off," he said.

"The players came in so that we could look at a video of the Lincoln game and work on a few things.

"There were a lot of positives to come out of the match at Lincoln. There was a spirit there that has perhaps been lacking in recent games and I want that to continue.

"I can't stress enough how important it is that we take the good things from Lincoln into the match against Hull and build on them."

Jackett will be familiar with his opposite number since Taylor had a spell on the Watford coaching staff during his long stint at Vicarage Road.

The former England boss has guided Hull to the brink of automatic promotion this season, though their bid to clinch a ticket to Division Two suffered a setback with a surprise 3-2 home loss against Northampton on Saturday.

"I'm fully aware of Peter's capabilities. He's built a team with some quality players who are likely to cause problems," said Jackett.

"But the most important thing is that we concentrate on what we do. Hopefully people will turn out in their numbers and we can send them home with a smile on their faces.

"Who knows? Positive memories of the Hull game that saved Swansea at the end of last season could help us.

"Hopefully, we can replicate the result and the performance."

But Jackett is grappling with an injury crisis that could deprive him today of as many as 10 first-team players.

There is a chance midfielder Andy Robinson could be back, but defender Stuart Jones is likely to miss out after picking up a hamstring complaint at Lincoln.

Youth-team rookie Jamie Rewbury is poised to make his first senior start at right-back.

SEVEN days into his tenure as Swansea City boss and Kenny Jackett could be forgiven for wishing he was back at Loftus Road.

Had he resisted the overtures from the Vetch, Jackett might soon have been planning for a Division One campaign with Ian Holloway at Queens Park Rangers.

Instead, Jackett's summer break will be consumed by fathoming how to transform Swansea from misfiring Third Division underachievers to genuine top-three material.

And if a week ago the former Wales international wasn't quite sure of the magnitude of the task in front of him, he must have a pretty good idea by now.

Two matches, two defeats and a handful of performances that suggest a pre-season shake-up could be needed - welcome to the harsh realities of the Vetch Field hot-seat.

As dejected as Jackett was at seeing his new charges slip to their second defeat under his command, though, he was adamant on leaving Sincil Bank on Saturday that there were grounds for optimism.

And you had to agree with him because, though the Swans have lost their last four matches and produced some truly dreadful performances in the process, against Lincoln there were, at long last, reasons to be hopeful.

"When I came into the club last week I sensed there was a general feeling of deflation after the defeat against Carlisle," said Jackett.

"Unfortunately, we couldn't manage to lift things in the FAW Premier Cup match at Rhyl and I was deeply disappointed that we lost there.

"But I've seen some spirit in this match. I was delighted with that and I was delighted with the overall performance and commitment.

"There are a lot of positives for me to take out of the match. There were some good debuts and I was pleased to get a look at some of the youngsters.

"It is a big challenge at Swansea but, as I said when I took over, it's one I'm looking forward to. It's one I'm relishing.

"Here I've seen things I can build on for the future."

There was nothing particularly stylish about Swansea's performance on Saturday. Nothing reminiscent of their early-season panache.

But it was hard-working, efficient and coloured with one or two moments of creativity. Attributes that had been missing longer than most Swansea followers would care to remember.

Particularly impressive was the manner in which the Swans dealt with Lincoln's early bombardment.

A couple of weeks ago, you sensed Swansea would have crumbled under the kind of pressure that the hugely-built Lincoln side exerted on them.

But, with on-loan Milwall defender Matthew Rees - as old-fashioned a centre-half as they come - enjoying a fine debut, the Swansea back-line adopted a resilient approach to initially frustrate the home side.

Without creating many clear-cut chances, Swansea took an unlikely lead which they might have doubled had referee Howard Webb awarded the visitors a penalty when Brad Maylett was tripped in the box by Peter Gain.

The goal came when skipper Roberto Martinez curled in a sublime free-kick, Kris O'Leary flicked on and Rees, loitering at the far post, stuck out his left boot to send the ball into the roof of the net.

Lack of passion? Lack of enthusiasm? Not Rees. If some of the Swans players coming to the end of their contracts haven't exactly been making a convincing case for a new one recently, here was one man showing a determination to secure a future at the Vetch.

"Matthew's was as good a debut as I've seen," said Jackett, who handed the Swansea-born defender his chance in the absence of Alan Tate - one of nine players nursing an injury.

"He's 21, he's dropped down to Division Three and into a pressure position, but he defended very well and showed just how keen he is.

"Matthew's a Swansea lad and I'm keen to encourage home-grown talent like that. They give you the spirit which you need."

That Rees ended up on the losing side was due to a combination of a dubious refereeing decision and Swansea's failure to eke out enough clear shots on goal.

Lincoln drew level 12 minutes after the interval when Marcus Richardson laid the ball off for Gain to fire past a stranded Roger Freestone.

Swansea did look capable of getting back into the game, especially when Lee Trundle - anonymous for most of the first half - found space to fashion two smart left-foot shots, including a fierce low drive that forced a good save from keeper Alan Marriott.

But, despite impressive performances from Maylett and keeper Freestone as well as Rees, Swansea could not hold out.

Eight minutes from time Lincoln claimed the win that lifted them to fourth in the table when substitute Simon Yeo sent a looping header over Freestone.

The Swansea players had frozen, expecting the linesman to raise his flag for offside and Jackett claimed afterwards the decision cost his side a point.

Another harsh dose of life at the sharp end, but Jackett will hope for better fortune when Hull City provide the opposition for his first home game in charge today.

"It's very important that we take the positives from the Lincoln game and add to them against Hull," he said.

"We've got to go out and show some good old Welsh passion."

MATTHEW REES admitted he is desperate to earn a contract with hometown club Swansea City.

The Wales Under-21 defender is on loan at the Vetch from First Division Millwall, the club he has been with since the age of 15.

But, though he has another 12 months to run on his contract at the New Den, 21-year-old Rees said he is keen to bring an end to his time in south-east London.

And, after marking his League debut with a goal in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Lincoln, Rees expressed his determination to land a permanent move to the club he supported as a youngster.

"I'd love to get a contract at the Vetch," he said.

"Swansea is where my heart lies and it's where my friends and family are.

"I've supported the Swans since I was a young lad so it was very special to make my League debut for the club.

"And it felt marvellous to score on my first Swansea appearance.

"Obviously, I'm disappointed that we didn't get the three points, but I thought my debut went well. I don't think I could've asked for a better start."

With regular centre-backs Alan Tate and Izzy Iriekpen both on the sidelines injured, Rees was handed his Swans bow at Sincil Bank after joining on loan until the end of the season last month.

"Coming in at around the same time as the new manager was appointed was good timing for me," he said.

"I didn't know too much about Kenny Jackett and neither did he know too much about me, but hopefully I've given him something to think about.

"The aim now is to hold onto my place in the side and continue to impress between now and the end of the season.

"If I can do that, then who knows what will happen. But I'd certainly love to be part of the future at Swansea."

Despite being a mainstay of the Millwall reserve side, Rees has failed to make the first-team breakthrough with this season's FA Cup finalists.

"I'd never say never about playing for Milwall as things could change overnight," he said.

"But they have lots of good players at the club. Either the manager gives you a chance or he doesn't. And he hasn't given me one."

One thing is for certain - even if Milwall experience an injury crisis, there's zero chance of Rees running out for the Lions against Manchester United on May 22.

"It's not a possibility as I played in the third round of the FA Cup while I was on loan at Aldershot," he smiled.

"But I was thrilled for the Milwall lads when they made it to the final and hopefully I'll be able to get to the Millennium Stadium to watch the game."