Swansea City are preparing to stage the biggest Vetch Field party of the season tomorrow. The theme - promotion.

John Hollins will deliver his troops to a packed Vetch Field on a mission to storm the Exeter barricades and pick up one point for promotion and another two towards the title.

"This is what we've worked so hard for all season," declared Hollins.

"Now it's time to finish it off. It's time to finish the job.

"All the players and the staff have worked hard this week preparing for the game. Everyone has been bright, bubbly and can't wait for Saturday to come."

Hollins has also told his side to forget about the one point for promotion and concentrate on securing all three in their quest for the title.

Although Swansea could clinch the championship tomorrow if they beat Exeter and Rotherham lost at Hartlepool, Hollins is refusing to look outside his own camp.

"We don't need to rely on anyone else," he added. "We can clinch the title by beating Exeter tomorrow and Rotherham away next week. It's as simple as that.

"Whoever organised the fixtures at the Football League needs a medal.

They couldn't have organised it any better with the title probably going to be decided on the last day of the season.

"But if we win tomorrow we'll be in the driving seat whatever Rotherham do at Hartlepool.

"It's going to be a game of nerves, but good nerves. It's going to send a tingle down everyone's spine."

Although lowly Exeter will arrive having secured their Football League status, Hollins is not expecting the Grecians to roll over and provide the platform for Swansea's promotion party.

"Noel Blake is not the type of manager to roll over for anyone," added Hollins. "He wasn't as a player, and he's not as a manager.

"He's a winner and he'll want his team to be winners as well. Exeter will find themselves playing in a big game, in front of a big crowd and a fantastic atmosphere. That will make them want to play, and play well."

Hollins, who is without injured striker Julian Alsop, has named an unchanged squad from their 1-0 win at Mansfield on Monday, although he was keeping his final line-up close to his chest.

Exeter will arrive with a squad that includes former Swansea City favourite John Cornforth and Cardiff defender Lee Jarman.

John Cornforth will be the first to admit that his love affair with Swansea is costing him a fortune.

As the former Swansea City favourite prepares to hand over another £4.20 toll at the Severn Bridge tomorrow, this time he'll be back in Wales on business rather than pleasure as part of an Exeter team looking to spoil the Vetch Field promotion party.

Cornforth made the move to St James's Park just over six weeks ago with a combined role as a player and the promise of advancing his ambitions as a coach and future manager.

At 32, the Geordie midfielder knows his days as a player are numbered.

As a result he's pushing hard to develop his coaching qualifications by taking the club's reserve team and also his UEFA `B' coaching certificate.

But such is Cornforth's passion for Swansea, the city he led to Wembley and where he lifted the AutoGlass Trophy, the one-cap Welsh international has been travelling from Exeter to Penlan Comprehensive School every Sunday to complete his coaching course.

"In the last two weeks I've travelled back from Peterborough and Carlisle to continue the course in Swansea," explained Cornforth.

"But that's how much I still love the place.

"I know I'm from Newcastle, but as soon as I cross that Severn Bridge I class myself as home. "Even on my days off I come back to Swansea with my family rather than Newcastle.

"Obviously my wife is from Swansea anyway.

"But as far as I'm concerned my best footballing days were at the Vetch Field.

"Swansea are also the best and noisiest set of fans I've ever played in front of.

"Even now I still get letters and birthday cards from Swansea fans. Even my kids get birthday cards off them.

"If anybody deserves promotion it's Swansea.

"The fans deserve to be watching games against bigger teams and in better stadiums," he added.

"I'm really looking forward to playing at the Vetch again because it's a special place to me.

"I just hope I get a good reception."

Cornforth admits he'll find himself in an awkward position tomorrow as he runs out against his old club sporting the colours of Exeter - especially with Swansea looking for the point to clinch promotion.

He could even find himself in a no-win situation if Exeter are awarded a penalty with the game evenly poised.

Cornforth, who slotted home a penalty in the 3-0 win over Lincoln on Monday, has said in the past that he won't take the penalty if it means Swansea missing out on promotion.

But as he pointed out: "Hand on heart I'd love to see Swansea promoted.

"But I'm an Exeter player now and I have to do my job.

"I'm the club penalty taker so I'll have to take it and I'll have to score.

"I don't think the manager (Noel Blake) will be too happy otherwise.

"He's like me, he's a winner. He doesn't like to be second best at anything.

"I know we are safe from relegation.

"But he'll be telling the team that as far as he's concerned the season is not over and he wants six points from the last two games."

But Cornforth is convinced Swansea won't need to beat his new team tomorrow anyway because he expects Hartlepool to beat Rotherham.

Cornforth has even sent a message to his old Swansea teammate Colin West at Hartlepool this week.

West, currently assistant manager at the North East club, was best man at Cornforth's wedding.

"I've told him he owes Swansea City one after getting sent-off in the play-offs at West Brom all those years ago,'' added Cornforth.

"He has promised me he'll do his best. He's said Hartlepool are on song at the moment and I really fancy them to beat Rotherham.

"As far as I'm concerned Swansea are the best team in the division anyway.

"Darlington are probably the best footballing team, but defensively Swansea really take some beating."

Cornforth has already gone on record to confirm his ambitions as a manager. And there's no doubt which club he eventually wants to manager.

Swansea City will go into Saturday's Vetch Field showdown with Exeter needing one precious point to clinch promotion.

John Hollins's side moved another step closer to the Second Division last night without kicking a ball as promotion contender Peterborough missed out on a vital three-point haul with a goalless draw at Brighton.

And as Swansea prepared for a Vetch Field promotion party, their title celebrations were also being planned as Rotherham released 2,000 tickets for next Saturday's potential championship clincher at Millmoor.

If Swansea beat Exeter on Saturday and Rotherham lose at Hartlepool then Hollins will also see his side crowned champions before their trip to Yorkshire.

"There are a number of permutations after Peterborough slipped up last night," explained Swansea's assistant-manager Alan Curtis. "But we've only got one objective - to beat Exeter.

"The championship will be great, but let's clinch promotion first.

"It should be a sell-out at the Vetch and everybody is determined to give them something to celebrate."

Swansea have already confirmed that the West Terrace will be open again to home fans with Exeter's travelling support restricted to the Family Stand.

Meanwhile, tickets for the Rotherham game will go on sale to season ticket holders and members at the club shop tomorrow (9am-7.30pm) and Saturday (9am-6.30pm), with any remaining tickets on general sale on Wednesday.

"As there are more season ticket holders and members than available tickets, there will be a limit of one ticket per season ticket holder or member," confirmed Swansea secretary Vicki Townsend.

Tickets are £11 for adults and £7.50 for concessions.

"We are not anticipating Rotherham releasing any more tickets above the 2,000 they have already sent us," added Swansea's general manager Mike Lewis.

Former Swansea manager Jan Molby has had his odds cut from 12-1 to 6-1 as the next manager of Cardiff City.

Striker Julian Alsop today urged his Swansea City team-mates to secure him a Third Division championship medal to ease the pain of injury which has ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Alsop had his fears confirmed today that the knee damage which forced him off on a stretcher against Torquay on Saturday will keep him out of action for Swansea's final two games of the season.

The towering striker was told today that he has damaged knee ligaments which will restrict him to crutches for the next four to six weeks.

"I'm devastated," admitted Alsop. "The lads are looking to clinch promotion and the title and I'm stuck on crutches.

"The injury couldn't have come at a worst time for me. It's something I've been dreading. I'm nearly out of contract and I really need to sort out my future sooner rather than later.

"Now I've got to watch from the stands as the lads plan their promotion party."

Alsop limped off after just four minutes following a block tackle on Torquay's giant defender Jimmy Aggrey. Although Alsop returned a few minutes later, he was unable to continue.

"I didn't have any pain when I came back on and I thought I could run it ff. But I knew straight away I had done something serious when I tried to make a tackle."

It means Alsop will miss Saturday's promotion clincher against Exeter at Vetch Field and a potential title decider at Rotherham the following week.

"I've told them to go out and get me a championship medal," added sop.

"I'm sure they can do it, and it will certainly go a long way to easing the pain."

Meanwhile Swansea will be keeping a close eye on Peterborough's result at Brighton tonight.

If Barry Fry's fifth-placed side fail to take maximum points then Swansea will only need a draw against Exeter to secure Second Division status.

And former Swansea managers Micky Adams and Alan Cork intend to give their old club a helping hand despite the fact that their own Brighton side have nothing left to play for apart from pride.

"Anybody who knows me knows I certainly won't let our season fizzle out," declared Adams. "We want to keep our 11-game unbeaten run going.

Record-holder Roger Freestone is urging his Swansea City team-mates to write their own names in the Vetch Field history books on Saturday by clinching promotion in front of their own fans.

Swansea's 1-0 win at Mansfield yesterday saw Freestone equal the club record of 21 League clean sheets in a season set way back in 1924-25 by goalkeeper Jock Denoon.

It also kept Swansea top of the Third Division and a victory over John Cornforth's Exeter City side away from promotion.

If Peterborough fail to win against Micky Adams' and Alan Cork's Brighton tomorrow night, Swansea will need just a point in front of what should be a sell-out crowd.

``It's nice to be associated with records, but the most important thing is to get promoted,'' declared Freestone,

``I was obviously aware of the record, but it wasn't really in the back of my mind during the game. It wouldn't have bothered me if we had won the game 4-3 as long as we came away with the points.

``In the space of three days now we've picked up six points and everyone is absolutely delighted.''

Both manager John Hollins and skipper Nick Cusack paid tribute to Freestone's contribution this season.

``Roger deserves top marks,'' said Hollins. ``It's a credit to Roger that he's done what he's done. He's a very solid and accomplished 'keeper who has played a major part in our excellent defensive record this season.''

Cusack was just as complimentary, but expressed his disbelief that Freestone looks to have missed out on a place in the PFA's Third Division team of the season.

``The record is a fantastic accolade for Roger,'' added Cusack.

``He's been a great servant to the club and he's definitely the best goalkeeper in the lower divisions.

``He should be in the PFA team, but I believe he's not which is a big surprise. Anybody who's anybody knows he's simply the best.''

Although the PFA team, voted by their fellow professionals, has not been officially released, it's understood Cusack and central defender Matthew Bound have both been selected.

Freestone may receive some consolation when Wales announce their squad for the friendly with Brazil at the Millennium Stadium on May 23.

Tickets for the game, which should be a 72,000 sell-out, went on sale today at £10 and £5.

Swansea City defender Matthew Bound reckons it's time to deliver the promotion goods by clinching victory against Torquay at Vetch Field tomorrow (3).   

After going seven games without a victory, Bound knows his second-placed side has to conjure up a winning performance to maintain their gap on the chasing pack.   

And Bound is determined to finally kill any automatic promotion doubts dead with a deadly double over Torquay tomorrow and Mansfield on Bank Holiday Monday.   

"It's crunch time now and it's time to deliver," declared Bound. "As far as I'm concerned, two wins will do it and the sooner we get them the better.   

"All the boys are up for Torquay. People have said we've got the jitters, but that is definitely not the case.   

"It's all going to come together and if the fans get right behind us it will give us that extra lift.   

"I know it has been frustrating for them recently and we've had a few boos, but if they can swap the boos for cheers I'm sure we will give them what they want.   

"The boys believe that that victory is well within them. We've just got to create a few more chances and hope the ball runs for us, even if the goal comes off someone's knee."   

Bound, who has yet to finalise an extension to his contract which expires at the end of the season, is also determined to pick up another bonus by helping Roger Freestone equal a club record of 21 clean sheets set way back in 1924-25 by Jock Denoon.   

"Statistics can make or break a 'keeper," added Bound, "but Roger's record speaks for itself.   

"It would be nice to help him write his name in the record books. If anybody deserves it after nine years at the club it's Roger.   

"But if we win 6-5 tomorrow I think Roger will take it. So will we."   

Bound and his team-mates will also be keeping a close watch on tonight's encounter at Sixfields where Northampton will be looking to move within two points of Swansea with a victory over managerless Hull.

Source: The South Wales Evening Post, 21/04/2000.

NEWLY-APPOINTED Merthyr TydfIi manager Keith ‘Sky’ Walker will do things his way in his bid to hit new heights with the Dr Martens League Premier Division outfit.

Walker, who has been appointed manager for the next 18 months, has wasted no time in laying down a few ground rules and making his mark on the club.

The 34-year-old, who has already already shown an interest in a few of his former Swansea City team-mates, said: “I’ve been impressed with the club since I joined them as a player and I was delighted to be given the opportunity in management.

“Matters have progressed slowly, but I feel I can make a success of the. job. I am well aware there is a lot of hard work to be done before we can make a challenge at this level.

“I’m not kidding myself that this job is easy because we have had a couple of decent results. We are not a good E team but have worked on our positional play and defending on set-plays,” added the former St Mirren central defender.

“Our ball retention in this league is unbelievable and we probably only keep the ball for 20-30 seconds. That must be looked at in some detail before we become a better side. We have to keep possession longer.

“I was disappointed to learn that Jimmy decided that he did not want to do the job anymore because I could have learnt a lot off him — as I have with other managers I have worked under.

“I have had good and bad experiences in my football career and that will hopefully hold me in good stead for management.”

Former Cardiff City duo Paul Giles and Gareth Abraham will help out in training sessions to spread the workload and give a different view to Walker, who will make the onfield decisions.

Edinburgh-born Walker said: “It’s important I have someone like Paul on the sidelines to make changes as the match progresses and he is the ideal man to do the job.”

One of Walker’s first jobs is to decide whether he has enough firepower in the forward-line to make a serious challenge for promotion next season after a disappointing bid this term that has seen three managers in the Penydarren Park hot-seat.

“I will be having a good look at everybody at the club first, but I want a striker who can score 20 goals plus - then I will set down and target certain players for certain positions.

“I want competition for every position by next season and that can only be healthy and good for this club.

"It's up to the players here to prove that they are worthy of a place in the first 11 and want to stay there,” added Walker.

Chairman of the club, Owen Money, said of out-going boss Jimmy Mullen: “Jimmy has increased working commitments running his own business in North Wales.

“I’m a big fan of Jimmy and I am sad that he had to leave the club. I’m sure he would have done a great job at the club given time.

“But his replacement will do a good job, if not better. Sky wanted a commitment from us to start looking at players and contracts for next season and we have given him that commitment by giving him the job.