Swansea City's Mark Stein saga is due to drag on yet another couple of days.

The Bournemouth striker has still not decided whether to leave the South Coast for Vetch Field on a free transfer.

It was understood the 34-year-old is still waiting on developments at his old club Luton Town before committing himself to a one-year contract.

"We've done everything we can," explained Swansea manager John Hollins. "The terms are not a problem or an issue.

"Now it is just down to Mark to decide whether he wants to come.

Swansea City's bid to sign striker Mark Stein could be blocked by new developments at Luton Town.

Stein was due to confirm yesterday with Swansea manager John Hollins whether he was ready to sign for the Vetch Field club.

But it is understood that the sacking of manager Lennie Lawrence this week could open the door for Stein to return to his first club.

Former Luton star Ricky Hill was named the new manager at Kenilworth Road today with Brian Stein, brother of Mark, tipped for the assistant manager'sjob.

But Stein's agent John Murphy refused to close the Swansea deal.

He said: "There were one or two things which John Hollins felt he had to refer to the board of directors yesterday," said Murphy.

"I've spoken to John this morning and now I'm talking to Mark (Stein) about the outcome.

"As far as Luton is concerned, I've had no official approach from them, but who knows what is around the corner in football."

Meanwhile, Swansea's proposed Morfa Stadium project is being earmarked by the Football Association of Wales as one of the venues for Euro 2008.

Swansea City boss John Hollins has told Jamaican striker Walter Boyd that he expects to see him back at Vetch Field on Monday.

Boyd failed to report in for pre-season training at Chepstow Army Camp yesterday — preferring to remain in Jamaica in preparation for the forthcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Blacka Pearl played against Cuba on Sunday and is expected to start against Barbados tonight and Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday.

While all three games are friendlies, Jamaica kick-off their World Cup campaign on July 16 against St Vincents and Grenadines before facing Honduras a week later.

The Jamaican squad have been asked to stay behind for a week's training camp after the Trinidad friendly before flying to nearby St Vincent on July 14.

But Hollins expects Boyd to skip the Jamaican training camp and report back in at Vetch Field for a fitness check on Monday before flying back out for their opening World Cup qualifier.

"John (Hollins) wants to see Walter back in Swansea on Monday," confirmed Swansea general manager Mike Lewis.

"It is important we check that everything is okay with him."

Hollins is resigned to losing Boyd for long periods this season, however, as the Reggae Boyz face a busy fixture schedule in pursuit of World Cup glory.

"It's a catch-22 situation," explained Hollins.

"Walter needs to play in 75 per cent of Jamaica's internationals to qualify for a work permit beyond next season.

"But, obviously, we don't particularly want to lose him for long periods and we are currently in negotiations with the JFF over a compromise situation.

"There is nothing we can do to stop Walter being called up for official World Cup qualifiers, but friendlies are a different matter.

"What we've got to make sure we do is get the best out of him when he's here."

Jamaica are also due to play El Salvador on August 16, St Vincent and Grenadines in the return on September 2, Honduras on October 8 and El Salvador again in their final semi-final group match on November 15.

Jamaica are expected to make it through to the final qualifying stages, tying Boyd up again.

While Hollins expects Boyd back in Wales, even if it's only for a few days, Hull have told their Jamaican duo Ian Goodison and Theodore Whitmore that they can stay in the Caribbean for the rest of the month.

New manager Brian Little is no stranger to losing players to international call ups from his time as boss at Leicester City and Aston Villa.

"I've written all their matches over the course of the next month off the chart," said Little. "At least they will be training and playing matches for their country and that should keep them in shape."

Swansea City's season tickets sales are on the verge of hitting an all-time high.

Swansea general manager Mike Lewis confirmed today that sales have already topped last season's total and are now set to surpass the record set during John Toshack's First Division glory days.

A total of 2,050 season tickets have already been sold from Vetch Field and the record set under Toshack in 1981-82 of 2,360 looks well within Swansea's reach.

"Considering we sold 2,003 season tickets throughout the whole of last season, to top that figure at this stage is absolutely fantastic," declared Lewis.

In comparison, it is understood that Cardiff City's season ticket sales have yet to top 500.

Swansea are currently putting a new roof on the East Stand after the old one sprang too many leaks last season.

Matthew Bound sounded his own Swansea City war cry today as he celebrated a new three-year contract in the tough surroundings of Chepstow Army Camp. Defender Bound finally ended the speculation surrounding his footballing future by signing a new deal which will keep him at Vetch Field until 2003.

But no sooner had the ink dried on the new contract, the 27-year-old found himself being kicked into shape by the Army as Swansea started their preparations for a tough Second Division campaign.

"Discussions have dragged on a bit I know," admitted Bound, "but I have always wanted to stay at Swansea.

"There were other clubs interested, but as long as Swansea came up with the right deal then they were always going to come first.

"Both myself and the club have compromised over the deal and I'm glad to say I'll be here until I'm the grand old age of 30.

"I know the gaffer (John Hollins) doesn't normally like giving out long contracts, but I think I've proved my commitment over the last two years.

"I'm not the type of player to sit back and just collect my wages like some would.

"I've still got ambitions with Swansea and I'll be approaching the new campaign with the same aim as last season — promotion.

"How the season develops only time will tell."

The Swansea manager was just as pleased to finally secure Bound's signature after months of discussions.

"Sometimes things take time," explained Hollins. "I'm just glad to say we've finally got there.

"Matthew is very important to us and long may it remain that way."

There were two notable absentees from today's opening day session under the control of the Army.

Striker Walter Boyd had not reported in from Jamaica after figuring in a 1-1 draw against Cuba on Sunday.

The striker played in the friendly for 87 minutes as preparation for Jamaica's World Cup qualifying round of the 2002 Football Confederation against St Vincent and the Grenades on July 16.

"I'm expecting him back before then," added Hollins, "but I know we'll probably lose him again for the World Cup games."

Swansea City's bid to sign Bournemouth striker Mark Stein has been put on hold.

Manager John Hollins opened the Vetch Field gates to Stein yesterday afternoon expecting to complete talks and a medical before confirming a one-year deal.

But although the 34-year-old spent over an hour at the club in discussion with Hollins and his advisor, the prolific striker made the trip back to the south coast having asked for more time to think over the free transfer.

"We didn't get as far as the medical," confirmed Hollins. "Mark wants another day or two to think things over and he's promised to give me an answer tomorrow.

"He's still a wanted man, but I am pleased he made the long trip down to see us.

"I'm still confident of signing him. I'm always confident."

But Hollins added: "There are other players out there that I'm looking to bring in.

"Having lost Tony Bird, Jamie Davies and Julian Alsop, I'll need to bring in more than one striker anyway."

Hollins dismissed rumours linking the club with Grimsby's Bradley Allen and QPR's Michael Mahoney-Johnson.

Stein remains the priority signing for Hollins and it now looks a straight choice between Swansea and Brighton.

John Hollins is hoping to declare Mark Stein a Swansea City player later today.

Hollins and his squad reported back for pre-season training this morning and to see striker Stein arrive from Bournemouth for a customary medical.

"Unless he has changed his mind since we spoke last, then as far as I am concerned the deal is agreed," confirmed Hollins. "Obviously he has to have a medical first, but I’m hopeful of completing the signing sometime today.

"He certainly hasn’t come all this way just to look at the beach."

Hollins confirmed that he first spoke to the 34-year-old, who is expected to sign on a free transfer, more than 12 months ago when he was still at Bournemouth and has been keeping a close eye on him ever since.

"I’ve known Mark for a long time, going back to his days as a youngster when he was tormenting defences for Luton," added Hollins.

"Since then he has established a good track record in front of goal. He’s an experienced and proven goalscorer, someone I’ve been looking for."

There were fears that Stein would take up the option of joining Brighton with the former England Youth international having already settled on the south coast.

But the 34-year-old is used to a footballing life on the road after spells at Luton, QPR, Oxford, Stoke, Chelsea, Ipswich and Bournemouth in a professional career spanning nearly two decades.

The South African-born striker still holds the record of scoring in the most consecutive Premiership matches when he scored in seven outings while at Chelsea.

His £1.5million move to Stamford Bridge came after a prolific 94-game spell at Stoke City in 1991-93 where he scored at a rate of over a goal every two matches.

Swansea City players and supporters will get an early chance to see one of Division Two's top strike forces in action after a change of fixture dates.

Northampton Town asked for the League match on Saturday, October 7 to be brought forward 24 hours as the game clashes with England's World Cup qualifier with Germany. The match will now kick off at 7.45pm on Friday, October 6.

Swansea agreed and will now face Northampton's new signings Jamie Forrester, the club's new £150,000 record buy, and Marco Gabbiadini, who signed on a free transfer from Darlington.

Forrester had been on loan at Sixfields last season, while Gabbiadini's goals almost took the Feethams club to promotion.

The pair will be joined by former Plymouth winger Chris Hargreaves as Northampton boss Kevin Wilson looks to strengthen his squad for a big promotion push.

Swansea will also be playing Oxford United a day earlier than the original fixture date.

The club asked Oxford to move the fixture forward by 24 hours at Vetch Field to Friday, November 10, at 7.45pm to avoid a clash with Wales's rugby international with South Africa at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, on November 11.

Oxford agreed to the request and it was sanctioned by the Football League.

Meanwhile, former Swansea City midfielder Kwame Ampadu has signed for Third Division Exeter City on a free transfer.

Ampadu will be teaming up once more with his old Swansea skipper John Cornforth at St James's Park.

Julian Alsop's decision to refuse a Swans contract and sign for Cheltneham Town is unlikely to cause a terrace revolution.

But it is perhaps as well he has gone, because had he stayed the pressure on him would have been immense after his poor goal return in a championship-winning team.

Could he have made the grade in Division Two? John Hollins obviously did not think so, otherwise he would have offered him a more attractive deal. That's football.

Alsop's contribution to the promotion effort should not be underestimated because his efforts were significant in building that great defensive record

Match after match, he came back for corners and free-kicks and made life difficult for the opposition.

But that was not, of course, his primary function, which was to score goals and help others score them. In that respect he had a tottering time, so let's hope he rediscovers his goal touch with Cheltenham.

His departure, following that of Tony Bird, leaves the Swans more than a little thin up front. They have Steve Watkin, who is still recovering from his broken cheekbone, and Walter Boyd, who spent a good deal of last season on the bench.

Tommy Mutton has yet to break through and even if Mark Stein signs that will still leave the Swans a striker short unless they change their tactical approach completely and play with two out-and-out wingers, Jonathan Coates and Stuart Roberts.

But even that does not allow for injuries. A couple of knocks and the Swans could be asking Nick Cusack to play up front.

Former Chelsea striker Mark Stein will be coming to Wales next week looking to finalise a move to Swansea City.

The Post can reveal that the out-of-contract 34-year-old Bournemouth striker is due for talks at Vetch Field on Monday to give a major boost to John Hollins's plans.

Stein has been at the top of Hollins's wanted list in his search for a proven goalscorer to spearhead the club's Second Division challenge.

The former Luton, Stoke and Oxford striker has notched 191 goals in 524 league and cup appearances and during his spell at Bournemouth hit 44 goals in two seasons and finished last term as top scorer with 11 despite missing the last two months of the campaign with a knee injury.

The news comes a day after striker Julian Alsop signed a three-year deal with Third Division Cheltenham.

Alsop, who scored only three goals in 37 league appearances last season — eight as substitute — completed the deal with Cheltenham boss Steve Cotterill yesterday afternoon following a morning of talks and a medical.

"I have signed a three-year deal with Cheltenham," Alsop confirmed. "I have been up there and I can see they are going places and actually want me."

Alsop said he had spoken to a number of clubs including Port Vale and Brighton and also said Dutch first division side FC Utrecht had expressed an interest in him.

"I spoke to five or six clubs," he admitted. "Since turning down the original contract offer from Swansea I have heard nothing official from the club.

"I am sorry to be going because the fans have been great but I have a mortgage to pay and I have to look after my future.

Swansea City will be seeking the help of the Football League to switch at least one home fixture next season.

Before they embark on their Second Division programme, the club are looking to move their league match with Oxford at Vetch Field on Saturday, November 11, to the previous night to avoid a clash with Wales's rugby international against South Africa at the Millennium Stadium.

Fortunately for Swansea, Wales's two home Six Nations games against England and Ireland fall on days when the Swans are away so no switches are necessary.

Swansea's general manager Mike Lewis is currently in negotiations with his Oxford counterparts about switching the match.

"Nothing has been decided yet," he said. "But hopefully we can get things sorted because obviously a clash with the rugby will not suit us."

Swansea, meanwhile, have been asked to switch their match against Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park to Friday night

The two clubs are due to meet on Saturday, December 23, but Wycombe have asked Swansea if they would agree to bring the match forward.

Traditionally the Saturday before Christmas is the least well supported by fans.

"It is the last big shopping day before Christmas and we cannot see a problem about switching, although nothing has been finally agreed yet," Lewis added.

Swansea City confirmed today that talks are still continuing with Bournemouth striker Mark Stein.

Stein, who is out of contract at Dean Court, had initial talks with Swansea boss John Hollins a fortnight ago before both parties went their separate ways on foreign holidays.

But Swansea general manager Mike Lewis confirmed that the deal is still on the table and looking good.

"We have been talking to Stein's agent this week," explained Lewis.

"We know exactly what he wants and I have those figures on my desk at the moment.

"Talks will continue, but it is unlikely that anything will be confirmed until John (Hollins) returns from America next week."

Swansea are desperate to sign a quality striker with Tony Bird having been released to sign for Jan Molby's Kidderminster and Julian Alsop refusing to sign a new contract.

It leaves the club with just two senior strikers in Steve Watkin, Walter Boyd and the inexperienced Tommy Mutton.

But Swansea face competition from former managers Micky Adams and Alan Cork at Brighton for Stein's signature.

"Stein is one player I have looked at and I have spoken to his agent," confirmed Adams. "But I have spoken to a lot of agents."

Meanwhile, Swansea's assistant manager Alan Curtis reckons Wigan will provide his side with the perfect gauge they need to start life in the Second Division.

The release of the new fixture list yesterday confirmed Wigan as the club to kick-off the new campaign at Vetch Field on August 12.

"It is going to be a good test for us," explained Curtis.

"They just missed out in the play-offs last season and have been big spenders in the past.

'It will be a good gauge for us to see how far we've come and what lies ahead for the rest of the Second Division season.

"But at least we are at home for our first game because that's what we were all hoping for," he added.

"The fixture list doesn't look that bad at all. In fact it looks far more appealing compared to last season's.

"There are teams there who we haven't played for a number of years, while the amount of travelling will be drastically reduced."

Swansea's season ticket sales continue to rise on the back of the new fixture list, with 1,300 having already been sold.

Swansea City will kick-off their Second Division campaign in front of their own fans at Vetch Field on Saturday, August 12.

Wigan, one of the pre-season favourites for promotion after just missing out in the play-offs last season, will provide the opposition.

Having opened their campaign with a defeat at York City last season, Swansea boss John Hollins will be pleased to see his side begin their new life in the Second Division with a packed house behind them.

Swansea have also picked up two Christmas dates at home with Walsall providing the opposition on Boxing Day and Brentford on December 30.

The Football League computer was far from kind to Swansea on New Years Day, however, with a long trip to Colchester, a side that just escaped the dreaded drop last season.

They will finish their League campaign with a home game against Cambridge on May 5.

But the presence of Bristol City, Bristol Rovers, Reading and Swindon will dramatically reduce the time Swansea spent on the road last season, along with trips to the likes of Brentford, Oxford, Luton and Walsall.

Swansea may have to rearrange some of their fixtures due to international commitments with Wales set to start their World Cup qualifying campaign in Belarus on September 2, the same day Bristol City are due to visit Vetch Field.

Wales's home game with Norway on October 7 clashes with their trip to Northampton, while Swansea are due to entertain Wrexham on the same March 24 day when Mark Hughes's side tackle Armenia away.

Swansea must have a minimum of three players on international duty to rearrange League fixtures. But with goalkeeper Roger Freestone expected to be part of the senior set-up and the likes of Stuart Roberts and Lee Jenkins fully integrated into the Under-21s, it will be an option for Hollins.

Swansea general manager Mike Lewis was also busy checking the dates of the Welsh international rugby programme today before contacting the Football League with proposed changes.

Fixtures 

August 

12 Wigan.................. (H) 
19 Brentford............ (A) 
26 Colchester........... (H) 
28 Peterborough..... (A) 

September 

2 Bristol City............ (H) 
9 Millwall................. (A) 
12 Notts County...... (A) 
16 Luton................... (H) 
23 Reading............... (A) 
30 Bury..................... (H) 

October 

7 Northampton ........ (A) 
14 Stoke................... (H) 
17 Swindon.............. (H) 
21 Wrexham............ (A) 
24 Rotherham.......... (A) 
28 Port Vale............. (H) 

November 

4 Oldham................. (A) 
11 Oxford Utd......... (H) 
25 Cambridge Utd... (A) 

December 

2 Bristol Rovers........ (H) 
16 Bournemouth..... (A) 
23 Wycombe............ (A) 
26 Walsall................. (H) 
30 Brentford............ (H) 

January 

1 Colchester............. (A) 
6 Wigan.................... (A) 
13 Peterborough..... (H) 
20 Walsall................ (A) 
27 Wycombe............ (H) 

February 

3 Bristol City............ (A) 
10 Millwall............... (H) 
17 Luton................... (A) 
20 Notts County...... (H) 
24 Reading............... (H) 

March 

3 Bury....................... (A) 
7 Stoke..................... (A) 
10 Northampton...... (H) 
17 Swindon.............. (A) 
24 Wrexham............ (H) 
31 Bournemouth ..... (H) 

April 

7 Bristol Rovers........ (A) 
14 Rotherham.......... (H) 
16 Port Vale.............. (A) 
21 Oldham............... (H) 
28 Oxford Utd.......... (A) 

May 

5 Cambridge Utd..... (H)

Walter Boyd is an official Swansea City player again after his new contract arrived from Jamaica today signed, sealed and delivered to Vetch Field for another season.

"It's great news for the club and the fans," confirmed Swansea general manager Mike Lewis. "It has come back from Jamaica quicker than we thought."

The contract will secure Boyd's services for another season as Swansea prepare to step up a level to the Second Division.

Now the club has to work through Jamaica's international programme to ensure manager John Hollins does not lose the striker for long periods next season.

Jamaica, who are without a coach following the resignation of Sebastiao Lazaroni yesterday due to "the lack of commitment of overseas-based players", have a heavy schedule of international dates. But Boyd's involvement, if selected, is likely to be limited to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

It is a difficult position for Boyd and Swansea as the striker needs to play in 75 per cent of Jamaican internationals to earn another work permit to return to Britain beyond next season.

Boyd did make his first summer appearance for Jamaica on Sunday against talented Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro, but he was sent off in the 68th minute after retaliating against a rash high challenge which caught him in the chest.

But now that Swansea have secured Boyd's signature, attention will turn fully to completing the deal which will keep defender Matthew Bound at the club.

Bound returned from a family holiday yesterday to confirm reports that he is ready to commit himself to Vetch Field for at least another two campaigns.

"The deal is 99 per cent complete," said Bound. "There are still a few minor details to finalise but I can't see any major stumbling blocks.

"There are no other clubs involved because I've given my word to Swansea.

"I'm not saying I haven't spoken to any other clubs, but I've always maintained that I want to stay at Swansea and I hope to sign the contract next week.

"I'm looking forward to pre-season training at the Army camp and all that the Second Division holds."

Meanwhile, season ticket sales continue to climb, with 1,200 having already been purchased.

The club had sold 875 this time last season from a record-breaking total of 2,067.

Swansea City will receive a cash windfall of around £660,000 from the new television deal struck between ITV, OnDigital and the Nationwide Football League.

The windfall, due to be pumped into Vetch Field the season after next, has been described as an "absolutely fantastic deal" by Swansea chairman Steve Hamer.

But Hamer warned that the club won't be "exploited" by greedy agents or players when the cash flows in.

"The League could not have squeezed any more out of the deal," declared Hamer. "It proves how much strength and pulling power football now has in this country.

"The good thing for the general public is that they will also be able to watch the game on terrestrial television again.

"Add to that the sponsorship benefits that go hand in hand with terrestrial television advertising and I think the Football League has struck an absolutely fantastic deal."

But Hamer warned agents and players looking to cash in on the deal:

"You can bet your bottom dollar that certain people within the system will see the golden egg and do their utmost to exploit it.

"It's human nature. But as a club you have to stand firm and not allow yourself to be stripped so bare that you run the risk of financial failure.

"What this deal will do is give a lot of clubs financial breathing space. It will give them time to catch up and get their house in order."

ITV and OnDigital paid £315million to secure the rights to Nationwide League football and the Worthington Cup for three years, starting in the 2001-2 season.

It is a deal worth four times the old package which cost ITV and BSkyB just £75million.

Each Division One club will receive around £3.3m — a massive amount until you compare it to the £30m each Premiership club will earn as part of the £1.64 billion deal with BSkyB and NTL.

Swansea, along with every other Division Two club, will receive around £660,000 per season, plus extra cash from pay-per- view revenue.

ITV will be showing 15 League games live, but the likelihood is that they will be Division One matches.

OnDigital, however, will show a minimum of 88 matches live, although how many of these will be Division Two games has yet to be confirmed.

In comparison, Division Three clubs will receive around £390,00 per year plus extra money from pay-per-view rights.

But Swansea could see themselves losing out on future FAW Premier Cup funds if the Football Association of Wales turn their back on the BBC and award their new TV deal to a German company.

After the BBC's loss of Match of the Day, the corporation's Welsh operation is on the brink of losing the rights to screen home internationals.

The FAW meet tomorrow for a crucial full council meeting that will decide whether to accept a commercial committee decision to reject BBC Wales's £1.1million three-year offer to broadcast home internationals.