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Press cuttings |
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Saturday, November 16, 2002 Swans need good FA Cup run |
| Western Mail SWANSEA CITY face York in the first round of the FA Cup today knowing the financial incentives are not the only reason for a good run in this year's competition. While the Swans could desperately do with a decent cup adventure to swell their near-empty coffers, director of football Brian Flynn believes the benefits it could bring on the pitch are just as important. Managers often espouse the positive effects a lengthy FA Cup run can have on league form but Flynn is convinced a successful cup campaign really can play a part in lifting Swansea out of trouble in the Third Division. "I'm in no doubt that if we can have a good cup run it could help us in the league," said the former Wrexham manager. "It psyches up the fans, gives them a massive lift and that rubs off on the players. "I remember going to the Vetch in 1964 when I was a little lad and watching a cup run that included matches against Sheffield United and Liverpool. "The place was buzzing - I remember it to this day. That's what we need again. Create that kind of feeling and our whole season could take off." Flynn said Wrexham's famous FA Cup victories over Arsenal, Middlesbrough and West Ham invariably rubbed off on their league fortunes. "Those victories helped Wrexham in the league and we can do that at Swansea," he said. "Imagine the effect of playing against - or beating - a team like Arsenal. "That's why I want us to do well in the FA Cup. I want us to dream about getting a plum draw in the third round. "You never forget the big occasions. I'll never forget Wrexham's victory against Arsenal. "Swansea have caused a few upsets of their own in recent years and I'd love to add another memory." The Port Talbot-born manager said he was able to trade off the reputation he established as a cup giant-killer during his 12 years at the Racecourse. "It was nice to be classed as a giant-killer," said Flynn. "Once you get that reputation when you do play in the FA Cup there is a fear element. "I love the competition and the message to the players is that they too should enjoy it. "In the league you can only look one game ahead but in the cup you can look ahead and dream about a third round tie against Manchester United or Chelsea." But despite the inevitable cliches about league form going out the window, the odds are stacked against Swansea winning at Bootham Crescent today. Bottom of Division Three after winning only three games this season, the Swans have yet to win on their travels while York - who collected a 2-1 league victory at the Vetch in August - have prospered at home. "It may be a cliche but league form and status don't have an effect on the cup," said Flynn. "Sure York is a tough draw for us and we would have preferred a home tie. "But in the 1991-92 season Wrexham had Winsford in the first round and Telford in the second round. Those were two tough matches but then we had the plum draw of Arsenal in the third round. "That's what we must focus on - the prospect of playing a big Premiership club in January." Swansea, who will be happy to repeat their magnificent start to last year's competition, when they thumped Queens Park Rangers 4-0 in the first round, have named a 17-man squad. Flynn will have to make at least three changes to the side that beat Macclesfield Town 1-0 last weekend. Lee Jenkins is missing with a gashed calf, Paul Reid suffered a torn hamstring in training in midweek and on-loan midfielder Brian Cash has returned to Nottingham Forest. Matt Murphy, who scored the winner as a striker against Macclesfield, could slot back into mid-field while John Williams is tipped to take Cash's place on the wing. One of the two youngsters travelling to York - Antonio Corbisiero and Jamie Rewbury - will definitely be involved. |
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Friday, November 15, 2002 Nogan looks to cup run for York |
| Western Mail FORMER Wales striker Lee Nogan hopes York City can trigger another FA Cup run tomorrow at Swansea City's expense. Last season York landed a lucrative fourth-round tie against Premiership Fulham after disposing of Second Division sides Colchester United and Reading and First Division Grimsby Town. Swansea - grateful for a respite from their wretched league campaign - travel to Bootham Crescent in the first round of this year's competition desperate for a money-spinning cup adventure of their own. But Cardiff-born Nogan is confident the Minstermen can sweep aside the struggling Swans tomorrow and march towards another possible plum tie. "We had an enjoyable run last year," said Nogan, who won two Wales caps - against Austria in 1992 and Moldova four years later. "We beat three teams from higher divisions on the way and then Fulham beat us 2-0 in the fourth round without over-running us. "It would be fantastic to start another run like that by beating Swansea. "It's going to be a tough game. The Swans are struggling in Division Three, but league form goes out the window in the FACup. "However, we must be favourites to win as our home form is reasonably good and Swansea haven't won away." Having played for 11 different clubs in his 15-year career, Nogan has done battle with the Swans on dozens of league and cup occasions. But the 33-year-old striker, who moved to York from Luton in February 2001, said playing Swansea was "just another game." "I'm always asked whether its extra special to play the Swans because they're a Welsh side, and the answer is `No, not really,'" said Nogan, whose counts Oxford, Watford, Reading and Darlington among his former clubs. "It's special to come up against Cardiff because it's my home-town club, but when York play Swansea it's just another game." Nogan, whose brother (former Bluebirds striker) Kurt has recently retired through injury, added, "I used to enjoy going to Cardiff-Swansea derby games, though I didn't hate the Swans when I was growing up in Cardiff." He is expected to return to the starting line-up tomorrow as York's on-loan strikers Michael Reddy (Sunderland) and Lee Cook (Watford) are not available because their clubs don't want them cup-tied. With midfielder Paul Reid and defender Lee Jenkins ruled out, Swansea boss Brian Flynn has drafted youngsters Antonio Corbisiero and Jamie Rewbury into the squad. |
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Thursday, November 14, 2002 WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT? |
| Evening Post
Brian Flynn probably has enough on his plate without having to concentrate too hard when he's writing his programme notes. |
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Wednesday, November 13, 2002 KEAVENY: I DIDN'T GET FAIR CHANCE |
| Evening Post
Departed striker Jonathan Keaveny believes he was not given a fair crack of the whip by Swansea City. |
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Wednesday, November 13, 2002 Cusack returns to Vetch as trio depart |
| Western Mail NICK CUSACK made an unexpected return to the Vetch yesterday to oversee the departure of three Swansea City players he brought to the club only six months ago. Goalkeeper Andrew Marsh, midfielder Michael Jackson and striker Jonathan Keaveny - all of whom arrived on one-year deals in May - have agreed to have their contracts terminated. The trio have made only a handful of first-team appearances between them this season and director of football Brian Flynn said their exit would pave the way for the arrival of new players. Cusack, who was sacked as play-er-coach in September, hailed the players as exciting prospects when he brought them to Swansea. But events took a humiliating twist yesterday when he was tasked with ensuring they had a smooth departure from the Vetch as part of his new full-time role with the Professional Footballers' Association. "When a club offers to terminate a player's contract, they need the best advice and I was in a position to offer them that," said Cusack. "It was my job to make sure everything was done within Football League arrangements. "The club has been fine about it. An amicable settlement has been reached and everything has gone through as planned." But Cusack will doubtless feel a sense of embarrassment that the trio have had to leave Swansea so soon after he signed them. Flynn has made no secret that he inherited a squad he would not necessarily have assembled himself, and yesterday's developments further cloud Cusack's judgment during his six-month spell in charge. "The simple fact is these things happen when you're a young player," said Cusack. "I don't want to go into specifics about the players in question, but the PFA is there to advise them and offer them whatever assistance they need for the future." Jackson arrived from Cheltenham Town after impressing Cusack during a trial match last season, but has made just two substitute appearances for Swansea. Keaveny completed a meteoric 12-month rise from Swansea League to Football League, but the Swansea-born striker has failed to score in nine appearances. And former Liverpool trainee Marsh was seen as a long-term replacement for Roger Freestone when signed from Pontardawe. The 18-year-old, though, has been restricted to just a handful of appearances on the subs' bench. "I felt that these three players were not going to play a part in our short-term plans," said Flynn. Meanwhile, on-loan midfielder Brian Cash has returned to Nottingham Forest as the First Division club do not want him cup-tied. |
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Tuesday, November 12, 2002 Swansea release trio |
| BBC Online Three Swansea City have agreed to have their contracts terminated, BBC Wales Sport understands. A club source has confirmed that John Keaveney, Michael Jackson and Andrew Marsh were asked on Monday to leave the club before the end of their one year contracts. It appears the trio have consented and the club will make an announcement later on Tuesday. All three were signed an a short term contract at the beginning of the season by then current player-manager Nick Cusack. But neither of the them have managed to cement a regular first team place. Keaveney has started four matches and made five substitute appearances; Jackson has only made two substitute appearances and Marsh has not played at all. The decision to release the players, however, cannot be considered as a cost cutting exercise because they are not some of the club's big earners. This could be part of a process of bringing other players to the squad as director of football Brian Flynn tries to lift Swansea from the bottom of Division Three. No new faces, however, are expected to arrive at the Vetch before Saturday's first round FA Cup tie at York.
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Tuesday, November 12, 2002 Jones out of U-19 squad |
| Western Mail SWANSEA CITY teenager Stuart Jones has been withdrawn from Wales Under-19 duty following fresh injury problems at the Vetch. Lee Jenkins has been ruled out of Saturday's FA Cup first round trip to York after picking up a calf injury during the 1-0 home win over Macclesfield last weekend. The Newport-born midfielder was raked along the length of the calf in the opening 10 minutes and did not re-appear for the second half after having seven stitches, which will remain in place for the next week or so. Jenkins now hopes to be fit for the league trip to Scunthorpe United on November 23, although his participation there is also in doubt. With Jenkins joining Neil Sharp on the Swans' casualty list, manager Brian Flynn has decided to withdraw 18-year-old Jones from a Uefa mini-tournament in Northern Ireland over the next 10 days. "The decision was only made after long discussions between Neville (Southall, U19 manager) and myself, where I explained Stuart was required by the club," Flynn told Swansea's official web-site. "In fairness to Neville and the FAW they fully appreciate our position and they realise it was not a decision that I've made lightly. "I believe strongly that playing for your country is a huge honour and I will always encourage my players to make the most of it when they are called up. "However, Stuart is needed here at the Vetch. Whilst he is disappointed to miss the trip, he has already represented his country and I have no doubt that he will do so again in the future. He fully understands that he has a vital part to play in the FA Cup game and he is looking forward to it. " The former Manchester United trainee made his first-team debut in the 2-1 LDV Vans Trophy defeat at Stevenage last month with his league debut coming in the 2-2 draw at Carlisle four days later. Having missed the following two games Jones was once again in the starting lineup against Macclesfield on Saturday. Jones's Swansea team-mates Simon Cole, Geraint Frowen and Mark Pritchard will meet up with the Welsh squad in Chester today. Wales are due to play Hungary (November 16), Northern Ireland (November 18) and Andorra (November 20) in the Uefa mini-tournament. |
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Monday, November 11, 2002 Murphy lifts Swans with late winner |
| Western Mail IT was hard to tell who was most relieved after Matt Murphy had secured Swansea City three precious points in their fight to avoid relegation. Murphy's 84th-minute winner eased the pressure on Swans director of football Brian Flynn, who has tasted only one other victory since taking charge in mid-September. Swansea closed the three-point gap on Boston United and, though the performance was far from vintage, provided supporters with some compensation for the dreadful 4-0 annihilation at the hands of Kidderminster and a run of four games without a win. But perhaps most relieved off all was Murphy himself who, by his own admission, has struggled to make a big impression since arriving from Bury in the summer. To the bemusement of the fans - and doubtless the three strikers kicking their heels on the substitutes' bench - Flynn played the midfielder up front alongside James Thomas. It was a bold move, but one that paid off as Murphy - given his chance after impressing Flynn during training - headed home a Michael Howard cross for his first Swansea goal. "If the manager feels I can do a job up front, I'm happy with that and I'll try and score a few more goals," said the 31-year-old after making his first start since the 1-0 defeat at Boston on September 18. "Whether I was in midfield or up front, I was just pleased to be on the pitch. I was in the side from the start of the season, but things changed a bit after Nick Cusack left. "Brian came in with different ideas and it looked like I wasn't a part of that. "But after coming in and scoring against Macclesfield, I've hopefully done enough to keep my place. What I want more than anything is a run in the side." Murphy will probably start in the FA Cup clash at York on Saturday, though Swansea would probably prefer another league match to build some momentum after this crucial victory. Until Murphy popped up six minutes from the end, though, it seemed the Swans would have to settle for a point which would have been deemed a poor result. It was a match Swansea had to win to avoid being cast further adrift at the foot of the division. Not only that, Macclesfield were no great shakes and these are the sort of games in which the Swans cannot afford to slip up. The Silkmen were there for the taking in the first half, but Swansea were unable to capitalise on mistakes the visitors were making at the back. Instead, Macclesfield came closest to taking a half-time lead when former Swans trainee Karl Munroe raced through a gaping hole in the home side's defence, but he ended by ballooning his effort over the crossbar. Goalkeeper Roger Freestone then kept the Swans in the match by producing a fantastic fingertip save from Danny Whitaker's close-range header. Freestone was at his best again in the 63rd minute, instinctively palming Matthew Tipton's 18-yard effort out for a corner. There was a greater urgency about Swansea's second-half play, but, as the minutes ticked away, it seemed Flynn's men were heading for a less-than-satisfactory stalemate. However, a mistake by Macclesfield goalkeeper Steve Wilson led to the breakthrough -and, for the first time since September 11, someone other than Thomas getting on the scoresheet. Wilson unwisely rolled the ball out to right wing-back Steve Hitchen, who was immediately placed under pressure by Howard. Hitchen's hurried back-pass was too short and Howard made an exquisite interception with a sliding tackle on Wilson before crossing for Murphy to head in at the far post. "It was a good finish by Matt, but he still had to get there," said Flynn. "And credit to Michael who supplied a great cross after taking a bit of a gamble against the `keeper." After a week dominated by revelations about the club's dire financial problems, this was a result that helped lift spirits. Perhaps it will also lift the attendance for the next game at the Vetch given only 3,526 were there on Saturday - despite the midweek rallying cry to the masses of stay-away supporters. On the pitch, Swansea must wait until Saturday week - when they travel to Scunthorpe United - before getting the chance to move off the bottom of Division Three. "Only time will tell whether this is the start of something," said Flynn. "But it was vitally important that we got the win. "The players showed the kind of grit and determination that we're going to need in the months to come." |
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Monday, November 11, 2002 Ekland denies Vetch rescue package plans |
| Western Mail SWEDISH businessman Bo Ekland has dismissed speculation he is preparing a multi-million pound rescue package for cash-starved Swansea City. Ekland - the brother of film star Britt - made another appearance at the Vetch to watch Saturday's 1-0 victory over Macclesfield Town amid rumours he is ready to launch a takeover bid. The property developer has offered to help the struggling Third Division club, but said supporters would be mistaken for believing he was able to offer a massive cash injection. "I want to make it clear that I have not got millions of pounds to invest in Swansea," he said. "I don't want people to think I'm some sort of knight riding in on a horse to save the club. "I've been a supporter of the club for six or seven years - usually standing on the North Bank - and, given the current results, I will help out if I can. "But as I said, I do not have millions at my disposal." Ekland said he met the club's board of directors earlier in the year, though he did not disclose details of the meeting. The five-man board that took control at the Vetch after the catastrophic Tony Petty era maintained recently that they would stand aside if a suitable investor came in. The urgent need for investment was underlined last week when Swansea revealed losses of £10,000 a week because of poor attendances at the Vetch and a colossal £1.1m wage bill. With Ekland taking a vague stance on how he would like to help out, it remains to be seen whether the businessman will form any sort of consortium to bail the club out of its financial crisis. But he said, "Is chucking money at the club the answer to all of its problems? "If you've got a headache, you take a tablet but that doesn't necessarily stop the headache coming back. "I think you need to analyse the whole situation and I'm sure the board of directors are doing that. "And, generally speaking, it (rescuing a football club) is not a one-man job. Everyone needs to do what they can to help." Meanwhile, the total raised by Swansea City Supporters Trust for the loan players survival fund last night stood at almost £5,000. The aim is to raise at least £375 per week over a three-month period and that received a major boost on Saturday when £2,500 was collected at the Macclesfield game. |
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Sunday, November 10, 2002 We will survive - Flynn |
| Western Mail BRIAN FLYNN has explained how he will draw on his bottom-of-the-League Mission Impossible experience with Wrexham to lead Swansea City out of their relegation crisis. In his most candid interview yet since becoming Swans manager, Flynn: EXPLAINED how he rescued Wrexham, who were six points adrift at the bottom when he first became manager. STRESSED he was in the football battle of his career at The Vetch. DECLARED finishing 22nd this season had to be regarded as major success for the Swans. DENIED the directors had covered up the true extent of the finances from him before luring him as manager. DISMISSED mounting talk he might go at Christmas by insisting he would see the job through. The one thing Flynn would not do was criticise the clearly inadequate squad he inherited from predecessor Nick Cusack, who spent the summer drafting in many questionable new signings. "I would rather avoid going down that road out of respect for the previous manager," explained Flynn. "He was a young manager trying to make a name in the game and kickstart a managerial career. "It's a question you need to ask the Board of Directors." But Flynn - despite being a diplomat - did acknowledge the extent of the Swans's problems. "The League table doesn't tell fibs. The team is bottom for a reason," he said. "We have a huge relegation fight on our hands and, in those circumstances, normal rules don't apply. "But, tough though it will be, I am confident we will be okay. "What we need to do this season is achievable - and that means finishing 22nd in the League, even though we will obviously aim higher." To that end, Flynn says he will draw on his experience of the 1989-90 season, when he first became a manager. When he was appointed Wrexham boss - almost 13 years ago to the day in November 1990 - the Robins were 92nd and rock-bottom of the League. His side failed to win their first eight games. It took until January to turn the tide, but even with 15 games to go, Wrexham were six points adrift at the bottom. "And in those days, remember, it was only two points for a win," said Flynn. "But we put a run together and eventually finished fourth from bottom. "We preserved Wrexham's Football League status when at one stage it looked very bleak. "Six points was a huge gap at the time, particularly with games running out. "But I kept telling my Wrexham players we would get out of it and we did. "That's what I will be telling my Swans players. We too will get out of it, but we might have to be realistic by setting our sights on 22nd place. "Obviously that time with Wrexham will hold me in good stead. Back then a relegation fight was new to me. This time it is not - I know what's needed and how to keep spirits up. "That is so important because when you're dragged down into a relegation fight, with Football League existence at stake, normal rules simply don't apply. "It's a scrap, but what is important is that the players keep believing what we are trying to instil into them in training, keep playing their football. "Do that and it will come right." The good news for Swans fans is that Flynn soon turned things around at the Racecourse. Ironically, the following season, 1990-91, his team finished bottom. But Flynn knew no side was to be relegated that season, so used the year to throw in his youngsters for Football League experience. The following year those youngsters helped Wrexham beat champions Arsenal in the FA Cup. The season after that, Wrexham were promoted and had almost a decade in Division Two under Flynn. But will Flynn hang around to turn things at the Vetch, too? "Yes," he states, denying mounting speculation that he was unhappy with the directors for being less than candid with him about the true state of the club's perilous finances. "They have been quite honest with me. I know exactly where we stand," insisted Flynn. "We do need new signings, but I accept I'm working within a limited transfer market. "We need players to help us keep clean sheets because otherwise there is too much pressure on the front men to score goals - and we also need other players to score goals to ease pressure on the front men that way. "But I can't pretend things are worse than I anticipated. Better to say they are as bad as I anticipated prior to coming in." Flynn stressed: "I'm not happy with us being down at the bottom, but I'm certainly not disillusioned. "I've always argued this is a task that will take time and my plan is to be around for that. "It's important for the players, too, because one of the frustrating things for them has been a constant change of manager. "They need to get accustomed to the man in charge and his way of doing things. "Only then can they, in turn, feel comfortable on the pitch and produce the results which are needed to get this club out of trouble." |
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Sunday, November 10, 2002 Bottoms up for Flynn's winners |
| Western Mail IF SWANSEA CITY are to climb out of trouble this season then Brian Flynn has admitted that these are the type of games that they are going to have to win. Macclesfield were the first team since AFC Bournemouth on August 24 to visit the Vetch who were not in the top six and there was genuine feeling among the Swansea faithful that three points could come their way. And a late goal from Matt Murphy secured a valuable win for Brian Flynn's side although they still stay bottom on goal difference. It was Murphy's second goal of the season and he won't score many that are more important. A defeat yesterday would have been a disaster for Swansea City but for once lady luck was smiling down on the Vetch Field. But the stark reality is that only two superb saves from veteran goalkeeper Roger Freestone secured a win for the Swans. Brian Flynn won't care though, and nor will the 3,500-odd Swansea City supporters who braved the weather to cheer on their side. The Silkmen could and probably should have won this game. But a mix of poor finishing and great goalkeeping meant that they made the trip back to Cheshire empty handed. Freestone has had his critics this season and at times have looked passed his best. A combination of back and ankle injuries last summer looked to have taken their toll on the 34-year-old shot-stopper. But his performance was faultless and Flynn will be more than thankful for Freestone's contribution. This was Swansea's third win of the season and kept them in touch with the teams around them. Flynn made three changes to the side that lost to Cambridge last week. Matt Murphy was employed as a makeshift striker replacing Jamie Wood. Eighteen-year-old Stuart Jones replaced Leigh De-Vulgt and Paul Reid came in for Welsh Under-21 star Andrew Mumford. Many raised a few eyebrows at the decision to employ Murphy as a makeshift striker but his late goal fully justified Flynn's tactics. Swansea started the stronger and the normally reliant James Thomas could have scored his side's first goal of the afternoon. But his shot from a tight angle was straight at Steve Wilson. On the half hour, the visitors looked to have taken the lead when Karl Munroe latched onto Steve Hitchen's through-ball. But Munroe's chip from fully 25-yards out sailed inches wide of Freestone's left-hand post. Moments before the break Macclesfield looked certain to take the lead. Danny Whittaker headed a Matthew Tipton cross towards the top corner of the net but out of nowhere, Freestone somehow managed to tip the ball round the post for a corner. On the hour, it was the same story as Freestone again somehow managed to tip a Matthew Tipton half volley over the bar when it seemed destined for the back of the net. Seconds later Karl Munroe found himself one-on-one with the veteran shot-stopper but he sliced his shot into the arms of the 34-year-old. Macclesfield had further chances to take the lead but they just couldn't find the back of the net. With seven minutes left, it looked as if the game was heading for a draw but Macclesfield goalkeeper Steve Wilson made a mess of a back-pass and Michael Howard robbed him of the ball on the by-line. His floated cross was met by Murphy, who, at full stretch headed into an empty net to give Swansea a 1-0 lead which they held until the final whistle. |
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