Savo back tomorrow -- Swans Fans Messageboard

[ Show ]

Support VoyForums

[ Shrink ]

VoyForums Announcement: Programming and providing support for this service has been a labor of love since 1997. We are one of the few services online who values our users' privacy, and have never sold your information. We have even fought hard to defend your privacy in legal cases; however, we've done it with almost no financial support -- paying out of pocket to continue providing the service. Due to the issues imposed on us by advertisers, we also stopped hosting most ads on the forums many years ago. We hope you appreciate our efforts.

Show your support by donating any amount. (Note: We are still technically a for-profit company, so your contribution is not tax-deductible.) PayPal Acct: Feedback:

Donate to VoyForums (PayPal):

[ Login ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: 1 ]

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Date Posted: 12:56:45 16/03/01 Fri
Author: Tickle my Top
Subject:

Savo back tomorrow

Press cuttings
Friday 16th March 2001
Striker ready for comeback
Teamtalk
John Hollins should be able to welcome back leading scorer Giovanni Savarese for Saturday's crunch relegation battle at Swindon Town.

The Venezuelan has been ruled out through concussion he picked up at Bury a fortnight ago, but he said: "I feel much better.

I've been training with the team this week - I should definitely be OK for Saturday."

Meanwhile, centre-back Kris O'Leary has been doing some light training today on his groin injury, but will have further checks before the weekend, although fellow defender Jason Smith is still out after re-spraining his ankle at Stoke last week.

Teenager Kris Todd filled in for him at home to Northampton last Saturday before himself injuring his groin in the FAW Premier Cup quarter-final over Carmarthen at the Vetch on Tuesday - he'll again have another fitness test before Swindon.

Swans issue warning following reports

The Swans have issued a strong warning following reports that spectators were seen handing out racist literature during the Northampton game.

The club have stressed that they cannot and will not condone or tolerate that kind of behaviour, and that any action possible will be taken to eliminate it.

They say that any supporter in future found in possession of such literature will be ejected from the ground, banned for life, and all their offensive material handed over to the police.

Supporters are asked that if they see anyone behaving in such a manner, they should report it to the nearest available steward for the necessary action to be taken.

Friday 16th March 2001
Appleby on comeback trail
Teamtalk
Swans winger Richie Appleby is finally ready to step up his training after a nightmare injury-riddled 18 months.

The youngster has been on the sidelines regularly for the past 18 months, and has seen two attempted comebacks end in a recurrence of his injury, which is described by Appleby as: "a torn ligament under the arch of the foot."

However, following two spells in plaster and a lot of hard work with the club's physiotherapist, Appleby is beginning to feel more confident about a return to action, although he concedes it will not be for some time yet.

"I picked up the original injury over two years ago, but I carried on playing, by taking injections to relieve the swelling and pain. In hindsight, that was the wrong thing to do," he explained to the club's official website.

"I have stepped up my training regime, and I'm out of the treatment room. However, I'm nowhere near full fitness yet. I have a lot of hard work ahead of me, but one thing I have to be sure of is that I make sure I return to action when I'm 100% ready.

"A repeat of the other times will be a disaster," he admitted. "I might make it this season, but I won't rush it. I will definitely be there next season."

Thursday 15th March 2001
Boss happy with Cup win
Teamtalk
The Swans left it late to see off League of Wales side Camarthen 1-0 and move through to the semi-finals of the FAW Premier Cup.

It was seven minutes from the end of extra time when substitute Matthias Verschave scored the only goal of the game, but John Hollins was pleased with the result and said: "Really, it could have been anybody who got it. We were applying pressure on them throughout the game, and we had some very good chances.

"I'm glad it didn't go to penalties as I'm always happy to win a game during open play, but I was never really worried that we were going to lose it. I knew it would always be a difficult game, Camarthen battled well, like I expected."

Hollins was also delighted with the performance of winger Jonathan Coates, who played his first senior 90 minutes since picking up serious ligament damage at Rotherham in October.

"He showed some great touches - got stronger as the game went on and was unlucky not to score a goal.

"That's our unbeaten run up to four games now - let's make sure we extend that at Swindon in the League on Saturday."

Wednesday 14th March 2001
'All right on night' Swans are back to old ways, says Hollins
By Gareth Vincent - Evening Post
JOHN Hollins felt his Swansea City side had returned to their "old ways" after a 1-0 victory over Carmarthen Town sent them into the semi-finals of the FAW Premier Cup.

Matthias Verschave's extra-time goal settled the Vetch Field clash as fears of a repeat of last season's quarter-final exit against Caernarfon Town grew.

The win extended Swansea City's unbeaten run to four games � good news ahead of Saturday's relegation crunch game with Swindon Town.

"We've kept a clean sheet and won 1-0. We are back to our old ways again," said Hollins. Perhaps our luck is starting to change.

"I said it was going to be a hard game. We had quite a few chances and a lot of ball which at times we did not use to our advantage.We could have wrapped it up earlier, but overall it was a good game."

The Swansea boss said he was especially pleased with Jonathan Coates on his return from a long injury lay-off, though Swansea lost Chris Todd to a groin strain.

But a satisfied Hollins looked forward to the trip to the weekend trip to the County Ground with confidence.

"Swindon here we come," he said. "If we create as many chances as we had against Carmarthen then I think we will be all right. I know we will be all right."

Meanwhile, Swansea youngster Gareth Phillips has been added to the Wales under-21 squad for the games against Armenia and Ukraine later this month.

The 21-year-old joins club-mates Stuart Roberts and Lee Jenkins in the party.

Another young Swan, keeper Jason Jones, has been given a one-match ban following his sending-off at Bury earlier this month.

Jones will miss Saturday's trip up the M4, meaning a probable recall to the substitutes' bench for 18-year-old Alex Davies.

Wednesday 14th March 2001
FAW PREMIER CUP: Carmarthen push professional outfit all the way
By Gareth Vincent - Evening Post
SUBSTITUTE Matthias Verschave saved Swansea City's blushes for a second time in this season's FAW Premier Cup and sent John Hollins's side into the semi-finals of the competition.

The French striker's extra-time winner was deserved after Swansea had dominated the game for long periods.

But the 1-0 scoreline was a little tough on League of Wales high-flyers Carmarthen Town after they had kept out their Nationwide Second Division opponents for so long.

In a game billed as their biggest ever, Tomi Morgan's side acquitted themselves well, and the back three of Neil O'Brien, Wyn Thomas and ex-Swan David Barnhouse were outstanding.

Swansea did not exactly turn on the style in front of the live BBC cameras, and failed to create enough in the final third of the field to break the visitors down until the 113th minute.

And when the breakthrough finally came, it could not have been much scrappier.

Michael Keegan curled in a long free kick from the right-hand side and Nick Cusack, who had replaced the injured Chris Todd at half-time, managed to head the ball down into the danger area.

Then followed an almighty scramble, and with bodies flying everywhere, Verschave managed to poke the ball past Town keeper Robert Fitzgerald from close range.

It was the Paris St Germain loan star's first touch and his second goal since arriving at Vetch Field last month. His other strike was a 95th-minute winner on his debut against Connah's Quay Nomads.

So the lottery of a penalty shoot-out was avoided, and Hollins must have been mighty relieved after his side had enjoyed so much possession.

Carmarthen did come very close to breaking the deadlock themselves on 64 minutes.

Left-back Wayne Jones, who had been given a torrid time by Stuart Roberts in the first half, sent a fine cross into the Swansea box.

The impressive Sion Meredith flung himself at the ball but his header was too close to Jason Jones and the young Swans keeper saved.

Before that chance the underdogs had been very much in the game, but they did not threaten again in the match.

Walter Boyd, Michael Keegan and Steve Watkin all had half-chances for Swansea in normal time, as did Jonathan Coates.

The midfielder had an excellent game considering it was his first since last October.

Coates lasted until the 99th minute and his best effort actually came in extra-time.

He played a one-two with Lee Jenkins and drove a fierce shot from 25 yards which was well parried by Fitzgerald.

The best opportunities in the added period, though, fell to Jamaican international Boyd.

First, he failed to get enough of his red boot on a 95th minute Jenkins cross and the ball trickled past the post.

Minutes later, his nimble footwork created an opening in the Carmarthen penalty area but his shot came back off the crossbar.

But because of all their chances, Swansea were good value for their late winner.

They go into the last four of a lucrative competition, but perhaps more importantly with the league in mind, their unbeaten run has been extended to four games.

nIn last night's other quarter-final tie, Wrexham beat Aberystwyth 3-0 at the Racecourse. The two remaining quarter-final ties are Cardiff v Merthyr (March 20) and Barry v TNS (to be arranged).

Wednesday 14th March 2001
Swans thank French sub
Western Mail
Swansea had to thank a Frenchman for steering them into the semi-finals of the FAW Cup for the first time.

There were just seven minutes left in extra time when Matthias Verschave stabbed home the winner to end Carmarthen�s brave resistance and avoid the dreaded penalty shoot out.

The stocky striker had only been on the pitch two minutes when he emerged from a packed goalmouth to score the goal with his first touch which earned Swansea �20,000.

Verschave, on loan from Paris St Germain has clearly taken to the domestic competition after scoring the winner on his debut in a group game against Connah�s Quay

But while Swansea take their place alongside favourites Wrexham in the last four, Tomi Morgan�s team can reflect on what might have been had they scored from the best chance of the match in normal time.

Left back Wayne Jones floated a cross to the far post but the diving Sion Meredith directed his close-range header straight at Jason Jones

Carmarthen, for all their industry and enterprise, never came as close again while Swansea peppered the overworked Robert Fitzgerald.

The busy Carmarthen goalkeeper produced critical saves to deny Steve Watkin and Michael Keegan before pulling off a two-handed catch late on to keep out Walter Boyd�s free-kick and send the match into overtime.

Boyd struck the bar in extra time but just when it looked as if Carmarthen�s stout defence had earned the right to a penalty shoot-out, Verschave popped up to ruin the script.

Tuesday 13th March 2001
Carmarthen out to do a 'Wycombe'
By Gareth Vincent - Evening Post
CARMARTHEN Town manager Tomi Morgan has played down his side's chances of doing a Wycombe Wanderers in tonight's FAW Premier Cup quarter-final tie with Swansea City at Vetch Field (6.55pm).

Morgan insisted his players would give their all in the local derby clash, but did not expect them to surprise the Swans as Lawrie Sanchez's side did Leicester in the FA Cup last weekend.

"Wycombe showed that cup upsets do happen now and again, but I can't see one coming tonight," said Morgan.

"Swansea picked up a good result at Stoke and then against Northampton and they are strong favourites to give us a hammering. On paper, we have got no chance."

Carmarthen's trip to Vetch Field was the dream draw for the Richmond Park club, with many of their players and supporters having links with Swansea.

"It is what our fans wanted because a lot of them follow the Swans as well as Carmarthen," Morgan said.

"A lot of our players live in Swansea so it is nice for them too. It is almost like a home game for us."

Morgan's side come into tonight's game on the back of a 2-1 League of Wales defeat away at Rhyl last Saturday, but despite that setback they remain third in the table.

"We have been playing quite well and our main aim in the FAW Cup was to reach the quarter-finals, which we have achieved," added Morgan.

"The competition is a nice bonus and there's a lot of money at stake. We are looking forward to the game."

Morgan will be without new-boy Chris Summers who is cup-tied. The striker has scored five goals in six games since joining from Cwmbran Town. The suspended Shaun Chapple will also miss out.

For Swansea, Jonathan Coates may finally return after suffering knee ligament damage back in October, but Kris O'Leary and Giovanni Savarese are still out.

"We will pick a strong side which we think can win the game, which of course we want to do," said Swansea boss John Hollins.

"This competition is important to the club financially, and every game helps in terms of boosting the way we are playing. We do not want to upset the good run we have started."

Swansea will receive �11,500 because tonight's game will be screened live on BBC TV.

If they win, they will earn a further �20,000 for reaching the semi-final stage. The eventual winners receive a cheque for �100,000.

Meanwhile, the Swans' league derby with Wrexham on Saturday, March 24 has been postponed due to international call-ups.

While Roger Freestone is in the full Wales squad, youngsters Lee Jenkins and Stuart Roberts have been selected for the under-21s and Giovanni Savarese will face Argentina with Venezuela.

Swansea now have no game next week after the midweek visit of Brentford was also postponed because of the Bees' LDV Vans Trophy commitments.

Monday 12th March 2001
We can beat drop - Hollins
By Phil Dillon - Evening Post
IT'S not over yet. Those were the defiant words from Swansea City boss John Hollins.

The manager is still confident his side beating the drop to the Third Division despite seeing the gap to safety open to 10 points after Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Northampton.

Swansea dominated the match and should have added to Steve Watkin's cool strike and gone on to win the game, but for all their pressure they lacked that crucial killer touch and could only get a point.

"It was disappointing not to win," said Hollins.

"But we are unbeaten in three games this week. There is definitely a turning point there.

"It's not over yet but we have to make things happen and turn these one points into all three."

Hollins was hit by more injuries before kick-off on Saturday but had no hesitation in throwing in youngster Chris Todd who responded superbly to take the man-of-the-match award.

The boss knew the 19-year-old was playing the night before but did not tell him until Saturday to lessen the shock.

Todd is the latest of a number of youngsters to make his debut this season.

"We had injuries to three important players this week but we have a good youth system and Chris Todd is just another good young player to come through."

Welsh legend John Charles was in the stand on Saturday alongside brother Mel and Cliff Jones.

He was impressed with the spirit that Swansea showed but said they missed top scorer Giovanni Savarese who was out with concussion.

"I was jumping up in the stand and nodding in all the good crosses," said Charles.

"They definitely missed their striker and I think if he had played they would have gone on to win. It is sad to see Swansea in this predicament but if they show this spirit and get the striker back to score goals they might do it.

"It would be nice to see all three Welsh clubs in the same division."

Meanwhile, Ugo Vallerio is organising the trip to Swindon next Saturday. The cost will be �9, for tickets contact Ugo on 01792 413423 with the bus leaving Morriston at 10.5am and Swansea at 10.30am.

Monday 12th March 2001
Legend Charles Kicks And Heads Every Home-town Swans Chance
By Karl Woodward - Western Mail
JOHN CHARLES was hoping for a Swansea City victory to complete his memorable three-day stay in Wales.

But they could manage only a 1-l Vetch Field draw, watched by the Gentle Giant, brother Mel and other Welsh legends Cliff Jones, Mel Nurse and Leighton James.

�It saddens me to see my home-town club in such a predicament,� said Charles, proud to be voted the greatest Welsh footballer of all time at Friday night�s Welsh Sports Hall of Fame dinner to mark the 125th anniversary of the Welsh FA.

�Swansea has produced many outstanding players over the years. As a boy, before I began my career here, I used to come and see them play whenever I could. They were always a good Second Division side.

�I couldn�t afford to pay to watch them, but the club let me in for nowt in return for putting up the half-time scores. I took my own ladder and used it to hang the half-time scores on hooks on the side of the stand, coinciding with club numbers in the programme.� Leeds-based Charles saw the Swans create enough chances to have beaten Northampton.

�I was heading and kicking every ball when we had scoring opportunities,� he said. �It�s a shame top scorer Giovanni Savarese wasn�t fit to play and knock in at least one of those crosses.

�It�s going to be hard for Swansea to stay up now. But they played with plenty of spirit. With three points for a win the situation could change dramatically if they put a good run together.

�They�ve taken four points from the last two games, so nobody should give up on them while there are still 36 points to play for.�

Monday 12th March 2001
'We Can Still Beat Drop' - Hollins
By Karl Woodward - Western Mail
Division Two: Swansea City 1 Northampton Town 1

SWANSEA�S stay up or go down fate will be decided within the next month by away results against four of the other clubs fighting to avoid relegation.

John Hollins believes they can still avoid the big drop despite the safety gap widening to 10 points.

�We�ve been unbeaten in three games this week. There�s definitely a turning point there,� said the defiant Swans manager.

�We�ve got a mountain to climb and we�ll need a bit of luck along the way. But it�s certainly not over - we still have to play clubs around us in the table.�

Second Division survival - improbable but still mathematically possible - depends on the Swans getting points at Swindon on Saturday, Colchester, Port Vale, Bristol Rovers and doomed Oxford.

�If anyone can get Swansea out of this mess John Hollins can,� said Northampton manager Kevin Wilson. �I hope they stay up. John is a good manager and has been a personal friend since he signed me for Chelsea.

�His side played with a lot of spirit, as they did at our ground last month when we scored twice in the last minute to beat them.

�But when you are down at the bottom things don�t go for you.�

The Swans were stretched to the limit by injuries to eight experienced players, including defenders Steve Jones, Kris O�Leary and Jason Smith.

Swansea-born Chris Todd was pitched into the fray to make his league bow watched by his parents and his grandmother, whose birthday it was.

The 19-year-old youth team captain gave an assured performance to help subdue proven strikers Jamie Forrester, Marco Gabbiadini and Steven Howard.

Hollins selected Todd on Friday but did not tell him he was playing until Saturday morning to save him a possible sleepless night.

�I was very pleased with Chris. I don�t want to go overboard, but Kevin (Wilson) put another man forward to test him and he did more than enough,� he said.

�We have a number of other promising youngsters coming through from a very good youth set-up.�

Todd almost gave Swansea a third-minute lead with his first touch, but James Hunt scooped his solid header from a corner off the goal-line to deny him a dream debut.

Swansea�s gritty backs-to-the-wall display was typified by Steve Watkin, wearing strapping to protect an injured thigh and the left wrist he broke earlier in the season.

The 29-year-old striker, who needed attention after taking a heavy knock in the face, was rewarded for his courage and industry with a well-taken 53rd-minute goal.

Three Frenchmen were involved in the build-up. David Romo caught the Cobblers napping with a quickly-taken free-kick to Nicolas Fabiano, who supplied Matthias Verschave.

His cross from the right found Watkin, who turned smartly to hit a low drive from 12 yards. It went in off a post for his seventh goal of the season.

Swansea had an early let-off when Forrester escaped the offside trap to steer the ball past �keeper Roger Freestone, but it rebounded off a post. Swans could have taken a 20th-minute lead from a fluent move involving Mathew Bound, Watkin and Nick Cusack.

The skipper�s shrewd pass released Verschave, but he sliced wide with his left foot to spoil all

The visitors punished Swansea�s lack of a cutting edge without 14-goal striker Giovanni Savarese by going ahead from a corner on the stroke of half-time

The flag-kick was taken by John Frain, booed every time he had the ball by Swans fans who could not forgive him his last-minute winner from a re-taken free kick in the Wembley promotion play-off final four years ago.

The corner should have been cleared, but Freestone collided with captain Cusack as he left his line to claim the ball, allowing Howard to net with a header off the underside of the bar.

The Swans staged a storming second-half fightback which would have produced a second win in four days had their finishing been sharper.

Cusack fired wide after Verschave had hunted down and dispossessed Jim Whitley.

Verschave had a shot deflected from Fabiano�s clever flick, and Watkin was wide with a free header.

The wasteful finishing would have proved fatal if Howard had converted Forrester�s cross to the far post in the 76th minute.

Swansea meet Carmarthen Town in the BBC Wales-televised FAW Premier Cup quarter-final at the Vetch Field tomorrow (6.55pm) before the first of their make-or-break away league quartet.

his industry.

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]