Smith Out For Bournemouth

Jason Smith will not play for Swansea City on Saturday afternoon against Bournemouth ( Vetch Field KO 3PM ) amidst rumours that he has again picked up an injury, possibly at Bury. Smith who has had an unhappy time at Swansea this season set against the fantastic performances he has put in when fit over the past two seasons. The ex Tiverton defender has found it hard to re-establish himself as the main man at the back, and has come in for criticism over the past two games Swansea have played. Our inquiries reveal a more interesting development for Jason. Bristol City have made it know that he may join them for a trial period with a view to a free transfer to Ashton Gate if successful. A good source at Bristol City tells us that Jason Smith is one of a number of players the club are willing to look at, and there is a potential for a transfer if details can be finalised. Smith is currently Swansea City’s top wage earner earning over eight thousand pounds a month, and his release will ease the financial burden on the current owners. His move may follow a brief trial period. On the football front for Saturday’s game it is certain that Nick Cusack will change his starting formation after several poor defensive performances, and this no doubt will include either Neil Sharpe or David Theobald. Cusack is looking for his first win of the season after a bright home start against Rushden on the opening day. A well earned point at Darlington followed, but the performance at Bury last Saturday was described as poor and the Gigg Lane club deserved the three points. Many supporters would like to see Jamie Wood start with James Thomas up front and with Kris O’Leary still out there are options for change for Cusack. The Swansea manager has come in for criticism this week especially from Leighton James and David Giles at Real Radio. Jack Army.Net were invited on to the programme on Thursday to talk about Roger Freestone’s brilliant 500 league games and a total of 600 Swansea City games this Saturday. However the conversation deteriorated in to the questionable topic of Cusack’s search for a stand in keeper with Freestone carrying an injury. Believing that this was merely ploy to create some sort of news story ( where there isn’t one ) the milestone that Roger has achieved took a back seat despite attempts to turn the conversation back round. Cusack is known to have had a look at two possible loan keepers this week at Exeter City and Mark Walton at Cardiff City. A Swansea source tells us that ” A 85 % fit Roger Freestone is better than any of these keepers, and Roger is fit, there is nothing to worry about ” Andrew Marsh who is only 18 is the alternative to Roger with a 16 year old keeper Simon Cole in line after him. Both with very bright futures. However, Cusack wanted cover to prevent the debacle that occurred at Bury two seasons ago when three Swansea keepers took the field, the latest only 16. His foresight should be congratulated not pilloried by the media. Cusack is not afraid to have a look at players in the transfer market which is a big change to what Swansea City fans have been used to in recent years. For the good of the club. A win on Saturday would set the club up well for the derby game on Tuesday evening ( 27th August : KO 7.45 PM ) at Bristol Rovers. The game has been switched by the police from Bank Holiday Monday. The away end at The Memorial Ground holds 1,200 and the game is not all ticket for Swans fans. It is hard to determine but visiting supporters would be advised to get to the ground earlier than usual.