Planet Swans ArchivesVice chairman Leigh Dineen reacted to the news that Harry Redknapp was watching Trundle at Northampton last week with a clear statement that clearly defined what would be needed to prise the leading scorer away from the Vetch. Dineen said “If any offer came in for any player it would be taken on its merits. “We would not dismiss anything out of hand and we would discuss it, but we’re certainly not looking to sell Lee.”
You cannot really argue with the sentiment that any offer would have to be considered but the words of the fan’s representative on the board of the club are pretty clear that it would take some offer to persuade them to let Trundle leave the Vetch after less than six months with the club. Leigh went on to ask the question as to why we would have offered him an extended deal a matter of weeks ago if we were looking to sell the player.
As we understand no offer has been received at the Vetch from any of the clubs reported to be interested in the man whose goals have helped Swansea to the edge of the promotion spots, less than twelve months after relegation to the conference was avoided only on the final day of the season.
The hero of that game, James Thomas, surprisingly played no part in this afternoon’s reserve game at the Vetch – in which the Swans drew 1-1 with local rivals Cardiff City. Thomas was expected to lead the Swans’ attack after rumours of a falling out between last season’s leading scorer and manager Brian Flynn. However, nothing has been reported on an injury to Thomas from within the club this week so we assume that he was withdrawn from the match for tactical reasons.
Leon Hylton and Roberto Martinez have both been ruled out of Saturday’s trip to York although both hope to regain fitness in time for the FA Cup tie with Stevenage a week on Saturday. Other long term injury casualties Brad Maylett and Karl Connolly both hope to be fit for the visit of Southend a week later.
Brian Flynn though did receive a boost today with the news that central defender Izzy Iriekpen has signed a deal that will keep him at the Vetch until June 2005 – the latest to commit his immediate future to the club. Iriekpen has grown in stature since arriving at the club from West Ham back in August. With Alan Tate signed up for another month, it looks like being a solid time at the back for Swansea as they look to consolidate their promotion challenge. And with the club adamant that it will take mega bucks to remove Lee Trundle from the club the future on the pitch continues to look rosy.
