Cusack Releases Eight

EightSwans players have been released by Player Coach Nick Cusack after the FAW Premier Cup tie with Cardiff City. They include, Jon Coates, Steve Brodie, Ryan Casey, Jason Jones, Chris Sullivan, David Romo and reserve players Draper and Healey. Rumours of John Williams leaving the club are ill founded based on 12 months to run on his contract offered to him by Vetch hate figure Mike Lewis in the summer of 2001. It is also expected that once Mamdy Sidibe shakes off his injury that he too will leave Swansea.

Andrew Mumford who disappointed against Cardiff has just signed a new contract and Michael Howard will also stay as he has a further year to run on his contract. This is the same scenario forGareth Phillips, Steve Watkin and Lee Jenkins, all of whom could have found themselves out of favour if their contracts were now due to expire.

And this should not be the end of the news either. A further four players may be leaving shortly, including those in contract if clubs can be found for them. Chris Todd is wanted by Bradford City, and although he is out of contract he may transfer to them on loan in the coming weeks. This leaves Nick Cusack with scope to bring in players including Michael Jackson from Cheltenham Town whose manager Steve Cotterill says " A move to Swansea for Michael is great for him, it may be just the thing he needs for his playing career " Jackson is ready to sign for Swansea after turning out in a trial game last week. Old Swans favourite Steve Jones, now 100 % fit and out of favour at Cheltenham may also return after starting only a handful of first team games last season.

James Thomas is also rumoured to be among three players Cusack wants immediately along with Steve Guinan from Plymouth Argyle. At the back Greg Rioch available on a free transfer from Shrewsbury Town my be an option over the summer.

As news broke today of the players set to leave Swansea City, old manager John Hollins pondered for too long over his new contract offered to him by Rochdale. And he too now finds himself out of work as the announcement came through that he had been sacked from his job at Spotlands. Having mulled over his contract for three weeks Rochdale made his mind up for him, and sacked him.

On a more friendlier note with regards to Cardiff City. Last night our sources at Ninian Park informed us that Swansea City and Cardiff City were about to agree a deal which would see players move on loan between the two clubs. This agreement may be more beneficial to Swansea than Cardiff, although there are two players at The Vetch Field who interest Lenny Lawrence, but for now we are keeping tight lipped.

The football season is over – and the long awaited Swansea shake up has begun.