Get Your Coates - You've Pulled

The Evening Post also reveals tonight that a conversation between the Number 2's at both the Swans and Kidderminster suggested that Molby would also be interested in taking Lee Jenkins to Aggborough to help in his fight. But surely it will be the names of Coates and Appleby - politely described as enigmas that will raise a wry smile amongst many of the Vetch faithful.

Jonathan Coates was released by Swansea in the summer of 2002 by then manager Nick Cusack. After Cusack was replaced by Flynn early on the following season, Coates started to train with the Swans again and was given a deal on transfer deadline day last season which saw him back at the Vetch for the club's own successful fight against relegation to the Conference. His performances over that period were enough to persuade Brian Flynn that a year's deal was appropriate and Coates signed for another year. However, his performances have, quite typically I guess, not been up to the mark on more than one occasion and personally if any offer came in from Molby then Coates then I would let him go. There is little doubt that he has the talent to succeed at the professional level but all too often he is found wanting in matches and many times this season I have seen him directing others where to go rather than concentrating on where he should be himself. He has had a rough ride from sections of the crowd and it is true that the cheering that greeted him being substituted in one game was disgraceful but to many Jonathan Coates is a player whose heart is simply not in the Swans.

I remember an instance last season when Keith Haynes and I were pinning together an auction in aid of Roger's testimonial via the Evening Post. Telephone bids were encouraged for season tickets that were on offer and I was subjected in one of those calls to a torrent of abuse from someone who I can only politely describe as a Jonathan Coates supporter. The 'lady' in question suggested that it was indeed her hero who deserved a contract and not Roger because he was a true professional and was it his fault that he was not one of the 'in crowd'. I pointed out as clearly as I could, considering Coates was not a member of the squad at the time, that you had to be employed to deserve a testimonial but it was to no avail. This woman was adamant that she was right and that one of Swansea's finest ever servants - Roger of course - was just getting the testimonial because he had mates. But I digress from the point. Nick Cusack made many bad decisions in his transfer dealings but I suspect that few of Swansea's fans would argue against the fact that the releasing of Jonathan Coates was indeed the correct decision. Similarly, I suggest that bringing him back was one of Flynn's worst decisions.

Flynn himself hinted that he would be prepared to let Coates, and perhaps more surprisingly Jenkins go. He told the Evening Post ''It's gone no further than that at this stage and I'll assess the situation if anything else develops. ''Obviously both players are not involved directly in the first team at the moment, but they've both played a part and I will be quite happy for them to remain part of my squad.''

The article also suggests that Molby may be looking at a move for Richie Appleby a former charge of his at both Swansea and Hull. Now if Coates is a lazy talent, Appleby is ten times worse. He was a quality player until he got carried away with his own hype and both Hull and Swansea fans will tell you that they believe he is happy to pick up his wages while pretending to be injured. I was once told a story that Richie Evans was so baffled as to what Richie's injury was that he referred him to a specialist to find out more. The results came back clear but Richie was still injured. (Allegedly!) I honestly believe that if Molby wants that man to help him keep Kidderminster up then it is time to look up Conference Grounds in the ground guide book as that is where they are heading. Good news for the other 22 clubs in the division (Carlisle apart)

Is Molby getting desperate?

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