January
Newsfile

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IC Wales ran this story just before the weekend.
CARDIFF millionaire businessman Martin Barnes remains interested in buying out Swansea City.

Talks are at an early stage, but Barnes, 45, has made contact with the Swans over his proposal.

If things work out exactly to plan - there is a long way to go yet and other parties are also in discussions - then Barnes would take a 75 per cent-plus controlling interest in Swansea City.

There is no doubt Barnes is an ardent soccer fan who has supported Cardiff City through thick and thin.

Indeed, it was Barnes who dipped deep into his own pockets when the Bluebirds were at their lowest ebb and paid out his own money to cover wages.

In the pre-Sam Hammam days when Cardiff City were struggling to survive, Barnes, a major shareholder at Ninian Park but not a director, put money in to keep things going.

Now, though, he does not always see eye-to-eye with Hammam and sees a chance to fire up his soccer interest at the Vetch Field.

Bluebirds fan Barnes said: "My love is Cardiff City, but I would hate to see the main opposition in Wales go under. If I can help Swansea avoid that I will." Crisis club Swansea have been acquired by former Welsh international Mel Nurse and Martin Burgess. But the club is reputedly losing £80,000 a month and the club's new owners are willing to step aside if the right people step forward.

Nurse was clearly taken by surprise when Barnes' interest was revealed in the South Wales Echo this week, but there has now been contact between the two.

Barnes, who runs 11 companies including those involved in properties, building and executive cars, is also a great friend of Cardiff City player Andy Legg.

If his talks with Swansea City do make progress then Legg could become involved.

Legg is out of contract with Cardiff City this season, although Hammam is set to open talks, and could be offered the post of player-coach at Vetch Field.

Barnes said: "If everything did work out I would love Leggy to be involved."

Today, though, Barnes was staying tight-lipped over any moves in the Swansea City direction. He confirmed the interest, but was at Brighton on Thursday evening to watch Cardiff City. End

Andy Legg has made it clear that he has not had any contact with Swansea City but there is little doubt that Legg would have been offered a role by Martin Barnes.

Legg diplomatically said

"Let me make one thing clear - I have not had any sort of contact with Swansea. As far as I'm concerned, Colin Addison is doing a fantastic job there
as manager under very trying circumstances. I watched the Swans play Newport the other night in the FAW Premier Cup because I was doing commentary for BBC Wales. I spoke to Colin after the game and I think he's a top man. The last thing I want is this sort of speculation. I wouldn't have thought Colin will regard me as any sort of threat. He's been around football enough years to know this sort of speculation happens. Anyway, I'm a player, not a manager ... and I reckon I've got at least another two years left in me."

Legg is one of the City player who's contract runs out this summer and has yet to be offered a new deal. The only player it would seem will be guaranteed to be offered a deal is Jason Bowen. Mark Bonner, Willie Boland and Scott Young are the other first team regulars waiting to see if City are going to offer them a future at Ninian Park.