Freestone, still only 33 and with one year left on his Swansea contract has had severe back problems in recent weeks that have hampered his pre season preparations to date. However after intense treatment, including acupuncture he has declared that Friday, the first day of Swansea's Dutch tour is the day he expects to be back to full fitness. " It was a slight worry two weeks back, but I am pleased to say that all the treatment has paid off. I am looking forward to being the club's number one keeper this season, and although I welcome healthy competition from the other lads there is only one jersey I want, and that has number one on the back of it " His optimistic approach will cheer Swans fans up no end after a close season of exciting signings that will give the club an equal chance of honours this time around. Rog' hasn't played this pre season, and the games against Peterborough and Leicester City on Monday have given new keeper Andy Marsh an opportunity to impress. " Andrew has looked good " Roger tells JA.NET "He is learning about the game very quickly, and ideally we train well together " Roger joked " Maybe in five years or so he will get a game, but seriously that number one spot is up for grabs and I intend to make it mine "

Freestone starts his twelfth season at the club with news that his testimonial fund raising will go on until the end of the season, and culminate in histestimonial game, which Chelsea FC have agreed will be firmed up this week. Jane McGinnis at Chelsea telephoned us last week and said " Gwynn Williams will finalise things for Roger next week, and that's a promise, it has been very hectic but now Gwynn has an opportunity to get things sorted out " With that good news for Roger, and his back problems clearing up too he can look forward to a good pay day against Chelsea this season. He turned down a very lucrative contract in December with QPR to stay in Wales with his family and fight the threat of relegation at Swansea. The contract was four times his Swansea salary. Roger's previous experiences in London when an 18 year old at Chelsea, a club he earned an old second division championship winners medal with, maybe tipping the balance in Swansea's favour. " I am settled here in Wales, and although I enjoyed my time at Chelsea, Swansea are the only club for me, and to be honest always have been. Whenever they have offeredme contract I have signed it, no quibbles, andwith a good few seasons left in me I intend to do the same next time - That is if Nick wants me "

JackArmy.Net have no doubts that Cusack will want Roger's signature at the end of the season, as a another queue will no doubt form from other clubs for the same.

With other games against KV Kortrijton Sunday and FC Den Haag the following Tuesday evening no doubt both Freestone and Marsh will get further chances to show their fitness and impress. However - Does Roger Freestone really need to prove anything ? His displays since coming to Swansea have been second to none. And compared to some summer signings he actually feels a bit like a spring chicken ! " I am one of the youngest " he joked. " Nick has done me a power of good without realising it, the signings we have made, especially Dave Smith and Paul Reid have been excellent ones, and their fitness levels are far better than we have had in recent times. They are fierce competitors. And that alone tells me I have a few more seasons left in the game. Age counts for nothing with the dedication these lads have shown to their own personal fitness, and Swans fans will be delighted to know that all our signings are definitely better than we had last season, and that shows that Nick knows his stuff. We have a squad now that is booming with confidence and just itching to get stuck in to Rushden in a few weeks time "

The club are expecting the first game of the season to be as well attended as the opener two seasons ago when Swansea played Wigan Athletic at The Vetch Field in front of a crowd approaching 8,500.

Good time are ahead at last.