Football: Adams makes swift return at Swansea

Micky Adams' life in the game took a turn for the better yesterday when he was appointed manager of Swansea City. He replaces Jan Molby, who was sacked by the Welsh club on Tuesday.

Adams has endured a bizarre fortnight. Last week he was unceremoniously dumped from Fulham to make way for the Cottagers' new management team of Kevin Keegan and Ray Wilkins.

The former Sheffield United and Wimbledon striker Alan Cork will be Adams' assistant, with the former Southampton and Reading manager Ian Branfoot as his chief scout.

Back at Adams' old Thameside home, Wilkins was set to complete his first signing. Sunderland's 35-year-old midfielder, Paul Bracewell, is expected to cost Fulham pounds 75,000 and to make his debut against Blackpool at Craven Cottage tomorrow.

The Coventry City striker Dion Dublin will know by Monday whether the Football Association will support his appeal against his sending-off in the Premiership match with Blackburn at Ewood Park 12 days ago. The FA disciplinary committee chairman, Geoff Thompson, will view video evidence of Dublin's aerial challenge on Colin Hendry, which led to the red card.

The Coventry chairman, Bryan Richardson, has warned that the colossal wages being paid out to players in the Premiership are threatening clubs' futures.

Richardson also wants the Sky Blues to seek a silver lining by moving from Highfield Road to a multi-purpose leisure complex in order to bolster the club's financial security.

Richardson spelt out his concerns after it was revealed that Coventry had made a record pounds 10m loss for the year ending in May 1997. Coventry's turnover increased by 25 per cent in that 12-month period - from pounds 9m to pounds 12m - but the money nearly all went on wage increases, which soared from pounds 6m to pounds 8.5m.

Richardson said that while the club's income has continued to mount, the cost of players' salaries has risen even faster. He warned: "The situation is the most serious problem facing professional football clubs. It is hard to envisage a solution if a club is to remain in the Premiership."

The Bolton manager, Colin Todd, has made a move for Leicester City's unsettled striker Steve Claridge.

Todd is ready to bid farewell to the unsettled midfielder Jamie Pollock. Todd left Pollock on the bench at the weekend and the former Under-21 international has seen him to discuss his future.

Manchester United's young left-back John O'Kane could be on his way to Birmingham City. Trevor Francis, the Birmingham manager, is hoping to sign the player next week.