There will be a sell-out crowd at Swansea's Vetch.

If the Swans lose their fight for football league status on Saturday it could have a devastating effect on the city and not just its soccer fans.

All home tickets for the final match of the season against Hull have been sold guaranteeing the biggest crowd of the year at the Vetch.

Defeat would leave the Swans facing relegation to the Nationwide Conference and it would be the first time the club had not enjoyed league status since its election to the Football League in 1920.

Such a result would have repercussions far beyond the players and the fans, according to civic leaders.

We have become use to struggling for our place in the world and within Wales and I think this match will reflect this The vicar of Swansea, Canon Alun Evans

A cornerstone of regeneration plans for Swansea is the new all-seater football and rugby stadium at Morfa.

Veteran councillor and long-term season ticket holder Tyssul Lewis has been attending the Vetch more years than he cares to remember.

"Obviously I feel very strongly about it and it would be a blow to the city if we lost on Saturday," he said.

Big day

"We are building a new stadium and if the unthinkable happens then the club must get its act together and get back in the football league.

"It may not be the end of the world but there are some very good teams in the Nationwide Conference and it would be very difficult to come back."

The vicar of Swansea, Canon Alun Evans, said the result would be followed by many in the city.

Swansea boss Brian Flynn knows how important the match is

"Saturday is a big day - one of the biggest days in the history of football in the city," he explained.

"I think there is a feeling of optimism but Swansea in many ways has been fighting for its life in recent years.

"This great match at the Vetch will be something that echoes the city as a whole.

"We have become use to struggling for our place in the world and within Wales and I think this match will reflect this."

Canon Evans said league football added to the cultural well-being of Swansea.

"It does add to the esteem of the city and sense of well being," he added.

"I think every city needs that and I think Swansea needs it more than most."

Police presence

Swansea are just one point ahead of fellow relegation strugglers Exeter and anything less than a win on Saturday would leave the Swans relying on the Devon team losing.

All 9,370 tickets for home supporters have been sold this week and there is no doubt amongst the team and players of the importance of the game.

Director of football Brian Flynn told the club's official website: "We know what the outcome of the match is so it's a very big game."

Meanwhile South Wales Police say there will be a large police presence at the game in case of any trouble.

Superintendent Cliff Filer says "As supporters will be aware, this is a very tense time for Swansea City.

"In light of this, we want them to come to the match ready to support their team and have a good time.

"Any fans with ideas about causing trouble need to be aware that anti-social behaviour will simply not be tolerated."