SWINDON TOWN: TOWN'S board has angrily hit out at its detractors and warned that criticism beyond acceptable limits could force Sir Seton Wills to pull the plug on the club.

And in the same breath, the directors have said that should a group or individual demonstrate the financial clout and ability to take the club forward, it would relinquish control immediately.

Ahead of tomorrow night's fans' meeting to discuss recent off the field developments at the County Ground, the board has found a united voice to address a number of issues which have caused and continue to cause considerable debate among the County Ground faithful.

Amid the lengthy statement, the following points are made:

  • Rift' reports between Mike Diamandis and Bill Power are unfounded.
  • A minority of individuals are putting inaccurate and deliberately misleading' reports into the public domain, due to personal grievances with Sir Seton Wills' advisor Mike Diamandis.
  • Personal insults, slurs and attacks have been directed towards board members and advisors in recent days.

Should their safety become an issue Sir Seton Wills would have to consider his continued financial support for the club, the consequences of which are obvious'.

  • The board want supporters to enter into constructive dialogue' over the way forward rather than hiding behind the anonymity of the internet'.
  • A meeting with a potential investor has taken place.
  • Should a group or individual prove they have the financial backing and management ability to ensure the future of the club an agreement would be formalised and immediately the current board would resign and relinquish the day to day running of the club.
  • Bill Power was offered such an opportunity before the air crash.
  • On the football front, Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet have the board's full support and are wished well for a long and successful' career at the County Ground.

The full statement can be viewed on the official Swindon Town website at www.swindontownfc.co.uk.

Director Bob Holt told the Swindon Advertiser last night: "Some of the things being said out there are totally unwarranted and completely without foundation.

"We really hadn't wanted to say any more once we'd made the statement (about Bill Power's departure) but felt we had to.

"Why should anyone accept comments about cheats and liars and the like?"

The director also reiterated the board was deadly serious in terms of listening to offers.