Sale of Swindon Town complete (From Swindon Advertiser)
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SWINDON TOWN: Sale of Swindon Town complete
12:24pm Thursday 21st February 2013 in Sport By Sam Morshead
The takeover of Swindon Town has been ratified by the Football League
SWINDON Town have new owners after the Football League formally ratified a consortium’s takeover of the club today, the Advertiser understands.
The group, fronted by Banbury United owner Jed McCrory, will provide the necessary funds to secure Town’s immediate future and prevent serious financial problems at the County Ground.
The outgoing board, that of former majority shareholder Andrew Black, had talked about the possibility of entering the club into administration had a buyer not been found in the alloted timeframe and advisors, understood to be from business rescue specialists Begbies Traynor, were put on standby to restructure the finances in SN1.
On the evening of January 29 a fax was sent out across the Football League notifying clubs that all of Swindon’s playing staff were for sale at around half their true market value and a firesale could well have resulted before the end of the transfer window but for the new owners’ involvement.
As it was, contracts were exchanged between the respective parties on January 30 and, although Matt Ritchie was sold on the same day to free up the money needed to carry Swindon through the state of flux between the old regime and the new, Town were able to hold onto the rest of their prized assets.
McCrory and a handful of potential investors watched the 1-1 draw with Hartlepool on February 9 and secured proof of funds and passed all the relevant fit and proper persons tests last week.
Given Swindon’s recent financial history - two administrations since the turn of the millenium - the Football League requested a meeting with the incoming consortium to discuss their three-year model for the club’s coffers.
McCrory & Co are understood to have impressed the authorities with their plan for the short to medium term, which is believed to have a focus on sustainability and natural growth as well as work in the community, and the final paperwork was signed off today.
Had Swindon entered administration it is understood that the League would have been likely to hit the club with a more sizeable penalty than the mandatory 10-point deduction, with demotion and even expulsion from the league a possibility.
Swindon fans need not worry about that now, however, and the transfer embargo placed on Town during the takeover saga while an issue revolving around unpaid loan fees was resolved is now understood to have been lifted.
McCrory’s board consists of ex-QPR and Brentford commercial manager Gary Hooper and Steve Murrall, an operations expert who has experience within the pharmaceutical industry.
Comments(253)
Oxon-Red
says...
12:26pm Thu 21 Feb 13
E
HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
A
COYMR
tenerifetaxi
says...
12:27pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Oldhamred
says...
12:28pm Thu 21 Feb 13
SSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!
Oxon-Red
says...
12:29pm Thu 21 Feb 13
COYMR
LydiardRED67
says...
12:29pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Since 1950
says...
12:30pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Now lets have some communication from the new board - and some explanations!
madred
says...
12:30pm Thu 21 Feb 13
The Jockster
says...
12:30pm Thu 21 Feb 13
smirg kcab
says...
12:30pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Onwards and upwards
southside7
says...
12:31pm Thu 21 Feb 13
kandiman
says...
12:32pm Thu 21 Feb 13
This ranch just got itself some cowboys.
Sam, put the kettle on for us. I'll go look for the folk who'll be buying the club in the summer. McCrory isn't known for sticking around.
southside7
says...
12:33pm Thu 21 Feb 13
smirg kcab wrote:You're on form today, terracota army a classic.
Bring on the skating vicar
Onwards and upwards
swindon1969
says...
12:33pm Thu 21 Feb 13
no probs
says...
12:34pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Oxon-Red
says...
12:38pm Thu 21 Feb 13
COYMR
ShearerShearer
says...
12:39pm Thu 21 Feb 13
As others have posted here, can we now have a formal statement from the club as to what went on and what they intend for the future, please?
Gl6hamptonred
says...
12:40pm Thu 21 Feb 13
the wizard
says...
12:40pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Honest ??????
You cannot be serious !!!!!!!!!
Good news and hopefully well worth the wait. Thanks To Fitton & Co for the last few years appreciation to Jed for securing our future, and let us hope that doesn't come with a cost that is too much.
Looking forwards to some continuity and Champ footie next season.
Ginge09
says...
12:41pm Thu 21 Feb 13
......And breath
the don69
says...
12:42pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Stilloyal
says...
12:42pm Thu 21 Feb 13
no probs wrote:No statement from the new guys until next week , according to the Beeb. They dont want it crossing with Saturdays plans . Their words.
we want a statement of their plans for our club now that the nda has been lifted. the fans now need to be put in the picture.
Ollie Reed's Parky dance!
says...
12:43pm Thu 21 Feb 13
TheDukeOfBanbury
says...
12:43pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Oldhamred
says...
12:44pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Oooops! A little bit of wee came out!
Pottered
says...
12:45pm Thu 21 Feb 13
kandiman wrote:Always positive aren't we?? Now "Sod off" and let true supporters enjoy the news.
Well, as one circus leaves, another shows up.
This ranch just got itself some cowboys.
Sam, put the kettle on for us. I'll go look for the folk who'll be buying the club in the summer. McCrory isn't known for sticking around.
TheDukeOfBanbury
says...
12:46pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Do me a favour as well. Tell me where you are driving so I can avoid the area as I don't want to be involved in a "car crash"
Come On You Reds.
avo
says...
12:46pm Thu 21 Feb 13
the wizard
says...
12:46pm Thu 21 Feb 13
avo
says...
12:47pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Town Of The Future
says...
12:49pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Lets hope they can put their money where the early intentions mouth is.
BassettBanger
says...
12:50pm Thu 21 Feb 13
I can't see PDC and Co returning to the fold so we have look to the future. No muppet managers please...
the don69
says...
12:50pm Thu 21 Feb 13
TheDukeOfBanbury wrote:Spot on Duke,he handled it very badly,once his car went into a spin!he never had the skills to keep it under control!!!!!
Close the door on your way out Black.
Do me a favour as well. Tell me where you are driving so I can avoid the area as I don't want to be involved in a "car crash"
Come On You Reds.
Oxon-Red
says...
12:51pm Thu 21 Feb 13
COYMR
bearwoodred
says...
12:54pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Sleep well fellow reds
midland red
says...
12:54pm Thu 21 Feb 13
COYRs
Mikey107
says...
12:54pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Clearly they wanted Paolo out from the start IMO and got what they wanted.
Was he too expensive?? Too honest?? Or too good??
Swindon1984
says...
12:54pm Thu 21 Feb 13
For any criticising the new board in the past couple of weeks, take note - just look at how close to the wind we were sailing. Time to move on now, hopefully a big statement of intent will be made before the Preston game and would expect McCrory and his bunch to make themselves very visible on the day. Then three points, cheers.
Arkells Boy
says...
12:56pm Thu 21 Feb 13
As for Andrew Black, what a low life he apprears to be as the facts start coming out.
As for the cloth cap Football league, I have no doubt they would have hit us hard given the opportunity - they just hate Swindon Town.
Some good news indeed, well done Jed for your timely rescue from impending doom.
Swindon1984
says...
12:56pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Mikey107 wrote:Eh? Ritchie was sold by the old board as they no longer wanted to fund the club prior to the takeover being completeed. Paolo resigned. No problem with people expressing an opinion but at least base it on fact!
First impressions count for a lot. Ritchie sale and Paolo walking says to me that the cowboys are in town. Clearly they wanted Paolo out from the start IMO and got what they wanted. Was he too expensive?? Too honest?? Or too good??
Oxon-Red
says...
12:57pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Swindon1984 wrote:Hear Hear.
"Had Swindon entered administration it is understood that the League would have been likely to hit the club with a more sizeable penalty than the mandatory 10-point deduction, with demotion and even expulsion from the league a possibility." For any criticising the new board in the past couple of weeks, take note - just look at how close to the wind we were sailing. Time to move on now, hopefully a big statement of intent will be made before the Preston game and would expect McCrory and his bunch to make themselves very visible on the day. Then three points, cheers.
First 400 in Legends on Saturday get a free pint !
COYMR
Swindon1984
says...
12:57pm Thu 21 Feb 13
the wizard wrote:Best comment I've heard all day, credit where credit's due and looking to the future. Spot on.
Really ????? Honest ?????? You cannot be serious !!!!!!!!! Good news and hopefully well worth the wait. Thanks To Fitton & Co for the last few years appreciation to Jed for securing our future, and let us hope that doesn't come with a cost that is too much. Looking forwards to some continuity and Champ footie next season.
David Wallis
says...
12:58pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Now, here's something I've tried to file this morning been unable to through server problems:
There have been several calls recently to pack the County Ground and show our support, but there can be no better reason to answer that call on Saturday than what we have seen happen this week.
Our talented squad of players have been regularly belittled by the outgoing manager, and are now being asked to deal with the consequences of his departure on their own.
When I first started watching football it was the players that the game was all about. You knew the manager’s name, you read his column in the Adver or the Pink but that was it.
Some knew the names of the directors, but wouldn’t know them if they fell over them in the street.
I hero-worshipped Don Rogers but only respected Danny Williams, and that was considered correct.
Today we are back to that scenario and we should let the players know just how much we are behind them.
There’s a word I don’t use very often because I find it an extremely emotional one. That word is ‘Proud’.
I used the ‘P’ word on Tuesday night when our team fought their way to the top of the table despite everything that was going on around them. They’ve been asked to repeat that achievement for the foreseeable future.
Should they be proved up to the task in steadying the ship, without backing and without anyone else around to steal the credit, they can write their names in club history and earn the respect of all of us who love STFC.
They can make us all Proud.
How about a sustained chant of ‘We are Swindonians… we’re not Italians’ to the tune of the Di Canio anthem? (Then personally I’ll be happy if I never hear that tune again.)
Bear with me all those rural fans (like myself) who don’t feel the description ‘Swindonian’ applies to them in normal circumstances. We’re making a point here.
We’ve seen the identity of our club highjacked and then cast aside. Let’s demonstrate that we are claiming it back. Let’s show two fingers to all those who we feel have let us down and abused our club.
I’m a fairly regular contributor to this message board, using, like many of us, a pseudonym. I’ve come on the forum today under my real identity. I think we need a very public demonstration of who we are, what the club means to us and the fact that we are 100% behind the players.
Come on Town. We are a club that comprises of players and supporters. Currently that’s about all we’ve got left… but they are the most important ingredients and we need to show just how much we can achieve together.
Good luck Darren Ward, Tommy Miller and the rest of the players, and everyone who, one way or another, will have Swindon Town Football Club over their heart on Saturday.
louiscassius
says...
12:59pm Thu 21 Feb 13
I hope we can here from our new owners and start planning for the future...
We are in a much better place than we were at the foot of League 1, five years ago....thats some consilation....
COYR'ssss
Louis :-))))))
RogerJ1969
says...
1:00pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Just a thought.
STFCman&boy1973
says...
1:01pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Goodbye to Mr Fitton, JW, Black, Arbib,
Thank you for all that you've done for the club,
Hello Jed, welcome to the robins, I hope your time here is a successful one...
COYMRs
dreamofacleansheet2
says...
1:03pm Thu 21 Feb 13
All players behind the caretaker managers. Fail to see how they could have played their hand any better?
Good luck to on and all and let's win this god **** league.
Grim I'll sculpt another Terracotta Army if this lot get us into the Premiership!!
COYR
Park North Red
says...
1:04pm Thu 21 Feb 13
smirg kcab
says...
1:04pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Up up and awaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy
The Jockster
says...
1:08pm Thu 21 Feb 13
the wizard wrote:Met Jed and Murrell yesterday very busy guys on way into the CG to wrap things up with the old board. Impressed that they still had time for a few words of encouragement. They might not have AB's financial clout but at least we've still got all our points and not in admin!
Really ?????
Honest ??????
You cannot be serious !!!!!!!!!
Good news and hopefully well worth the wait. Thanks To Fitton & Co for the last few years appreciation to Jed for securing our future, and let us hope that doesn't come with a cost that is too much.
Looking forwards to some continuity and Champ footie next season.
On a point of complete speculation and without any foundation whatsoever there's a rumour afoot that the silent and fifth member of the famous five is one AF- mmm I wonder?
smirg kcab
says...
1:09pm Thu 21 Feb 13
dreamofacleansheet2 wrote:Sculpt me and you with our Dickie dosh,
How anyone can criticise the new board is beyond me. They may turn out to be idiots but so far they've saved the club from administration, put Ward and Miller in temporary control and got Fraser back as temporary keeper coach. All players behind the caretaker managers. Fail to see how they could have played their hand any better? Good luck to on and all and let's win this god **** league. Grim I'll sculpt another Terracotta Army if this lot get us into the Premiership!! COYR
Onwards and upwards.
The Jockster
says...
1:12pm Thu 21 Feb 13
madterrier
says...
1:13pm Thu 21 Feb 13
I don't like the way that the Adver's article laboured the point about administration and points deductions and fire sales. We know the history of January/February. If there really are upbeat elements to this new takeover, let's hear them.
Am also possibly reading too much into some of the other words... 'provide the necessary funds to secure Town’s immediate future and prevent serious financial problems' (but what about beyond the immediate future? And still leaves the door open for financial problems, albeit not "serious" ones).
'their plan for the short to medium term, which is believed to have a focus on sustainability and natural growth as well as work in the community". That sounds like sales of players and dropping youth players in earlier. And a cheaper manager salary.
Can't argue with much of that - we simply don't have the funds or financial/supporter base to do much else. Are they here for the short term only, and will look to sell the club on again?
I'd like to see that fax with the words 'at half their market value' spelled out. Who actually sent it? I always assumed it was Begbies Traynor.
So some statements from the new owners PLEASE.
KojaktheWarg
says...
1:13pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Welcome to our Club Jed and your pals!
Now lets get cracking......
Start with a demolition of Preston on Saturday...
Wilesy
says...
1:14pm Thu 21 Feb 13
The Black era has ended on a sour note if he was prepared to risk demotion or expulsion. Massively interested to hear his reasons for his departure.
Even if health reasons were the reason and I hope not then I'm not sure it warranted the exit speed, especially if he still retains a share?
The Jockster
says...
1:14pm Thu 21 Feb 13
TheDukeOfBanbury wrote:Harsh and completely unfair Dukey boy IMO - we wouldn't be where we are now without his bottomless pockets would we?
Close the door on your way out Black.
Do me a favour as well. Tell me where you are driving so I can avoid the area as I don't want to be involved in a "car crash"
Come On You Reds.
Oi Den!
says...
1:15pm Thu 21 Feb 13
the don69 wrote:Sorry chaps, completely disagree. Without Black we would probably have folded ages ago. He kept the club alive, he dug Di Canio and Wray out of their transfer embargo and he's now passing the reins to someone else. As far as I can see, those are the only facts we know. I'd like to see full details of what went on before even thinking about sticking the knife into a bloke who's probably given more money to our club than anyone else in history. You can quibble all you like about the timing and speed of the sale but without knowing the full facts how can we know whether we wouldn't have done exactly the same in his position?
TheDukeOfBanbury wrote:Spot on Duke,he handled it very badly,once his car went into a spin!he never had the skills to keep it under control!!!!!
Close the door on your way out Black.
Do me a favour as well. Tell me where you are driving so I can avoid the area as I don't want to be involved in a "car crash"
Come On You Reds.
.
Thank you Mr Black - no sarcasm included.
.
I'm sure it's only a matter of time before people turn on McCrory.
MITTED
says...
1:16pm Thu 21 Feb 13
COYR
lacey198
says...
1:16pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Lost of questions for the board, like new manager (not newell or other lump ball merchants)
what there favourite cheese is
Plans for club?
What happened with Paolo!!!
red white
says...
1:17pm Thu 21 Feb 13
RATIFIED !
Redhouse Red
says...
1:18pm Thu 21 Feb 13
I can live with no big money spending, I could probably cope with a dip in form
I don't want to go nearly bust again
Question is can others cope with it????
cueball
says...
1:19pm Thu 21 Feb 13
The Jockster
says...
1:19pm Thu 21 Feb 13
sagadude
says...
1:19pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Calcio Robin
says...
1:19pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Calcio Robin.
deviant in the tupping pen
says...
1:20pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Oi Den!
says...
1:21pm Thu 21 Feb 13
madterrier wrote:Bang on, terrier. It's a time for relief and searching questions, not euphoria.
I'm still cautious. Don't want to read too much into things, but why no statement from the new owners? They know the anxiety that supporters have and the turmoil of the past few weeks.
I don't like the way that the Adver's article laboured the point about administration and points deductions and fire sales. We know the history of January/February. If there really are upbeat elements to this new takeover, let's hear them.
Am also possibly reading too much into some of the other words... 'provide the necessary funds to secure Town’s immediate future and prevent serious financial problems' (but what about beyond the immediate future? And still leaves the door open for financial problems, albeit not "serious" ones).
'their plan for the short to medium term, which is believed to have a focus on sustainability and natural growth as well as work in the community". That sounds like sales of players and dropping youth players in earlier. And a cheaper manager salary.
Can't argue with much of that - we simply don't have the funds or financial/supporter base to do much else. Are they here for the short term only, and will look to sell the club on again?
I'd like to see that fax with the words 'at half their market value' spelled out. Who actually sent it? I always assumed it was Begbies Traynor.
So some statements from the new owners PLEASE.
spectacles testicals wallet watch
says...
1:22pm Thu 21 Feb 13
madterrier wrote:In 1 way i agree, however on another thread (i know rumour speculation etc) it was mentioned that someone from America was inbound next week could this coincide with this?? Could this be the silent member with buckets loads of American lolly, or perhaps a big named player or manager?
I'm still cautious. Don't want to read too much into things, but why no statement from the new owners? They know the anxiety that supporters have and the turmoil of the past few weeks.
I don't like the way that the Adver's article laboured the point about administration and points deductions and fire sales. We know the history of January/February. If there really are upbeat elements to this new takeover, let's hear them.
Am also possibly reading too much into some of the other words... 'provide the necessary funds to secure Town’s immediate future and prevent serious financial problems' (but what about beyond the immediate future? And still leaves the door open for financial problems, albeit not "serious" ones).
'their plan for the short to medium term, which is believed to have a focus on sustainability and natural growth as well as work in the community". That sounds like sales of players and dropping youth players in earlier. And a cheaper manager salary.
Can't argue with much of that - we simply don't have the funds or financial/supporter base to do much else. Are they here for the short term only, and will look to sell the club on again?
I'd like to see that fax with the words 'at half their market value' spelled out. Who actually sent it? I always assumed it was Begbies Traynor.
So some statements from the new owners PLEASE.
All i will add is i have drank for the last 3 weeks in anticipation so tonight i will continue that occupational hazard but this time in celebration.
Lets pack the CG this Sat show our support to our club and be the 12th 13th 14th and 15th man onto winning this league!!!!!!
Oxon-Red
says...
1:22pm Thu 21 Feb 13
madterrier wrote:Think we may have to be patient while press conferences etc are arranged.
I'm still cautious. Don't want to read too much into things, but why no statement from the new owners? They know the anxiety that supporters have and the turmoil of the past few weeks. I don't like the way that the Adver's article laboured the point about administration and points deductions and fire sales. We know the history of January/February. If there really are upbeat elements to this new takeover, let's hear them. Am also possibly reading too much into some of the other words... 'provide the necessary funds to secure Town’s immediate future and prevent serious financial problems' (but what about beyond the immediate future? And still leaves the door open for financial problems, albeit not "serious" ones). 'their plan for the short to medium term, which is believed to have a focus on sustainability and natural growth as well as work in the community". That sounds like sales of players and dropping youth players in earlier. And a cheaper manager salary. Can't argue with much of that - we simply don't have the funds or financial/supporter base to do much else. Are they here for the short term only, and will look to sell the club on again? I'd like to see that fax with the words 'at half their market value' spelled out. Who actually sent it? I always assumed it was Begbies Traynor. So some statements from the new owners PLEASE.
I am happy with the immediate future as I read it as funding the club until the summer. We cannot buy/sell players until the season finishes so all we need at the moment is running costs to be covered.
COYMR
billbst
says...
1:22pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Oi Den!
says...
1:22pm Thu 21 Feb 13
The Jockster wrote:Haha! we agree and disagree in the space of a couple of mins.
Terrier for goodness sake please give them a chance the deals only been done for an hour or so. Lets just be grateful we're not facing admin.
Oi Den!
says...
1:24pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Oxon-Red wrote:loans?
madterrier wrote:Think we may have to be patient while press conferences etc are arranged.
I'm still cautious. Don't want to read too much into things, but why no statement from the new owners? They know the anxiety that supporters have and the turmoil of the past few weeks. I don't like the way that the Adver's article laboured the point about administration and points deductions and fire sales. We know the history of January/February. If there really are upbeat elements to this new takeover, let's hear them. Am also possibly reading too much into some of the other words... 'provide the necessary funds to secure Town’s immediate future and prevent serious financial problems' (but what about beyond the immediate future? And still leaves the door open for financial problems, albeit not "serious" ones). 'their plan for the short to medium term, which is believed to have a focus on sustainability and natural growth as well as work in the community". That sounds like sales of players and dropping youth players in earlier. And a cheaper manager salary. Can't argue with much of that - we simply don't have the funds or financial/supporter base to do much else. Are they here for the short term only, and will look to sell the club on again? I'd like to see that fax with the words 'at half their market value' spelled out. Who actually sent it? I always assumed it was Begbies Traynor. So some statements from the new owners PLEASE.
I am happy with the immediate future as I read it as funding the club until the summer. We cannot buy/sell players until the season finishes so all we need at the moment is running costs to be covered.
COYMR
madterrier
says...
1:26pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Oxon-Red wrote:He probably already has. Been a lot of new user names appearing on here of late.
Half expecting Jed to appear on these boards as he has at the Banbury forum.
COYMR
themoonraker
says...
1:28pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Oi Den! wrote:spot post, and sadly some will turn as soon as the new manager is appointed.
the don69 wrote:Sorry chaps, completely disagree. Without Black we would probably have folded ages ago. He kept the club alive, he dug Di Canio and Wray out of their transfer embargo and he's now passing the reins to someone else. As far as I can see, those are the only facts we know. I'd like to see full details of what went on before even thinking about sticking the knife into a bloke who's probably given more money to our club than anyone else in history. You can quibble all you like about the timing and speed of the sale but without knowing the full facts how can we know whether we wouldn't have done exactly the same in his position?
TheDukeOfBanbury wrote:Spot on Duke,he handled it very badly,once his car went into a spin!he never had the skills to keep it under control!!!!!
Close the door on your way out Black.
Do me a favour as well. Tell me where you are driving so I can avoid the area as I don't want to be involved in a "car crash"
Come On You Reds.
.
Thank you Mr Black - no sarcasm included.
.
I'm sure it's only a matter of time before people turn on McCrory.
Some of us may not like the choice, but I for one, will not criticise until the new regime has had a fair crack of the whip.
NewburyRobin
says...
1:29pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Forgive those that have been a little sceptical regarding your consortium, only you may have noticed we have been kicked in the nether regions too many times over the years, by so called Men of Honour.
I am sure we will all give you a rousing reception at The County Ground on Saturday.
Is that you Lovesey
says...
1:30pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Lone Wolf
says...
1:31pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Many, many years ago (when still a simple Irish country boy in Donegal), and I first heard about football, my favourite team was Preston North End because I liked the name! Some several years later I arrived, like many a good Irishman in search of a square meal, in the town of Swindon and Don Rogers became my new hero and Swindon Town my new team.
I'm hoping on Saturday that I can see PNE taken to the cleaners heralding a new era for STFC ... but I wonder if it will ever be quite like the De Canio years.
avo
says...
1:31pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Another view
says...
1:35pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Just go easy on the sherbert tonight, Louis, there'll be more celebrating to do on Saturday come 5.00pm, fingers crossed!
Rebel_phish
says...
1:35pm Thu 21 Feb 13
1. Ritchie
2. Paolo and his staff.
3. Our standing in the football community.
What we still have is
1. Unity amongst the players.
2. Unity with the fans.
3. Self-belief
4. Self-respect
5. Self-determination
We are now top of the league. Lets prove to the footballing world that we, Swindon Town, can also do the imposible and wi this league with the players in charge of their own destiny.
Also Frazer back as a coach, really, really good call.
super reds
says...
1:37pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Oxon-Red
says...
1:41pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Oi Den! wrote:Den,
Oxon-Red wrote:loans?madterrier wrote: I'm still cautious. Don't want to read too much into things, but why no statement from the new owners? They know the anxiety that supporters have and the turmoil of the past few weeks. I don't like the way that the Adver's article laboured the point about administration and points deductions and fire sales. We know the history of January/February. If there really are upbeat elements to this new takeover, let's hear them. Am also possibly reading too much into some of the other words... 'provide the necessary funds to secure Town’s immediate future and prevent serious financial problems' (but what about beyond the immediate future? And still leaves the door open for financial problems, albeit not "serious" ones). 'their plan for the short to medium term, which is believed to have a focus on sustainability and natural growth as well as work in the community". That sounds like sales of players and dropping youth players in earlier. And a cheaper manager salary. Can't argue with much of that - we simply don't have the funds or financial/supporter base to do much else. Are they here for the short term only, and will look to sell the club on again? I'd like to see that fax with the words 'at half their market value' spelled out. Who actually sent it? I always assumed it was Begbies Traynor. So some statements from the new owners PLEASE.Think we may have to be patient while press conferences etc are arranged. I am happy with the immediate future as I read it as funding the club until the summer. We cannot buy/sell players until the season finishes so all we need at the moment is running costs to be covered. COYMR
Loans of three players were in place. I would assume that these would have been in plans.
COYMR
john9149
says...
1:44pm Thu 21 Feb 13
John Young's Grumpy
says...
1:45pm Thu 21 Feb 13
"What's this then - 2 pieces of good news in one day for a STFC fan - that can't be right can it?"
Next point, not one to look back but, let us not knock Black or some of the old guard as without there contribution we would be in the very serious do-do if not slowly disappearing of the face of the fooballing earth. My thanks to him - but new era.
PDC - thanks for the ride and for where you got us to date. Always grateful and always respectful of and to you. I am disappointed with the manner of your leaving and believe you should have matched the passion and loyalty (if not 'love') that the fans showed you. It is the fans that are the club, not a Board.... but as I say, I wish you (and your staffs) well for the future.
As to the future - welcome Jed & Co. I believe that the start (last 24-48 hours) bodes well, you have made some good decisions. I am going to trust in you - not because I have no choice, but because you choose to invest in my club that I am loyal to and so I hope have my (and my fellow fans/supporters) interests at heart. Look where we are and look where we can go. Get us a good strong manager and support team. Invest in re-enforcement players, get us into the Championship where I have said we have always belonged!
Onwards and upwards with Jed-Ward (closes with comedy and exits stage right).
COYR!!!
Jets there'd
says...
1:45pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Hello to the Newbury Robin, rumour has it you've started making the chicken sandwiches already for Saturday's long trip to the County Ground!!
Back to the pool now I've read that news,
Red Armyyyyyy!!!!
Oi Den!
says...
1:47pm Thu 21 Feb 13
TerryHubbard
says...
1:47pm Thu 21 Feb 13
doomster
says...
1:48pm Thu 21 Feb 13
tch.co.uk/laptv/podc
ast/fl-extra/swindon
-cant-afford-di-cani
os-850k-basic-salary
/
I just hope we hang onto the current squad loan window isn't always an opportunity to strengthen
mustard red
says...
1:48pm Thu 21 Feb 13
bobbylashley
says...
1:49pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Dont get your hopes up these boys anint got enough cash to sort you out.
Its going to be sale time at the county ground for you.
John Young's Grumpy
says...
1:50pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Where's Guv and his doom and gloom or even I told you so stories?
Looking forward to his next witty and erudite observations.
Also, loving the Rumours site.......
Terryswin
says...
1:52pm Thu 21 Feb 13
rockdog
says...
1:52pm Thu 21 Feb 13
1vision
says...
1:53pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Now I call on the board and prove that you want to keep Di Canio by calling him in and try and change his mind.
Di Canio returning would be a MASSIVE boost to the club and would help change the opinions of the new board from the town faithful. Failing this would only start your time with STFC on a sour note.
In my eyes not enough has been done to keep Di Canio and he has left the club all too easy. Im sure these questions and more will be released later today !!
Dover Red
says...
1:53pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Terryswin
says...
1:57pm Thu 21 Feb 13
1vision wrote:i agree,,, get Paolo and his men back,,,,
OK great news and a big thank you.
Now I call on the board and prove that you want to keep Di Canio by calling him in and try and change his mind.
Di Canio returning would be a MASSIVE boost to the club and would help change the opinions of the new board from the town faithful. Failing this would only start your time with STFC on a sour note.
In my eyes not enough has been done to keep Di Canio and he has left the club all too easy. Im sure these questions and more will be released later today !!
Cirenred69
says...
1:58pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Oldhamred wrote:Hear hear to all the positive comments from our loyal supporters...we don't need the negativity, we need to pull together as a club and move on now, so COYR!
My Daughter said:
Oooops! A little bit of wee came out!
FORZASTFC
says...
1:58pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Jed I really do hope you are gonna be a straight talking honest guy with us, as we really have had a S**T load of dung along the way?
We deserve it, board, players & fans together with a GREAT future.
PRETTY PLEASE?
Starting with 6 points on Sat & Tues!
COYRS
Oxon-Red
says...
2:00pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Oi Den! wrote:No need to apologise Den, you were right to point it out.
Oxon, fair enough. I thought you may have been overlooking the fact that we might still need cash for loan signings. Point taken and apologies.
IMO, the serious financial planning starts in May when the club know which league we will be playing in.
COYMR
the don69
says...
2:00pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Dover Red wrote:Hahahahaha,nice one Dover!I blame Jed!LOL!!!!!!!!!
Did London Red resign with PDC and the rest of the backroom staff !!
RedRich
says...
2:03pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Good luck to the new owners, please appoint a top manager, someone to carry on the excellent & progessive work of the last 20 months & get us to the Championship this season.
Hopefully we can expect Marlon Pack & Danny Green to still arrive.
COYR
RedRich
says...
2:03pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Good luck to the new owners, please appoint a top manager, someone to carry on the excellent & progessive work of the last 20 months & get us to the Championship this season.
Hopefully we can expect Marlon Pack & Danny Green to still arrive.
COYR
smirg kcab
says...
2:04pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Short- medium term, no long term.
Asset strip comes to mind.
Sorry to be a neg, hope I'm wrong.
Onwards and upwards
TheDukeOfBanbury
says...
2:05pm Thu 21 Feb 13
The Jockster wrote:If you are in then your in.
TheDukeOfBanbury wrote:Harsh and completely unfair Dukey boy IMO - we wouldn't be where we are now without his bottomless pockets would we?
Close the door on your way out Black.
Do me a favour as well. Tell me where you are driving so I can avoid the area as I don't want to be involved in a "car crash"
Come On You Reds.
Not halfway through and quit.
Maybe I am old school. This is what I install in work teams and from my boys at home.
Promise, don't let people down.
Enter Black. Appreciate what he has done but he came in first with a plan. No gun to head. He walked out threatening then to sell players, admin and you think i want to thank him ??
No way and for the record I will have sponsored 3 games this season and a mascot package. Travel home and away.
Black caused Di Canio to walk nobody else.
He could have said no to transfers but on the outside it was all going so well until Black hit us with the car crash.
Sadly he will always now be remembered for this, not what he originally intended to do.
Sorry but I remain very very angry for what he has done.
ChrisWantageRed
says...
2:06pm Thu 21 Feb 13
1vision wrote:Gotta agree...there's unfinished business here. Get 'em back...win the league and lets review at the end of the season
OK great news and a big thank you. Now I call on the board and prove that you want to keep Di Canio by calling him in and try and change his mind. Di Canio returning would be a MASSIVE boost to the club and would help change the opinions of the new board from the town faithful. Failing this would only start your time with STFC on a sour note. In my eyes not enough has been done to keep Di Canio and he has left the club all too easy. Im sure these questions and more will be released later today !!
COYR!
Blazing Riff
says...
2:08pm Thu 21 Feb 13
red white wrote:Hope not but bet several on here will be tonight!
At last we don't have to say the dreadful word again...
RATIFIED !
glasred
says...
2:09pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Terryswin
says...
2:09pm Thu 21 Feb 13
FORZASTFC
says...
2:10pm Thu 21 Feb 13
TheDukeOfBanbury wrote:Have to agree!
The Jockster wrote:If you are in then your in.
TheDukeOfBanbury wrote:Harsh and completely unfair Dukey boy IMO - we wouldn't be where we are now without his bottomless pockets would we?
Close the door on your way out Black.
Do me a favour as well. Tell me where you are driving so I can avoid the area as I don't want to be involved in a "car crash"
Come On You Reds.
Not halfway through and quit.
Maybe I am old school. This is what I install in work teams and from my boys at home.
Promise, don't let people down.
Enter Black. Appreciate what he has done but he came in first with a plan. No gun to head. He walked out threatening then to sell players, admin and you think i want to thank him ??
No way and for the record I will have sponsored 3 games this season and a mascot package. Travel home and away.
Black caused Di Canio to walk nobody else.
He could have said no to transfers but on the outside it was all going so well until Black hit us with the car crash.
Sadly he will always now be remembered for this, not what he originally intended to do.
Sorry but I remain very very angry for what he has done.
Either Paolo or Black could have finished the job to the end of season, not both leave us in the crap house?
Terryswin
says...
2:12pm Thu 21 Feb 13
stfclondon
says...
2:13pm Thu 21 Feb 13
1vision wrote:You can't "keep" someone if they've gone.
OK great news and a big thank you. Now I call on the board and prove that you want to keep Di Canio by calling him in and try and change his mind. Di Canio returning would be a MASSIVE boost to the club and would help change the opinions of the new board from the town faithful. Failing this would only start your time with STFC on a sour note. In my eyes not enough has been done to keep Di Canio and he has left the club all too easy. Im sure these questions and more will be released later today !!
How many times does it need to be said? He made the decision to leave.
TheDukeOfBanbury
says...
2:13pm Thu 21 Feb 13
I have had my concerns but will back the New Board 100% as a Supporter.
It is down to them now to take us forward. If they are honest and have integrity then they will be welcomed by the Supporters. However they should be aware of recent history where Supporters turn against the Board for genuine reasons.
The Diamandis era was not that long ago.
Good luck guys. One thing for certain this is the best Club in the World.
TheDukeOfBanbury
says...
2:16pm Thu 21 Feb 13
However I would be looking in my mirrors for Mr Black to avoid a car crash.
paulcurtis1
says...
2:17pm Thu 21 Feb 13
If Andrew Black threw 9 million pounds at the club to get us promoted and top of league 1 is Jed and co going to be able to do the same or is it 1 foot for wards and 2 back, as in soon to be back in league 2.
I hope they release a statement soon out lining there proposals for the clubs future and how they are going to finance it.
Paul Buckle and Mike Newell here we go... lets hope not..
mallorca
says...
2:17pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Makes you think how close it went right to the wire.
With the new owners they must have presented there plan to the FL in a correct manner otherwise I doubt if approval would have been granted.So let´s hear no negatives about the incoming owners
Still amazes me how we went from a mega rich board supposed to be the richest in the land to being kicked into touch.
Suggest we look at what wasteage PDc made on players and Agent fees I have no idea of total costings but guess it was a few $$$$$$
So it´s good luck to Pdc and the old Board as a few seasons ago we were down and out and have just done a Houdine again
MITTED
says...
2:20pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Everything he said was wrong, and finally when he said nothing, he still didn't get it right! LMAO!!!!!
COYR
paulcurtis1
says...
2:20pm Thu 21 Feb 13
stfclondon wrote:Do we really want someone back who throws his toys out of his pram and walks out before the biggest game of the season taking all the staff witth him.
1vision wrote: OK great news and a big thank you. Now I call on the board and prove that you want to keep Di Canio by calling him in and try and change his mind. Di Canio returning would be a MASSIVE boost to the club and would help change the opinions of the new board from the town faithful. Failing this would only start your time with STFC on a sour note. In my eyes not enough has been done to keep Di Canio and he has left the club all too easy. Im sure these questions and more will be released later today !!You can't "keep" someone if they've gone. How many times does it need to be said? He made the decision to leave.
MOVE ON..
Terryswin
says...
2:21pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Oxon-Red
says...
2:22pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Terryswin wrote:Chris Wilder is 8/1 with Bet Victor:-(
Paolo,, 2/1 fav To be next town boss
Hope the board see this a total non starter. We don't want to help Oxford out by taking their unwanted !
COYMR
ChrisWantageRed
says...
2:23pm Thu 21 Feb 13
TheDukeOfBanbury wrote:Although I understand that there is definitely more to this whole messy saga than meets the eye...I have to agree with this.
The Jockster wrote:If you are in then your in. Not halfway through and quit. Maybe I am old school. This is what I install in work teams and from my boys at home. Promise, don't let people down. Enter Black. Appreciate what he has done but he came in first with a plan. No gun to head. He walked out threatening then to sell players, admin and you think i want to thank him ?? No way and for the record I will have sponsored 3 games this season and a mascot package. Travel home and away. Black caused Di Canio to walk nobody else. He could have said no to transfers but on the outside it was all going so well until Black hit us with the car crash. Sadly he will always now be remembered for this, not what he originally intended to do. Sorry but I remain very very angry for what he has done.TheDukeOfBanbury wrote: Close the door on your way out Black. Do me a favour as well. Tell me where you are driving so I can avoid the area as I don't want to be involved in a "car crash" Come On You Reds.Harsh and completely unfair Dukey boy IMO - we wouldn't be where we are now without his bottomless pockets would we?
His intentions may have started out being honourable. But to me, saying "I don't want to leave a car crash behind me " then initiating this absolute trainwreck is unforgivable. If you need to sell players to balance the books then fine, we can all see why that may need to happen, even if we don't approve! But whatever you do...for god's sake you can't just say "nah I won't tell the manager". It's a slap in the face to PdC and all he and his team have tried to do for the club, and it's a slap in the face to the fans.
I appreciate fully that he saved the club, but for me he's got alot to answer for in all this.
I hope Jed and his group can persuade PdC and his team to return until the end of the season at least...so he, his team, the players and the fans can finish what we started last season, and look forward to a successful and prosperous future together!
COYR!
Wonder Strike
says...
2:23pm Thu 21 Feb 13
ChrisWantageRed
says...
2:26pm Thu 21 Feb 13
h ;-)
Terryswin
says...
2:29pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Oxon-Red wrote:Chris Wilder, now out to 20/1
Terryswin wrote:Chris Wilder is 8/1 with Bet Victor:-(
Paolo,, 2/1 fav To be next town boss
Hope the board see this a total non starter. We don't want to help Oxford out by taking their unwanted !
COYMR
FenlandRed
says...
2:30pm Thu 21 Feb 13
ChrisWantageRed
says...
2:31pm Thu 21 Feb 13
1vision
says...
2:31pm Thu 21 Feb 13
paulcurtis1 wrote:When PDC quit there was no one in charge. Now that the deal has been completed these things can be talked through and sorted out.
stfclondon wrote:Do we really want someone back who throws his toys out of his pram and walks out before the biggest game of the season taking all the staff witth him.
1vision wrote: OK great news and a big thank you. Now I call on the board and prove that you want to keep Di Canio by calling him in and try and change his mind. Di Canio returning would be a MASSIVE boost to the club and would help change the opinions of the new board from the town faithful. Failing this would only start your time with STFC on a sour note. In my eyes not enough has been done to keep Di Canio and he has left the club all too easy. Im sure these questions and more will be released later today !!You can't "keep" someone if they've gone. How many times does it need to be said? He made the decision to leave.
MOVE ON..
Anyone can leave their job but there has been no comment from the club that his resignation has been excepted.
The way he ws treated I cant blame him wanting to leave. The big problem here was lack of communication from the old and incoming board.
madterrier
says...
2:33pm Thu 21 Feb 13
1. They can't afford Paolo's salary (and may be tempted to gamble on someone else even if they could, as we are top of the League)
2. No new loan signings
3. Players sold in the summer to get income in line with outgoings.
Promotion to the Championship would spice up the financial equation radically, which is why the manager appointment is so important. But Black is a gambler who eventually bottled it. I don't see thee new guys as high rolling gamblers.
peatmoor pirate
says...
2:34pm Thu 21 Feb 13
john9149 wrote:No thanks; they've quit and we don't need quitters. STFC bigger than any individual. Time to move on, glad this deal is now done.
Still time to get Paolo and his gang back before Saturday!!!
Terryswin
says...
2:35pm Thu 21 Feb 13
ChrisWantageRed wrote:did he twitter about he is hoping to meet later with Paolo
Chris Wilder will never ever ever get the Swindon job. Jed is being bombarded on Twitter with lists of people the fans don't want. His response "I am listening...and definitely hearing" (or words to that effect...No way will Wilder be anywhere near the job
ChrisWantageRed
says...
2:35pm Thu 21 Feb 13
madterrier wrote:Time to call Paolo out on his "less money, more glory" statement? ;-)
IF the new owners intend to manage the club on a sustainable financial footing in the 'short to medium term' then it can only mean three things: 1. They can't afford Paolo's salary (and may be tempted to gamble on someone else even if they could, as we are top of the League) 2. No new loan signings 3. Players sold in the summer to get income in line with outgoings. Promotion to the Championship would spice up the financial equation radically, which is why the manager appointment is so important. But Black is a gambler who eventually bottled it. I don't see thee new guys as high rolling gamblers.
ChrisWantageRed
says...
2:36pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Terryswin wrote:he has said before that he's going to try...but is unsure of how successful he will be
ChrisWantageRed wrote: Chris Wilder will never ever ever get the Swindon job. Jed is being bombarded on Twitter with lists of people the fans don't want. His response "I am listening...and definitely hearing" (or words to that effect...No way will Wilder be anywhere near the jobdid he twitter about he is hoping to meet later with Paolo
ICDeadpeople
says...
2:37pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Dover Red wrote:I think he will reserve judgement until the new owners make a public statement.
Did London Red resign with PDC and the rest of the backroom staff !!
.
Then he'll be back, typing his comments for the rest of us agree or disagree with.
RED-MERLIN
says...
2:38pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Is that you Lovesey wrote:YEAH but what ateam he left us!
Well Paolo, well done mate, left us for the sake of 4 days...........
Oxon-Red
says...
2:39pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Terryswin wrote:Maybe GUV has been on the Oxford Mail forum, told them that he would be the next Town manager and convinced them to have a punt :-)
Oxon-Red wrote:Chris Wilder, now out to 20/1Terryswin wrote: Paolo,, 2/1 fav To be next town bossChris Wilder is 8/1 with Bet Victor:-( Hope the board see this a total non starter. We don't want to help Oxford out by taking their unwanted ! COYMR
COYMR
ICDeadpeople
says...
2:39pm Thu 21 Feb 13
ICDeadpeople wrote:to agree or disagree with.
Dover Red wrote: Did London Red resign with PDC and the rest of the backroom staff !!I think he will reserve judgement until the new owners make a public statement. . Then he'll be back, typing his comments for the rest of us agree or disagree with.
EastleazeRed
says...
2:46pm Thu 21 Feb 13
smirg kcab wrote:Great news , but I have the same concerns. Paolo was like a kid in a sweet shop in the summer , and I questioned where the money had come from to secure 8 players of the caliber he brought in . Our wage bill must be horrendous , and should promotion be achieved , are we going to have the resources to stay in the championship.
One thing that concerns me it states
Short- medium term, no long term.
Asset strip comes to mind.
Sorry to be a neg, hope I'm wrong.
Onwards and upwards
Davidsyrett
says...
2:47pm Thu 21 Feb 13
stfc_user
says...
2:49pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Kelliz
says...
2:50pm Thu 21 Feb 13
We are SWINDON's RED and WHITE ARMY
Davidsyrett
says...
2:55pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Davidsyrett wrote:www.lifesapitch.co.u
PdC wont be back!! £850K a year + bonuses!! no wonder we where nearly bust! (Oh that doesn't include backroom staff)
k, Swindon can't afford Di Canio
Lambourn Red
says...
2:55pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Davidsyrett wrote:Where on earth do you get figures like that from ?
PdC wont be back!! £850K a year + bonuses!! no wonder we where nearly bust! (Oh that doesn't include backroom staff)
stfc_user
says...
2:58pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Chish and Fips
says...
3:02pm Thu 21 Feb 13
ChrisWantageRed wrote:Wiz get those Slug Pellets of yours out, they are needed again... :o)
Steve Evans spotted in Aldi opposite the CG buying a bumper stock of Fray Bentos.....uh-ohhhhh
h ;-)
Lambourn Red
says...
3:02pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Davidsyrett wrote:Just read that I would say that is an absolute crock of Sh1t. The guy is also claiming "Their total wage bill will be by some distance the highest in League One.” again this is without doubt completely unfounded Bournemouths will be way more than ours they have almost double the squad
Davidsyrett wrote:www.lifesapitch.co.u
PdC wont be back!! £850K a year + bonuses!! no wonder we where nearly bust! (Oh that doesn't include backroom staff)
k, Swindon can't afford Di Canio
St Jude
says...
3:04pm Thu 21 Feb 13
David Wallis wrote:Spot on - first class post
Thank heavens for that!!!!
Now, here's something I've tried to file this morning been unable to through server problems:
There have been several calls recently to pack the County Ground and show our support, but there can be no better reason to answer that call on Saturday than what we have seen happen this week.
Our talented squad of players have been regularly belittled by the outgoing manager, and are now being asked to deal with the consequences of his departure on their own.
When I first started watching football it was the players that the game was all about. You knew the manager’s name, you read his column in the Adver or the Pink but that was it.
Some knew the names of the directors, but wouldn’t know them if they fell over them in the street.
I hero-worshipped Don Rogers but only respected Danny Williams, and that was considered correct.
Today we are back to that scenario and we should let the players know just how much we are behind them.
There’s a word I don’t use very often because I find it an extremely emotional one. That word is ‘Proud’.
I used the ‘P’ word on Tuesday night when our team fought their way to the top of the table despite everything that was going on around them. They’ve been asked to repeat that achievement for the foreseeable future.
Should they be proved up to the task in steadying the ship, without backing and without anyone else around to steal the credit, they can write their names in club history and earn the respect of all of us who love STFC.
They can make us all Proud.
How about a sustained chant of ‘We are Swindonians… we’re not Italians’ to the tune of the Di Canio anthem? (Then personally I’ll be happy if I never hear that tune again.)
Bear with me all those rural fans (like myself) who don’t feel the description ‘Swindonian’ applies to them in normal circumstances. We’re making a point here.
We’ve seen the identity of our club highjacked and then cast aside. Let’s demonstrate that we are claiming it back. Let’s show two fingers to all those who we feel have let us down and abused our club.
I’m a fairly regular contributor to this message board, using, like many of us, a pseudonym. I’ve come on the forum today under my real identity. I think we need a very public demonstration of who we are, what the club means to us and the fact that we are 100% behind the players.
Come on Town. We are a club that comprises of players and supporters. Currently that’s about all we’ve got left… but they are the most important ingredients and we need to show just how much we can achieve together.
Good luck Darren Ward, Tommy Miller and the rest of the players, and everyone who, one way or another, will have Swindon Town Football Club over their heart on Saturday.
Davidsyrett
says...
3:04pm Thu 21 Feb 13
stfc_user wrote:You're probably right, but be interesting to see if the club flatly refute the claim like they did the original "Mirror" Story
Quoting an article that quotes the 'Mirror' doesn't give any credence to the claim.
Davidsyrett
says...
3:08pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Lambourn Red wrote:I doubt Bournemouth's wage bill is that large as they have to adhere to the 65% wage cap just like us and their turnover is a lot lower than ours.
Davidsyrett wrote:Just read that I would say that is an absolute crock of Sh1t. The guy is also claiming "Their total wage bill will be by some distance the highest in League One.” again this is without doubt completely unfounded Bournemouths will be way more than ours they have almost double the squad
Davidsyrett wrote:www.lifesapitch.co.u
PdC wont be back!! £850K a year + bonuses!! no wonder we where nearly bust! (Oh that doesn't include backroom staff)
k, Swindon can't afford Di Canio
matt71
says...
3:13pm Thu 21 Feb 13
With the Robins firmly in the running to make it back-to-back promotions, Di Canio is popular among the fans and a return would go down well. “With that support and that backing, he is basically trying to call out the takeover,” says the Mirror’s John Cross. “I do think there is a very strong possibility that, within a matter of time, he could be back in there. It’s clear the fans absolutely love him, they want him back, he knows that. And I think he’s just putting pressure on and turning up the heat.”
But can Swindon even afford him? “That is the key to what this whole debate is about,” says the Sunday Mirror’s David Walker. “I’m told that Di Canio is on £850,000 a year basic, with an £850,000 promotion bonus. If you look at League One managers, that’s outrageous. And with the gates they’re getting, they can’t afford that. Their total wage bill will be by some distance the highest in League One.”
And David doubts prospective new owners would take on a club with such large running costs. “The new people going in are saying: ‘This has got to be a valid, viable financial structure.’ Which – and it’s not Di Canio’s fault – is not the case at the moment.”
Is that you Lovesey
says...
3:14pm Thu 21 Feb 13
hopgop
says...
3:16pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Without his unprecedented cash injection we would almost certainly not be in business, let alone top of league 1. - Fact
How anyone can slate him now is ignorance to the point of stupidity. He was never a supporter of the club, however he allowed some friends on a sustainable business plan to use his cash to save us when he became involved.
The plan went wrong. He never intended to spend many millions financing us forever. Paolo and Wray let us down. Spent far far too much cash! - Fact.
Time for a reality check. The club can't sustain that kind of spending without at least doubling our home gates. New stadium? Who is going to pay for that? We don't own the County Ground. So, selling for development like at other clubs isn't happening and that it appears is the only way of massively increasing our appeal and therefore our income.
Some posters on here need to wake up and smell of coffee.
Thank you Andrew, you saved us.
Welcome Jed. Hope you've a SUSTAINABLE long term plan.
Personally, I'd like another cheap totally unexpected retiring premier league player manager/ debut manager. A millionaire ex player perhaps might not demand huge wages in return for a chance to prove himself in management. Big name also likely to attract players, as next season i fear we may need to due to current high wages whichever division we find ourselves in.
Risky, has worked in the past. And lets face it, who doesn't like the thrill ride of a roller coaster???!!!
Swindon till i die.
BournemouthRobin
says...
3:16pm Thu 21 Feb 13
I'm going to celebrate with some lovely cheese!!
jam1
says...
3:17pm Thu 21 Feb 13
ChrisWantageRed
says...
3:19pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Chish and Fips wrote:Breaking news - Slug meat found in country ground burgers!! ;-)
ChrisWantageRed wrote: Steve Evans spotted in Aldi opposite the CG buying a bumper stock of Fray Bentos.....uh-ohhhhh h ;-)Wiz get those Slug Pellets of yours out, they are needed again... :o)
ChrisWantageRed
says...
3:24pm Thu 21 Feb 13
jam1 wrote:yeah that's utter tripe...
I would be amazed if Paolo was on anything like £850k
madterrier
says...
3:24pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Davidsyrett wrote:I had heard £750k a year but no idea on what the bonus was to be for promotion to the Championship. The same again?
PdC wont be back!! £850K a year + bonuses!! no wonder we where nearly bust! (Oh that doesn't include backroom staff)
If the numbers are correct presumably these sums were 'budgeted' for??!
paulcurtis1
says...
3:25pm Thu 21 Feb 13
jam1 wrote:I understand it was £250K per year, still to much for swindon with all of his back room staff.
I would be amazed if Paolo was on anything like £850k
jfmorty
says...
3:27pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Can we now have Ritchie back?
Will Frazer bring his washbag?
Lone Wolf
says...
3:28pm Thu 21 Feb 13
jam1 wrote:I'd put my name in the hat for £85K!!
I would be amazed if Paolo was on anything like £850k
madterrier
says...
3:32pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Davidsyrett wrote:David - you don't know that their 'turnover' is lower than ours. It could be circumnavigated easily by the usual routes - inflated ground and sponsorship deals, owners pumping in more equity etc.
Lambourn Red wrote:I doubt Bournemouth's wage bill is that large as they have to adhere to the 65% wage cap just like us and their turnover is a lot lower than ours.
Davidsyrett wrote:Just read that I would say that is an absolute crock of Sh1t. The guy is also claiming "Their total wage bill will be by some distance the highest in League One.” again this is without doubt completely unfounded Bournemouths will be way more than ours they have almost double the squad
Davidsyrett wrote:www.lifesapitch.co.u
PdC wont be back!! £850K a year + bonuses!! no wonder we where nearly bust! (Oh that doesn't include backroom staff)
k, Swindon can't afford Di Canio
Lambourn Red
says...
3:36pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Davidsyrett wrote:They get around it by the Russian owners sponsorship of the Stadium which counts as revenue hence they can circumvent the 65% wage cap it is widely known that Peterborough do exactly the same.
Lambourn Red wrote:I doubt Bournemouth's wage bill is that large as they have to adhere to the 65% wage cap just like us and their turnover is a lot lower than ours.
Davidsyrett wrote:Just read that I would say that is an absolute crock of Sh1t. The guy is also claiming "Their total wage bill will be by some distance the highest in League One.” again this is without doubt completely unfounded Bournemouths will be way more than ours they have almost double the squad
Davidsyrett wrote:www.lifesapitch.co.u
PdC wont be back!! £850K a year + bonuses!! no wonder we where nearly bust! (Oh that doesn't include backroom staff)
k, Swindon can't afford Di Canio
Rebel_phish
says...
3:47pm Thu 21 Feb 13
The next Swindon Manager will be the one that the new board appoint, whenever they get around to it, though it may not be the one thats best for the Club, just the one thats best for the balance sheet.
Now I'm putting my money that man and his dog.
Davidsyrett
says...
3:50pm Thu 21 Feb 13
"Out of interest I've looked up the turnover of some of the clubs at the top of the league.
For example, Cov had a turnover of £10M in the championship (it will now be lower).
Tranmere Rovers £3.5M last year (what a job they are doing by the way) Brentford £3.2M. Swindon £4.6M
Excluding us Cov, Donny, Portsmouth (the last 3 relegated therefore have inflated championship turnovers) the typical turnover is £3M to £5M.
Last year AFC Bournemouth seem to be exempt from audit so I can't find anything on their turnover. But unless the new owners are pumping in an extraordinary amount of sponsorship money it can't be more than £5M, probably less
Given the FL ask for regular SCMP submissions (the key one for the Jan TW was mid December) I'm at a loss to understand how they are financing their squad.
Smells fishy to me"
Was on a Sheff Utd Forum, trying to work out how everyone else was spending more than them!!
TelSTFC
says...
3:52pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Lets maintain our status at the top of the league with a win on Saturday to celebrate
COYR!!
stigger
says...
3:52pm Thu 21 Feb 13
stigger
says...
3:56pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Oxon-Red
says...
4:01pm Thu 21 Feb 13
madterrier wrote:The 65% wage cap is based on turnover but I believe it can be topped up with equity investments. Bournemouth have a wealthy Russian investing money in their club and he must be topping up the fund.
Davidsyrett wrote:David - you don't know that their 'turnover' is lower than ours. It could be circumnavigated easily by the usual routes - inflated ground and sponsorship deals, owners pumping in more equity etc.Lambourn Red wrote:I doubt Bournemouth's wage bill is that large as they have to adhere to the 65% wage cap just like us and their turnover is a lot lower than ours.Davidsyrett wrote:Just read that I would say that is an absolute crock of Sh1t. The guy is also claiming "Their total wage bill will be by some distance the highest in League One.” again this is without doubt completely unfounded Bournemouths will be way more than ours they have almost double the squadDavidsyrett wrote: PdC wont be back!! £850K a year + bonuses!! no wonder we where nearly bust! (Oh that doesn't include backroom staff)www.lifesapitch.co.u k, Swindon can't afford Di Canio
They average 6,500/7,000 at a guess, tickets at £20 over 23 games would provide around £3.2M in gate receipts. 65% of this is £2M.
They have just spent close to £1M on two players so if they are not receiving top-ups they are paying their squad of 35 players from the remaining £1M !!!! That's £28K each a year.
I know they will have other income but £28K !!!
COYMR
california andy
says...
4:04pm Thu 21 Feb 13
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When Swindon won the League Cup – helped by the Horse of the Year Show
As Bradford City seek an upset in the Capital One Cup final, two of Swindon Town's team who beat Arsenal recall the match
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Swindon Town players with the League Cup 1969
Swindon Town players with the League Cup after beating Arsenal in extra time at a muddy Wembley in 1969. Photograph: PA Wire
It was almost 44 years ago, yet the passage of time has done nothing to erode the memories Don Rogers and John Trollope have of the part they played in one of football's greatest giant-killings. From the surreal sight of hoof marks on the Wembley pitch to the abiding image of Bob Wilson being left hopelessly exposed in the dying seconds, pictures are ingrained in the mind from the day that Swindon Town – then a third division side – defeated Arsenal to win the League Cup.
It was not quite football's equivalent of man walking on the moon for the first time – which also happened in 1969 and, outside of Wiltshire, caused a slightly bigger stir than the League Cup being on show in the sports shop Rogers had recently opened in the town – although the fact that Swindon remain the last club from outside the top two divisions to win a major trophy puts into context what Danny Williams's team achieved.
Their remarkable triumph may feel like old news but it is worth revisiting ahead of Sunday's Capital One Cup final, when Bradford City take on Swansea City hoping to pull off a similar surprise at Wembley. "We're certainly the right ones to talk about it because we upset the odds," says Rogers, who scored twice in extra-time against Arsenal.
Although Bradford have defeated three Premier League sides en route to the final, their journey has been far more straightforward than the path Swindon negotiated in the 1968-69 season. In the days of replays rather than penalty shootouts, Swindon played an incredible 1,020 minutes of football by the time they got to Wembley.
Not that Swindon's players felt tired at the end of it all. Rogers recalls, with a wince, how every Thursday morning they had a gruelling running session at the County Ground – "I know it was 13 laps of the pitch because I never slept on a Wednesday night thinking about it" – which kept stamina levels high and helps to explain why Swindon fancied their chances as soon as they saw the Wembley pitch.
The Horse of the Year Show had been staged at Wembley the week before and, combined with heavy rain in the lead up to the final, turned the surface into a ploughed field. Wilson, the Arsenal goalkeeper, later said he wished he had brought his wellington boots. Trollope, who had recently returned to the Swindon side after recovering from a broken arm, which had brought to an end his incredible run of 368 consecutive appearances, admits the final would never have gone ahead today. "There were really heavy patches. You could actually see where the horses had jumped over the fences and landed," the 69-year-old says. "The pitch was terrible. And that helped us because we probably had the fittest side you'd ever want to see."
"Well, most of the players," Rogers says, laughing.
Trollope smiles. "There was only two who weren't like the rest of us and they were the best players – Don and Rod Thomas – so they got away with it.
But the rest were super fit. Roger Smart, who scored the first goal, and Stan Harland, the captain, were super runners. So I think our fitness told in the end. I don't think Arsenal were used to playing in conditions like that. But we just kept going."
Although Arsenal, who had suffered with a flu virus prior to the final, equalised late on through Bobby Gould, Swindon refused to surrender. Rogers restored Swindon's lead in extra time and then sealed the game with almost the final kick of the match, when he ran from just inside the Arsenal half, before brilliantly taking the ball around Wilson. "It was a long way to run – about 50 yards – especially on that pitch, but I knew what I was going to do," he says.
"The thing about it was the pace you went but also the control you had of the ball on that pitch – they would have raved about it nowadays," adds Trollope. "I think most other people would have gone for the corner . But with the confidence you had about going one-on-one, I don't think you even thought about doing that."
"Oh, crikey, no," Rogers says. "Right up my street that was – me and the keeper in front of me."
Trollope, who spent his entire career at Swindon, nods. "I think I've seen two really top players when one-on-one with the keeper and they're both from our era – that's Don and Jimmy Greaves. It's a gift."
"My 10-year-old grandson, Jack, has got that," Rogers says. "He's a brilliant finisher. He plays like me – he's a lazy swine, but when he gets around the goal, he's so calm."
It was inevitable that Rogers, who went on to join Crystal Palace before eventually returning to Swindon following a spell at QPR, would be cast as the Wembley hero. "I always get the glory but it's not right. It should be everybody," he says. "I actually watched the game at Christmas. Our goalkeeper, Peter Downsborough, he must have made 20 good saves."
Not that Rogers needs to view the black-and-white footage to be reminded of Swindon's most famous day. "Having my shop, it probably gets mentioned every week on average. I get people coming back from all over the place, even Australia, and popping in," the 67-year-old says. "The League Cup was actually in the shop window for a while. You wouldn't have that now, would you? I'd have to have a bodyguard. And I had it at home for a couple of nights. I slept with it."
Although the League Cup winners qualified for the Fairs Cup, Swindon were prevented from competing on the grounds that they were not a top-flight club, which is something Bradford have no need to worry about in relation to the Europa League. First of all, though, Phil Parkinson's side need to overcome Swansea.
"As much as you would like them to win – because you always like the underdog to do it – it will be tough," Trollope says. "They're going to have a far better pitch than we had and that will suit Swansea, who play some super football."
Rogers agrees. "You do fear for them. But you never know. And if Bradford do win it, they'll have earned it, like we did, that's for sure."
Stuart James Posted by
Stuart James
Thursday 21 February 2013 09.00 EST guardian.co.uk
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california andy
says...
4:06pm Thu 21 Feb 13
easternexile
says...
4:06pm Thu 21 Feb 13
PDC did bring in many good players and a great work ethic, however too many tantrums. I can't imagine that anyone at the club knew where they stood or how he'd be on a particular day. He was basically a bully. Bye, bye, thanks and move on.
I hope the right appointment is made someone like Butcher (no one can forget the bloodied headband!) would command respect.
A new chapter begins.
Another view
says...
4:07pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Just had an email from the club offering all replica kits for 1/2 price. Some may say that's desparation, but it's good to know they've hit the ground running, and this ensures even more red'n white seen around the town and in the stands.
Regarding London Red, maybe he's quietly sharpening his pencil ready to check out the new board's figures!
Seriously though it would be good to get his views on lowering admission prices to increase the gates ala Hartlepool last week.
stfc_user
says...
4:07pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Incorporation Date: 7 Dec 2012
2 Months old
Financial Year End: 31 May
Capital: £1.00
on 7 Dec 2012
I think the £1 should invested in the catering. ;-)
EastleazeRed
says...
4:08pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Nigel Adkins it is then , go get him Jed !
Davidsyrett
says...
4:10pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Seriously though it would be good to get his views on lowering admission prices to increase the gates ala Hartlepool last week.
Eh, Why??
stfcflag
says...
4:13pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Comedy to see Pateys final dig at Paolo .... Patey may have helped secure this deal but from outside of the inner circle involved in the dealings he seemed nothing but uncommunicative and an all round bad egg, good riddance!
Great news Nick Watkins is staying on ... some level of continuity, I like it!
Rebel_phish
says...
4:13pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Oxon-Red wrote:Perhaps the players top their income up with Tax Credits
madterrier wrote:The 65% wage cap is based on turnover but I believe it can be topped up with equity investments. Bournemouth have a wealthy Russian investing money in their club and he must be topping up the fund.
Davidsyrett wrote:David - you don't know that their 'turnover' is lower than ours. It could be circumnavigated easily by the usual routes - inflated ground and sponsorship deals, owners pumping in more equity etc.Lambourn Red wrote:I doubt Bournemouth's wage bill is that large as they have to adhere to the 65% wage cap just like us and their turnover is a lot lower than ours.Davidsyrett wrote:Just read that I would say that is an absolute crock of Sh1t. The guy is also claiming "Their total wage bill will be by some distance the highest in League One.” again this is without doubt completely unfounded Bournemouths will be way more than ours they have almost double the squadDavidsyrett wrote: PdC wont be back!! £850K a year + bonuses!! no wonder we where nearly bust! (Oh that doesn't include backroom staff)www.lifesapitch.co.u k, Swindon can't afford Di Canio
They average 6,500/7,000 at a guess, tickets at £20 over 23 games would provide around £3.2M in gate receipts. 65% of this is £2M.
They have just spent close to £1M on two players so if they are not receiving top-ups they are paying their squad of 35 players from the remaining £1M !!!! That's £28K each a year.
I know they will have other income but £28K !!!
COYMR
madterrier
says...
4:16pm Thu 21 Feb 13
california andy wrote:Andy - you must be the only person in California who isn't technology savvy!
Sorry about all the extraneous stuff at the end - hopeless at technology. And by the way, sign up the Don's grandson!
Luckily, people have got used to serious scrolling these past few weeks.
sp1dersw3b
says...
4:30pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Bear with me all those rural fans (like myself) who don’t feel the description ‘Swindonian’ applies to them in normal circumstances. We’re making a point here.'
I wish you had not included these two paragraphs - STFC do have many Italian supporters and if Rafa is playing against PNE this is just a tad insulting?
Otherwise, same era as yourself and will be there Saturday cheering the lads on, including the only (currently)Italian left, with pride!
COYR's
nosyrudeman
says...
4:34pm Thu 21 Feb 13
hopgop wrote:Agree with all the above Facts, in him coming in here, but it was timing of his decision to get out that really upset myself and no doubt nearly all others. Much to the point that, had this not gone thru' we could have been punished very heavily more than 10 points because of previous adminstrations and possibly kicked out the league.
Andrew Black saved our club.- Fact. Without his unprecedented cash injection we would almost certainly not be in business, let alone top of league 1. - Fact How anyone can slate him now is ignorance to the point of stupidity. He was never a supporter of the club, however he allowed some friends on a sustainable business plan to use his cash to save us when he became involved. The plan went wrong. He never intended to spend many millions financing us forever. Paolo and Wray let us down. Spent far far too much cash! - Fact. Time for a reality check. The club can't sustain that kind of spending without at least doubling our home gates. New stadium? Who is going to pay for that? We don't own the County Ground. So, selling for development like at other clubs isn't happening and that it appears is the only way of massively increasing our appeal and therefore our income. Some posters on here need to wake up and smell of coffee. Thank you Andrew, you saved us. Welcome Jed. Hope you've a SUSTAINABLE long term plan. Personally, I'd like another cheap totally unexpected retiring premier league player manager/ debut manager. A millionaire ex player perhaps might not demand huge wages in return for a chance to prove himself in management. Big name also likely to attract players, as next season i fear we may need to due to current high wages whichever division we find ourselves in. Risky, has worked in the past. And lets face it, who doesn't like the thrill ride of a roller coaster???!!! Swindon till i die.
I don't want someone coming in and changing the way we train/play.
Pewsham Red
says...
4:41pm Thu 21 Feb 13
paulcurtis1 wrote:Bang on. Pretty sure this is correct.
jam1 wrote: I would be amazed if Paolo was on anything like £850kI understand it was £250K per year, still to much for swindon with all of his back room staff.
Stratton Red
says...
4:42pm Thu 21 Feb 13
jam1 wrote:From what I understand Paolo was on £650K pa + bonus' but he then had to pay his backroom staff out of this...
I would be amazed if Paolo was on anything like £850k
MITTED
says...
4:48pm Thu 21 Feb 13
ChrisWantageRed wrote:I agree, especially as it now transpires that not only did he create a car crash when he said he wouldn't, he was willing to gamble the very existence of the club because he knew (and now so do we) that the powers that be, would have expelled the club from the football league if we had gone into administration.
TheDukeOfBanbury wrote:Although I understand that there is definitely more to this whole messy saga than meets the eye...I have to agree with this.
The Jockster wrote:If you are in then your in. Not halfway through and quit. Maybe I am old school. This is what I install in work teams and from my boys at home. Promise, don't let people down. Enter Black. Appreciate what he has done but he came in first with a plan. No gun to head. He walked out threatening then to sell players, admin and you think i want to thank him ?? No way and for the record I will have sponsored 3 games this season and a mascot package. Travel home and away. Black caused Di Canio to walk nobody else. He could have said no to transfers but on the outside it was all going so well until Black hit us with the car crash. Sadly he will always now be remembered for this, not what he originally intended to do. Sorry but I remain very very angry for what he has done.TheDukeOfBanbury wrote: Close the door on your way out Black. Do me a favour as well. Tell me where you are driving so I can avoid the area as I don't want to be involved in a "car crash" Come On You Reds.Harsh and completely unfair Dukey boy IMO - we wouldn't be where we are now without his bottomless pockets would we?
His intentions may have started out being honourable. But to me, saying "I don't want to leave a car crash behind me " then initiating this absolute trainwreck is unforgivable. If you need to sell players to balance the books then fine, we can all see why that may need to happen, even if we don't approve! But whatever you do...for god's sake you can't just say "nah I won't tell the manager". It's a slap in the face to PdC and all he and his team have tried to do for the club, and it's a slap in the face to the fans.
I appreciate fully that he saved the club, but for me he's got alot to answer for in all this.
I hope Jed and his group can persuade PdC and his team to return until the end of the season at least...so he, his team, the players and the fans can finish what we started last season, and look forward to a successful and prosperous future together!
COYR!
COYR
Stratton Red
says...
4:54pm Thu 21 Feb 13
*
Why? That is ridiculously harsh. One rule for us and another for all the other teams that have gone into Administration.
David Wallis
says...
4:59pm Thu 21 Feb 13
sp1dersw3b wrote:Hi Sp1dersw3b,
David Wallis - 'How about a sustained chant of ‘We are Swindonians… we’re not Italians’ to the tune of the Di Canio anthem? (Then personally I’ll be happy if I never hear that tune again.)
Bear with me all those rural fans (like myself) who don’t feel the description ‘Swindonian’ applies to them in normal circumstances. We’re making a point here.'
I wish you had not included these two paragraphs - STFC do have many Italian supporters and if Rafa is playing against PNE this is just a tad insulting?
Otherwise, same era as yourself and will be there Saturday cheering the lads on, including the only (currently)Italian left, with pride!
COYR's
No insult intended to our Italian supporters. I'll be in my seat next to my Italian brother-in-law... both Town supporters for 40 years. And I had realised Rafa's heritage of course before I posted
I'd just like the world to know we're in Swindon, we're in Wiltshire and always will be.
I for one am proud of my club, my home Town (which is in fact Swindon... I just don't live there now) and my county.
Enjoy the game.
MITTED
says...
4:59pm Thu 21 Feb 13
COYR
Oxon-Red
says...
5:00pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Would like to know that the £9M debt has gone and won't be back to haunt us in the future. Please Jed can you confirm that this is the case.
Feel happy that everything is now sorted and we can concentrate solely on football for the rest of the season.
I somehow feel more comfortable with Jed and Co than I would if a character like Mr Eddie 'I effing swear on national radio' Mitchell was taking over.
We have a united group of players, let's see how Tommy and Darren get on in charge and decide the urgency for a new manager as a result.
It would be good to resurrect the Marlon Pack deal as immediate cover in midfield is required and it will provide new options.
Other loans maybe not be urgent but should be considered before a new manager arrives if injury/suspension forces it. I feel confident that the two in charge will have ideas should this need arise.
It would be great to see a decent crowd on Saturday and for the remaining 6 matches after as these games with 2-3 wins away could see us into the championship.
No Norwich, Brighton or Charlton this season so 86-87 points could win the title.
COYMR
Another view
says...
5:01pm Thu 21 Feb 13
4:10pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Regarding London Red, maybe he's quietly sharpening his pencil ready to check out the new board's figures!
Seriously though it would be good to get his views on lowering admission prices to increase the gates ala Hartlepool last week.
Eh, Why??”
- Because it would surely be to the club's benefit to reduce prices sufficiently to get more bums on seats, as happened at the Hartlepool game, but still be able to increase total gate takings. L R would enjoy working out the combinations. I'm too lazy to do it :-)
old town robin
says...
5:01pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Sounds like Patey saved his best till last with his swipe at PdC.
No new loanee signings then until after new manager in place and it doesn't look like it will be an interum appointment. Probably for the best Seebeck has bought 99% with no cobwebs in the cupboard
Oi Den!
says...
5:02pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Stratton Red wrote:Stratton, it would have been our third time in administration. It's only fair that the penalties get more severe for repeat offenders. I believe some clubs (Luton?) have suffered deductions of 20 points or more, so it wouldn't have been a case of us being singled out.
"Had Swindon entered administration it is understood that the League would have been likely to hit the club with a more sizeable penalty than the mandatory 10-point deduction, with demotion and even expulsion from the league a possibility".
*
Why? That is ridiculously harsh. One rule for us and another for all the other teams that have gone into Administration.
the don69
says...
5:13pm Thu 21 Feb 13
california andy wrote:Gosh after that lot Andy!you deserve a cocktail in the sun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great news all around - Digby back, promises of more funds for loans, Watkins staying... Hooray. And now for some nostalgia for us older fans, courtesy of the Guardian:
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When Swindon won the League Cup – helped by the Horse of the Year Show
As Bradford City seek an upset in the Capital One Cup final, two of Swindon Town's team who beat Arsenal recall the match
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Swindon Town players with the League Cup 1969
Swindon Town players with the League Cup after beating Arsenal in extra time at a muddy Wembley in 1969. Photograph: PA Wire
It was almost 44 years ago, yet the passage of time has done nothing to erode the memories Don Rogers and John Trollope have of the part they played in one of football's greatest giant-killings. From the surreal sight of hoof marks on the Wembley pitch to the abiding image of Bob Wilson being left hopelessly exposed in the dying seconds, pictures are ingrained in the mind from the day that Swindon Town – then a third division side – defeated Arsenal to win the League Cup.
It was not quite football's equivalent of man walking on the moon for the first time – which also happened in 1969 and, outside of Wiltshire, caused a slightly bigger stir than the League Cup being on show in the sports shop Rogers had recently opened in the town – although the fact that Swindon remain the last club from outside the top two divisions to win a major trophy puts into context what Danny Williams's team achieved.
Their remarkable triumph may feel like old news but it is worth revisiting ahead of Sunday's Capital One Cup final, when Bradford City take on Swansea City hoping to pull off a similar surprise at Wembley. "We're certainly the right ones to talk about it because we upset the odds," says Rogers, who scored twice in extra-time against Arsenal.
Although Bradford have defeated three Premier League sides en route to the final, their journey has been far more straightforward than the path Swindon negotiated in the 1968-69 season. In the days of replays rather than penalty shootouts, Swindon played an incredible 1,020 minutes of football by the time they got to Wembley.
Not that Swindon's players felt tired at the end of it all. Rogers recalls, with a wince, how every Thursday morning they had a gruelling running session at the County Ground – "I know it was 13 laps of the pitch because I never slept on a Wednesday night thinking about it" – which kept stamina levels high and helps to explain why Swindon fancied their chances as soon as they saw the Wembley pitch.
The Horse of the Year Show had been staged at Wembley the week before and, combined with heavy rain in the lead up to the final, turned the surface into a ploughed field. Wilson, the Arsenal goalkeeper, later said he wished he had brought his wellington boots. Trollope, who had recently returned to the Swindon side after recovering from a broken arm, which had brought to an end his incredible run of 368 consecutive appearances, admits the final would never have gone ahead today. "There were really heavy patches. You could actually see where the horses had jumped over the fences and landed," the 69-year-old says. "The pitch was terrible. And that helped us because we probably had the fittest side you'd ever want to see."
"Well, most of the players," Rogers says, laughing.
Trollope smiles. "There was only two who weren't like the rest of us and they were the best players – Don and Rod Thomas – so they got away with it.
But the rest were super fit. Roger Smart, who scored the first goal, and Stan Harland, the captain, were super runners. So I think our fitness told in the end. I don't think Arsenal were used to playing in conditions like that. But we just kept going."
Although Arsenal, who had suffered with a flu virus prior to the final, equalised late on through Bobby Gould, Swindon refused to surrender. Rogers restored Swindon's lead in extra time and then sealed the game with almost the final kick of the match, when he ran from just inside the Arsenal half, before brilliantly taking the ball around Wilson. "It was a long way to run – about 50 yards – especially on that pitch, but I knew what I was going to do," he says.
"The thing about it was the pace you went but also the control you had of the ball on that pitch – they would have raved about it nowadays," adds Trollope. "I think most other people would have gone for the corner . But with the confidence you had about going one-on-one, I don't think you even thought about doing that."
"Oh, crikey, no," Rogers says. "Right up my street that was – me and the keeper in front of me."
Trollope, who spent his entire career at Swindon, nods. "I think I've seen two really top players when one-on-one with the keeper and they're both from our era – that's Don and Jimmy Greaves. It's a gift."
"My 10-year-old grandson, Jack, has got that," Rogers says. "He's a brilliant finisher. He plays like me – he's a lazy swine, but when he gets around the goal, he's so calm."
It was inevitable that Rogers, who went on to join Crystal Palace before eventually returning to Swindon following a spell at QPR, would be cast as the Wembley hero. "I always get the glory but it's not right. It should be everybody," he says. "I actually watched the game at Christmas. Our goalkeeper, Peter Downsborough, he must have made 20 good saves."
Not that Rogers needs to view the black-and-white footage to be reminded of Swindon's most famous day. "Having my shop, it probably gets mentioned every week on average. I get people coming back from all over the place, even Australia, and popping in," the 67-year-old says. "The League Cup was actually in the shop window for a while. You wouldn't have that now, would you? I'd have to have a bodyguard. And I had it at home for a couple of nights. I slept with it."
Although the League Cup winners qualified for the Fairs Cup, Swindon were prevented from competing on the grounds that they were not a top-flight club, which is something Bradford have no need to worry about in relation to the Europa League. First of all, though, Phil Parkinson's side need to overcome Swansea.
"As much as you would like them to win – because you always like the underdog to do it – it will be tough," Trollope says. "They're going to have a far better pitch than we had and that will suit Swansea, who play some super football."
Rogers agrees. "You do fear for them. But you never know. And if Bradford do win it, they'll have earned it, like we did, that's for sure."
Stuart James Posted by
Stuart James
Thursday 21 February 2013 09.00 EST guardian.co.uk
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'There are still people coming to our house for autographs 50 years on'
18 Feb 2013
Paolo Di Canio resigns as Swindon manager over 'broken promises'
24 Jan 2013
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Gary Jones: Bradford City shouldn't be beating Arsenal, Villa and Wigan
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'There are still people coming to our house for autographs 50 years on'
'There are still people coming to our house for autographs 50 years on'
21 Feb 2013
Peter Whyke played in fourth-division Rochdale's 1962 League Cup run and recalls the two-leg final against Norwich
18 Feb 2013
Paolo Di Canio resigns as Swindon manager over 'broken promises'
24 Jan 2013
Football Weekly Extra: Bradford and Swansea head to Wembley
23 Jan 2013
Gary Jones: Bradford City shouldn't be beating Arsenal, Villa and Wigan
Capital One Cup semi-final: Swansea v Chelsea - in pictures
Capital One Cup semi-final: Swansea v Chelsea - in pictures
23 Jan 2013
The best images from the Liberty Stadium - including the moment Eden Hazard kicked a ballboy - as a goalless draw ensured Swansea triumphed over Chelsea on aggregate to reach the final against Bradford City at Wembley
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madterrier
says...
5:19pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Brainy_G93
says...
5:23pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Ward & Millers Red & White Army!
TheDukeOfBanbury
says...
5:25pm Thu 21 Feb 13
hopgop wrote:Andrew Black saved our Club - Fact.
Andrew Black saved our club.- Fact.
Without his unprecedented cash injection we would almost certainly not be in business, let alone top of league 1. - Fact
How anyone can slate him now is ignorance to the point of stupidity. He was never a supporter of the club, however he allowed some friends on a sustainable business plan to use his cash to save us when he became involved.
The plan went wrong. He never intended to spend many millions financing us forever. Paolo and Wray let us down. Spent far far too much cash! - Fact.
Time for a reality check. The club can't sustain that kind of spending without at least doubling our home gates. New stadium? Who is going to pay for that? We don't own the County Ground. So, selling for development like at other clubs isn't happening and that it appears is the only way of massively increasing our appeal and therefore our income.
Some posters on here need to wake up and smell of coffee.
Thank you Andrew, you saved us.
Welcome Jed. Hope you've a SUSTAINABLE long term plan.
Personally, I'd like another cheap totally unexpected retiring premier league player manager/ debut manager. A millionaire ex player perhaps might not demand huge wages in return for a chance to prove himself in management. Big name also likely to attract players, as next season i fear we may need to due to current high wages whichever division we find ourselves in.
Risky, has worked in the past. And lets face it, who doesn't like the thrill ride of a roller coaster???!!!
Swindon till i die.
The Plan went wrong ..... You quote - Why ??
"he allowed some friends on a sustainable business plan to use his cash to save us when he became involved. The plan went wrong. He never intended to spend many millions financing us forever" - Quote - Jesus didn't he ever check what was going out and coming in - A successful businessman no way would allow all and sundry to spend his money without knowing how much.
Yes - Maybe Paolo and Wray spent money but he could / should have said NO.
Fact - He wanted out, wanted out quickly, sold Ritchie, instructed all players were for sale, threatened us with administration, brought Patey in to sell the Club in a very short period in time............Yeah Thanks Mr Black.
If tonight we were being docked 30 points I wonder if you would then be thanking Mr Black.
If he would have announced he wanted out at the end of the season and a planned exit strategy implemented without the car crash......I would be thanking him. Not for what he did no way.
TheDukeOfBanbury
says...
5:26pm Thu 21 Feb 13
stigger wrote:Now that is good news.
tweeted just now that Nick Watkins is staying on at club, happy to hear that
old town robin
says...
5:26pm Thu 21 Feb 13
stigger wrote:but can martin King still be on the board of Seebeck without being on the board of STFC, I don't know if that works.
No Martin King on board which i was expecting and new name not heard up till now Callum Rice??? Patey couldn't wait to have a few digs at Paolo glad to see back of Patey. COYR
Brainy_G93
says...
5:26pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Oldhamred
says...
5:28pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Oi Den! wrote:I'm with Stratton.
Stratton Red wrote:Stratton, it would have been our third time in administration. It's only fair that the penalties get more severe for repeat offenders. I believe some clubs (Luton?) have suffered deductions of 20 points or more, so it wouldn't have been a case of us being singled out.
"Had Swindon entered administration it is understood that the League would have been likely to hit the club with a more sizeable penalty than the mandatory 10-point deduction, with demotion and even expulsion from the league a possibility".
*
Why? That is ridiculously harsh. One rule for us and another for all the other teams that have gone into Administration.
In my eyes it is completely unjust to determine the kind or level of punishment passed down based on what a previous administration has done wrong.
All that does is punish the staff and the fans and its clearly not their fault.
I'm pretty sure that it wouldn't be allowed to be done outside of the FL or FA.
TheDukeOfBanbury
says...
5:30pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Stratton Red wrote:Would have been 3rd time. We escaped previously before the auto 10 points penalty was imposed.
"Had Swindon entered administration it is understood that the League would have been likely to hit the club with a more sizeable penalty than the mandatory 10-point deduction, with demotion and even expulsion from the league a possibility".
*
Why? That is ridiculously harsh. One rule for us and another for all the other teams that have gone into Administration.
We would have got 30.
Wonder Strike
says...
5:32pm Thu 21 Feb 13
umpcah
says...
5:33pm Thu 21 Feb 13
california andy wrote:Is that all ?
Great news all around - Digby back, promises of more funds for loans, Watkins staying... Hooray. And now for some nostalgia for us older fans, courtesy of the Guardian:
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When Swindon won the League Cup – helped by the Horse of the Year Show
As Bradford City seek an upset in the Capital One Cup final, two of Swindon Town's team who beat Arsenal recall the match
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Swindon Town players with the League Cup 1969
Swindon Town players with the League Cup after beating Arsenal in extra time at a muddy Wembley in 1969. Photograph: PA Wire
It was almost 44 years ago, yet the passage of time has done nothing to erode the memories Don Rogers and John Trollope have of the part they played in one of football's greatest giant-killings. From the surreal sight of hoof marks on the Wembley pitch to the abiding image of Bob Wilson being left hopelessly exposed in the dying seconds, pictures are ingrained in the mind from the day that Swindon Town – then a third division side – defeated Arsenal to win the League Cup.
It was not quite football's equivalent of man walking on the moon for the first time – which also happened in 1969 and, outside of Wiltshire, caused a slightly bigger stir than the League Cup being on show in the sports shop Rogers had recently opened in the town – although the fact that Swindon remain the last club from outside the top two divisions to win a major trophy puts into context what Danny Williams's team achieved.
Their remarkable triumph may feel like old news but it is worth revisiting ahead of Sunday's Capital One Cup final, when Bradford City take on Swansea City hoping to pull off a similar surprise at Wembley. "We're certainly the right ones to talk about it because we upset the odds," says Rogers, who scored twice in extra-time against Arsenal.
Although Bradford have defeated three Premier League sides en route to the final, their journey has been far more straightforward than the path Swindon negotiated in the 1968-69 season. In the days of replays rather than penalty shootouts, Swindon played an incredible 1,020 minutes of football by the time they got to Wembley.
Not that Swindon's players felt tired at the end of it all. Rogers recalls, with a wince, how every Thursday morning they had a gruelling running session at the County Ground – "I know it was 13 laps of the pitch because I never slept on a Wednesday night thinking about it" – which kept stamina levels high and helps to explain why Swindon fancied their chances as soon as they saw the Wembley pitch.
The Horse of the Year Show had been staged at Wembley the week before and, combined with heavy rain in the lead up to the final, turned the surface into a ploughed field. Wilson, the Arsenal goalkeeper, later said he wished he had brought his wellington boots. Trollope, who had recently returned to the Swindon side after recovering from a broken arm, which had brought to an end his incredible run of 368 consecutive appearances, admits the final would never have gone ahead today. "There were really heavy patches. You could actually see where the horses had jumped over the fences and landed," the 69-year-old says. "The pitch was terrible. And that helped us because we probably had the fittest side you'd ever want to see."
"Well, most of the players," Rogers says, laughing.
Trollope smiles. "There was only two who weren't like the rest of us and they were the best players – Don and Rod Thomas – so they got away with it.
But the rest were super fit. Roger Smart, who scored the first goal, and Stan Harland, the captain, were super runners. So I think our fitness told in the end. I don't think Arsenal were used to playing in conditions like that. But we just kept going."
Although Arsenal, who had suffered with a flu virus prior to the final, equalised late on through Bobby Gould, Swindon refused to surrender. Rogers restored Swindon's lead in extra time and then sealed the game with almost the final kick of the match, when he ran from just inside the Arsenal half, before brilliantly taking the ball around Wilson. "It was a long way to run – about 50 yards – especially on that pitch, but I knew what I was going to do," he says.
"The thing about it was the pace you went but also the control you had of the ball on that pitch – they would have raved about it nowadays," adds Trollope. "I think most other people would have gone for the corner . But with the confidence you had about going one-on-one, I don't think you even thought about doing that."
"Oh, crikey, no," Rogers says. "Right up my street that was – me and the keeper in front of me."
Trollope, who spent his entire career at Swindon, nods. "I think I've seen two really top players when one-on-one with the keeper and they're both from our era – that's Don and Jimmy Greaves. It's a gift."
"My 10-year-old grandson, Jack, has got that," Rogers says. "He's a brilliant finisher. He plays like me – he's a lazy swine, but when he gets around the goal, he's so calm."
It was inevitable that Rogers, who went on to join Crystal Palace before eventually returning to Swindon following a spell at QPR, would be cast as the Wembley hero. "I always get the glory but it's not right. It should be everybody," he says. "I actually watched the game at Christmas. Our goalkeeper, Peter Downsborough, he must have made 20 good saves."
Not that Rogers needs to view the black-and-white footage to be reminded of Swindon's most famous day. "Having my shop, it probably gets mentioned every week on average. I get people coming back from all over the place, even Australia, and popping in," the 67-year-old says. "The League Cup was actually in the shop window for a while. You wouldn't have that now, would you? I'd have to have a bodyguard. And I had it at home for a couple of nights. I slept with it."
Although the League Cup winners qualified for the Fairs Cup, Swindon were prevented from competing on the grounds that they were not a top-flight club, which is something Bradford have no need to worry about in relation to the Europa League. First of all, though, Phil Parkinson's side need to overcome Swansea.
"As much as you would like them to win – because you always like the underdog to do it – it will be tough," Trollope says. "They're going to have a far better pitch than we had and that will suit Swansea, who play some super football."
Rogers agrees. "You do fear for them. But you never know. And if Bradford do win it, they'll have earned it, like we did, that's for sure."
Stuart James Posted by
Stuart James
Thursday 21 February 2013 09.00 EST guardian.co.uk
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21 Feb 2013
'There are still people coming to our house for autographs 50 years on'
18 Feb 2013
Paolo Di Canio resigns as Swindon manager over 'broken promises'
24 Jan 2013
Football Weekly Extra: Bradford and Swansea head to Wembley
23 Jan 2013
Gary Jones: Bradford City shouldn't be beating Arsenal, Villa and Wigan
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UK 'will follow Iceland's lead over ban on internet ****' 16 Feb 2013
Our solar panels have been cut off from delivering the return we need 17 Feb 2013
High and Lowe: Daisy Lowe fashion shoot - in pictures 15 Feb 2013
Mario Mandzukic adds finishing touch to Bayern's wounding of Arsenal 19 Feb 2013
Champions League: Arsenal v Bayern Munich webchat 19 Feb 2013
New Secret Footballer book
I Am The Secret Footballer Small Graphic
Guardian columnist The Secret Footballer lifts the lid on the world of professional football in his new book, available from the Guardian bookshop, on Kindle or iBooks
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Last 24 hours
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2. Sulley Muntari puts Milan in driving seat against favourites Barcelona
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4. Barcelona's black night draws ire as warning signs are ignored in Milan
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Spectacular overhead kick by Mexican striker
Club Universidad's Eial Strahman scores against Celaya
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Mount Etna erupts in blaze of colour
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On the Guardian today
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TechnologyAaron Swartz files reveal how FBI tracked internet activist
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Related information
Football
Capital One Cup
·
Swindon
·
Sport
'There are still people coming to our house for autographs 50 years on'
'There are still people coming to our house for autographs 50 years on'
21 Feb 2013
Peter Whyke played in fourth-division Rochdale's 1962 League Cup run and recalls the two-leg final against Norwich
18 Feb 2013
Paolo Di Canio resigns as Swindon manager over 'broken promises'
24 Jan 2013
Football Weekly Extra: Bradford and Swansea head to Wembley
23 Jan 2013
Gary Jones: Bradford City shouldn't be beating Arsenal, Villa and Wigan
Capital One Cup semi-final: Swansea v Chelsea - in pictures
Capital One Cup semi-final: Swansea v Chelsea - in pictures
23 Jan 2013
The best images from the Liberty Stadium - including the moment Eden Hazard kicked a ballboy - as a goalless draw ensured Swansea triumphed over Chelsea on aggregate to reach the final against Bradford City at Wembley
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TheDukeOfBanbury
says...
5:38pm Thu 21 Feb 13
You should have done this when you were Chairman.
Close the door on the way out.
eastmidsred
says...
5:40pm Thu 21 Feb 13
madterrier wrote:This is spot on. For all the advocates of a PDC second coming I don't see it happening. For all the success, he's very high maintenance and the club is going to be run very differently. Seems as though Jed is going to be much more 'hands on' by taking on the Chairman's role. It's all going to hinge on the next 14 games and whether we can clinch promotion. Apart from his decision to take over the club, The next most important one he'll ever make for Swindon Town FC is the appointment of the new manager.
IF the new owners intend to manage the club on a sustainable financial footing in the 'short to medium term' then it can only mean three things:
1. They can't afford Paolo's salary (and may be tempted to gamble on someone else even if they could, as we are top of the League)
2. No new loan signings
3. Players sold in the summer to get income in line with outgoings.
Promotion to the Championship would spice up the financial equation radically, which is why the manager appointment is so important. But Black is a gambler who eventually bottled it. I don't see thee new guys as high rolling gamblers.
I find it hard to come to terms with what Black has done over the last months but I do appreciate what he has given to the club financially. God knows where we would have been without his money but not top of L1. I can't, however, forgive him taking us to the brink of another disaster.
As fans, we owe a huge debt to the players and need to support them even more to get the job done this season. To Jed and his mates also a huge thank you for saving us from the unthinkable. I look forward to you doing the right things for STFC starting with getting in a great new manager. Very best of luck - we're going to need a big slice of it between now and May.
Davidsyrett
says...
5:40pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Another view wrote:it's been done, it worked out about the same taking's as it would have done had we had an 8K gate at full price. Probably would have increased the other takings (programmes, food etc) so I guess it's worth while to have a bigger crowd and better atmosphere, but unsustainable for the long run as you would have to reduce the price of ST's to bring them in line with matchday prices, Had we have had 12K then may have been food for thought.
Davidsyrett says...
4:10pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Regarding London Red, maybe he's quietly sharpening his pencil ready to check out the new board's figures!
Seriously though it would be good to get his views on lowering admission prices to increase the gates ala Hartlepool last week.
Eh, Why??”
- Because it would surely be to the club's benefit to reduce prices sufficiently to get more bums on seats, as happened at the Hartlepool game, but still be able to increase total gate takings. L R would enjoy working out the combinations. I'm too lazy to do it :-)
smirg kcab
says...
5:51pm Thu 21 Feb 13
umpcah wrote:This would cost you £9.99p on amazon for your kindle.
california andy wrote:Is that all ?
Great news all around - Digby back, promises of more funds for loans, Watkins staying... Hooray. And now for some nostalgia for us older fans, courtesy of the Guardian:
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When Swindon won the League Cup – helped by the Horse of the Year Show
As Bradford City seek an upset in the Capital One Cup final, two of Swindon Town's team who beat Arsenal recall the match
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Swindon Town players with the League Cup 1969
Swindon Town players with the League Cup after beating Arsenal in extra time at a muddy Wembley in 1969. Photograph: PA Wire
It was almost 44 years ago, yet the passage of time has done nothing to erode the memories Don Rogers and John Trollope have of the part they played in one of football's greatest giant-killings. From the surreal sight of hoof marks on the Wembley pitch to the abiding image of Bob Wilson being left hopelessly exposed in the dying seconds, pictures are ingrained in the mind from the day that Swindon Town – then a third division side – defeated Arsenal to win the League Cup.
It was not quite football's equivalent of man walking on the moon for the first time – which also happened in 1969 and, outside of Wiltshire, caused a slightly bigger stir than the League Cup being on show in the sports shop Rogers had recently opened in the town – although the fact that Swindon remain the last club from outside the top two divisions to win a major trophy puts into context what Danny Williams's team achieved.
Their remarkable triumph may feel like old news but it is worth revisiting ahead of Sunday's Capital One Cup final, when Bradford City take on Swansea City hoping to pull off a similar surprise at Wembley. "We're certainly the right ones to talk about it because we upset the odds," says Rogers, who scored twice in extra-time against Arsenal.
Although Bradford have defeated three Premier League sides en route to the final, their journey has been far more straightforward than the path Swindon negotiated in the 1968-69 season. In the days of replays rather than penalty shootouts, Swindon played an incredible 1,020 minutes of football by the time they got to Wembley.
Not that Swindon's players felt tired at the end of it all. Rogers recalls, with a wince, how every Thursday morning they had a gruelling running session at the County Ground – "I know it was 13 laps of the pitch because I never slept on a Wednesday night thinking about it" – which kept stamina levels high and helps to explain why Swindon fancied their chances as soon as they saw the Wembley pitch.
The Horse of the Year Show had been staged at Wembley the week before and, combined with heavy rain in the lead up to the final, turned the surface into a ploughed field. Wilson, the Arsenal goalkeeper, later said he wished he had brought his wellington boots. Trollope, who had recently returned to the Swindon side after recovering from a broken arm, which had brought to an end his incredible run of 368 consecutive appearances, admits the final would never have gone ahead today. "There were really heavy patches. You could actually see where the horses had jumped over the fences and landed," the 69-year-old says. "The pitch was terrible. And that helped us because we probably had the fittest side you'd ever want to see."
"Well, most of the players," Rogers says, laughing.
Trollope smiles. "There was only two who weren't like the rest of us and they were the best players – Don and Rod Thomas – so they got away with it.
But the rest were super fit. Roger Smart, who scored the first goal, and Stan Harland, the captain, were super runners. So I think our fitness told in the end. I don't think Arsenal were used to playing in conditions like that. But we just kept going."
Although Arsenal, who had suffered with a flu virus prior to the final, equalised late on through Bobby Gould, Swindon refused to surrender. Rogers restored Swindon's lead in extra time and then sealed the game with almost the final kick of the match, when he ran from just inside the Arsenal half, before brilliantly taking the ball around Wilson. "It was a long way to run – about 50 yards – especially on that pitch, but I knew what I was going to do," he says.
"The thing about it was the pace you went but also the control you had of the ball on that pitch – they would have raved about it nowadays," adds Trollope. "I think most other people would have gone for the corner . But with the confidence you had about going one-on-one, I don't think you even thought about doing that."
"Oh, crikey, no," Rogers says. "Right up my street that was – me and the keeper in front of me."
Trollope, who spent his entire career at Swindon, nods. "I think I've seen two really top players when one-on-one with the keeper and they're both from our era – that's Don and Jimmy Greaves. It's a gift."
"My 10-year-old grandson, Jack, has got that," Rogers says. "He's a brilliant finisher. He plays like me – he's a lazy swine, but when he gets around the goal, he's so calm."
It was inevitable that Rogers, who went on to join Crystal Palace before eventually returning to Swindon following a spell at QPR, would be cast as the Wembley hero. "I always get the glory but it's not right. It should be everybody," he says. "I actually watched the game at Christmas. Our goalkeeper, Peter Downsborough, he must have made 20 good saves."
Not that Rogers needs to view the black-and-white footage to be reminded of Swindon's most famous day. "Having my shop, it probably gets mentioned every week on average. I get people coming back from all over the place, even Australia, and popping in," the 67-year-old says. "The League Cup was actually in the shop window for a while. You wouldn't have that now, would you? I'd have to have a bodyguard. And I had it at home for a couple of nights. I slept with it."
Although the League Cup winners qualified for the Fairs Cup, Swindon were prevented from competing on the grounds that they were not a top-flight club, which is something Bradford have no need to worry about in relation to the Europa League. First of all, though, Phil Parkinson's side need to overcome Swansea.
"As much as you would like them to win – because you always like the underdog to do it – it will be tough," Trollope says. "They're going to have a far better pitch than we had and that will suit Swansea, who play some super football."
Rogers agrees. "You do fear for them. But you never know. And if Bradford do win it, they'll have earned it, like we did, that's for sure."
Stuart James Posted by
Stuart James
Thursday 21 February 2013 09.00 EST guardian.co.uk
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A new g/k coach
A new board
A free book
No that's what I call a good days work
Onwards and upwards
Paolo on Friday
smirg kcab
says...
6:01pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Newell 7/2 odds cut drastic from 10/1 early today
Di canio 9/2 odds from 10/1 early now cut again to 4/1 as I speak
Blackwell 6/1
Butcher 14/1
Adkins slashed from 20/1 to 14/1
All sky bet
Fernham Red
says...
6:03pm Thu 21 Feb 13
mancrobin
says...
6:04pm Thu 21 Feb 13
the don69 wrote:I thought it was Black who owned the car and it was the boy-racer at the wheel that put it into a spin.
TheDukeOfBanbury wrote:Spot on Duke,he handled it very badly,once his car went into a spin!he never had the skills to keep it under control!!!!!
Close the door on your way out Black.
Do me a favour as well. Tell me where you are driving so I can avoid the area as I don't want to be involved in a "car crash"
Come On You Reds.
Let's hope the next driver has passed his test.
Oi Den!
says...
6:06pm Thu 21 Feb 13
smirg kcab wrote:And PDC is 2/1 fav with Paddy Power!
Jfh 2/1
Newell 7/2 odds cut drastic from 10/1 early today
Di canio 9/2 odds from 10/1 early now cut again to 4/1 as I speak
Blackwell 6/1
Butcher 14/1
Adkins slashed from 20/1 to 14/1
All sky bet
smirg kcab
says...
6:10pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Oi Den! wrote:JFh drifting to 3/1
smirg kcab wrote:And PDC is 2/1 fav with Paddy Power!
Jfh 2/1
Newell 7/2 odds cut drastic from 10/1 early today
Di canio 9/2 odds from 10/1 early now cut again to 4/1 as I speak
Blackwell 6/1
Butcher 14/1
Adkins slashed from 20/1 to 14/1
All sky bet
Paolos coming up on the rails den
Pewsham Red
says...
6:13pm Thu 21 Feb 13
themoonraker wrote:I think it is now time to look forward and we need to support the new board and new manager, when appointed.
Oi Den! wrote:spot post, and sadly some will turn as soon as the new manager is appointed.
the don69 wrote:Sorry chaps, completely disagree. Without Black we would probably have folded ages ago. He kept the club alive, he dug Di Canio and Wray out of their transfer embargo and he's now passing the reins to someone else. As far as I can see, those are the only facts we know. I'd like to see full details of what went on before even thinking about sticking the knife into a bloke who's probably given more money to our club than anyone else in history. You can quibble all you like about the timing and speed of the sale but without knowing the full facts how can we know whether we wouldn't have done exactly the same in his position?
TheDukeOfBanbury wrote:Spot on Duke,he handled it very badly,once his car went into a spin!he never had the skills to keep it under control!!!!!
Close the door on your way out Black.
Do me a favour as well. Tell me where you are driving so I can avoid the area as I don't want to be involved in a "car crash"
Come On You Reds.
.
Thank you Mr Black - no sarcasm included.
.
I'm sure it's only a matter of time before people turn on McCrory.
Some of us may not like the choice, but I for one, will not criticise until the new regime has had a fair crack of the whip.
I agree with Den and Don to a large extent but also thing Duke has a point, to a degree.
Black saved us, no doubt, and ploughed in a lot of his own money, which he will never see again.
But I think he tarnished his image a little with the manner and timing of his withdrawal.
We don't know the full facts and were they known we may have a different view but I wouldn't be too critical of Dukes sentiment.
stfclondon
says...
6:13pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Oi Den! wrote:He's only favourite because delusional fans who can't accept that he's gone are backing him.
smirg kcab wrote: Jfh 2/1 Newell 7/2 odds cut drastic from 10/1 early today Di canio 9/2 odds from 10/1 early now cut again to 4/1 as I speak Blackwell 6/1 Butcher 14/1 Adkins slashed from 20/1 to 14/1 All sky betAnd PDC is 2/1 fav with Paddy Power!
A fool and his money...
DarrenSTFCRomain
says...
6:14pm Thu 21 Feb 13
avo wrote:NO THANKS
Welocme back Paolo.......
Penhill54
says...
6:16pm Thu 21 Feb 13
David Wallis wrote:Totally agree. I was born in Swindon in 1954 on Penhill, hence my pseudonym, and saw my first game in 1961 just before we moved to Southampton. I also idolised Don Rogers and yes, you knew the managers name, but that was just about it. I am a season ticket holder in the Don Rogers stand and I travel up from Southampton for every game. I cycled to the one against Bournemouth back in September in aid of Diabetes. I would do it again in aid of STFC if someone sponsored me for enough money. I love my club and I would always prefer to go the the CG rather than watch Saints in the Prem. I am all for supporting the players on Saturday. No one person is bigger than the club. I appreciate what pdc did for us but he has decided to move on, that is his choice. He is now history, time to move on. Looking forward to PNE. Geoff Ketley. Proud to be from Swindon
Thank heavens for that!!!!
Now, here's something I've tried to file this morning been unable to through server problems:
There have been several calls recently to pack the County Ground and show our support, but there can be no better reason to answer that call on Saturday than what we have seen happen this week.
Our talented squad of players have been regularly belittled by the outgoing manager, and are now being asked to deal with the consequences of his departure on their own.
When I first started watching football it was the players that the game was all about. You knew the manager’s name, you read his column in the Adver or the Pink but that was it.
Some knew the names of the directors, but wouldn’t know them if they fell over them in the street.
I hero-worshipped Don Rogers but only respected Danny Williams, and that was considered correct.
Today we are back to that scenario and we should let the players know just how much we are behind them.
There’s a word I don’t use very often because I find it an extremely emotional one. That word is ‘Proud’.
I used the ‘P’ word on Tuesday night when our team fought their way to the top of the table despite everything that was going on around them. They’ve been asked to repeat that achievement for the foreseeable future.
Should they be proved up to the task in steadying the ship, without backing and without anyone else around to steal the credit, they can write their names in club history and earn the respect of all of us who love STFC.
They can make us all Proud.
How about a sustained chant of ‘We are Swindonians… we’re not Italians’ to the tune of the Di Canio anthem? (Then personally I’ll be happy if I never hear that tune again.)
Bear with me all those rural fans (like myself) who don’t feel the description ‘Swindonian’ applies to them in normal circumstances. We’re making a point here.
We’ve seen the identity of our club highjacked and then cast aside. Let’s demonstrate that we are claiming it back. Let’s show two fingers to all those who we feel have let us down and abused our club.
I’m a fairly regular contributor to this message board, using, like many of us, a pseudonym. I’ve come on the forum today under my real identity. I think we need a very public demonstration of who we are, what the club means to us and the fact that we are 100% behind the players.
Come on Town. We are a club that comprises of players and supporters. Currently that’s about all we’ve got left… but they are the most important ingredients and we need to show just how much we can achieve together.
Good luck Darren Ward, Tommy Miller and the rest of the players, and everyone who, one way or another, will have Swindon Town Football Club over their heart on Saturday.
madterrier
says...
6:18pm Thu 21 Feb 13
smirg kcab wrote:To be fair grim, newell was 7/2 or thereabouts from the start of the day, not 10/1, always been second favourite. Adkins was 12/1 yesterday and stayed there mostly.
Jfh 2/1
Newell 7/2 odds cut drastic from 10/1 early today
Di canio 9/2 odds from 10/1 early now cut again to 4/1 as I speak
Blackwell 6/1
Butcher 14/1
Adkins slashed from 20/1 to 14/1
All sky bet
But is anyone actually betting on this market?? Won't take much to shift the prices.
Maybe Patty has placed a fiver from his pay off to cut PDC's odds and get everyone creaming their trousers.
kevin tommey
says...
6:20pm Thu 21 Feb 13
South side we are millers red and white army
Just a thought .Opens up another debate.
King Red
says...
6:22pm Thu 21 Feb 13
bearwoodred wrote:Don't you mean Bury! Great stuff, Adkins or another of that stature. If not give it to Wardy and Miller for the rest of the season.
brilliant news, bring on a decent manager, bring on Preston and Crewe.
Sleep well fellow reds
Oi Den!
says...
6:22pm Thu 21 Feb 13
mancrobin wrote:Yep. Black walked into a club that was heading for oblivion with millions of pounds of debt, owed here there and everywhere, and walked away leaving it largely debt free and at the top of the table. How many other clubs - big or small - are in anything like such a good position? People say Black didn't see the job through. Well, I'll take the current position as seeing it through to a bloody good result. And for those who say we wouldn't be where we are without PDC, I say we could have done it without him but we couldn't have done it without Black's millions. We have just come through a good period in the club's history and are well placed to build on what's been achieved. I think history will judge Andrew Black kindly.
the don69 wrote:I thought it was Black who owned the car and it was the boy-racer at the wheel that put it into a spin.
TheDukeOfBanbury wrote:Spot on Duke,he handled it very badly,once his car went into a spin!he never had the skills to keep it under control!!!!!
Close the door on your way out Black.
Do me a favour as well. Tell me where you are driving so I can avoid the area as I don't want to be involved in a "car crash"
Come On You Reds.
Let's hope the next driver has passed his test.
Oi Den!
says...
6:25pm Thu 21 Feb 13
stfclondon wrote:Or because Paddy Power are using it the price as bait?
Oi Den! wrote:He's only favourite because delusional fans who can't accept that he's gone are backing him.
smirg kcab wrote: Jfh 2/1 Newell 7/2 odds cut drastic from 10/1 early today Di canio 9/2 odds from 10/1 early now cut again to 4/1 as I speak Blackwell 6/1 Butcher 14/1 Adkins slashed from 20/1 to 14/1 All sky betAnd PDC is 2/1 fav with Paddy Power!
A fool and his money...
King Red
says...
6:32pm Thu 21 Feb 13
DarrenSTFCRomain wrote:I agree! He was great entertainment and got us playing good football and i loved nearly every minute of it. However when we were on tv or mentioned by the press, it wasn't the club they liked talking about but Paolo.
avo wrote:NO THANKS
Welocme back Paolo.......
When he left he did exactly the opposite of what he had been preaching all along, no loyalty really just all about one person, himself......
stigger
says...
6:33pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Oi Den! wrote:Have to agree with most of that, he leaves us in a better position than when he was part of consortium that bought us, unfortunately legacy has been somewhat tarnished by recent events, would love to know what really happened, but doubt we ever will. I think history will prob judge him by what happens with new owners, if they turn out to be good, Black will be judged well, if not he will get blamed for selling to them in a rush!!
mancrobin wrote:Yep. Black walked into a club that was heading for oblivion with millions of pounds of debt, owed here there and everywhere, and walked away leaving it largely debt free and at the top of the table. How many other clubs - big or small - are in anything like such a good position? People say Black didn't see the job through. Well, I'll take the current position as seeing it through to a bloody good result. And for those who say we wouldn't be where we are without PDC, I say we could have done it without him but we couldn't have done it without Black's millions. We have just come through a good period in the club's history and are well placed to build on what's been achieved. I think history will judge Andrew Black kindly.
the don69 wrote:I thought it was Black who owned the car and it was the boy-racer at the wheel that put it into a spin.
TheDukeOfBanbury wrote:Spot on Duke,he handled it very badly,once his car went into a spin!he never had the skills to keep it under control!!!!!
Close the door on your way out Black.
Do me a favour as well. Tell me where you are driving so I can avoid the area as I don't want to be involved in a "car crash"
Come On You Reds.
Let's hope the next driver has passed his test.
madterrier
says...
6:43pm Thu 21 Feb 13
We're all disappointed about how events have panned out. We thought we had wealthy owners and the club was going places and then the plug was pulled and pulled suddenly.
The timing was a bit miserable, and led to us selling Ritchie and Paolo and his team leaving. No doubt we will find out in due course what was behind the panic sale, and hear a few other sides of the argument too. I suspect Black had asked JWray a while ago to get on with it and find new investors but JWray didn't show any urgency and instead concentrated on the football side.
But to leave the club relatively debt free, and on top of League One, is something we could only have dreamt about a while back. So even though it's been a rough ride and casualties have been taken, I am grateful to Mr Black for what he has done for Swindon overall.
pcowley
says...
6:45pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Mikey107 wrote:True on both accounts!
First impressions count for a lot. Ritchie sale and Paolo walking says to me that the cowboys are in town.
Clearly they wanted Paolo out from the start IMO and got what they wanted.
Was he too expensive?? Too honest?? Or too good??
jayden
says...
6:54pm Thu 21 Feb 13
DarrenSTFCRomain wrote:Hi Daz yes totaly agree time to move on his behavour in the last 2 weeks has been a slap in the face for us fans .I know hes built a great team but at what cost lets hope the lads see the job through and we then get a manager who will build the club from the bottom.Thanks pdc for the fast track but its time to get off now.Thanks Mr black for the money you put in.This could have been handled much better but at least the players and fans have come together as 1 and winning the league will be much sweeter.
avo wrote:NO THANKS
Welocme back Paolo.......
Med Red
says...
6:57pm Thu 21 Feb 13
pcowley wrote:That's what I think too! Although I'll refrain from calling them names cos whatever way you look at it, they saved us from administration and for that they should be thanked.
Mikey107 wrote:True on both accounts!
First impressions count for a lot. Ritchie sale and Paolo walking says to me that the cowboys are in town.
Clearly they wanted Paolo out from the start IMO and got what they wanted.
Was he too expensive?? Too honest?? Or too good??
As for Andrew Black, without his financial support we wouldn't be where we are now, so we should be thankful to him. The only mistake he made as far as I'm concerned, was in appointing that useless tw@t Patey Chairman.
avo
says...
7:03pm Thu 21 Feb 13
DarrenSTFCRomain wrote:LOL - I reckon he'll be back next week, maybe even before Saturday!!!!
avo wrote: Welocme back Paolo.......NO THANKS
Steve. Brentford
says...
7:03pm Thu 21 Feb 13
pcowley wrote:How many times does it have to be said the new board could not make decisions before because they did not own the club and Paolo walked because that's what Paolo does and i bet on him to do just that thank you for 4 hundred pounds for deserting the sinking ship Paolo,then again why let the TRUTH get in the way of a made up story.Time will tell what legacy the new caretakers of our club leave behind not speculation.
Mikey107 wrote:True on both accounts!
First impressions count for a lot. Ritchie sale and Paolo walking says to me that the cowboys are in town.
Clearly they wanted Paolo out from the start IMO and got what they wanted.
Was he too expensive?? Too honest?? Or too good??
Steaming-in
says...
7:09pm Thu 21 Feb 13
If We turn back to PDC, it will be up to the Board to get HIS respect which is the wrong way round. I dunno about others but the atmosphere would be a bit weird wouldn't it?
smirg kcab
says...
7:09pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Di Canio has been strongly linked with the managerial position at West Ham after he left Swindon this week.
The Italian is a cult hero with the Hammers fans and many have been calling for him to become the next manager.
Even though Allardyce managed to secure promotion back into the top flight in his first season in charge, a section of the West Ham support are still unhappy with his style of football.
But Gold is adamant they have no plans to appoint Di Canio as his replacement and says they will be sitting down with Allardyce to discuss a new contract at the end of the season.
Gold told SportsDirect News: "I want to make this absolutely clear there is no managerial vacancy for Paolo or anyone else at the club. There is no job available.
"I understand he is an absolute hero here but as we have said previously we will be holding talks with our manager Sam Allardyce at the end of the season and that's exactly where things stand."
BournemouthRobin
says...
7:09pm Thu 21 Feb 13
My second most hated team, after the infected ones that is!!!
pcowley
says...
7:11pm Thu 21 Feb 13
jayden
says...
7:12pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Steve. Brentford wrote:Hi Steve how are you ? I leave the chat to we meet up are you going to coventry?
pcowley wrote:How many times does it have to be said the new board could not make decisions before because they did not own the club and Paolo walked because that's what Paolo does and i bet on him to do just that thank you for 4 hundred pounds for deserting the sinking ship Paolo,then again why let the TRUTH get in the way of a made up story.Time will tell what legacy the new caretakers of our club leave behind not speculation.
Mikey107 wrote:True on both accounts!
First impressions count for a lot. Ritchie sale and Paolo walking says to me that the cowboys are in town.
Clearly they wanted Paolo out from the start IMO and got what they wanted.
Was he too expensive?? Too honest?? Or too good??
Chish and Fips
says...
7:14pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Steaming-in wrote:Couldn't agree more. As much as I respect the good side of PDC I struggled with the darker side, it was too strong and overbearing for me sometimes.
It just wouldn't feel right now if Paolo comes back. This feels like a fresh start and we now need a manager that instantly respects the board and signs-up to whatever the new conditions/plan will be.
If We turn back to PDC, it will be up to the Board to get HIS respect which is the wrong way round. I dunno about others but the atmosphere would be a bit weird wouldn't it?
Both sides must move on now and learn from the last 18 months or so.
To return would now cause a major rift I feel between supporters, as has been shown on here.
Stratton Red
says...
7:15pm Thu 21 Feb 13
pcowley wrote:No we wouldn't...
I wonder if this new board have got the finances for Championship football.Because they say Di Canio was on A huge wage but if we get into the Championship we would have to invest about 20million just on players to stay in the Championship.Then they would all think Di Canio was cheap!
davel4848
says...
7:18pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Can anybody think of one ?
Steve. Brentford
says...
7:18pm Thu 21 Feb 13
jayden wrote:Many would say i should be sent to Coventry but MK Dongs is my next planned trip and nothing else planned as yet,hope you are well mate,speak soon.
Steve. Brentford wrote:Hi Steve how are you ? I leave the chat to we meet up are you going to coventry?
pcowley wrote:How many times does it have to be said the new board could not make decisions before because they did not own the club and Paolo walked because that's what Paolo does and i bet on him to do just that thank you for 4 hundred pounds for deserting the sinking ship Paolo,then again why let the TRUTH get in the way of a made up story.Time will tell what legacy the new caretakers of our club leave behind not speculation.
Mikey107 wrote:True on both accounts!
First impressions count for a lot. Ritchie sale and Paolo walking says to me that the cowboys are in town.
Clearly they wanted Paolo out from the start IMO and got what they wanted.
Was he too expensive?? Too honest?? Or too good??
Chish and Fips
says...
7:21pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Oi Den! wrote:Quote "And for those who say we wouldn't be where we are without PDC, I say we could have done it without him but we couldn't have done it without Black's millions. "
mancrobin wrote:Yep. Black walked into a club that was heading for oblivion with millions of pounds of debt, owed here there and everywhere, and walked away leaving it largely debt free and at the top of the table. How many other clubs - big or small - are in anything like such a good position? People say Black didn't see the job through. Well, I'll take the current position as seeing it through to a bloody good result. And for those who say we wouldn't be where we are without PDC, I say we could have done it without him but we couldn't have done it without Black's millions. We have just come through a good period in the club's history and are well placed to build on what's been achieved. I think history will judge Andrew Black kindly.
the don69 wrote:I thought it was Black who owned the car and it was the boy-racer at the wheel that put it into a spin.
TheDukeOfBanbury wrote:Spot on Duke,he handled it very badly,once his car went into a spin!he never had the skills to keep it under control!!!!!
Close the door on your way out Black.
Do me a favour as well. Tell me where you are driving so I can avoid the area as I don't want to be involved in a "car crash"
Come On You Reds.
Let's hope the next driver has passed his test.
Yep agree with that - and would add, with better purchases of players and contracts it could have been done for less cost to Mr Black.
bongiaz
says...
7:21pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Penhill54 wrote:This is a great post David...but let's not sing that chant please....many Swindon Fans like me are Italian so I would look really stupid not singing in the Town End and thoroughly embarrassed as well.
David Wallis wrote:Totally agree. I was born in Swindon in 1954 on Penhill, hence my pseudonym, and saw my first game in 1961 just before we moved to Southampton. I also idolised Don Rogers and yes, you knew the managers name, but that was just about it. I am a season ticket holder in the Don Rogers stand and I travel up from Southampton for every game. I cycled to the one against Bournemouth back in September in aid of Diabetes. I would do it again in aid of STFC if someone sponsored me for enough money. I love my club and I would always prefer to go the the CG rather than watch Saints in the Prem. I am all for supporting the players on Saturday. No one person is bigger than the club. I appreciate what pdc did for us but he has decided to move on, that is his choice. He is now history, time to move on. Looking forward to PNE. Geoff Ketley. Proud to be from Swindon
Thank heavens for that!!!!
Now, here's something I've tried to file this morning been unable to through server problems:
There have been several calls recently to pack the County Ground and show our support, but there can be no better reason to answer that call on Saturday than what we have seen happen this week.
Our talented squad of players have been regularly belittled by the outgoing manager, and are now being asked to deal with the consequences of his departure on their own.
When I first started watching football it was the players that the game was all about. You knew the manager’s name, you read his column in the Adver or the Pink but that was it.
Some knew the names of the directors, but wouldn’t know them if they fell over them in the street.
I hero-worshipped Don Rogers but only respected Danny Williams, and that was considered correct.
Today we are back to that scenario and we should let the players know just how much we are behind them.
There’s a word I don’t use very often because I find it an extremely emotional one. That word is ‘Proud’.
I used the ‘P’ word on Tuesday night when our team fought their way to the top of the table despite everything that was going on around them. They’ve been asked to repeat that achievement for the foreseeable future.
Should they be proved up to the task in steadying the ship, without backing and without anyone else around to steal the credit, they can write their names in club history and earn the respect of all of us who love STFC.
They can make us all Proud.
How about a sustained chant of ‘We are Swindonians… we’re not Italians’ to the tune of the Di Canio anthem? (Then personally I’ll be happy if I never hear that tune again.)
Bear with me all those rural fans (like myself) who don’t feel the description ‘Swindonian’ applies to them in normal circumstances. We’re making a point here.
We’ve seen the identity of our club highjacked and then cast aside. Let’s demonstrate that we are claiming it back. Let’s show two fingers to all those who we feel have let us down and abused our club.
I’m a fairly regular contributor to this message board, using, like many of us, a pseudonym. I’ve come on the forum today under my real identity. I think we need a very public demonstration of who we are, what the club means to us and the fact that we are 100% behind the players.
Come on Town. We are a club that comprises of players and supporters. Currently that’s about all we’ve got left… but they are the most important ingredients and we need to show just how much we can achieve together.
Good luck Darren Ward, Tommy Miller and the rest of the players, and everyone who, one way or another, will have Swindon Town Football Club over their heart on Saturday.
jayden
says...
7:31pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Steve. Brentford wrote:I take it you will be at Brentford mate.
jayden wrote:Many would say i should be sent to Coventry but MK Dongs is my next planned trip and nothing else planned as yet,hope you are well mate,speak soon.
Steve. Brentford wrote:Hi Steve how are you ? I leave the chat to we meet up are you going to coventry?
pcowley wrote:How many times does it have to be said the new board could not make decisions before because they did not own the club and Paolo walked because that's what Paolo does and i bet on him to do just that thank you for 4 hundred pounds for deserting the sinking ship Paolo,then again why let the TRUTH get in the way of a made up story.Time will tell what legacy the new caretakers of our club leave behind not speculation.
Mikey107 wrote:True on both accounts!
First impressions count for a lot. Ritchie sale and Paolo walking says to me that the cowboys are in town.
Clearly they wanted Paolo out from the start IMO and got what they wanted.
Was he too expensive?? Too honest?? Or too good??
melnursesear.
says...
7:35pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Steve. Brentford
says...
7:37pm Thu 21 Feb 13
sp1dersw3b
says...
7:39pm Thu 21 Feb 13
bongiaz wrote:sp1dersw3b wrote:
Penhill54 wrote:This is a great post David...but let's not sing that chant please....many Swindon Fans like me are Italian so I would look really stupid not singing in the Town End and thoroughly embarrassed as well.
David Wallis wrote:Totally agree. I was born in Swindon in 1954 on Penhill, hence my pseudonym, and saw my first game in 1961 just before we moved to Southampton. I also idolised Don Rogers and yes, you knew the managers name, but that was just about it. I am a season ticket holder in the Don Rogers stand and I travel up from Southampton for every game. I cycled to the one against Bournemouth back in September in aid of Diabetes. I would do it again in aid of STFC if someone sponsored me for enough money. I love my club and I would always prefer to go the the CG rather than watch Saints in the Prem. I am all for supporting the players on Saturday. No one person is bigger than the club. I appreciate what pdc did for us but he has decided to move on, that is his choice. He is now history, time to move on. Looking forward to PNE. Geoff Ketley. Proud to be from Swindon
Thank heavens for that!!!!
Now, here's something I've tried to file this morning been unable to through server problems:
There have been several calls recently to pack the County Ground and show our support, but there can be no better reason to answer that call on Saturday than what we have seen happen this week.
Our talented squad of players have been regularly belittled by the outgoing manager, and are now being asked to deal with the consequences of his departure on their own.
When I first started watching football it was the players that the game was all about. You knew the manager’s name, you read his column in the Adver or the Pink but that was it.
Some knew the names of the directors, but wouldn’t know them if they fell over them in the street.
I hero-worshipped Don Rogers but only respected Danny Williams, and that was considered correct.
Today we are back to that scenario and we should let the players know just how much we are behind them.
There’s a word I don’t use very often because I find it an extremely emotional one. That word is ‘Proud’.
I used the ‘P’ word on Tuesday night when our team fought their way to the top of the table despite everything that was going on around them. They’ve been asked to repeat that achievement for the foreseeable future.
Should they be proved up to the task in steadying the ship, without backing and without anyone else around to steal the credit, they can write their names in club history and earn the respect of all of us who love STFC.
They can make us all Proud.
How about a sustained chant of ‘We are Swindonians… we’re not Italians’ to the tune of the Di Canio anthem? (Then personally I’ll be happy if I never hear that tune again.)
Bear with me all those rural fans (like myself) who don’t feel the description ‘Swindonian’ applies to them in normal circumstances. We’re making a point here.
We’ve seen the identity of our club highjacked and then cast aside. Let’s demonstrate that we are claiming it back. Let’s show two fingers to all those who we feel have let us down and abused our club.
I’m a fairly regular contributor to this message board, using, like many of us, a pseudonym. I’ve come on the forum today under my real identity. I think we need a very public demonstration of who we are, what the club means to us and the fact that we are 100% behind the players.
Come on Town. We are a club that comprises of players and supporters. Currently that’s about all we’ve got left… but they are the most important ingredients and we need to show just how much we can achieve together.
Good luck Darren Ward, Tommy Miller and the rest of the players, and everyone who, one way or another, will have Swindon Town Football Club over their heart on Saturday.
David Wallis - 'How about a sustained chant of ‘We are Swindonians… we’re not Italians’ to the tune of the Di Canio anthem? (Then personally I’ll be happy if I never hear that tune again.)
Bear with me all those rural fans (like myself) who don’t feel the description ‘Swindonian’ applies to them in normal circumstances. We’re making a point here.'
I wish you had not included these two paragraphs - STFC do have many Italian supporters and if Rafa is playing against PNE this is just a tad insulting?
Otherwise, same era as yourself and will be there Saturday cheering the lads on, including the only (currently)Italian left, with pride!
COYR's
Hi Sp1dersw3b,
No insult intended to our Italian supporters. I'll be in my seat next to my Italian brother-in-law... both Town supporters for 40 years. And I had realised Rafa's heritage of course before I posted
I'd just like the world to know we're in Swindon, we're in Wiltshire and always will be.
I for one am proud of my club, my home Town (which is in fact Swindon... I just don't live there now) and my county.
Enjoy the game.”
Already sorted bongiaz!
jayden
says...
7:42pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Steve. Brentford wrote:Ill try to make it then mate then you can show me how to sing.
Jayden,the 5 min walk is a bit of a downer but i will definitely be at Brentford.
stfclondon
says...
7:49pm Thu 21 Feb 13
avo wrote:Do you really believe that? If so, why?
DarrenSTFCRomain wrote:LOL - I reckon he'll be back next week, maybe even before Saturday!!!!
avo wrote: Welocme back Paolo.......NO THANKS
He would look a complete idiot if he came crawling back now. As far as I'm concerned he's lost all credibility and might well have done serious damage to his managerial career. It will be interesting to see whether he gets another job soon.
Brainy_G93
says...
8:00pm Thu 21 Feb 13
fredi
says...
8:00pm Thu 21 Feb 13
As for those who think anyone could have done what Paolo did - nonsense - turn your minds back less than two years and then remember he has built two teams that have risen to the top of the league playing great football and treating us to countless unforgettable days. I hope the boys can see it through for the success that they deserve, but I fear we will be living off our memories after that.
And the Duke is spot on. It was Black's decision to cut off funding previously agreed that nearly sent this club into admin - all the goodwill he had previously earned was lost at that moment - thank God new owners were found otherwise Black would have been remembered with the same contempt as the Greek.
jayden
says...
8:02pm Thu 21 Feb 13
avo
says...
8:11pm Thu 21 Feb 13
stfclondon wrote:No not really, if I'm honest, in fact if it was any other club I'd definitely dismiss it, but this is swindon town after all.
avo wrote:Do you really believe that? If so, why? He would look a complete idiot if he came crawling back now. As far as I'm concerned he's lost all credibility and might well have done serious damage to his managerial career. It will be interesting to see whether he gets another job soon.DarrenSTFCRomain wrote:LOL - I reckon he'll be back next week, maybe even before Saturday!!!!avo wrote: Welocme back Paolo.......NO THANKS
.
Who was it said that the bookies are not often wrong?
sp1dersw3b
says...
8:15pm Thu 21 Feb 13
The other SA breaking news will be the first part of the full story - can't see it happening now but hope Paolo's resignation is not accepted by the new owners and he is back soon.
Welcome Jed and thank you by the way.
Steve. Brentford
says...
8:21pm Thu 21 Feb 13
jayden wrote:OK mate,as long as you don't try it out in the Arkells and wake the natives :O) c`mon swindon squeak squeak ;o)
Steve. Brentford wrote:Ill try to make it then mate then you can show me how to sing.
Jayden,the 5 min walk is a bit of a downer but i will definitely be at Brentford.
madterrier
says...
8:36pm Thu 21 Feb 13
the wizard
says...
8:59pm Thu 21 Feb 13
Chish and Fips wrote:Just home, saw the first part of the post and thought SLUG PELLETS, just want to know why Chris didn't throw any at him. I also heard he has a bit of a beef with us so is looking for a contract doing an ad for Tesco's, but he wouldn't stop horsing around in front of the camera. He went to Aldi but they said they couldn't use him as the Lidl pony wasn't big enough for his faht ar5e.
ChrisWantageRed wrote:Wiz get those Slug Pellets of yours out, they are needed again... :o)
Steve Evans spotted in Aldi opposite the CG buying a bumper stock of Fray Bentos.....uh-ohhhhh
h ;-)
I've just got some hush hush info from South Africa, evidently our Oscar Pist up orious wanted a new bathroom door, but his missus was dead against it. He said there were some new designs that would blow her away.
Steve. Brentford
says...
9:14pm Thu 21 Feb 13
madterrier wrote:The last time, we had fans in all of them.
Steve - which of the four pubs on the four corners of Brentford's ground are open to Swindon supporters and which are no-go? Used to go to another pub on the main road away from the ground nearer the river. Do you get the London-based supporters together before this game? Must be quite a few down here
The Griffin is popular with away fans being closiest to away end(i think),to be honest i dont think any of them are no go mate,when we win i normally visit all of them to make sure no-one missed the result :)
sp1dersw3b
says...
9:14pm Thu 21 Feb 13
.....
SimonPrice351
says...
10:56pm Thu 21 Feb 13
He is quoted as saying:
'I will take any job if it gets me away from that fat **** Chiles!'
9/4 on.

chrystovski says...
12:25pm Thu 21 Feb 13
o!!!!