Black reveals all on Twitter (From Swindon Advertiser)

Jets there'd wrote:
Thanks for saving our Club when you did.

I would love to know what Andrew Black's motive was in the first place when he invested millions.
Was he hoping to make money out of the ground development?

Regardless of the soap opera being played out by all, this is ALL of our football Club.
No-one is bigger than the Club & we must remember that.

Lets get back to football which is what true supporters are all here for.

Good luck to all the ex Town parties as they go their separate ways. I am sure they all meant well.

Here's to the next chapter in STFC's history.

the wizard wrote:
We need a heavy duty fan as the sh#tt will continue to hit it for a day or two yet. I would like to know the details of the revised contract PDC and Spencer hit on Black with when the previous deal failed last summer.

STFCman&boy1973 wrote:
That is one side of the debacle, I think he's just read the forums, see what some fans have said, and got his politician to do one last piece of work before he left...

Poor ab,, boo hoo...

I can't wait for the side of the debacle to come out...

COYMRs

EastleazeRed wrote:

Jets there'd wrote:
Thanks for saving our Club when you did.

I would love to know what Andrew Black's motive was in the first place when he invested millions.
Was he hoping to make money out of the ground development?

Regardless of the soap opera being played out by all, this is ALL of our football Club.
No-one is bigger than the Club & we must remember that.

Lets get back to football which is what true supporters are all here for.

Good luck to all the ex Town parties as they go their separate ways. I am sure they all meant well.

Here's to the next chapter in STFC's history.

The trouble was Di Canio was bigger than the football club and he knew it !

STFCman&boy1973 wrote:
That is one side of the debacle, I think he's just read the forums, see what some fans have said, and got his politician to do one last piece of work before he left...

Poor ab,, boo hoo...

I can't wait for the side of the debacle to come out...

COYMRs

eastern red wrote:
That's one side of the story, PDC must now give his side.

stfclondon wrote:

STFCman&boy1973 wrote:
That is one side of the debacle, I think he's just read the forums, see what some fans have said, and got his politician to do one last piece of work before he left...

Poor ab,, boo hoo...

I can't wait for the side of the debacle to come out...

COYMRs

You really think he cares what a few delusional fans write about him on forums?

I respect his openness. As in any situation, there are two sides to every story. It's not as if our ex-manager has been shy about getting his side across, is it?

The Di Canio era was a magical, exhilarating time to be a Town fan that will never be forgotten. It's thanks to Andrew Black's spending that we were able to experience it, so for that we should thank him.

smirg kcab wrote:
The multi millionaire who don't speak,
Just does what most kids do text/tweet.
For someone of that authority he didn't know a lot?.
Still as the book closes he ended up having the last laugh.
By the rumour he was keeping 15%stake in the club made the job untenable for Paolo to stay, the rumour the new board would sack di canio for newell, selling Ritchie for peanuts. Made Paolo an easy decision to make which was by walking.
Now he's walked black will not have his 15% the new board can pick newell
Or buckle to drive us back down the league.
Stitch up comes to mind, which a self opinionated man decided to walk because of his strong morals.
Onwards and ???????
We will miss the passion,hunger,tacti

tion that Paolo ment.
Just like to add Paolo will NEVER manage a top premiership club, due to his outbursts of players.
Imagine players on 50 grandPlus being ridiculed, the players would rebel.
Good luck Paolo shame you never completed the job and let us down by a stupid deadline you set.
Looking forward to wardy/miller who hope will carry on the di canio work ethic.
I will Give 100% but will not entertain
The likes of newell, buckle or butcher
Adkins is waiting but time is running out FAST.

southside7 wrote:
One question you don't answer Andrew.....why did you get involved in the first place?

EastleazeRed wrote:
Where does Paolo go from here ? David Gold has said there's no job for him at west ham , and after todays fabrication of Paolo breaking into the club and damaging property in the daily mail its gonna take a brave chairman to want to take him on. Just wish he could of hung on in there for few more days, still a legend in my eyes though.

louiscassius wrote:
Sky Bet has Di Canio at 11/4 but dont bet on him coming back !!

Jed said he'd rang Spencer last night......didnt say what for.....

I just wonder........

Louis :-))))

EastleazeRed wrote:

smirg kcab wrote:
The multi millionaire who don't speak,
Just does what most kids do text/tweet.
For someone of that authority he didn't know a lot?.
Still as the book closes he ended up having the last laugh.
By the rumour he was keeping 15%stake in the club made the job untenable for Paolo to stay, the rumour the new board would sack di canio for newell, selling Ritchie for peanuts. Made Paolo an easy decision to make which was by walking.
Now he's walked black will not have his 15% the new board can pick newell
Or buckle to drive us back down the league.
Stitch up comes to mind, which a self opinionated man decided to walk because of his strong morals.
Onwards and ???????
We will miss the passion,hunger,tacti


tion that Paolo ment.
Just like to add Paolo will NEVER manage a top premiership club, due to his outbursts of players.
Imagine players on 50 grandPlus being ridiculed, the players would rebel.
Good luck Paolo shame you never completed the job and let us down by a stupid deadline you set.
Looking forward to wardy/miller who hope will carry on the di canio work ethic.
I will Give 100% but will not entertain
The likes of newell, buckle or butcher
Adkins is waiting but time is running out FAST.

I still wouldn't rule out a Di Canio return nor have the bookies still 2/1

Nick1234 wrote:

louiscassius wrote:
Sky Bet has Di Canio at 11/4 but dont bet on him coming back !!

Jed said he'd rang Spencer last night......didnt say what for.....

I just wonder........

Louis :-))))

Do you want that?

PDC's time has gone, and the club now needs a better manager than him

Oi Den! wrote:
Haven't we been getting PDC's side of the story for the last 18 months? I see these comments from Black as finally responding to PDC's constant tirade of threats and accusations, after a long and dignified silence.

Old Town wrote:

Nick1234 wrote:

louiscassius wrote:
Sky Bet has Di Canio at 11/4 but dont bet on him coming back !!

Jed said he'd rang Spencer last night......didnt say what for.....

I just wonder........

Louis :-))))

Do you want that?

PDC's time has gone, and the club now needs a better manager than him

Better manager than PDC - are you away with the fairies ?????

Forgetting any outbursts off the pitch, a manager has to be viewed on results

First season, won the league

Second season, top of the league when he left with possibly the best squad we have had since Hoddle was in charge

Who could do better than that ?

Always red wrote:
Mr Black I'm one of those who slagged you off when you pulled out because I was angry, you have now put things into light I would like to apologise to you . Thank you for saving us & good luck for the future Just heard Pdc broke into the club last night and took pictures and other things.......Oh dear !

Nick1234 wrote:

louiscassius wrote:
Sky Bet has Di Canio at 11/4 but dont bet on him coming back !!

Jed said he'd rang Spencer last night......didnt say what for.....

I just wonder........

Louis :-))))

Do you want that?

PDC's time has gone, and the club now needs a better manager than him

Another view wrote:
I don't think many of us should be too surprised at Andrew Black's version. Apart from the attempted sale in 2011 it all sounds true to form.

Clearly AB and PDC did wonders for this club. Just a pity they were miles apart from day one, and the people in the middle were the decision makers day to day, with financial pressures on one side, and Paolo's demands on the other.

Thank you once again to Andrew Black and the others who put their own money into this club for whatever motive.

louiscassius wrote:
Sky Bet has Di Canio at 11/4 but dont bet on him coming back !! Jed said he'd rang Spencer last night......didnt say what for..... I just wonder........ Louis :-))))

old town robin wrote:
This is better than an episode of Dallas with Patey playing the role of JR. Seriously I think this is going to roll on in the media for a while. We've now heard Andrew Blacks version of events, Paolo will come back in response to words spoken by patey, Fitton and Wray are presently staying schtum, Jethro hasn't really said anything yet and we still have the prospect of a new manager to come in who has to pick up the pieces and somehow get us over the line. I only got 7-1 at the start of the season for us to get promoted, Can anyone say what the odds are now we are top of the league. IMHO it's going to be a miracle to overcome all this disruption and adversity and still win the league, a very tough ask with such a small squad. Of course as with all fans I hope that we can still do it, next two games without a manager will be crucial and with only the players we have to see it through I really wish them the best of luck and give it their best shot. As a last comment I think it could be a long time before Paolo gets another opportunity, shame really, did a good job, but not too many clubs out there that would be prepared to take the chance we did. As so many have said before me, it would all end in tears and i guess it has.

smirg kcab wrote:

old town robin wrote: This is better than an episode of Dallas with Patey playing the role of JR. Seriously I think this is going to roll on in the media for a while. We've now heard Andrew Blacks version of events, Paolo will come back in response to words spoken by patey, Fitton and Wray are presently staying schtum, Jethro hasn't really said anything yet and we still have the prospect of a new manager to come in who has to pick up the pieces and somehow get us over the line. I only got 7-1 at the start of the season for us to get promoted, Can anyone say what the odds are now we are top of the league. IMHO it's going to be a miracle to overcome all this disruption and adversity and still win the league, a very tough ask with such a small squad. Of course as with all fans I hope that we can still do it, next two games without a manager will be crucial and with only the players we have to see it through I really wish them the best of luck and give it their best shot. As a last comment I think it could be a long time before Paolo gets another opportunity, shame really, did a good job, but not too many clubs out there that would be prepared to take the chance we did. As so many have said before me, it would all end in tears and i guess it has.

7/2 outright and 11/10 for promo Both sky bet Not bad 7/2 not checked others tho Onwards and upwards Or bang £50 on them at 7/2 and they give you a free £50 bet so 7/1 if you look at it they way and go down that route as I did, just by opening an online account Onwards and upwards Breaking news CHUBB is in talks to sponsor us, Fire, doors and security. See all the ayers in the harvester last night, wardy was serving lettuce leaves served with a fresh air filling

Rondogers wrote:
Just out of interest did PDC ever get that Swindon tattoo?

BorisIsTheSpider wrote:
At the risk of being hanged as a heretic, part of the problem seems to be down to weak management by Jeremy Wray. Which is why AB replaced him, it seems. And when someone becomes indispensable in an organisation strong management gets rid. On that basis the new consortium seems to have started off on a good footing. Loved the pdc era, but back to reality folks. As for swp's parting shot - a tad unnecessary, but pdc took the bait and has probably ruled himself out of any worthwhile job now.

Rebel_phish wrote:

Rondogers wrote: Just out of interest did PDC ever get that Swindon tattoo?

Not that I know of. If he did, do you really think Paolo would have kepk it under raps. We would have had a press conference and all the media razzmatazz. He would also be looking in the ads for a tattoo removal service by now. Having said that, in his heart Paolo can hold his head up high at what he has achieved here at Swindon. And I'm sure he will, in time, be greatful to the chance he was given by Black and co to kick-start his magagerial career.

Rondogers wrote:
Just out of interest did PDC ever get that Swindon tattoo?

smirg kcab wrote:
Like Rooney back training with first team and is available for selection against Preston Onwards and upwards

TerryHubbard wrote:
What are peoples thoughts on Alan Curbishley coming in as new Town Manager not a name mentioned.

stfclondon wrote:

Rondogers wrote: Just out of interest did PDC ever get that Swindon tattoo?

I doubt it very much. He is a master at playing to the gallery, which is why he's so popular with the fans wherever he goes, but I would be very surprised if he actually followed it through. Same goes for his offer to pay for loan players etc. It's all designed to get the fans onside, and it works.

Rondogers wrote:

stfclondon wrote:

Rondogers wrote: Just out of interest did PDC ever get that Swindon tattoo?

I doubt it very much. He is a master at playing to the gallery, which is why he's so popular with the fans wherever he goes, but I would be very surprised if he actually followed it through. Same goes for his offer to pay for loan players etc. It's all designed to get the fans onside, and it works.

Yeah I never believed for one second he would pay for loan players, he was just putting pressure on the board and making himself look like a saint to the fans. Saying that though I'm not going to start slagging off PDC, he did a great job here but he lets be honest all managers/players that come here are not STFC fans, they are here to earn a living and up their stock to move on. I think as fans we forget that, then get annoyed when they walk away as we can't get our heads around the fact they don't love the club like we do. In the ideal world the club would be run by the fans, but don't think there are many millionaire STFC fans out there?? Might be worth us all digging up our back gardens looking for oil?...now there is an idea! : )

the don69 wrote:
I was reading all this on twitter late last night!it's like bloody eastenders and there's a lot more to come!oh for a nice quiet time at the dear old county ground!!!!!!!!

the wizard wrote:
If there is a lesson to be learned through all of this it is surely that the Chairmans post is full time and he needs to be at the ground full time to keep tabs on what is occurring there. Its all about control, and it seems to me that PDC has to be in total control of all things around him, which includes the clubs directors and owners, instead of just focusing on team matters. Sadly it seems Wray was all too easily led and pressured into signing cheques. This is something which drastically needs keeping within boundaries of agreed budgets etc. Seems we are very fortunate to still have a club to support.

the wizard wrote:
If there is a lesson to be learned through all of this it is surely that the Chairmans post is full time and he needs to be at the ground full time to keep tabs on what is occurring there. Its all about control, and it seems to me that PDC has to be in total control of all things around him, which includes the clubs directors and owners, instead of just focusing on team matters.
Sadly it seems Wray was all too easily led and pressured into signing cheques. This is something which drastically needs keeping within boundaries of agreed budgets etc. Seems we are very fortunate to still have a club to support.

mustard red wrote:
Sorry if someone has already mentioned this...

Is there any truth in the club needing to change the locks at the County Ground after PDC stole into the manager’s office under darkness and caused damage by tearing down pictures of his successful reign?

Apparently he was caught on CCTV getting into the offices with one of his backroom team.

Incredible turn of events if true.

albatross wrote:
Firstly, many thanks to Andrew Black for saving the club. Still one thing I am not clear about from his statement is why the urgency to sell the club. Surely he could have waited til the end of the season. Given the position of the club in the league (i.e. a reasonable chance of promotion - which would have greatly increased the value of the club - or at least earning a fair amount of money from the play-offs) it would have been in all parties interest to have waited.

Secondly, Paulo resigning before speaking to the new owners not make much sense either. With only a couple of months of the season left what could he achieve anywhere else (if West Ham wanted him they could have waited til the end of the season so no panic there either). If we didn’t get promotion them he could cite the disruption from the sale of the club and not being able to sign players, and if he DID get us promoted then he could claim back to back promotion against the background of the adversity. The second promotion being a greater achievement as it was done in despite the problems at the club and against stronger opposition. It is a no lose situation for him. Also, by quitting he will also make it more difficult to tell his future players to tough it out when the going gets tough instead of walking away. To my mind it is clearly in our interests and his interests to manage us until the end of the season. I hope the new owners are straight on the phone to offer him the job on whatever terms he wants until the end of the season. With have a great chance to go up this season which might not come around again for a very long time. I think we need an experienced manager to get us over the winning line and then go from there (if Paulo can’t be persuaded to think again).
A number of posters have commented on how Di Canio achieved what he did with a big budget. I think it should be acknowledged that he generated a significant amount of funds himself from cup runs. Doesn’t anyone know roughly how much money we earned above budget for his cup runs this season and last? It must be in the millions and hence a very significant proportion of the overall original budget. Even if he had a much higher budget last season that League Two rivals he still must take credit for beating many teams from higher leagues with much bigger budgets than us.

Lastly, Andrew Black said Paulo couldn’t manage up. I think in football a successful manager is the rarest commodity and therefore it is up to the owners and the board to ensure that they keep such a manager happy and try to ensure that the quirks of that manager don’t become too big a problem.

Since 1950 wrote:

the wizard wrote: If there is a lesson to be learned through all of this it is surely that the Chairmans post is full time and he needs to be at the ground full time to keep tabs on what is occurring there. Its all about control, and it seems to me that PDC has to be in total control of all things around him, which includes the clubs directors and owners, instead of just focusing on team matters. Sadly it seems Wray was all too easily led and pressured into signing cheques. This is something which drastically needs keeping within boundaries of agreed budgets etc. Seems we are very fortunate to still have a club to support.

Agree with that Wiz. Several things about Andrew Blacks tweets indicate fundamental mismanagement. Eye off the ball, Directors not directing and tail wagging dog. Andrew Black applied the brakes to late and to hard. That started the skid that became the car crash. That having been said. I will always be grateful for Andrew and all the consortium for saving our club. It is just a **** shame that things concluded the way they did.

Wilesy wrote:

Since 1950 wrote:

the wizard wrote: If there is a lesson to be learned through all of this it is surely that the Chairmans post is full time and he needs to be at the ground full time to keep tabs on what is occurring there. Its all about control, and it seems to me that PDC has to be in total control of all things around him, which includes the clubs directors and owners, instead of just focusing on team matters. Sadly it seems Wray was all too easily led and pressured into signing cheques. This is something which drastically needs keeping within boundaries of agreed budgets etc. Seems we are very fortunate to still have a club to support.

Agree with that Wiz. Several things about Andrew Blacks tweets indicate fundamental mismanagement. Eye off the ball, Directors not directing and tail wagging dog. Andrew Black applied the brakes to late and to hard. That started the skid that became the car crash. That having been said. I will always be grateful for Andrew and all the consortium for saving our club. It is just a **** shame that things concluded the way they did.

Agree with that Wiz and 1950.

It's OK for Black to say Paolo can't manage upwards but he can only spend what he is given. Very grateful to Black of course but he hasn't managed downwards at all well from what he has said.

Communication is the key. Managing from distance doesn't usually work and it hasn't here.

The Caddis situation was handled appallingly, and the embargo situation was a farce. Bearing in mind Black's lack of faith in both manager and chairman from Day 1, these two episodes and the subsequent public criticism of the board show it's no surprise he's not giving them a glowing reference, but I'm very surprised Black remained hands off throughout.

If Mrs Black went to Harrod's every week and racked up debt on the old credit card, would he step in or just let it continue?

At the end of the day though he has financially made a great contribution to the club and despite throwing in the towel knowing the risk of a third administration, things seemed to have worked out OK now the dust is settling a bit.

Last step wrote:
As a couple of people have said- this is just AB's side of the story. People can decide to simply accept it as gospel if they want. I won't, there's clearly more to it, but I don't think dragging it out any longer and washing our dirty linen in public is at all good for the club, so I hope there isn't any comeback from Di Canio or Spencer and this draws a line under it and everyone can move on. Thanks for all you have done for the club, AB, but your exit strategy was awful and really messed things up. Town supporters are well within their rights to remember that in addition to remembering all he good you did.

the wizard wrote:
Perhaps now it can be revealed what monies were actually paid to PDC during his tenure here, details of wages and bonuses would now be of interest to supporters to see the burden, if any, the club was under to him. Then we can weigh up the balance of wages against promotion etc, and what the price was to keep the club in the league against going into admin, seems we came to within just a few Chippits of going out of existence all together.

red white wrote:

the wizard wrote: Perhaps now it can be revealed what monies were actually paid to PDC during his tenure here, details of wages and bonuses would now be of interest to supporters to see the burden, if any, the club was under to him. Then we can weigh up the balance of wages against promotion etc, and what the price was to keep the club in the league against going into admin, seems we came to within just a few Chippits of going out of existence all together.

How much you think Paolo was on a year,as a guess?

Airframe-dtm wrote:

red white wrote:

the wizard wrote: Perhaps now it can be revealed what monies were actually paid to PDC during his tenure here, details of wages and bonuses would now be of interest to supporters to see the burden, if any, the club was under to him. Then we can weigh up the balance of wages against promotion etc, and what the price was to keep the club in the league against going into admin, seems we came to within just a few Chippits of going out of existence all together.

How much you think Paolo was on a year,as a guess?

To quote a report yesterday;

Sunday Mirror’s David Walker. “I’m told that Di Canio is on £850,000 a year basic, with an £850,000 promotion bonus.

AFDTM

EastleazeRed wrote:

Airframe-dtm wrote:

red white wrote:

the wizard wrote: Perhaps now it can be revealed what monies were actually paid to PDC during his tenure here, details of wages and bonuses would now be of interest to supporters to see the burden, if any, the club was under to him. Then we can weigh up the balance of wages against promotion etc, and what the price was to keep the club in the league against going into admin, seems we came to within just a few Chippits of going out of existence all together.

How much you think Paolo was on a year,as a guess?

To quote a report yesterday;

Sunday Mirror’s David Walker. “I’m told that Di Canio is on £850,000 a year basic, with an £850,000 promotion bonus.

AFDTM

Absolute b0ll0cks ! Jed was answering questions on twitter last night and said Paolo was actually not on a very high wage , and thought they had a deal !

Oxon-Red wrote:
Thank you Mr Black for not leaving a Car crash, Plane crash or any other type of crash that has been suggested.

Thank you for the investment and, it would appear, for writing off the clubs debts thus removing a massive millstone from round our necks.

I may get slaughtered for this but...

Thank you Mr Patey for your efforts in finding buyers for the club and saving it from god knows what. It is becoming clear how tricky your job was. Identifying what to say or not is the key to diplomacy and you have handled it well. I can now appreciate how difficult it must have been trying to appease both fans and Paolo.

Thank you Paolo for 18 fantastic months. You have instilled pride back into the fans of the club and you have left us with an incredible football team. I wish you well in the future.


I now fear that we will enter a war of words between the two sides but I hope that it can be avoided. It would, IMO, appear that Mr Wray has a lot to answer for.

JW has not said "NO" and in a way extended the credit limit on Paolo's credit card without permission. Paolo has made more and more demands and if JW had been firmer the January deadline would never have been implemented.

I hope it doesn't drag on as I now want to look forward and in that respect I welcome Jed and the new consortium. We have a great club, great players and fantastic fans.

ONWARDS and UPWARDS together from now.

COYMR

the don69 wrote:

EastleazeRed wrote:

Airframe-dtm wrote:

red white wrote:

the wizard wrote: Perhaps now it can be revealed what monies were actually paid to PDC during his tenure here, details of wages and bonuses would now be of interest to supporters to see the burden, if any, the club was under to him. Then we can weigh up the balance of wages against promotion etc, and what the price was to keep the club in the league against going into admin, seems we came to within just a few Chippits of going out of existence all together.

How much you think Paolo was on a year,as a guess?

To quote a report yesterday;

Sunday Mirror’s David Walker. “I’m told that Di Canio is on £850,000 a year basic, with an £850,000 promotion bonus.

AFDTM

Absolute b0ll0cks ! Jed was answering questions on twitter last night and said Paolo was actually not on a very high wage , and thought they had a deal !

Eastleaze is right,Jed said Paolo Not too expensive,why people quote Rags I don't know?they write want they want and they Make up want they want,it's time with Leveson,they were banged too rights and editor's Jailed when they write lies and CR@p!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oxon-Red wrote:
Thank you Mr Black for not leaving a Car crash, Plane crash or any other type of crash that has been suggested.

Thank you for the investment and, it would appear, for writing off the clubs debts thus removing a massive millstone from round our necks.

I may get slaughtered for this but...

Thank you Mr Patey for your efforts in finding buyers for the club and saving it from god knows what. It is becoming clear how tricky your job was. Identifying what to say or not is the key to diplomacy and you have handled it well. I can now appreciate how difficult it must have been trying to appease both fans and Paolo.

Thank you Paolo for 18 fantastic months. You have instilled pride back into the fans of the club and you have left us with an incredible football team. I wish you well in the future.


I now fear that we will enter a war of words between the two sides but I hope that it can be avoided. It would, IMO, appear that Mr Wray has a lot to answer for.

JW has not said "NO" and in a way extended the credit limit on Paolo's credit card without permission. Paolo has made more and more demands and if JW had been firmer the January deadline would never have been implemented.

I hope it doesn't drag on as I now want to look forward and in that respect I welcome Jed and the new consortium. We have a great club, great players and fantastic fans.

ONWARDS and UPWARDS together from now.

COYMR

madterrier wrote:
We shouldn't confuse ownership and management. Black owned the club - doesn't mean he has to manage it. He appoints people to do that, principally the Chairman but also the managing director/CEO. I've got shares in GlaxoSmithKline, and so own a (tiny) part of that company - but I don't expect to manage it. What Black is guilty of though is not managing his own money more carefully. He trusted Wray to do this, but this was misplaced, and sounds like he knew it from the off but didn't step in quickly enough. I don't think a Chairman needs to be full time, certainly not at a small football club. Many chairmen of big PLCs are part time and non-executive. But what a football Chairman must do is provide a seamless link between owners and manager, and communicate clearly to fans and media. Wray did the second one well and the first one badly. Patey did the opposite. We just need a chairman that does both.

mustard red wrote:
Sorry if someone has already mentioned this... Is there any truth in the club needing to change the locks at the County Ground after PDC stole into the manager’s office under darkness and caused damage by tearing down pictures of his successful reign? Apparently he was caught on CCTV getting into the offices with one of his backroom team. Incredible turn of events if true.

TerryHubbard wrote:
What are peoples thoughts on Alan Curbishley coming in as new Town Manager not a name mentioned.

red white wrote:

mustard red wrote:
Sorry if someone has already mentioned this... Is there any truth in the club needing to change the locks at the County Ground after PDC stole into the manager’s office under darkness and caused damage by tearing down pictures of his successful reign? Apparently he was caught on CCTV getting into the offices with one of his backroom team. Incredible turn of events if true.

Yes,I read it in The Times at work today! Had to laugh.

Also,in The Guardian a big piece on our 1969 cup win and an interview with John Trollope and Don Rogers and 3 great pictures.

We are still the last club to win a major trophy from outside the top league!

Might be a bit about us on TV/radio this weekend before the LC final and with all that has gone on this week!

Since 1950 wrote:

madterrier wrote:
We shouldn't confuse ownership and management. Black owned the club - doesn't mean he has to manage it. He appoints people to do that, principally the Chairman but also the managing director/CEO. I've got shares in GlaxoSmithKline, and so own a (tiny) part of that company - but I don't expect to manage it. What Black is guilty of though is not managing his own money more carefully. He trusted Wray to do this, but this was misplaced, and sounds like he knew it from the off but didn't step in quickly enough. I don't think a Chairman needs to be full time, certainly not at a small football club. Many chairmen of big PLCs are part time and non-executive. But what a football Chairman must do is provide a seamless link between owners and manager, and communicate clearly to fans and media. Wray did the second one well and the first one badly. Patey did the opposite. We just need a chairman that does both.

One and the same madterrier wouldn't you think?

If you think Black guilty of not managing his money then surely he is guilty of not managing - full stop.

You have shares in GSK. Okay, you don't manage the company but as a shareholder that entitles you to go to meetings. You have a voice.

Black had a voice. As an owner, wouldn't you think he'd have kept very close tabs on things? especially with a Chairman he said he wasn't happy with and a manager who was untried and tested.

As I have said before, no one comes out of all this mess without some blame for the unhappy way it finished.

smirg kcab wrote:
I never got to know Paolo very well - I only met him a handful of times please fill in the missing times? 1-the appointment 2-beating wigan 3-getting in auto promotion 4-winning the league 5-beating stoke 6-watchig him on cctv at 1a.m 7-? 8? 9? 10? look on the bright side black may have used claridges and mersons gambling money.so nothing lost. very very poor communication for a multi millionaire who sounded that he was bullied into running stfc. sorry i would be frustrated rant/rave if you was locked out of sight when a man truley only wanted to get us up to the championship. paolo told the press lots of times that the plan was in place. so why did you not set the record straight then? you should have gone at the start of the season then this farce/fiasco would not have came down to this. stop using aerial wash powder because as the saying goes black you look a clown. o&u

smirg kcab wrote:

smirg kcab wrote:
I never got to know Paolo very well - I only met him a handful of times please fill in the missing times? 1-the appointment 2-beating wigan 3-getting in auto promotion 4-winning the league 5-beating stoke 6-watchig him on cctv at 1a.m 7-? 8? 9? 10? look on the bright side black may have used claridges and mersons gambling money.so nothing lost. very very poor communication for a multi millionaire who sounded that he was bullied into running stfc. sorry i would be frustrated rant/rave if you was locked out of sight when a man truley only wanted to get us up to the championship. paolo told the press lots of times that the plan was in place. so why did you not set the record straight then? you should have gone at the start of the season then this farce/fiasco would not have came down to this. stop using aerial wash powder because as the saying goes black you look a clown. o&u

forgot to add the fly on the wall documentary may not be that far away.
onwards and upwards.

smirg kcab wrote:

TerryHubbard wrote:
What are peoples thoughts on Alan Curbishley coming in as new Town Manager not a name mentioned.

curbs was just on sky telling people what mancini was doing wrong, so hes the next man city manager.
makes me laugh the likes of him and dowie telling them what they sould have/been doing
lol
o&u

KerroucheIsntOnFire wrote:
Spoilt Rich Kids falling out over money and using STFC as a battleground - Black says himself he stuck to his guns and decided not to put any more money in! He could have kept the club going to the summer but chose not too!

What gets me is that he says Paolo and Spencer knew Ritchie was being sold, "Di Canio and Spencer knew this and there had, I'm told, been a lot of discussions" then immediatley back tracks and says "AFAIK" as far as i know"they had been consulted and had accepted that it might happen".

Absolute Rubbish, I thank Black for what he did in terms of investment but the way he put the brakes on so to speak were outrageous and damaged the club!

Paolo will be a Swindon Legend he's done a fantastic Job at our club and turned the whole attitude around! These are professional football players and they need to train hard! Im worried the clubs going to go back to the Ferry and Douglas **** up days where more drinking than training is done!

Again you guys fail to note we spent more on the League1 Relegation season in terms of wages than we have this year,We had less to spend last year in League 2 !

I wish Jed and others success but i have a horrible feeling we are going back to the days of league2 mid table unless we get promoted this year! There whole model is on sustainability and putting very little money in!

jayden wrote:

smirg kcab wrote:

smirg kcab wrote:
I never got to know Paolo very well - I only met him a handful of times please fill in the missing times? 1-the appointment 2-beating wigan 3-getting in auto promotion 4-winning the league 5-beating stoke 6-watchig him on cctv at 1a.m 7-? 8? 9? 10? look on the bright side black may have used claridges and mersons gambling money.so nothing lost. very very poor communication for a multi millionaire who sounded that he was bullied into running stfc. sorry i would be frustrated rant/rave if you was locked out of sight when a man truley only wanted to get us up to the championship. paolo told the press lots of times that the plan was in place. so why did you not set the record straight then? you should have gone at the start of the season then this farce/fiasco would not have came down to this. stop using aerial wash powder because as the saying goes black you look a clown. o&u

forgot to add the fly on the wall documentary may not be that far away.
onwards and upwards.

Got a lot to say smirg today dont tire yourself out leave some for shouting tomorrow.

killerontheloose wrote:
This is the 'I'm perfect in every way' speech and it was all someone else's fault...very good - just one comment.....I'm not sure how good a manager PDC is.....a a hint, try looking at the results or maybe even the fitness / attitude / teamwork etc -

KerroucheIsntOnFire wrote:
Spoilt Rich Kids falling out over money and using STFC as a battleground - Black says himself he stuck to his guns and decided not to put any more money in! He could have kept the club going to the summer but chose not too!

What gets me is that he says Paolo and Spencer knew Ritchie was being sold, "Di Canio and Spencer knew this and there had, I'm told, been a lot of discussions" then immediatley back tracks and says "AFAIK" as far as i know"they had been consulted and had accepted that it might happen".

Absolute Rubbish, I thank Black for what he did in terms of investment but the way he put the brakes on so to speak were outrageous and damaged the club!

Paolo will be a Swindon Legend he's done a fantastic Job at our club and turned the whole attitude around! These are professional football players and they need to train hard! Im worried the clubs going to go back to the Ferry and Douglas **** up days where more drinking than training is done!

Again you guys fail to note we spent more on the League1 Relegation season in terms of wages than we have this year,We had less to spend last year in League 2 !

I wish Jed and others success but i have a horrible feeling we are going back to the days of league2 mid table unless we get promoted this year! There whole model is on sustainability and putting very little money in!

Jeremy Hilary Boob wrote:

killerontheloose wrote:
This is the 'I'm perfect in every way' speech and it was all someone else's fault...very good - just one comment.....I'm not sure how good a manager PDC is.....a a hint, try looking at the results or maybe even the fitness / attitude / teamwork etc -

But PDC was backed more than any other manager in FL2 last season - in terms of transfer fees, wages, fees paid to agents, his ability to bring players in and ship them out when he discovered they were no good.

On that basis, we don't know exactly how good a manager he is. Things like fitness can be measured - and few would deny they were fitter than the season before.

But you can't judge him solely on results. This year, we're top, but Yeovil are in the play-offs on a fraction of the budget. Who's done a better job so far - PDC or Gary Johnson who's probably had less than half the money to spend?

Man City are 2nd in the PL but Mancini's spent a fortune, so most people wouldn't say he's doing a better job than, say, Michael Laudrup, who hasn't got a sheikh bankrolling him.

So with PDC we can accept his achievements but we'll only know how good a manager he is when he's further along in his career. If he goes to WHU, and gets them to punch above their weight then that shows his ability. But if he goes there, has more to spend than a lot of other clubs, and they end up in the bottom three then maybe he'll have been found out a little.

35 year fan wrote:
PDC and Spencer wil be absolutely seething at this and will very soon be coming after the club for compensation/fees they will say they are due for being forced out, Spencers loan deals being blocked etc.

Graham8181 wrote:
Thankyou Mr Black. I haven't seen this club spend like it has since Paolo was here for a long time. Looking back now he was like a kiddy in a sweet shop. Well done as look where we are now

No matter how much this debate will
Go on between you and Paolo thanks so much for your contribution towards this club. Legend in my eyes

stanharlands6shirt wrote:

Graham8181 wrote:
Thankyou Mr Black. I haven't seen this club spend like it has since Paolo was here for a long time. Looking back now he was like a kiddy in a sweet shop. Well done as look where we are now

No matter how much this debate will
Go on between you and Paolo thanks so much for your contribution towards this club. Legend in my eyes

NO..He was like a manager, working within his budget, trying to win us the league and making us proud of our club and team..

DiCanio did not set his own budget.

If Black was not happy at any point during this ride, he should have acted like the majority share holder and grown a pair himself.

I'm grateful for what Mr Black appears to have done, but please, he started the car crash, and far from not putting his foot on the brake much earlier, it appears from his actions, he did not even have hold of the wheel....

PAOLO WORKED WITHIN HIS SET BUDGET, how many times has it been said and proven...

Jeremy Hilary Boob wrote:

35 year fan wrote:
PDC and Spencer wil be absolutely seething at this and will very soon be coming after the club for compensation/fees they will say they are due for being forced out, Spencers loan deals being blocked etc.

Can't see how they'd have a leg to stand on with any of that - the board are surely entitled to block any deals that they feel are not in the club's interests (and the club not being able to afford them certainly falls within that).

stanharlands6shirt wrote:

Graham8181 wrote: Thankyou Mr Black. I haven't seen this club spend like it has since Paolo was here for a long time. Looking back now he was like a kiddy in a sweet shop. Well done as look where we are now No matter how much this debate will Go on between you and Paolo thanks so much for your contribution towards this club. Legend in my eyes

NO..He was like a manager, working within his budget, trying to win us the league and making us proud of our club and team.. DiCanio did not set his own budget. If Black was not happy at any point during this ride, he should have acted like the majority share holder and grown a pair himself. I'm grateful for what Mr Black appears to have done, but please, he started the car crash, and far from not putting his foot on the brake much earlier, it appears from his actions, he did not even have hold of the wheel.... PAOLO WORKED WITHIN HIS SET BUDGET, how many times has it been said and proven...

Oxon-Red wrote:

stanharlands6shirt wrote:

Graham8181 wrote: Thankyou Mr Black. I haven't seen this club spend like it has since Paolo was here for a long time. Looking back now he was like a kiddy in a sweet shop. Well done as look where we are now No matter how much this debate will Go on between you and Paolo thanks so much for your contribution towards this club. Legend in my eyes

NO..He was like a manager, working within his budget, trying to win us the league and making us proud of our club and team.. DiCanio did not set his own budget. If Black was not happy at any point during this ride, he should have acted like the majority share holder and grown a pair himself. I'm grateful for what Mr Black appears to have done, but please, he started the car crash, and far from not putting his foot on the brake much earlier, it appears from his actions, he did not even have hold of the wheel.... PAOLO WORKED WITHIN HIS SET BUDGET, how many times has it been said and proven...

Did Paolo work within his budget though ?

As I said earlier it appears that Jay Wray has been weak and added to the budget using AB's money.

I am of the opinion that the beloved Wray has let both sides down here.

Mr Black has said above that he funded this club against his wishes during last season and had agreed to do it again this season while he sought a buyer. That shows incredible loyalty to us the fans IMO as he could easily have pulled out and left up the creek without a paddle.

It was only when the budget set by him started to be increased against his wishes that he started to apply the brakes by sacking Wray.

Paolo has been let down as well. Not by Mr Black but by JW bowing to his every demand.

As I said above I hope this unhappy episode is not dragged out as it could get nasty and Paolo will do himself more harm than good if he does continue to pursue it.

COYMR

Oxon-Red wrote:

stanharlands6shirt wrote:

Graham8181 wrote: Thankyou Mr Black. I haven't seen this club spend like it has since Paolo was here for a long time. Looking back now he was like a kiddy in a sweet shop. Well done as look where we are now No matter how much this debate will Go on between you and Paolo thanks so much for your contribution towards this club. Legend in my eyes

NO..He was like a manager, working within his budget, trying to win us the league and making us proud of our club and team.. DiCanio did not set his own budget. If Black was not happy at any point during this ride, he should have acted like the majority share holder and grown a pair himself. I'm grateful for what Mr Black appears to have done, but please, he started the car crash, and far from not putting his foot on the brake much earlier, it appears from his actions, he did not even have hold of the wheel.... PAOLO WORKED WITHIN HIS SET BUDGET, how many times has it been said and proven...

Did Paolo work within his budget though ?

As I said earlier it appears that Jay Wray has been weak and added to the budget using AB's money.

I am of the opinion that the beloved Wray has let both sides down here.

Mr Black has said above that he funded this club against his wishes during last season and had agreed to do it again this season while he sought a buyer. That shows incredible loyalty to us the fans IMO as he could easily have pulled out and left up the creek without a paddle.

It was only when the budget set by him started to be increased against his wishes that he started to apply the brakes by sacking Wray.

Paolo has been let down as well. Not by Mr Black but by JW bowing to his every demand.

As I said above I hope this unhappy episode is not dragged out as it could get nasty and Paolo will do himself more harm than good if he does continue to pursue it.

COYMR

stanharlands6shirt wrote:

Oxon-Red wrote:

stanharlands6shirt wrote:

Graham8181 wrote: Thankyou Mr Black. I haven't seen this club spend like it has since Paolo was here for a long time. Looking back now he was like a kiddy in a sweet shop. Well done as look where we are now No matter how much this debate will Go on between you and Paolo thanks so much for your contribution towards this club. Legend in my eyes

NO..He was like a manager, working within his budget, trying to win us the league and making us proud of our club and team.. DiCanio did not set his own budget. If Black was not happy at any point during this ride, he should have acted like the majority share holder and grown a pair himself. I'm grateful for what Mr Black appears to have done, but please, he started the car crash, and far from not putting his foot on the brake much earlier, it appears from his actions, he did not even have hold of the wheel.... PAOLO WORKED WITHIN HIS SET BUDGET, how many times has it been said and proven...

Did Paolo work within his budget though ? As I said earlier it appears that Jay Wray has been weak and added to the budget using AB's money. I am of the opinion that the beloved Wray has let both sides down here. Mr Black has said above that he funded this club against his wishes during last season and had agreed to do it again this season while he sought a buyer. That shows incredible loyalty to us the fans IMO as he could easily have pulled out and left up the creek without a paddle. It was only when the budget set by him started to be increased against his wishes that he started to apply the brakes by sacking Wray. Paolo has been let down as well. Not by Mr Black but by JW bowing to his every demand. As I said above I hope this unhappy episode is not dragged out as it could get nasty and Paolo will do himself more harm than good if he does continue to pursue it. COYMR

oxen-red, I fully appreciate your desire for this not to be DRAGGED OUT, and I echo those sentiments. However playing devil advocate, to me it appears that Paolo could have broadsided our clubs former directors over many issues before now, but in doing so would he start another car crash that may well ruin all the work he and his staff had put in up until last Tuesday evening. Could it be that he is still trying to protect the team. I do not know. BUT THAT IS THE POINT HERE..NO ONE THAT I AM AWARE OF THAT HAS POSTED ON THIS SITE KNOWS THE TRUTH. So if Mr Black, or Mr Patey puts an article in the press or on twitter, Paolo surely has to consider if it is damaging his reputation, and if it is, then he must decide if or how to respond. No one else is going to stand up for him. THEY CAN'T, BECAUSE THEY DO NOT KNOW.. The same can be said of Mr Wray. He gets a verbal kicking of Mr Black and it seems many accept it as fact. It may well be, but again,WE DO NOT KNOW. We are only hearing one side of a story. That being the case, as much as it may hurt, I feel Paolo's side needs to be heard to redress the balance. On a positive note, and again, only if it's true, and we do not know, but if it is true that Mr McCory and Paolo have been talking or are going to talk, then surely that can only be a good thing and hopefully the start of repairing broken bridges.

MITTED wrote:
At last we hear something constructivefrom Andrew Black, albeit one-side, it's only taken 5 years!!!! But it does take two to tango. Andrew, most Town fans will always be grateful for your investment of money, however, you can hardly complain when you kept yourself at such a distance and only got involved when you felt the need to throw a tantrum. I recall reading your blog after the Charlton play-off second leg - you left before the penalties started just to beat the traffic!!!! You must have been the only person in the stadium that night to leave early. It was clear to me then that your (self inflicted) involvement with the club was bizaar to say the least. You blame PDC for not being able to manage upwards, but you need to take a look at yourself because you clearly did not manage downwards. The basic rule of management is, if it's wrong at the bottom, then it's wrong at the top. Anyway, it's a real shame that so much damage has been done. You almost took our club out of existence these past 4 weeks despite your promise not to cause a car-crash, I just hope that we can see an end to this sorry saga and move on. For all Town fans, promotion in May will be a welcome tonic.
COYR

madterrier wrote:

Jeremy Hilary Boob wrote:

35 year fan wrote:
PDC and Spencer wil be absolutely seething at this and will very soon be coming after the club for compensation/fees they will say they are due for being forced out, Spencers loan deals being blocked etc.

Can't see how they'd have a leg to stand on with any of that - the board are surely entitled to block any deals that they feel are not in the club's interests (and the club not being able to afford them certainly falls within that).

The constructive dismissal possibility would seem to relate to the sale of Ritchie without PDC knowing, rather than not paying for loan signings.

Apparently Curbishley had it in his contract that players could not be sold without his consent. But after that case ended up costing West Ham £2m, would any club be daft enough to put a clause like that in a manager's contract.....?

stfclondon wrote:
His heart might not have been in it, but his wallet was!

Oxon-Red wrote:
Thank you Mr Black for not leaving a Car crash, Plane crash or any other type of crash that has been suggested.

Thank you for the investment and, it would appear, for writing off the clubs debts thus removing a massive millstone from round our necks.

I may get slaughtered for this but...

Thank you Mr Patey for your efforts in finding buyers for the club and saving it from god knows what. It is becoming clear how tricky your job was. Identifying what to say or not is the key to diplomacy and you have handled it well. I can now appreciate how difficult it must have been trying to appease both fans and Paolo.

Thank you Paolo for 18 fantastic months. You have instilled pride back into the fans of the club and you have left us with an incredible football team. I wish you well in the future.


I now fear that we will enter a war of words between the two sides but I hope that it can be avoided. It would, IMO, appear that Mr Wray has a lot to answer for.

JW has not said "NO" and in a way extended the credit limit on Paolo's credit card without permission. Paolo has made more and more demands and if JW had been firmer the January deadline would never have been implemented.

I hope it doesn't drag on as I now want to look forward and in that respect I welcome Jed and the new consortium. We have a great club, great players and fantastic fans.

ONWARDS and UPWARDS together from now.

COYMR

LydiardRED67 wrote:
Just had a chat with Jes in the club shop and aeems a really genuine guy. Honest and upfront.

He talked briefly about. What he has gone through to get this take over through and whatev happens in the future his efforts shouldn't go unnoticed. He slept in his lawyers for two days.

He mentioned what a stand up bloke AB was and that he desperately tried to get him to retain a small stake.

He also mentioned the plays are absolutely buzzing and how impressed he has been with Ward and Miller and how knowledgeable they are. I asked if they had an opportunity longer term and he said maybe.

He also emphasised that whatever the result on Saturday, it will not reflect on those two and went on to say how he has taken the mick out of Fraser, who is loving being back involved and seems to be well known to Jed.

He didn't offer too much comment on PDC only to say that he was still contacting Spencer last if only to be able to look into fanda eyes and say that at least he tried.

Like I said, he seems a straight bloke and as we were talking he was stood there with a junior STFC shirt in pink that he had promised a little girl on twitter.

Thumbs up from me.

Oi Den! wrote:

stfclondon wrote:
His heart might not have been in it, but his wallet was!

Exactly london. I wouldn't say no to another investor who wanted to fund the club without having any involvement in it. Hands up all those who would turn away another Andrew Black bearing several million quid to put in.

hertz wrote:
I did hear someone that does a little casual work for Paolo and was mentioned over lunch that at the moment he is very upset , he did tell this person he would be staying around for about another 4 or 5 weeks . With an ego like Paolos I guess the hurt cuts that little bit deeper . Nobody at our club wishes any of the parties any hurt or pain I am sure , it was sort of fun while it lasted , we move on . Whats gate going to be tomorrow then ????

redtilldead wrote:
So the otherside ofthe story is out - Thanks Mr Black, YOU saved our club.

Now PDC was good at self publicity but he's been trumped. The truth PDC is you had your toys taken away and like many a dictator before you ran. In to reverse like mussolini.

PDC your song should be played loud at the CG tomorrow. Liar by the Sex Pistols - go get the lyrics. Oh PDC there's only one mr bighead, Cloughie - now run on home and count your cash.

COYR

Now then lets go win this league.

Jeremy Hilary Boob wrote:

madterrier wrote:

Jeremy Hilary Boob wrote:

35 year fan wrote:
PDC and Spencer wil be absolutely seething at this and will very soon be coming after the club for compensation/fees they will say they are due for being forced out, Spencers loan deals being blocked etc.

Can't see how they'd have a leg to stand on with any of that - the board are surely entitled to block any deals that they feel are not in the club's interests (and the club not being able to afford them certainly falls within that).

The constructive dismissal possibility would seem to relate to the sale of Ritchie without PDC knowing, rather than not paying for loan signings.

Apparently Curbishley had it in his contract that players could not be sold without his consent. But after that case ended up costing West Ham £2m, would any club be daft enough to put a clause like that in a manager's contract.....?

I doubt it. And if the Town could argue that it was selling Ritchie or administration, I'm not sure that having it in PDC's contract would be enough to justify a constructive dismissal claim

smirg kcab wrote:
I see Jed has let wardy and miller go through the applicants for the vacant post. Very interesting news to me and a good idea,
Onwards and upwards

Pewsham Red wrote:
The saga is now over and we have both sides of the story and we are perhaps seeing the parties in a different light.

PDC has probably let us and himself down by the way he has gone about things. Most of us won't miss the negative aspects but we should not forget the positives.

Don't forget, it was less than two years ago we were sliding towards relegation with Danny Wilson stood arms folded on the touch line, watching a team that the year before should have gone up, seemingly incapable of doing anything about it.

The team was unfit, lazy, split into factions, devoid of spirit, ideas and direction and discipline on and off the pitch was a shambles.

Then if things couldn't get any worse we appointed Paul Hart, an uncharismatic stoic, to finish the job and take us down with a whimper.

Most of the team that took us down couldn't wait to clear off and we looked like a club on the ropes.

Then we appointed PDC, which raised a few eyebrows, including mine, who had to assemble practically a whole squad from scratch.

He made plenty of mistakes along the way and was allowed to do so, but he gave us a team to be proud of, who were fitter than any town side since Macari's days, beat more higher league opposition than any time I can remember and were disciplined both on and off the pitch.

His approach may have ruffled a few feathers, alienated players and upset some senior pros, but this was what was needed after Wilson.

We are all agreed that Andrew Black saved our club but before we start judging Paolo too harshly let's not forget how he transformed our team from a shambolic laughing stock to the pride of the town in less than two years.

Personally, after taking everything into consideration, I wouldn't have changed the last two years for the world.

joey butler wrote:

smirg kcab wrote: I see Jed has let wardy and miller go through the applicants for the vacant post. Very interesting news to me and a good idea, Onwards and upwards

And Jed has already rejected Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, without even an interview. Wardy and Miller explained that it would be impossible for the fans to fit such long names into County Ground songs, so that is two more off Jed's shortlist!!

pcowley wrote:
Who offered Di Canio a contract in the first place?Thats the big question.If they didn't want him no one forced them to take him on and no one forced Black to pump all that money in?If they wanted a cheap option then don't offer Di Canio stupid wages in the first place.Like anyone of us,if you we're offered a massive pay increase to do your job you currently do then you would accept in.So someone mucked this up at the start.Therefore Di Canio did a fantastic job with the tools they kept on giving him.Still think they knew that if they gave Di Canio promises that they couldn't keep ie the deadline of the deal going through by Monday.Then Di Canio would react and walk.Then the board don't have to pay him or his team any compensation.Mission accomplished.I will miss everything about the guy!

pcowley wrote:
Who offered Di Canio a contract in the first place?Thats the big question.If they didn't want him no one forced them to take him on and no one forced Black to pump all that money in?If they wanted a cheap option then don't offer Di Canio stupid wages in the first place.Like anyone of us,if you we're offered a massive pay increase to do your job you currently do then you would accept in.So someone mucked this up at the start.Therefore Di Canio did a fantastic job with the tools they kept on giving him.Still think they knew that if they gave Di Canio promises that they couldn't keep ie the deadline of the deal going through by Monday.Then Di Canio would react and walk.Then the board don't have to pay him or his team any compensation.Mission accomplished.I will miss everything about the guy!

davel4848 wrote:

pcowley wrote:
Who offered Di Canio a contract in the first place?Thats the big question.If they didn't want him no one forced them to take him on and no one forced Black to pump all that money in?If they wanted a cheap option then don't offer Di Canio stupid wages in the first place.Like anyone of us,if you we're offered a massive pay increase to do your job you currently do then you would accept in.So someone mucked this up at the start.Therefore Di Canio did a fantastic job with the tools they kept on giving him.Still think they knew that if they gave Di Canio promises that they couldn't keep ie the deadline of the deal going through by Monday.Then Di Canio would react and walk.Then the board don't have to pay him or his team any compensation.Mission accomplished.I will miss everything about the guy!

Get over it. Yes, ALL OF US will miss many aspects of PDC's reign but there were some things he did that we will not miss. We fans have to move on. Grieve if you must but as from tomorrow it is a new era for us all. Let's get right behind the team now, when they need us more than ever.

stfclondon wrote:

pcowley wrote:
Who offered Di Canio a contract in the first place?Thats the big question.If they didn't want him no one forced them to take him on and no one forced Black to pump all that money in?If they wanted a cheap option then don't offer Di Canio stupid wages in the first place.Like anyone of us,if you we're offered a massive pay increase to do your job you currently do then you would accept in.So someone mucked this up at the start.Therefore Di Canio did a fantastic job with the tools they kept on giving him.Still think they knew that if they gave Di Canio promises that they couldn't keep ie the deadline of the deal going through by Monday.Then Di Canio would react and walk.Then the board don't have to pay him or his team any compensation.Mission accomplished.I will miss everything about the guy!

Di Canio imposed the 5pm Monday deadline, nobody else. He painted himself into a corner and had no option but to walk. I wonder if he's regretting it now?

Davidsyrett wrote:

stanharlands6shirt wrote:

Graham8181 wrote:
Thankyou Mr Black. I haven't seen this club spend like it has since Paolo was here for a long time. Looking back now he was like a kiddy in a sweet shop. Well done as look where we are now

No matter how much this debate will
Go on between you and Paolo thanks so much for your contribution towards this club. Legend in my eyes

NO..He was like a manager, working within his budget, trying to win us the league and making us proud of our club and team..

DiCanio did not set his own budget.

If Black was not happy at any point during this ride, he should have acted like the majority share holder and grown a pair himself.

I'm grateful for what Mr Black appears to have done, but please, he started the car crash, and far from not putting his foot on the brake much earlier, it appears from his actions, he did not even have hold of the wheel....

PAOLO WORKED WITHIN HIS SET BUDGET, how many times has it been said and proven...

PdC demanded more & more, Where did the money come from to clear the transfer embargo?

pcowley wrote:

stfclondon wrote:

pcowley wrote:
Who offered Di Canio a contract in the first place?Thats the big question.If they didn't want him no one forced them to take him on and no one forced Black to pump all that money in?If they wanted a cheap option then don't offer Di Canio stupid wages in the first place.Like anyone of us,if you we're offered a massive pay increase to do your job you currently do then you would accept in.So someone mucked this up at the start.Therefore Di Canio did a fantastic job with the tools they kept on giving him.Still think they knew that if they gave Di Canio promises that they couldn't keep ie the deadline of the deal going through by Monday.Then Di Canio would react and walk.Then the board don't have to pay him or his team any compensation.Mission accomplished.I will miss everything about the guy!

Di Canio imposed the 5pm Monday deadline, nobody else. He painted himself into a corner and had no option but to walk. I wonder if he's regretting it now?

So when they first appointed him who set the terms?It must have been the board.like I said if they didn't want him from day one don't offer him a contract in the first place.When the realised they couldn't continue to pump money in then they had to make him walk.ie promising and agreeing with him about a new contract but yes Di Canio wanted it on his terms.The board knew that so even though the offered him a contract they were playing the game, knowing he would walk when it doesn't happen.Black said he didn't like him!

stfclondon wrote:

pcowley wrote:

stfclondon wrote:

pcowley wrote:
Who offered Di Canio a contract in the first place?Thats the big question.If they didn't want him no one forced them to take him on and no one forced Black to pump all that money in?If they wanted a cheap option then don't offer Di Canio stupid wages in the first place.Like anyone of us,if you we're offered a massive pay increase to do your job you currently do then you would accept in.So someone mucked this up at the start.Therefore Di Canio did a fantastic job with the tools they kept on giving him.Still think they knew that if they gave Di Canio promises that they couldn't keep ie the deadline of the deal going through by Monday.Then Di Canio would react and walk.Then the board don't have to pay him or his team any compensation.Mission accomplished.I will miss everything about the guy!

Di Canio imposed the 5pm Monday deadline, nobody else. He painted himself into a corner and had no option but to walk. I wonder if he's regretting it now?

So when they first appointed him who set the terms?It must have been the board.like I said if they didn't want him from day one don't offer him a contract in the first place.When the realised they couldn't continue to pump money in then they had to make him walk.ie promising and agreeing with him about a new contract but yes Di Canio wanted it on his terms.The board knew that so even though the offered him a contract they were playing the game, knowing he would walk when it doesn't happen.Black said he didn't like him!

The old board appointed him, obviously. He resigned on Tuesday 12 February, but then agreed with the prospective new owners that he would stay on, subject to the takeover being completed by 5pm on Monday 18 February. This is all according to his own statement.

If someone says they're going to walk, it's nobody else's fault when they do walk!

pcowley wrote:

stfclondon wrote:

pcowley wrote:

stfclondon wrote:

pcowley wrote: Who offered Di Canio a contract in the first place?Thats the big question.If they didn't want him no one forced them to take him on and no one forced Black to pump all that money in?If they wanted a cheap option then don't offer Di Canio stupid wages in the first place.Like anyone of us,if you we're offered a massive pay increase to do your job you currently do then you would accept in.So someone mucked this up at the start.Therefore Di Canio did a fantastic job with the tools they kept on giving him.Still think they knew that if they gave Di Canio promises that they couldn't keep ie the deadline of the deal going through by Monday.Then Di Canio would react and walk.Then the board don't have to pay him or his team any compensation.Mission accomplished.I will miss everything about the guy!

Di Canio imposed the 5pm Monday deadline, nobody else. He painted himself into a corner and had no option but to walk. I wonder if he's regretting it now?

So when they first appointed him who set the terms?It must have been the board.like I said if they didn't want him from day one don't offer him a contract in the first place.When the realised they couldn't continue to pump money in then they had to make him walk.ie promising and agreeing with him about a new contract but yes Di Canio wanted it on his terms.The board knew that so even though the offered him a contract they were playing the game, knowing he would walk when it doesn't happen.Black said he didn't like him!

The old board appointed him, obviously. He resigned on Tuesday 12 February, but then agreed with the prospective new owners that he would stay on, subject to the takeover being completed by 5pm on Monday 18 February. This is all according to his own statement. If someone says they're going to walk, it's nobody else's fault when they do walk!

Yes but he walked because of promises that we're made and broken.If he walks off his own back he doesn't get any compensation.If we sack him we have to pay up his contract.Therefore they played the game,making sure he walked.Di Canio walked straight into the set plan.Just because they promised him something doesn't mean they have to do it?Its a lie. Di Canio was honest , why would he lie, if you are honest you say it how it is. it basically comes down to we couldn't afford to keep him and we couldn't continue to fund his needs.So they make him walk.simple!But it's a results business and results encourage people to go to games.Which increases the gates.Alot of people who haven't been to watch Swindon for years only came to watch Di Canio. The press and media were always at The County Ground because of Di Canio, which increases their image all across the country.when Hart was in charge were we ever mentioned on Sky Sports?Was Hart ever mentioned on Sky Sports?Exactly

pcowley wrote:

stfclondon wrote:

pcowley wrote:

stfclondon wrote:

pcowley wrote:
Who offered Di Canio a contract in the first place?Thats the big question.If they didn't want him no one forced them to take him on and no one forced Black to pump all that money in?If they wanted a cheap option then don't offer Di Canio stupid wages in the first place.Like anyone of us,if you we're offered a massive pay increase to do your job you currently do then you would accept in.So someone mucked this up at the start.Therefore Di Canio did a fantastic job with the tools they kept on giving him.Still think they knew that if they gave Di Canio promises that they couldn't keep ie the deadline of the deal going through by Monday.Then Di Canio would react and walk.Then the board don't have to pay him or his team any compensation.Mission accomplished.I will miss everything about the guy!

Di Canio imposed the 5pm Monday deadline, nobody else. He painted himself into a corner and had no option but to walk. I wonder if he's regretting it now?

So when they first appointed him who set the terms?It must have been the board.like I said if they didn't want him from day one don't offer him a contract in the first place.When the realised they couldn't continue to pump money in then they had to make him walk.ie promising and agreeing with him about a new contract but yes Di Canio wanted it on his terms.The board knew that so even though the offered him a contract they were playing the game, knowing he would walk when it doesn't happen.Black said he didn't like him!

The old board appointed him, obviously. He resigned on Tuesday 12 February, but then agreed with the prospective new owners that he would stay on, subject to the takeover being completed by 5pm on Monday 18 February. This is all according to his own statement.

If someone says they're going to walk, it's nobody else's fault when they do walk!

Yes but he walked because of promises that we're made and broken.If he walks off his own back he doesn't get any compensation.If we sack him we have to pay up his contract.Therefore they played the game,making sure he walked.Di Canio walked straight into the set plan.Just because they promised him something doesn't mean they have to do it?Its a lie. Di Canio was honest , why would he lie, if you are honest you say it how it is. it basically comes down to we couldn't afford to keep him and we couldn't continue to fund his needs.So they make him walk.simple!But it's a results business and results encourage people to go to games.Which increases the gates.Alot of people who haven't been to watch Swindon for years only came to watch Di Canio. The press and media were always at The County Ground because of Di Canio, which increases their image all across the country.when Hart was in charge were we ever mentioned on Sky Sports?Was Hart ever mentioned on Sky Sports?Exactly

the don69 wrote:
Blimey Bury were winning 0-1,just looked again and it's 4-1 to Notts County

Davidsyrett wrote:

stanharlands6shirt wrote:

Graham8181 wrote:
Thankyou Mr Black. I haven't seen this club spend like it has since Paolo was here for a long time. Looking back now he was like a kiddy in a sweet shop. Well done as look where we are now

No matter how much this debate will
Go on between you and Paolo thanks so much for your contribution towards this club. Legend in my eyes

NO..He was like a manager, working within his budget, trying to win us the league and making us proud of our club and team..

DiCanio did not set his own budget.

If Black was not happy at any point during this ride, he should have acted like the majority share holder and grown a pair himself.

I'm grateful for what Mr Black appears to have done, but please, he started the car crash, and far from not putting his foot on the brake much earlier, it appears from his actions, he did not even have hold of the wheel....

PAOLO WORKED WITHIN HIS SET BUDGET, how many times has it been said and proven...

PdC demanded more & more, Where did the money come from to clear the transfer embargo?

the don69 wrote:
Blimey Bury were winning 0-1,just looked again and it's 4-1 to Notts County

Oi Den! wrote:
I still don't understand why PDC thought his job was impossible, when he was able to work with resources beyond the wildest dreams of most of his rivals. I'm disappointed but not in the least bit surprised at the way it's ended. His frequent aggressive and theatrical outbursts towards the club were a strong clue as to the way it was going. Everything Andrew Black has said rings true. If he's made it up, he's not only a superhuman genius with a fertile imagination but he's also a highly devious and mean spirited individual - which hardly seems consistent with being happy to sit in the background and effectively pay off millions of pounds of debt owed by the club. What a b@stard, eh?
.
The last thing we need is for this thing to drag on and distract everyone from the real business of winning promotion. Tomorrow's performance and result are crucial. I'd go as far as to say a good showing and a win might well see us march on to the title; a weak performance could see us slide rapidly down the table. I'm very excited and very apprehensive about tomorrow.
.
Goodbye and many thanks to Black and Di Canio. Hello to the future - with fingers firmly crossed.

Pewsham Red wrote:
The saga is now over and we have both sides of the story and we are perhaps seeing the parties in a different light.

PDC has probably let us and himself down by the way he has gone about things. Most of us won't miss the negative aspects but we should not forget the positives.

Don't forget, it was less than two years ago we were sliding towards relegation with Danny Wilson stood arms folded on the touch line, watching a team that the year before should have gone up, seemingly incapable of doing anything about it.

The team was unfit, lazy, split into factions, devoid of spirit, ideas and direction and discipline on and off the pitch was a shambles.

Then if things couldn't get any worse we appointed Paul Hart, an uncharismatic stoic, to finish the job and take us down with a whimper.

Most of the team that took us down couldn't wait to clear off and we looked like a club on the ropes.

Then we appointed PDC, which raised a few eyebrows, including mine, who had to assemble practically a whole squad from scratch.

He made plenty of mistakes along the way and was allowed to do so, but he gave us a team to be proud of, who were fitter than any town side since Macari's days, beat more higher league opposition than any time I can remember and were disciplined both on and off the pitch.

His approach may have ruffled a few feathers, alienated players and upset some senior pros, but this was what was needed after Wilson.

We are all agreed that Andrew Black saved our club but before we start judging Paolo too harshly let's not forget how he transformed our team from a shambolic laughing stock to the pride of the town in less than two years.

Personally, after taking everything into consideration, I wouldn't have changed the last two years for the world.

red white wrote:
1-0 will do,2-0 better and so on.Got to keep winning.

We went top for the 1st time this year exactly the same time this week as last year when we be Shrews 2-1 to go top for the 1st time at the CG on Tuesday 21st Feb.

Fact!

Jeremy Hilary Boob wrote:

killerontheloose wrote:
This is the 'I'm perfect in every way' speech and it was all someone else's fault...very good - just one comment.....I'm not sure how good a manager PDC is.....a a hint, try looking at the results or maybe even the fitness / attitude / teamwork etc -

But PDC was backed more than any other manager in FL2 last season - in terms of transfer fees, wages, fees paid to agents, his ability to bring players in and ship them out when he discovered they were no good.

On that basis, we don't know exactly how good a manager he is. Things like fitness can be measured - and few would deny they were fitter than the season before.

But you can't judge him solely on results. This year, we're top, but Yeovil are in the play-offs on a fraction of the budget. Who's done a better job so far - PDC or Gary Johnson who's probably had less than half the money to spend?

Man City are 2nd in the PL but Mancini's spent a fortune, so most people wouldn't say he's doing a better job than, say, Michael Laudrup, who hasn't got a sheikh bankrolling him.

So with PDC we can accept his achievements but we'll only know how good a manager he is when he's further along in his career. If he goes to WHU, and gets them to punch above their weight then that shows his ability. But if he goes there, has more to spend than a lot of other clubs, and they end up in the bottom three then maybe he'll have been found out a little.

jayden wrote:
This crap is as about as boring as waiting for the take over .

the wizard wrote:

jayden wrote:
This crap is as about as boring as waiting for the take over .

If you had to choose a manager, and NOT somebody who is a former Town player or out of work, who would you go for ?

I would go for the guy at Reading, strong self belief, good guy with the players, goes about his work in a quiet, diligent and honest fashion.

old town robin wrote:

Jeremy Hilary Boob wrote:

killerontheloose wrote:
This is the 'I'm perfect in every way' speech and it was all someone else's fault...very good - just one comment.....I'm not sure how good a manager PDC is.....a a hint, try looking at the results or maybe even the fitness / attitude / teamwork etc -

But PDC was backed more than any other manager in FL2 last season - in terms of transfer fees, wages, fees paid to agents, his ability to bring players in and ship them out when he discovered they were no good.

On that basis, we don't know exactly how good a manager he is. Things like fitness can be measured - and few would deny they were fitter than the season before.

But you can't judge him solely on results. This year, we're top, but Yeovil are in the play-offs on a fraction of the budget. Who's done a better job so far - PDC or Gary Johnson who's probably had less than half the money to spend?

Man City are 2nd in the PL but Mancini's spent a fortune, so most people wouldn't say he's doing a better job than, say, Michael Laudrup, who hasn't got a sheikh bankrolling him.

So with PDC we can accept his achievements but we'll only know how good a manager he is when he's further along in his career. If he goes to WHU, and gets them to punch above their weight then that shows his ability. But if he goes there, has more to spend than a lot of other clubs, and they end up in the bottom three then maybe he'll have been found out a little.

Quote "But you can't judge him solely on results"

Why not??? Any manager worthy of respect has to be judged on his wins percentage. There are of course many also rans, that actually do not get the appreciation of their efforts, but at the end of the day they rarely win trophies either, so sorry mate I don't see the point you are trying to make. Football league in todays world is result driven, hence high percentage of managers losing their jobs without taking into consideration some of the points you have raised. If yeovil did get promotion do you really think they will stay there and if they didn't do you really believe Gary J would still be in a job next year?

With regards to paolo he'll never take on a job with no finance, we were good for him as he was for us, I honestly believe he is going to find it difficult to find another English league club, having said that his results with us may tempt someone somewhere, god help the players if they like a beer and don't train too hard.

old town robin wrote:

Davidsyrett wrote:

stanharlands6shirt wrote:

Graham8181 wrote:
Thankyou Mr Black. I haven't seen this club spend like it has since Paolo was here for a long time. Looking back now he was like a kiddy in a sweet shop. Well done as look where we are now

No matter how much this debate will
Go on between you and Paolo thanks so much for your contribution towards this club. Legend in my eyes

NO..He was like a manager, working within his budget, trying to win us the league and making us proud of our club and team..

DiCanio did not set his own budget.

If Black was not happy at any point during this ride, he should have acted like the majority share holder and grown a pair himself.

I'm grateful for what Mr Black appears to have done, but please, he started the car crash, and far from not putting his foot on the brake much earlier, it appears from his actions, he did not even have hold of the wheel....

PAOLO WORKED WITHIN HIS SET BUDGET, how many times has it been said and proven...

PdC demanded more & more, Where did the money come from to clear the transfer embargo?

Dave, Get your facts right, before mouthing off. StanHarlands shirt is absolutely right, Paolo worked within the budget he was given. he was not responsible for exceeding the cap, the embargo came about because the financial gurus within the club f**ked up, they mistakingly thought they did not have to pay the tribunial fees within this years budget, therefore January's part of the budget had to be brought forward to november to get us out the sh*t. That was not the fault of Paolo and if it had not have happened the January budget would have been intact and we would not have been faced with selling off one of our prize assets for peanuts and probably been allowed to bring in the 3 quality loanees he agreed.

the wizard wrote:

jayden wrote:
This crap is as about as boring as waiting for the take over .

If you had to choose a manager, and NOT somebody who is a former Town player or out of work, who would you go for ?

I would go for the guy at Reading, strong self belief, good guy with the players, goes about his work in a quiet, diligent and honest fashion.

fatman wrote:
Think Black I M O was involved because he thought out of redevloping and the money to be made ,sadly and gladly it never happened , sadly for Black gladly for us I would hate it if he was still leader with his fat wallet and looking to make it fatter glad it never happened