THE SAM MORSHEAD COLUMN: Crazy days are over, now let's move on (From Swindon Advertiser)
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THE SAM MORSHEAD COLUMN: Crazy days are over, now let's move on
6:00am Saturday 2nd March 2013 in Sport By Sam Morshead
Adver chief sports writer Sam Morshead
FORTY-four days ago a story broke which, unbeknown to us all, would trigger the most extraordinary series of events I have ever witnessed at a football club.
Quite frankly I’d be surprised to ever see such an avalanche of mesmerising absurdity ever again.
From the threat of administration to the race to sell Swindon Town, stories of players being put up for sale at reduced prices to the resignation of the manager, unfounded national speculation to the possibility of legal action against the club by the fans’ cult hero - it’s as though the football gods vacuum-packed every major news item under the sun into a six-week window and shoved it down the Robins’ throats.
My other half sat down with me on Thursday night and said: “One day we’ll look back on this and laugh”. I giggled at the notion. This whole episode has veered erratically between comedy and tragedy, as though it were penned by a slightly tipsy Shakespeare.
It has taken the energy reserves of everyone involved with the club to an all-time low, and it is to the immense credit of the club’s staff, the players, the fans and I dare say even the local media that we haven’t allowed it to become an almighty slanging match.
We’ve had statements released to suit the Australian lunchtime, long periods of flux, unanswered questions - all individual acts within this curious 44-day circus.
And so it comes to the end of it all and what do we have? An opportunity for calm, for rest, for sleep and for reflection.
Looking back on the Paolo Di Canio era today it has a similar feel to waking up on the Sunday morning after a memorable Saturday night. Flicking through the pictures on your iPhone you can see images that make you smile but you’re distracted by the banging headache caused by voluntary excess.
Perhaps at times we allowed ourselves to glide through Di Canio’s reign punch-drunk on success, perhaps we allowed ourselves to overlook the issues in the background as results improved and performances thrilled.
There’s no denying that the Di Canio period was amongst the most exciting and enjoyable spells in our club’s history and we will not forget his ability to regiment a team - be it through fear, discipline, inspiration, genius or a combination of the four. We were so delighted to be married to a personality who in his own unique way revitalised an ailing club.
How many of us could foresee such a messy divorce?
It was always likely to end with a bang. Di Canio going out with a whimper was unthinkable. Some of his first words upon arriving at the County Ground in May 2011 were: “In life, I always wanted confrontation”. Confrontation he sought, confrontation he got - with opposing managers, opposing fans, Andrew Black, Sir William Patey, the Football Association, Leon Clarke, Paul Caddis and even on occasion with his own supporters.
In delivering brilliance Di Canio brought a very Roman element to Wiltshire. His self-belief is amongst the most admirable qualities I have witnessed in another human being, yet when that confidence stretched into arrogance he was flawed.
Supporters will quite rightly hold their hero in high regard for what he did to establish Swindon on the footballing map once again, and it was at his direction that the club were able to celebrate a league title and a trip to Wembley.
On a personal level, Di Canio was an enigma. For the most part he was brilliant to interview, genuinely fascinating and never reticent. A journalist’s dream. He was also generous, although that is a story for another day.
But despite it all, like any other man in the sporting world and across industries, the West Ham legend has his faults. I’m sure it would be wrong to claim he was solely to blame for the recent internal combustion at the County Ground but he is partially culpable. Diplomacy was not Di Canio’s strength, sadly this is still rearing its ugly head in public today.
So how do I look back on the past 22 months? With tired eyes, is my honest answer, and fondly - but now it really is time to move on.
Comments(39)
red white
says...
6:41am Sat 2 Mar 13
We continue maybe?
At least 'ratified' has dropped out of our speech since the ratification (Birmingham accent) of the takeover!
billbst
says...
9:37am Sat 2 Mar 13
SAPFanSTFC
says...
9:39am Sat 2 Mar 13
.
Just noticed that the requested thread hasn't been posted up (sorry travelling all day yesterday so no chance to check) please see questions below:
"PREDICTIONS LEAGUE: COVENTRY v SWINDON.
Dear all,
.
Sorry folks but the new job is still causing a few delays although the post Tranmere League Tables are now up - the last two games will be posted on Sunday with Coventry on Monday.
So a new manager - let's hope the players respond as per every team with a new manager has done when playing us next!!
As this is only the 5th time we'll have played Coventry since 1970 there isn't a lot of form and honours are very much even at 1 win - 2 draws - 1 loss, although the loss was in the F.A.Cup so I'll take a continuation of the recent unbeaten league record from Saturday…..let's hope a certain person in the Coventry team doesn't continue their recent goalscoring form and that the STFC players and fans can wind him up enough to spark another temper tantrum!
Hold hose scarves up HIGH for the boys and COME ON YOUUUUUU REDSSSSS!!!!!!
===.
Questions for Coventry v Swindon: (Entries Close 2.00pm Saturday).
===.
1) Correct Score.
2) Total Attendance.
3) First Swindon Goalscorer AND Time of the goal.
4) Number of Corners.
5) Time of last Substitute.
----.
Match Bonus Questions:.
----.
A) Total teams moving up the league 1 table on Saturday (2pts)?
B) How many away fans (5pts / 3pts / 1pt)?
C) Time of the last corner (2pts)?
===.
.
ESS! TEE! EFF! CEE! - HOLD THOSE SCARVES HIGH and SING OUT LOUD AND PROUD!!!
.
Cheers all - SAPFanSTFC".
EeeByGum
says...
9:47am Sat 2 Mar 13
===.
1) Coventry 3 Swindon T 1.
2) 12,456.
3) Collins 68th.
4) 12.
5) 87.
----.
Match Bonus Questions:.
----.
A) 7
B) 2,675
C) 87th
smirg kcab
says...
9:52am Sat 2 Mar 13
13789
De vita 11
14
86 min
5
2789
89
Onwards and ???? Upwards
Old-Stager, Hilperton
says...
9:57am Sat 2 Mar 13
2. Attendance = 11,868
3. James Collins = 73 Mins
4. Corners = 12
5. Last Sub = 87 Mins
.
A. Teams moving up = 8
B. Away Fans = 2,818
C. Last Corner = 89 Mins
badger58
says...
10:00am Sat 2 Mar 13
14754
Collins 38mins
11 corners
83 mins last sub
4 teams
2814
88 mins last corner
Okus Road
says...
10:22am Sat 2 Mar 13
===.
1) Correct Score. Coventry 1 Town 3
2) Total Attendance. 15666
3) First Swindon Goalscorer AND Time of the goal. Collins 15min
4) Number of Corners. 16
5) Time of last Substitute. 83 min
----.
Match Bonus Questions:.
----.
A) Total teams moving up the league 1 table on Saturday (2pts)? 7
B) How many away fans (5pts / 3pts / 1pt)? 2997
C) Time of the last corner (2pts)? 90+
jason900
says...
10:25am Sat 2 Mar 13
1) Coventry 2 STFC 0
2) 10987
3) none and none
4) 11
5) 78 mins
A) 6
B) 823 (if its stfc only)
3120 if its acros the league
C) 89
thanks mate
jason900
oz ashes
says...
10:32am Sat 2 Mar 13
14862
williams 24
16 corners
86 last sub
6 up
2868 town fans
84 mins
you reds
Rebel_phish
says...
10:37am Sat 2 Mar 13
1) Cov 1 - 2 Town
2) 10,125
3) Roberts 39
4) 12
5) 81
A) 6
B) 2655
C) 90
SAPFanSTFC
says...
10:40am Sat 2 Mar 13
2) Total Attendance: 12,658.
3) First Swindon Goalscorer AND Time of the goal: Ferry 23mins.
4) Number of Corners: 10.
5) Time of last Substitute: 87mins.
----.
Match Bonus Questions:.
----.
A) Total teams moving up the league 1 table on Saturday?: 7.
B) How many away fans?: 1,672.
C) Time of the last corner?: 89mins.
SAPFanSTFC
says...
10:47am Sat 2 Mar 13
SAPFanSTFC wrote:Based on latest rumours and info I'd better get with it on the attendance and go for 2,980 away fans and a total attendance of 14,678
1) Correct Score: Coventry 1 - 1 Swindon.
2) Total Attendance: 12,658.
3) First Swindon Goalscorer AND Time of the goal: Ferry 23mins.
4) Number of Corners: 10.
5) Time of last Substitute: 87mins.
----.
Match Bonus Questions:.
----.
A) Total teams moving up the league 1 table on Saturday?: 7.
B) How many away fans?: 1,672.
C) Time of the last corner?: 89mins.
perth red
says...
10:53am Sat 2 Mar 13
2. 12,897
3. A. Rooney 26mins
3. 15
4. 82 mins
a) 7
b) 2,520
c) 90 + mins
Roy Carter
says...
10:55am Sat 2 Mar 13
2) 13,113.
3) Collins 36 mins.
4) 12 Corners.
5) 83 mins last sub
A) 8 teams moving up table
B) 2456 away fans
C) 93 mins last corner
BillyLucas4me
says...
10:58am Sat 2 Mar 13
2) 10,123
3) Cox 25 MIN
4) 11
5) 75
A) 7
B) 3001
C) 81
Glosteroldboy
says...
11:05am Sat 2 Mar 13
2) 12864
3) Collins 23rd minute
4) 12
5) 83rd min
A) 8
B) 2613
C) 87th minute
Cheers.. Need to stop the slide down the league..
Glosteroldboy
says...
11:05am Sat 2 Mar 13
2) 12864
3) Collins 23rd minute
4) 12
5) 83rd min
A) 8
B) 2613
C) 87th minute
Cheers.. Need to stop the slide down the league..
jedthered
says...
11:10am Sat 2 Mar 13
(1) CCFC1-3STFC
(2)14699
(3) Collins 16min
(4) 15corners
(5)sub 87min
(A) 7up
(B)1856
(C)88 min last corner
cornishrobin
says...
11:14am Sat 2 Mar 13
2) 11,423
3) Collins 78 mins.
4) 13 corners
5) 85 mins.
A) 7 up
B) 1,956
C) 90 mins.
COYR
Norfolk 69er
says...
11:15am Sat 2 Mar 13
2) 13733
3) Williams: 26 min
4) 12
5) 88 min
A) 7
B) 2433
C) 89 min
mustard red
says...
11:23am Sat 2 Mar 13
2) 12,643
3) Collins 23
4) 14
5) 84
A) 7
B) 2520
C) 88
CraftyPig
says...
11:34am Sat 2 Mar 13
12,369
Rooney 72m
13
81m
5 up
3,344
85m
Thanks,
Pete (Hungerford not Newbury!!!)
guyswonga
says...
11:47am Sat 2 Mar 13
15342
Williams 20
12
82 mns
6 up
2853
90 mins
Rebel_phish
says...
11:52am Sat 2 Mar 13
Rebel_phish wrote:Like you Sap, I think I will have to sucumb to the rumours on the crowd and ticket sales.
Hope its a case of new manager syndrome and we can get our show back on the road. Talking of being on the road, our Away form is better than our home. Should be a good match and close with a home win, but yet again can't back the opposition so Town to triumph.
1) Cov 1 - 2 Town
2) 10,125
3) Roberts 39
4) 12
5) 81
A) 6
B) 2655
C) 90
So, (I may regret this),
Attendance 13,879
Away fans 2,985
Airframe-dtm
says...
11:56am Sat 2 Mar 13
Coventry 2 town 0
Attendance 9887
no scorer
Corners 16
Last Sub 85
Teams moving 7
Away fans 1900
Last corner 90+
CraftyPig
says...
11:58am Sat 2 Mar 13
CraftyPig wrote:Second thoughts can I go for 3,044 away fans please. I may have been a little optimistic first time round!
1-1
12,369
Rooney 72m
13
81m
5 up
3,344
85m
Thanks,
Pete (Hungerford not Newbury!!!)
Cheers
Devon Red
says...
12:08pm Sat 2 Mar 13
2)11,876
3)No scorer no time no hope !
4)10 corners
5)78 mins sub
a)7 teams up
b)2,887
c)Last corner 89 mins
Cheers Sap.
red white
says...
12:13pm Sat 2 Mar 13
11 013
Roberts 10
14
79
6
2490 who would of thought it!?
82
Yoooouuuu Reds!
Airframe-dtm
says...
12:13pm Sat 2 Mar 13
1) Coventry 1 STFC 1
2) 11252
3) Roberts 64
4) 13
5) 82 mins
A) 5
B) 2252
C) 89th Min
Thank you Ian
Oxon-Red
says...
12:18pm Sat 2 Mar 13
SAPFanSTFC wrote:Coventry 1 Town 2
Hi folks: . Just noticed that the requested thread hasn't been posted up (sorry travelling all day yesterday so no chance to check) please see questions below: "PREDICTIONS LEAGUE: COVENTRY v SWINDON. Dear all, . Sorry folks but the new job is still causing a few delays although the post Tranmere League Tables are now up - the last two games will be posted on Sunday with Coventry on Monday. So a new manager - let's hope the players respond as per every team with a new manager has done when playing us next!! As this is only the 5th time we'll have played Coventry since 1970 there isn't a lot of form and honours are very much even at 1 win - 2 draws - 1 loss, although the loss was in the F.A.Cup so I'll take a continuation of the recent unbeaten league record from Saturday…..let's hope a certain person in the Coventry team doesn't continue their recent goalscoring form and that the STFC players and fans can wind him up enough to spark another temper tantrum! Hold hose scarves up HIGH for the boys and COME ON YOUUUUUU REDSSSSS!!!!!! ===. Questions for Coventry v Swindon: (Entries Close 2.00pm Saturday). ===. 1) Correct Score. 2) Total Attendance. 3) First Swindon Goalscorer AND Time of the goal. 4) Number of Corners. 5) Time of last Substitute. ----. Match Bonus Questions:. ----. A) Total teams moving up the league 1 table on Saturday (2pts)? B) How many away fans (5pts / 3pts / 1pt)? C) Time of the last corner (2pts)? ===. . ESS! TEE! EFF! CEE! - HOLD THOSE SCARVES HIGH and SING OUT LOUD AND PROUD!!! . Cheers all - SAPFanSTFC".
12,624
Collins 38 Minutes
12 corners
85 minute sub
8 teams mvoing up (including Town :-))
2875 Fans
92 minute corner
COYMR
Wroughtonred
says...
12:26pm Sat 2 Mar 13
11524
Ward 22
14 corners
80 mins
5 teams moving up
2452
83 mins
Jacobstfc
says...
12:51pm Sat 2 Mar 13
Cov 1 swindon 2
12345
Collins 34
14 corners
81mins
6teams moving up
2700 stfc fans!
85mins corner
cheers sap!
louiscassius
says...
1:10pm Sat 2 Mar 13
Here we go:
1. Coventry 1- Swindon 2
2. 12,248
3. Williams 22m
4. 10
5. 84m
A. 4 move up.
B. 2844
C. 85m
Good luck everyone.
COYR'sss
Louis :-)))
tifosi
says...
2:17pm Sat 2 Mar 13
2) 11034
3) De Vita 45mins
4) 13
5) 83mins
A) 5
B) 1459
C) 90 + 4mins
Jeremy Hilary Boob
says...
6:51pm Sat 2 Mar 13
And sadly the Adver were at the forefront of this. Obviously no local newspaper can afford to alienate the manager of the local team but at times it felt like the Adver was running the PDC fan club in its reports.
townie63
says...
6:53pm Sun 3 Mar 13
Jeremy Hilary Boob wrote:good post, totally agree!
Quote: Perhaps at times we allowed ourselves to glide through Di Canio’s reign punch-drunk on success, perhaps we allowed ourselves to overlook the issues in the background as results improved and performances thrilled.
And sadly the Adver were at the forefront of this. Obviously no local newspaper can afford to alienate the manager of the local team but at times it felt like the Adver was running the PDC fan club in its reports.
We did allow ourselves to be blind sided by results and the charisma of PDC. Only with hindsight comes wisdom. He did however get us to where we are now and get a magnificent team together, for which we should be very grateful. Thank you Paolo, sad to see you go and wish you the very best of luck wherever you go.
As for Mr McDonald, your values seem sound and your manner is a welcome change to the "instant success" of your predecessors' desires and superb achievements, i wish you all the success that we fans want and deserve. I have waited 50 years for success, please stay and continue your excellent start.
BillyLucas4me
says...
9:56pm Sun 3 Mar 13
igiwigi says...
6:38am Sat 2 Mar 13
If he only heldback the reins and waited ,I would be sure that all of the pain would have be avoided.
If he ever gets another managerial job he has to go to a new board anyway.
If he had asked for more money It would then be obvious he was a greedy man when swindon were having trouble.
He has big ego and no patience and head down when things go wrong.
You might say a typical hot headed italian.
I remember years ago when an Italian team Is losing a match their heads go down and they sulk and commit dirty fouls.
Oh well , We Did have Norman Hunter snapping at heels and Vinny Jones I suppose!!!