Q&A with Jeremy Wray

Mr Wray is here from noon until 1pm today to answer your questions regarding the club, and you are encouraged to post any queries you may have in the comments section below.

We will endeavour to get through as many questions as we can in the next hour. Hit refresh to update the page every couple of minutes to read Mr Wray's answers.

Jeremy has agreed to answer all questions posted before 1pm this afternoon.

This session has now closed.

LionelHutz: Does the club have an agreement with sponsors that the away kit will be worn a certain number of times?

Jeremy Wray (JW): No, we have three shirts. We have the red shirt at home, the black shirt away and the third kit. Unless, of course, there are clashes.

For what it's worth, I agree we should have played in red at Wembley. But at the time Danny (Wilson) wanted to go with what the players wanted, and for superstitious reasons they felt the white shirt had been lucky.

London Red: How long is the delay in the stadium development

JW:I think this is an important question that requires a detailed response which is perhaps not appropriate here. I will ensure a full update on the stadium is given shorty.

Suffice to say, at the moment plans are on hold. Largely because of our relegation to League Two.

But discussions are ongoing and it is absolutely our intention that the development goes ahead.

London Red: Did you actually say 'blow your socks off signing'?

JW:Blow your socks off was a quote used by my predecessor for one of the applicants for the manager's job when Maurice Malpas left and refereed to someone who, at that time, was managing in the Premiership

I would like to think that several of the current signings will meet that criteria when the fans get to see them play regularly. With regard to individual members of the squad, it is fair to say that all players who ave participated in pre-season matches, are currently very much in Paolo's plans.

But inevitably the squad will get pruned down in the coming weeks.

A Town Fan: Is there still room for more players to come in?

JW: We do have scope to bring in players if required, which inevitably will mean that some players will be leaving – either on loan or permanently – in order to see the squad at a manageable size.

sniffmyhoop: What are the chances of you taking on the position permanently?

JW: The role of a chairman is a very time-consuming role, which I am happy to fulfil for the time being. In any case, the position could not be ratified fully until the AGM next year. So for the moment I will continue to the best of my ability.

avo: What is the thinking behind moving the Oxford fixture?

JW: The decision to shift the match with Oxford is in response to a request by the police, who have the ultimate say in these matters.

I agree that three o'clock on a Saturday afternoon is the traditional and correct time for football matches to be played, but fully understand the rational for switching occasional fixtures if the police deem it necessary.

seang92: What goals have been set for Mr Di Canio this season?

JW: The only goal that has been set this year is promotion out of League Two. Anything else would be considered failure.

usernameSTFC: What is your favourite cheese?

JW: Stilton, but I have been known to hoover up Dairylea.

jimboslunch: Could you look into stocking Guiness on matchdays in the on Rogers?

JW: We'll look into it. Can't promise!

R DAVE S: Does Di Canio recognise the significance of the Oxford game?

JW: Paolo is under no illusion as to the importance of the Oxford game, which he made clear to the 6,000 people who attended the Open Day.

CBCRed: Can you tell us about the new matchday prices? Why the rise?

JW: Nobody likes having to put up prices. But having suffered n immediate drop in revenue of over £300,000 as a result of relegation and the subsequent loss of payments from the Football League, together with the need to appoint a manager and build a squad capable of bouncing back at the first attempt, some rise in ticket price as inevitable.

The majority of clubs are happy to hit season ticket holders, the easiest target, with such rises.

I firmly believe this is unfair. Which is why our season tickets remain some of the lowest of the four divisions.

I would encourage all fans who have not already done so to look at the season ticket offering before the closing date on July 31 (4pm Sunday).

We do everything possible to make these tickets affordable, allowing payments to be spread over five months if necessary and also to allow season tickets to be transferable, together with a range of other benefits.

The £25 headline price will apply to certain matches and I am happy that the fan who wants to come for one or two games, which he or she regards as special events, pays the premium for that one-off event.

It should be remembered that the club has always made different pricing options available for tickets as he season progresses and we are not naïve enough to presume that a home game on a cold Tuesday night with Accrington Stanley will appeal to as many fans as a home game with Oxford or Bristol Rovers on a weekend.

The truth is it is far easier to move prices down during the season where appropriate than to attempt to move them up.

Eastleaze Red: I have just purchased a ticket online, not only did I have to pay £25 but also a £1 booking fee and a Visa debit fee. How can that be justified?

JW: The club has no control over the Visa debit card fee. One of the benefits of joining our Club Red is you get a £2 discount for each matchday ticket. The booking fee merely covers the club's admin cost.

R DAVE S: Would you consider opening the Stratton Bank for home fans?

JW: If we get to the stage where the ground is full for every home game we will look at it.

Dreamofacleansheet: What is being done with the standard food and drink service at the County Ground?

JW: We are constantly looking to improve the food and drink offering and service provided throughout the ground and would like to think that significant progress has been made already in this area.

Arthur Horsfield Fan Club: How does the club intend to balance its books and maintain its financial stability?

JW: Rest assured that all costs throughout the club are carefully monitored and that whilst it is not always possible in a football club to balance the books it is vital that budgets are in place and properly adhered to.

the don69: Could you tell us what you anticipate the wage bill to be this season?

JW: The wage cap is actually 55 per cent and we are very mindful of it. Without going into specifics, our wage bill will be less than last season.

burley01rs: What else can season ticket holders do for the club?

JW: Persuade one friend to become a season ticket holder in order to participate fully in what we all believe is going to be a very exciting experience this season.

CBCRed: What are the chances of opening all the stands for all games, including JPT matches?

JW: This simply becomes a question of prudent economics. Where possible the Arkell's and Town End will always be open (we recognise the mistake of closing the Town End for JPT game two seasons ago).

Rest assured there will be enough stands open to ensure hat everybody who wants to come will have a seat.

Russ_STFC: Disabled and student prices have been raised, will there be any advanced ticket prices available this season? Will there be reduced tickets for carers?

JW: Personally I think it is irrelevant which league we are in, and I fully hope and expect that fans watching the new breed of football under Paolo Di Canio will feel that they have got much better value for money than some of the experiences we all endured last season!

I will look into the specifics regarding disabled supporters and their carers.

Stillloyal: Why has the 10 per cent incentive at the club shop been withdrawn?

JW: It now forms part of the many benefits available to Club Red members

matt71: Would it be possible to reconsider the matchday ticket price

JW: Please see earlier response. Rest assured that ticket pricing is closely monitored throughout the season.

?Wessex warrior: Who was the intended first signing who you said a few weeks ago would excite the fans? Was it Bargas?

JW: No, it referred to a Brazilian striker who was very keen to join the club but whose agent, and ultimately parent club, made this impossible.

Bargas was another player who we were prepared to spend a lot of money on but who ultimately let us down at the last moment. There is no doubt that League Two provides a stumbling block when attempting to lure top players.

And if, for no other reason, this is clear proof that we need to get out of this league at the first opportunity.

matt71: What is the current season ticket sales figure?

JW: Current season ticket sales, I believe, are just over 4,700 and I would like to think that a figure of over 5000 is sill very much achievable.

madterrier: What is the club doing to expand the attraction of the club into the surrounding counties?

JW: There are various initiatives ongoing to widen further the Town's fanbase most notably at the moment via the online database and e-marketing. I am sure that the marketing team will welcome any ideas and initiatives that are sent in to them.

BlunsdonRed: Why is it that Town are so poor at successfully bringing youngsters through the ranks?

JW: I don't agree that youngsters do not got their opportunity to progress with Swindon and the truth is Paolo has already made it clear that if youngster are good enough he will not be frightened to use them when appropriate.

dreamofcleansheet2: How about doing one open training session a month in a different town to generate interest?

JW: I think this is a very good idea and will suggest it.

olliejames: The food is fairly awful at the County Ground, and I have had so many bad reviews. What will be done about it?

JW: I will pass your comments on to the relevant people. There was a fan's survey done last year and another one will be done in September with regards to stadium catering.

fraser digby's washbag: Is it possible to rotate the County Ground pitch?

JW: The orientation of the pitch was discussed when considering all development options but the preferred choice was to leave things the way they are at the moment.

fraser digby's washbag: Could season tickets be sold at Christmas for following season as a gift? What ticketing offers will there be this year?

JW: You make some good points with regards to ticketing initiatives, some of which we have tried in the past and will try again in the future.

talktellme: What are the club going to do to discourage foul and abusive language?

JW: This is a problem that all football clubs face. We have signs up in all stands but quite often the most efficient policing of this is by the fans themselves, making it clear to those who use such language that it is totally inappropriate.

olliejames: Has the club looked at away season tickets?

JW: We have looked at this in the past but it will not happen this season.

di canio's shoes: What is Mr Fitton's role at the club? Who will be the next permanent chairman?

JW: Andrew Fitton is still an active director of the club and fully involved in all boardroom decision-making. The position of full-time chairman will be clarified at the next AGM.

di canio's shoes: Are we in a position to declare ourselves financially safe yet?

JW: For the moment we are certainly fortunate that the club is backed by a small number of very generous benefactors.

Div3South: Can the Stratton Bank be opened for home fans?

JW: This is clearly a popular theme and therefore one which I will look into more fully. It may be possible to run an experiment at some stage during the season.

grove red: Will there be a mid-season season ticket?

JW: Yes, there will certainly be something during the season.

Dr Corpse: What contingency plans are in place come January if we aren't fighting for promotion?

JW: Allow me to consider this when it doesn't happen!

louiscassius: Do you and your colleagues still see STFC as a viable investment process, or in light of economic conditions will you pull out in November or December next year if club sitting pretty in top three.

JW: Hmm, not sure about the term viable investment process? But I can assure you, as I hope the appointment of Paolo Di Canio emphasises, that it is still very much the board's intention to get Swindon to the Championship as soon as possible.

SirReg: Would the club consider a director of football?

JW: I think there are many pros and cons to such an appointment but it is a position that we would review regularly and appoint if considered appropriate.

sharper: What squad size are you looking for? What are your views on new subs rule change?

JW: I would like 11 fit players for the whole season, Paolo believes 22 to 24 is optimum. He knows best! I would prefer to see seven subs not least because we must have six home-grown players in the starting 16 and 18 may prove easier.

Mr Woo: I am concerned high matchday prices will mean low attendances. Your thoughts?

JW: I would reiterate my earlier comments and stress that all ticketing pricing will be scrutinised throughout this season.

isthatyoulovesey: Why are we treated like dogs in the Town End an yet charged almost as much for the privilege?

JW: I think you're barking up the wrong tree, but I'll get Nick Watkins to give me a lead on this. It should be something he can get his teeth into.

luckyluke699: What is the current state of kit sponsorships? Are any running to an end and has relegation threatened any deals?

JW: Sponsorship is an area that is extremely important to us. I am pleased that the initiatives we have taken in this area over the last couple of seasons have left us with an outstanding portfolio of lead sponsors; namely Samsung, FourFourTwo, Adidas and EA Sports, and we are very much hopeful that these are relationships for the long term.

pugugly: Can explosive charges be placed under the seats when Oxford come to town?

JW: You presume I intend to leave seats in for them...

clunge meister: What improvements are being made to the ground?

JW: Various improvements have already been made over the summer. Notably the introduction of a Junior Reds room in the Don Rogers and a new family area.

Wilesy: Can Mr ray expand on Paul Bodin's role? There was no sign of him at either of the UK pre-season games so far.

JW: Paul was certainly as both pre-season games in the UK and will have a key role in linking the youth team squad with the first team and ensuring they are prepared in a similar way.

In a large squad not everybody can be guaranteed game time, but as numbers are gradually pruned down to the appropriate size there will definitely be opportunities for our younger players.

AfrizFD: Have any loan deals been lined up? There is a great feeling of excitement about.

JW: No loan deals have been lined up at present, although a number of players are being watched. I have to concur that the impact PDC has already had has left a greater feeling of excitement and anticipation than I can remember previously.

di canio's shoes: Do you have any jobs going within the STFC administration? Nothing more I would love than to work for the club.

JW: Send your application into the club and we will consider all applicants.

stfcsouthport: Good to see a chairman using technology! How financially stable is the club at the moment?

JW: I think I have answered the question regarding financial stability earlier. It's the boys from the Adver who have the technical know-how – I'm just sitting here talking.

olliejames: What is the club's charity of choice this season?

JW: Wiltshire Air Ambulance will welcome all your fundraising efforts.

toshman: Can you please get shot of Rockin Robin, he's an embarassment.

JW: Shooting Rockin Robin sadly conflicts with the club's anti-gun policy. Seriously, after 10 years loyal service he has lived longer than most robins do.

olliejames: Why can't I get a student price on the day?

JW: Honestly not sure why this is the case. I will investigate.

lacey198: Why can you not buy the cheaper Town End tickets online?

JW: My understanding is that you can buy Town End tickets online and with a new ticketing system just installed this should be the case going forward.

jonnyb4532: Does Paolo Di Canio have a release clause in his contract?

JW: It would not be appropriate to discuss the specific terms of PDC's contract but suffice it say it reflects his total commitment to Swindon.

moonraker83: What can be done about the music and atmospere pre-match. It has the feeling of 'meh' about it at the moment. Where can we make suggestions?

JW: I agree. Please email suggestions to press@swindontownfc.co.uk and they will be considered there.

Studentfan: How often do you read online forums?

JW: Where possible I read forums every day as I think it is vital to be aware of all issues that fans are discussing.

olliejames: What is the club's stance on players' Twitter accounts.

JW: The club has a social media policy covering this. Common sense will dictate what happens in the future.

moonraker83: Is the deal for the Brazilian striker now dead?

JW: Never say never, but it is highly unlikely in this instance.

olliejames: Have you seen Tranformers 3?

JW: Yes, went with my son and thought the 3D was rubbish!

ICDeadpeople: What are the chances of having the Swindon Town Glory Days place-mats on sale in he club shop?

JW: Several people have requested this. I think it is purely a question of economics, but we'll look into it.

stfcletsgetrocked: Terry Skiverton signed a number of players via Twitter, would the club consider such methods?

JW: I'm happy to look at all methods if it ends up with Town getting the right players.

I am happy that our current methods have enabled us to put together an excellent squad for the start of this season.

Our current team of scouts are directly responsible for the successful of the likes of Jonathan Smith and Alan Connell from the lower leagues and the likes of Oliver Risser and Ibrahim Atiku from abroad.

radical byte: Has the club ever considered streaming games live on the internet in a sort of virtual season ticket?

JW: This is a great idea but one I am sure will be scuppered by media rights.

wurzelday: What is your desired choice of driving music?

JW: Bruce Springsteen, probably.

Therealjimbean: Why are there still gaps in the Arkell's Stand and Stratton Bank?

JW: This is dictated by rules regarding fan segregation.

The session has now closed. Get tomorrow's Adver for a summary of this afternoon's webchat.