F.I.P: Ferry Important Person

5:30am Friday 6th July 2012 in Sport By Sam Morshead

CHARACTER: Simon Ferry CHARACTER: Simon Ferry

PAOLO Di Canio has stated that Simon Ferry will play a major role for his team in League One next season, if he can merge an element of responsibility with his playful character.

The Swindon manager handed the midfielder the captain’s armband during the second half of last night’s 9-1 win against a local select XI at the Robins’ training base near Lake Garda, pairing Alan Navarro and Tommy Miller in the centre of the park for the opening 45 minutes of the crushing victory.

Ferry’s omission in the first period may have raised a few eyebrows, but Di Canio stressed after the game that the Scot will still be at the forefront of his thinking when he looks to guide his team to back-to-back promotions.

“Sometimes when you start the second half you can put your head down, but I told him it’s no coincidence that in the second half I gave him the armband,” said Di Canio.

“He’s one of the main parts of the squad. He has to become more mature in some way. At times I like his fun way to approach something because you need this kind of character in the middle of groups.

“Now he has to feel the responsibilities, even if he doesn’t play like last year when maybe his record was most of everyone’s – maybe if he plays 35, 40, 24, maybe 46 - he has to know he is one of the main parts of the squad and he has to feel the responsibility every single moment and not only when he plays.

“Today I wanted to see straight away the new players but Simon is at the same level, in line with them, so I’m not worried.”

Meanwhile, the Advetiser understands midfielder Jonathan Smith will soon re-sign for former club York.

Smith, who only arrived in Wiltshire from Bootham Crescent last summer, has been transfer-listed by Di Canio after the Town boss decided he was not part of his plans for 2012/13.

Finally, striker Alan Connell – another of those told to find a new club by Swindon this off-season – is believed to be interesting two League One clubs.

Scunthorpe and Stevenage are understood to be heading the chase for the frontman’s signature.

Comments(12)

STFC Tony says...
8:45am Fri 6 Jul 12

What a turnaround this is for Ferry and he deserves it all! At the beginning of last seaon PDC wanted to get him out, so he showed maturity to turn that negative into a positive through hard work. A possible STFC legend in the making here!!! FERRY DO BE DO, he's got a $hit hair do, FERRY DO BE DO...

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Davidsyrett says...
8:55am Fri 6 Jul 12

I read that slightly differently, Ferry has to change his attitude and become more responsible. We know his abilities but unless he's going to give 100% commitment I can see him dropping down the pecking order. A lot of competition in midfield this season.

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southside7 says...
8:57am Fri 6 Jul 12

Quality will always find a way to come out. Fantastic hair too.....better than the usual Beckham following (2006), mindless Ashley Cole mohican style tragedies. Someone with a bit of chararcter, who is also our best player and always has time for the kids....top bloke, keep going Ferry....stay off the grog though.

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VinnyPericard says...
9:15am Fri 6 Jul 12

He seems a good lad and it's good to have one of two players making the grade and proving themselves after a couple of seasons ago. This probably shows Cuthbert and co that maybe it was the wrong move in leaving and that we're now in a better position for the season than most of the other teams.

Shame to see that Jonathan Smith is probably moving back to York. Surprised a number of league two sides aren't after his signature as he looked a decent player at that level.

Also good to see Connell is likely to stay at league one level after his hard work to prove himself last season.

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burley01rs says...
9:19am Fri 6 Jul 12

That flick for Benson's goal at the end of the season was magic. Keep it up Simon.

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Stilloyal says...
9:52am Fri 6 Jul 12

burley01rs wrote:
That flick for Benson's goal at the end of the season was magic. Keep it up Simon.
Ahh hair flick, thought he was Scottish though not German. :-)

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the wizard says...
10:13am Fri 6 Jul 12

Stilloyal wrote:
burley01rs wrote:
That flick for Benson's goal at the end of the season was magic. Keep it up Simon.
Ahh hair flick, thought he was Scottish though not German. :-)
Hair flick, intresting, very very intresting, but sometimes he is stupid.

All humour to one side, Simon needs to up his professionalism to keep Paolo on side. As said above, with plenty of competition for places he needs to stamp some authority on his position here.

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Lordjim13 says...
10:19am Fri 6 Jul 12

VinnyPericard wrote:
He seems a good lad and it's good to have one of two players making the grade and proving themselves after a couple of seasons ago. This probably shows Cuthbert and co that maybe it was the wrong move in leaving and that we're now in a better position for the season than most of the other teams. Shame to see that Jonathan Smith is probably moving back to York. Surprised a number of league two sides aren't after his signature as he looked a decent player at that level. Also good to see Connell is likely to stay at league one level after his hard work to prove himself last season.
VinnyPericard: York ARE a League 2 club now, so I see it as him going back to somewhere he knows to help them establish themselves in the division--good luck to him. I'm sure his battling qualities will serve them well.

Simon Ferry is class. Interesting how the lineups were the 'new' team in the 1st half and the 'old' team in the second half...old team won 6-4. :)

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Psychedelic Syd says...
10:48am Fri 6 Jul 12

I think Simon looks pretty mature and sensible in the photo above. Is there any truth in the rumour that he might be forging a new career as part of that new trio Sijedward?

I've thought for a long time that he's the best outfield player we've got - I think Leicester thought that too judging from the way they tried to cripple him. You're always going to get a bit of eccentricity from a creative person and at least with Si he is great for morale and shows humour in addition to his great talent. Who can forget his antics after the last match of the season? Shine on you crazy diamond.

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Stilloyal says...
11:15am Fri 6 Jul 12

Psychedelic Syd wrote:
I think Simon looks pretty mature and sensible in the photo above. Is there any truth in the rumour that he might be forging a new career as part of that new trio Sijedward? I've thought for a long time that he's the best outfield player we've got - I think Leicester thought that too judging from the way they tried to cripple him. You're always going to get a bit of eccentricity from a creative person and at least with Si he is great for morale and shows humour in addition to his great talent. Who can forget his antics after the last match of the season? Shine on you crazy diamond.
That pic was taken at the party on the pitch in May.

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SeanG92 says...
12:11pm Fri 6 Jul 12

Aye good points from Paolo. He recognises that Ferry's playfulness is needed in the squad, and in some tougher times of the season he will be the one keeping people laughing you can be sure of that.

What Paolo is saying is that he needs to realise when to tone it down and put on a more serious front. Perhaps that will come with more responsibility (vice captain maybe?) If not then im sure it will come with age.

Class player, class guy.

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Malkym says...
12:46pm Fri 6 Jul 12

Well he won't be a lard arse on the ptich this year with Paolo's pre-season training!

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