SWINDON TOWN: PDC donated image rights in return for free treatment for Town players

6:00am Saturday 15th December 2012 in STFC News By Sam Morshead

Town boss Paolo Di Canio Town boss Paolo Di Canio

PAOLO Di Canio gave away his image rights so his players could receive a year’s free treatment at one of the most revered medical facilities in the world.

The Swindon Town boss has revealed that he came to an agreement with Italian rehabilitation centre Villa Stuart during the summer, which enables the clinic to use his name and face to promote their product in exchange for 12 months of comprehensive healthcare on the outskirts of Rome.

The deal has already allowed Andy Williams, Tommy Miller, Alan Navarro and Jay McEveley the chance to see a world-renowned specialist – Professor Pier Paolo Mariani – and receive treatment at a fraction of the cost of any equivalent procedure in this country.

Villa Stuart is a globally renowned rehab centre, which can list among its clients Chelsea, Manchester City, Barcelona and AC Milan. It is understood that Town still foot the bill for all players’ travel, while Di Canio himself said surgery is an additional expense.

Reacting to comments made by Paul Caddis earlier this week, which took a swipe at Swindon’s medical facilities, Di Canio stressed how he is both saving the club money and ensuring his squad gets the best possible care.

“Unfortunately in here we do not have any instruments - lasers or ultrasound because it costs a fortune and the club can’t spend £150,000 on equipment, I understand that,” he said.

“But this year even if they are Birmingham and I presume they have the best professionals in England, it is nothing to compare to my players who go to Villa Stuart - one of the best clinics in the world.

“There are only three recognised by FIFA in Europe, only three. They are the top professionals in the world.

“Even if Birmingham, Manchester United, Chelsea have fantastic professionals, they have nothing to compare with my connection.

“Just to be clear, because the people can have opinions and think ‘why in Italy? It costs money’, no. It doesn’t cost anything to the club, all thanks to the Di Canio image, a well-known person and a connection with the top professional in the world.

“It doesn’t cost one pound. Not one penny for treatment.

“We sent (McEveley) out there thanks to Paolo Di Canio’s connection and his image, and my image costs money.

“For free I gave my image to look after my players because with a big injury in here there is not the equipment. It is not a criticism of the club because it costs a fortune.

“In here to send a player for a simple scan, and not in a professional way because there is not one professional orthopaedist in Swindon for footballers, it is £250.

“When we have a big injury we need one, two or three every week to see the improvement. It costs money.

“In Italy, Andy Williams, Tommy Miller, Alan Navarro have been there two weeks and had three scans, three specialist visits from Mariani - the best surgeon for knees and shoulders in the world.

“It cost nothing. Like Tommy Miller said, he had a tear of seven centimetres and it destroys muscle. If he remained in here it would cost to us six or seven scans, money, equipment, sending him somewhere.

“He had two hours in the morning, two hours in the afternoon for two weeks and it cost zero. I have to be clear, zero, thanks to Paolo Di Canio who paid with his image.

“I made an agreement to give my image for one year. I didn’t want to say this before because I care about the health of my players.

“But now that some stupid comment came out and some stupid, idiot fans - one per cent because the others are loyal, thinking about football - we have to stop. If something comes out that’s not true I have to defend something.

“Not only does this come free but it is one of the best clinics in the world.

“Even if it cost a bit, it is nothing. The surgery for McEveley we informed ourselves before in London. We looked at a good orthopaedist in London. One night’s stay in a private clinic after the surgery and then back to the club, where we don’t have equipment to settle down the swelling, was nearly £10,000.

“I won’t say the exact money because the club knows but, in Italy, Mariani was not even one third for surgery, four days inside the clinic and until Saturday free scans, rehabilitation, therapy.

“It means two weeks cost one third of one operation and one night in a clinic. I speak with a bit emotion and anger because sometimes I have to think I need the strength to stay in such a pub environment.”

Comments(41)

International Robin2 says...
6:52am Sat 15 Dec 12

All anti PDC morons - Eat your heart out. Sit down and shut up! In Paolo, we trust.

I wouldn't want it any other way!

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RedintheFace says...
7:04am Sat 15 Dec 12

Heartwarming. And he probably doesn't even take a salary.

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RogerJ1969 says...
7:13am Sat 15 Dec 12

International Robin2 wrote:
All anti PDC morons - Eat your heart out. Sit down and shut up! In Paolo, we trust.

I wouldn't want it any other way!
This is spot on, there has been so much anti PDC here lately, if there is an opportunity to be negative the forum is full of bile but a positive story goes uncommmented.
Truth is we at STFC have experienced nothing like this preffesional approach before, if fact I would suggest the character and approach of PDC is unique in the UK.
Appreciate what he is trying to do with our 'pub club' and get behind him. He will be off within a year or so and we'll miss him.

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stfc2012 says...
7:35am Sat 15 Dec 12

Sensationalist wind up.

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pdc does wot he wants says...
7:44am Sat 15 Dec 12

too right everyone who slagged pdc off yesturday can shut there mouths now.
and so can paul caddis stay birmingham you were right caddis you are not welcome back i choose pdc over you every time...

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batch says...
8:03am Sat 15 Dec 12

Nice one Paolo,

Incidentally, if they can they fix my knee I could be the frontman you need. Only my injury, complete lack of skill, extra 4 stone and advancing years are holding me back.

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jayden says...
8:09am Sat 15 Dec 12

pdc does wot he wants wrote:
too right everyone who slagged pdc off yesturday can shut there mouths now.
and so can paul caddis stay birmingham you were right caddis you are not welcome back i choose pdc over you every time...
Think PDC should have said 5% as thats what are gate seems to be down.Well done pdc keep going 95% of us are with you.

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supertimmyparkin says...
8:25am Sat 15 Dec 12

Thank you, Paolo... Legend....

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Highworth red says...
8:26am Sat 15 Dec 12

Although I am fully behind Paolo, those fans who were critical yesterday after his rant may have thought differently if they knew the facts. Paolo is a one off and I think he will be here longer than most think. This is a great club that has had success before and I believe Paolo knows that he has the finances and freedom here that he will not enjoy at the vast majority of other clubs.
On a personal note, I met Paolo a few months ago and asked if I could get a picture of him with myself and my son. He was very polite, accomodating and wait for it, PATIENT. My daughter took an age to get her camera to work, but Paolo was fine and was happy to just chat and wait for my daughter to sort her camera out. He is such a focused person and wouldn't expect anybody he works with to show a level of commitment he wouldn't show himself, hense the frustration with some around him, Caddis, Clarke, etc.

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STFC Higworth says...
8:41am Sat 15 Dec 12

International Robin2 wrote:
All anti PDC morons - Eat your heart out. Sit down and shut up! In Paolo, we trust.

I wouldn't want it any other way!
Lol. Just because people don't agree not right to tell people to shut up.

Yes I agree I would take PDC over Caddis any day. But some things he has done are not right. The amount of players he buy/loans then slags off is not right. I don't care how much you love him if my manager slagged me off at work in public HR would be very interested in a chat.

I support him and the club but some people have to take off their PDC specks and see it for how it is. Just because people criticise dose not mean they don't support him.

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STFC Higworth says...
8:43am Sat 15 Dec 12

By the way fair play on the image rights!!!!! I think this is something everyone will agree is a good thing.

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KojaktheWarg says...
9:00am Sat 15 Dec 12

PDC - you are a star for this. Still one of the best managers to come to the county ground and you have my vote against the whingers every day.

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mancrobin says...
9:08am Sat 15 Dec 12

STFC Higworth wrote:
By the way fair play on the image rights!!!!! I think this is something everyone will agree is a good thing.
Yes, agreed Highworth.

Well done Paolo.

I also think Sam Morshead's article is spot on today. The many sides of PdC. Pushing the ref, winning the fair play award and scoring one of best goals of all time.

Let's hope we see the airborne volley side of Paolo today.

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mallorca says...
9:22am Sat 15 Dec 12

Yes indeed a nice touch from Pdc.Just hope the missing Chairman and board appreciate what he has done.
Again is an instance where Pdc's good points outweigh his bad ones.
as said before he aint done so bad has he.
The adver report was a wellcome one after all the doom and gloom is the USA

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spider1967 says...
9:24am Sat 15 Dec 12

The problem is Mr Advertiser is your never happy, if you get a manager that's doesn't tell you anything its wrong and then its wrong when they tell you everything!! I know which I would rather have thank you. The problem I have is that you always sensationalise the headline to sell the paper and it gives a wrong impression of the article, also if you don't like the way he is then don't go to interviews or walk out when you want.

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Oi Den! says...
9:36am Sat 15 Dec 12

Very good to hear this positive news about PDC and the club.
.
Sam, your piece on PDC today is excellent. Some local football reporters have been happy to be their club's or manager's poodle. You clearly are not. Keep up the good work.

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Rhs Boydy says...
9:42am Sat 15 Dec 12

spider1967 wrote:
The problem is Mr Advertiser is your never happy, if you get a manager that's doesn't tell you anything its wrong and then its wrong when they tell you everything!! I know which I would rather have thank you. The problem I have is that you always sensationalise the headline to sell the paper and it gives a wrong impression of the article, also if you don't like the way he is then don't go to interviews or walk out when you want.
Sam doesn't write the headlines. He's said it, the sports desk has said it. He writes the articles, 90% of which are fantastically written and, as is his job, generate a lively debate. It is the editor who comes up with the headlines, which can hit or miss and I've just taken to ignoring now.
I'd also just point out that even the wonderful Gary Rose had the headline Paolo's Rant for the BBC's story about Paolo's uninitiated rant. So maybe, just maybe what happened at the press conference was Paolo having a wait for it ... Rant.

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Mehdi Kerrouche's Grandma says...
9:43am Sat 15 Dec 12

Interesting that Paolo is aware of the comments of "stupid, idiot fans". You know who you are!!! Hope he is right about the 1% figure - some days on here it seems like there may be a few more.

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Angolan Red says...
9:47am Sat 15 Dec 12

Still doesnt change my view good coach , bad manager still criticises players in public too much, behind closed doors yes in public no. Still say time to go hes wasted too much money on players that he falls out of favour with and sends out on loan.

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Davidsyrett says...
9:57am Sat 15 Dec 12

Angolan Red wrote:
Still doesnt change my view good coach , bad manager still criticises players in public too much, behind closed doors yes in public no. Still say time to go hes wasted too much money on players that he falls out of favour with and sends out on loan.
Give it a rest will you, I assume you will be looking at the result for our yellow bellied friends down the road.

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Davidsyrett says...
9:59am Sat 15 Dec 12

Anyone who doubts PdC's commitment just read this. Yes he has his faults (Who hasn't?) but the passion can never be doubted. Lets hope for 3 points today.

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swwindon61uk says...
10:11am Sat 15 Dec 12

A top gesture from a top man.
I think this really does show how much he likes this club no matter if he does go off on one once in a awhile.
If PDC does read this board all i will say is the vast majority of us will disagree with something you do or say at some point but do not read this as being against you,we are not,it is a difference of opinion from time to time that is all.
A manager who wants the best for our club,we could ask for no more.

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Haydonender says...
10:12am Sat 15 Dec 12

Just another example of his drive and passion to improve the club in every possible way. Can't think of many other managers who would have the status to do this, and even less who would be willing to do it for their club.

I am definitely one of the 99% that thinks he has been brilliant for this club

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the don69 says...
10:14am Sat 15 Dec 12

Oi Den! wrote:
Very good to hear this positive news about PDC and the club.
.
Sam, your piece on PDC today is excellent. Some local football reporters have been happy to be their club's or manager's poodle. You clearly are not. Keep up the good work.
Well said Den,well done Sam and a very big thank-you to Paolo,lets hope we perform well today and get a good result in what looks like a very tricky game!good-luck lads it's about time we had some!!!!!!!

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NORTH STAND says...
10:26am Sat 15 Dec 12

Angolan Red wrote:
Still doesnt change my view good coach , bad manager still criticises players in public too much, behind closed doors yes in public no. Still say time to go hes wasted too much money on players that he falls out of favour with and sends out on loan.
FFS Leon - let it go son...

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jayden says...
10:26am Sat 15 Dec 12

Game is on

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NORTH STAND says...
10:32am Sat 15 Dec 12

Oi Den! wrote:
Very good to hear this positive news about PDC and the club.
.
Sam, your piece on PDC today is excellent. Some local football reporters have been happy to be their club's or manager's poodle. You clearly are not. Keep up the good work.
Definitely a few poodles (and relatives) on here.... interesting how people read things differently though and I thought today's Sam Morshead column reads rather more like a nine year old's 'mum, they're shouting at me' piece.

Still each to their own - though I. can't help thinking the club may decide rather soon to deal with media outlets that want to focus primarily on the football?

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stigger says...
10:38am Sat 15 Dec 12

PDC is a multi-faceted character which is why he evokes so much debate. Another great example of his dedication and commitment to the cause, fair play and also that he has only let this out after our facilities were criticised publically. It does need to be said though that there are a group of fans, myself included, who are mostly pro-PDC, support him and the club, don't want him to leave but dont like the way he does some things. It's not all black or white just like PDC himself. COYR!

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Oi Den! says...
11:01am Sat 15 Dec 12

NORTH STAND wrote:
Oi Den! wrote:
Very good to hear this positive news about PDC and the club.
.
Sam, your piece on PDC today is excellent. Some local football reporters have been happy to be their club's or manager's poodle. You clearly are not. Keep up the good work.
Definitely a few poodles (and relatives) on here.... interesting how people read things differently though and I thought today's Sam Morshead column reads rather more like a nine year old's 'mum, they're shouting at me' piece.

Still each to their own - though I. can't help thinking the club may decide rather soon to deal with media outlets that want to focus primarily on the football?
He got a fair bit of stick on here yesterday - completely unjustified in my view. Today he has explained himself - or defended himself, if you will - and I think he has done it well. As for "focus primarily on football", if the manager chooses to devote over 20 minutes of a press conference to relationships within the club, then not only is Morshead entitled to report it, it would be a dereliction of duty if he didn't.
.
It is likely that the interview will be broadcast on BBC Wiltshire's pre-match programme today and available from tonight on iPlayer. It might be worth listening to that and considering whether PDC's message and tone have been reported accurately by the Adver.
.
And what's this nonsense about poodles and relatives on here? If you are suggesting that I have any interest, other than that of a Town supporter, in promoting anyone's work for the Adver, you couldn't be more wrong. I have criticised Morshead and his predecessors in the past; maybe I will do so again in the future. You might also like to note that I defended PDC's initial comments a couple of weeks ago on the youth set-up. So, if you think I have some kind of one-sided agenda, forget it.

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smirg kcab says...
11:08am Sat 15 Dec 12

Perhaps Paul caddis has sold his image rights for his treatment? Lol
Up yours caddis wot a tosspot
Where's sue
Onwards and upwards

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therock4u says...
11:18am Sat 15 Dec 12

The comments about PDC not getting some things right really gets my gander up.

Has there been a football manager that has always got things right. No, of course not. They are all human like the rest of us. They all make mistakes.

As for spending/wasting money, is there a club that has never done that. i very much doubt it.

Support OUR STFC.

Lets hope for a bit more luck today and come away with a win.

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therock4u says...
11:21am Sat 15 Dec 12

Only 31 comments on a very good acticle.

Some people though will never be satisfied.

You can please some on the people some of the time, but cant please all of the people all of the time springs to mind.

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Since 1950 says...
12:07pm Sat 15 Dec 12

Oi Den! wrote:
Very good to hear this positive news about PDC and the club. . Sam, your piece on PDC today is excellent. Some local football reporters have been happy to be their club's or manager's poodle. You clearly are not. Keep up the good work.
Poodles? Chihuahuas Den, Chihuahuas!
WAPR&WA!

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Wonder Strike says...
12:08pm Sat 15 Dec 12

batch wrote:
Nice one Paolo,

Incidentally, if they can they fix my knee I could be the frontman you need. Only my injury, complete lack of skill, extra 4 stone and advancing years are holding me back.
Sign him up sign him up sign him up!
.
Seriously though. PDC is a legend. Can't believe the abuse he gets. We have had one of our most succesful seasons of all time and are doing well this year.
.
Sure he runs his mouth a bit but he's honest and what he wants for the club is in our best interests.

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Wilesy says...
12:16pm Sat 15 Dec 12

Very interesting and great gesture from Paolo. The Caddis comments did warrant some response, and although it was obvious to most of us that our players have been going to Italy for top treatment and not just to see some quack, something did need saying.

Everything at the moment seems to be extremes.

eg 1 - With Paolo we have a bright future, without him we face the abyss of darkness. Clearly not true.

eg 2 - Supporters are either 100% for him or 100% against him. Not true. I think most admire his passion and professionalism and high standards, but not many enjoy his public criticism of the players or the board, the long ball tactics. We are entitled to get frustrated at the lack of goals from either poor final balls or poor finishing. Doesn't mean we are 100% for or against. We are entitled to comment positively and negatively on things as we see fit, we pay good money to watch it.....

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billbst says...
12:54pm Sat 15 Dec 12

Despite my reservations I signed up for the rollercoaster when Paolo joined. It continues on and the media love him for it. He won't change because he is still a man of conflicting actions. Sam's simple reference back to the pushing of the ref and the fair play award shows he is much the same person. At the end of he day I pay to be entertained and I have been. I accept that we will not win every game but will not accept that the team does not give its all. Under Paolo I am confident I will get the essential commitment. I'm not good with heights but can never resist looking over the edge. That's how I often feel about Paolo's interviews.

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Lone Wolf says...
2:04pm Sat 15 Dec 12

billbst wrote:
Despite my reservations I signed up for the rollercoaster when Paolo joined. It continues on and the media love him for it. He won't change because he is still a man of conflicting actions. Sam's simple reference back to the pushing of the ref and the fair play award shows he is much the same person. At the end of he day I pay to be entertained and I have been. I accept that we will not win every game but will not accept that the team does not give its all. Under Paolo I am confident I will get the essential commitment. I'm not good with heights but can never resist looking over the edge. That's how I often feel about Paolo's interviews.
Good post and I particularly enjoyed the 'looking over the edge' analogy; supporting town under PDC can have a dizzying effect indeed. It will all seem very tame if/when he's on his way!

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smirg kcab says...
2:45pm Sat 15 Dec 12

Headlines should have read di canio RANTS over image rights?,
We may have had more posters on here, big slip up again Sam.
Onwards and upwards

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Ginger-nutz says...
2:58pm Sat 15 Dec 12

So where are the clown who pre judged paolo yesterday with a tirade of abuse?? :-)
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Not many have came back here today to say that they got it wrong yesterday..
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Paolo has yet again showed his full hand, and admitted to agreeing deals which he tried to keep private...
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He is so misunderstood by so many on here, which I find very sad....
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He may not be the best overall manager we have ever had to date (at present), but he has shown more commiment and passion for our club than anyone that I have ever witnessed...
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Yes, he does have his rants and fall outs from time to time, but he cares for our club...
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He wants the best and he demands perfection.... And I wouldn't want to swap him for anybody :-)....
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Malpas, Hart, Wilson anybody??
.
He'd shiit 'em!!

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rockdog says...
3:20pm Sat 15 Dec 12

Totally agreed with Highworth red. PDC is a one off. How many other managers (or players) would give up their image rights. Not many if any. For all his rants and very long interviews with the press, and yes, sometimes you have to read between the lines to understand what he is saying. I think the club is very lucky to have this man as their manage. And all the moaners and knockers should support Oxford and Bristol City. Just GO AWAY!!!

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STFCman&boy1973 says...
5:59pm Sat 15 Dec 12

Wow, what a manager, a God, in my eyes, (all Swindon managers are...) But we have someone very special, enjoy...not the rollercoaster, but, the amazing journey that were are all on, I'm thinking that PDC is here for alot longer than we think he is... Cmon You Mighty Reds... In PDC I believe and trust...

PS I hope that we do have have five more losses like today to make it six losses on the trot...jokers...

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