Di Canio surprised Benson is still at County Ground (From Swindon Advertiser)
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SWINDON TOWN: Di Canio surprised Benson is still at County Ground
6:00am Tuesday 22nd January 2013 in STFC News Exclusive By Sam Morshead
Swindon Town striker Paul Benson
PAOLO Di Canio was surprised that Paul Benson did not take up the opportunity to leave the County Ground recently.
The striker failed to agree to a move to Cheltenham last week after previously turning down Bradford’s offer of a contract, despite the terms of both moves being agreed by Swindon Town and the clubs in question.
With 18 months left on his current deal at Town, the 33-year-old would appear to be in no rush to make a snap decision on his future after being refused permission to extend his loan stay at Portsmouth.
Di Canio is keen to free up funds by offloading a number of his fringe players, either on loan or pemanently, during the January transfer window, and he was a little taken aback by Benson’s choice.
“We know with Benson we had an opportunity and it is incredible that he didn’t accept it.
“He is free to decide what he wants but it’s strange because it’s close to here,” he said. We can’t be selfish people. Even if he wants to play at Portsmouth, they don’t have any (money). We pay money for him.
“We will work and see if he can go to a team who want to win the league.”
Benson’s availability is believed to have attracted the attention of a whole host of clubs, with Colchester, Southend, Gillingham and former side Dagenham all understood to be interested in the possibility of snapping up his services.
The Bristol Evening Post reported on Sunday night that Bristol Rovers manager John Ward - who looked into signing Benson for Colchester 12 months ago - was set to make an enquiry for the frontman.
Meanwhile, Di Canio is frustrated by the lack of interest in Luke Rooney and Lee Cox.
“It’s strange becaue Cox did well at Oxford,” he said.
“Rooney didn’t have very good success with Rotherham but he is a talented player, we have to defend our value. Even if we have to think the priority is the club, he is our value.
“I can’t imagine he won’t have the opportunity to play regular football in League Two but if nobody wants them they will be a part of the squad.”
Comments(74)
KojaktheWarg
says...
7:13am Tue 22 Jan 13
Regarding Bristol Rovers, I cant see why a player might want to go to Bristol Rovers with their precarious position as opposed to Cheltenham where he may get a higher profile in a team doing relatively well.
dreamofacleansheet2
says...
7:40am Tue 22 Jan 13
More concerned by the the other thread "four interested parties" in buying us. As I said when Watkins said Severn that means one or two and when they say four that really does mean one or two.
Hope to hell I'm wrong but I'm really worried about it.
On the flip side you only need one of course!
LeGod
says...
7:49am Tue 22 Jan 13
the wizard
says...
8:14am Tue 22 Jan 13
Swindon on stand-by for a rapid thaw if our man goes into melt down, thermo nuclear !!!!
SAPFanSTFC
says...
8:14am Tue 22 Jan 13
LeGod wrote:That WOULD be a good move for Ritchie!....they could also offer enough to make it financially worthwhile/tough to turn down.
i hear Palace are ready to bid for Ritchie they also mentioned it on the radio this morning.
Pewsham Red
says...
8:25am Tue 22 Jan 13
SAPFanSTFC wrote:It will depend on whether Zaha goes, I suspect and whether he is loaned straight back to Palace, as seems likely.
LeGod wrote: i hear Palace are ready to bid for Ritchie they also mentioned it on the radio this morning.That WOULD be a good move for Ritchie!....they could also offer enough to make it financially worthwhile/tough to turn down.
Given lack of funds would be an interesting test of our resolve and given the news of last week I am surprised more clubs haven't come sniffing around for a bargain.
Is that you Lovesey
says...
8:26am Tue 22 Jan 13
AFCBExile
says...
8:44am Tue 22 Jan 13
Stratton Red
says...
8:47am Tue 22 Jan 13
*
Very quiet on Caddis situation. Blues are desperate to off load players and are ready to listen to sensible offers for first team players, personally I'd like to see him back. Would give PDC another formation option, play Caddis right mid, Williams up top and Ritchie in the 'Sheringham' role...
old town robin
says...
8:47am Tue 22 Jan 13
SAPFanSTFC wrote:They'll have the cash if Zaha goes to Utd for a reported 12 million. If they were serious with a bid, it would be a very good move for him, they can loan him back to us for the rest of the season, that would be acceptable.
LeGod wrote:That WOULD be a good move for Ritchie!....they could also offer enough to make it financially worthwhile/tough to turn down.
i hear Palace are ready to bid for Ritchie they also mentioned it on the radio this morning.
It would be a shame to see Ritchie go, such an important player now, seems a long time ago when he could hardly make the bench under Wilson. Think he and us can thank Paolo in making him the player he is today.
SAPFanSTFC
says...
8:48am Tue 22 Jan 13
the wizard wrote:Wouldn't help the sale so much as he is a big asset on the books....although realising a value of £1.5million could also demonstrate value added I guess.
If its down to our manager then Ritchie wont go, if its down to Patey it could be interesting....... to say the least.
Swindon on stand-by for a rapid thaw if our man goes into melt down, thermo nuclear !!!!
.
I think that even Paolo would have to be realistic on this one should it be a decent offer.
SAPFanSTFC
says...
8:51am Tue 22 Jan 13
old town robin wrote:Wow!! £12 million!?...mind you a great raw talent.....which isn't so raw these days.
SAPFanSTFC wrote:They'll have the cash if Zaha goes to Utd for a reported 12 million. If they were serious with a bid, it would be a very good move for him, they can loan him back to us for the rest of the season, that would be acceptable.
LeGod wrote:That WOULD be a good move for Ritchie!....they could also offer enough to make it financially worthwhile/tough to turn down.
i hear Palace are ready to bid for Ritchie they also mentioned it on the radio this morning.
It would be a shame to see Ritchie go, such an important player now, seems a long time ago when he could hardly make the bench under Wilson. Think he and us can thank Paolo in making him the player he is today.
LeGod
says...
8:51am Tue 22 Jan 13
Birmingham havent got money and rumour is they want to off load 7 players so i could see Caddis back in L1 very soon.
London Red
says...
9:02am Tue 22 Jan 13
.
This could be his last move - why shouldn't he make sure it is right for him and his family?
.
Southend seems the best fit if true they are interested again - so lets hope they come in with a decent offer
SAPFanSTFC
says...
9:06am Tue 22 Jan 13
London Red wrote:I think that Bradford was a no as he doesn't want to move but surprised he didn't fancy Cheltenham as scoring goals is what he loves doing....even if it was for slightly less wages.
It can't just be about money for Benson - It said Bradford's offer was very similar to his current wage and had an extra year on top - so he could have made more
.
This could be his last move - why shouldn't he make sure it is right for him and his family?
.
Southend seems the best fit if true they are interested again - so lets hope they come in with a decent offer
.
He may be tempted by Bristol Rovers given their mini-revival and they do have a bit more money to offer....easy to get to if Benson lives that way.
old town robin
says...
9:07am Tue 22 Jan 13
LeGod wrote:Saw the goals Brum conceded last Saturday on Net buster. if Caddis was playing RB he way out of position for the first goal that came from an attack down their left and the rest of their defence didn't look much better, As you said LeGod he might well be back in Div 1, even if he stays at Brum.
No way will Caddis be back and do we need him now as Thompson has been superb since he came in at fullback and he is going to be a very good player if he keeps up his level of performance.
Birmingham havent got money and rumour is they want to off load 7 players so i could see Caddis back in L1 very soon.
old town robin
says...
9:14am Tue 22 Jan 13
SAPFanSTFC wrote:He was prepared to move to Bradford when they high-jacked our original bid back in November 2011 and then found out they didn't have the money tpo complete the deal. Remember we had to wait until January to sign him because of it and he rotted away at Charlton. Maybe that is the reason he would not want to play for Parky again. (although it was probably not his fault the move went sour).
London Red wrote:I think that Bradford was a no as he doesn't want to move but surprised he didn't fancy Cheltenham as scoring goals is what he loves doing....even if it was for slightly less wages.
It can't just be about money for Benson - It said Bradford's offer was very similar to his current wage and had an extra year on top - so he could have made more
.
This could be his last move - why shouldn't he make sure it is right for him and his family?
.
Southend seems the best fit if true they are interested again - so lets hope they come in with a decent offer
.
He may be tempted by Bristol Rovers given their mini-revival and they do have a bit more money to offer....easy to get to if Benson lives that way.
SAPFanSTFC
says...
9:39am Tue 22 Jan 13
old town robin wrote:Yep - a possibility although like you I doubt that Parky was at fault at the time.
SAPFanSTFC wrote:He was prepared to move to Bradford when they high-jacked our original bid back in November 2011 and then found out they didn't have the money tpo complete the deal. Remember we had to wait until January to sign him because of it and he rotted away at Charlton. Maybe that is the reason he would not want to play for Parky again. (although it was probably not his fault the move went sour).
London Red wrote:I think that Bradford was a no as he doesn't want to move but surprised he didn't fancy Cheltenham as scoring goals is what he loves doing....even if it was for slightly less wages.
It can't just be about money for Benson - It said Bradford's offer was very similar to his current wage and had an extra year on top - so he could have made more
.
This could be his last move - why shouldn't he make sure it is right for him and his family?
.
Southend seems the best fit if true they are interested again - so lets hope they come in with a decent offer
.
He may be tempted by Bristol Rovers given their mini-revival and they do have a bit more money to offer....easy to get to if Benson lives that way.
...
He has a kiddy now so maybe he wants to settle for a little while, or maybe he wasn't promised a starting slot at Bradford....they've got some good finishers up there.
southside7
says...
9:40am Tue 22 Jan 13
LeGod wrote:If Ritchie went to Palace (hope he doesn't but still can't believe he isn't playing championship football) howbout Thompson at right back,Caddis right midfield?
No way will Caddis be back and do we need him now as Thompson has been superb since he came in at fullback and he is going to be a very good player if he keeps up his level of performance.
Birmingham havent got money and rumour is they want to off load 7 players so i could see Caddis back in L1 very soon.
Angolan Red
says...
9:52am Tue 22 Jan 13
old town robin
says...
9:52am Tue 22 Jan 13
southside7 wrote:Ritchie will always get into double figures with his goal tally, could you honestly see Caddis doing the same?
LeGod wrote:If Ritchie went to Palace (hope he doesn't but still can't believe he isn't playing championship football) howbout Thompson at right back,Caddis right midfield?
No way will Caddis be back and do we need him now as Thompson has been superb since he came in at fullback and he is going to be a very good player if he keeps up his level of performance.
Birmingham havent got money and rumour is they want to off load 7 players so i could see Caddis back in L1 very soon.
Robinonfire
says...
9:54am Tue 22 Jan 13
LeGod
says...
10:12am Tue 22 Jan 13
If he did cant see him replacing Thompson who has improved with every game and is going to be a top player and fair play to him he has taken the opportunity and the position is now his to lose.
It's great seeing young players come through the academy and english as well its a pity some of the premier league teams dont do the same as the number of english players in the premier league gets reduced every year. I've got no time for the premier league a over hyped league with alot of average foreign imports.
watching that saints v everton game last night it was unbelievably poor quality. The ball was treated like a hot potato and i reckon we would have given them a good game last night with our football.
burley01rs
says...
10:15am Tue 22 Jan 13
SAPFanSTFC
says...
10:32am Tue 22 Jan 13
LeGod wrote:Caddis 'all but' slagged off PDC in the Football League Paper so coming back is NOT an option.
Everyone has to remember Caddis and PDC had a bit of a fall out can never see it happenning him being back.
If he did cant see him replacing Thompson who has improved with every game and is going to be a top player and fair play to him he has taken the opportunity and the position is now his to lose.
It's great seeing young players come through the academy and english as well its a pity some of the premier league teams dont do the same as the number of english players in the premier league gets reduced every year. I've got no time for the premier league a over hyped league with alot of average foreign imports.
watching that saints v everton game last night it was unbelievably poor quality. The ball was treated like a hot potato and i reckon we would have given them a good game last night with our football.
---
Agree with others, Thompson is far better and even Devera or Macka at right back have looked better defensively.....Cadd
is used to play right midfield style role for Celtic now and then so it could have been an option had he not burnt his bridges.
London Red
says...
11:04am Tue 22 Jan 13
.
Losing Ritchie won't be great for a sale of the club - I wouldn't want to be buying a club which has just flogged its star player on the cheap
.
If Ritchie was to go for £2m+ then the initial solution would be Roberts on the right with RDV on the left
.
L Rooney would then come on to the bench as cover (plus we also have Storey as an option)
.
Granted not as potent as with Ritchie but we won't suddenly become a poor side
.
RDV has improved significantly this year and lots wnat him on the left anyway
.
Roberts is improving game by game with us and is a great player at this level - he has also played on the right a lot for Udders so could offer us the inverted winger option by going there
.
Then as the Loan window is still open (or will re-open a week after the perm one closes) we can reserect our interest in Green at Charlton who is a very good right winger - who like Ritchie chips in with goals - got double figures for D&R in both L1 and L2!
.
Caddis is STFC past - we should look forward
DarrenSTFCRomain
says...
11:07am Tue 22 Jan 13
As for Benson Rooney and Cox...
Well it looks like last season open cheque book has come back to bite use big time..
Or are these the players that the board signd on 2 half year deals knowing that they were only wonted for promotion last season...London over to you lol
Highworth red
says...
11:13am Tue 22 Jan 13
stfc2012
says...
11:16am Tue 22 Jan 13
Fernham Red
says...
11:20am Tue 22 Jan 13
Di kanny oh
says...
11:23am Tue 22 Jan 13
LeGod
says...
11:23am Tue 22 Jan 13
Benson is more of a sniffer in the box but he did well for us last season plus his age is against him.
Martin is still fairly young about 24 i think and i still feel if keep him for a while longer he will score a few.
billbst
says...
11:26am Tue 22 Jan 13
Oxon-Red
says...
11:29am Tue 22 Jan 13
burley01rs wrote:Please check Benson's record this season, I think you will find he has had more starts in the league and scored the same number of goals.
I think if Benson had as many starts as Martin here he would have scored a few by now
COYMR
Di kanny oh
says...
11:34am Tue 22 Jan 13
LeGod wrote:Totally agree Martin is one tough cookie and pulls players out of position and he does show all the attributes of what you would want from a striker. Ok goals ratio could be better but many strikers suffer the dreaded goal drought but I am sure he will come good if given time. He is amazingly strong and would surpass Benson in that department for sure. Benson was getting pushed around far too easily in this division for my liking and Paolo's it seems. Martin has linked very well with Willo and they do look like a partnership and Martin has taken some of the heat of Williams to allow him space and time. Problem is its far too easy for fans to overlook this in games I feel.
i think people underestimate what Martin does in a game his first touch is very good and his movement and he has more pace than Benson.
Benson is more of a sniffer in the box but he did well for us last season plus his age is against him.
Martin is still fairly young about 24 i think and i still feel if keep him for a while longer he will score a few.
Oxon-Red
says...
11:35am Tue 22 Jan 13
Di kanny oh wrote:What is the sudden worry about salaries. The budget for the whole season was set up before it started and further funds were RELEASED in October to get us out of the embargo.
I suppose one question to ask ourselves is would Matt Ritchie be replaceable and I feel the answer is yes with what we have at the club. As LR said RDV and Roberts with Luke Rooney as cover and Williams can play the wings also. Ritchie for me has been class but I have to say this, that this season he has not been his usual self and the fact is he does miss Caddis. I have only noted a few games where Ritchie has been on top form and one of those games was against Tranmere where he was unplayable but fact is he has been poor by his own standards and I do feel we could cash in with the cover we have at the club. Yes he scores plenty of goals and can win a game out of the blue but if the money were right I feel it would be too good to turn down in our present plight. Im sure there are plenty of wingers out there without clubs who could be looked at but I do reckon Rooney is worth more than he has shown recently and Paolo just needs to spend time with the lad. I am certainly worried about next month and salaries and if the choice was Ritchie or administration I know which one I would choose. Andrew Black will not put any more money in so its either the new buyers are quick or big trouble I am afraid to say.
Has it suddenly been removed from the STFC coffers.
Perhaps someone could elaborate on this.
COYMR
Is that you Lovesey
says...
11:43am Tue 22 Jan 13
I understand your complaint fully and we are in the process of making remedies. Chris Dunlavy is writing an apology in the paper and we have contacted Swindon Town FC.
So it seems they did have their facts wrong.....
old town robin
says...
11:44am Tue 22 Jan 13
Highworth red wrote:Benson had his chance to do the business for a couple of months before Martin arrived and he did nothing to impress Paolo that he could deliver at div 1 level, admitted he was unlucky to get the neck injury that obviously effected him. However, I saw his last game when he was subbed in the first half and I thought at the time after Paolo's post match comments he had no future with us.
Would absolutely prefer Benson over Martin.
Charlton saw him as surplus to their requirements and for the same reason Paolo has made his mind up, he lacks pace and physical presence. When he was playing, our home form was terrible, (not saying he was responsible for that), but with the introduction of Chris Martin, centre halves know they are in for a physical contest, that is why Paolo likes him, he takes the pressure off Williams, who if he had more composure when faced with 1 on 1's could easily have 20 goals already this season.
Sorry mate no contest for me, we need to keep Chris, a Emily Heskey type of player that has not scored in open play yet, but always looks like he will come good and as said, works so hard for the team, a big, big reason why we are the top scorers in this division.
Di kanny oh
says...
11:46am Tue 22 Jan 13
Oxon-Red wrote:Benson, Cox, L Rooney, Caddis possibly, keeping Martin and Hollands all adds up.
Di kanny oh wrote:What is the sudden worry about salaries. The budget for the whole season was set up before it started and further funds were RELEASED in October to get us out of the embargo.
I suppose one question to ask ourselves is would Matt Ritchie be replaceable and I feel the answer is yes with what we have at the club. As LR said RDV and Roberts with Luke Rooney as cover and Williams can play the wings also. Ritchie for me has been class but I have to say this, that this season he has not been his usual self and the fact is he does miss Caddis. I have only noted a few games where Ritchie has been on top form and one of those games was against Tranmere where he was unplayable but fact is he has been poor by his own standards and I do feel we could cash in with the cover we have at the club. Yes he scores plenty of goals and can win a game out of the blue but if the money were right I feel it would be too good to turn down in our present plight. Im sure there are plenty of wingers out there without clubs who could be looked at but I do reckon Rooney is worth more than he has shown recently and Paolo just needs to spend time with the lad. I am certainly worried about next month and salaries and if the choice was Ritchie or administration I know which one I would choose. Andrew Black will not put any more money in so its either the new buyers are quick or big trouble I am afraid to say.
Has it suddenly been removed from the STFC coffers.
Perhaps someone could elaborate on this.
COYMR
sadgit
says...
11:52am Tue 22 Jan 13
Is that you Lovesey wrote:Looks like we have all had the same reply.Lets see how big the apology is!
I have just had a response from the editor of the football league paper, this is how it starts. I understand your complaint fully and we are in the process of making remedies. Chris Dunlavy is writing an apology in the paper and we have contacted Swindon Town FC. So it seems they did have their facts wrong.....
old town robin
says...
11:57am Tue 22 Jan 13
Is that you Lovesey wrote:Quote : We're in the process of making remedies, be good if it a financial one as well as a written one. damage has been done to our reputation that cannot be repaired with just a small article, headed oops we got it wrong.
I have just had a response from the editor of the football league paper, this is how it starts.
I understand your complaint fully and we are in the process of making remedies. Chris Dunlavy is writing an apology in the paper and we have contacted Swindon Town FC.
So it seems they did have their facts wrong.....
Oxon-Red
says...
11:59am Tue 22 Jan 13
Di kanny oh wrote:Moving Benson, Cox and Co will free up salaries to allow new players in or Martin/Hollands to be kept longer.
Oxon-Red wrote:Benson, Cox, L Rooney, Caddis possibly, keeping Martin and Hollands all adds up.Di kanny oh wrote: I suppose one question to ask ourselves is would Matt Ritchie be replaceable and I feel the answer is yes with what we have at the club. As LR said RDV and Roberts with Luke Rooney as cover and Williams can play the wings also. Ritchie for me has been class but I have to say this, that this season he has not been his usual self and the fact is he does miss Caddis. I have only noted a few games where Ritchie has been on top form and one of those games was against Tranmere where he was unplayable but fact is he has been poor by his own standards and I do feel we could cash in with the cover we have at the club. Yes he scores plenty of goals and can win a game out of the blue but if the money were right I feel it would be too good to turn down in our present plight. Im sure there are plenty of wingers out there without clubs who could be looked at but I do reckon Rooney is worth more than he has shown recently and Paolo just needs to spend time with the lad. I am certainly worried about next month and salaries and if the choice was Ritchie or administration I know which one I would choose. Andrew Black will not put any more money in so its either the new buyers are quick or big trouble I am afraid to say.What is the sudden worry about salaries. The budget for the whole season was set up before it started and further funds were RELEASED in October to get us out of the embargo. Has it suddenly been removed from the STFC coffers. Perhaps someone could elaborate on this. COYMR
I was asking about the sudden worry that the club will not be paying players in February. Where is this coming from ??
COYMR
old town robin
says...
12:08pm Tue 22 Jan 13
London Red wrote:If we were looking for a left winger in the future, I would like to see a straight swap for Luke Rooney to return to the Gills for Myles Weston. From what I've seen of him on TV and when he played against us in the relegation season, he was a very good player for Brentford and I was surprised they let him go in the summer. Obviously they're manager didn't think the same, but then again Wilson didn't rate Ferry, so Paolo can make the differance
Ritchie should not be sold for under £2m money trouble or not - we have lost too many players in the past for under their real value
.
Losing Ritchie won't be great for a sale of the club - I wouldn't want to be buying a club which has just flogged its star player on the cheap
.
If Ritchie was to go for £2m+ then the initial solution would be Roberts on the right with RDV on the left
.
L Rooney would then come on to the bench as cover (plus we also have Storey as an option)
.
Granted not as potent as with Ritchie but we won't suddenly become a poor side
.
RDV has improved significantly this year and lots wnat him on the left anyway
.
Roberts is improving game by game with us and is a great player at this level - he has also played on the right a lot for Udders so could offer us the inverted winger option by going there
.
Then as the Loan window is still open (or will re-open a week after the perm one closes) we can reserect our interest in Green at Charlton who is a very good right winger - who like Ritchie chips in with goals - got double figures for D&R in both L1 and L2!
.
Caddis is STFC past - we should look forward
LeGod
says...
12:11pm Tue 22 Jan 13
I understand your complaint fully and we are in the process of making remedies. Chris Dunlavy is writing an apology in the paper and we have contacted Swindon Town FC.
Ironically, Chris Dunlavy has always been a champion of Swindon; in this instance his zeal to criticise clubs who live beyond their means has carried him away to make clearly unfounded, and deeply regretted, statements about the club.
His intention had been to raise the wider issue of insolvency and debt in football, and more precisely the need for clubs to move towards self-sustainability.
He saw Sir William Patey’s reported comments about administration and used this as the basis for his remarks. He chose the wrong target.
David Emery
Di kanny oh
says...
12:19pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Oxon-Red wrote:I know the budget for the season had been set aside but I thought we were over with the present playing staff at the club plus Risser cost us a pay off which has bought forward his salary if you like.
Di kanny oh wrote:Moving Benson, Cox and Co will free up salaries to allow new players in or Martin/Hollands to be kept longer.
Oxon-Red wrote:Benson, Cox, L Rooney, Caddis possibly, keeping Martin and Hollands all adds up.Di kanny oh wrote: I suppose one question to ask ourselves is would Matt Ritchie be replaceable and I feel the answer is yes with what we have at the club. As LR said RDV and Roberts with Luke Rooney as cover and Williams can play the wings also. Ritchie for me has been class but I have to say this, that this season he has not been his usual self and the fact is he does miss Caddis. I have only noted a few games where Ritchie has been on top form and one of those games was against Tranmere where he was unplayable but fact is he has been poor by his own standards and I do feel we could cash in with the cover we have at the club. Yes he scores plenty of goals and can win a game out of the blue but if the money were right I feel it would be too good to turn down in our present plight. Im sure there are plenty of wingers out there without clubs who could be looked at but I do reckon Rooney is worth more than he has shown recently and Paolo just needs to spend time with the lad. I am certainly worried about next month and salaries and if the choice was Ritchie or administration I know which one I would choose. Andrew Black will not put any more money in so its either the new buyers are quick or big trouble I am afraid to say.What is the sudden worry about salaries. The budget for the whole season was set up before it started and further funds were RELEASED in October to get us out of the embargo. Has it suddenly been removed from the STFC coffers. Perhaps someone could elaborate on this. COYMR
I was asking about the sudden worry that the club will not be paying players in February. Where is this coming from ??
COYMR
Chish and Fips
says...
12:25pm Tue 22 Jan 13
LeGod wrote:Likewise - same email - be interesting now to see this apology - probably tucked away in the corner of a page that only people with 20/20 vision will just about spot.
Just got my response from the Football League paper below:
I understand your complaint fully and we are in the process of making remedies. Chris Dunlavy is writing an apology in the paper and we have contacted Swindon Town FC.
Ironically, Chris Dunlavy has always been a champion of Swindon; in this instance his zeal to criticise clubs who live beyond their means has carried him away to make clearly unfounded, and deeply regretted, statements about the club.
His intention had been to raise the wider issue of insolvency and debt in football, and more precisely the need for clubs to move towards self-sustainability.
He saw Sir William Patey’s reported comments about administration and used this as the basis for his remarks. He chose the wrong target.
David Emery
old town robin
says...
12:28pm Tue 22 Jan 13
LeGod wrote:No excuses for poorly researched journalism by Dunlavy or Chris Wise for that matter. but it does seem our ex-diplomatic chairman is not so diplomatic with his choice of words. Unfortunately Jeremy Wray seems to be the one that the slur was aimed at and that is unforgivable after all he did for the club whilst in the chair.
Just got my response from the Football League paper below:
I understand your complaint fully and we are in the process of making remedies. Chris Dunlavy is writing an apology in the paper and we have contacted Swindon Town FC.
Ironically, Chris Dunlavy has always been a champion of Swindon; in this instance his zeal to criticise clubs who live beyond their means has carried him away to make clearly unfounded, and deeply regretted, statements about the club.
His intention had been to raise the wider issue of insolvency and debt in football, and more precisely the need for clubs to move towards self-sustainability.
He saw Sir William Patey’s reported comments about administration and used this as the basis for his remarks. He chose the wrong target.
David Emery
LeGod
says...
12:35pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Oxon-Red
says...
12:41pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Di kanny oh wrote:Di,
Oxon-Red wrote:I know the budget for the season had been set aside but I thought we were over with the present playing staff at the club plus Risser cost us a pay off which has bought forward his salary if you like.Di kanny oh wrote:Moving Benson, Cox and Co will free up salaries to allow new players in or Martin/Hollands to be kept longer. I was asking about the sudden worry that the club will not be paying players in February. Where is this coming from ?? COYMROxon-Red wrote:Benson, Cox, L Rooney, Caddis possibly, keeping Martin and Hollands all adds up.Di kanny oh wrote: I suppose one question to ask ourselves is would Matt Ritchie be replaceable and I feel the answer is yes with what we have at the club. As LR said RDV and Roberts with Luke Rooney as cover and Williams can play the wings also. Ritchie for me has been class but I have to say this, that this season he has not been his usual self and the fact is he does miss Caddis. I have only noted a few games where Ritchie has been on top form and one of those games was against Tranmere where he was unplayable but fact is he has been poor by his own standards and I do feel we could cash in with the cover we have at the club. Yes he scores plenty of goals and can win a game out of the blue but if the money were right I feel it would be too good to turn down in our present plight. Im sure there are plenty of wingers out there without clubs who could be looked at but I do reckon Rooney is worth more than he has shown recently and Paolo just needs to spend time with the lad. I am certainly worried about next month and salaries and if the choice was Ritchie or administration I know which one I would choose. Andrew Black will not put any more money in so its either the new buyers are quick or big trouble I am afraid to say.What is the sudden worry about salaries. The budget for the whole season was set up before it started and further funds were RELEASED in October to get us out of the embargo. Has it suddenly been removed from the STFC coffers. Perhaps someone could elaborate on this. COYMR
Mis-read your sentence regarding salaries but I have seen a number of post recently saying similar to how I read it.
I may be barking up the wrong tree but if Benson and Co are moved on I understand that we will be able to retain Martin and Hollands (injury dependant) until the end of the season.
COYMR
NewburyRobin
says...
1:05pm Tue 22 Jan 13
The last paragraph of his business interests state his son is a big fan of English football - interesting.
Bloomberg list him as the tenth richest man in the world.
mallorca
says...
1:12pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Interesting there interested in Charlie Austin should the move ever happen.
Now that would please AB plus if ritchie was sold yet as post said why sell one of the better players in the squad does not send out the right signal
LeGod
says...
1:19pm Tue 22 Jan 13
John Young's Grumpy
says...
1:30pm Tue 22 Jan 13
I understand your complaint fully and we are in the process of making remedies. Chris Dunlavy is writing an apology in the paper and we have contacted Swindon Town FC.
Ironically, Chris Dunlavy has always been a champion of Swindon; in this instance his zeal to criticise clubs who live beyond their means has carried him away to make clearly unfounded, and deeply regretted, statements about the club.
His intention had been to raise the wider issue of insolvency and debt in football, and more precisely the need for clubs to move towards self-sustainability.
He saw Sir William Patey’s reported comments about administration and used this as the basis for his remarks. He chose the wrong target.
David Emery
Whilst I whould understand that he (Emery) was probably inundated with emails of complaint and so would have had his work cut out to produce an individual response, hence the formalaic reply, I would not tolerate a 'hidden away in a corner of the paper' apology.
If you splurge the accusation across the spreadsheet - then do the same for the retraction and apology. Incidentally, as a 'champion of Swindon', Dunlavey should have been more diligent then. As for 'the wong target' - not half¬!! No one messes with PDC's Red and White Army.
I wonder just how many emails Emery recieved? ...........
mallorca
says...
1:33pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Also Chris Wise of BBC should do the same mind you he said what he said was totally re-searched?????
Who do you believe as for the 28 Billion Pound investormmmmmmm would be great but somehow cannot see it,however we can but hope
Oi Den!
says...
1:42pm Tue 22 Jan 13
LeGod
says...
1:58pm Tue 22 Jan 13
He has 200 cars a number of his own private planes and yachts and is a member of the saudi royal family.
MITTED
says...
2:44pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Oi Den! wrote:Perhaps all those who have received the apology should reply themselves to the editor that it should give it equal prominence to the original article in their next edition and copy to BBC and SkySports.
I was very pleased with Emery's reply. It's a proper apology and doesn't hide from the fact that his paper made a serious mistake in not checking the facts. I give him great credit for that. The tone of his email suggests to me that the apology in the next issue will be wholehearted and not half-arsed, as suggested by some - including me yesterday. I won't bear a grudge against Dunlavy. He's written good stuff about us in the past, and it's clear that he's made an honest mistake with the best of intentions. The concern he (ham-fistedly) tried to highlight should be a concern to all of us.
Di kanny oh
says...
3:12pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Ah well back to my bog repairs and fixing me flush.
the don69
says...
3:13pm Tue 22 Jan 13
the don69
says...
3:18pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Di kanny oh wrote:He's not an Oligarch Di Kanny oh!but looks like he's certainly in the mega bucks league!Messi would be a good first signing LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Blimey get this Al Waleed Bin Talal on board that would make our rival fans choke on their dinners for sure. Wow, so may be Sir William has got some major contacts after all. We can all but dream as this is really the type of investor we need a mega rich oil sheik who would have ambitions to take his investment all the way to the top. May be its not the way to do it in true spirit and like the old Wimbledon type scenario but in my lifetime I would love to see Swindon mixing it again with the big boys and the only way that will happen is money and lots of it. We could easily become the Southampton of Wiltshire and certainly give Reading something to think about.
Ah well back to my bog repairs and fixing me flush.
!!!!
Di kanny oh
says...
3:20pm Tue 22 Jan 13
the don69 wrote:Also may be Benson has seen the mega rich Sheiks at the County Ground and wants some of it.
I don't blame Benson for not being in any rush to leave!he's always given his best for us and we gave him his contract,so he's in control of his life!good luck Paul keep working hard and make the right move for you and your family!!!!!!!!!!
smirg kcab
says...
3:24pm Tue 22 Jan 13
southside7 wrote:Good shout caddis in midfield, tehoue upfront with kerrouche, smith in goal, Rooney,cox,risser,sm
LeGod wrote:If Ritchie went to Palace (hope he doesn't but still can't believe he isn't playing championship football) howbout Thompson at right back,Caddis right midfield?
No way will Caddis be back and do we need him now as Thompson has been superb since he came in at fullback and he is going to be a very good player if he keeps up his level of performance.
Birmingham havent got money and rumour is they want to off load 7 players so i could see Caddis back in L1 very soon.
ith in midfield,
Get over it caddis will and never will play for stfc unless Pdc goes.
Onwards and upwards
alchafreds
says...
5:21pm Tue 22 Jan 13
championship player without a doubt
and 2mil for a championship player who can score goals and he will, is peanuts
Old-Stager, Hilperton
says...
5:59pm Tue 22 Jan 13
NewburyRobin wrote:Another rival bid has been tabled by Andrei Terrabolikoff who is the grandson of a wealthy Russian Billionaire, who is also in the world's top ten rich list.
Wikipedia reports that Al-Waleed Bin Talal is in ongoing dialogue with the directors of STFC.
The last paragraph of his business interests state his son is a big fan of English football - interesting.
Bloomberg list him as the tenth richest man in the world.
Oi Den!
says...
5:59pm Tue 22 Jan 13
MITTED wrote:Each to his own. I sent a pretty angry (but restrained) email to the Editor and I think the reply I and others have received is good enough. I reckon he's in no doubt about what he has to do on Sunday. Not sure what BBC and SkySports have to do with it though.
Oi Den! wrote:Perhaps all those who have received the apology should reply themselves to the editor that it should give it equal prominence to the original article in their next edition and copy to BBC and SkySports.
I was very pleased with Emery's reply. It's a proper apology and doesn't hide from the fact that his paper made a serious mistake in not checking the facts. I give him great credit for that. The tone of his email suggests to me that the apology in the next issue will be wholehearted and not half-arsed, as suggested by some - including me yesterday. I won't bear a grudge against Dunlavy. He's written good stuff about us in the past, and it's clear that he's made an honest mistake with the best of intentions. The concern he (ham-fistedly) tried to highlight should be a concern to all of us.
avo
says...
7:28pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Oi Den! wrote:Nothing outside of fair representation that you mention in your comments ref the FL show where you state that you feel they offer a balanced view on us as a club.
MITTED wrote:Each to his own. I sent a pretty angry (but restrained) email to the Editor and I think the reply I and others have received is good enough. I reckon he's in no doubt about what he has to do on Sunday. Not sure what BBC and SkySports have to do with it though.Oi Den! wrote: I was very pleased with Emery's reply. It's a proper apology and doesn't hide from the fact that his paper made a serious mistake in not checking the facts. I give him great credit for that. The tone of his email suggests to me that the apology in the next issue will be wholehearted and not half-arsed, as suggested by some - including me yesterday. I won't bear a grudge against Dunlavy. He's written good stuff about us in the past, and it's clear that he's made an honest mistake with the best of intentions. The concern he (ham-fistedly) tried to highlight should be a concern to all of us.Perhaps all those who have received the apology should reply themselves to the editor that it should give it equal prominence to the original article in their next edition and copy to BBC and SkySports.
.
The BBC and Sky could show the same balanced view in their sports bulletins by allowing some airtime to the fact that a story that they reported on has developed, and that the outcome is far from what was originally reported.
.
That's what it has to do with Sky and the BBC.
southside7
says...
7:32pm Tue 22 Jan 13
smirg kcab wrote:I didn't say it was likely he'd be back. I said hypothetically, if he 'was' to come back he could play right midfield as he was good at flying down the wing and taking the p*ss out of most left back's in the league, whilst keeping Thompson as right back as he is a proper defender.
southside7 wrote:Good shout caddis in midfield, tehoue upfront with kerrouche, smith in goal, Rooney,cox,risser,sm
LeGod wrote:If Ritchie went to Palace (hope he doesn't but still can't believe he isn't playing championship football) howbout Thompson at right back,Caddis right midfield?
No way will Caddis be back and do we need him now as Thompson has been superb since he came in at fullback and he is going to be a very good player if he keeps up his level of performance.
Birmingham havent got money and rumour is they want to off load 7 players so i could see Caddis back in L1 very soon.
ith in midfield,
Get over it caddis will and never will play for stfc unless Pdc goes.
Onwards and upwards
Not as laughable as you may think as I do believe he played for Celtic in this position occassionally.
NewburyRobin
says...
7:54pm Tue 22 Jan 13
Old-Stager, Hilperton wrote:That must be the bidding war that SWP is on about then!.
NewburyRobin wrote:Another rival bid has been tabled by Andrei Terrabolikoff who is the grandson of a wealthy Russian Billionaire, who is also in the world's top ten rich list.
Wikipedia reports that Al-Waleed Bin Talal is in ongoing dialogue with the directors of STFC.
The last paragraph of his business interests state his son is a big fan of English football - interesting.
Bloomberg list him as the tenth richest man in the world.
London Red
says...
8:37pm Tue 22 Jan 13
.
Black has said that's your lot - fair enough
.
I have not seen anywhere he has said sorry I'm not funding these agreed budgets and am pulling the plug
.
Not adding any additional finding is different to pulling the plug
.
If he was too do that I'm sure it would be the summer and we would then be able to and would be forced to remould the squad base on predicted revenue alone and no top ups like previously
.
As for our wages we are UNDER budget - PdC clearly said this in the Town for Sale article
.
What he said is we can't spend it due to the 65% rule
.
That is why we need to move players on as it allows a straight swap without breaching the cap
.
This is where the no more funding comes in - AB could easily add equity like Oct and increase our income to allow the remaining budget to be spent but has said no more as I'm selling up
DarrenSTFCRomain
says...
9:43pm Tue 22 Jan 13
the don69
says...
9:46pm Tue 22 Jan 13
DarrenSTFCRomain wrote:Good luck to them Darren,i hope they win it!!!!!!!!!
I bet benson wished he went to bradford
Oi Den!
says...
10:28pm Tue 22 Jan 13
avo wrote:Maybe they will Avo. But there were plenty of news outlets reporting the same thing last week and I wasn't sure why the BBC and Sky were being singled out. I've no idea how Sky reported it. I think I did see and hear everything that was available on the BBC, including the Patey interview, and still don't see what they did wrong. Don't misunderstand me. I was angered by the FL Paper and I'd be similarly angered if I thought the BBC were equally at fault. A suspect headline, yes, but wasn't that about it? If I've got this wrong, I'll be happy to say sorry to you, MITTED, LR et al.
Oi Den! wrote:Nothing outside of fair representation that you mention in your comments ref the FL show where you state that you feel they offer a balanced view on us as a club.
MITTED wrote:Each to his own. I sent a pretty angry (but restrained) email to the Editor and I think the reply I and others have received is good enough. I reckon he's in no doubt about what he has to do on Sunday. Not sure what BBC and SkySports have to do with it though.Oi Den! wrote: I was very pleased with Emery's reply. It's a proper apology and doesn't hide from the fact that his paper made a serious mistake in not checking the facts. I give him great credit for that. The tone of his email suggests to me that the apology in the next issue will be wholehearted and not half-arsed, as suggested by some - including me yesterday. I won't bear a grudge against Dunlavy. He's written good stuff about us in the past, and it's clear that he's made an honest mistake with the best of intentions. The concern he (ham-fistedly) tried to highlight should be a concern to all of us.Perhaps all those who have received the apology should reply themselves to the editor that it should give it equal prominence to the original article in their next edition and copy to BBC and SkySports.
.
The BBC and Sky could show the same balanced view in their sports bulletins by allowing some airtime to the fact that a story that they reported on has developed, and that the outcome is far from what was originally reported.
.
That's what it has to do with Sky and the BBC.
Go on Don!
says...
12:11am Wed 23 Jan 13

the wizard says...
6:33am Tue 22 Jan 13
As goes Rooney, we paid a lot for what we got. He is very refreshing when he comes on, very lively and full of ambition, but I think we gave around £100k for him.
I thought Cox did ok from what I saw, and the Pox fans liked him when he was there, rather surprised Wilder didn't sign him but they have little or no money anyway, and Wilder sells all his good players anyway.