Embargo problems are a reality not an excuse for Di Canio (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

We all know its a reality.but in reality its still your players that YOU bought in ?.
I wonder how many managers in are division would like the players you got..

Agree with what you say

A lot of us had our say yesterday but let's now be very careful not to start a witch hunt against Paolo! He is very passionate and wants the team to do well, he is frustrated with resent results and all these injuries have not helped. He needs our support so let's all put things into perspective! Last season we had our bad spell at the start, all teams have them and maybe we have all got a bit carried away expecting promotion this season anyway? It is much more realistic to consolidate this season then give it a real go next season...so come on lads lets all get behind Paolo again?

Lazaat wrote:
A lot of us had our say yesterday but let's now be very careful not to start a witch hunt against Paolo! He is very passionate and wants the team to do well, he is frustrated with resent results and all these injuries have not helped. He needs our support so let's all put things into perspective! Last season we had our bad spell at the start, all teams have them and maybe we have all got a bit carried away expecting promotion this season anyway? It is much more realistic to consolidate this season then give it a real go next season...so come on lads lets all get behind Paolo again?

Could not agree more.

Absolutely the correct thing to do.

Get behind Paolo and get behind the team.

As Lazaat says, its always been a 3 year plan to get into the Championship, for the precise reason that it was going to be very hard to get back to back promotions. If we can stay in the top half, if possible then maybe go for the play offs, that would be fine with me for this year.
I think some fans just need to remember where we have been before.
After all the moaning and anger at PDC yesterday I'm very curious as to what it must have been like on here previously with Malpas/Wilson/Hart!

Lazaat wrote:
A lot of us had our say yesterday but let's now be very careful not to start a witch hunt against Paolo! He is very passionate and wants the team to do well, he is frustrated with resent results and all these injuries have not helped. He needs our support so let's all put things into perspective! Last season we had our bad spell at the start, all teams have them and maybe we have all got a bit carried away expecting promotion this season anyway? It is much more realistic to consolidate this season then give it a real go next season...so come on lads lets all get behind Paolo again?

I've been saying for a few days, time to cut some slack, so couldn't agree more.
We are ravaged with injuries, and playing with the personnel that is left we have little or no balance in the side. I am very fearful of the Villa game now as we will not be anywhere near full strength, and Macclesfield is beginning to look like a full sized banana skin already. So a time for calm, and hopefully we can get a side out that stands a chance.

Hang on he clearly says that 3 or 4 from LAST season haven't made the step up - that is not him criticising the new players he signed FOR L1!
.
What it means is he thought some (like a lot of us did) that certain players would cope but haven't
.
I'm guessing that Macca is actually one of these as the comment about being below potential suggests he is a player who is/was highly rated by him
.
The others will be Flint and Luke Rooney - IMO
.
I think it's clear I agree with him it has cost us as NO ONE can cope with the number of players missing we have
.
Once we gets the bigger ones back I do think we will improve
.
Williams is vital in the way we play and Navarro is totally underrated as we saw when he went off against Portsmouth what he does "in the background"
.
Thompson is the other big one for me as he made that RB spot his own

LR,

If we can get Thompson back that is a major step forwards as is Williams when he returns, totally agree. My verdict on Navaro is still 50/50, I'll wait and see more of him first. I think Flint can step up, but he needs to wise up first, he is easily drawn as we saw on Saturday, as goes Luke Rooney I'm not so sure. Gills supporters were highly critical of him before he came here, time will tell but I suspect he has to do a lot to impress our manager before getting selected again. Have a good one in the City.

London Red wrote:
Hang on he clearly says that 3 or 4 from LAST season haven't made the step up - that is not him criticising the new players he signed FOR L1!
.
What it means is he thought some (like a lot of us did) that certain players would cope but haven't
.
I'm guessing that Macca is actually one of these as the comment about being below potential suggests he is a player who is/was highly rated by him
.
The others will be Flint and Luke Rooney - IMO
.
I think it's clear I agree with him it has cost us as NO ONE can cope with the number of players missing we have
.
Once we gets the bigger ones back I do think we will improve
.
Williams is vital in the way we play and Navarro is totally underrated as we saw when he went off against Portsmouth what he does "in the background"
.
Thompson is the other big one for me as he made that RB spot his own

Sorry l/r Williams works hard but has not much idea on how to find the goal, raffa must be top scorer now?. And he plays him in the wrong position. I thought against Wigan last season he was motm playing up front in his only game at that position. Also at crewe he scored a great effort not on the wing but in the box.
Can't understand also why Pdc says if he brings players in he don't know what the fitness is?.
Is this the same man who drafted in ward, Rooney who looks like dead beats?
Onwards and downwards.
We need nick Powell on loan sorted

smirg kcab wrote:

London Red wrote:
Hang on he clearly says that 3 or 4 from LAST season haven't made the step up - that is not him criticising the new players he signed FOR L1!
.
What it means is he thought some (like a lot of us did) that certain players would cope but haven't
.
I'm guessing that Macca is actually one of these as the comment about being below potential suggests he is a player who is/was highly rated by him
.
The others will be Flint and Luke Rooney - IMO
.
I think it's clear I agree with him it has cost us as NO ONE can cope with the number of players missing we have
.
Once we gets the bigger ones back I do think we will improve
.
Williams is vital in the way we play and Navarro is totally underrated as we saw when he went off against Portsmouth what he does "in the background"
.
Thompson is the other big one for me as he made that RB spot his own

Sorry l/r Williams works hard but has not much idea on how to find the goal, raffa must be top scorer now?. And he plays him in the wrong position. I thought against Wigan last season he was motm playing up front in his only game at that position. Also at crewe he scored a great effort not on the wing but in the box.
Can't understand also why Pdc says if he brings players in he don't know what the fitness is?.
Is this the same man who drafted in ward, Rooney who looks like dead beats?
Onwards and downwards.
We need nick Powell on loan sorted

Raffa is a great asset for Paolo i.m.o. He is on record for declaring that he is prepared to play in any outfield position as long as he plays.- and when picked he gives his all.. With essential recent shuffling of the pack he is a gem.and seldom turns in a weak performance.

I like some others am getting a bit sick of the PDC bashing of late. You may disagree with some of what he's said of late but the reaction's been over the top.

The inuries are causing us a problem currently, fully believe we can get through the rough patch and still have high hopes of a top six finish this season, which would be a tremendous achievement.


Not saying Paolo doesn't make mistakes but it seems like some take a perverse pleasure in putting the boot in. Let's see how the next few games go, a change of form will put us right back on track, continuing in this vein will see us in trouble. Grumbling about the manager does no-one any good at this crucial stage.

the wizard wrote:

Lazaat wrote: A lot of us had our say yesterday but let's now be very careful not to start a witch hunt against Paolo! He is very passionate and wants the team to do well, he is frustrated with resent results and all these injuries have not helped. He needs our support so let's all put things into perspective! Last season we had our bad spell at the start, all teams have them and maybe we have all got a bit carried away expecting promotion this season anyway? It is much more realistic to consolidate this season then give it a real go next season...so come on lads lets all get behind Paolo again?

I've been saying for a few days, time to cut some slack, so couldn't agree more. We are ravaged with injuries, and playing with the personnel that is left we have little or no balance in the side. I am very fearful of the Villa game now as we will not be anywhere near full strength, and Macclesfield is beginning to look like a full sized banana skin already. So a time for calm, and hopefully we can get a side out that stands a chance.

That's agreed, good posts.
I think what is needed is for the board to communicate with the fans and reaffirm what the plan is for the future, and how they intend to lift the embargo before the Jan window.
Time to steady the ship I think.
COYR!

Should have moved to sort the right back issue months ago, that's one problem. I do have sympathy with Paolo, we are threadbare but the side he has isn't even attempting to okay the football did last year and he'll find this the further up the pyramid he manages. Last year he had hungry unknown players who listened to him and became brilliant players for a season.

Should have moved to sort the right back issue months ago, that's one problem. I do have sympathy with Paolo, we are threadbare but the side he has isn't even attempting to okay the football did last year and he'll find this the further up the pyramid he manages. Last year he had hungry unknown players who listened to him and became brilliant players for a season.

Seems Di Canio may be a man that can not be reasoned with as his version of reality is the only version that's correct and everyone else 'just doesn't get it'.

I will be happy if all goes to the 3 year plan and this is just a blip.

I just hope that the club does not continue to raise the costs (£2.20 for a coke what the hell is that about). Coming to watch the matches is getting an expensive past time. It's costing me over £1600 for me wife and two kids to come for a season now and Di Canio says we are getting value for money!

smirg kcab wrote:

London Red wrote:
Hang on he clearly says that 3 or 4 from LAST season haven't made the step up - that is not him criticising the new players he signed FOR L1!
.
What it means is he thought some (like a lot of us did) that certain players would cope but haven't
.
I'm guessing that Macca is actually one of these as the comment about being below potential suggests he is a player who is/was highly rated by him
.
The others will be Flint and Luke Rooney - IMO
.
I think it's clear I agree with him it has cost us as NO ONE can cope with the number of players missing we have
.
Once we gets the bigger ones back I do think we will improve
.
Williams is vital in the way we play and Navarro is totally underrated as we saw when he went off against Portsmouth what he does "in the background"
.
Thompson is the other big one for me as he made that RB spot his own

Sorry l/r Williams works hard but has not much idea on how to find the goal, raffa must be top scorer now?. And he plays him in the wrong position. I thought against Wigan last season he was motm playing up front in his only game at that position. Also at crewe he scored a great effort not on the wing but in the box.
Can't understand also why Pdc says if he brings players in he don't know what the fitness is?.
Is this the same man who drafted in ward, Rooney who looks like dead beats?
Onwards and downwards.
We need nick Powell on loan sorted

I think Benson is also in the frame for not making the step up. Sorry LR I just can't see Navarro suddenly stepping up the number of gears he would need to in order to be effective, he shouts a lot but he's all mouth and no trousers. Compare him with Si Ferry? No contest.

I'd like to see De Vita play more, his first touch is great and he can use either foot - like Grim says he is constantly played out of position. I like Williams and still hope he will do a Fjortoft and re-discover his scoring touch to add to the great contribution he makes to the team when he plays. Thompson is a terrific prospect, if he can stop picking up injuries he should be one of the first names on the team sheet. Flint is capable of being daft at times but I think he has looked the most effective centre back for us this season. Ward is average and past it, too much of a boot it and hope merchant, Troy looks short of confidence and needs a run in the team, preferably alongside Flint to give us aerial domination at the back. Adam Rooney needs to return to Birmingham as he is not going to make it here, if we can't do anything else then lets at least start to give young Storey his chance - if your good enough you're old enough.

It seems to me that a lot of players that looked very good in L1 at other clubs last year (like Collins, Troy, Roberts, Miller et al) have gone to pieces since coming here. One or two misfires you could understand but when it keeps happening again and again? It starts to make you wonder are they failing us or are we failing them? And I'm thinking man management there.

London Red wrote:
Hang on he clearly says that 3 or 4 from LAST season haven't made the step up - that is not him criticising the new players he signed FOR L1! . What it means is he thought some (like a lot of us did) that certain players would cope but haven't . I'm guessing that Macca is actually one of these as the comment about being below potential suggests he is a player who is/was highly rated by him . The others will be Flint and Luke Rooney - IMO . I think it's clear I agree with him it has cost us as NO ONE can cope with the number of players missing we have . Once we gets the bigger ones back I do think we will improve . Williams is vital in the way we play and Navarro is totally underrated as we saw when he went off against Portsmouth what he does "in the background" . Thompson is the other big one for me as he made that RB spot his own

LR - Just out of interest who do you and others think we should be trying to sign as and when the embargo is lifted?

Bearing in mind who is out injured and will be returning soon, & our need for caution in future spending, I think we need a good central midfielder. i.e someone who can score, hold the ball up when needed and read the game well.

Marlon Pack for me

Psychedelic Syd wrote:

smirg kcab wrote:

London Red wrote:
Hang on he clearly says that 3 or 4 from LAST season haven't made the step up - that is not him criticising the new players he signed FOR L1!
.
What it means is he thought some (like a lot of us did) that certain players would cope but haven't
.
I'm guessing that Macca is actually one of these as the comment about being below potential suggests he is a player who is/was highly rated by him
.
The others will be Flint and Luke Rooney - IMO
.
I think it's clear I agree with him it has cost us as NO ONE can cope with the number of players missing we have
.
Once we gets the bigger ones back I do think we will improve
.
Williams is vital in the way we play and Navarro is totally underrated as we saw when he went off against Portsmouth what he does "in the background"
.
Thompson is the other big one for me as he made that RB spot his own

Sorry l/r Williams works hard but has not much idea on how to find the goal, raffa must be top scorer now?. And he plays him in the wrong position. I thought against Wigan last season he was motm playing up front in his only game at that position. Also at crewe he scored a great effort not on the wing but in the box.
Can't understand also why Pdc says if he brings players in he don't know what the fitness is?.
Is this the same man who drafted in ward, Rooney who looks like dead beats?
Onwards and downwards.
We need nick Powell on loan sorted

I think Benson is also in the frame for not making the step up. Sorry LR I just can't see Navarro suddenly stepping up the number of gears he would need to in order to be effective, he shouts a lot but he's all mouth and no trousers. Compare him with Si Ferry? No contest.

I'd like to see De Vita play more, his first touch is great and he can use either foot - like Grim says he is constantly played out of position. I like Williams and still hope he will do a Fjortoft and re-discover his scoring touch to add to the great contribution he makes to the team when he plays. Thompson is a terrific prospect, if he can stop picking up injuries he should be one of the first names on the team sheet. Flint is capable of being daft at times but I think he has looked the most effective centre back for us this season. Ward is average and past it, too much of a boot it and hope merchant, Troy looks short of confidence and needs a run in the team, preferably alongside Flint to give us aerial domination at the back. Adam Rooney needs to return to Birmingham as he is not going to make it here, if we can't do anything else then lets at least start to give young Storey his chance - if your good enough you're old enough.

It seems to me that a lot of players that looked very good in L1 at other clubs last year (like Collins, Troy, Roberts, Miller et al) have gone to pieces since coming here. One or two misfires you could understand but when it keeps happening again and again? It starts to make you wonder are they failing us or are we failing them? And I'm thinking man management there.

Agree with all that even my own lol

People just can't wait to put the knife in on this site, you will get what you deserve when paolo eventually leaves.

So come on you negative people, who would do a better job?? Let's see some names!

Smirg - I do agree about Rooney - having seen him 4 times now and read/listened about others on top it is showing he is not the answer
.
I really hope SWP does not allow him to be part of any perm deal for Caddis
.
Don't agree about Ward at all. The thing with him is he is an old fashion if in doubt defender
.
Against Scunny there were moans when he simpl hacked a clearance away - now I always thought that was a defenders job - stop the attack!
.
Granted a few other times he does go long rather than play it about - but that can be just as much the midfield fault for not offering options
.
Defensively though he is sound and bar maybe Poc away you can not say he has cost us goals
.
Agree with RDV while Williams is out I think he should partner Collins up top
.
By the way it was Udders not Wigan where he played up top
.
Syd - Ferry and Navarro is like apples and oranges - two different things
.
Ferry and Miller are more comparable!
.
Navarro is not about getting his foot on the ball spreading it about or going on long runs - he is about organising, hassling, breaking down the opponents and then letting Ferry get on with what he does best
.
You need players like that to boss games and it is no coincidence that games he has been playing in we have been on top
.
The change at Portsmouth after he had to go off was amazing - may be a coincidence - but I personally think not
.
Help me - I think we need a forward and one who offers something different as Rooney, Collins and Benson are all similar
.
Jervis would have been ideal as he has pace as well as a physical edge - and 4 in 6 this year so knows where the net is!
.
Though he is at Tranmere, injured and we can't sign anyone so a non starter
.
Other than that no names for a loanee - just a fast forward who will give us a different dimension
.
Then in Jan I would want us to go for Cassidy on a perm
.
Scored nearly 20 for Tranmere in total now and hopefully we could tempt Wolves with a Cox style deal

This negativity really winds me up.

We are making progress no doubt about that. Why do the knives come out when we lose ?
We will lose again for sure but its not all gloom and doom.
Remember this is Paolo's first step into management. He will make mistakes but cut him some slack.

Get behind the Team & think of Paul Hart and maybe you won't feel so bad.

See you all at Stevehage.

...that was Stevenage ;)

Cant believe all the negativity, we are seventh after promotion, with a load of injuries, our best striker (not goalscorer) is out injured and we are still seventh, Chesterfield won the league and went straight back down last year.

PDC is doing a great job, he is still learning and I am not saying he is perfect by any means, but I would take his passion and committment over the drudge of managers we have had at this club....

Looking forward to Stevenage and then the Villa, I work in Brum with blues and villa fans loads of them are coming to the game so I am hoping we play well....

Its about expectations - Chesterfield came up and probably set 5th from bottom as their target
.
If consolidation ahead of a promotion push next season was the target then not many (including PdC) would be complaining at this point
.
However, we geared ourselves up for a promotion push THIS YEAR - so to be struggling and dropping points at this stage is worrying if that is the aim
.
Thats PdC main point - are we going for it or not?
.
If so get the embargo lifted and let me get cover in for the injuries - 150k to the likes of our Directors is nothing!
.
If just the 2 loans totalling £1.4m were converted to equity we would be given an etxra £900k in wage budget instantly!
.
If not say so and we can readjust our expectations to consolidation

LR re Navarro, I've seen him almost every time he has been played this season and believe me he is not worth his place. The reason I compared him to Ferry is because Paolo tends to play one or the other and uses them to sub each other.

I'm not convinced that we have to bring loads of players in, we have some excellent players in the squad but I don't feel we always play to their strengths or get the best out of them. A large part of it is confidence.

London Red wrote:
Hang on he clearly says that 3 or 4 from LAST season haven't made the step up - that is not him criticising the new players he signed FOR L1!
.
What it means is he thought some (like a lot of us did) that certain players would cope but haven't
.
I'm guessing that Macca is actually one of these as the comment about being below potential suggests he is a player who is/was highly rated by him
.
The others will be Flint and Luke Rooney - IMO
.
I think it's clear I agree with him it has cost us as NO ONE can cope with the number of players missing we have
.
Once we gets the bigger ones back I do think we will improve
.
Williams is vital in the way we play and Navarro is totally underrated as we saw when he went off against Portsmouth what he does "in the background"
.
Thompson is the other big one for me as he made that RB spot his own

Add Devera to your list LR, although in his defence he hasn't had a chance to really show us if he has stepped up, because I don't think RB is his best position. In addition Paolo made a comment a while back that he thinks Benson is not up to it either, so it would seem in his mind that really only leaves Ferry, Wes and Raffa that have stepped up, but I would not be too harsh on Flint apart from getting sent off and the mix up at Pox, which he wasn't entirely to blame, I think he's done OK.
Maybe it's also time for macca to be relieved of the captaincy and given the chance to play in midfield which is the position he was brought in to play when he joined or even as a libero with two tall centre backs in front of him, then he can be judged whether if he is good enough for div 1, he is not a natural CB because he is too short, so Paolo needs to remember how he made a good decision to play him there last season, but if it's not working this year, it's time to review if he wants to continue playing him out of position. By the way.I think all of them are as good if not better than some of the new signings, remember last year when we all agreed there were a core 7 that would move up with ease, why should that have changed.

Very unfair of Paolo to judge any player when they are not used in their preferred position

LR re Navarro, I've seen him almost every time he has been played this season and believe me he is not worth his place. The reason I compared him to Ferry is because Paolo tends to play one or the other and uses them to sub each other.

I'm not convinced that we have to bring loads of players in, we have some excellent players in the squad but I don't feel we always play to their strengths or get the best out of them. A large part of it is confidence.

Yes. Stop all the negativity. Start appreciating how much money the directors/investors have put into the club already and how fortunate we are; stop singling out good professionals for public criticism; stop suggesting our squad might not even be good enough to stay up. We are never going to get anywhere with this negativity. It's counter-productive, embarrassing and it's even becoming boring now.

The Embargo is a sad situation for the club to be in.
Yet could be a blessing in disguise,as pdc will have to work with what he has,I do hope he can Manage.As all we hear from him is the embargo, to be honest when you think of players he signe,fell out with and in general the money that has been wasted it makes you think.I also feel even without the embargo he would have done the exact same thing.
Would really love to see him stop moaning and put all efforts into his squad he just may surprise a few of us.
as for moving on with his temprement may just put clubs off.
So Pdc cut the moaning and work with what you have PLEASE as a lot of fans have complete faith in you

TheDukeOfBanbury wrote:
This negativity really winds me up.

We are making progress no doubt about that. Why do the knives come out when we lose ?
We will lose again for sure but its not all gloom and doom.
Remember this is Paolo's first step into management. He will make mistakes but cut him some slack.

Get behind the Team & think of Paul Hart and maybe you won't feel so bad.

See you all at Stevehage.

....urrggghhhh!!!!
DUKE!!!!...Now I feel feckin awful!!! ....Cheers matey!
:-)

DarrenSTFCRomain wrote:
We all know its a reality.but in reality its still your players that YOU bought in ?.
I wonder how many managers in are division would like the players you got..

Once again, he ISNT slating the players he has brought in. He is simply stating that with all the injuries that we have had in recent weeks, we are now struggling to have the correct players for the correct positions, and we dont have enough players to cover each position like we did last season. THIS is why he wants the embargo gone!!

the wizard wrote:

Lazaat wrote:
A lot of us had our say yesterday but let's now be very careful not to start a witch hunt against Paolo! He is very passionate and wants the team to do well, he is frustrated with resent results and all these injuries have not helped. He needs our support so let's all put things into perspective! Last season we had our bad spell at the start, all teams have them and maybe we have all got a bit carried away expecting promotion this season anyway? It is much more realistic to consolidate this season then give it a real go next season...so come on lads lets all get behind Paolo again?

I've been saying for a few days, time to cut some slack, so couldn't agree more.
We are ravaged with injuries, and playing with the personnel that is left we have little or no balance in the side. I am very fearful of the Villa game now as we will not be anywhere near full strength, and Macclesfield is beginning to look like a full sized banana skin already. So a time for calm, and hopefully we can get a side out that stands a chance.

Blo0dy hell Wiz! Sorry but talk about pot kettle and black -nobody I don't think has been more vociferous in their criticism of PdC's management style and PR than you in recent weeks and your question to Sam Morshead yesterday about who would replace Paolo was as you know seen by me as mischievous manure stirring.

Laz et al are absolutely spot on if the masses start to pi$s PdC off then you may well get what I perceive to be your desired wish of him walking despite what you might proclaim on these boards because in my opinion I've detected a theme running through all your recent posts that you are now somewhat anti PdC. Of course I might be completely wrong but that's the message that's coming through to me.
:)

I dont think Paolo will really take much notice of what a few keyboard warriors say TBH guys. The fans speak with their feet, and indeed our actual voices at the matches. Steady attendances, plenty of pro-Paolo chanting and the fact that the majority stay an extra 5 mins just to give PDC that extra cheer show that apart from a very small minority most are fully behind Paolo.

Malk, I think you are oversimplifying the situation. I don't think the underlying desire is for PDC to go; I think most people fervently want him to stay but to be more positive in his approach.
.
He has now pubicly slaughtered Caddis, Foderingham, Benson and McCormack - and that's just naming his favourites. I'm not going to try to debate whether he had good reasons to be upset with them. Perhaps he did. That is not the point. I just can't see how this coninual theme of public flogging can have anything but a harmful effect on morale and motivation.
.
As for transfer funds, yes, I'm sure he would like more. Wouldn't all managers? But who is to say that would be the magic wand that transforms us from also-rans to promotion front runners? Recent acquisitions would not seem to make a strong case for it.
.
Here's one supporter who wants PDC to remain in charge. We need his undoubted charisma, drive and coaching skills. However, I believe he simply has to become more positive if we are not to continue the slide down the table.

old town robin wrote:

London Red wrote: Hang on he clearly says that 3 or 4 from LAST season haven't made the step up - that is not him criticising the new players he signed FOR L1! . What it means is he thought some (like a lot of us did) that certain players would cope but haven't . I'm guessing that Macca is actually one of these as the comment about being below potential suggests he is a player who is/was highly rated by him . The others will be Flint and Luke Rooney - IMO . I think it's clear I agree with him it has cost us as NO ONE can cope with the number of players missing we have . Once we gets the bigger ones back I do think we will improve . Williams is vital in the way we play and Navarro is totally underrated as we saw when he went off against Portsmouth what he does "in the background" . Thompson is the other big one for me as he made that RB spot his own

Add Devera to your list LR, although in his defence he hasn't had a chance to really show us if he has stepped up, because I don't think RB is his best position. In addition Paolo made a comment a while back that he thinks Benson is not up to it either, so it would seem in his mind that really only leaves Ferry, Wes and Raffa that have stepped up, but I would not be too harsh on Flint apart from getting sent off and the mix up at Pox, which he wasn't entirely to blame, I think he's done OK. Maybe it's also time for macca to be relieved of the captaincy and given the chance to play in midfield which is the position he was brought in to play when he joined or even as a libero with two tall centre backs in front of him, then he can be judged whether if he is good enough for div 1, he is not a natural CB because he is too short, so Paolo needs to remember how he made a good decision to play him there last season, but if it's not working this year, it's time to review if he wants to continue playing him out of position. By the way.I think all of them are as good if not better than some of the new signings, remember last year when we all agreed there were a core 7 that would move up with ease, why should that have changed. Very unfair of Paolo to judge any player when they are not used in their preferred position

Reckon that could work wonders - Troy/Ward and Flint at the back and then Macca as a "roving" defender in front, sniffing out the loose balls and closing down the opposition runners so that the back four can keep their shape and won't get drawn out of the box. Could also be a vital link between midfield and attack, we know he can pass a ball well, and a lot of the reason we seem to be playing hoofball is not the fault of the defenders, but the midfield not dropping back into positions where they can receive the ball - in the past few games the midfield have at times seemed completed absent.

Easy to play armchair manager though, sure a team of professional coaches have looked through all the available options and selected that which they think has the best chance of bringing us results. Why would they not?

Probably completely wrong but I wonder if drawing Villa and the prospect of playing in front of a full house under the lights has distracted some players as well - you'd think they'd be working extra hard to try and get the opportunity to play on that stage but it doesn't always work out like that.

All that aside, let's hope for a decent result AND performance Saturday, something to give us hope. I'd take a draw and a much improved performance with a clean sheet (although a win would set us right up for what will be a tough couple of weeks ahead). COYR.

London Red wrote:
Hang on he clearly says that 3 or 4 from LAST season haven't made the step up - that is not him criticising the new players he signed FOR L1! . What it means is he thought some (like a lot of us did) that certain players would cope but haven't . I'm guessing that Macca is actually one of these as the comment about being below potential suggests he is a player who is/was highly rated by him . The others will be Flint and Luke Rooney - IMO . I think it's clear I agree with him it has cost us as NO ONE can cope with the number of players missing we have . Once we gets the bigger ones back I do think we will improve . Williams is vital in the way we play and Navarro is totally underrated as we saw when he went off against Portsmouth what he does "in the background" . Thompson is the other big one for me as he made that RB spot his own

a ,mate of mine is a charlton fan and he said last year if we go up to get rid of both of them not good enough for leauge 1 which is why they let them go to us

oz ashes wrote:

London Red wrote:
Hang on he clearly says that 3 or 4 from LAST season haven't made the step up - that is not him criticising the new players he signed FOR L1! . What it means is he thought some (like a lot of us did) that certain players would cope but haven't . I'm guessing that Macca is actually one of these as the comment about being below potential suggests he is a player who is/was highly rated by him . The others will be Flint and Luke Rooney - IMO . I think it's clear I agree with him it has cost us as NO ONE can cope with the number of players missing we have . Once we gets the bigger ones back I do think we will improve . Williams is vital in the way we play and Navarro is totally underrated as we saw when he went off against Portsmouth what he does "in the background" . Thompson is the other big one for me as he made that RB spot his own

a ,mate of mine is a charlton fan and he said last year if we go up to get rid of both of them not good enough for leauge 1 which is why they let them go to us

i was talking about macca and benson

Exmouth_red69 wrote:
People just can't wait to put the knife in on this site, you will get what you deserve when paolo eventually leaves.

So come on you negative people, who would do a better job?? Let's see some names!

Exmouth a question I've asked too. The response was the predictable crop of currently unemployed managers and mostly those who have had brief success at championship level but failed to maintain their initial impetus ala Megson, Curbishley, McCarthy& even Hoddle again(zzzz) and the bloke from Sandbanks that can't use a mobile... Ye gods give me strength ! Get behind the man but keep off his back ffs!

For the fans to stay off his back ,he must stay off the players backs publicly. He signed all his new players before the pre season i remember he was chuffed saying they are all here in advance this season, then he signed what 6 or 7 more in the transfer window, at some point he would have a limit and he has hit that limit now. We all want him to stay but he has to stop publicly blaming players and get on and manage what he has. I was disappointed to hear him talk about McCormack like he did after the Crewe game, it's just not good for players moral...please keep it in house Paolo

I think Paolo is refering to Devera and not Flint.

On strikers and hoping they find the Fjortoft touch. Perhaps we should look at the goals scored in recent matches. Williams 3 in 3 prior to his injury and Collins 3 in 3 before the Crewe game.

Most strikers rely on chances being created for them. Against Scunthorpe Collins had one chance and took it, Rooney had one chance and missed it, the other chances fell to midfielders. Reading Sam's commentary on Tuesday it appeared it was a similar story, only 2 or 3 of the 16 chances fell the way of the strikers.

We do create chances but the majority are not for the Strikers. Is this the fault of the Midfield or poor positioning by the strikers. Whichever it is something Paolo should look at improving.

COYMR

ps anyone know who we lose on Tuesday through being cup-tied ? I think Rooney is one, which should please Grim.

Den
I'm not saying there is an underlying desire for him to go at least not from the majority but from one or two who have regularly lately been sticking the knife in and twisting it a notch or two with each successive post.

Not too bothered with him having a pop at one or two Fods was certainly out of order and maybe Caddis too. From what I read, heard and saw from the Crewe game Macca's performance wasn't great. As I said in an earlier post I see these swipes more as a gee up to try and get more out of the player concerned. Whether that is the right approach I don't know but at the moment it certainly seems to be PdC's way.

Rogersforengland wrote:
For the fans to stay off his back ,he must stay off the players backs publicly. He signed all his new players before the pre season i remember he was chuffed saying they are all here in advance this season, then he signed what 6 or 7 more in the transfer window, at some point he would have a limit and he has hit that limit now. We all want him to stay but he has to stop publicly blaming players and get on and manage what he has. I was disappointed to hear him talk about McCormack like he did after the Crewe game, it's just not good for players moral...please keep it in house Paolo

I think some of you are very precious, if I make a mistake I'm told in no uncertain terms, and in front of other people! Man up

No one is perfect we all make mistakes, but maybe the players who keep missing chances need to look at themselves, we know they are good enough.

Maybe it's hard for paolo to see his players under perform every week, when he was so professional in his career.

Remember 3 year plan, and stop being so bloody fickle when we loose.

On the subject of "Hoof Ball" I will offer a possible reason.

The advent of Spain's rise saw them pass teams off the pitch, other teams followed and the likes of Swansea did very well playing that way. Another aspect of the Spanish game was defensively to defend in the opponent's half by pressing the players with the ball. This method of defence was very successful for them because 90% of the time defenders were forced to clear the ball long or pass back to the goalkeeper to clear it. This pressing the ball form of defence has become the norm thoughout football, Man City tried doing it, unsuccessfully, last night. Schalke did it against Arsenal and our opponents this season have done it.

Combating it requires skillful quick passing and movement to create the spaces etc. Not many teams have this ability in the Premiership (Man City and even Arsenal struggled last night) let alone in the lower leagues.

COYMR

Malkym wrote:

the wizard wrote:

Lazaat wrote:
A lot of us had our say yesterday but let's now be very careful not to start a witch hunt against Paolo! He is very passionate and wants the team to do well, he is frustrated with resent results and all these injuries have not helped. He needs our support so let's all put things into perspective! Last season we had our bad spell at the start, all teams have them and maybe we have all got a bit carried away expecting promotion this season anyway? It is much more realistic to consolidate this season then give it a real go next season...so come on lads lets all get behind Paolo again?

I've been saying for a few days, time to cut some slack, so couldn't agree more.
We are ravaged with injuries, and playing with the personnel that is left we have little or no balance in the side. I am very fearful of the Villa game now as we will not be anywhere near full strength, and Macclesfield is beginning to look like a full sized banana skin already. So a time for calm, and hopefully we can get a side out that stands a chance.

Blo0dy hell Wiz! Sorry but talk about pot kettle and black -nobody I don't think has been more vociferous in their criticism of PdC's management style and PR than you in recent weeks and your question to Sam Morshead yesterday about who would replace Paolo was as you know seen by me as mischievous manure stirring.

Laz et al are absolutely spot on if the masses start to pi$s PdC off then you may well get what I perceive to be your desired wish of him walking despite what you might proclaim on these boards because in my opinion I've detected a theme running through all your recent posts that you are now somewhat anti PdC. Of course I might be completely wrong but that's the message that's coming through to me.
:)

Yes, I have criticised his style of name/blame/shame as have many more, perhaps I was quicker than some to spot that and reject it as the crass thing it is to do. Yes, I have also stated they were his players, his choice, his team, his tactics, but all of that is true and over the last week many more have said so.
Who was it that broke the silence and confidentiality of the embargo, none other than laughing boy himself, in another name/shame/blame rant but this time obviously aimed at the board and Wray.
It was our manager who has now on several occasions hinted, said, and suggested that he may leave, so in the cold light of day the question was valid as the man himself has already said it was on his mind to do so, so where is the problem ?
The problem as I see it is we have a Wilsonesque team through nobody's fault. They blow hot and cold, week on week, some of that is no doubt down to injuries and players not gelling with those around them. The positive I see through this, is that the management team now have fewer players admittedly that are match fit, but it gives them more time to develop a smaller squad right now. That could work out to an advantage in training, not so many players to confuse the issue. Work now on each player and player groups to get some under standings going, hence give them some slack and let that happen. He may well find certain players will respond better to one on one training with him that they have not had before, a smaller group should become closer knit. That is what I am hoping for and so should everyone else, that we can capitalise on our problems and turn them into an advantage of some sort.
I still think his PR is carp, but I'm hoping his matey Patey will work with him to improve it.
Oh and one last point, although I have berated his style I have never said he was a BAD manager and needed to go, what I have said he needs to improve, he judges others, so we shall judge him. Seldom, does he ever take any blame for a poor performance. If he has issues they should be kept to a one on one face to face basis, now my coffee is going cold, laters, no doubt.

Exmouth_red69 wrote:
People just can't wait to put the knife in on this site, you will get what you deserve when paolo eventually leaves.

So come on you negative people, who would do a better job?? Let's see some names!

Lets not bother,why do you want to do that for anyway? negative if you ask me...

I don't want Paolo to leave. The football we see is always committed and I never feel cheated as a few seasons back. We always create chances and of course it would be great to see more go in. No doubt we would have gone for at leat 2 emergency loans to cover for Williams and Navarro/Thompson. Funnily enough I think the fans accept the embargo because we know that the wage cap is necessay to help protect our club. Paolo refuses to reduce his expectations because of his winning mentality. I've supported the Town too long so my expectation is that as soon as it all seems to be going well something will happen. I suspect that Paolo's approach to the man management side upsets me because of this inbuilt fear that something bad is bound to happen. JWray was my comfort blanket and so the chill feels a bit colder. Have things really changed that much. Paolo won't change because he can't allow himself to. I'm happy to cling to the roller coaster. Its just travelling a bit quicker than it used to and the temperature has changed. COYRs.

A bit of a tangent here, but I emailed the football league for some clarity over the salary cap. Interestingly, transfer fees don't count as wage spend - instead they count as negative turnover. Thus spending £100k on a player reduces you turnover by £100k meaning you have £65k (65%) less available to spend on wages. Alternatively donations, equity or transfer surplus can be added to turnover to increase the available spend. So selling a player for £1m gives you another £650k for wages.

Full response from the football league as follows:-

Thank you for your email.

Please see the following summary of Financial Fair Play and SCMP online here http://www.football-
league.co.uk/page/FL
ExplainedDetail/0,,1
0794~2748246,00.html
.

Some further information on SCMP is as follows.

SCMP restricts League 1 clubs from spending more than 65% of turnover of their turnover on wages. This is calculated on an on-going basis going forward. Turnover for SCMP is not strictly turnover as laid out in a club’s accounts. It is relevant income that we allow to use against player wages. Relevant income comprises of all football related revenues, such as gate income, League distributions, prize money etc. We then use gross profit for a club’s commercial revenues (e.g. sponsorship, advertising hospitality etc.), rather than turnover and also net transfer monies (i.e. sales less purchases), which can be negative. Also, cash injections via donations and/or equity, which does not appear in the turnover figure in a club’s financial statements, can also be included as relevant income.

All player wages are included in the calculation. This covers basic wage, bonuses, appearances and any other add-ons. The calculation also includes PAYE, medical costs, cars and travel and also agent payments. Players included are all contract players (full contract, non-contract, multiplicity etc.) and loan players. Players loaned out are deducted for the period of the loan. Players not included are youth players on a professional contract (i.e. players that have been in the club’s YD scheme and have been given a pro contract. They must be 20 years of age or under at the start of the season to be discounted from the SCMP calculation.

I hope that answers your query.

Thank you for contacting The Football League.

Apoliogies if this is already known or been covered elsewhere.

Oi Den! wrote:
Malk, I think you are oversimplifying the situation. I don't think the underlying desire is for PDC to go; I think most people fervently want him to stay but to be more positive in his approach. . He has now pubicly slaughtered Caddis, Foderingham, Benson and McCormack - and that's just naming his favourites. I'm not going to try to debate whether he had good reasons to be upset with them. Perhaps he did. That is not the point. I just can't see how this coninual theme of public flogging can have anything but a harmful effect on morale and motivation. . As for transfer funds, yes, I'm sure he would like more. Wouldn't all managers? But who is to say that would be the magic wand that transforms us from also-rans to promotion front runners? Recent acquisitions would not seem to make a strong case for it. . Here's one supporter who wants PDC to remain in charge. We need his undoubted charisma, drive and coaching skills. However, I believe he simply has to become more positive if we are not to continue the slide down the table.

I agree Den, the public slating has to stop, perhaps he should take a leaf out of Wilson's book of media management for a while...

Red Army wrote:
Seems Di Canio may be a man that can not be reasoned with as his version of reality is the only version that's correct and everyone else 'just doesn't get it'.

I will be happy if all goes to the 3 year plan and this is just a blip.

I just hope that the club does not continue to raise the costs (£2.20 for a coke what the hell is that about). Coming to watch the matches is getting an expensive past time. It's costing me over £1600 for me wife and two kids to come for a season now and Di Canio says we are getting value for money!

Hi Red Army.

I totally agree about the extortionate food / drink prices but I would suggest you do as I do and vote with my feet and send an email to the club with words to the same effect. If nobody made any purchases then prices would soon tumble!

billbst top post like that. Like some of the positivity on here today to.

Also think that some games we've completely lost the plot and our movement and pressing has gone. This slagging of defenders for hoofing it has often been because they've had no outlet, let alone options from midfield. Something we definitely need to sort. this has nothing to do with skill but work rate and desire to be available for whoever has the ball.

I would personally also like to see defenders make themselves available for Wes and him use them. I often feel it sets the tone - a bad one at that.

I still firmly believe when fit we will set up

Super Sir Wes
Thompson Troy Macca Jay
Ritchie Miller Navarro/Ferry Roberts
Collins Williams

This team is good enough to win this league no question in my mind.

Let's see how we go but I remain positive for the league but slightly fearful for the Villa game Tuesday.

Warwickshire Red wrote:

Red Army wrote:
Seems Di Canio may be a man that can not be reasoned with as his version of reality is the only version that's correct and everyone else 'just doesn't get it'.

I will be happy if all goes to the 3 year plan and this is just a blip.

I just hope that the club does not continue to raise the costs (£2.20 for a coke what the hell is that about). Coming to watch the matches is getting an expensive past time. It's costing me over £1600 for me wife and two kids to come for a season now and Di Canio says we are getting value for money!

Hi Red Army.

I totally agree about the extortionate food / drink prices but I would suggest you do as I do and vote with my feet and send an email to the club with words to the same effect. If nobody made any purchases then prices would soon tumble!

Ref prices of food and drink, ALL CG catering including the Legends Lounge is contracted out. I used to eat in the LL while watching the SKY game on a Saturday, now I don't bother and I eat up town and see many others doing the same. The number of people eating in the LL has greatly reduced.
I did try a pie and mash, with peas once and that was enough. The mash was very watery smash, the pie had had all the meat syringed out of it and the peas were foul, oh and the gravy was a disgrace. Never again. I made a personal but polite protest to Nick Watkins about it, and he confirmed they had received many complaints, but it is now down to the contractor.

I've just noticed that in my earlier post I said PDC has been "pubicly slaughtering" players. I would like to make it clear, before the Adver and I get sued, that I am not suggesting Paolo has resorted to genital torture! It was a typo - honest guv.

Wilesy wrote:

Oi Den! wrote:
Malk, I think you are oversimplifying the situation. I don't think the underlying desire is for PDC to go; I think most people fervently want him to stay but to be more positive in his approach. . He has now pubicly slaughtered Caddis, Foderingham, Benson and McCormack - and that's just naming his favourites. I'm not going to try to debate whether he had good reasons to be upset with them. Perhaps he did. That is not the point. I just can't see how this coninual theme of public flogging can have anything but a harmful effect on morale and motivation. . As for transfer funds, yes, I'm sure he would like more. Wouldn't all managers? But who is to say that would be the magic wand that transforms us from also-rans to promotion front runners? Recent acquisitions would not seem to make a strong case for it. . Here's one supporter who wants PDC to remain in charge. We need his undoubted charisma, drive and coaching skills. However, I believe he simply has to become more positive if we are not to continue the slide down the table.

I agree Den, the public slating has to stop, perhaps he should take a leaf out of Wilson's book of media management for a while...

Not sure whether that's a cryptic one or not Wilesy! Somewhere bewtween "we just need to improve in certain areas" and publicly (checked spelling before hitting "Submit") hanging players out to dry would do nicely.

While we are talking about making the grade or not I thought I put my views on them out there
.
Players from last year then are: Wes, Devera, Macca, Flint, Ritchie, Rooney, Ferry, RDV, Benson - Plus argualby McEveley
.
Have they made the step up?
.
IMO
.
Wes - Yes
.
Devera – No – but as stated above not been played as CB so unfair to judge just as RB
.
Macca – Question Mark - Not poor but is getting exposed by errors – maybe not CB at L1 level – lets get him back in Midfield while Navarro is out
.
Flint - Question Mark (but more towards Yes than No) – Not poor at all but is getting exposed by errors – he is young though so is still learning – maybe 3rd choice is a good place for him at this point in time
.
McEveley - Yes
.
Ritchie - Yes
.
Rooney – Not on Preston – but 1 game is harsh to judge – lets see how he is when he gets back
.
Ferry - Yes
.
RDV – Yes – the surprise package! Now lets see him up top please!
.
Benson – Question Mark – Not poor – but not made the same impact as he did in L2 – Think OK for a mid table team but as we saw with Charlton not a promotion side
.
As for the New Boys
.
Thompson (Technicaly not new but now is first teamer) – Yes
.
Bessone – No
.
Ward – Yes – no noncense defnder –if you look at that part of his game he is solid
.
Troy – Question Mark – started well but been bit iffy since his return – maybe just needs to get back into the swing of it to return to a Yes
.
Roberts – Yes
.
Miller – Question Mark – No Ferry for me so should be behind him – goes missing to often – is he now past it?
.
Navarro – Yes – He’s that type (Like Risser was) who go unnoticed and get moaned at but does a solid job
.
Coke - Question Mark – not seen enough of him – looks to have the potential to be good at L1 but not fit and not had the time to see
.
Bostock – see above – need to decide where he will play and get him used to that role
.
Collins – Yes – top scorer with 6 and looks a real handful
.
Williams – Yes – needs more goals but overall contibution has been good
.
Rooney - No
.
Based on that my team would be (with current injuries)
.
Fodders
Devera Flint Ward McEveley
Ritchie Ferry Macca Roberts
Collins RDV
.
Bedwell, Troy, Miller, Bostock, Benson, Rooney, Storey
.
Without Injuries
.
Fodders
Thompson Devera Ward McEveley
Ritchie Ferry Navarro/Macca Roberts
Collins Williams
.
Bedwell, Flint/Troy, Miller, Macca/ Navarro, Bostock, RDV, Benson
.
Back up the Troy/Flint, Bessone, Coke, Rooney, Storey, Thompson.L, Oakley

London Red wrote:
While we are talking about making the grade or not I thought I put my views on them out there
.
Players from last year then are: Wes, Devera, Macca, Flint, Ritchie, Rooney, Ferry, RDV, Benson - Plus argualby McEveley
.
Have they made the step up?
.
IMO
.
Wes - Yes
.
Devera – No – but as stated above not been played as CB so unfair to judge just as RB
.
Macca – Question Mark - Not poor but is getting exposed by errors – maybe not CB at L1 level – lets get him back in Midfield while Navarro is out
.
Flint - Question Mark (but more towards Yes than No) – Not poor at all but is getting exposed by errors – he is young though so is still learning – maybe 3rd choice is a good place for him at this point in time
.
McEveley - Yes
.
Ritchie - Yes
.
Rooney – Not on Preston – but 1 game is harsh to judge – lets see how he is when he gets back
.
Ferry - Yes
.
RDV – Yes – the surprise package! Now lets see him up top please!
.
Benson – Question Mark – Not poor – but not made the same impact as he did in L2 – Think OK for a mid table team but as we saw with Charlton not a promotion side
.
As for the New Boys
.
Thompson (Technicaly not new but now is first teamer) – Yes
.
Bessone – No
.
Ward – Yes – no noncense defnder –if you look at that part of his game he is solid
.
Troy – Question Mark – started well but been bit iffy since his return – maybe just needs to get back into the swing of it to return to a Yes
.
Roberts – Yes
.
Miller – Question Mark – No Ferry for me so should be behind him – goes missing to often – is he now past it?
.
Navarro – Yes – He’s that type (Like Risser was) who go unnoticed and get moaned at but does a solid job
.
Coke - Question Mark – not seen enough of him – looks to have the potential to be good at L1 but not fit and not had the time to see
.
Bostock – see above – need to decide where he will play and get him used to that role
.
Collins – Yes – top scorer with 6 and looks a real handful
.
Williams – Yes – needs more goals but overall contibution has been good
.
Rooney - No
.
Based on that my team would be (with current injuries)
.
Fodders
Devera Flint Ward McEveley
Ritchie Ferry Macca Roberts
Collins RDV
.
Bedwell, Troy, Miller, Bostock, Benson, Rooney, Storey
.
Without Injuries
.
Fodders
Thompson Devera Ward McEveley
Ritchie Ferry Navarro/Macca Roberts
Collins Williams
.
Bedwell, Flint/Troy, Miller, Macca/ Navarro, Bostock, RDV, Benson
.
Back up the Troy/Flint, Bessone, Coke, Rooney, Storey, Thompson.L, Oakley

In harsh but fair terms!in my opinion that squad is just not good enough to win promotion!not in the top two or through the play-off's,it's a decent mid-table squad,all good promotion winning teams manage to cope with injuries,our squad has proved that we can't and that is the acid test of a side with promotion ambitions,so Sir Bill and Mr Black if you want a crack at promotion get the embargo lifted ASAP and put your hands in those VERY deep pockets of yours!LOL!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but their are some posters on here that think that some people are negative because they probably do not agree with their views.
The negativity has been caused by PDC himself with his talk of relegation, embargo,public slating of players etc.
He needs to work with the players he has, most of which he signed, and stop the continual team changes when not necessary through injury.
I want PDC to stay and continue with the good work, but he needs to calm down, stop moaning to the press and do what he does best,coach the players. I listened to his interview on player and it was not good!! We are still in a good position and long may it continue. I do not see that the posters are negative, just passionate about STFC. Looking forward to the Villa game.

the don69 wrote:

London Red wrote:
While we are talking about making the grade or not I thought I put my views on them out there
.
Players from last year then are: Wes, Devera, Macca, Flint, Ritchie, Rooney, Ferry, RDV, Benson - Plus argualby McEveley
.
Have they made the step up?
.
IMO
.
Wes - Yes
.
Devera – No – but as stated above not been played as CB so unfair to judge just as RB
.
Macca – Question Mark - Not poor but is getting exposed by errors – maybe not CB at L1 level – lets get him back in Midfield while Navarro is out
.
Flint - Question Mark (but more towards Yes than No) – Not poor at all but is getting exposed by errors – he is young though so is still learning – maybe 3rd choice is a good place for him at this point in time
.
McEveley - Yes
.
Ritchie - Yes
.
Rooney – Not on Preston – but 1 game is harsh to judge – lets see how he is when he gets back
.
Ferry - Yes
.
RDV – Yes – the surprise package! Now lets see him up top please!
.
Benson – Question Mark – Not poor – but not made the same impact as he did in L2 – Think OK for a mid table team but as we saw with Charlton not a promotion side
.
As for the New Boys
.
Thompson (Technicaly not new but now is first teamer) – Yes
.
Bessone – No
.
Ward – Yes – no noncense defnder –if you look at that part of his game he is solid
.
Troy – Question Mark – started well but been bit iffy since his return – maybe just needs to get back into the swing of it to return to a Yes
.
Roberts – Yes
.
Miller – Question Mark – No Ferry for me so should be behind him – goes missing to often – is he now past it?
.
Navarro – Yes – He’s that type (Like Risser was) who go unnoticed and get moaned at but does a solid job
.
Coke - Question Mark – not seen enough of him – looks to have the potential to be good at L1 but not fit and not had the time to see
.
Bostock – see above – need to decide where he will play and get him used to that role
.
Collins – Yes – top scorer with 6 and looks a real handful
.
Williams – Yes – needs more goals but overall contibution has been good
.
Rooney - No
.
Based on that my team would be (with current injuries)
.
Fodders
Devera Flint Ward McEveley
Ritchie Ferry Macca Roberts
Collins RDV
.
Bedwell, Troy, Miller, Bostock, Benson, Rooney, Storey
.
Without Injuries
.
Fodders
Thompson Devera Ward McEveley
Ritchie Ferry Navarro/Macca Roberts
Collins Williams
.
Bedwell, Flint/Troy, Miller, Macca/ Navarro, Bostock, RDV, Benson
.
Back up the Troy/Flint, Bessone, Coke, Rooney, Storey, Thompson.L, Oakley

In harsh but fair terms!in my opinion that squad is just not good enough to win promotion!not in the top two or through the play-off's,it's a decent mid-table squad,all good promotion winning teams manage to cope with injuries,our squad has proved that we can't and that is the acid test of a side with promotion ambitions,so Sir Bill and Mr Black if you want a crack at promotion get the embargo lifted ASAP and put your hands in those VERY deep pockets of yours!LOL!!!!!!!!!!!

Should get some good odd on promotion now Don, it's quite clear we had to get a better price than 7.1 before we start putting form together. lol! Any idea what we've gone out too now? haven't seen anything from loyal lately and he usually knows what going on at the bookies

I was thinking this morning if there is anybody Paolo could call for a bit of advise of how to get things back on track, besides 'arry, Roberto Mancini came to mind, but then after City's performance last night he came out with "blame me for not preparing the team - need a miracle", perhaps not a good choice, lol

LR,

A clinical but fair assessment of where we are with players. You may recall some time ago a few of us suggested putting Macca back in the middle. I think he still has a significant contribution to make here, with his experience he should be irreplaceable in the right position. We just need a run without injuries. Still unsure about Devera, but I would put RDV up front, every time I have seen him this season he has been better than those around him, quite inspirational at times, good to see.

Oi Den! wrote:
Malk, I think you are oversimplifying the situation. I don't think the underlying desire is for PDC to go; I think most people fervently want him to stay but to be more positive in his approach.
.
He has now pubicly slaughtered Caddis, Foderingham, Benson and McCormack - and that's just naming his favourites. I'm not going to try to debate whether he had good reasons to be upset with them. Perhaps he did. That is not the point. I just can't see how this coninual theme of public flogging can have anything but a harmful effect on morale and motivation.
.
As for transfer funds, yes, I'm sure he would like more. Wouldn't all managers? But who is to say that would be the magic wand that transforms us from also-rans to promotion front runners? Recent acquisitions would not seem to make a strong case for it.
.
Here's one supporter who wants PDC to remain in charge. We need his undoubted charisma, drive and coaching skills. However, I believe he simply has to become more positive if we are not to continue the slide down the table.

Hi Den i agree with you more often than not but would like to + that he also praises those players you have said just as much.

I predict that if results start going against us and we do start sliding down the league that the manager will use the embargo as a excuse and walk away!! the facts are he signed these players along with the chairman and his agent he now has to prove how good a manager he thinks he is or he will very quickly get found out the way danny wilson did! his signings, he wanted these players so over to you and the players paolo starting saturday at stevenage

Last season in L2 we had the super 7 who caught the eye. Opposition teams rarely had more than 1 or 2, sometimes none.

In L1 teams often seem to often have 3 or 4 players who catch the eye.

Who from our team would stand out to opposition fans?

I reckon, Williams, Ritchie, Wes and possibly Roberts and Bostock. (Caddis definitely but not here obv)

All the others look competent and have reasonable games, but for me the players above are key to our success.

So with Williams injured, Ritchie jaded / double marked, Bostock not match sharp, Caddis dumped and Roberts frequently injured we are struggling.

That makes us no better than the opposition in my eyes, so inconsistent results are not surprising.

For the majority of the players my marks would be 'could do better', and some like Macca, McEveley, Miller, Rooney, Benson, need to up their game and stand up and be counted. Too many times a poor touch, a missed pass, a rubbish cross, a mis-timed tackle, an apology to a team-mate etc. Experienced players one and all, but at the moment too many off games.

jayden wrote:

Oi Den! wrote:
Malk, I think you are oversimplifying the situation. I don't think the underlying desire is for PDC to go; I think most people fervently want him to stay but to be more positive in his approach.
.
He has now pubicly slaughtered Caddis, Foderingham, Benson and McCormack - and that's just naming his favourites. I'm not going to try to debate whether he had good reasons to be upset with them. Perhaps he did. That is not the point. I just can't see how this coninual theme of public flogging can have anything but a harmful effect on morale and motivation.
.
As for transfer funds, yes, I'm sure he would like more. Wouldn't all managers? But who is to say that would be the magic wand that transforms us from also-rans to promotion front runners? Recent acquisitions would not seem to make a strong case for it.
.
Here's one supporter who wants PDC to remain in charge. We need his undoubted charisma, drive and coaching skills. However, I believe he simply has to become more positive if we are not to continue the slide down the table.

Hi Den i agree with you more often than not but would like to + that he also praises those players you have said just as much.

You're right jayden, he has praised them as well - that's why I mentioned that they are among his favourites. But I think praising rheir achievements in public and addressing their weaknesses in private is the way to get the best out of players - and to keep their respect. I don't think making public pronouncements like "Benson is not a top striker" and "We have to thank McCormack for his mistakes tonight" is going to help his relationship with any of the players or to motivate them to do better. I cannot ever remember a consistently successful manager speaking so often like that about his players.

Den,

Can you imagine the reaction of saying to Macca in person,

We have to thank you for your mistakes tonight"

What do you think the reaction would be ?
Ouch seems to come to mind !

We are still joint 2nd favourites for the title @ 8-1 with bet365
.
Ourselves and MK have been now joined by Tranmere and Stevenage at that price
.
I got 10-1 with them so they think we have improved since the summer
.
We are 100-1 for the Cup - so might be worth getting some on us now before our quarter final :0)

Wiz - Devera was good enough to keep Flint out for long periods last year - why not this year?
.
As said not seen him in his preferred CB role so would like to see him there before writing him off
.
RB - not of Thompson is available but CB???

Troy is a quality centre half. there you go I've stuck my neck out (again)!

Old Town you can get 11-1 with Stan James everyone else has us 6.7 or 8.

keep the faith people.

Back to back to back promotions coming!!!!!!!!

I posted this last night probably after everybody else had given up. Reading today's thread I think the issue is still very much alive. Caddis gave up and walked, but sooner or later, unless Paolo stops antagonising players,another one will challenge him.

- "As much as some people on here want to hear the last of Caddis' name, I think it's too easy for Paolo to brush their bust-up under the carpet. Who's willing to bet it won't happen again if he's got away with it once?

Remember it wasn't just the issue of taking paternity leave, but he was the players' spokesman complaining about the non-stop training and few days off. Was his 'casual' attitude to getting fit for the new season a symptom of the pressure he was under as the spokesman?

His brother and friends in Kilmarnock(where my family live) say he was upset how it worked out.

Of course none of us know the full story, and Caddis has a lot of PDC's hot headedness, but as many are now saying on here, we badly need some proper man-management at the club. Maybe part of the new chairman's job is to bring some pressure to bear with his well-honed diplomatic skills?””
As much as some people on here want to hear the last of Caddis' name, I think it's too easy for Paolo to brush their bust-up under the carpet. Who's willing to bet it won't happen again if he's got away with it once? Remember it wasn't just the issue of taking paternity leave, but he was the players' spokesman complaining about the non-stop training and few days off. Was his 'casual' attitude to getting fit for the new season a symptom of the pressure he was under as the spokesman? His brother and friends in Kilmarnock(where my family live) say he was upset how it worked out. Of course none of us know the full story, and Caddis has a lot of PDC's hot headedness, but as many are now saying on here, we badly need some proper man-management at the club. Maybe part of the new chairman's job is to bring some pressure to bear with his well-honed diplomatic skills?”

dreamofacleansheet2 wrote:
Troy is a quality centre half. there you go I've stuck my neck out (again)!

Old Town you can get 11-1 with Stan James everyone else has us 6.7 or 8.

keep the faith people.

Back to back to back promotions coming!!!!!!!!

9/1 with Stan James now dreamo. Have you had a big bet at 11s and knocked a couple of points off the price?! For those interested in seeing all the bookies' odds, oddschecker.com seems to be the best place to go.
.
LR, surely you can't describe the League Cup - important though it is - as THE Cup? You can get 2000/1 against us winning the Cup.

My football club is Swindon Town - has been since 1963 and will always be my club.

I feel great when they win, disappointed when they loose but whatever the result the club still has my support.

In historically terms STFC are currently a little above their station in the current position the club sits - 7th in the third tier of English football. Let's face it we have had only ONE season in the premiership and not that many at all at Championship / 2nd tier level in our history so why is there so much critiscm?

We have a current manager who I believe is as passionate about STFC as I am - he actually sounds like a fan sometimes after a game with his direct analysis and naming and shaming of individuals - just like MANY posters do here.

You might not like him and that's your choice of course but in a very short space of time he has returned STFC to a level of respectability we all should be proud of.

Personally I don't give a hoot if the manager speaks his mind and chastises his players on occasions - they are well paid and have a life most of us here would give a lot to have had. They are all men and all know the score before signing the form to join STFC so I don't buy this bad man management stuff in it's entirety - Wes has come through it as I am sure those with the strong characters we want in our team will also do.

Let's just get behind our club, all the team AND the manager as, for the first time in a very long time, we actually do have an opportunity to be part of the higher echelons of the football world in england.

If we don't it may pass us by all so very quickly and then some of you here will really have something to moan about.

COYR's.

sp1dersw3b wrote:
My football club is Swindon Town - has been since 1963 and will always be my club.

I feel great when they win, disappointed when they loose but whatever the result the club still has my support.

In historically terms STFC are currently a little above their station in the current position the club sits - 7th in the third tier of English football. Let's face it we have had only ONE season in the premiership and not that many at all at Championship / 2nd tier level in our history so why is there so much critiscm?

We have a current manager who I believe is as passionate about STFC as I am - he actually sounds like a fan sometimes after a game with his direct analysis and naming and shaming of individuals - just like MANY posters do here.

You might not like him and that's your choice of course but in a very short space of time he has returned STFC to a level of respectability we all should be proud of.

Personally I don't give a hoot if the manager speaks his mind and chastises his players on occasions - they are well paid and have a life most of us here would give a lot to have had. They are all men and all know the score before signing the form to join STFC so I don't buy this bad man management stuff in it's entirety - Wes has come through it as I am sure those with the strong characters we want in our team will also do.

Let's just get behind our club, all the team AND the manager as, for the first time in a very long time, we actually do have an opportunity to be part of the higher echelons of the football world in england.

If we don't it may pass us by all so very quickly and then some of you here will really have something to moan about.

COYR's.

A great post

Oi Den! wrote:

jayden wrote:

Oi Den! wrote:
Malk, I think you are oversimplifying the situation. I don't think the underlying desire is for PDC to go; I think most people fervently want him to stay but to be more positive in his approach.
.
He has now pubicly slaughtered Caddis, Foderingham, Benson and McCormack - and that's just naming his favourites. I'm not going to try to debate whether he had good reasons to be upset with them. Perhaps he did. That is not the point. I just can't see how this coninual theme of public flogging can have anything but a harmful effect on morale and motivation.
.
As for transfer funds, yes, I'm sure he would like more. Wouldn't all managers? But who is to say that would be the magic wand that transforms us from also-rans to promotion front runners? Recent acquisitions would not seem to make a strong case for it.
.
Here's one supporter who wants PDC to remain in charge. We need his undoubted charisma, drive and coaching skills. However, I believe he simply has to become more positive if we are not to continue the slide down the table.

Hi Den i agree with you more often than not but would like to + that he also praises those players you have said just as much.

You're right jayden, he has praised them as well - that's why I mentioned that they are among his favourites. But I think praising rheir achievements in public and addressing their weaknesses in private is the way to get the best out of players - and to keep their respect. I don't think making public pronouncements like "Benson is not a top striker" and "We have to thank McCormack for his mistakes tonight" is going to help his relationship with any of the players or to motivate them to do better. I cannot ever remember a consistently successful manager speaking so often like that about his players.

Agree with that Den ,i for one will judge him at the end of the season untill that time i am right behind the team and pdc.

sp1dersw3b top post.

Den for once not guilty your honour of slashing the price. Oddschecker top draw for odds checking.

Mind you I've backed us each way with Harrington in last years US Masters, Italy each way Euro's, and Leicester. Us and Leicester in doubles, us Leicester and Utd in a treble, us on our own at 14s, 10s, 8s and 7s and I did consider 11s but think Stevenage away is a tough game and that could be the high point again!

Ps I'm sorry to mention it but it keeps coming up, I'm not happy that Caddis isn't here but I fully support Paolo in his methods. Totally love the fact that he is a disciplinarian and has unbelievably high standards.

This embargo thing as caused me no end of problems since the wife has been reading my Adver's. Believe it or not the wife has only gone and put me on a flaming embargo for spending too much money on booze, **** and football. I now have to give her my wage packet each week and worse still she only wants me to start sleeping with her again. Now I know just how Paolo feels.

mikek wrote:
This embargo thing as caused me no end of problems since the wife has been reading my Adver's. Believe it or not the wife has only gone and put me on a flaming embargo for spending too much money on booze, **** and football. I now have to give her my wage packet each week and worse still she only wants me to start sleeping with her again. Now I know just how Paolo feels.

The **** word by the way sounded like corn but begins with a "p".

London Red wrote:
Wiz - Devera was good enough to keep Flint out for long periods last year - why not this year?
.
As said not seen him in his preferred CB role so would like to see him there before writing him off
.
RB - not of Thompson is available but CB???

Sorry I didn't see this earlier. I do think Flint needs games to progress and we really do need his height at the back, it comes in more than useful. I don't think either Devera or Macca are as good at RB as Thompson will be with more experience, so I'm with many others that Nathan needs to be picked as often as possible on the evidence of recent showings. Troy needs games alongside Flint so a partnership can mature, so where does that leave Devera, well an experienced utility man I suppose that we can use when others are injured. Last season he had a rocky start and did come on leaps and bounds after New Year, so perhaps the same may happen this year. The problem is, apart form the injury prone Thompson, all of the others are blowing hot and cold, Jay Macca included. Sadly right now the world that is CG is not as good as it could be, injuries and confidence within the squad both have combined to give us a less than satisfactory performances of late. Its not so much the results but how other teams have made us look very poor, when we all know we are better than that. I said some weeks ago that I thought we would pick up and go after New Year with some new additions. I said that before all this "embargo" stuff. I still believe that will happen as the nucleus is there for that to happen.

Den - no I don't see it as more important than the FA Cup - its just it's the next one and the FA has started yet

Next one as in our next cup game

dreamofacleansheet2 wrote:
sp1dersw3b top post.

Den for once not guilty your honour of slashing the price. Oddschecker top draw for odds checking.

Mind you I've backed us each way with Harrington in last years US Masters, Italy each way Euro's, and Leicester. Us and Leicester in doubles, us Leicester and Utd in a treble, us on our own at 14s, 10s, 8s and 7s and I did consider 11s but think Stevenage away is a tough game and that could be the high point again!

Ps I'm sorry to mention it but it keeps coming up, I'm not happy that Caddis isn't here but I fully support Paolo in his methods. Totally love the fact that he is a disciplinarian and has unbelievably high standards.

I remember you saying about your double with Harrington. Can't see him winning another major but I suppose you never know. My tip for a major next year is Nick Watney.(Apologies to all for the digression)
.
The other stuff is getting repetitive on both sides - and I know I've been one of the chief culprits. Would just add, for the avoidance of any doubt, that I think PDC has been fantastic for us. Agree with you about the discipline and high standards, but not with the way he goes about his communication. I think I may have said on here before that I reckon 90% of the time he's our greatest asset and the other 10% of the time he's our greatest liability - and I worry that the 10% might be the undoing of the 90%.

Den his communication needs to improve. The content is often sound but his delivery for me often sounds rant like which I think losses him the credibility.

jayden wrote:

sp1dersw3b wrote:
My football club is Swindon Town - has been since 1963 and will always be my club.

I feel great when they win, disappointed when they loose but whatever the result the club still has my support.

In historically terms STFC are currently a little above their station in the current position the club sits - 7th in the third tier of English football. Let's face it we have had only ONE season in the premiership and not that many at all at Championship / 2nd tier level in our history so why is there so much critiscm?

We have a current manager who I believe is as passionate about STFC as I am - he actually sounds like a fan sometimes after a game with his direct analysis and naming and shaming of individuals - just like MANY posters do here.

You might not like him and that's your choice of course but in a very short space of time he has returned STFC to a level of respectability we all should be proud of.

Personally I don't give a hoot if the manager speaks his mind and chastises his players on occasions - they are well paid and have a life most of us here would give a lot to have had. They are all men and all know the score before signing the form to join STFC so I don't buy this bad man management stuff in it's entirety - Wes has come through it as I am sure those with the strong characters we want in our team will also do.

Let's just get behind our club, all the team AND the manager as, for the first time in a very long time, we actually do have an opportunity to be part of the higher echelons of the football world in england.

If we don't it may pass us by all so very quickly and then some of you here will really have something to moan about.

COYR's.

A great post

Certainly is a great post !

Oi Den! wrote:

dreamofacleansheet2 wrote:
sp1dersw3b top post.

Den for once not guilty your honour of slashing the price. Oddschecker top draw for odds checking.

Mind you I've backed us each way with Harrington in last years US Masters, Italy each way Euro's, and Leicester. Us and Leicester in doubles, us Leicester and Utd in a treble, us on our own at 14s, 10s, 8s and 7s and I did consider 11s but think Stevenage away is a tough game and that could be the high point again!

Ps I'm sorry to mention it but it keeps coming up, I'm not happy that Caddis isn't here but I fully support Paolo in his methods. Totally love the fact that he is a disciplinarian and has unbelievably high standards.

I remember you saying about your double with Harrington. Can't see him winning another major but I suppose you never know. My tip for a major next year is Nick Watney.(Apologies to all for the digression)
.
The other stuff is getting repetitive on both sides - and I know I've been one of the chief culprits. Would just add, for the avoidance of any doubt, that I think PDC has been fantastic for us. Agree with you about the discipline and high standards, but not with the way he goes about his communication. I think I may have said on here before that I reckon 90% of the time he's our greatest asset and the other 10% of the time he's our greatest liability - and I worry that the 10% might be the undoing of the 90%.

It's 50/50 for me.

Just had a conversation with my Burnley supporting Brother in Law who was surprised Paolo didn't go to Bolton.

The point someone made earlier is true that he is still very early in to his managerial career. Any other club looking at him will be impressed with his statistical record, his football knowledge and passion. Perhaps the lack of interest shown to date is due to the other aspects of his performance so far.

How many Boards will want to be publically hectored by their manager? How many players will want to be publically shamed?

Embargo or not, we are still in an excellent position with a very decent squad to mount a promotion challenge this season. In all the games I've seen this season there have been periods when we have shown what we are capable of. Rather than focus on the mistakes, I'd rather see a focus on the positives.

Personally, I'm not that bothered if PdC stays or goes but I wish he would make his mind up and get on with job he's being paid for.

SeanG92 wrote:

DarrenSTFCRomain wrote: We all know its a reality.but in reality its still your players that YOU bought in ?. I wonder how many managers in are division would like the players you got..

Once again, he ISNT slating the players he has brought in. He is simply stating that with all the injuries that we have had in recent weeks, we are now struggling to have the correct players for the correct positions, and we dont have enough players to cover each position like we did last season. THIS is why he wants the embargo gone!!

So why did he get rid of Caddid Rooney Risser and many others

sp1dersw3b wrote:
My football club is Swindon Town - has been since 1963 and will always be my club. I feel great when they win, disappointed when they loose but whatever the result the club still has my support. In historically terms STFC are currently a little above their station in the current position the club sits - 7th in the third tier of English football. Let's face it we have had only ONE season in the premiership and not that many at all at Championship / 2nd tier level in our history so why is there so much critiscm? We have a current manager who I believe is as passionate about STFC as I am - he actually sounds like a fan sometimes after a game with his direct analysis and naming and shaming of individuals - just like MANY posters do here. You might not like him and that's your choice of course but in a very short space of time he has returned STFC to a level of respectability we all should be proud of. Personally I don't give a hoot if the manager speaks his mind and chastises his players on occasions - they are well paid and have a life most of us here would give a lot to have had. They are all men and all know the score before signing the form to join STFC so I don't buy this bad man management stuff in it's entirety - Wes has come through it as I am sure those with the strong characters we want in our team will also do. Let's just get behind our club, all the team AND the manager as, for the first time in a very long time, we actually do have an opportunity to be part of the higher echelons of the football world in england. If we don't it may pass us by all so very quickly and then some of you here will really have something to moan about. COYR's.

Spot on, we don't have a devine right to win every game, and won't, but what he has given many is the belief that we should win every game. Bad thing ???

Not at all, but a hard act to keep up !

Like you I see him as a fan and in many ways his "Rants" mirror the comments we get on these boards. The difference he does rate players as PANTS or CARP.

Three year plan and we are in the second year, I would be be happy with play-offs with a push next year if we don't make it.

I love the feelings of expectations at the CG these days but I am prepared to be patient if necessary.

Despite the injuries etc I fancy our chances on Tuesday as I feel we will be given time on the ball but time will tell !

COYMR