Di Canio urges fans to help the Robins (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)
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SWINDON TOWN: Di Canio urges fans to help sell the Robins
8:41am Friday 18th January 2013 in Sport By Sam Morshead
Paolo Di Canio
PAOLO Di Canio has called for Swindon Town fans to pack out the County Ground this weekend in an effort to show the club off to potential new owners.
Seven interested parties are believed to have discussed the possibility of buying up a large proportion of majority shareholder Andrew Black’s 98 per cent stake in the Robins, and Di Canio wants supporters to create an atmosphere for the visit of Shrewsbury which will help convince the prospective buyers to invest in Town.
The Italian was in an optimistic mood at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, where he reacted to the news that the Swindon board would consider putting the club in administration should new investment not be sought in the immediate future.
Di Canio stressed that the confirmation Black is looking to shift his controlling interest in the Robins is a step forward for everyone at SN1, following an uncertain period during which the Town boss publicly stated he was unsure why further funds were not being freed up in pursuit of back-to-back promotions.
And now he is keen to prove to all those eyeing up Swindon as a possible investment opportunity that their money would be well spent at the County Ground.
“We did something that is amazing, so I want to say the best way is to come in numbers on Saturday and follow the team and try to win the game and celebrate, and try and give more and more chance and persuade even more of the people who showed interest that this club deserves a stable future,” he said.
“There is a big opportunity, with 9,000 or 10,000 people in League One, to invest in the future like a new stadium if we go to the Championship.
“There are many opportunities, obviously the fans worry because they don’t know exactly what is going on, but now we have a more clear picture because the owner decided to sell this club.
“It is a good step, and you can either take it in a bad way or a positive way.
“I take it in a positive way because it is a clear situation.
“We will see if we can get something important for the future, but up until then they have to show their passion in the last year and a half.
“We can keep going and work hard with our ethic and big professionalism and inner motivation and get results, so altogether we can make something special.
“I can say publicly there are a few people with a strong interest, but I can’t promise anything. I can’t say yes.
“If we think an owner of this club has three years plan, and after one and a half he decides to stop everything, but there are a group of people who have interest in taking this club, it is already positive.
“I can only work and do my best with my players to respect the people and be loyal to our professionalism.
“It can be possible in football to think about when you used play eight hours in a row in the park without money, you never used to want to stop play.
“Why distract yourself?
“If we win Saturday we are close to the top, so I will claim that natural way to behave and wait and see what is going on.
“We respect the thousands of people who come and watch the game full of expectation because they have already invested money. We have to work, even double because it would be fantastic in this situation.”
Di Canio did not wish to divulge the identities of those parties he know are interested in making a financial commitment to the club, but he did say they have a passion for football.
“At the moment I have heard something, but not completely because the people interested in the club want to know all the numbers, and also we want to be sure the people that want to take this club are good people otherwise this doesn’t mean anything,” he said.
“They are positive people with good history, and are people that have football in them and football fans.This is good because they are not only businessmen but have interest in football and passion to take a bigger club than Swindon with honesty and big history, even though Swindon have big history.
“I don’t want to say nothing at this moment.”
Comments(55)
TheDukeOfBanbury
says...
8:54am Fri 18 Jan 13
Lets show our appreciation.
ChrisWantageRed
says...
9:00am Fri 18 Jan 13
ChrisWantageRed
says...
9:03am Fri 18 Jan 13
dreamofacleansheet2
says...
9:03am Fri 18 Jan 13
People ring everyone you know who came to the play off final and JPT. Get them to buy a ticket for Saturday.
To paraphrase Lord Kitchener:
YOUR CLUB NEEDS YOU.
the don69
says...
9:05am Fri 18 Jan 13
ChrisWantageRed wrote:Spot on chaps!sadly looking at the weather!the only thing the County Ground will be full of,is SNOW be surprised if we can get the game on!!!!!!!!!!
both the above posts are spot on...Scarves out tomorrow (looking out the window now I'd say we might need them!)
matt71
says...
9:12am Fri 18 Jan 13
Stilloyal
says...
9:14am Fri 18 Jan 13
That said I can't see the gate being that large tomorrow for a couple of reasons. 1/ The doomsters won't come, they have already given up. 2/ The weather will possibly keep some away especially those from outlying areas.
This is the time however to get right behind Paolo and the boys. Paolo has shown his commitment now we must show ours. We need to show prospective buyers (there will be some in attendance ) that the club is well supported and deserves saving.
I've no doubt the game will be on , Marcus is doing a marvelous job down there. There will be games in our league that will be off so we can consolidate our positition and get closer to the top where we belong !
Stilloyal
says...
9:28am Fri 18 Jan 13
COYR's
Lambourn Red
says...
9:28am Fri 18 Jan 13
alchafreds
says...
9:30am Fri 18 Jan 13
sagadude
says...
9:30am Fri 18 Jan 13
Bloody great timing :-(
the wizard
says...
9:34am Fri 18 Jan 13
ChrisWantageRed
says...
9:39am Fri 18 Jan 13
sagadude wrote:Well I have already sent a quick message to Marcus Cassidy to volunteer my services in terms of snow clearing tomorrow. If anyone else fancies joining me in that I'm sure the help would be welcomed
Snow on the pitch will not be the problem, but the thoroughfares around the ground/ turnstiles, safety and all that these days. Bloody great timing :-(
Stilloyal
says...
9:40am Fri 18 Jan 13
sagadude wrote:Marcus said that everything around the ground has been gritted so it shouldn't be a problem. They have an army of volunteers to shift the snow and a tractor & trailer to take the stuff away.
Snow on the pitch will not be the problem, but the thoroughfares around the ground/ turnstiles, safety and all that these days. Bloody great timing :-(
I doubt very much if the game will be off.
louiscassius
says...
9:45am Fri 18 Jan 13
We are Paolo's Red & White Army!
We are Paolo's Red & White Army!
We are Paolo's Red & White Army!
louiscassius
says...
9:47am Fri 18 Jan 13
That was electric and the Leicester game
Lets smash the Shrews 5 - 0....
No retreat......No Surrender!!!
(If anyone remembers that film, haha)
COYMR'sssss
Louis :-))))
ChrisWantageRed
says...
9:53am Fri 18 Jan 13
Stilloyal wrote:I have a feeling about tomorrows game...The point at the Muff last weekend was a milestone for us, it really showed such determination in adversity and the confidence boost the lads will have gotten from that must have been huge! I reckon we'll see a town performance that'll warm up even the coldest folk in the CG tomorrow.
sagadude wrote: Snow on the pitch will not be the problem, but the thoroughfares around the ground/ turnstiles, safety and all that these days. Bloody great timing :-(Marcus said that everything around the ground has been gritted so it shouldn't be a problem. They have an army of volunteers to shift the snow and a tractor & trailer to take the stuff away. I doubt very much if the game will be off.
Despite what has been played out in the press, we now know that the PdC express has merely pulled into the station to take on new passengers...next stop...The Championship! COYR!!
Stickshaker
says...
9:56am Fri 18 Jan 13
Stilloyal wrote:Stop horsing around!
My doctor told me to watch what I eat and then she gave me tickets for the Grand National. COYR's
the wizard
says...
9:59am Fri 18 Jan 13
jontyg
says...
10:00am Fri 18 Jan 13
LeGod
says...
10:06am Fri 18 Jan 13
The guy is positive and any player that plays under him you can understand how he gets them to play in a more positive and committed way and he breeds it.
To me Paolo is a legend already at this club and i hope we get this situation sorted soon not only for all of us but for him as well as he deserves some positivity from the board to help us move forward.
Paolo without doubt is going to hit the top as he did as a player and good luck to him. Its a pity there arent more managers and characters like him in the game as the majority of managers are dull and boring.
the don69
says...
10:07am Fri 18 Jan 13
the wizard wrote:That's gonna cost him then Wiz!late for training,that's a two weeks wage fine under Paolo's rules!lol,seriously the roads are treacherous out there,I'd be very surprised if the game goes ahead!too dangerous for many folk to travel,stay safe and warm!!!!!!!!!!!
One of my spy's has just told me that our manager is stuck in the snow and help is on its way to dig him out. Late for training oh dear.
rockdog
says...
10:21am Fri 18 Jan 13
COYR
TelSTFC
says...
10:23am Fri 18 Jan 13
Love his passion & commitment and what he has acheived for STFC.
I really hope the game is on tomorrow i will be travelling up from Portsmouth to support the team as long as the motorways are ok. COYR
The Jockster
says...
10:25am Fri 18 Jan 13
Lets hope that Paolo's "football men" come to fruition and we don't have to sell any key players including my fave bog roll two :)
Admire the tenacity to get the game on tomorrow but sadly fear the elements will defeat the efforts one way or another.
And finally Cyril - >A highways agency warning said anyone travelling in icy conditions should take a shovel, blankets, sleeping bag, extra clothing, including scarf, hat and gloves, torch, 24hr supply of food and drink, rock salt, de-icer, tow rope.petrol can, jump leads, and first aid kit.
I tell you i looked a right tw@t on the bus this morning!
ecklington
says...
10:27am Fri 18 Jan 13
LeGod wrote:+ 1, couldn't have put it better myself!
Paolo is the best thing that has happenned to this club for a long time and all our opposing fans who knock him really dont understand his committment and passion and desire.
The guy is positive and any player that plays under him you can understand how he gets them to play in a more positive and committed way and he breeds it.
To me Paolo is a legend already at this club and i hope we get this situation sorted soon not only for all of us but for him as well as he deserves some positivity from the board to help us move forward.
Paolo without doubt is going to hit the top as he did as a player and good luck to him. Its a pity there arent more managers and characters like him in the game as the majority of managers are dull and boring.
Everyone get aboard Paolo's express.
COYR's
hertz
says...
10:38am Fri 18 Jan 13
What better way to show any potential investors that we are a good club than to get the game on tomorrow .
FORZASTFC
says...
10:51am Fri 18 Jan 13
jontyg wrote:Have to agree with you Whole heartedly, even with us getting into the Prem League with Hoddle?
PDC. The best manager STFC have ever had!!!!
Nothing & no one will touch Paolo's Passion & Enthusiasm at our club, Love what he has done to us, and cannot believe some of the fans i have spoke to in the past questioning his ability?
Christ i even had to buy a season ticket for the WIFE, that is the power of Di Canio! LONG LIVE PAOLO DI CANIO!
Already a LEGEND at STFC and long may it continue.
FORZA STFC.
burley01rs
says...
11:26am Fri 18 Jan 13
Cookie43
says...
11:38am Fri 18 Jan 13
burley01rs wrote:Burley mate the BBC are a bunch of tw.ts they are biased to the bristol clubs.
The BBC says we won contraversially last season. I cannot remember that.
always have been always will be. geoff twentyman loves bristol clubs and hates swindon, They have always given more air time to the bristol clubs. take anything they say with a pinch of salt
ShearerShearer
says...
11:41am Fri 18 Jan 13
burley01rs wrote:http://swindon-town-
The BBC says we won contraversially last season. I cannot remember that.
fc.co.uk/MatchCentre
.asp?MatchID=2012013
0
smirg kcab
says...
11:53am Fri 18 Jan 13
Stickshaker wrote:Tell her to stop nagging you.
Stilloyal wrote:Stop horsing around!
My doctor told me to watch what I eat and then she gave me tickets for the Grand National. COYR's
Onwards and snow bound
Just drove from Oxford towards Winchester, the a34 has disappeared with lorry and cars crashing everywhere, turned back on the m4 and only doing 40mph bath to chipp closed and swindon to chipp, glad I'm home now as this was the scariest day of driving I have had.
Take care fellow town fans
Since 1950
says...
12:03pm Fri 18 Jan 13
Stilloyal wrote:Had a Tesco burger for lunch. Still got a bit between my teeth!
My doctor told me to watch what I eat and then she gave me tickets for the Grand National. COYR's
I'll be there as usual tomorrow - IF I can get out of Stroud!
COYR!
old town robin
says...
12:03pm Fri 18 Jan 13
mallorca
says...
12:08pm Fri 18 Jan 13
Let's hope suitable investors an be found by the end of Feb.Otherwise I think Mr Black will take the club into admin to try and and get some of his investment back.
As to the advisors coming in no doubt the hatchet Man SWP will be hehind them looking to cut the monthly wage bill.I guess that would mean the Likes of Ritchie/Flint/Collin
s plus others set to be sold.
I do hope this does not happen yet when AF went then JW pushed I feel we all knew something was not kosher.
Plus we have not heard a peep out of SWP I wonder how much he has cost the club..
So as Wizard said yesterday more or less we wait and see let us hope for a positive result.
Looking at weather seen on West TV Swindon Covered in snow is even cold over here just seen club to give update at 1300hrs
So all Town Fans take care in this severe weather
smirg kcab
says...
12:10pm Fri 18 Jan 13
old town robin wrote:Poccentino just been appointed thank god
See Southampton has sacked Nigel Atkins. But they won't be looking to take Paolo, they've appointed another Italian Mauricio Pochettino, ex Espanyol manager, never heard of him before, don't see them staying in the premiere, unless he is a miracle worker.
Onwards and upwards
stfc_tom
says...
12:14pm Fri 18 Jan 13
The Jockster wrote:Absolute genius that last bit!
Can only echo the thoughts of other posters on this thread - PdC is totally committed to the cause - other lesser men would have said "S0d it I'm out of here" and found another club. Lets hope that Paolo's "football men" come to fruition and we don't have to sell any key players including my fave bog roll two :) Admire the tenacity to get the game on tomorrow but sadly fear the elements will defeat the efforts one way or another. And finally Cyril - >A highways agency warning said anyone travelling in icy conditions should take a shovel, blankets, sleeping bag, extra clothing, including scarf, hat and gloves, torch, 24hr supply of food and drink, rock salt, de-icer, tow rope.petrol can, jump leads, and first aid kit. I tell you i looked a right tw@t on the bus this morning!
Stilloyal
says...
12:18pm Fri 18 Jan 13
Facebook says that an update on tomorrows game will come after 13.00hrs.
Radio says that Phil Spencer is trying to get a consortium together, if Paolo is part of that then it could mean him staying a long time. That'll be good news !
the don69
says...
12:22pm Fri 18 Jan 13
madterrier
says...
12:30pm Fri 18 Jan 13
Meanwhile, back in the bat cave....
http://sphotos-b.xx.
fbcdn.net/hphotos-sn
c7/c11.0.403.403/p40
3x403/408716_5040881
36298151_478323703_n
.jpg
the wizard
says...
12:35pm Fri 18 Jan 13
Stilloyal wrote:Hi Loyal,
Well I've given up on the Tesco burgers , I'm into my Lidl pony now.
Facebook says that an update on tomorrows game will come after 13.00hrs.
Radio says that Phil Spencer is trying to get a consortium together, if Paolo is part of that then it could mean him staying a long time. That'll be good news !
Quote from Prince Charles, "I don't know what all this Tesco fuss is about, I have been eating horse for years, haven't I Camilla dear".
I selected some burgers on the Tesco web site and just clicked Add to Cart.
Despite the recent news Tesco say that sales of burgers remain stable.
Went to the fridge to check my burgers, AAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand their off..
Due to the closure of HMV and Blockbuster you can now buy Warhorse in Tesco's.
First Horse meat scandal at Tesco's now they have found a Camel toe in leggings at Primark.
Anyway, enough of this, I thought Phil Spencer had given up on the idea. Would love to see Wray back as Chairman, but he would have to behave himself with the Company Wallet a bit better.
I think our manager has learned a terrific amount on the workings of a football club since the embargo and probably has a terrific grasp of the gravity of the situation.
old town robin
says...
12:44pm Fri 18 Jan 13
the don69 wrote:6 " deep so far in SN1 with no signs of let up as yet
5 Games off in League one already,wonder what the odds are on no games on,in our league tomorrow????
Is that you Lovesey
says...
12:50pm Fri 18 Jan 13
Low in fat, but high in Shergar
jillyh
says...
1:03pm Fri 18 Jan 13
Stilloyal
says...
1:10pm Fri 18 Jan 13
old town robin wrote:I've only seen 2 - 3 inches so far and the snow is due to stop in the next hour or so.. Update any minute now on the game.
the don69 wrote: 5 Games off in League one already,wonder what the odds are on no games on,in our league tomorrow????6 " deep so far in SN1 with no signs of let up as yet
SAPFanSTFC
says...
1:26pm Fri 18 Jan 13
Stilloyal wrote:Yep been stopped in RWB for about an hour now barring a few flakes and only 2-3 inches on the ground.
old town robin wrote:I've only seen 2 - 3 inches so far and the snow is due to stop in the next hour or so.. Update any minute now on the game.
the don69 wrote: 5 Games off in League one already,wonder what the odds are on no games on,in our league tomorrow????6 " deep so far in SN1 with no signs of let up as yet
-----
Theoretically all afternoon and tomorrow morning to clear everything plus not too cold forecasted for tonight...would be great if we can get the game on and gain 3 points.
..
- especially as 4 of the 7 teams below us are already postponed...gaining another 3pts now would be a great help going into the run of 4 away games.
Stilloyal
says...
1:34pm Fri 18 Jan 13
SAPFanSTFC wrote:Apparantly some travelling fans are showing some concern. Don't panic the main routes will be clear in the morning and I'll be on the midday bus from RWB.
Stilloyal wrote:Yep been stopped in RWB for about an hour now barring a few flakes and only 2-3 inches on the ground. ----- Theoretically all afternoon and tomorrow morning to clear everything plus not too cold forecasted for tonight...would be great if we can get the game on and gain 3 points. .. - especially as 4 of the 7 teams below us are already postponed...gaining another 3pts now would be a great help going into the run of 4 away games.old town robin wrote:I've only seen 2 - 3 inches so far and the snow is due to stop in the next hour or so.. Update any minute now on the game.the don69 wrote: 5 Games off in League one already,wonder what the odds are on no games on,in our league tomorrow????6 " deep so far in SN1 with no signs of let up as yet
the wizard
says...
1:48pm Fri 18 Jan 13
Done my bit by checking around the oldies that live near-by this morning and cleared a few path ways for them. Hope some of you are also doing your bit too.
madterrier
says...
1:49pm Fri 18 Jan 13
London Red
says...
2:25pm Fri 18 Jan 13
.
2nd half we came out and took control and won it 2-1
.
Collins was then spoken to by PdC paving the way for him to join the express
TheDukeOfBanbury
says...
3:11pm Fri 18 Jan 13
the wizard wrote:I have been feeding the birds all day.
Temp not predicted to lift above zero until Thursday and thats only for a few hours at the most. More snow forecast for Sunday.
Done my bit by checking around the oldies that live near-by this morning and cleared a few path ways for them. Hope some of you are also doing your bit too.
Garden alive with all sorts.
I will be going to heaven.
Another view
says...
3:20pm Fri 18 Jan 13
- Wiz, I did my bit this morning in Highworth before 7.00am. Had a shower and breakfast then went out the front door - and I couldn't see a B_ _ _ _ _ bit of path anywhere!! Just the weather for getting out the horse and cart, but apparently there's a shortage of one of them...
the wizard
says...
3:28pm Fri 18 Jan 13
Another view wrote:I like it, but don't be put off by all this scare mongering about Tesco's burgers, you could try their meat balls, evidently they are the dogs ****
"Done my bit by checking around the oldies that live near-by this morning and cleared a few path ways for them. Hope some of you are also doing your bit too."
- Wiz, I did my bit this morning in Highworth before 7.00am. Had a shower and breakfast then went out the front door - and I couldn't see a B_ _ _ _ _ bit of path anywhere!! Just the weather for getting out the horse and cart, but apparently there's a shortage of one of them...
the wizard
says...
3:28pm Fri 18 Jan 13
Another view wrote:I like it, but don't be put off by all this scare mongering about Tesco's burgers, you could try their meat balls, evidently they are the dogs ****
"Done my bit by checking around the oldies that live near-by this morning and cleared a few path ways for them. Hope some of you are also doing your bit too."
- Wiz, I did my bit this morning in Highworth before 7.00am. Had a shower and breakfast then went out the front door - and I couldn't see a B_ _ _ _ _ bit of path anywhere!! Just the weather for getting out the horse and cart, but apparently there's a shortage of one of them...
SAPFanSTFC says...
8:51am Fri 18 Jan 13
.
2013 is a year for change and hopefully that change will be positive - fingers crossed but now back to the good stuff.
.
COYRs!!!!.....SCARVE
S HELD HIGH!!