SWINDON TOWN: Bodin rues choosing club over country

5:50am Saturday 2nd June 2012 in Sport By Sam Morshead

Billy Bodin Billy Bodin

BILLY Bodin has admitted he may have made the wrong choice in opting for club over country last weekend.

The Welshman turned down the opportunity to meet up with the senior Wales squad for a friendly against Mexico in New York on Sunday in order to be with loan club Crewe for the League Two play-off final at Wembley.

However, the 20-year-old did not make it off the bench at English football’s headquarters, as Alex saw off Cheltenham 2-0 to secure promotion to League One, and with hindsight Bodin said he may well have chosen to fly to the Big Apple with his national teammates.

“Looking back, if I knew I was not going to play I probably would have gone with Wales, but that’s the decision I’ve made and I have to stick by it,” he told the Advertiser.

“I may not have got another chance to play at Wembley but in the end it didn’t quite work out.

“I thought it would be the right decision, but going there and not getting to play was a weird feeling.

“I made the decision myself, but if I had another chance maybe it would be different.

“The manager had told me that he might change the team to give it a bit more of a defensive approach.

“I was disappointed because I had played a lot before the play-offs and to get dropped during them was not easy to take, but it was great to be involved in a match like that.”

Staying with Crewe did bring some benefits for Bodin, however, including his second medal of the campaign.

After picking up a League Two champions souvenir for his role in Swindon’s title-winning campaign, the forward also got his hands on a play-off winner’s medal - a haul very few professionals manage in an entire career, let alone 10 months of football.

“To get promoted with two different teams - to play a part with Swindon and go up in the play-offs at Crewe - was something special,” he said.

“There aren’t too many people who can say they’ve picked up two promotion medals in one season. If Torquay has gone up I’d have had three.

“It’s a good feeling. It’s been a crazy season but I’ve been happy to be playing.”

Comments(39)

smirg kcab says...
7:57am Sat 2 Jun 12

Tuff shiit it won't be the first mistake you make, I'm sure your next decision will be the wrong one also as you want to play ever game, and no team will garantee that( maybe poxord)
Onwards and up up and away

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stfc2012 says...
8:13am Sat 2 Jun 12

Good to see you supporting a player. A humble, honest individual who wants to progress his career. Get an education; your comments always lack any real merit. Mug.

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Ginger-nutz says...
8:17am Sat 2 Jun 12

Bit harsh Grim....
.
But I think the only reason Billy stayed on with Crewe was in hope that he may also receive a contract offer, and this may still materialise.
.
But that said, I agree with you that nobody is going to promise Billy regular game time every week.
.
He's best sitting tight here for a little while longer to pick up another champions medal before he moves on :)
.

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the don69 says...
8:26am Sat 2 Jun 12

He should have asked the manager,if I'm not going to be involved?I'm off with the taffs!told you LR!hehehe!!!!!!

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smirg kcab says...
8:36am Sat 2 Jun 12

stfc2012 wrote:
Good to see you supporting a player. A humble, honest individual who wants to progress his career. Get an education; your comments always lack any real merit. Mug.
sorry i dont support any player who thinks hes better than he is. look at don69 post its not rocket science you priik
onwards and upwards

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who am i says...
8:42am Sat 2 Jun 12

smirg kcab wrote:
Tuff shiit it won't be the first mistake you make, I'm sure your next decision will be the wrong one also as you want to play ever game, and no team will garantee that( maybe poxord)
Onwards and up up and away
Your such a plonker but then you already knew that....

Bodin is only 20 very young and we all made mistakes when we were that young. I wish billy all the best in what ever he decides.

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Chish and Fips says...
8:43am Sat 2 Jun 12

Sounds to me like he is trying put a brave face on a muddled season of near misses.
Seems to be very impatient, which already has not paid dividends for him.

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ICDeadpeople says...
8:45am Sat 2 Jun 12

Hindsight eh!
.
If only I'd have picked the winning numbers last night.
.
I'd rather sit on the bench at Wembley than play for Wales.

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burley01rs says...
8:59am Sat 2 Jun 12

He is quite skillful but I wish he had more aggression it would make him a complete player

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TheDukeOfBanbury says...
9:05am Sat 2 Jun 12

Bodin is young. Sure hasn't set the World alight but made progress last season. What some fans we have supporting our young players. Unbelievable we all have opinions but to "shoot down" one of our own just sums up my "opinion" that we have some prats as fans.

Onwards and Upwards.

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London Red says...
9:15am Sat 2 Jun 12

Don he obviously was in his plans as named in the 16 - had he been left out then that would be different
.
Had the game gone differently he may well have come on
.
The thing is if he is good enough to get in the Wales side now he should be good enough to get into it again!
.
If Coleman doesn't see the decision for what it was he is an idiot

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LydiardRED67 says...
9:26am Sat 2 Jun 12

My view now is that Bodin senior needs to step in and introduce some calm into Billy. He is a great prospect, but IMHO not yet a first choice starter for us. Even his loan spells have been indifferent........T
orquay loved him, Crewe used him sparingly and not at all when it mattered.

What he should do (and probably won't) is sign for us and go on a season long loan in league 2 to play every week. As someone else posted, he has come a long way this seson, but not far enough to be a first choice in league 1.

Don't throw it all away for the sake of the next 18 months Billy.

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the wizard says...
9:49am Sat 2 Jun 12

smirg kcab wrote:
Tuff shiit it won't be the first mistake you make, I'm sure your next decision will be the wrong one also as you want to play ever game, and no team will garantee that( maybe poxord)
Onwards and up up and away
C'mon Grim, he is a young lad with ambition, nothing wrong with that.
We all make them, its what makes us human, or inhumane, take your choice.
Better one BB than a whole load of what we had here in Wilsons last season

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stfclondon says...
9:49am Sat 2 Jun 12

smirg kcab wrote:
Tuff shiit it won't be the first mistake you make, I'm sure your next decision will be the wrong one also as you want to play ever game, and no team will garantee that( maybe poxord) Onwards and up up and away
Idiot.

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mallorca says...
9:50am Sat 2 Jun 12

Billy Bodin is still a young player who all of a sudden had several options thrown at him.He decided not to play for his county and instead opt for Wembley appearance that never came.
He is now at a important cross-road does he accept the Town contract or hope he is offered a place in another team.
It's difficult as he wants first team football and with Pdc may not achieve that.
So I think with the guidance of his dad and Family he will decide what's right for him
No matter what like many of of us we wish him every success in the game

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stfcpaul says...
10:22am Sat 2 Jun 12

Billy is off to Torquay next year, either on loan or permanent.

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Rhs Boydy says...
10:40am Sat 2 Jun 12

He must have been absolutely gutted having turned down Coleman to not even play a bit part at Wembley. Putting on a brave face in this interview, and seems just a bit humbler than in the last one. I hope now he's had a chance to sit down with his dad he make the correct choice for him. Which in my opinion is with another club.

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jam1 says...
10:59am Sat 2 Jun 12

Must admit Billys decision making doesn't seem to be the greatest. Surprising really with Paul being his dad!

A young lad of 20 who has only shown glimpses of quality really shouldn't be saying he wants assurances of first team football, especially at Swindon!

Funnily enough I thought his decision to blow out the national team in the hope of a wembley appearance would end in tears.

Needs better advice me thinks

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Stilloyal says...
11:20am Sat 2 Jun 12

Bodin Snr was a late starter also . When we signed him he was a part timer for Bath City and his main job was selling insurance for the same firm I worked for.

L/R See mate told ya they dont like watching from the bench, although he may have done that for Wales but hey you get a cap for that.

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trowbridgeambler says...
12:37pm Sat 2 Jun 12

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Country should always come before club. Take a leaf out of cricket - many top class teams lose players when selected for country and yet have to continue to play rather than cancel games like our top clubs do. Not only that, how big headed to demand playing - not even RICHIE could expect to play in every game!

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the wizard says...
12:59pm Sat 2 Jun 12

Of course there is another way of looking at Billy's decision. If talks with Town do not go the way he wants, he has already shown allegiance to Crewe, who have a superb record for getting the best out of their youngsters. We will never know if he hasn't had a quiet word put in his ear saying he will be welcome back there should Town not offer him an acceptable deal. The other non surprise of course is Torquay, so far from being second best , he has the possibility of three options, and that is a bargaining tool, meanwhile Wales will always be there until he says a firm NO, which this wasn't.

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the don69 says...
1:52pm Sat 2 Jun 12

Bodin needs to play every week,to develope and get better,he's a good young prospect,so Turkey under Lingy is where he should go!either on loan or to sign for them as part of the deal with O'Kane if Paolo wants O'Kane of coarse!if he just keeps sitting on the bench,he wont improve!!!!!!!!

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billbst says...
2:26pm Sat 2 Jun 12

There are a number of good players who have been released from Prem and Championship but not many of the them are strikers. Billy remains a good prospect perhaps coming into his own over the next 2 seasons. We just might be in the Championship after next season. Why wouldn't he want to be here even if he is out on loan again this coming season? Get on with it Billy!

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We are PANTS says...
2:39pm Sat 2 Jun 12

smirg kcab wrote:
Tuff shiit it won't be the first mistake you make, I'm sure your next decision will be the wrong one also as you want to play ever game, and no team will garantee that( maybe poxord)
Onwards and up up and away
Very strong words indeed!! Harsh and over the top in my opinion.. He is only young and has a very bright future in front of him. Comments like this will only make him want away. I wish him well whatever he decides..

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Wilesy says...
4:19pm Sat 2 Jun 12

Although he will be frustrated I think Billy can look back on this season with some satisfaction, he has scored goals at L2 level, and shown he can play football. Needs to bulk up a bit over the summer I would say. Some way from being able to demand being a regular L1 starter though.

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nlorenzo says...
7:06pm Sat 2 Jun 12

Billy I think you have learnt that crewe is a waste of your time, they are not interested in you just on if they can sell you on for a profit. If Swindon don't make the right offer go to Torquay, where you won't be on the bench and are appreciated, And listen to your dad not Dario Gradi! He's got your best intereests at heart. Gradi just wants to make a few quid.

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mancrobin says...
7:36pm Sat 2 Jun 12

As I understand it, the club have made Billy an offer, so what is the problem?

I'd like him to stay as I think he is a real prospect but his Dad staying and being aloud to get on with his job is far more important.

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Pinehurstred says...
9:15am Sun 3 Jun 12

We are PANTS wrote:
smirg kcab wrote: Tuff shiit it won't be the first mistake you make, I'm sure your next decision will be the wrong one also as you want to play ever game, and no team will garantee that( maybe poxord) Onwards and up up and away
Very strong words indeed!! Harsh and over the top in my opinion.. He is only young and has a very bright future in front of him. Comments like this will only make him want away. I wish him well whatever he decides..
Sorry but i think the smirg kcab is spot on..NOT good enough to get in the crew team so why is he good enough to get in the Swindon team every week?

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jayden says...
9:32am Sun 3 Jun 12

I want Billy here ,just needs to get his head right.Ialso think Story will do well next season.Ithink some of you should start getting behind the young players instead of moaning about them.

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KojaktheWarg says...
9:50am Sun 3 Jun 12

jayden wrote:
I want Billy here ,just needs to get his head right.Ialso think Story will do well next season.Ithink some of you should start getting behind the young players instead of moaning about them.
I agree. Some harsh posts here. I wish him well whatever happens and expect him to improve. His dad must wonder what sort of fans are out there supposedly "supporting" Swindon.

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Steve. Brentford says...
10:43am Sun 3 Jun 12

Pinehurstred wrote:
We are PANTS wrote:
smirg kcab wrote: Tuff shiit it won't be the first mistake you make, I'm sure your next decision will be the wrong one also as you want to play ever game, and no team will garantee that( maybe poxord) Onwards and up up and away
Very strong words indeed!! Harsh and over the top in my opinion.. He is only young and has a very bright future in front of him. Comments like this will only make him want away. I wish him well whatever he decides..
Sorry but i think the smirg kcab is spot on..NOT good enough to get in the crew team so why is he good enough to get in the Swindon team every week?
Dazza, how ya doing mate, i don't agree, all young players would want to play and most older ones to, the thing is HE IS YOUNG and i would be interested to know if Billy actual said " i will sign if i get to play every game because to be honest i cant see it, with these guys having already played under Di Canio i would of thought they all know that there will be no guarantees to who will play and who will not.

Pants, you were very calm and patient with your words well done my friend you see we can both do it :O)

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Pinehurstred says...
10:55am Sun 3 Jun 12

Steve. Brentford wrote:
Pinehurstred wrote:
We are PANTS wrote:
smirg kcab wrote: Tuff shiit it won't be the first mistake you make, I'm sure your next decision will be the wrong one also as you want to play ever game, and no team will garantee that( maybe poxord) Onwards and up up and away
Very strong words indeed!! Harsh and over the top in my opinion.. He is only young and has a very bright future in front of him. Comments like this will only make him want away. I wish him well whatever he decides..
Sorry but i think the smirg kcab is spot on..NOT good enough to get in the crew team so why is he good enough to get in the Swindon team every week?
Dazza, how ya doing mate, i don't agree, all young players would want to play and most older ones to, the thing is HE IS YOUNG and i would be interested to know if Billy actual said " i will sign if i get to play every game because to be honest i cant see it, with these guys having already played under Di Canio i would of thought they all know that there will be no guarantees to who will play and who will not. Pants, you were very calm and patient with your words well done my friend you see we can both do it :O)
Hows things mate..Hope your all well...
I no that mate
I was only trying two wind some people up as you no how some get on here...
Anyway IF Billy is good enough he will play simple as that..
Age dont mean nothing now a days

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jontyg says...
10:57am Sun 3 Jun 12

Don't think PdC rates him for a regular slot, and he hasn't been exactly chomping at the bit to sign that contract offered to him a few weeks back.
Best he goes to pastures new. Good luck!

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the don69 says...
11:06am Sun 3 Jun 12

Steve. Brentford wrote:
Pinehurstred wrote:
We are PANTS wrote:
smirg kcab wrote: Tuff shiit it won't be the first mistake you make, I'm sure your next decision will be the wrong one also as you want to play ever game, and no team will garantee that( maybe poxord) Onwards and up up and away
Very strong words indeed!! Harsh and over the top in my opinion.. He is only young and has a very bright future in front of him. Comments like this will only make him want away. I wish him well whatever he decides..
Sorry but i think the smirg kcab is spot on..NOT good enough to get in the crew team so why is he good enough to get in the Swindon team every week?
Dazza, how ya doing mate, i don't agree, all young players would want to play and most older ones to, the thing is HE IS YOUNG and i would be interested to know if Billy actual said " i will sign if i get to play every game because to be honest i cant see it, with these guys having already played under Di Canio i would of thought they all know that there will be no guarantees to who will play and who will not.

Pants, you were very calm and patient with your words well done my friend you see we can both do it :O)
Steve you should be out on the riverbank standing in the rain to wave to our Queen and watch all the boats go by!LOL!!!!!!!!

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We are PANTS says...
11:08am Sun 3 Jun 12

Pinehurstred wrote:
Steve. Brentford wrote:
Pinehurstred wrote:
We are PANTS wrote:
smirg kcab wrote: Tuff shiit it won't be the first mistake you make, I'm sure your next decision will be the wrong one also as you want to play ever game, and no team will garantee that( maybe poxord) Onwards and up up and away
Very strong words indeed!! Harsh and over the top in my opinion.. He is only young and has a very bright future in front of him. Comments like this will only make him want away. I wish him well whatever he decides..
Sorry but i think the smirg kcab is spot on..NOT good enough to get in the crew team so why is he good enough to get in the Swindon team every week?
Dazza, how ya doing mate, i don't agree, all young players would want to play and most older ones to, the thing is HE IS YOUNG and i would be interested to know if Billy actual said " i will sign if i get to play every game because to be honest i cant see it, with these guys having already played under Di Canio i would of thought they all know that there will be no guarantees to who will play and who will not. Pants, you were very calm and patient with your words well done my friend you see we can both do it :O)
Hows things mate..Hope your all well...
I no that mate
I was only trying two wind some people up as you no how some get on here...
Anyway IF Billy is good enough he will play simple as that..
Age dont mean nothing now a days
To be fair it take's a lot to wind me up Mr Romain... ;-) I shall ask big brother Paul to put you accross his Knee... ;-)

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Steve. Brentford says...
11:10am Sun 3 Jun 12

Pinehurstred wrote:
Steve. Brentford wrote:
Pinehurstred wrote:
We are PANTS wrote:
smirg kcab wrote: Tuff shiit it won't be the first mistake you make, I'm sure your next decision will be the wrong one also as you want to play ever game, and no team will garantee that( maybe poxord) Onwards and up up and away
Very strong words indeed!! Harsh and over the top in my opinion.. He is only young and has a very bright future in front of him. Comments like this will only make him want away. I wish him well whatever he decides..
Sorry but i think the smirg kcab is spot on..NOT good enough to get in the crew team so why is he good enough to get in the Swindon team every week?
Dazza, how ya doing mate, i don't agree, all young players would want to play and most older ones to, the thing is HE IS YOUNG and i would be interested to know if Billy actual said " i will sign if i get to play every game because to be honest i cant see it, with these guys having already played under Di Canio i would of thought they all know that there will be no guarantees to who will play and who will not. Pants, you were very calm and patient with your words well done my friend you see we can both do it :O)
Hows things mate..Hope your all well...
I no that mate
I was only trying two wind some people up as you no how some get on here...
Anyway IF Billy is good enough he will play simple as that..
Age dont mean nothing now a days
Well Grim definitely got them going this morning Haha. Age don't matter i agree but some develop later than others, anyway i think Billy may be better off with Torquay If not permanently then for a season,the reason being i believe we may be progressing at a quicker rate than Billy and that will become more apparent if we manage to achieve promotion again this season.

PS Why didn't you foul Drogba when he ran with the torch, i would of loved to see him rolling around for 5 mins.

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Steve. Brentford says...
12:05pm Sun 3 Jun 12

the don69 wrote:
Steve. Brentford wrote:
Pinehurstred wrote:
We are PANTS wrote:
smirg kcab wrote: Tuff shiit it won't be the first mistake you make, I'm sure your next decision will be the wrong one also as you want to play ever game, and no team will garantee that( maybe poxord) Onwards and up up and away
Very strong words indeed!! Harsh and over the top in my opinion.. He is only young and has a very bright future in front of him. Comments like this will only make him want away. I wish him well whatever he decides..
Sorry but i think the smirg kcab is spot on..NOT good enough to get in the crew team so why is he good enough to get in the Swindon team every week?
Dazza, how ya doing mate, i don't agree, all young players would want to play and most older ones to, the thing is HE IS YOUNG and i would be interested to know if Billy actual said " i will sign if i get to play every game because to be honest i cant see it, with these guys having already played under Di Canio i would of thought they all know that there will be no guarantees to who will play and who will not.

Pants, you were very calm and patient with your words well done my friend you see we can both do it :O)
Steve you should be out on the riverbank standing in the rain to wave to our Queen and watch all the boats go by!LOL!!!!!!!!
Oh i would if i could but as you say its raining and i reckon if she wants to see me she only has to come 5 miles up river and pop in, it wouldnt hurt her would it ! its not like she has to row or anything.
:O)

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smirg kcab says...
1:45am Mon 4 Jun 12

Steve. Brentford wrote:
Pinehurstred wrote:
Steve. Brentford wrote:
Pinehurstred wrote:
We are PANTS wrote:
smirg kcab wrote: Tuff shiit it won't be the first mistake you make, I'm sure your next decision will be the wrong one also as you want to play ever game, and no team will garantee that( maybe poxord) Onwards and up up and away
Very strong words indeed!! Harsh and over the top in my opinion.. He is only young and has a very bright future in front of him. Comments like this will only make him want away. I wish him well whatever he decides..
Sorry but i think the smirg kcab is spot on..NOT good enough to get in the crew team so why is he good enough to get in the Swindon team every week?
Dazza, how ya doing mate, i don't agree, all young players would want to play and most older ones to, the thing is HE IS YOUNG and i would be interested to know if Billy actual said " i will sign if i get to play every game because to be honest i cant see it, with these guys having already played under Di Canio i would of thought they all know that there will be no guarantees to who will play and who will not. Pants, you were very calm and patient with your words well done my friend you see we can both do it :O)
Hows things mate..Hope your all well...
I no that mate
I was only trying two wind some people up as you no how some get on here...
Anyway IF Billy is good enough he will play simple as that..
Age dont mean nothing now a days
Well Grim definitely got them going this morning Haha. Age don't matter i agree but some develop later than others, anyway i think Billy may be better off with Torquay If not permanently then for a season,the reason being i believe we may be progressing at a quicker rate than Billy and that will become more apparent if we manage to achieve promotion again this season.

PS Why didn't you foul Drogba when he ran with the torch, i would of loved to see him rolling around for 5 mins.
Yeah some people don't learn do they lol.
They will all be saying when he leaves he made the wrong decision, and so will I. After the playoff semi second leg when he never came on, makes you think what's in his and his dads head?.
Even I told him to go to l.a lol, and all the people on here say I don't know what I'm on about. Good luck billy at Torquay I will remember you for that great goal against the slugs and that's it
Onwards and upwards

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killerontheloose says...
10:23pm Mon 4 Jun 12

This is quite simple:
Sign up Billy for the Reds and get your backside in the team by making **** sure PDC can't drop you!

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