De Vita has no fear of Stoke (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)
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SWINDON TOWN: De Vita has no fear of Stoke
6:00am Tuesday 28th August 2012 in Sport By Sam Morshead
Swindon Town's Raffa De Vita
SWINDON Town will not give up their total football mentality when they come up against Stoke in the second round of the Capital One Cup tonight, according to Raffa De Vita.
The Premier League side have become notorious under manager Tony Pulis for their physicality and robustness, both in defence and attack, with players such as Kenwyne Jones, Jon Walters, Peter Crouch and Cameron Jerome amongst the options up front for Pulis at the Britannia Stadium this evening.
By contrast, Paolo Di Canio has tried to instill in his Swindon players an element of continental flair and De Vita insisted the Robins will not be bullied out of their usual passing game by the top-flight big boys.
“We’re never going to change our way of playing football. We’re still going to look to go forward in the same way, whoever we’re playing against,” he told the Advertiser.
“The way we defend is going to be a bit different in different games. Against Brighton we had to stand off a bit and with Hartlepool we had to be careful of the high balls but against MK Dons it was different.
“But when we’ve got the ball we have to play our way, that’s the way we like to play.
“Everyone knows how physical they are and how they take their kind of football to the opposition.
“We’ve gone through plenty of it in preparation for the game.
“It’s obviously a great chance. Last year we played Wigan and everybody wants to be involved in a game like that.
“If I get the chance to be involved it will be a fantastic experience.”
De Vita has started every game so far this season, rich reward for plenty of hard work over the summer, and many fans are viewing his emergence as a first-team regular as though he were a new signing.
But the wide man said he has not received any specific praise from Di Canio.
“He’s not that type of manager that comes up to you and praises you for doing okay,” he said.
“He’s happy with what we’re all doing at the moment and he always wants people to be doing their best and putting everything in.
“He was really, really angry after the Hartlepool game. He felt he had done everything and had put us in the best position to win the game and he wan’t happy with how things went.
“But since then, against Crawley and MK Dons, we’ve been much better and I think that’s helped.”
Comments(38)
SAPFanSTFC
says...
8:11am Tue 28 Aug 12
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Have to say that the squad as a whole are looking much fitter and even more together.
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Go and play with a smile on your faces tonight and get right in their face!
LeGod
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8:13am Tue 28 Aug 12
He looks a better player than last season and fair play to him he looks as though he has worked hard in preseason to get in the side.
Since 1950
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8:18am Tue 28 Aug 12
COYR.
SAPFanSTFC
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8:24am Tue 28 Aug 12
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PREDICTIONS LEAGUE:
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Just in case Andy isn't around until later - forgot about the Bank Holiday - I've added the questions to the 'Predictions League Update' thread from 11:24pm Friday 24th August 2012.
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Feel free to enter them there for today's match.
umpcah
says...
8:34am Tue 28 Aug 12
SAPFanSTFC wrote:I think they`ll be smiling as they run out at Stoke and anticipate an unchanged starting eleven. No doubt changes will take place on the bench as Paolo likes to rotate the fringe men.. One thing seems certain and that`will please scouts watching Sir Wes because I expect him to be a lot busier than usual ! COME ON YOU REDS !
I'll echo that sentiment!
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Have to say that the squad as a whole are looking much fitter and even more together.
..
Go and play with a smile on your faces tonight and get right in their face!
Oi Den!
says...
8:45am Tue 28 Aug 12
umpcah wrote:IMO it's not just improvement over the close season. After a lukewarm start to last season, I thought he came on in leaps and bounds as the season progressed. I would agree though that he seems to have added a bit more to his game over the summer. I've seen only the two home games. I think he's been superb in those.
RAFFA : I hope you get the chance to play at Stoke because you`ve earnt it. You are Swindon`s most improved player since last season i.m.o.
Psychedelic Syd
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8:51am Tue 28 Aug 12
the real Tosh man
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8:59am Tue 28 Aug 12
the wizard
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9:01am Tue 28 Aug 12
THE big contest for me tonight is Crouch v Wes.
Good luck to all the players tonight and I hope they are victorious .
SAPFanSTFC
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9:04am Tue 28 Aug 12
the real Tosh man wrote:I don't think anyone has questioned the potential he showed - it is more that he is DELIVERING this season unlike last and therefore vastly improved - he still has a way to go as he could get the ball in more quickly on occasion but easily the most improved player on the pitch.
It's funny how people can't spot the potential of a player. Most on here didn't rate him last season while a few valued his contribution. I seem to remember him being one of the players that most would be happy to let go in exchange for the over rated connell. For me he's always done his job well but he's certainly added to his game.
umpcah
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9:06am Tue 28 Aug 12
old town robin
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9:21am Tue 28 Aug 12
old town robin
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9:21am Tue 28 Aug 12
Stilloyal
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10:10am Tue 28 Aug 12
Robbo has outstanding skill too, he also has pace and can cross the ball. It would be cruel though to drop Raffa in favour of Robbo at present, and then there is Rooney who has dropped right down the pecking order.
Don't be surprised if Oli is in midfield tonight !!!
London Red
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10:24am Tue 28 Aug 12
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If Roberts makes us stronger and more likely to win a game then he will come in
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The same is with the midfield trio - did Navarro really deserve to be "dropped" - probably not but PdC clearly felt Ferry's creativity at home was needed and it worked
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Also what about Benson?
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PdC has always said we have a squad of 18/19 first teamers and these will rotate in and out of the starting XI
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Obviously a few like Wes, Macca, Jay Mac and Ritchie will always play if fit - bu the others are all interchangeable as Flint, Ferry and Benson have seen this year
LeGod
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10:28am Tue 28 Aug 12
As for Wes be prepared for an aerial bombardment.
Stilloyal
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10:41am Tue 28 Aug 12
I think he'll only be a bench warmer tonight with possibly Risser jumping above him in the pecking order.
The reason I think Risser may feature is because of his physical stature.
Does anyone know if Macca is 100% fit after his back injury on Saturday ? If there is any doubt then I'd like to see him rested in favour of a league start at the weekend.
Oi Den!
says...
10:44am Tue 28 Aug 12
old town robin wrote:OTR, I think De Vita is a much better all round player than Rooney. He's better in the air and generally more competitive physically. Rooney probably has the edge in terms of pacey runs and trickery. I defer to your knowledge of Roberts, as I've not seen him play for us and don't know much about his previous record. But if De Vita keeps playing like he is, it would be a tough decision to drop him.
It will be hard for Raffa to hold on to his place when Roberts is in contention. Agree with all he is doing very well and would be first choice in most teams, but for me what I saw of Roberts against Palace he just has the edge and with Luke Rooney also challenging for a game, it's a nice situation for Paolo to have these options available to him. Think Raffa could also play right wing if Ritchie takes a knock, may long may it continue he maintains his good form.
Anoldgreymoonraker
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10:56am Tue 28 Aug 12
SAPFanSTFC
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11:10am Tue 28 Aug 12
Anoldgreymoonraker wrote:...no staying power eh!?..being in Japan is no excuse!
Unfortunately I can't see me staying awake for the start of this game as it will be 3:45 am ,hope ta wake up in't morning with another win under our belt ,icing would be a clean sheet for Sir Wes ....:o))
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Let's hope it is a nice surprise in the morning but equally I just hope they go and do us all proud whatever the result.
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Still think we could sneak it although physicality of their team is a big issue.
dreamofacleansheet2
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11:51am Tue 28 Aug 12
Ok we are going to have to deal with an aerial bombardment but we are 5-1 best price to win, if we are to win I think we'll need to keep a clean sheet which gives us the draw as well.
Gutted not to be there as I think we will give a brilliant account of ourselves in front of our awesome away support. On that respect to all the fans who queued up in the rain fro Oxford tickets. No coat or umbrella and to wet for me after 15 minutes.
Can't wait to see how we get on tonight.
London Red
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12:19pm Tue 28 Aug 12
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Navarro is there for a physical battle - he plays the same type of game as Risser but is better with the ball
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If PdC thinks we need that then I would expect Navarro in for Ferry
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We might not need it though as they don't use their midfield they simply hoof it long - so its upto Flint to keep them at bay
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As for RDV v Rooney guess its like Ferry V Navarro both are different type of players
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RDV more disciplined but added a bi of creativity this year whereas Rooney is more more attack
Is that you Lovesey
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12:32pm Tue 28 Aug 12
Hope Benson is only injured !!
Redhouse Red
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1:56pm Tue 28 Aug 12
mowey33
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2:26pm Tue 28 Aug 12
smirg kcab
says...
2:58pm Tue 28 Aug 12
Onwards and upwards
You heard it second
smirg kcab
says...
3:00pm Tue 28 Aug 12
smirg kcab wrote:Loan lol. From qpr
Angelo balanta signing on load.
Onwards and upwards
You heard it second
BillyLucas4me
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3:30pm Tue 28 Aug 12
Better luck than I have trying to find the Prediction League results for MKdons game. Nothing after the Crawley game can I find.
Someone point me in the right direction please!
SAPFanSTFC
says...
3:33pm Tue 28 Aug 12
Redhouse Red wrote:I hope so as I'm heading up without one!...there will be plenty of room for us so can't imagine no tickets on the gate.
Are the tickets available on the gate for away fans ?
SAPFanSTFC
says...
3:35pm Tue 28 Aug 12
umpcah wrote:True...I'd be smiling for sure - If we can get at them early I have a sneaky suspicion that they may still be smiling at half-time if not full-time!
SAPFanSTFC wrote:I think they`ll be smiling as they run out at Stoke and anticipate an unchanged starting eleven. No doubt changes will take place on the bench as Paolo likes to rotate the fringe men.. One thing seems certain and that`will please scouts watching Sir Wes because I expect him to be a lot busier than usual ! COME ON YOU REDS !
I'll echo that sentiment!
..
Have to say that the squad as a whole are looking much fitter and even more together.
..
Go and play with a smile on your faces tonight and get right in their face!
Redhouse Red
says...
4:11pm Tue 28 Aug 12
smirg kcab
says...
4:43pm Tue 28 Aug 12
Redhouse Red wrote:Also Caddis has fell out with Pdc
@SkySportsPeteO: Sky Sports understands Swindon Town are eyeing a loan move for Queens Park Rangers attacker Angelo Balanta. #QPR #STFC http://t.co/C5FdPLdy
Onwards and upwards
donaldslovechild
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6:36pm Tue 28 Aug 12
mikek
says...
7:47pm Tue 28 Aug 12
smirg kcab wrote:Hi Grim how are you bud enjoying the new look Town I hope. I have been more than happy with our showings at the County Ground and some of the football has been sublime. This Balanta fella is a winger and 5ft 8" so can't see him up front so more to replace Roberts but more worrying is Roberts must be out for quite a while if this is right. I did hear Roberts was absolutely legless a few weeks ago in one of the hotels so do hope we have not gone back to drinkgate as it seems no one knows of Roberts injury so is this just a cover up. Yes I heard Caddis has had a further row with Paolo and the situation is now irretrievable so by by Caddis.
Angelo balanta signing on load.
Onwards and upwards
You heard it second
smirg kcab
says...
8:52pm Tue 28 Aug 12
2-0 up I can't BELEIVE it. As for caddis I replied to the one above due to his hour behind me lol.news to me on the Roberts situation, as he looked pure quality in the friendlies, saying that Ol Danny de vita has been having a blinder so far this season. Saying that always thought raffa was quality last season with his low centre of gravity.
Fingers crossed now for second half.
Onwards and up up and awayyyyyyy
old town robin
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9:18pm Tue 28 Aug 12
Stilloyal wrote:I was surprised that Paolo brought Navarro on last Saturday to replace Raffa and even more surprised when he brought on Storey, when Rooney would have been the obvious choice, the only reason I could think of was he was being saved for tonight. I still think Luke has a future with us and it's a long season. You could be right about Risser, but hope not, he would struggle to play against a div 1 team let alone premiere
Raffa has had a good start to the season and may long it continue. It's good to see his hard work being rewarded , but where will this leave Roberts ?
Robbo has outstanding skill too, he also has pace and can cross the ball. It would be cruel though to drop Raffa in favour of Robbo at present, and then there is Rooney who has dropped right down the pecking order.
Don't be surprised if Oli is in midfield tonight !!!
old town robin
says...
9:18pm Tue 28 Aug 12
Stilloyal wrote:I was surprised that Paolo brought Navarro on last Saturday to replace Raffa and even more surprised when he brought on Storey, when Rooney would have been the obvious choice, the only reason I could think of was he was being saved for tonight. I still think Luke has a future with us and it's a long season. You could be right about Risser, but hope not, he would struggle to play against a div 1 team let alone premiere
Raffa has had a good start to the season and may long it continue. It's good to see his hard work being rewarded , but where will this leave Roberts ?
Robbo has outstanding skill too, he also has pace and can cross the ball. It would be cruel though to drop Raffa in favour of Robbo at present, and then there is Rooney who has dropped right down the pecking order.
Don't be surprised if Oli is in midfield tonight !!!
umpcah says...
7:07am Tue 28 Aug 12