Change of chairman at Swindon Town

This live event has finished

Latest

  • REPORTING BY SAM MORSHEAD & ANDY WARREN
  • Wray replaced as chairman and steps down from board
  • Sir William Patey assumes role
  • Di Canio suggests Backhouse will leave club in statement

7:53pm

More now from Jeremy Wray's extensive interview with Sam Morshead, and the former Swindon Town chairman's take on the role of manager and chairman at a football club:

“With all the players who went through the club I took the time to talk to them and get to know them. I don’t think the role of the chairman is ever to befriend players.

“I’m a great believer that the relationship between the chairman and the manager is the most important you have at a football club.

“Then you have the relationship between the players and the manager and there’s both the relationship the manager has with the fans and the chairman has with the fans.

“The manager’s is very visible, it’s the man who can understand the pain of the fans at Oxford when they’ve lost, to be able to lift up his scarf and say ‘trust me, we’re going in the right way’ and for every fan to walk away happy despite having lost to their fiercest rivals.

“The relationship of the chairman and the fans is completely different, it takes out all the emotion - that’s what the manager’s for. It doesn’t focus on the players - that’s what the manager’s for.

“It focuses on bringing to the fans’ attention that there is a plan, that there is a management structure outside of the playing squad that says ‘this is what we’re trying to do’."

7:06pm

YOUR SAY

7:06pm

YOUR SAY

6:56pm Mon 15 Oct 12

leader1111 says

Wray was fantastic. Patey may also be fantastic. We don't know yet. Would like to know the actual reasons, etc. for the change, which seems to coincide with the embargo time wise. Think PDC should continue with his excellent work and see how things unfold off the pitch.

7:05pm

A bit more now from Sam Morshead's exclusive chat with Jeremy Wray.

A few thoughts from Town's former chairman on his friend and the club's chief investor, Andrew Black:

“If you think of some of the characters involved with this club in the past, who have shouted their names from the rooftops and said ‘it’s all down to me’ and there he is quietly in the background supporting the plans massively, then he deserves the respect to be allowed to make the decisions he wants to make.

“In my opinion he goes one way and I wanted to go another way but I can only respect the decision he wants.”

6:36pm

EXCLUSIVE

Paolo Di Canio's statement, released to the Advertiser, continues:

"I am at the beginning of my managerial career with the ambition to manage at the highest level. 

"Up until now I have felt that Swindon was the place where I could achieve success.

"When I signed my new contract in the summer I asked for assurances that Jeremy and Russell would remain at the Club and that the project of getting back to the Championship was still in place. 

"Football changes all of the time and I was also assured that there would be flexibility within the budget and that if there were a need to bring further players in because of injury or to freshen up the squad, providing that we were on target and challenging for promotion, that this would be the case.

"Having read the Club statement, which sounds very positive, I await for my agent Phil Spencer to meet with the new chairman and look forward to receiving the re-assurances they wish to continue to support me this season, to now bring us out of embargo and move forward with our aim of getting promotion this year.

"I am obviously under contract with the Club and I will always act in a professional way, continuing to put my best efforts in to bring success on the pitch, which I have already stated previously would be very hard to achieve if the embargo is not lifted.

"I do not intend to comment any further with regards to this and will not be carrying out interviews for the media this week in order to focus on the team and the match on Saturday.

"Finally, I would like to thank Jeremy for giving me my first job in football management and giving me 100 per cent support during his time at Swindon, I will never forget the faith he had in me and support he has given me and whatever success I have in the future I will always remember that Jeremy was the person that helped me on the way to achieve it."

6:34pm

EXCLUSIVE

The Advertiser has received a statement from Paolo Di Canio in which he reacts to the decision to remove Jeremy Wray as chairman.

It reads as follows:

"I am very sad that Jeremy Wray has been replaced as the Chairman of Swindon Town, as I know this is something that he didn’t want. I have also been informed that in view of this decision, one of the directors, Russell Backhouse may also step down from the Board.

"When I decided to join Swindon Town as Manager it wasn’t because I wanted a job but the excitement of the project of bringing success back to Swindon Town and to get them back to the Championship in 3 years, Jeremy Wray and Russell Backhouse were a massive influence in me joining the Club because of their passion and belief in us achieving success.

"During the last eighteen months we have developed a fantastic relationship and as I said on Saturday after the game, you couldn’t ask for a better Chairman and I do not understand why the owners would want to break up a team who is delivering success.

"It is important for me to have a team around me that I can trust. Jeremy Wray and Russell Backhouse, Phil Spencer and myself have worked tirelessly as a team to bring success to this club but now with Jeremy going and Russell potentially soon to depart, half of that team may soon be taken away, and, as much as I have loyalty to Swindon and its fans, I also have loyalty to Jeremy and Russell and these events have certainly changed the dynamics.

"But I am interested to learn the reasons behind this decision and what this means for me and the future of Swindon Town Football Club."

 

6:10pm

YOUR SAY

6:09pm

YOUR SAY

6:09pm

More now from Sam Morshead's exclusive chat with Jeremy Wray.

Here, Wray explains Paolo Di Canio's outspoken views on the transfer market.

“There have been a lot of things that have gone on where people, if they knew the background and what was being said, that Paolo’s comments were far more measured and had more base in fact than people realised.

“Even now when he’s talking about the embargo, he’s not saying ‘I must have new players’.

“He’s saying we must lift the embargo so that we have the flexibility that if suddenly an injury occurs, if the plan is still as it was we must have the flexibility to discuss with Phil Spencer, with the scounts who the player is we might need to bring in in the short term.

“When the embargo sits there, as far as Paolo is concerned, there is no scope to adapt to those short-term needs.

“He’s not saying ‘go buy someone now for x-hundred thousands pounds’. He’s saying ‘we need that flexibility to do what needs to be done’.

“You don’t want to be sitting there at the end of the season and miss out by a couple of points.”

5:41pm

Here's the first extract from Adver chief sports writer Sam Morshead's exclusive in-depth interview with former Swindon Town chairman Jeremy Wray.

Wray talks about his career at Swindon Town.

“If you see it as the continuity of the whole time, from when Andrew (Fitton) got involved from the start, that was a plan that rescued Swindon from being five minutes away from going bust. A lot of that goes down to Andrew (Fitton) and the team he put together.

“Ultimately we all know it comes down to success on the pitch and when we got relegated Andrew (Fitton) took it very personally and decided that was the time for him to go.

“At that moment it was more about continuity as to who took over. I had a conversation with Russell (Backhouse) and with Andrew Black and they said ‘we think Jeremy should take over.’

“I said ‘fine, I’ll do it’ and that was the process.

“We were clear at that time that we were pretty much at the bottom and we had to realise that failures across the board meant we were where we were and it need a new impetus and a new breath of life.

“It was the time we were looking for new managers and we said, ‘here’s a plan, let’s take Paolo on board, inevitable risks go with a rookie manager and probably more so with someone with Paolo’s reputation’.

“But the pluses at the time so outweighed the negatives that we thought it was what the club needed. I think that has been proved.

“It was important we had a budget and a plan that we could give to Paolo that was credible and that there was a man who didn’t really need a job who was cherry-picking the right opportunity for him in management, so it was a win-win situation.

“Having met him with Russell and Nick we were all very keen and we presented him to the board as the right man.

“We’re 18 months through a plan which, on paper, looks successful so from my point of view I’m obviously disappointed I’m not going to be there to see it through.”

4:41pm

Outgoing chairman Jeremy Wray has told Adver chief sports writer Sam Morshead he first knew of plans to remove him 10 days ago.

Wray has spoken to the Adver this afternoon, and excerpts will appear here throughout the evening, with a full and frank feature appearing in tomorrow's paper.

JETTING OUT: Jeremy Wray

JEREMY WRAY

4:19pm

ADVER SPORTS WRITER ANDY WARREN: In an age where owners and chairmen are becoming increasingly visible by their absence, Jeremy Wray really was a breath of fresh air.

Seeing a chairman on the pitch celebrating with the players and manager after sealing a promotion and a league title was a joy to behold, and Wray was visible and approachable at every ground up and down the country throughout his time at the helm.

Wray's alliance with Paolo Di Canio has made the club the talk of the town again, and reminded the footballing world as a whole that the club exists.

While Di Canio has grabbed national headlines with his rants, odd analogies and classy football, it is locally where Wray has excelled, making sure Town fans are always aware of what is going on.

When he was called upon at a national level he always spoke with a composure which quickly calmed the situation, and he dealt with the Leon Clarke and Luke McCormick incidents quickly and calmly.

While the groundwork he has put down will benefit the club with years to come, it is a real shame to see such a passionate and down to earth chairman move on in this way.

3:50pm

 

3:27pm

3:11pm

2:28pm

YOUR SAY

2:27pm

YOUR SAY

2:12pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Black&Whitebut RedAllOver says

Bearing in mind that Sir William is described as an Arabist (due to his extensive experience in the Middle East), has anyone considered this may be linked to the Club's seeking more investment, possibly from this region? This seems to be a recurring theme in football lately?

2:26pm

John Ward, who chairs the STFC Supporters Trust board, has been on the phone to have his say:

“All this seems to do is reaffirm that supporters need to be more involved in the running of football clubs.

“I would say that those supporters who feel disenfranchised consider becoming part of the Supporters’ Trust and play a more active role.

“If we were able to get back to the sorts of numbers we had when the previous board was in charge, around 1,000 members, then the club would be more obliged to take notice of what supporters have to say."

2:21pm

ADVER CHIEF SPORTS WRITER SAM MORSHEAD: "For those calling for a few words from Paolo Di Canio, the Swindon manager is currently on the way back from Italy.

"I wouldn't expect anything from him today."

1:56pm

YOUR SAY

1:55pm

More from former Town keeper Phil Smith, who believes the club will continue to benefit from the work Jeremy Wray despite the fact he is no longer on the board.

Phil Smith.jpg

PHIL SMITH

“Anyone who is passionate for the club doing well is great for a club is a great asset, and Jeremy has that," he said.

“When anyone who has that passion leaves it is sad, but he has ambitious plans which were coming to fruition.

“We got promotion in the first season, and a lot of the things that he has put in place will see the club prosper in the future I am sure.”

1:36pm

YOUR SAY

1:35pm Mon 15 Oct 12

oncearedalwaysared says

A sad day. I am sure I am one of many who would like to place on record my support and sincere thanks to Jeremy Wray for all he has done for the club and for the manner in which he has done it. A true gentleman whenever I have had the pleasure to speak with him and someone who clearly had a vision for STFC and was willing to do a lot to achieve it. He will be missed.

Sir William, you have a lot to live up to!

1:24pm

YOUR SAY

1:21pm Mon 15 Oct 12

SeanG92 says

Would like Paolo to come out with a few words on this! Just "I think this can be a positive move, I hope that I can work well with the new chairman and together we can achieve our goals for this club"

1:20pm

The Adver spoke to former Swindon keeper Phil Smith this morning as news of Jeremy Wray's departure broke, and the 32-year-old said he would always be grateful for the way the former Town chairman handled his departure from the County Ground at the end of last season.

Goalkeeper Phil Smith has been a real bonus this season

PHIL SMITH

“He always had time to speak to you and give you a pat on the back, and he was always very good to me and had the time to speak to me," he said.

“At the time at the end of last season I was very appreciative of the call he gave me, and he was a genuinely nice bloke who had the time to talk and wanted the best for everyone.

“You could see he wouldn’t talk rubbish and said how it was, and he always told me the truth.

“The end of the season was a hard time for me, and what happened, happened.

“Jeremy felt I should be told properly and not just in a letter, and I apprecitate he took the time out to do that for me.”

1:14pm

YOUR SAY

12:58pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Not so Smart Roger says

I appreciated and respected Mr Wray's calm demeanour and positive outlook at all times. I always thought of him as being 'one of us' and I believe he will be sorely missed. Sincerest good luck to you, Sir, and thanks for all your hard work.

12:57pm

Sir William Patey was at the County Ground on Saturday for the clash between Swindon Town and Coventry.

Wonder what he would have made of Paolo Di Canio's gesticulation during the game?

12:50pm

 

YOUR SAY

12:36pm

So, the news we brought you early this morning has been confirmed by the club in the past hour.

In a statement issued through Swindon Town, former chairman Jeremy Wray confirmed that he has been replaced by majority shareholder Andrew Black.

In his place comes Sir William Patey, a well-connected former diplomat who stressed in a statement of his own that he will look for extra investment in the pursuit of County Ground redevelopment.

12:32pm

YOUR SAY

 

12:23pm

YOUR SAY

12:17pm

YOUR SAY

12:16pm

YOUR SAY

12:13pm Mon 15 Oct 12

the don69 says

No statement from the board or J-Wray yet so I will hold fire!just like to say a big THANK-YOU to Mr Wray for his great work,best chairman we have had for many a long year!please can we have a statement about this!or don't Abib and Black give a Sh1t about the Swindon Fans????????????????
????????????????????
?????????

Scroll down a bit and have a peek!

12:15pm

Another former Swindon Advertiser chief sports writer, Anthony Marshall, who dealt with Jeremy Wray on a day to day basis, has had his say.

12:09pm

YOUR SAY

11:53am Mon 15 Oct 12

jam1 says

Jeremy was an amazing chairman no doubt about it. Sir William does sound like a bit of a character though and he's certainly a high profile figure with contacts.

11:56am

YOUR SAY

11:36am Mon 15 Oct 12

chalkswindon says

Wow that blows my thoughts out the water.

Replaced behind JWrays back.

Poor show.

11:38am

ADVERTISER CHIEF SPORTS WRITER SAM MORSHEAD: "So, Jeremy Wray confirms what many may already have thought - that he was replaced as chairman at the request of majority shareholder Andrew Black.

"That he viewed it as 'inappropriate' to then remain on the board makes plenty of sense. Here is a man who has dedicated himself to a voluntary role for 18 months only to be moved on at the drop of a hat.

"His contriution to the cause was infallible and his commitment unflinching.

"What Sir William Patey says in his statement, which is hugely encouraging, is his blueprint to bring in outside investment to support the redevelopment of the County Ground.

"It's a busy old day at SN1."

11:33am

Statement from Swindon Town FC

"The Directors of STFC are delighted to announce the appointment of Sir William Patey as non-executive Chairman*.

"Sir William is a lifelong football fan and, having served as British Ambassador to, amongst others, Afghanistan, Iraq and Saudi Arabia brings a wealth of experience to the Swindon board.

"Sir William commented: 'I am delighted to become Chairman of Swindon Town at such an exciting time. I look forward to working with Paolo, the Board and the whole Club so that success on the pitch can continue and take the Club back to the npower Championship.

“'In addition, my task will be to secure new investment to support the programme of ground redevelopment and to co-ordinate the execution of the Club’s longer term strategic plans.

"'I look forward to working with those who share the same ambitions for the Club both on and off the field and relish the opportunity to take on this challenge.

"'The Club has achieved much under the Chairmanship of Jeremy Wray and on behalf of the Board and investor base would like to thank him for his efforts over the course of the last 18 months.”

Jeremy Wray, after careful consideration, has taken the decision to resign from the STFC Board with immediate effect. 

Regretting this decision, the Board would like to place on record its thanks for Jeremy’s invaluable contribution to the club since his initial involvement in January 2008 and justly proud of his achievements since assuming the role of Chairman in May 2011.

*Appointment subject to Football League Approval

11:31am

Jeremy Wray's statement in full:

"At the specific request of the club's majority shareholder, Andrew Black, I have been replaced as Chairman of STFC by Sir William Patey at a meeting of the Board on Friday 12th October.

"Having met Sir William, I am confident he will bring great value to the Board of STFC, but, after much reflection, I have concluded that it would be inappropriate to accept the offer to remain on the Board and as such intend to terminate my engagement with the Club.

"When I agreed to take over as Chairman it was on the understanding that the Board would confirm the appointment of Paolo Di Canio as manager and would commit to a three-year plan to support him, his management staff and players in the attempt to achieve promotion back to the Championship. 

"I am proud to have overseen significant progress towards this goal and privileged to have stewarded the Club through one of the most exciting periods in its history. 

"Given my commitment over the last 18 months, I am obviously sorry not to see the project through to completion, but am confident that the Club is in excellent shape to achieve back-to-back promotions.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my association with STFC and wish the club and its magnificent fans every success in the future."

11:30am

Jeremy Wray will not remain a part of the Swindon Town board after being replaced by the majority shareholder Andrew Black.

11:28am

YOUR SAY

11:26am

YOUR SAY

We have been told that Blackburn have no interest in Di Canio. He rubbished Bolton link last week.

11:24am

ADVERTISER CHIEF SPORTS WRITER SAM MORSHEAD: "Having been told Jeremy Wray is down at the County Ground we would expect the statement to be pretty imminent.

"Until then we will not be completely enlightened why the decision has been made to replace Wray with Sir William Patey and what happens next.

"It's an interesting situation, and I hope to catch up with Wray himself later on to find out from the horse's mouth."

11:08am

YOUR SAY

10:58am Mon 15 Oct 12

Farteaboy says

Says on Wiki that the new chairman "is also a football fan and supports Queens Park Rangers in England together with Hibernian in Scotland.

Thats good enough for me then....

Easily pleased?

11:07am

We're getting word that Jeremy Wray is down at the County Ground.

Still waiting on that statement.

11:06am

YOUR SAY

10:54am

YOUR SAY

10:46am

YOUR SAY

10:39am

YOUR SAY

Gary McHugh has got on the email to have his say about Jeremy Wray's imminent departure.

He writes:

"I’m a little concerned by the change of Chairman, especially as he did such a fantastic job.

"I just fear, as the board probably did, that he became Paolo’s ‘yes man’. Although I can largely understand why he repeatedly said yes to Paolo, because he delivered results.

"I expect this will upset Paolo, he won’t get his striker and Paolo will probably be off at the end of the season."

10:15am

Former Swindon Town keeper Phil Smith has had his say on twitter about Wray's departure.

 
The keeper has already spoken to the Advertiser this morning, and said he was sad to see Wray leave the club.
 
"It is sad for the football club because there has been a lot of success at Swindon since Jeremy took over," he said.
 
"It is not too sad a day though because of everything he has achieved, so it is important to remember that.
 
"He brought in a high profile manager like Paolo Di Canio and we got promotion which was brilliant, and Jeremy played a very important part in that.
 
"Before he was chairman he was always talking to you and giving you encouragement, and I was really happy when he took over as chairman.
 
"He was passionate about the club and us doing well, and that showed in what he did in the job which he can be proud of.
 
"He will be missed."
Phil Smith, who has been released by Swindon Town
FORMER TOWN KEEPER PHIL SMITH

10:10am

 

YOUR SAY

9:56am

YOUR SAY

9:47am

YOUR SAY

Remember, we want to hear your views on the news Jeremy Wray is to be replaced as chairman of Swindon Town.

There are a number of ways you can get involed:

l Twitter - use the hashtag #stfcadver

l Comment - use the boxes below

l Email - sport@swindonadvertiser.co.uk

9:43am

YOUR SAY

9:43am

YOUR SAY

9:37am Mon 15 Oct 12

SeanG92 says

Im not sure sure that Paolo is going to walk! I think he will see what the new blokes plans are, and then decide on what to do next!

I dont want PDC to go.... :'(

9:43am

YOUR SAY

9:21am Mon 15 Oct 12

SeanG92 says

This Patey guy sounds High profile. A statement from the club is needed ASAP or fans (me included) will really start to worry.

9:33am

YOUR SAY

9:14am

YOUR SAY

9:01am Mon 15 Oct 12

Blazing Riff says

Of course this is worrying but, as usual, too much speculation by the armchair warriors. Patience please and wait for the explanation.

9:13am

YOUR SAY

9:13am

YOUR SAY

9:03am Mon 15 Oct 12

bowralbob says

Has the Swindon juggernaut been deWRAYled?

I feel shocked.I did not see this coming. I hope we can learn soon the REASONS for the change of Chairman.

9:10am

Here's a bit of reaction of the news Jeremy Wray is to be replaced as chairman of the Robins from Swindon Supporters Club spokesman Nigel Bennett:

“At clubs up and down the country fans are naturally pessimistic when major changes take place.

“However, at this moment in time there only appears to be minimal detail released and, at this moment in time, it would be appropriate to reserve judgement until everything becomes clear and we can look back at the change as a success or otherwise further down the road.”

8:55am

YOUR SAY

8:39am

YOUR SAY

8:32am Mon 15 Oct 12

We are PANTS says

If given a choice between Wray and Di Canio i would have kept Wray EVERY time! Now i fear we could lose both!! Let's just hope he wasn't pushed and it's all part of a bigger plan! What a mess!!

8:39am

Time for a quick recap of the big news coming out of the County Ground this morning.

The Advertiser understands Jeremy Wray is to be replaced as chairman of Swindon Town.

JETTING OUT: Jeremy Wray

JEREMY WRAY

Wray, whose 18-month time in charge included the appointment of Paolo Di Canio and promotion to League One, has become one of the most popular Town chairmen of recent times.

Sir William Patey, a former senior diplomat who held Ambassador roles in Sudan, Iraq and Afghanistan, is believed to be coming in in his place.

A statement from the club is expected later today clarifying the situation.

8:36am

YOUR SAY

8:22am

YOUR SAY

8:20am

YOUR SAY

8:20am

YOUR SAY

7:54am Mon 15 Oct 12

Singaporered says

Shocked, stunned and saddened! Jeremy Wray - top man, top chairman.

8:07am

A reminder that we are expecting to receive a statement from the club later today.

8:07am

YOUR SAY
Former Adver chief sports writer Gary Rose has had his say on the matter.

7:53am

YOUR SAY

7:49am

YOUR SAY

7:47am Mon 15 Oct 12

the wizard says

So we are now going to have a Diplomat running our club. Interesting. Wray is so knowledgeable about football and his enthusiasm is without bounds. Have the board decided to pull out ?

7:45am

YOUR SAY

7:39am

YOUR SAY

7:36am Mon 15 Oct 12

peatmoor pirate says

Thank You Jeremy Wray; what a fantastic job you hve done for our club. I hope this is your own decision as You have definitely beenthe est Chairman in many many years at Swindon.
Really worry about how this will affect the club, particularly PDC's position. It certainly makes a lot clearer about Paulo's last couple of post match interviews.

7:38am

YOUR SAY

Remember, we want to hear your views on the news Jeremy Wray is to be replaced as chairman of Swindon Town.

There are a number of ways you can get involed:

l Twitter - use the hashtag #stfcadver

l Comment - use the boxes below

l Email - sport@swindonadvertiser.co.uk

7:35am

YOUR SAY
It is not thought that Sir William Patey is investing in the club.

7:35am

YOUR SAY

7:32am Mon 15 Oct 12

Chish and Fips says

Good luck JW in what ever you decide to do, you deserve full credit and the support of all fans for what you did in your time as Chairman.

Possibly the term 'interim' chairman was forgotten after all this time.

7:33am

YOUR SAY

7:29am Mon 15 Oct 12

mustard red says

Has J Wray stepped aside, or has he been removed?

The former suggests that it was either his decision, or it was suggested to him that he should make this decision. The latter suggest that he didn't want to go, and has been forced out.

Sam Morshead, which is it?

It is our understanding that he is being replaced.

7:30am

YOUR SAY

7:15am Mon 15 Oct 12

KojaktheWarg says

It certainly has been a rollercoaster ride this season and last, but the we've done fantastically well under Wray and PDC. Lets hope he stays on the board and lets hope there is a good reason for all this and that PDC doesnt get too rattled before its clear what the plan is going ahead.

7:27am

YOUR SAY

7:27am Mon 15 Oct 12

umpcah says

Stunned- and worried. Just what is going on ? And what will go on ?

7:19am

YOUR SAY

7:19am

ADVER CHIEF SPORTS WRITER SAM MORSHEAD: "It's a Monday morning story that was very hard to foresee, the removal of a chairman who has been involved in such a rich period of success at Swindon Town.

"Jeremy Wray has many admirers in Swindon, amongst the fans, local media, players past and present and the current management.

THE SAM MORSHEAD COLUMN

SAM MORSHEAD

"He's overseen a resurgence at the County Ground - from relegation in 2011 to promotion and a Wembley trip.

"Many are already voicing their surprise at the decision, and we wait to hear official word from the club."

7:16am

YOUR SAY

7:10am Mon 15 Oct 12

jayden says

Last 3 teams we played had new managers are we next ?

7:12am

YOUR SAY

7:02am

YOUR SAY

7:02am

In his post-match press conference following the 2-2 draw with Coventry on Saturday, Paolo Di Canio paid tribute to Jeremy Wray on several occasions.

In context it makes a lot more sense right now:

"The chairman Jeremy Wray is the best chairman a manager can have because we have achieved what we have achieved thanks to the way he supported me in the beginning when there was some friction with the players.

Jeremy Wray has given Paolo Di Canio his backing

JEREMY WRAY WITH PAOLO DI CANIO

“The way he handled the situation showed he is the best chairman you can have is Jeremy Wray. The result is thanks first to him and then Paolo Di Canio, the technical staff and then the main actors, the players.”

6:58am

YOUR SAY

6:57am

YOUR SAY

6:49am Mon 15 Oct 12

lambo says

well that's news to start the week off, just great.

helps put some context to the strange on field team talk, and radio interview though.

wonder if that means more changes are afoot.

6:57am

A photo gallery of Jeremy Wray's time as Swindon Town chairman is now up and running on the Advertiser website.

Click here for a few memories of his achievements with the Robins.

6:45am

YOUR SAY

6:44am

YOUR SAY

6:29am Mon 15 Oct 12

grove red says

Is this guy a new invester now? has j wray left for good? will the embargo be lifted? what does the future hold for pdc?

It is not thought that Sir William Patey is investing in the club.

6:41am

6:40am

YOUR SAY

6:40am

YOUR SAY

6:26am Mon 15 Oct 12

Anoldgreymoonraker says

Really sad to read this, worst news to get on a monday morning ,I thought he'd done a great job .

6:32am

Jeremy Wray has overseen a revolution at Swindon Town since taking over as interim chairman from Andrew Fitton in April 2011.

Here, the Advertiser recounts his work at the County Ground - from the appointment of Paolo Di Canio and the Leon Clarke saga through promotion to League One, controversy over Luke McCormick and his stalwart support of his manager.

Jeremy Wray

JEREMY WRAY, LEFT, CELEBRATES PROMOTION

6:23am

YOUR SAY

6:22am Mon 15 Oct 12

swindonmatt says

Shocked. Where does this leave di canio? Gutted wray has done a fantastic job.

6:23am

YOUR SAY

6:21am Mon 15 Oct 12

UsernameSTFC says

I don't understand what's going on? Why?

6:23am

Everything you need to know about Sir William Patey is on the Adver website.

But, for convenience, he's his quick pen profile:

"The former senior diplomat has an extraordinary CV, which boasts among other notable posts the roles of British Ambassador to Sudan, Afghanistan and Iraq.

"On his Linkedin page, Sir William lists his specialities as “international affairs, arabist, high level negotiations, corporate management experience at board level and financial and resource management skills.

"The 59-year-old attended Trinity Academy in Edinburgh before going on to the University of Dundee.

"Patey retired from HM Diplomatic Service in April and currently holds a number of non-executive positions.

"He is a non-executive director for HSBC Bank Middle East and a governmental and international relations adviser."

6:19am

YOUR SAY

If you want to have your say on the news, there are many ways to do so.

All the options are listed below:

l Twitter - use the hashtag #stfcadver to voice your opinion.

l Comment - use the box below to air your views.

l Email - have your say by sending a message to sport@swindonadvertiser.co.uk.

6:17am

So, big news coming out of the County Ground today.

The Advertiser understands Jeremy Wray will be replaced as chairman of Swindon Town with former senior diplomat Sir William Patey coming into the role.

There is no official word from the club as yet, although a statement is expected later today.

Stay with the Advertiser's live coverage of the news for all the latest revelations from SN1.

Comments(252)

UsernameSTFC says...
6:21am Mon 15 Oct 12

I don't understand what's going on? Why?

swindonmatt says...
6:22am Mon 15 Oct 12

Shocked. Where does this leave di canio? Gutted wray has done a fantastic job.

swindonmatt says...
6:22am Mon 15 Oct 12

Shocked. Where does this leave di canio? Gutted wray has done a fantastic job.

E ce says...
6:23am Mon 15 Oct 12

Is Wray remaining at the club though or jsut stepping down from (interim) Chairman and returning to the Board?

Anoldgreymoonraker says...
6:26am Mon 15 Oct 12

Really sad to read this, worst news to get on a monday morning ,I thought he'd done a great job .

grove red says...
6:29am Mon 15 Oct 12

Is this guy a new invester now? has j wray left for good? will the embargo be lifted? what does the future hold for pdc?

bowralbob says...
6:46am Mon 15 Oct 12

Crikey never a dull moment!

J Wray gone!!

What next !!

PDC on his way!!

Mr. Wray worked well with PDC let's hope our new Chairman understands PDC way of working.

Next 2 to 3 months will tell.

I'm sitting on the fence, but am anxious that things could go belly up.

california andy says...
6:47am Mon 15 Oct 12

This does not sound like good news. JRay has been an extraordinary chairman. Very sad to see him go, and it doesn't make much sense. A worrying development and no mistake!

lambo says...
6:49am Mon 15 Oct 12

well that's news to start the week off, just great.

helps put some context to the strange on field team talk, and radio interview though.

wonder if that means more changes are afoot.

jayden says...
7:10am Mon 15 Oct 12

Last 3 teams we played had new managers are we next ?

KojaktheWarg says...
7:15am Mon 15 Oct 12

It certainly has been a rollercoaster ride this season and last, but the we've done fantastically well under Wray and PDC. Lets hope he stays on the board and lets hope there is a good reason for all this and that PDC doesnt get too rattled before its clear what the plan is going ahead.

umpcah says...
7:27am Mon 15 Oct 12

Stunned- and worried. Just what is going on ? And what will go on ?

mustard red says...
7:29am Mon 15 Oct 12

Has J Wray stepped aside, or has he been removed?

The former suggests that it was either his decision, or it was suggested to him that he should make this decision. The latter suggest that he didn't want to go, and has been forced out.

Sam Morshead, which is it?

Chish and Fips says...
7:32am Mon 15 Oct 12

Good luck JW in what ever you decide to do, you deserve full credit and the support of all fans for what you did in your time as Chairman.

Possibly the term 'interim' chairman was forgotten after all this time.

the wizard says...
7:34am Mon 15 Oct 12

The earlier headline said, quote,



Breaking news Wray to be replaced as chairman

6:00am Monday 15th October 2012 in

JEREMY Wray is to be replaced as chairman of Swindon Town, the Advertiser understands.

The key word is replaced, does this mean the bigger shareholders have removed him on a vote.

He will be massively missed I'm sure.
Where does this leave his side kick Nick Watkins, are they both leaving the club/board ?

Angolan Red says...
7:36am Mon 15 Oct 12

New Chairman,Hopefully some one who can say no to Decanio, Wray and Decanio would have bank-rupted the town, you have to cut the cloth to work within your budget. The directors dont have a bottom less pit of money , Town fans have to be realistic above mid table this season push for promotion next. Then a good finish in the championship.Match day tickets too expensive especially when you get two games in a week,and the season ticket rise of 100 I could afford it but its was a big rise for most people.

peatmoor pirate says...
7:36am Mon 15 Oct 12

Thank You Jeremy Wray; what a fantastic job you hve done for our club. I hope this is your own decision as You have definitely beenthe est Chairman in many many years at Swindon.
Really worry about how this will affect the club, particularly PDC's position. It certainly makes a lot clearer about Paulo's last couple of post match interviews.

movedaway999 says...
7:45am Mon 15 Oct 12

I`ve had enough of PDC spitting his dummy out and threatening the Board, and obviously Wray has too. Sounds like PDC has given Wray ultimatums, and Wray has walked away from it. Paulo, forget all the Cantona-esque drivel, just be honest enough to say that you want out and manage Bolton or whoever is crazy enough to take a risk on you. Remember that Swindon WERE big enough to take that risk when nobody else was. Get Wray back and get rid of Paulo. Wray would be here for the long term, unlike PDC who is looking elsewhere. Nice to know you, Jeremy, and many thanks. Paulo, you know where the exit door is.

the wizard says...
7:47am Mon 15 Oct 12

So we are now going to have a Diplomat running our club. Interesting. Wray is so knowledgeable about football and his enthusiasm is without bounds. Have the board decided to pull out ?

NEWBURYREDS says...
7:50am Mon 15 Oct 12

is this April 1st by mistake?Sir William Patey supports QPR great news?|I HATE THIS, but lets just hope . THANKS JW for alll that you've done for us. THERES ONLY 1 JW

P*ssed Off says...
7:51am Mon 15 Oct 12

movedaway999 wrote:
I`ve had enough of PDC spitting his dummy out and threatening the Board, and obviously Wray has too. Sounds like PDC has given Wray ultimatums, and Wray has walked away from it. Paulo, forget all the Cantona-esque drivel, just be honest enough to say that you want out and manage Bolton or whoever is crazy enough to take a risk on you. Remember that Swindon WERE big enough to take that risk when nobody else was. Get Wray back and get rid of Paulo. Wray would be here for the long term, unlike PDC who is looking elsewhere. Nice to know you, Jeremy, and many thanks. Paulo, you know where the exit door is.
maybe it is ar*eh*les like you and the many similar people that post on here that is driving him out!! He was after all, only the Interim and was always going to be replaced at some time. there is no friction between the board and the manager or within the club, just like there is no friction between your ears!!

Singaporered says...
7:54am Mon 15 Oct 12

Shocked, stunned and saddened! Jeremy Wray - top man, top chairman.

Since 1950 says...
7:55am Mon 15 Oct 12

E ce wrote:
Is Wray remaining at the club though or jsut stepping down from (interim) Chairman and returning to the Board?
Mr Wray was Chairman, no longer 'interim'. His position as Chairman was confirmed at the last shairholder meeting, at which I was in attendance.
Shocked and gutted! Didn't see this one coming. Best Chairman we ever had. What's going on? He had a 'stabilising' influence on Paolo, no doubt of that. Where does that put him now? It starts to become clear now about Paolo's rants after the last two games, especially after the Shrews game. He was almost incomprehensible then.
Oh God. Only at Swindon!!

Chish and Fips says...
7:56am Mon 15 Oct 12

movedaway999 wrote:
I`ve had enough of PDC spitting his dummy out and threatening the Board, and obviously Wray has too. Sounds like PDC has given Wray ultimatums, and Wray has walked away from it. Paulo, forget all the Cantona-esque drivel, just be honest enough to say that you want out and manage Bolton or whoever is crazy enough to take a risk on you. Remember that Swindon WERE big enough to take that risk when nobody else was. Get Wray back and get rid of Paulo. Wray would be here for the long term, unlike PDC who is looking elsewhere. Nice to know you, Jeremy, and many thanks. Paulo, you know where the exit door is.
Sounds to me like you should wait to hear the full story before making your assumptions to further you obvious cause and sentiments against PDC.

tenerifetaxi says...
7:57am Mon 15 Oct 12

Clearly we can only guess as to the real issues behind the scenes. For what it is worth, I wonder if JW pushed the board for more investment, in order to support PDC, but the board have decided enough is enough? Hopefully the truth will come out and StFC will continue onwards and upwards!

Sniff my hoop says...
8:06am Mon 15 Oct 12

This is worrying news. Wray was an honorable, erudite man who acted with integrity and respect during tough times and who genuinely has (had?!) a passion for our club.
I can't imagine that after such a fantastic year for the club, which is so obviously on it's way up, the board or investors (whoever has made this decision) would actually rock the boat to the extent that the recent achievements are undone?
Looking forward (albeit nervously!) to the official statements out of SN1 today.

the wizard says...
8:08am Mon 15 Oct 12

tenerifetaxi wrote:
Clearly we can only guess as to the real issues behind the scenes. For what it is worth, I wonder if JW pushed the board for more investment, in order to support PDC, but the board have decided enough is enough? Hopefully the truth will come out and StFC will continue onwards and upwards!
I think you may be quite close. Suddenly the tap has been turned off. The board may have decided to cut their losses and go after pumping so much money into the club. I certainly hope not, but its all gone very quiet on the ground re development front for a long time now.
Jay Wray, top man, the place will not be the same without him, for sure.

old town robin says...
8:10am Mon 15 Oct 12

Sorry to hear that jeremy has stepped down, the fact the word "replaced" was used, suggest it was not his decision.

It would also seem the fact it has happened at a time when we are under a financial embargo has also not gone down well with the board, has Jeremy paid the price for not keeping the finances under control. I hope we will hear his reasons for this decision later today although I would think it is highly unlikely he will criticise the board who must have taken this decision.

London Red says...
8:14am Mon 15 Oct 12

Not going to comment until more details emerge
.
However will say in the poll JW would be best with AF in the top 3 - both need a lot of gratitude from us fans for saving our club
.
I know JW said a while back he may step aside if new investment was found - so lets hope we have some positive news to follow and this is just a reshuffle to balance the power of the "old" and "new"

tenerifetaxi says...
8:23am Mon 15 Oct 12

the wizard wrote:
tenerifetaxi wrote:
Clearly we can only guess as to the real issues behind the scenes. For what it is worth, I wonder if JW pushed the board for more investment, in order to support PDC, but the board have decided enough is enough? Hopefully the truth will come out and StFC will continue onwards and upwards!
I think you may be quite close. Suddenly the tap has been turned off. The board may have decided to cut their losses and go after pumping so much money into the club. I certainly hope not, but its all gone very quiet on the ground re development front for a long time now.
Jay Wray, top man, the place will not be the same without him, for sure.
It would be a shame, especially as we saw an extra 1000 bums on seats this Saturday, even after taking out the Coventry fans. From the data if old it would be typical for us to self-destruct as we begin to turn the corner, but still remain positive that we are over those dark days!

tenerifetaxi says...
8:24am Mon 15 Oct 12

tenerifetaxi wrote:
the wizard wrote:
tenerifetaxi wrote:
Clearly we can only guess as to the real issues behind the scenes. For what it is worth, I wonder if JW pushed the board for more investment, in order to support PDC, but the board have decided enough is enough? Hopefully the truth will come out and StFC will continue onwards and upwards!
I think you may be quite close. Suddenly the tap has been turned off. The board may have decided to cut their losses and go after pumping so much money into the club. I certainly hope not, but its all gone very quiet on the ground re development front for a long time now.
Jay Wray, top man, the place will not be the same without him, for sure.
It would be a shame, especially as we saw an extra 1000 bums on seats this Saturday, even after taking out the Coventry fans. From the data if old it would be typical for us to self-destruct as we begin to turn the corner, but still remain positive that we are over those dark days!
**** apple and their spell checker! I meant days of old

SAPFanSTFC says...
8:30am Mon 15 Oct 12

It could be that the board want someone to stand up to PDC more whereas Wray may have been seen as being too much on his side.
---.
Equally it could be a move to attract more investment into STFC through the business contacts of the new guy (Hope not the Middle/Far East).
---.
It may be a bit of both or that Wray needs to take a break for health reasons - all in all we won't know for a while to come as yet and only board level politics will know the answer to this.
---.
I'm guessing it is a mix of the first two and that we may be seeing PDC on his way before too long....Hope I'm wrong but this type of person looks to be an investment hunter which suggests one or more of the board have had enough
===.
Have to say that I'm a bit surprised by Paolo's comments as he must know that bringing the club out of Admin may be almost impossible if he expects it to be immediate as under the rules don't we have to wait another month before we re-submit any figures...which would require substantial proof of where the extra revenues are coming from.

tenerifetaxi says...
8:32am Mon 15 Oct 12

I can't believe the word d.a.m.n was edited out!

We are PANTS says...
8:32am Mon 15 Oct 12

If given a choice between Wray and Di Canio i would have kept Wray EVERY time! Now i fear we could lose both!! Let's just hope he wasn't pushed and it's all part of a bigger plan! What a mess!!

the wizard says...
8:35am Mon 15 Oct 12

tenerifetaxi wrote:
the wizard wrote:
tenerifetaxi wrote:
Clearly we can only guess as to the real issues behind the scenes. For what it is worth, I wonder if JW pushed the board for more investment, in order to support PDC, but the board have decided enough is enough? Hopefully the truth will come out and StFC will continue onwards and upwards!
I think you may be quite close. Suddenly the tap has been turned off. The board may have decided to cut their losses and go after pumping so much money into the club. I certainly hope not, but its all gone very quiet on the ground re development front for a long time now.
Jay Wray, top man, the place will not be the same without him, for sure.
It would be a shame, especially as we saw an extra 1000 bums on seats this Saturday, even after taking out the Coventry fans. From the data if old it would be typical for us to self-destruct as we begin to turn the corner, but still remain positive that we are over those dark days!
Agree, and there was me looking forward to a quiet week while the team train, and hopefully a few injuries and knocks got sorted, and a good game on Saturday against Scunnie. Right now that seems a long way away.
I thought Wray was part of the furniture.

ChrisWantageRed says...
8:44am Mon 15 Oct 12

I am saddened and stunned by this news. JW was one of the finest chairmen the club has ever had, and was the man that kickstarted the change in fortunes of our club. I am gutted to see him go, and I hope his departure doesn't prompt others to rethink their positions. Not very inspired by the introduction of a QPR supporting diplomat in his place, but time will tell. THANK YOU MR. WRAY!! Good luck in whatever you do next!

Showboat_fc says...
8:45am Mon 15 Oct 12

Look forward to reading the club's statement on this. Hopefully there is good rationale behind it and Wray stays involved with the club. There is no doubting the positive impact he has had with the club since taking over from AF.

Since 1950 says...
8:48am Mon 15 Oct 12

the wizard wrote:
tenerifetaxi wrote: Clearly we can only guess as to the real issues behind the scenes. For what it is worth, I wonder if JW pushed the board for more investment, in order to support PDC, but the board have decided enough is enough? Hopefully the truth will come out and StFC will continue onwards and upwards!
I think you may be quite close. Suddenly the tap has been turned off. The board may have decided to cut their losses and go after pumping so much money into the club. I certainly hope not, but its all gone very quiet on the ground re development front for a long time now. Jay Wray, top man, the place will not be the same without him, for sure.
For this reason, I now fully expect Paolo Di Canio to have resigned as manager of STFC by 5pm this evening.

Drivetime says...
8:50am Mon 15 Oct 12

It has just been announced that the new chairman is not investing in the club, this must mean someone has made the decision to appoint this man. Really strange, I hope Wray is not being made a scape goat due to the transfer embargo

Since 1950 says...
8:57am Mon 15 Oct 12

Was the 'huddle' after the game on Saturday Paolo Di Canio saying 'goodbye' to his players and fans?

Davidsyrett says...
8:57am Mon 15 Oct 12

Very Bad news to start the day, I wonder if PdC not getting his way forced the board to make a decision between JW & manager. I hope not, but "Replaced" is the word sticking in my mind.
No-one is bigger than this club including PdC.

The new chairman will now bring in his own ideas of where the club is to go, but if it's right and he's a QPR fan, the mind boggles, JW was Swindon through & through.

For me JW was the best chairman we have had for many years, hope that club statement casts a bit more light on a murky situation.

umpcah says...
8:59am Mon 15 Oct 12

Drivetime wrote:
It has just been announced that the new chairman is not investing in the club, this must mean someone has made the decision to appoint this man. Really strange, I hope Wray is not being made a scape goat due to the transfer embargo
We`re all playing guessing games and the sooner the better for the Club statement. I`ll be the first to claim that Jeremy would not pull out until the right man was ready to replace him as Chairman.

Since 1950 says...
8:59am Mon 15 Oct 12

Drivetime wrote:
It has just been announced that the new chairman is not investing in the club, this must mean someone has made the decision to appoint this man. Really strange, I hope Wray is not being made a scape goat due to the transfer embargo
I think he is. Black and Abib behind this, no doubt. They've turned the tap off.

Blazing Riff says...
9:01am Mon 15 Oct 12

Of course this is worrying but, as usual, too much speculation by the armchair warriors. Patience please and wait for the explanation.

bowralbob says...
9:03am Mon 15 Oct 12

Has the Swindon juggernaut been deWRAYled?

I feel shocked.I did not see this coming. I hope we can learn soon the REASONS for the change of Chairman.

billbst says...
9:12am Mon 15 Oct 12

Showboat_fc wrote:
Look forward to reading the club's statement on this. Hopefully there is good rationale behind it and Wray stays involved with the club. There is no doubting the positive impact he has had with the club since taking over from AF.
Think that is all we can say just now. Probably explains Paolo's very strange reaction after Saturday's game. This is going to be a really long few hours. Paolo and a diplomat - fire and water.

the don69 says...
9:12am Mon 15 Oct 12

Stunned!if the new chairman is not investing in our club,the question must be why?the only two behind this must be Abib and Black!PDC might walk now!must be a full statement from the club soon,lets hear the full story,must say this is very worrying news!!!!!!!

Wonder Strike says...
9:14am Mon 15 Oct 12

I guess Paolo's Wray comments suggest this was about to happen. Wray has been a breath of fresh air. He will be missed. I hope he is still involved in the club.

Med Red says...
9:14am Mon 15 Oct 12

On his Linkedin page, Sir William lists his specialities as “international affairs, Arabist, high level negotiations, corporate management experience at board level and financial and resource management skills”...... has Sir William been appointed to sell the club to Middle Eastern investors? I reckon so!! Get on the case Adver and ask the question.

SeanG92 says...
9:18am Mon 15 Oct 12

I don't know what to say!

Oi Den! says...
9:20am Mon 15 Oct 12

I'm finding it hard to digest this news. If we had been told this morning that PDC had quit or been sacked, I wouldn't have been too surprised. But this is a real bombshell. Let's hope the club statement gives us not only an explanation of Wray's departure (or just a move out of the hot seat?), but also a clear idea of where we are supposed to be going from here.

SeanG92 says...
9:21am Mon 15 Oct 12

This Patey guy sounds High profile. A statement from the club is needed ASAP or fans (me included) will really start to worry.

SeanG92 says...
9:25am Mon 15 Oct 12

Oi Den! wrote:
I'm finding it hard to digest this news. If we had been told this morning that PDC had quit or been sacked, I wouldn't have been too surprised. But this is a real bombshell. Let's hope the club statement gives us not only an explanation of Wray's departure (or just a move out of the hot seat?), but also a clear idea of where we are supposed to be going from here.
Why wouldn't you have been surprised? :/ This is concerning news, but if PDC was sacked/quit i think we would end up in serious trouble!

Oi Den! says...
9:29am Mon 15 Oct 12

Med Red wrote:
On his Linkedin page, Sir William lists his specialities as “international affairs, Arabist, high level negotiations, corporate management experience at board level and financial and resource management skills”...... has Sir William been appointed to sell the club to Middle Eastern investors? I reckon so!! Get on the case Adver and ask the question.
Med, I hope not and I'm guessing not. If the investors wanted to do that, would they really have done it in such a high profile manner? Sir William could have been charged with that task by being quietly appointed to a role in the holding company, suitably remote from football matters and media attention. I have a feeling there are operational reasons for this decision.

SAPFanSTFC says...
9:33am Mon 15 Oct 12

Drivetime wrote:
It has just been announced that the new chairman is not investing in the club, this must mean someone has made the decision to appoint this man. Really strange, I hope Wray is not being made a scape goat due to the transfer embargo
He is an investment hunter not an investor. My wife's father did a lot of work for boardrooms - attracting the right sort of investment etc. after he retired....like many I get the sense that thus guy is in to tighten the reins and that it will lead to PDC moving on.
---.
Either that or as an ex-diplomat he will find a way to placate PDC...although I doubt the latter somehow.

mallorca says...
9:33am Mon 15 Oct 12

Yes is bad news indeed.JW wa a super chairman but just maybe he has paid for his miss-judgements.
Agree with Wiz Pdc will resign.Can you see him working under strict rules and looks as if the new guy is coming in to do a job.
What amazes me is where are all the Pdc lovers now???? I recall I only had to make an opinion and on here and got slagged off.
If Pdc does go all I hope is can the Board appoint a proven Manager at this level.I think most fans have wanted this all along.
This board will not have to sack Pdc he will walk on his own most likely soon.
A very sad affair for the Town however we were told this Board were mega Rich????? well rich people do not throw money away
Just thank JW for what he has done don't think he will be forgotten
As a positive post said onwards and upwards and why not with right guidence they can do it

SeanG92 says...
9:37am Mon 15 Oct 12

Im not sure sure that Paolo is going to walk! I think he will see what the new blokes plans are, and then decide on what to do next!

I dont want PDC to go.... :'(

Oi Den! says...
9:40am Mon 15 Oct 12

SeanG92 wrote:
Oi Den! wrote:
I'm finding it hard to digest this news. If we had been told this morning that PDC had quit or been sacked, I wouldn't have been too surprised. But this is a real bombshell. Let's hope the club statement gives us not only an explanation of Wray's departure (or just a move out of the hot seat?), but also a clear idea of where we are supposed to be going from here.
Why wouldn't you have been surprised? :/ This is concerning news, but if PDC was sacked/quit i think we would end up in serious trouble!
Because of PDC's recent statements. If someone says he might "consider his position", his resignation isn't going to come as a major surprise. It is also the kind off statement that could lead to the employer saying "OK, if you're not happy, here's your cheque, off you go."
.
But perhaps what PDC was really saying was that he knew Wray was going and therefore may not feel able to carry on. Unless Wray is kept on as Football Director or similar, with PDC still reporting to him, I think it's very likely that PDC will follow him out of the club.
.
The departure of PDC would be a big disappointment but I can't see how it would put us in serious trouble. Whatever happens, he's going to leave eventually. The club is big enough to cope with that whenever it happens.

Davidsyrett says...
9:41am Mon 15 Oct 12

mallorca wrote:
Yes is bad news indeed.JW wa a super chairman but just maybe he has paid for his miss-judgements.
Agree with Wiz Pdc will resign.Can you see him working under strict rules and looks as if the new guy is coming in to do a job.
What amazes me is where are all the Pdc lovers now???? I recall I only had to make an opinion and on here and got slagged off.
If Pdc does go all I hope is can the Board appoint a proven Manager at this level.I think most fans have wanted this all along.
This board will not have to sack Pdc he will walk on his own most likely soon.
A very sad affair for the Town however we were told this Board were mega Rich????? well rich people do not throw money away
Just thank JW for what he has done don't think he will be forgotten
As a positive post said onwards and upwards and why not with right guidence they can do it
This is about JW & the new chairman, not PdC, I think you're find that the majority of the supporters in Swindon still back PdC 100%, but obviously we await the statement to hopefully shed more light on the affair.

Oi Den! says...
9:41am Mon 15 Oct 12

"...kind OF statement..." !

mike1990 says...
9:41am Mon 15 Oct 12

What the Fcuk is going on?Statement and answers please ASAP.

the wizard says...
9:43am Mon 15 Oct 12

mallorca wrote:
Yes is bad news indeed.JW wa a super chairman but just maybe he has paid for his miss-judgements.
Agree with Wiz Pdc will resign.Can you see him working under strict rules and looks as if the new guy is coming in to do a job.
What amazes me is where are all the Pdc lovers now???? I recall I only had to make an opinion and on here and got slagged off.
If Pdc does go all I hope is can the Board appoint a proven Manager at this level.I think most fans have wanted this all along.
This board will not have to sack Pdc he will walk on his own most likely soon.
A very sad affair for the Town however we were told this Board were mega Rich????? well rich people do not throw money away
Just thank JW for what he has done don't think he will be forgotten
As a positive post said onwards and upwards and why not with right guidence they can do it
oi, Mallorca,

Naughty boy, where did I say the manager would resign ??

I think too many of us are reading too much into this announcement. We all love and respect Wray and hold him dearly, but lets see what is said first. I think we are getting too far in front of ourselves right now. Time for calm, reflection and cool heads. I going to have a coffee, some paracetamol and close my eyes for five. Suggest a few others do the same. It will all come out when it is ready.

Bast01 says...
9:45am Mon 15 Oct 12

Very sad news. Mr Wray is so loved in this Town, I hope he knows that. I hope he is shown that. He was ill at the end of last year, maybe he was advised not to put too much strain on himself ?

Seems like a strange appointment however - why this guy ? Obviously his diplomate skills in the middle east could come in handy in the back room of Swindon !

Either way, MR Wray, I think your time as chairman has been characterised by professionalism and honesty.. a big shift from the Swindon of old. Walk tall.

southside7 says...
9:46am Mon 15 Oct 12

Med Red wrote:
On his Linkedin page, Sir William lists his specialities as “international affairs, Arabist, high level negotiations, corporate management experience at board level and financial and resource management skills”...... has Sir William been appointed to sell the club to Middle Eastern investors? I reckon so!! Get on the case Adver and ask the question.
The Middle Eastern investors are wrecking our footballing heritage and making teams like Man City the laughing stock of European football. I follow Swindon because I am a Swindonian and because it is a world away from the corporate theatre that is the Premiership. Please, please no foreign investors, please, please, please. Wray, Town legend, decent bloke too, good luck sir.

adver jurnolist says...
9:49am Mon 15 Oct 12

He waves good bye with his foot...

Oi Den! says...
9:54am Mon 15 Oct 12

southside7 wrote:
Med Red wrote:
On his Linkedin page, Sir William lists his specialities as “international affairs, Arabist, high level negotiations, corporate management experience at board level and financial and resource management skills”...... has Sir William been appointed to sell the club to Middle Eastern investors? I reckon so!! Get on the case Adver and ask the question.
The Middle Eastern investors are wrecking our footballing heritage and making teams like Man City the laughing stock of European football. I follow Swindon because I am a Swindonian and because it is a world away from the corporate theatre that is the Premiership. Please, please no foreign investors, please, please, please. Wray, Town legend, decent bloke too, good luck sir.
Agree. I would hate to see our club become the plaything of some foreign investor, regardless of the riches or success that could bring.
.
"I follow Swindon because I am a Swindonian and because it is a world away from the corporate theatre that is the Premiership." If only we could convince some of the glory hunters that this is what real football supporting is all about.

madterrier says...
10:03am Mon 15 Oct 12

Only speculation, but I agree with Med Red. Appointing a diplomat who has no connection with Swindon or football generally can only mean one thing - a front man, probably interim, to find new investors.

On the way back on Saturday we asked a question that has never been answered properly - why were Arbib, Black, Wray and Fitton investing in the club in the first place? What were they hoping to achieve? Could hardly be to run a profit as football is a business where very, very few achieve that. Was it as a plaything for their millions? Doubt it.

Wray has always held the title 'Interim Chairman'. He could have been 'Chairman' and then simply resigned when he wanted to, but he didn't. So the clue has always been left at the scene. Which suggests that behind the scenes there has always been an agenda to seek an exit.

Hope I'm wrong on lots of this.

bongiaz says...
10:06am Mon 15 Oct 12

mallorca wrote:
Yes is bad news indeed.JW wa a super chairman but just maybe he has paid for his miss-judgements.
Agree with Wiz Pdc will resign.Can you see him working under strict rules and looks as if the new guy is coming in to do a job.
What amazes me is where are all the Pdc lovers now???? I recall I only had to make an opinion and on here and got slagged off.
If Pdc does go all I hope is can the Board appoint a proven Manager at this level.I think most fans have wanted this all along.
This board will not have to sack Pdc he will walk on his own most likely soon.
A very sad affair for the Town however we were told this Board were mega Rich????? well rich people do not throw money away
Just thank JW for what he has done don't think he will be forgotten
As a positive post said onwards and upwards and why not with right guidence they can do it
Wray and PDC were the best thing that has ever happened to this club. It was Wray that had the foresight to employ a manager that was going places including the Football club. I believe the relationship PDC had with Wray was excellent so it is highly likely PDC will resign. To me it was refreshing to have two honest human beings that said it how it was direct to the fans..yes PDC got too emotional many times and maybe should have thought before speaking his mind however he was still the best manager weve had since Glen Hoddle! I never could understand why fans like you would moan and groan after every rare defeat when we were moving through the leagues like wildfire! Good luck to Wray and PDC whatever he decides to do!

SeanG92 says...
10:12am Mon 15 Oct 12

Dont like all this talk of PDC "was" the best manager since... ect ect.

He IS the best manager since Hoddle, He IS the current STFC manager and im not so sure that will change!

Paolo has said his ambition is to get a promotion to the championship, we have changed our chairman, but as of yet we dont know if our ambitions have changed, who knows they may have been boosted by this!

if Paolo leaves he isnt going to be under Wray at any other club, I dont see why uprooting himself from Swindon , and then having to find a new job would be of any benifit to himself.

He may get on really well with the new bloke!

Psychedelic Syd says...
10:16am Mon 15 Oct 12

Sickening news. Are the rest of the board a bunch of lemmings?

No good reason to replace Wray whatsoever, fantastic person. Perhaps the club ought to hold a referendum at the next home match and people vote as they go in - the result would be a foregone conclusion unless Wray has actually chosen to step down, which seems hard to believe.

This is a black day for our club and who knows where this idiotic decision will now take us? Just hope it isn't a jaw-dropping collapse and descent and that is the very real worry for all of us fans with this news.

Blazing Riff says...
10:24am Mon 15 Oct 12

SeanG92 wrote:
Dont like all this talk of PDC "was" the best manager since... ect ect.

He IS the best manager since Hoddle, He IS the current STFC manager and im not so sure that will change!

Paolo has said his ambition is to get a promotion to the championship, we have changed our chairman, but as of yet we dont know if our ambitions have changed, who knows they may have been boosted by this!

if Paolo leaves he isnt going to be under Wray at any other club, I dont see why uprooting himself from Swindon , and then having to find a new job would be of any benifit to himself.

He may get on really well with the new bloke!
Well said....glass half full opinion.

SAPFanSTFC says...
10:28am Mon 15 Oct 12

I guess the big quesiton we have to ask is:
IF Wray was so popular with the fans and the manager....could he also be revered by the board?
---.
As I and others have mentioned above this guy is not going to be working day to day with PDC and will be looking for investors...if that is to join the current board then great....but as he is not in the mould of a long term Chairman you get the feeling that the board are now looking to sell.....perhaps because they don't feel they can take us any further - more likely to cash in their chips.
---.
...having said all of that STFC would be an attractive proposition now - rising through the leagues; reasonable value of assets on the books; approval for stadium re-development and great publicity as of late....in the press on a regular basis.
===.
I don't believe PDC will believe that he can work with an investor hunter as a chairman.
---.
Really hope I'm talking tosh but very much doubt it as it all looks fairly clear cut form a board level viewpoint.
===.
DON'T expect too much to come out in words today - there will still be a lot of questions left hanging in the air.
---.
My worry for PDC is IF they have made the change of chairman public then why the need for a delay in releasing the statement?

Chish and Fips says...
10:37am Mon 15 Oct 12

Psychedelic Syd wrote:
Sickening news. Are the rest of the board a bunch of lemmings?

No good reason to replace Wray whatsoever, fantastic person. Perhaps the club ought to hold a referendum at the next home match and people vote as they go in - the result would be a foregone conclusion unless Wray has actually chosen to step down, which seems hard to believe.

This is a black day for our club and who knows where this idiotic decision will now take us? Just hope it isn't a jaw-dropping collapse and descent and that is the very real worry for all of us fans with this news.
Every one to their own opinion, luckily most are waiting to hear the the reasons - some seem to see it as a chance to monger their ' We are all doomed I say - all doomed' statements .....

SeanG92 says...
10:38am Mon 15 Oct 12

Chish and Fips wrote:
Psychedelic Syd wrote:
Sickening news. Are the rest of the board a bunch of lemmings?

No good reason to replace Wray whatsoever, fantastic person. Perhaps the club ought to hold a referendum at the next home match and people vote as they go in - the result would be a foregone conclusion unless Wray has actually chosen to step down, which seems hard to believe.

This is a black day for our club and who knows where this idiotic decision will now take us? Just hope it isn't a jaw-dropping collapse and descent and that is the very real worry for all of us fans with this news.
Every one to their own opinion, luckily most are waiting to hear the the reasons - some seem to see it as a chance to monger their ' We are all doomed I say - all doomed' statements .....
Indeed, speculation is always going to be around until the club release a statement. However this whole 'MELTDOWN' mentality is rather over the top for the moment.

Oi Den! says...
10:39am Mon 15 Oct 12

SAPFanSTFC wrote:
I guess the big quesiton we have to ask is:
IF Wray was so popular with the fans and the manager....could he also be revered by the board?
---.
As I and others have mentioned above this guy is not going to be working day to day with PDC and will be looking for investors...if that is to join the current board then great....but as he is not in the mould of a long term Chairman you get the feeling that the board are now looking to sell.....perhaps because they don't feel they can take us any further - more likely to cash in their chips.
---.
...having said all of that STFC would be an attractive proposition now - rising through the leagues; reasonable value of assets on the books; approval for stadium re-development and great publicity as of late....in the press on a regular basis.
===.
I don't believe PDC will believe that he can work with an investor hunter as a chairman.
---.
Really hope I'm talking tosh but very much doubt it as it all looks fairly clear cut form a board level viewpoint.
===.
DON'T expect too much to come out in words today - there will still be a lot of questions left hanging in the air.
---.
My worry for PDC is IF they have made the change of chairman public then why the need for a delay in releasing the statement?
You might have something there SAP. My understanding is that the investors' loans are all repayable next year. They could be paving their way to an exit.
.

P*ssed Off says...
10:46am Mon 15 Oct 12

SAPFanSTFC wrote:
I guess the big quesiton we have to ask is:
IF Wray was so popular with the fans and the manager....could he also be revered by the board?
---.
As I and others have mentioned above this guy is not going to be working day to day with PDC and will be looking for investors...if that is to join the current board then great....but as he is not in the mould of a long term Chairman you get the feeling that the board are now looking to sell.....perhaps because they don't feel they can take us any further - more likely to cash in their chips.
---.
...having said all of that STFC would be an attractive proposition now - rising through the leagues; reasonable value of assets on the books; approval for stadium re-development and great publicity as of late....in the press on a regular basis.
===.
I don't believe PDC will believe that he can work with an investor hunter as a chairman.
---.
Really hope I'm talking tosh but very much doubt it as it all looks fairly clear cut form a board level viewpoint.
===.
DON'T expect too much to come out in words today - there will still be a lot of questions left hanging in the air.
---.
My worry for PDC is IF they have made the change of chairman public then why the need for a delay in releasing the statement?
SAPF>>>>
"really hope i'm talking tosh...."

You are, and several others on here too - as usual.

All will be revealed in due course...

hertz says...
10:46am Mon 15 Oct 12

Sir Bill is big QPR fan :0)

SeanG92 says...
10:48am Mon 15 Oct 12

hertz wrote:
Sir Bill is big QPR fan :0)
and a Hibs fan :(

Bertybob says...
10:51am Mon 15 Oct 12

I haven’t read all of the above comments so this point may have already been made by some of the more positive thinkers among us. Why does Mr Wray’s departure as Chairman a) have to be a bad thing and b) mean he’s leaving the club? I can only speculate like everyone else but my thoughts are that, with the club doing well in the league and Championship football next season a possibility, maybe Mr Wray has been asked to dedicate his time to leading the stadium redevelopment project.

A person of the calibre of the new chairman is unlikely to be someone the town have appointed in a hurry, therefore this gives the feeling of being well planned and not a knee-jerk reaction to some of the situations proposed above. We are all aware of the stadium plans and Mr Wray’s abilities to deliver so to me it could be a shrewd move. However, this is only my thoughts on the situation and I will wait and see what the club have to say.

bongiaz says...
10:51am Mon 15 Oct 12

SeanG92 wrote:
Dont like all this talk of PDC "was" the best manager since... ect ect.

He IS the best manager since Hoddle, He IS the current STFC manager and im not so sure that will change!

Paolo has said his ambition is to get a promotion to the championship, we have changed our chairman, but as of yet we dont know if our ambitions have changed, who knows they may have been boosted by this!

if Paolo leaves he isnt going to be under Wray at any other club, I dont see why uprooting himself from Swindon , and then having to find a new job would be of any benifit to himself.

He may get on really well with the new bloke!
Good post SeanG!

Oi Den! says...
10:55am Mon 15 Oct 12

P*ssed Off wrote:
SAPFanSTFC wrote:
I guess the big quesiton we have to ask is:
IF Wray was so popular with the fans and the manager....could he also be revered by the board?
---.
As I and others have mentioned above this guy is not going to be working day to day with PDC and will be looking for investors...if that is to join the current board then great....but as he is not in the mould of a long term Chairman you get the feeling that the board are now looking to sell.....perhaps because they don't feel they can take us any further - more likely to cash in their chips.
---.
...having said all of that STFC would be an attractive proposition now - rising through the leagues; reasonable value of assets on the books; approval for stadium re-development and great publicity as of late....in the press on a regular basis.
===.
I don't believe PDC will believe that he can work with an investor hunter as a chairman.
---.
Really hope I'm talking tosh but very much doubt it as it all looks fairly clear cut form a board level viewpoint.
===.
DON'T expect too much to come out in words today - there will still be a lot of questions left hanging in the air.
---.
My worry for PDC is IF they have made the change of chairman public then why the need for a delay in releasing the statement?
SAPF>>>>

"really hope i'm talking tosh...."

You are, and several others on here too - as usual.

All will be revealed in due course...
Surely it's a bit too soon to be saying who's talking tosh and who's not? As you say, all will be revealed in due course - and when that happens some people will have been right and some people will have been wrong. In the meantime, I can't see anything wrong with people giving their opinions on the matter.

Farteaboy says...
10:58am Mon 15 Oct 12

Says on Wiki that the new chairman "is also a football fan and supports Queens Park Rangers in England together with Hibernian in Scotland.

Thats good enough for me then....

SAPFanSTFC says...
11:03am Mon 15 Oct 12

Oi Den! wrote:
SAPFanSTFC wrote:
I guess the big quesiton we have to ask is:
IF Wray was so popular with the fans and the manager....could he also be revered by the board?
---.
As I and others have mentioned above this guy is not going to be working day to day with PDC and will be looking for investors...if that is to join the current board then great....but as he is not in the mould of a long term Chairman you get the feeling that the board are now looking to sell.....perhaps because they don't feel they can take us any further - more likely to cash in their chips.
---.
...having said all of that STFC would be an attractive proposition now - rising through the leagues; reasonable value of assets on the books; approval for stadium re-development and great publicity as of late....in the press on a regular basis.
===.
I don't believe PDC will believe that he can work with an investor hunter as a chairman.
---.
Really hope I'm talking tosh but very much doubt it as it all looks fairly clear cut form a board level viewpoint.
===.
DON'T expect too much to come out in words today - there will still be a lot of questions left hanging in the air.
---.
My worry for PDC is IF they have made the change of chairman public then why the need for a delay in releasing the statement?
You might have something there SAP. My understanding is that the investors' loans are all repayable next year. They could be paving their way to an exit.
.
Hi Oi Den, I'd forgotten about the loans as well....all the timings seem right.
---.
As you mentioned to the other poster we've all put your opinions out there and it is quite interesting how everyone sees things differently.
---.
Before anyone else gets too 'on the case' there is no reason why a sale with all the relevant due diligence would be a bad thing this time round...we're on the up at this point in time, and not on the way down.
---.
The only concern I've got is where all of Sir Williams' experience and points of contact would be...he has all of the necessary connections to attract a mid to far Eastern investor/investment group.
...
As you say Oi Den - now is the time to wait and see who is right and wrong.
Personally I don't care if I'm right or wrong provided that STFC don't suffer as a result of any future actions.

SeanG92 says...
11:04am Mon 15 Oct 12

Farteaboy wrote:
Says on Wiki that the new chairman "is also a football fan and supports Queens Park Rangers in England together with Hibernian in Scotland.

Thats good enough for me then....
Glad he is a footy fan. However poor choice of Scottish team.

#weonlywon5-1

bongiaz says...
11:07am Mon 15 Oct 12

It seems some fans have never really liked PDC's style of management and wouldnt really care if he did resign...I do care and for purely selfish reasons and that it because I believe PDC will get us to the Premier League...no I'm not mad! Just remember the best manager in th UK Sir Alex Ferguson and the way he handled his players...Hair Dryer treatment was legendary, injured David Beckham by kicking a Football boot at him and then sold him, got rid of Jap Staam for a book he had written and got rid of all of the players he felt was a negative influence within the club. There are many other stories about Sir Alex....and PDC is in the same mould.....be careful what you wish for!!

stfc2012 says...
11:09am Mon 15 Oct 12

Think everyone needs to take a step back. Too much speculation; which is to be expected. But I will speculate further. . .

We really need to firstly accept that Wray has gone and this type of thing in football is nothing new. There is a new Chairman and he has not addressed anyone yet so to assume it is all doom and gloom already is very reactionary. Give him a chance to say his piece before assuming he's looking for an Arab or we are about to sell up.

In terms of the board - they sanctioned all spending etc and backed the vision for the Championship so I think it is unlikely they are suddenly getting cold feet with us high up the table after a fraction of games played. Unlikely but not impossible. In terms of money - it matters not who invests whether an Arab or actor as money is money and the wage cap will prevent anyone from giving out 10,000 a week contracts if we cannot afford it. Again, all this talk of selling etc is a bit premature BUT this does happen in football so it's not a surprise really.

The embargo is only a big deal if PDC makes it a big deal by demanding more players which we obviously cannot bring in. And also if the board see the fact it should / could have been prevented as a sloppy mistake by those responsible for this.

I find it hard to believe the whole spending issue has not had an impact in some way and it's not just bad timing. With PDC's contract I'd imagine any sacking would cost us dearly in compensation. If he was to walk it would not. How can he be encouraged to walk? By getting shot of the man who sold him the Job: Wray. However, this would involve then recruiting another manager and staff at expense and, wait a minute, we don't have any money due to the embargo. I'm sure Mr Bodin would step in though.

It's hard not to hold PDC responsible for much of this embargo and spending business despite the article saying he's not a big spender. He has been very wasteful. We spent nearly as much on agents fees as the rest of league 2 combined and cancelled 12 contracts.

" Total League Two spending on agents in 2011/12 was £1,036,198, with Town’s share made up of 46 new registrations, five updated contracts, 12 cancelled contracts, and 15 loans "

It seems we are now paying for the early mistakes made such as poor players on 2 year contracts; loan players sitting on the bench most of the time; paying off players we no longer fancy.

Along with this we have the Leon Clarke incident live on Sky and the Tehoue race row. Timlin was pushed out as was Caddis. Billy was treated poorly. An incident with West Ham over Abdulla. Kerrouche. Magera etc etc etc.

Publicly dressing down players after each game and kicking the dugout is not professional.

In summary PDC is a very good young manager but his off-field demands and antics alongside his ability to spend money and fall out with players is what may ultimately may end his tenure with STFC.

We took a risk that looked to be paying off with promotion but it all seems to be catching up with us now.

All will be revealed soon.

bongiaz says...
11:15am Mon 15 Oct 12

How about this for a conspiracy theory...PDC wants more players...Wray wants to back him and presented this to the board who declined. Wray has now stepped down. David Jones is struggling at Sheffield Wednesday where PDC is idolised and may have sent feelers out to Swindon about taking on PDC...Wray has warned the board that we could lose PDC if they dont support him? Just a theory?

stfc2012 says...
11:17am Mon 15 Oct 12

All managers kick off in the dressing room - this is nothing new. To compare PDC to the best manager this country has ever seen is silly. PDC has sacked off more players through falling out in 18 months than Fergie probably has in 25 years. If anything comparing the 2 shows how far apart they are. Just watch a post match interview. When did Fergie last say he was going to walk? You really need to think your comments through before posting them and embarrassing yourself.

SeanG92 says...
11:18am Mon 15 Oct 12

bongiaz wrote:
How about this for a conspiracy theory...PDC wants more players...Wray wants to back him and presented this to the board who declined. Wray has now stepped down. David Jones is struggling at Sheffield Wednesday where PDC is idolised and may have sent feelers out to Swindon about taking on PDC...Wray has warned the board that we could lose PDC if they dont support him? Just a theory?
corrrr that's a bit sinister! fingers crossed its wrong!

Wilesy says...
11:20am Mon 15 Oct 12

No point airing views until the statement comes out, sooner rather than later hopefully. Questions around the club's vision, Paolo's future, the embargo situation and stadium redevelopment will hopefully be addressed.

My gutfeel though is that Paolo won't be pleased to have lost his major ally at the club, and I think we may be looking for a new manager, perhaps very soon.

I would be very disappointed to see PDC go, but if he does it's been a great 18 months. But you never know, a more experienced and less controversial manager might not be a bad thing to see us into the Championship, we certainly have good quality on the playing staff.

Oi Den! says...
11:20am Mon 15 Oct 12

SAPFanSTFC wrote:
Oi Den! wrote:
SAPFanSTFC wrote:
I guess the big quesiton we have to ask is:
IF Wray was so popular with the fans and the manager....could he also be revered by the board?
---.
As I and others have mentioned above this guy is not going to be working day to day with PDC and will be looking for investors...if that is to join the current board then great....but as he is not in the mould of a long term Chairman you get the feeling that the board are now looking to sell.....perhaps because they don't feel they can take us any further - more likely to cash in their chips.
---.
...having said all of that STFC would be an attractive proposition now - rising through the leagues; reasonable value of assets on the books; approval for stadium re-development and great publicity as of late....in the press on a regular basis.
===.
I don't believe PDC will believe that he can work with an investor hunter as a chairman.
---.
Really hope I'm talking tosh but very much doubt it as it all looks fairly clear cut form a board level viewpoint.
===.
DON'T expect too much to come out in words today - there will still be a lot of questions left hanging in the air.
---.
My worry for PDC is IF they have made the change of chairman public then why the need for a delay in releasing the statement?
You might have something there SAP. My understanding is that the investors' loans are all repayable next year. They could be paving their way to an exit.
.
Hi Oi Den, I'd forgotten about the loans as well....all the timings seem right.
---.
As you mentioned to the other poster we've all put your opinions out there and it is quite interesting how everyone sees things differently.
---.
Before anyone else gets too 'on the case' there is no reason why a sale with all the relevant due diligence would be a bad thing this time round...we're on the up at this point in time, and not on the way down.
---.
The only concern I've got is where all of Sir Williams' experience and points of contact would be...he has all of the necessary connections to attract a mid to far Eastern investor/investment group.
...
As you say Oi Den - now is the time to wait and see who is right and wrong.
Personally I don't care if I'm right or wrong provided that STFC don't suffer as a result of any future actions.
Yes, I think most would agree with that last statement.
.
It would be good to hear some official news from the club, even if it's just to say when they expect to release a statement. As you said earlier, we probably shouldn't expect to much from that, but I would like to hear something in it about the ground redevelopment. I think the club has not been completely frank about what's happening or not happening on that front. It's pivotal to the club's medium and long term future. I wouldn't be surprised if it's also a factor in this latest piece of news.

bongiaz says...
11:30am Mon 15 Oct 12

stfc2012 wrote:
All managers kick off in the dressing room - this is nothing new. To compare PDC to the best manager this country has ever seen is silly. PDC has sacked off more players through falling out in 18 months than Fergie probably has in 25 years. If anything comparing the 2 shows how far apart they are. Just watch a post match interview. When did Fergie last say he was going to walk? You really need to think your comments through before posting them and embarrassing yourself.
Not embarrassing myself whatsoever no need to be have a go just because I'm expressing an opinion! Sir Alex remember was not the best manager in the country and was a game away to be sacked until Robins saved his skin. PDC is a new manager and has the same sort of traits as Sir Alex, nothing wrong with comparing the two!

chalkswindon says...
11:30am Mon 15 Oct 12

I feel Sir William Patey has been brought in to either get new investors on board or to arrange the sale of the club.

I hope this doesn't see the end of JWray at the club and have been a major fan of the way he has handed everything since becoming Interim Chairman.

Perhaps JWray still has a role to play at the club maybe in some capacity of a link to the board and PDC.

I hate the appointment of Director of Football but perhaps JWray would fit this role perfectly.

Time will tell but this is no knee jerk reaction and would have been coming for a while. I don't see this as a result of the embargo mistake.

SeanG92 says...
11:30am Mon 15 Oct 12

BBC Wiltshire ‏@BBCWiltshire
SPORT: In the past few minutes former @Official_STFC Chairman, Jeremy Wray has issued a statement about his departure...more to follow...

SeanG92 says...
11:36am Mon 15 Oct 12

"Sir William commented: “I am delighted to become Chairman of Swindon Town at such an exciting time. I look forward to working with Paolo, the Board and the whole Club so that success on the pitch can continue and take the Club back to the npower Championship."

At least it sounds like Paolo is wanted still :)

chalkswindon says...
11:36am Mon 15 Oct 12

Wow that blows my thoughts out the water.

Replaced behind JWrays back.

Poor show.

RedintheFace says...
11:40am Mon 15 Oct 12

Di Canio: cuckoo in the Robins' nest.

Farteaboy says...
11:41am Mon 15 Oct 12

"At the specific request of the club's majority shareholder, Andrew Black, I have been replaced as Chairman of STFC by Sir William Patey".

Interesting to say the least. Mr Black and Jeremy Wray's brother founded Betfair. Can only assume there must have been a falling out somewhere there!"

fatman says...
11:44am Mon 15 Oct 12

This is the begining of the end sorry to say of P D C . It reminds me of another S.T.F.C chairman who was also a Fan one Gary Herbert who took the Helm during troubled times and who like Jeremy Wray did a superb job under difficult circumstances Jeremy many thanks for a wonderful tenure you brought times I don't think we are likely to see again at this club . Sad day all round with the news that Jason Doyle will be missing from the robins team for the play offs , Here comes the rain ( WE HOPE )

SeanG92 says...
11:48am Mon 15 Oct 12

I'm looking at this in the same light as when Chris Hughton was sacked by Newcastle. It seemed like an idiotic decision at the time, but has proved to be a bit of genius! Fingers crossed Wrays departure and this new blokes appointment turns out the same way!

chalkswindon says...
11:49am Mon 15 Oct 12

Time for reflection.

JWray did an amazing job, as Chairman and spent a lot of time handling the media and PDC, more so than any other chairman in a long time.

Did he neglect the rebuilding/relocatio
n of the ground in order to pursue this element of his job ?

Massive fan of Jwray but he should have know about the possiblity of having to pay the fees upfront that left us with a transfer embargo. Was this what led to him being replaced I would be surprised, was Patey already being lined up in som capacity I fully expect so.

It seems like a ruthless way of getting rid of Jwray but Black is obviously successful in business and will have his reasons of which Im sure and will probably never be revealed.

I wish JWray all the success for the future he was the cornerstone that drove us forward from the lows of relegation.

Oi Den! says...
11:50am Mon 15 Oct 12

Farteaboy wrote:
"At the specific request of the club's majority shareholder, Andrew Black, I have been replaced as Chairman of STFC by Sir William Patey".

Interesting to say the least. Mr Black and Jeremy Wray's brother founded Betfair. Can only assume there must have been a falling out somewhere there!"
Well, it's certainly very interesting that Black has sacked him as chairman. Ed Wray is out of Betfair now. I don't know whether Black is still involved. Phew! Wonder where we go from here? Best wishes to Jeremy Wray. Sir William has quite an act to follow.

stfc2012 says...
11:51am Mon 15 Oct 12

bongiaz wrote:
stfc2012 wrote:
All managers kick off in the dressing room - this is nothing new. To compare PDC to the best manager this country has ever seen is silly. PDC has sacked off more players through falling out in 18 months than Fergie probably has in 25 years. If anything comparing the 2 shows how far apart they are. Just watch a post match interview. When did Fergie last say he was going to walk? You really need to think your comments through before posting them and embarrassing yourself.
Not embarrassing myself whatsoever no need to be have a go just because I'm expressing an opinion! Sir Alex remember was not the best manager in the country and was a game away to be sacked until Robins saved his skin. PDC is a new manager and has the same sort of traits as Sir Alex, nothing wrong with comparing the two!
I wasn't meaning to sound nasty. I was just saying that Fergie has done so well by controlling his outbursts in public - he still has the odd pop. You are right, he was close to the sack and better for it knowing what it's like to have been that close to the sack means he has felt all the emotions as a manager and not just success. PDC's man management is miles away from Fergie's and most other managers'. So far it has worked but it seems at a price.

Blazing Riff says...
11:52am Mon 15 Oct 12

Farteaboy wrote:
"At the specific request of the club's majority shareholder, Andrew Black, I have been replaced as Chairman of STFC by Sir William Patey".

Interesting to say the least. Mr Black and Jeremy Wray's brother founded Betfair. Can only assume there must have been a falling out somewhere there!"
Why must you assume that?

jam1 says...
11:53am Mon 15 Oct 12

Jeremy was an amazing chairman no doubt about it. Sir William does sound like a bit of a character though and he's certainly a high profile figure with contacts.

jam1 says...
12:01pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Sir William commented: “I am delighted to become Chairman of Swindon Town at such an exciting time. I look forward to working with Paolo, the Board and the whole Club so that success on the pitch can continue and take the Club back to the npower Championship.




“In addition, my task will be to secure new investment to support the programme of ground redevelopment and to co-ordinate the execution of the Club’s longer term strategic plans. I look forward to working with those who share the same ambitions for the Club both on and off the field and relish the opportunity to take on this challenge. The Club has achieved much under the Chairmanship of Jeremy Wray and on behalf of the Board and investor base we would like to thank him for his efforts over the course of the last 18 months.”




Jeremy Wray, after careful consideration, has taken the decision to resign from the STFC Board with immediate effect. Regretting this decision, the Board would like to place on record its thanks for Jeremy’s invaluable contribution to the club since his initial involvement in January 2008 and justly proud of his achievements since assuming the role of Chairman in May 2011.

Oi Den! says...
12:01pm Mon 15 Oct 12

fatman wrote:
This is the begining of the end sorry to say of P D C . It reminds me of another S.T.F.C chairman who was also a Fan one Gary Herbert who took the Helm during troubled times and who like Jeremy Wray did a superb job under difficult circumstances Jeremy many thanks for a wonderful tenure you brought times I don't think we are likely to see again at this club . Sad day all round with the news that Jason Doyle will be missing from the robins team for the play offs , Here comes the rain ( WE HOPE )
Gary Herbert was a very nice bloke and more of a Town fan than Wray, but JW was light years ahead as a chairman and figurehead. If Sir William connects with the supporters half as well as those two, he will be very well respected.

madterrier says...
12:02pm Mon 15 Oct 12

From a communications point of view, it'sts very odd to release a statement so early at 6.15am in the morning that Jeremy Wray had been 'replaced', and that the statement from the club is at a later and unspecified time today.

Normally when major PR announcements are made, a time is given for a fuller and clearer statement, it's already been prepared, and it happens quite soon after.

The fact that this isn't the case, and the very early announcement, clearly suggests that he was pushed out as there is already a replacement lined up.

As far as I am aware, Andrew Black owned 25% of Betfair with Jeremy Wray's brother Edward. Before he founded Betfair Andrew was a professional gambler. With Fitton and J.Wray as Chairmen, we never really get to know what their agenda is.

madterrier says...
12:03pm Mon 15 Oct 12

And yes, Andrew Black did resign at the AGM when the flotation of Betfair was announced. I think Betfair is valued at around £750m

SeanG92 says...
12:05pm Mon 15 Oct 12

madterrier wrote:
From a communications point of view, it'sts very odd to release a statement so early at 6.15am in the morning that Jeremy Wray had been 'replaced', and that the statement from the club is at a later and unspecified time today.

Normally when major PR announcements are made, a time is given for a fuller and clearer statement, it's already been prepared, and it happens quite soon after.

The fact that this isn't the case, and the very early announcement, clearly suggests that he was pushed out as there is already a replacement lined up.

As far as I am aware, Andrew Black owned 25% of Betfair with Jeremy Wray's brother Edward. Before he founded Betfair Andrew was a professional gambler. With Fitton and J.Wray as Chairmen, we never really get to know what their agenda is.
The statement says it was decided on FRIDAY! Which means we were kept in the dark all weekend. Also makes you question why no statement was readied over the weekend?!?

Oi Den! says...
12:09pm Mon 15 Oct 12

madterrier wrote:
From a communications point of view, it'sts very odd to release a statement so early at 6.15am in the morning that Jeremy Wray had been 'replaced', and that the statement from the club is at a later and unspecified time today.

Normally when major PR announcements are made, a time is given for a fuller and clearer statement, it's already been prepared, and it happens quite soon after.

The fact that this isn't the case, and the very early announcement, clearly suggests that he was pushed out as there is already a replacement lined up.

As far as I am aware, Andrew Black owned 25% of Betfair with Jeremy Wray's brother Edward. Before he founded Betfair Andrew was a professional gambler. With Fitton and J.Wray as Chairmen, we never really get to know what their agenda is.
No doubt about it. It's the sack pure and simple. I wouldn't have minded being a fly on the wall at that board meeting on Friday. I imagine there were some very harsh words exchanged. I always thought Fitton, Arbib, Black and Wray arrived as a package and would leave as a package. How wrong I was.

Farteaboy says...
12:10pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Blazing Riff wrote:
Farteaboy wrote:
"At the specific request of the club's majority shareholder, Andrew Black, I have been replaced as Chairman of STFC by Sir William Patey".

Interesting to say the least. Mr Black and Jeremy Wray's brother founded Betfair. Can only assume there must have been a falling out somewhere there!"
Why must you assume that?
Cos he's sacked his ex partner's brother....

jam1 says...
12:11pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Wray said in a statement: "Having met Sir William, I am confident he will bring great value to the board, but, after much reflection, I have concluded that it would be inappropriate to accept the offer to remain on the board and as such intend to terminate my engagement with the club.

"When I agreed to take over as chairman it was on the understanding that the board would confirm the appointment of Paolo Di Canio as manager and would commit to a three-year plan to support him, his management staff and players in the attempt to achieve promotion back to the Championship.

"I am proud to have overseen significant progress towards this goal and privileged to have stewarded the club through one of the most exciting periods in its history."

Blazing Riff says...
12:11pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Very best wishes Mr. Wray. Sad it should end like this but you'll be remembered with great fondness by most, if not all, STFC fans. Hey, ho onwards and upwards...we hope!

the don69 says...
12:13pm Mon 15 Oct 12

No statement from the board or J-Wray yet so I will hold fire!just like to say a big THANK-YOU to Mr Wray for his great work,best chairman we have had for many a long year!please can we have a statement about this!or don't Abib and Black give a Sh1t about the Swindon Fans????????????????
????????????????????
?????????

stfcluke7 says...
12:16pm Mon 15 Oct 12

I am not sure why everyone has decided Dicanio is now going to leave.
Whether its a good or bad thing I think the new chairman has been brought in to seek Middle east investment/owners. I believe DiCanio will be a major selling point to them as someone they would know and of heard of. I think we should be more worried about whether this is the direction we want to head in.

bongiaz says...
12:17pm Mon 15 Oct 12

stfc2012 wrote:
bongiaz wrote:
stfc2012 wrote:
All managers kick off in the dressing room - this is nothing new. To compare PDC to the best manager this country has ever seen is silly. PDC has sacked off more players through falling out in 18 months than Fergie probably has in 25 years. If anything comparing the 2 shows how far apart they are. Just watch a post match interview. When did Fergie last say he was going to walk? You really need to think your comments through before posting them and embarrassing yourself.
Not embarrassing myself whatsoever no need to be have a go just because I'm expressing an opinion! Sir Alex remember was not the best manager in the country and was a game away to be sacked until Robins saved his skin. PDC is a new manager and has the same sort of traits as Sir Alex, nothing wrong with comparing the two!
I wasn't meaning to sound nasty. I was just saying that Fergie has done so well by controlling his outbursts in public - he still has the odd pop. You are right, he was close to the sack and better for it knowing what it's like to have been that close to the sack means he has felt all the emotions as a manager and not just success. PDC's man management is miles away from Fergie's and most other managers'. So far it has worked but it seems at a price.
No worries STFC...I suppose we all have one thing in common and thats the well being of Swindon Town FC.

jam1 says...
12:17pm Mon 15 Oct 12

the don69 wrote:
No statement from the board or J-Wray yet so I will hold fire!just like to say a big THANK-YOU to Mr Wray for his great work,best chairman we have had for many a long year!please can we have a statement about this!or don't Abib and Black give a Sh1t about the Swindon Fans????????????????

????????????????????

?????????
Where do you think I'm copying and pasting from? It's on the official site. Also there are bits quoted on the bbc league 1 site.

He wasn't pushed. It is with regret the board announce that Jeremy is stepping down.

Blazing Riff says...
12:19pm Mon 15 Oct 12

the don69 wrote:
No statement from the board or J-Wray yet so I will hold fire!just like to say a big THANK-YOU to Mr Wray for his great work,best chairman we have had for many a long year!please can we have a statement about this!or don't Abib and Black give a Sh1t about the Swindon Fans????????????????

????????????????????

?????????
Read the headline...11.31 'full statement from Jeremy Wray' and club statement at 11.33!

Farteaboy says...
12:20pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Sir William looks like a bit of a hard nut... Wonder whats more scary - sorting out things in Kabul or dealing with Paolo when he spits the dummy? The next few days and weeks are going to be very interesting!

the don69 says...
12:23pm Mon 15 Oct 12

jam1 wrote:
the don69 wrote:
No statement from the board or J-Wray yet so I will hold fire!just like to say a big THANK-YOU to Mr Wray for his great work,best chairman we have had for many a long year!please can we have a statement about this!or don't Abib and Black give a Sh1t about the Swindon Fans????????????????


????????????????????


?????????
Where do you think I'm copying and pasting from? It's on the official site. Also there are bits quoted on the bbc league 1 site.

He wasn't pushed. It is with regret the board announce that Jeremy is stepping down.
He was replaced as chairman so didn't want to stay on as a board member Jam,that how it looks to me!

jam1 says...
12:27pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Could be.....

http://www.zimbio.co
m/pictures/WtdC4qfUX
SX/Prime+Minister+Da
vid+Cameron+Visits+A
fghanistan/1sg5iHofd
At/Sir+William+Patey

chalkswindon says...
12:29pm Mon 15 Oct 12

I agree Don it is clear that his replacement was lined up behind his back, so he decided this breakdown in trust left him no choice but to step down from the board.

He obviously took the weekend to decide on whether to step down from the baord or not hence the statement not being ready first thing Monday morning.

It is a great shame that Black felt the need to replace Wray but I guess he felt he had taken us as far as he could.

I suspect if Patey hasnt secured investment or a sale within 12 months he will be replaced.

SeanG92 says...
12:30pm Mon 15 Oct 12

He's definitely well connected!

hornet says...
12:33pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Very simple as town are currently in a transfer embargo means wray has allowed PDC to spend his whole yearly budget in the first 3 months of the season . Black not happy with this knows it will take a donation from an invester ( Him ) to free up the embargo with wrays inability to say no to Paolo has decided to replace him before he spends the added finances . Time now for him to manage and not just spend if he is up to it he will stay if not he will make some excuse that he can't work with the new chairman and leave and he and his agent (who deals with all town player transfers ) will be off to bleed another club dry . Paolo prove me wrong and stay ?

the don69 says...
12:34pm Mon 15 Oct 12

chalkswindon wrote:
I agree Don it is clear that his replacement was lined up behind his back, so he decided this breakdown in trust left him no choice but to step down from the board.

He obviously took the weekend to decide on whether to step down from the baord or not hence the statement not being ready first thing Monday morning.

It is a great shame that Black felt the need to replace Wray but I guess he felt he had taken us as far as he could.

I suspect if Patey hasnt secured investment or a sale within 12 months he will be replaced.
Yep That looks about right to me!!!!!!

SeanG92 says...
12:38pm Mon 15 Oct 12

the don69 wrote:
chalkswindon wrote:
I agree Don it is clear that his replacement was lined up behind his back, so he decided this breakdown in trust left him no choice but to step down from the board.

He obviously took the weekend to decide on whether to step down from the baord or not hence the statement not being ready first thing Monday morning.

It is a great shame that Black felt the need to replace Wray but I guess he felt he had taken us as far as he could.

I suspect if Patey hasnt secured investment or a sale within 12 months he will be replaced.
Yep That looks about right to me!!!!!!
In the words of the song currently blaring from the speakers at my work-

"We can't go on together, wish suspicious minds, and we can't build our dreams, on suspicious minds!"

Seems very apt currently

SeanG92 says...
12:39pm Mon 15 Oct 12

SeanG92 wrote:
the don69 wrote:
chalkswindon wrote:
I agree Don it is clear that his replacement was lined up behind his back, so he decided this breakdown in trust left him no choice but to step down from the board.

He obviously took the weekend to decide on whether to step down from the baord or not hence the statement not being ready first thing Monday morning.

It is a great shame that Black felt the need to replace Wray but I guess he felt he had taken us as far as he could.

I suspect if Patey hasnt secured investment or a sale within 12 months he will be replaced.
Yep That looks about right to me!!!!!!
In the words of the song currently blaring from the speakers at my work-

"We can't go on together, wish suspicious minds, and we can't build our dreams, on suspicious minds!"

Seems very apt currently
*with

the don69 says...
12:51pm Mon 15 Oct 12

SeanG92 wrote:
SeanG92 wrote:
the don69 wrote:
chalkswindon wrote:
I agree Don it is clear that his replacement was lined up behind his back, so he decided this breakdown in trust left him no choice but to step down from the board.

He obviously took the weekend to decide on whether to step down from the baord or not hence the statement not being ready first thing Monday morning.

It is a great shame that Black felt the need to replace Wray but I guess he felt he had taken us as far as he could.

I suspect if Patey hasnt secured investment or a sale within 12 months he will be replaced.
Yep That looks about right to me!!!!!!
In the words of the song currently blaring from the speakers at my work-

"We can't go on together, wish suspicious minds, and we can't build our dreams, on suspicious minds!"

Seems very apt currently
*with
Sam Morshead has said on Twitter,Wray was replaced at the request of majority share holder BLACK,HE WAS PUSHED OUT BY BLACK!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not so Smart Roger says...
12:58pm Mon 15 Oct 12

I appreciated and respected Mr Wray's calm demeanour and positive outlook at all times. I always thought of him as being 'one of us' and I believe he will be sorely missed. Sincerest good luck to you, Sir, and thanks for all your hard work.

aeg1955 says...
1:00pm Mon 15 Oct 12

So some questions answered as regards the change but many left unanswered

1. Why did Andrew Black use his veto?
2. Are club committed to remove the transfer embargo as soon as possible?
3. Will the club continue to support Paolo's ambition of back to back promotions?

Perhaps a clarification of the above will ease concerns of the fans

And just as importantly when do we hear from Paolo?

mike1990 says...
1:01pm Mon 15 Oct 12

the don69 wrote:
SeanG92 wrote:
SeanG92 wrote:
the don69 wrote:
chalkswindon wrote:
I agree Don it is clear that his replacement was lined up behind his back, so he decided this breakdown in trust left him no choice but to step down from the board.

He obviously took the weekend to decide on whether to step down from the baord or not hence the statement not being ready first thing Monday morning.

It is a great shame that Black felt the need to replace Wray but I guess he felt he had taken us as far as he could.

I suspect if Patey hasnt secured investment or a sale within 12 months he will be replaced.
Yep That looks about right to me!!!!!!
In the words of the song currently blaring from the speakers at my work-

"We can't go on together, wish suspicious minds, and we can't build our dreams, on suspicious minds!"

Seems very apt currently
*with
Sam Morshead has said on Twitter,Wray was replaced at the request of majority share holder BLACK,HE WAS PUSHED OUT BY BLACK!!!!!!!!!!!!
If Sam is right Don,then we now know that Black is running Swindon Town FC.

the wizard says...
1:18pm Mon 15 Oct 12

It is clear that Black has timed his move to co-inside with what ever he has plans for. Somehow the "family" feeling seems to have dropped off the scale.
Wray was always there to be seen, and gave good structured comment when asked to do so. Somehow, I feel something has been on the cards since before the board meeting last Friday, hence, the embargo has not been lifted as yet until the new man gets a good look at what is going on.

Its up to the new chairman and the manager now to get on with forming some sort of understanding/relati
onship and get things moving along once more. I don't expect anything significant to happen for a few days/weeks or more until the chairman's feet are well and truly under the table. That may mean a bit of frustration for some in the interim period. Perhaps Black is not prepared to keep pumping money in until he can see greater returns on his investment, we shall see. It will be interesting to see what kind of profile this guy takes. Will he attend all the games like Wray ? we shall see.

SeanG92 says...
1:21pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Would like Paolo to come out with a few words on this! Just "I think this can be a positive move, I hope that I can work well with the new chairman and together we can achieve our goals for this club"

oncearedalwaysared says...
1:35pm Mon 15 Oct 12

A sad day. I am sure I am one of many who would like to place on record my support and sincere thanks to Jeremy Wray for all he has done for the club and for the manner in which he has done it. A true gentleman whenever I have had the pleasure to speak with him and someone who clearly had a vision for STFC and was willing to do a lot to achieve it. He will be missed.

Sir William, you have a lot to live up to!

Med Red says...
1:52pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Paolo Di Canio has said he will “consider his position” as manager of Swindon Town if he is told the club’s board will not do anything to ensure the Robins’ transfer embargo currently is lifted..... let's hope we hear some positive news from our new chairman on this matter very soon..... tic toc, tic toc.

Black&Whitebut RedAllOver says...
2:12pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Bearing in mind that Sir William is described as an Arabist (due to his extensive experience in the Middle East), has anyone considered this may be linked to the Club's seeking more investment, possibly from this region? This seems to be a recurring theme in football lately?

eastmidsred says...
2:13pm Mon 15 Oct 12

I suspect there is a bigger picture which involves the possibility of trying to attract Middle Eastern investors to help take us onward and upward. Also the Board may feel that it needs to be clear
that PdC works for the Chairman and not the other way round. Having said that, Jeremy Wray has done a great job and we are well placed to move forward. Thank you Jeremy.

Since 1950 says...
2:13pm Mon 15 Oct 12

stfcluke7 wrote:
I am not sure why everyone has decided Dicanio is now going to leave. Whether its a good or bad thing I think the new chairman has been brought in to seek Middle east investment/owners. I believe DiCanio will be a major selling point to them as someone they would know and of heard of. I think we should be more worried about whether this is the direction we want to head in.
Whether or not Sir William Patey has been brought to the club to get Mid East money is not really the point. He could have been brought in to do that in a consutancy role, without ousting Mr Wray.
Put it in whatever diplomatic language you want, Andrew Black has sacked Mr Wray as Chairman and that's it. Plain and simple.
Also what is a non executive, part time Chairman?
Mr Wray has done a great job here following our disastrous relegation.
I think Sir William has been brought in to balance the books. That will mean good bye Paolo as he wont be getting any new players.To be honest, I can't see good coming of this.

Oi Den! says...
2:20pm Mon 15 Oct 12

"In addition, my task will be to secure new investment to support the programme of ground redevelopment..." - Is this a reverse way of saying "no further investment = no redevelopment"? Sir William could make his mark quickly by stating what the club wants to do, when it wants do it and what it is conditional upon.
.
I cannot get my head around PDC and others talking about getting the embargo lifted with the injection of more money. Isn't the whole purpose of the embargo to ensure that clubs fund transfers with operating income? This is why I don't understand PDC going on about getting the embargo cancelled. Don't we need more turnover to achieve that? Or am I being spectacularly thick on this subject?
.
The immediate future is going to be very interesting. I don't think it will be long before we find out whether PDC and Sir WP are happy bedfellows.

Oi Den! says...
2:26pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Since 1950 wrote:
stfcluke7 wrote:
I am not sure why everyone has decided Dicanio is now going to leave. Whether its a good or bad thing I think the new chairman has been brought in to seek Middle east investment/owners. I believe DiCanio will be a major selling point to them as someone they would know and of heard of. I think we should be more worried about whether this is the direction we want to head in.
Whether or not Sir William Patey has been brought to the club to get Mid East money is not really the point. He could have been brought in to do that in a consutancy role, without ousting Mr Wray.
Put it in whatever diplomatic language you want, Andrew Black has sacked Mr Wray as Chairman and that's it. Plain and simple.
Also what is a non executive, part time Chairman?
Mr Wray has done a great job here following our disastrous relegation.
I think Sir William has been brought in to balance the books. That will mean good bye Paolo as he wont be getting any new players.To be honest, I can't see good coming of this.
"Stop all the clocks...."?
.
Agree with most of that 1950 but I'm not sure I would share the pessimism of your last sentence. It's an uncomfortable episode. However, Black has made a high profile apppointment that seems to show he means business, which surely is a positive sign?

Jibberjab says...
2:28pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Would not be sad to see the gobshite that is Di Canio go, and then get a 'proper' manager that is capable of building up a club in the traditional way over a few seasons like Hoddle or Macari did, rather trying to buy their way up the leagues and bankrupting the club for the own gain, and mouthing off like a three year old if they do not get what his own way, so Di Canio do me a favour and go and bleed some other club dry.

madterrier says...
2:35pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Make no mistake, the money behind Swindon has always been Black and Arbib. Not Wray or Fitton.

They have chosen to take a back seat so far. But now we've run out of other board members who were happy to front up as chairman.

I would hope that Black and Arbib do open up a more visible and direct line of communication with the fans, as it is going to be difficult for people to just accept an ambassador and his boxes of Ferrero Rocher chocolates out of the blue. Paolo may feel the same.

And if he is there only to secure investment, there was no need to make him chairman of the football club. They could employ him in an investment advisory capacity specifically, or use other conduits to sound out the market. So clearly there has been a falling out with J Wray over something else.

The big question for me would be whether our backers want out altogether, or think they have dipped their hands in their pockets far enough and want additional 'investment' to develop the ground.

Since 1950 says...
2:38pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Oi Den! wrote:
Since 1950 wrote:
stfcluke7 wrote: I am not sure why everyone has decided Dicanio is now going to leave. Whether its a good or bad thing I think the new chairman has been brought in to seek Middle east investment/owners. I believe DiCanio will be a major selling point to them as someone they would know and of heard of. I think we should be more worried about whether this is the direction we want to head in.
Whether or not Sir William Patey has been brought to the club to get Mid East money is not really the point. He could have been brought in to do that in a consutancy role, without ousting Mr Wray. Put it in whatever diplomatic language you want, Andrew Black has sacked Mr Wray as Chairman and that's it. Plain and simple. Also what is a non executive, part time Chairman? Mr Wray has done a great job here following our disastrous relegation. I think Sir William has been brought in to balance the books. That will mean good bye Paolo as he wont be getting any new players.To be honest, I can't see good coming of this.
"Stop all the clocks...."? . Agree with most of that 1950 but I'm not sure I would share the pessimism of your last sentence. It's an uncomfortable episode. However, Black has made a high profile apppointment that seems to show he means business, which surely is a positive sign?
I accept that Den. It depends on what his objectives are. I guess that will take a while to find out - or not. I gather Paolo is on his way back from Italy. We'll soon know from his reaction!

Blazing Riff says...
2:51pm Mon 15 Oct 12

'At the specific request of....Andrew Black...' This sounds nasty. How about we, the fans, ask Mr. Black, why his 'specific' request and not the shareholders/board as a whole?

SeanG92 says...
2:51pm Mon 15 Oct 12

madterrier wrote:
Make no mistake, the money behind Swindon has always been Black and Arbib. Not Wray or Fitton.

They have chosen to take a back seat so far. But now we've run out of other board members who were happy to front up as chairman.

I would hope that Black and Arbib do open up a more visible and direct line of communication with the fans, as it is going to be difficult for people to just accept an ambassador and his boxes of Ferrero Rocher chocolates out of the blue. Paolo may feel the same.

And if he is there only to secure investment, there was no need to make him chairman of the football club. They could employ him in an investment advisory capacity specifically, or use other conduits to sound out the market. So clearly there has been a falling out with J Wray over something else.

The big question for me would be whether our backers want out altogether, or think they have dipped their hands in their pockets far enough and want additional 'investment' to develop the ground.
The way we are heading at the moment would make me believe that they would want to stay for a bit longer yet. If they develop the County ground, get us into the championship and keep Paolo, then the value of the club will rocket.

Oi Den! says...
2:56pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Terrier, I think a clue to the fall out might be in Wray's statement: "When I agreed to take over as Chairman it was on the understanding that the Board would confirm the appointment of Paolo Di Canio as manager and would commit to a three-year plan to support him, his management staff and players in the attempt to achieve promotion back to the Championship."
.
Sounds like Black has concluded that we need to rein in the spending while Wray was committed to continuing it. This would seem to fit with PDC's "If the plan has changed..." statement.

the don69 says...
2:56pm Mon 15 Oct 12

The one thing we've learned today chaps is Black is the man pulling all the strings behind the scene,we don't know didldly sh1t! about what he wants or what his long time plans are?he's the majority shareholder and can do what he wants!do we know how many times he's been to the county ground to watch us play?would be great if he made a statement!don't hold your breath for that!!!!!!!!!

Since 1950 says...
2:57pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Blazing Riff wrote:
'At the specific request of....Andrew Black...' This sounds nasty. How about we, the fans, ask Mr. Black, why his 'specific' request and not the shareholders/board as a whole?
Because Andrew Black is the majority shareholder.

hertz says...
2:59pm Mon 15 Oct 12

While we all speculate lets consider , we cannot sign any new players due to the embargo . Someone on the board may have mentioned to JW and PDC you have Bostock on loan (who it is rumoured is on a very healthy wage ) , maybe someone said if you are'nt going to play him send him back then you will have that money to play with ( good money from what I hear) , you all must admit you found it a bit strange Bostock was starting ahead of Collins on Saturday just after he bagged his goal the week before he had to be first choice surely, from what I saw Bostock was'nt match ready anyway , Paolo probably told to play him or lose him. Just a thought while we wait for the official statement

Last step says...
3:02pm Mon 15 Oct 12

If supporters want to do more than watch helplessly from the sidelines they need to join Trust STFC and play an active part, not just leave it to someone else.

Join the Supporters Trust-

http://www.truststfc
.com/join/join-onlin
e/

SAPFanSTFC says...
3:22pm Mon 15 Oct 12

jam1 wrote:
Sir William commented: “I am delighted to become Chairman of Swindon Town at such an exciting time. I look forward to working with Paolo, the Board and the whole Club so that success on the pitch can continue and take the Club back to the npower Championship.




“In addition, my task will be to secure new investment to support the programme of ground redevelopment and to co-ordinate the execution of the Club’s longer term strategic plans. I look forward to working with those who share the same ambitions for the Club both on and off the field and relish the opportunity to take on this challenge. The Club has achieved much under the Chairmanship of Jeremy Wray and on behalf of the Board and investor base we would like to thank him for his efforts over the course of the last 18 months.”




Jeremy Wray, after careful consideration, has taken the decision to resign from the STFC Board with immediate effect. Regretting this decision, the Board would like to place on record its thanks for Jeremy’s invaluable contribution to the club since his initial involvement in January 2008 and justly proud of his achievements since assuming the role of Chairman in May 2011.
...and you believed the "Lancaster Bomber found on the Moon" headline as well did you!?
....
re-read Wray's statement and I think you'll find a lot more there...this is NOT a gentle take-over this is a highly experienced internationally reknown individual who is looking to....errmm... take the club forward.
---.
He's not going to come out and say - Hey folks I'm hunting for a buyer and can't be doing with this PDC fella on the current terms....the board are selling the club (makes a change from the players....although January could be an interesting month given the assets on the books at present).....and I'm here to see it through whilst smiling cheesily to the camera.

madterrier says...
3:29pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Den - agreed with that. Saturday's stuff makes sense now (and it didn't then).

Don 69 - we've always known that Black is the one with the money and the power. Just we've never seen him wield the axe in this way until now.

Hence we hope he does engage with
the fans this time. But he doesn't have to. He's the owner, the players and manager are the employees, and we're just the customers (albeit vital ones).

Sean - I doubt we will ever see the value of the club 'rocket'. Most clubs in the Championship are riddled with debt too. Often they visit us in League 1 as a result, like Coventry and Pompey. Being in the Championship is no holy grail, albeit better than League 1.

Despite having a degree in economics, I've always been troubled between the loose confusion between the words 'investment' and 'consumption'. What is often described as 'investment' (and you hear it banded around often enough in relation to increasing public services) is nothing other than expenditure.

I doubt the board will ever see a return on their money. And when you're worth £125m, how much do you need? Do you really think you're going to realise anything comparable by running a football club with gates of just 8,000?

SAPFanSTFC says...
3:34pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Oi Den! wrote:
SAPFanSTFC wrote:
Oi Den! wrote:
SAPFanSTFC wrote:
I guess the big quesiton we have to ask is:
IF Wray was so popular with the fans and the manager....could he also be revered by the board?
---.
As I and others have mentioned above this guy is not going to be working day to day with PDC and will be looking for investors...if that is to join the current board then great....but as he is not in the mould of a long term Chairman you get the feeling that the board are now looking to sell.....perhaps because they don't feel they can take us any further - more likely to cash in their chips.
---.
...having said all of that STFC would be an attractive proposition now - rising through the leagues; reasonable value of assets on the books; approval for stadium re-development and great publicity as of late....in the press on a regular basis.
===.
I don't believe PDC will believe that he can work with an investor hunter as a chairman.
---.
Really hope I'm talking tosh but very much doubt it as it all looks fairly clear cut form a board level viewpoint.
===.
DON'T expect too much to come out in words today - there will still be a lot of questions left hanging in the air.
---.
My worry for PDC is IF they have made the change of chairman public then why the need for a delay in releasing the statement?
You might have something there SAP. My understanding is that the investors' loans are all repayable next year. They could be paving their way to an exit.
.
Hi Oi Den, I'd forgotten about the loans as well....all the timings seem right.
---.
As you mentioned to the other poster we've all put your opinions out there and it is quite interesting how everyone sees things differently.
---.
Before anyone else gets too 'on the case' there is no reason why a sale with all the relevant due diligence would be a bad thing this time round...we're on the up at this point in time, and not on the way down.
---.
The only concern I've got is where all of Sir Williams' experience and points of contact would be...he has all of the necessary connections to attract a mid to far Eastern investor/investment group.
...
As you say Oi Den - now is the time to wait and see who is right and wrong.
Personally I don't care if I'm right or wrong provided that STFC don't suffer as a result of any future actions.
Yes, I think most would agree with that last statement.
.
It would be good to hear some official news from the club, even if it's just to say when they expect to release a statement. As you said earlier, we probably shouldn't expect to much from that, but I would like to hear something in it about the ground redevelopment. I think the club has not been completely frank about what's happening or not happening on that front. It's pivotal to the club's medium and long term future. I wouldn't be surprised if it's also a factor in this latest piece of news.
The telling comment from our very own Mr Wray is:
"When I agreed to take over as chairman it was on the understanding that the board would confirm the appointment of Paolo Di Canio as manager and would commit to a three-year plan to support him, his management staff and players in the attempt to achieve promotion back to the Championship.
---.
You don't need to read BETWEEN the lines n this one.....it is clear that Wray has not don Black's bidding and that there are changes in ambitions of the current owners....not that the club can't go on and succeed but that the current board are on their way out.
---.
PDC won't be able to work under a man such as Sir William as there will be a lot of boardroom talk and sympathy but a lot of diversionary tactics....PDC may well stay but it won't be for long.
---.
This isn't all doom and gloom but it does underline a significant shift in the public image of the owners and worryingly it could be a shift in their ambitions.
===.
As expected Sir Williams words were all as we could have all expected and written ourselves .....bad news in my book - or at least until we know who is going to be buying the club...or buying a significant part thereof.
---.
How many players are sold int January will be telling but I'm sure the board see this as a good time to sell and not so much as a sell-off.

BillyLucas4me says...
3:37pm Mon 15 Oct 12

The Board have apparently recorded their thanks to Jeremy Wray for his efforts in the most successful recent history of the Club before welcoming Sir William Patey a former Ambassador to Iraq, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia apparently to ensure that funds for the ground improvement are forthcoming.
I am sure we will wish him well in his efforts in that direction.
As to the decision to change the Chaiman, there is a saying 'if it ain't broke don't mend it' and things appeared to be going quite well recantly!
Will Sir William be wearing a QPR shirt to home matches?

BillyLucas4me says...
3:40pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Mr Black is a gambler hope this turns out to be one of his better bets.

smirg kcab says...
3:41pm Mon 15 Oct 12

So that's why bostock played Saturday? It all adds up now.
Thanks Jeremy for your hard work.
Onwards and DOWNWARDS

Angolan Red says...
3:45pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Wrong person gone, should have been Decanio as Ritchie is only half the player without Caddis who I doubt very much whether Decanio will give a second chance. Also he moans that squad isnt good enough well its his squad

Oi Den! says...
3:49pm Mon 15 Oct 12

BillyLucas4me wrote:
The Board have apparently recorded their thanks to Jeremy Wray for his efforts in the most successful recent history of the Club before welcoming Sir William Patey a former Ambassador to Iraq, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia apparently to ensure that funds for the ground improvement are forthcoming.
I am sure we will wish him well in his efforts in that direction.
As to the decision to change the Chaiman, there is a saying 'if it ain't broke don't mend it' and things appeared to be going quite well recantly!
Will Sir William be wearing a QPR shirt to home matches?
Haha! Wray didn't wear a West Ham shirt to home games, and he said he is a Hammers fan. I'm pretty sure I read somewhere Black is a QPR fan, along with Sir William. In an ideal world, we would have a multi-millionaire benefactor who is a born and bred Town fan. Sadly, I think that ideal world is more like cloud cuckoo land.

SAPFanSTFC says...
3:50pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Angolan Red wrote:
Wrong person gone, should have been Decanio as Ritchie is only half the player without Caddis who I doubt very much whether Decanio will give a second chance. Also he moans that squad isnt good enough well its his squad
Oh BOGOFF you outsider - go and write on your own club's website!!

mike1990 says...
3:52pm Mon 15 Oct 12

BillyLucas4me wrote:
Mr Black is a gambler hope this turns out to be one of his better bets.
If Black is a Gambler,put it all on RED and not Black lol.

billbst says...
3:52pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Oi Den! wrote:
Terrier, I think a clue to the fall out might be in Wray's statement: "When I agreed to take over as Chairman it was on the understanding that the Board would confirm the appointment of Paolo Di Canio as manager and would commit to a three-year plan to support him, his management staff and players in the attempt to achieve promotion back to the Championship."
.
Sounds like Black has concluded that we need to rein in the spending while Wray was committed to continuing it. This would seem to fit with PDC's "If the plan has changed..." statement.
It also fits with Paolo's insistence that he is not a big spender.

the wizard says...
4:10pm Mon 15 Oct 12

As I said earlier, we don't know and we are guessing. Lets just see how things pan out over the next few days/ weeks before jumping to conclusions. It seems that this was all planned by Black some time in advance, to get someone with this sort of CV takes time. You would have had to start putting out feelers quietly months ago. I think we would do well to let the dust settle. We all feel for Wray and he has earned our allegiance, we will now have to adjust to a different style from the new man. Before casting the club into doom and gloom I think we should wait. Our manager is no doubt being informed of how things are going to work under the new man, if he hasn't been already, and maybe he will get funds, we shall have to wait and see. Patience chaps, patience, 5th most stressful club to support in the league, we should be used to this by now. LOL.

stigger says...
4:11pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Just read through a lot of this article and the comments, am gutted Wray has gone as seemed a calm influence who related well to fans. Am worried like many about what this really means and what direction this will take the club, just hope it doesn't derail us. On more positive note, had to wait 20 mins on phone to get through to get sat tickets and Villa tickets and sales for Villa game on 11000 mark before general sale, struggled to get seats together in the DR so should be packed out, so if you can get your tickets now i'd advise it. COYR!

stigger says...
4:13pm Mon 15 Oct 12

the wizard wrote:
As I said earlier, we don't know and we are guessing. Lets just see how things pan out over the next few days/ weeks before jumping to conclusions. It seems that this was all planned by Black some time in advance, to get someone with this sort of CV takes time. You would have had to start putting out feelers quietly months ago. I think we would do well to let the dust settle. We all feel for Wray and he has earned our allegiance, we will now have to adjust to a different style from the new man. Before casting the club into doom and gloom I think we should wait. Our manager is no doubt being informed of how things are going to work under the new man, if he hasn't been already, and maybe he will get funds, we shall have to wait and see. Patience chaps, patience, 5th most stressful club to support in the league, we should be used to this by now. LOL.
Read this a few times now on this forum, where does 5th most stressful club come from?? I'd like to read that article

the wizard says...
4:23pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Stigger,

If you look at,

http://en.wikipedia.
org/wiki/Swindon_Tow
n_F.C.

A long way down the page it clearly says,

The "Football Fever Report" published by statisticians of the Littlewoods Football Pools was released in January 2007. This report researched those teams that were the most stressful to support. Swindon Town were placed 5th out of all 92 League clubs, with the report stating – etc, you will have to read it.

hertz says...
4:27pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Stigger it was posted many years back when we were in and out of financial problems at the time we were about 5th , Man City were 4th I think for almost same reasons , with Portsmouth and many other clubs in financial trouble all that may have changed now , just does'nt feel like it to me and the Wiz :0) . I sometimes wish I could just turn up pay my money and enjoy the gamne instead of getting all concerned , after all I go the the cinema pay my money and watch a movie , I don't start moaning about the cinema manager if he has the wrong movies on . I can only guess it's becasue we care "Funny Ole Game Innit ??"

stigger says...
4:27pm Mon 15 Oct 12

the wizard wrote:
Stigger,

If you look at,

http://en.wikipedia.

org/wiki/Swindon_Tow

n_F.C.

A long way down the page it clearly says,

The "Football Fever Report" published by statisticians of the Littlewoods Football Pools was released in January 2007. This report researched those teams that were the most stressful to support. Swindon Town were placed 5th out of all 92 League clubs, with the report stating – etc, you will have to read it.
cheers!

Blazing Riff says...
4:29pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Since 1950 wrote:
Blazing Riff wrote:
'At the specific request of....Andrew Black...' This sounds nasty. How about we, the fans, ask Mr. Black, why his 'specific' request and not the shareholders/board as a whole?
Because Andrew Black is the majority shareholder.
What I mean is, is it representative of the others or, personal do you think?

billbst says...
4:29pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Only just catching up from this mornings articles. Bitterly disappointed in losing JWray. Clearly he was pushed and his self respect did the rest. The decision was not directly football performance related. Much more financial whether to do with investment, expenditure or pending disposal. I doubt that Black would have taken any decision to replace JWray centred on investment nor disposal at this stage. Therefore it seems most likely to be expenditure and Black feeling compromised by JWray's acceptance of the public ultimatums being issued almost weekly by Paolo. There is also a cuckoo in the nest, Phil Spenser, who seems to have gained great influence as a personal shopper for Paolo using Black's money. Not something I would be comfortable with especially as it seems to have replaced good scouting. That's where I see it but as a fan and customer JWray has been a great Chairman.

the don69 says...
4:30pm Mon 15 Oct 12

the wizard wrote:
Stigger,

If you look at,

http://en.wikipedia.

org/wiki/Swindon_Tow

n_F.C.

A long way down the page it clearly says,

The "Football Fever Report" published by statisticians of the Littlewoods Football Pools was released in January 2007. This report researched those teams that were the most stressful to support. Swindon Town were placed 5th out of all 92 League clubs, with the report stating – etc, you will have to read it.
That's out of date now Wizman!we are number 1 most stressful club to support now!LOL!!!!!!!!!!

stigger says...
4:33pm Mon 15 Oct 12

hertz wrote:
Stigger it was posted many years back when we were in and out of financial problems at the time we were about 5th , Man City were 4th I think for almost same reasons , with Portsmouth and many other clubs in financial trouble all that may have changed now , just does'nt feel like it to me and the Wiz :0) . I sometimes wish I could just turn up pay my money and enjoy the gamne instead of getting all concerned , after all I go the the cinema pay my money and watch a movie , I don't start moaning about the cinema manager if he has the wrong movies on . I can only guess it's becasue we care "Funny Ole Game Innit ??"
No, i still remember well the bad times, and also get concerned they could come back, probably why so many are worried today, even if it turns out in the end that we needn't be. You are quite right it would be easier if we could just turn up and enjoy the game but for many of us STFC for good or bad has taken up much more of our lives and worries than that. Those who say it's only a game don't know the pain of a football supporter!!

madterrier says...
4:34pm Mon 15 Oct 12

stigger wrote:
the wizard wrote:
As I said earlier, we don't know and we are guessing. Lets just see how things pan out over the next few days/ weeks before jumping to conclusions. It seems that this was all planned by Black some time in advance, to get someone with this sort of CV takes time. You would have had to start putting out feelers quietly months ago. I think we would do well to let the dust settle. We all feel for Wray and he has earned our allegiance, we will now have to adjust to a different style from the new man. Before casting the club into doom and gloom I think we should wait. Our manager is no doubt being informed of how things are going to work under the new man, if he hasn't been already, and maybe he will get funds, we shall have to wait and see. Patience chaps, patience, 5th most stressful club to support in the league, we should be used to this by now. LOL.
Read this a few times now on this forum, where does 5th most stressful club come from?? I'd like to read that article
That was years ago, and I think the survey was done by Littlewoods Pools.

Also heard someone eminent on radio say that if you wanted excitement (stress?) then the only club to support was Swindon Town. This was on the basis that in the preceding 12 years we had been relegated or promoted 10 times, and in one season managed both at the same time (don't know if that is strictly accurate).

RAYSPARROW says...
4:45pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Why?

the don69 says...
4:54pm Mon 15 Oct 12

RAYSPARROW wrote:
Why?
Only Andrew Black could answer that Question!!!!!!!!!!!

bongiaz says...
4:55pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Jibberjab wrote:
Would not be sad to see the gobshite that is Di Canio go, and then get a 'proper' manager that is capable of building up a club in the traditional way over a few seasons like Hoddle or Macari did, rather trying to buy their way up the leagues and bankrupting the club for the own gain, and mouthing off like a three year old if they do not get what his own way, so Di Canio do me a favour and go and bleed some other club dry.
Dont make me laugh....Macari yes a legend with Swindon but come on we were demoted two divisions because of his underhand cash payments to players! And the Great Glen Hoddle yes got us promoted thanks but left us in the lurch to go to Chelsea and our financial woes have got worse and worse since then!

Since 1950 says...
4:59pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Blazing Riff wrote:
Since 1950 wrote:
Blazing Riff wrote: 'At the specific request of....Andrew Black...' This sounds nasty. How about we, the fans, ask Mr. Black, why his 'specific' request and not the shareholders/board as a whole?
Because Andrew Black is the majority shareholder.
What I mean is, is it representative of the others or, personal do you think?
Well, with Mr Wray gone that only leaves Watkins, Backhouse & Black as Directors. Not even sure where Abib fits in as he's not listed as a director in the last published annual report and financial statement. Basically It's Andrew Blacks Club - he does what he wants. One can only speculate that Andrew Black was not happy with the way Mr Wray had taken the club financially. That's why I say Di Canio's days are numbered.

Oxon-Red says...
5:01pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Loadsa speculation on here !

I am as surprised as everyone but I would prefer to wait and see what happens.

However, has anyone considered the transfer embargo as the reason for JW going ?

What I mean is, JW was presumeable in charge of the finances but due to an error (could be on his part) we now find ourselves unable to sign players. Should JW have known about the payments to Shrewsbury and Exeter ?

Does Black feel that he should have known ?

Also, if Black has another investor lined-up could they be demanding the change.

I hope Black is not knocked by fans as a result of this because it has been his money that saved the club from disaster.

COYMR

ps Usual collection of part-time posters seizing the opportunity to knock PDC. I don't buy the "Anyone could have got us up with the money available to him" arguement. I didn't see one team last season play us and say you have more money, have three points. There is also a club just down the M4 from us that went through a similar signing spree at the start of last season, they had a new manager (that many would have been happy to have here) and were one of the favourites for promotion. Need I say more ?

madterrier says...
5:05pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Since 1950 wrote:
Blazing Riff wrote:
Since 1950 wrote:
Blazing Riff wrote: 'At the specific request of....Andrew Black...' This sounds nasty. How about we, the fans, ask Mr. Black, why his 'specific' request and not the shareholders/board as a whole?
Because Andrew Black is the majority shareholder.
What I mean is, is it representative of the others or, personal do you think?
Well, with Mr Wray gone that only leaves Watkins, Backhouse & Black as Directors. Not even sure where Abib fits in as he's not listed as a director in the last published annual report and financial statement. Basically It's Andrew Blacks Club - he does what he wants. One can only speculate that Andrew Black was not happy with the way Mr Wray had taken the club financially. That's why I say Di Canio's days are numbered.
Agreed. And why those supporters who frequently voiced concerns over Di Canio's run-riot spending, had every right to do so. They they may well prove to be very legitimate concerns.

bongiaz says...
5:09pm Mon 15 Oct 12

bongiaz wrote:
Jibberjab wrote:
Would not be sad to see the gobshite that is Di Canio go, and then get a 'proper' manager that is capable of building up a club in the traditional way over a few seasons like Hoddle or Macari did, rather trying to buy their way up the leagues and bankrupting the club for the own gain, and mouthing off like a three year old if they do not get what his own way, so Di Canio do me a favour and go and bleed some other club dry.
Dont make me laugh....Macari yes a legend with Swindon but come on we were demoted two divisions because of his underhand cash payments to players! And the Great Glen Hoddle yes got us promoted thanks but left us in the lurch to go to Chelsea and our financial woes have got worse and worse since then!
Oh and by the way the only Swindon Manager that was capable of building our club up in the traditional way as you suggest was Danny Williams who had 2 stints from 1965-69 and then 1974-78.Now he was a manager and that was a team! Glen was with us 2 years before he was bribed to go to Chelsea and Lou around 5 years but ended up tarnishing the good name of Swindon Town FC!

Angolan Red says...
5:13pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Dont agree bigest squad in leage 2 a muppet could have got us up and when did we last beat oxford

madterrier says...
5:23pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Angolan Red wrote:
Dont agree bigest squad in leage 2 a muppet could have got us up and when did we last beat oxford
Even some of the managers on this forum might have got us promoted last year!

SeanG92 says...
5:25pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Angolan Red wrote:
Dont agree bigest squad in leage 2 a muppet could have got us up and when did we last beat oxford
Do you realise how obvious it is that you are an Oxford fan?

With far to much time on his hands.

SeanG92 says...
5:34pm Mon 15 Oct 12

In other news Navarro has done in his medial ligament, its a grade 2 tear which will put him out for around a month.

Oxon-Red says...
5:34pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Angolan Red wrote:
Dont agree bigest squad in leage 2 a muppet could have got us up and when did we last beat oxford
Which one Kermit, Miss Piggy ?

Who gives a flying **** about beating them other than for a few bragging rights. They were one of 23 other teams in the league we had to try to get points from, the priority was always promotion and we acheived that.

Coventry have a massive squad, so big that we couldn't include the name of number 38 in the program at the week-end, so they must be nailed on for League 1 this year !

COYMR

madterrier says...
5:40pm Mon 15 Oct 12

SeanG92 wrote:
In other news Navarro has done in his medial ligament, its a grade 2 tear which will put him out for around a month.
could have been worse - thought it was the knee that nearly wrecked his career the past two seasons

Chish and Fips says...
5:40pm Mon 15 Oct 12

SeanG92 wrote:
Angolan Red wrote:
Dont agree bigest squad in leage 2 a muppet could have got us up and when did we last beat oxford
Do you realise how obvious it is that you are an Oxford fan?

With far to much time on his hands.
Gave it away when mainly the only word more than 4 letters he/she managed to spell right was 'oxford'.... which should start with the letter 'p' too, as we all know.

topsecret says...
5:41pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Angolan Red wrote:
Dont agree bigest squad in leage 2 a muppet could have got us up and when did we last beat oxford
get lost twaatt

Davidsyrett says...
5:42pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Oi Den! wrote:
"In addition, my task will be to secure new investment to support the programme of ground redevelopment..." - Is this a reverse way of saying "no further investment = no redevelopment"? Sir William could make his mark quickly by stating what the club wants to do, when it wants do it and what it is conditional upon.
.
I cannot get my head around PDC and others talking about getting the embargo lifted with the injection of more money. Isn't the whole purpose of the embargo to ensure that clubs fund transfers with operating income? This is why I don't understand PDC going on about getting the embargo cancelled. Don't we need more turnover to achieve that? Or am I being spectacularly thick on this subject?
.
The immediate future is going to be very interesting. I don't think it will be long before we find out whether PDC and Sir WP are happy bedfellows.
Additional revenue generated by the club is all that can lift the transfer embargo, not investment,as that doesn't count towards turn-over. New sponsorship can also count.

the only realistic way is to send back loan players to their parent club or loan out our own players.

As for PdC's future, I'm not sure that he's a great selling point for potential Far East investors (or many investors for that matter), I feel his days might well be numbered.,

I wonder where this leaves the ground development, JW was always set on the idea of developing the CG but I wonder if the board are looking more at relocation?

Got a bad feeling about all of this, new chairman has to issue a statement soon to outline his plans.

Oxon-Red says...
6:03pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Could Sir Patey's links with HSBC be significant ?

COYMR

the wizard says...
6:19pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Davidsyrett wrote:
Oi Den! wrote:
"In addition, my task will be to secure new investment to support the programme of ground redevelopment..." - Is this a reverse way of saying "no further investment = no redevelopment"? Sir William could make his mark quickly by stating what the club wants to do, when it wants do it and what it is conditional upon.
.
I cannot get my head around PDC and others talking about getting the embargo lifted with the injection of more money. Isn't the whole purpose of the embargo to ensure that clubs fund transfers with operating income? This is why I don't understand PDC going on about getting the embargo cancelled. Don't we need more turnover to achieve that? Or am I being spectacularly thick on this subject?
.
The immediate future is going to be very interesting. I don't think it will be long before we find out whether PDC and Sir WP are happy bedfellows.
Additional revenue generated by the club is all that can lift the transfer embargo, not investment,as that doesn't count towards turn-over. New sponsorship can also count.

the only realistic way is to send back loan players to their parent club or loan out our own players.

As for PdC's future, I'm not sure that he's a great selling point for potential Far East investors (or many investors for that matter), I feel his days might well be numbered.,

I wonder where this leaves the ground development, JW was always set on the idea of developing the CG but I wonder if the board are looking more at relocation?

Got a bad feeling about all of this, new chairman has to issue a statement soon to outline his plans.
The quiet word on ground development is we are now back to looking at a site down by the M4. Other suggestions are we are already talking to Saudi people. Seems our new man has already been actively engaged in prelim talks. These are all stories being banded around in Swindon today according to relatives that live there. Obviously the rumour mill is back in full swing, I'll wait till I see an Official Club Announcement until I believe any of it. One thing is for sure, this has been in the pipeline a while. People with these credentials are not readily available. Black has sought out somebody who has an exact profile for what he want s to do.
I think the writing was on the wall for Wray the minute we were promoted.

Wilesy says...
6:20pm Mon 15 Oct 12

J Wray must have had a few key objectives when he took over -

Year 1 -

1) Appoint a manager to get promotion to league 1.

2) Recruit players to achieve promotion within a budget.

Years 2 to 3

3) Recruit players and achieve promotion to Championship within a budget.

4) Oversee the redevelopment of the CG, securing funds to do so within a timescale.

5) Work on increasing attendances.

As I see it the short term goals were achieved, but the years 2 to 3 goals have hit problems.

Attendances have not increased.
Pricing of £25 a walk-in ticket so far not successful imo, although season tickets excellent value. Did I read somewhere too that the new food hadn't taken off as expected?

The transfer embargo looks to have been avoidable, and could be viewed as a bit of a howler to those in high places, particularly when we have Bostock here on good money sat round kicking his heels (maybe the board had some say in why he played Saturday hence the gestures their way). Connell going on a free seemed a tad generous to me as well.

Paolo's public spats with Caddis and Wes, 2 of our most valuable assets, would not be looked on favourably either. The chairman's role I guess is to manage the manager, the continual post-match explosions and threats to leave / blame the board for embargo / name and shame etc should have been addressed but clearly haven't and if anything are getting worse and more frequent.

The new chairman stated as having a focus on investment on the redevelopment indicates all perhaps not well there, I would have expected some sort of announcement on this, perhaps plans have fallen through in some way?

The Betfair issue going on the background can't have helped.

So whilst year 1 was a huge success, I can see why the ivory towers may be concerned with the start to year 2. I don't think any one issue was the cause, probably a combination of the lot.

But saying that the last 18 months have been fantastic and many thanks to J Wray for all his efforts.

Oi Den! says...
6:36pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Bloody hell Wiz. Your giving louiscassius a real run for his money with your rumours! How would people somehow miraculously know today that we are looking at a site near the M4 and that our new Chairman has already been in talks with Arab investors when nobady seemed to have the faintest sniff that this change was about to happen? Has Sir William spent the day hanging around the County Ground ticket office, accosting poor unsuspecting ticket buyers and regaling them with stories of what he has already been up to on their behalf? Pull the other one!

Oi Den! says...
6:37pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Sorry, "you're" not "your". In too much of a hurry to type that one.

who am i says...
6:41pm Mon 15 Oct 12

oh poo

Davidsyrett says...
6:43pm Mon 15 Oct 12

the wizard wrote:
Davidsyrett wrote:
Oi Den! wrote:
"In addition, my task will be to secure new investment to support the programme of ground redevelopment..." - Is this a reverse way of saying "no further investment = no redevelopment"? Sir William could make his mark quickly by stating what the club wants to do, when it wants do it and what it is conditional upon.
.
I cannot get my head around PDC and others talking about getting the embargo lifted with the injection of more money. Isn't the whole purpose of the embargo to ensure that clubs fund transfers with operating income? This is why I don't understand PDC going on about getting the embargo cancelled. Don't we need more turnover to achieve that? Or am I being spectacularly thick on this subject?
.
The immediate future is going to be very interesting. I don't think it will be long before we find out whether PDC and Sir WP are happy bedfellows.
Additional revenue generated by the club is all that can lift the transfer embargo, not investment,as that doesn't count towards turn-over. New sponsorship can also count.

the only realistic way is to send back loan players to their parent club or loan out our own players.

As for PdC's future, I'm not sure that he's a great selling point for potential Far East investors (or many investors for that matter), I feel his days might well be numbered.,

I wonder where this leaves the ground development, JW was always set on the idea of developing the CG but I wonder if the board are looking more at relocation?

Got a bad feeling about all of this, new chairman has to issue a statement soon to outline his plans.
The quiet word on ground development is we are now back to looking at a site down by the M4. Other suggestions are we are already talking to Saudi people. Seems our new man has already been actively engaged in prelim talks. These are all stories being banded around in Swindon today according to relatives that live there. Obviously the rumour mill is back in full swing, I'll wait till I see an Official Club Announcement until I believe any of it. One thing is for sure, this has been in the pipeline a while. People with these credentials are not readily available. Black has sought out somebody who has an exact profile for what he want s to do.
I think the writing was on the wall for Wray the minute we were promoted.
As I've said on many occasion's, there is no way CG development can work as an investment, it would just be throwing money away, Any major investor would look for a new ground and i feel that's what will happen now.

mikek says...
6:54pm Mon 15 Oct 12

It is highly likely that poor Jeremy Wray is a bit like Alan Connell did his job then is discarded being unable to take us into the next stages. This is the way I see things now and as much as I thought and probably every Town fan thought Jeremy Wray was the best chairman ever at the County Ground but may be unable to fulfill the next chapter. I do not think for one minute we will ever get a better man than Jeremy and what a sad loss but the backers and board members can be ruthless and even though Jeremy is good friends with Andrew Black sentiments have been cast aside where the backers feel they need more from the chairman. Andrew Black has invested the most money so he has the clout to hire and fire I suppose but what a sad day for all Town fans. Biggest wishes go to Jeremy Wray for what you have done at our club and you will be sadly missed and good luck where ever you go next. What will happen to our Paolo now I wonder.

leader1111 says...
6:56pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Wray was fantastic. Patey may also be fantastic. We don't know yet. Would like to know the actual reasons, etc. for the change, which seems to coincide with the embargo time wise. Think PDC should continue with his excellent work and see how things unfold off the pitch.

the don69 says...
7:02pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Wray looked gutted on tv tonight!Patey has promised to bring in new investment,but said he wants to work with Paolo,just have to wait and see what happens!!!!!!!!!!

the wizard says...
7:05pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Oi Den! wrote:
Bloody hell Wiz. Your giving louiscassius a real run for his money with your rumours! How would people somehow miraculously know today that we are looking at a site near the M4 and that our new Chairman has already been in talks with Arab investors when nobady seemed to have the faintest sniff that this change was about to happen? Has Sir William spent the day hanging around the County Ground ticket office, accosting poor unsuspecting ticket buyers and regaling them with stories of what he has already been up to on their behalf? Pull the other one!
Den, Read my post again, and I have clearly stated old buddy that these are some of the rumours being banded around in Swindon today, according to relations that live there. I didn't say I had heard them or the new bloke had said them, blimey, he'd be out of breath by now. . I also did say that I would await official conformation. I was only repeating what I'd been told, LOL
Anyway, I think this forum is unanimous in its respect for Wray and is very upset over the way he has been treated. I may be old fashioned, but I really do think the old days when the owner was the chairman, things were more transparent than what they are now. Quite upset he has gone, a well decent bloke. He will be missed. Would be nice if the T/E were to give a few renditions of "there is only one Jay Wray" at the Scunnie game. I'm sure many from the other stands would join in.

Haydonender says...
7:07pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Very sad to see Jeremy Wray go, appreciate everything he has done for the club. Will have to wait and see what happens next, I know the default mode for a STFC supporter is doom and gloom and PDC's statement isnt particularly positive but who knows, this may all work out well in the end.

On a separate note, all the adver seems to have done today is post fan's tweets and comments, I don't suppose they thought of someone getting down to the CG and getting the answer to the question we all want to know - why?

joey butler says...
7:09pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Having read all the statements, quotations and all the posts on the various Adver articles today, plus BBC and Sky Sports, my thoughts are as follows;

Firstly, very best wishes and sincere thanks to Mr Wray.

The burning issue however, is where does this leave PDC?

His Strengths:

Desire. Passion. Commitment. Detailed preparation before matches. Proud, Vast experience as a player.

His Weaknesses:

Man Management skills out of date, which will prevent him from managing at the highest level, unless he changes sooner rather than later.

Also, Over dependance on his agent, who seems to burn money either in finding new players, or helping negotiate their pay offs after PDC no longer requires them.

In summary, you just have to love PDC, his enthusiasm is fantastic, but he is his biggest enemy with his constant and very public outbursts with his Players and his Board.

PS. Just noticed that PDC says in his statement just released that his agent will be talking to the new Chairman, BIG MISTAKE PDC, with respect that should be You!!

mikek says...
7:14pm Mon 15 Oct 12

I have always believed the way forward would be a complete new ground down at the M4 similar to say Reading and feel Andrew Black has decided he needs more investment hence the change and wants a complete new complex to house STFC. As good as the County Ground has been it really is a new ground that will take this club forward and attract more fans. Gates this season are poor and not much better than last season and will be noted by Andrew Black.

Stratton Red says...
7:15pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Not sure what to make of the situation. In any re-org you tend to think the key staff, and I would include PDC in that, have been informed with a reassurance that there is not detraction from the three year plan. Has this statement been made? Maybe there's a bigger brighter picture thats yet to emerge...
*
For me JW a good bloke, was a decent chariman but will always be tainted by the unsavoury Luke McCormick situation.

Malkym says...
7:30pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Well burger me! I go off for a round of golf -call in at the local Co-op to pick up a few bits and my deli man says what do you think of JW being replaced as chaiman. WTF says I only to find out he was not jesting.

Having scanned "briefly" through the earlier posts-before any statements from anybody there was the predictable rubbish from the anti-pdc bashers (I don't mean the rationally critical, I mean the knee-jerkers) and the more balanced but still speculative posts because there were no statements as to why.

Having now read both Patey's statement and JW's I already know who is the top guy as do all other totally honest fans and postets on this forum it is of course JW and why? because of his closing sentence in his statement ""I have thoroughly enjoyed my association with STFC and wish the club AND ITS MAGNIFICENT FANS every success in the future.

Contrast this with Patey's sterile starchy press release and show me where in that diatribe did he even mention the fans of the club?

For me it will be a case of "proceed with caution" especially if in the light of Paolo's statement he decides to move on. And if he does will I chastise him -call him names or slate him like some will no, because the shared belief and the closeness and ambition of both him and JW is there for all to see.

Once again there is the air of uncertainty and "fear" that all the good work done over the last 18 months will go belly up and all of a sudden we'll be another Bournemouth, Plymouth, Oxford etc.

Let's hope I'm wrong.

Jibberjab says...
7:33pm Mon 15 Oct 12

**** off Di Canio, no one is bigger then the club, especially not a jumped up little gobshite like you, making threats that if demands must be meet or he will quit, Can't stand the man sooner he's goes the better....

Chish and Fips says...
7:42pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Jibberjab wrote:
**** off Di Canio, no one is bigger then the club, especially not a jumped up little gobshite like you, making threats that if demands must be meet or he will quit, Can't stand the man sooner he's goes the better....
You'd would have done better with your views leaving out the personal name calling etc.. unless of course the reason is you are another from along the A420 attempting a poor wind up.

mikek says...
7:45pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Jibberjab wrote:
**** off Di Canio, no one is bigger then the club, especially not a jumped up little gobshite like you, making threats that if demands must be meet or he will quit, Can't stand the man sooner he's goes the better....
Why don't you f*ck off silly Pox fan.

KojaktheWarg says...
7:49pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Jibberjab wrote:
**** off Di Canio, no one is bigger then the club, especially not a jumped up little gobshite like you, making threats that if demands must be meet or he will quit, Can't stand the man sooner he's goes the better....
I wondered when the trolls would start...

the wizard says...
8:00pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Moving on from the abuse, I am wondering now about the "working relationship" between manager and new chair. It's quite obvious the manager and JW were very close and one seems to think perhaps several small chats a week about injuries, players and so on. The new guy doesn't seem on initial face value to be interested in that amount of detail in team affairs. he seems to me to be more "corporate", image, marketing, sponsors, investors, entertaining etc etc, not the hands on JW type.
So it looks like our manager will not have that ear at the higher level now, he will be left more to his own devices. It could be the making of him, if he takes the time to indulge in it, but the big question is , Will He?

mancrobin says...
8:15pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Very, very disappointed to see Jeremy Wray go.

The Board has given great leadership to this Club in recent years and I am worried at the move here and confused as to the reasoning.

I wish Jeremy all the best and would like to thank him for overseeing one of the most exciting periods for the Club.

KojaktheWarg says...
8:24pm Mon 15 Oct 12

On a slightly different note… In Jeremy’s situation I would expect him to make a statement. The next statement I hoped would be a joint statement from the chairman/board and the manager - with a joint and united message. Perhaps that was too much to hope for. Surely the board should have been in contact with PDC and his agent to request a meeting before statement/s were issued. We are now in a combative situation potentially.

If we start to get more statements from different parts of the same team it looks like stakes are being put in the ground in full public view and negotiations have to then have an element of public face-saving (when they do take place). This leads to different decisions, as they are now decisions set against earlier public statements, and some characters are more likely to compromise behind close doors and less inclined to do it in public because it can be viewed as ‘losing’ or ‘weakness’.

Maybe I read to much into it, but that’s what I see. We also know that occasional movement of footballers and their managers is often beneficial to their agents. Pay-offs, Signing on percentages, higher salary means a more valuable percentage etc. So I wonder at this statement that is in PDCs name and expected if anything he should have been advised to keep it brief to wait and see.

On a positive note whoever was involved in writing PDCs statement has left the door open and stated that no more would be said until Phil Spencer has met with the new chairman. This is a chink of light for those of us who believe that PDC has done really well to get the team to where there are in League 1 from League 2 and we could go the whole way and do the same again with a promotion this season. I would like PDC to finish the job.

Oldhamred says...
8:27pm Mon 15 Oct 12

I hope I'm not "Barking up the Wrong Tree" but I get the feeling that recent events are merely a poker hand being played by Andrew Black.
I think the only reason Mr Wray has been removed is to facilitate the departure of Paolo.
PDC will be receiving generous renumeration for his employment as manager, which is likely to be considerably more than JW was receiving as chairman.
It would make sense to me that if AB wanted to rid himself of PDC without having to "pay up" his contract then the most cost effective way to acheive this would be to get PDC to walk away. The removal of PDC's closest ally and friend may be the catalyst that finally "Wins the Hand"
As I said before...I hope I've got the wrong tree!!!!
I would also like to thank Mr Wray for the last 18 months or so....the good times you have given us since your arrival at STFC have made me forget most of the bad times from yesteryear.
I wish you all the very best for the future.

SAPFanSTFC says...
8:28pm Mon 15 Oct 12

who am i wrote:
oh poo
Possibly the best and most articulate post summarising the whole feeling today!
---.
You need say no more!...although we all will as this is really quite ermmm... think of the best word....intriguing.
---.
As per Wizman above - discussion around the replacement of Wray must have been going on for some time due to the guys credentials...and you can bet your bottom Arkells Stand burger that he has been working away in the background.
---.
As mentioned my Father-in-Law used to do a similar role (just wasn't very good a negotiating a decent whack sadly) and he would be brought in on the basis that he already had a book full of names to make enquiries with - Given the current 'eyes of the world'...or should I say 'Wallets of the World' attention on English football, you'd have to think there will be several up coming games where the Directors Lounge sees some new faces of middle/far-eastern hues.

BillyLucas4me says...
8:30pm Mon 15 Oct 12

*Appointment subject to Football League Approval "
Ha! Ha!
Cut and dried and the new Chairman is not putting in any dosh
Seems he might know someone who will!

Davidsyrett says...
8:33pm Mon 15 Oct 12

mikek wrote:
I have always believed the way forward would be a complete new ground down at the M4 similar to say Reading and feel Andrew Black has decided he needs more investment hence the change and wants a complete new complex to house STFC. As good as the County Ground has been it really is a new ground that will take this club forward and attract more fans. Gates this season are poor and not much better than last season and will be noted by Andrew Black.
I agree with this, it really is the only way forward, I'm surprised business men on the board were really happy with the "CG Redevelopment" I can't see it happening now. A new stadium is the most likely outcome.

Oxon-Red says...
8:34pm Mon 15 Oct 12

the wizard wrote:
Moving on from the abuse, I am wondering now about the "working relationship" between manager and new chair. It's quite obvious the manager and JW were very close and one seems to think perhaps several small chats a week about injuries, players and so on. The new guy doesn't seem on initial face value to be interested in that amount of detail in team affairs. he seems to me to be more "corporate", image, marketing, sponsors, investors, entertaining etc etc, not the hands on JW type. So it looks like our manager will not have that ear at the higher level now, he will be left more to his own devices. It could be the making of him, if he takes the time to indulge in it, but the big question is , Will He?
Some good points but I think we need to give the guy a chance before he and his relationship with Paolo is judged. Everybody liked JW but we may grow to like the new chap just the same.

I have no problem with the "corporate" side of football, we do it now with match sponsorship etc and possibly would not have the dreaded embargo hanging over us if we were able to provide more. It can be very profitable and the life blood of a club if it wants to become successful and stay successful. I think a good example is Reading, who were a smaller club than us 20 years ago.

Good

Oi Den! says...
8:34pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Wiz, sorry - hasty post. I know you said you didn't believe the rumours. Just amazes me that people go to the trouble of making these things up.
.
Malk, bit of an unfair comparison between Wray and Patey. It's true that JW has had a fantastic connection with the fans, so it's only fair that he should make such a warm statement. He is indeed a rare breed of football director. He understands football and he understands football fans. But Sir WP has hardly got through the door of the County Ground. Who wants to hear some sugary platitude from a bloke who's had nothing to do with us yet?
.
Stratton, strange how we see the McCormick thing so differently. I think Wray's actions were very noble and fair minded - no more than I would expect from him. It lowered him in your estimation and increased him in mine. Funny old world.

the wizard says...
8:52pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Den,

Of course you are forgiven.

On a completely different tack, I'm hoping now for that period of calm I was mentioning first thing this morning. I woke up and later thought, it would be nice to have a quiet week getting ready for Scunnie on Saturday and the players getting over injuries and knocks. Perhaps some more role play to develop the Plan B. Never in a million years did I think what today would bring as it has unfolded in the way it has. Life is full of surprises "they" say, "they" must have lived adjacent to CG.

southside7 says...
8:56pm Mon 15 Oct 12

joey butler wrote:
Having read all the statements, quotations and all the posts on the various Adver articles today, plus BBC and Sky Sports, my thoughts are as follows;

Firstly, very best wishes and sincere thanks to Mr Wray.

The burning issue however, is where does this leave PDC?

His Strengths:

Desire. Passion. Commitment. Detailed preparation before matches. Proud, Vast experience as a player.

His Weaknesses:

Man Management skills out of date, which will prevent him from managing at the highest level, unless he changes sooner rather than later.

Also, Over dependance on his agent, who seems to burn money either in finding new players, or helping negotiate their pay offs after PDC no longer requires them.

In summary, you just have to love PDC, his enthusiasm is fantastic, but he is his biggest enemy with his constant and very public outbursts with his Players and his Board.

PS. Just noticed that PDC says in his statement just released that his agent will be talking to the new Chairman, BIG MISTAKE PDC, with respect that should be You!!
He didn't even have the courtesy to speak to Phil Smith Joey. It's his new boss and he sends his agent, if you don't want the job anymore PdC have the guts to come out and say it.

Oxon-Red says...
9:07pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Just watched 10 minutes of the live game on Sky tonight and seen two cracking goals :-)

Another managerial vacancy in the morning I think (and I am not refering to PDC)

COYMR

Oi Den! says...
9:20pm Mon 15 Oct 12

One last thought - if Sir WP is going to be a non-executive chairman, who will be the manager's contact point with the board on a day-to-day basis? A new face or two at the top I reckon.

Oxon-Red says...
9:23pm Mon 15 Oct 12

southside7 wrote:
joey butler wrote: Having read all the statements, quotations and all the posts on the various Adver articles today, plus BBC and Sky Sports, my thoughts are as follows; Firstly, very best wishes and sincere thanks to Mr Wray. The burning issue however, is where does this leave PDC? His Strengths: Desire. Passion. Commitment. Detailed preparation before matches. Proud, Vast experience as a player. His Weaknesses: Man Management skills out of date, which will prevent him from managing at the highest level, unless he changes sooner rather than later. Also, Over dependance on his agent, who seems to burn money either in finding new players, or helping negotiate their pay offs after PDC no longer requires them. In summary, you just have to love PDC, his enthusiasm is fantastic, but he is his biggest enemy with his constant and very public outbursts with his Players and his Board. PS. Just noticed that PDC says in his statement just released that his agent will be talking to the new Chairman, BIG MISTAKE PDC, with respect that should be You!!
He didn't even have the courtesy to speak to Phil Smith Joey. It's his new boss and he sends his agent, if you don't want the job anymore PdC have the guts to come out and say it.
In the Article above Paolo states that he won't be conducting media interviews etc because that he wants to concentrate on the team and Saturdays match.

I agree he may have dealt with Smith wrongly but he has a job to do with the team that needs his time more than talks with the new chairman and he has entrusted this to someone else. Not an uncommon practise in any sphere.

COYMR

southside7 says...
9:36pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Oxon-Red wrote:
southside7 wrote:
joey butler wrote: Having read all the statements, quotations and all the posts on the various Adver articles today, plus BBC and Sky Sports, my thoughts are as follows; Firstly, very best wishes and sincere thanks to Mr Wray. The burning issue however, is where does this leave PDC? His Strengths: Desire. Passion. Commitment. Detailed preparation before matches. Proud, Vast experience as a player. His Weaknesses: Man Management skills out of date, which will prevent him from managing at the highest level, unless he changes sooner rather than later. Also, Over dependance on his agent, who seems to burn money either in finding new players, or helping negotiate their pay offs after PDC no longer requires them. In summary, you just have to love PDC, his enthusiasm is fantastic, but he is his biggest enemy with his constant and very public outbursts with his Players and his Board. PS. Just noticed that PDC says in his statement just released that his agent will be talking to the new Chairman, BIG MISTAKE PDC, with respect that should be You!!
He didn't even have the courtesy to speak to Phil Smith Joey. It's his new boss and he sends his agent, if you don't want the job anymore PdC have the guts to come out and say it.
In the Article above Paolo states that he won't be conducting media interviews etc because that he wants to concentrate on the team and Saturdays match.

I agree he may have dealt with Smith wrongly but he has a job to do with the team that needs his time more than talks with the new chairman and he has entrusted this to someone else. Not an uncommon practise in any sphere.

COYMR
I'm assuming that Patey is out of the country at the moment? If that's so then I take it back, he wouldn't have time to fly anywhere to meet up and is right to send his agent. Where exactly is he? When will he make an appearance at the CG I wonder?

joey butler says...
9:41pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Oxon-Red wrote:
southside7 wrote:
joey butler wrote: Having read all the statements, quotations and all the posts on the various Adver articles today, plus BBC and Sky Sports, my thoughts are as follows; Firstly, very best wishes and sincere thanks to Mr Wray. The burning issue however, is where does this leave PDC? His Strengths: Desire. Passion. Commitment. Detailed preparation before matches. Proud, Vast experience as a player. His Weaknesses: Man Management skills out of date, which will prevent him from managing at the highest level, unless he changes sooner rather than later. Also, Over dependance on his agent, who seems to burn money either in finding new players, or helping negotiate their pay offs after PDC no longer requires them. In summary, you just have to love PDC, his enthusiasm is fantastic, but he is his biggest enemy with his constant and very public outbursts with his Players and his Board. PS. Just noticed that PDC says in his statement just released that his agent will be talking to the new Chairman, BIG MISTAKE PDC, with respect that should be You!!
He didn't even have the courtesy to speak to Phil Smith Joey. It's his new boss and he sends his agent, if you don't want the job anymore PdC have the guts to come out and say it.
In the Article above Paolo states that he won't be conducting media interviews etc because that he wants to concentrate on the team and Saturdays match.

I agree he may have dealt with Smith wrongly but he has a job to do with the team that needs his time more than talks with the new chairman and he has entrusted this to someone else. Not an uncommon practise in any sphere.

COYMR
Oxen,

There is a very big difference between speaking to the media and the far more important opportunity for PDC to talk with his new Chairman.

I disagree with PDC and likewise with you, if I was the new Chairman, I would want to speak to the engine driver, not the fireman!!!

Oxon-Red says...
9:59pm Mon 15 Oct 12

joey butler wrote:
Oxon-Red wrote:
southside7 wrote:
joey butler wrote: Having read all the statements, quotations and all the posts on the various Adver articles today, plus BBC and Sky Sports, my thoughts are as follows; Firstly, very best wishes and sincere thanks to Mr Wray. The burning issue however, is where does this leave PDC? His Strengths: Desire. Passion. Commitment. Detailed preparation before matches. Proud, Vast experience as a player. His Weaknesses: Man Management skills out of date, which will prevent him from managing at the highest level, unless he changes sooner rather than later. Also, Over dependance on his agent, who seems to burn money either in finding new players, or helping negotiate their pay offs after PDC no longer requires them. In summary, you just have to love PDC, his enthusiasm is fantastic, but he is his biggest enemy with his constant and very public outbursts with his Players and his Board. PS. Just noticed that PDC says in his statement just released that his agent will be talking to the new Chairman, BIG MISTAKE PDC, with respect that should be You!!
He didn't even have the courtesy to speak to Phil Smith Joey. It's his new boss and he sends his agent, if you don't want the job anymore PdC have the guts to come out and say it.
In the Article above Paolo states that he won't be conducting media interviews etc because that he wants to concentrate on the team and Saturdays match. I agree he may have dealt with Smith wrongly but he has a job to do with the team that needs his time more than talks with the new chairman and he has entrusted this to someone else. Not an uncommon practise in any sphere. COYMR
Oxen, There is a very big difference between speaking to the media and the far more important opportunity for PDC to talk with his new Chairman. I disagree with PDC and likewise with you, if I was the new Chairman, I would want to speak to the engine driver, not the fireman!!!
Fair point and I suspect a meeting will take place but when it comes to contracts, finance etc etc etc most humble football league managers will not necessarily know the ins and outs.

Many sports people (and business people) have a team around them that deal with various aspects of their career to enable them to concentrate on their job. I don't see any difference here.

Malkym says...
10:01pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Stratton Red wrote:
Not sure what to make of the situation. In any re-org you tend to think the key staff, and I would include PDC in that, have been informed with a reassurance that there is not detraction from the three year plan. Has this statement been made? Maybe there's a bigger brighter picture thats yet to emerge... * For me JW a good bloke, was a decent chariman but will always be tainted by the unsavoury Luke McCormick situation.
Stratton Red wrote:
Not sure what to make of the situation. In any re-org you tend to think the key staff, and I would include PDC in that, have been informed with a reassurance that there is not detraction from the three year plan.

Stratton - in the real world I'd agree but often in business, as I can testify, some don't live in that world do they lol!!

Bit of a cheap shot to end with mate I thought :) LM or no LM I'd still prefer JW to be at the helm!

joey butler says...
10:09pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Oxon-Red wrote:
joey butler wrote:
Oxon-Red wrote:
southside7 wrote:
joey butler wrote: Having read all the statements, quotations and all the posts on the various Adver articles today, plus BBC and Sky Sports, my thoughts are as follows; Firstly, very best wishes and sincere thanks to Mr Wray. The burning issue however, is where does this leave PDC? His Strengths: Desire. Passion. Commitment. Detailed preparation before matches. Proud, Vast experience as a player. His Weaknesses: Man Management skills out of date, which will prevent him from managing at the highest level, unless he changes sooner rather than later. Also, Over dependance on his agent, who seems to burn money either in finding new players, or helping negotiate their pay offs after PDC no longer requires them. In summary, you just have to love PDC, his enthusiasm is fantastic, but he is his biggest enemy with his constant and very public outbursts with his Players and his Board. PS. Just noticed that PDC says in his statement just released that his agent will be talking to the new Chairman, BIG MISTAKE PDC, with respect that should be You!!
He didn't even have the courtesy to speak to Phil Smith Joey. It's his new boss and he sends his agent, if you don't want the job anymore PdC have the guts to come out and say it.
In the Article above Paolo states that he won't be conducting media interviews etc because that he wants to concentrate on the team and Saturdays match. I agree he may have dealt with Smith wrongly but he has a job to do with the team that needs his time more than talks with the new chairman and he has entrusted this to someone else. Not an uncommon practise in any sphere. COYMR
Oxen, There is a very big difference between speaking to the media and the far more important opportunity for PDC to talk with his new Chairman. I disagree with PDC and likewise with you, if I was the new Chairman, I would want to speak to the engine driver, not the fireman!!!
Fair point and I suspect a meeting will take place but when it comes to contracts, finance etc etc etc most humble football league managers will not necessarily know the ins and outs.

Many sports people (and business people) have a team around them that deal with various aspects of their career to enable them to concentrate on their job. I don't see any difference here.
Sorry Oxen,

But when was PDC a 'humble football league manager', your words not mine.

But to be fair, you did make me laugh with that view!!

bongiaz says...
10:20pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Jibberjab wrote:
**** off Di Canio, no one is bigger then the club, especially not a jumped up little gobshite like you, making threats that if demands must be meet or he will quit, Can't stand the man sooner he's goes the better....
I would recommend you go back to school and get an education!

Davethered says...
10:28pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Just seen Harry Redknapp leaving the CC .


Sorry I meant Harry Potter

SAPFanSTFC says...
11:20pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Davethered wrote:
Just seen Harry Redknapp leaving the CC .


Sorry I meant Harry Potter
...oh Poo!!...to nab an expression - I was hoping to nick his Nimbus 2000 as I could do with getting into London a bit earlier tomorrow morning and the traffic will be rubbish given the weather forecast.
---.
We may need Harry Potter come Sunday next week.
---.
If Lord Fontelroy....I mean SIr Jackseat is out of the country it would strongly suggest that stage 1 of the plan is complete, stage 2 to follow on Sunday after PDC has said goodbye and stage 3 to be the announcement of a Middle East Oil Barron's investment in an out of town plastic bowl with gold souk and a Mosque - probably being unfair on the Gold Souk as I think I mispelt it.
---.
Very unhappy chappy today...lets hope the Les Miserables mood can lift in November.
---.
Feel sorry for the players...especially with a big League Cup 4th Rd home tie coming up.

the wizard says...
11:30pm Mon 15 Oct 12

SAPFanSTFC wrote:
Davethered wrote:
Just seen Harry Redknapp leaving the CC .


Sorry I meant Harry Potter
...oh Poo!!...to nab an expression - I was hoping to nick his Nimbus 2000 as I could do with getting into London a bit earlier tomorrow morning and the traffic will be rubbish given the weather forecast.
---.
We may need Harry Potter come Sunday next week.
---.
If Lord Fontelroy....I mean SIr Jackseat is out of the country it would strongly suggest that stage 1 of the plan is complete, stage 2 to follow on Sunday after PDC has said goodbye and stage 3 to be the announcement of a Middle East Oil Barron's investment in an out of town plastic bowl with gold souk and a Mosque - probably being unfair on the Gold Souk as I think I mispelt it.
---.
Very unhappy chappy today...lets hope the Les Miserables mood can lift in November.
---.
Feel sorry for the players...especially with a big League Cup 4th Rd home tie coming up.
Feeling gutted tonight as well. Some days I mark on the calender like anniversaries etc because the missus don't remember then any more. Days like today I put on the calender for posterity, just a reminder of some great times, and despite my opinions of a certain managers PR, his abilities as a trainer/coach are not in question. What is in question now, is how long will he stay and how long before we descend into the turmoil from where we have just come from.

A statement of clarification would ease the souls of many, I wonder if that will be in Saturdays match day programme, that seems likely. Time for Black to show himself and come clean over the future he has envisaged, a public appearance would go down well. Directors box on Saturday ??????

SAPFanSTFC says...
11:37pm Mon 15 Oct 12

the wizard wrote:
SAPFanSTFC wrote:
Davethered wrote:
Just seen Harry Redknapp leaving the CC .


Sorry I meant Harry Potter
...oh Poo!!...to nab an expression - I was hoping to nick his Nimbus 2000 as I could do with getting into London a bit earlier tomorrow morning and the traffic will be rubbish given the weather forecast.
---.
We may need Harry Potter come Sunday next week.
---.
If Lord Fontelroy....I mean SIr Jackseat is out of the country it would strongly suggest that stage 1 of the plan is complete, stage 2 to follow on Sunday after PDC has said goodbye and stage 3 to be the announcement of a Middle East Oil Barron's investment in an out of town plastic bowl with gold souk and a Mosque - probably being unfair on the Gold Souk as I think I mispelt it.
---.
Very unhappy chappy today...lets hope the Les Miserables mood can lift in November.
---.
Feel sorry for the players...especially with a big League Cup 4th Rd home tie coming up.
Feeling gutted tonight as well. Some days I mark on the calender like anniversaries etc because the missus don't remember then any more. Days like today I put on the calender for posterity, just a reminder of some great times, and despite my opinions of a certain managers PR, his abilities as a trainer/coach are not in question. What is in question now, is how long will he stay and how long before we descend into the turmoil from where we have just come from.

A statement of clarification would ease the souls of many, I wonder if that will be in Saturdays match day programme, that seems likely. Time for Black to show himself and come clean over the future he has envisaged, a public appearance would go down well. Directors box on Saturday ??????
Yep agree - feeling a bit soulless today.
---.
I can't see him being here for the Villa match but would love him to stay for the match v Scunny on Saturday (if not beyond of course).
---.
This is big business and high finance - there will be far more unease until it is all signed sealed and delivered.
---.
Black won't appear in front of a ground he has no real interest in - spineless cowards like him will only appear if they have a BIG announcement to make - not to us but to the press....then he'll be stood there shaking hands with the new owners whilst wearing a brand new STFC scarf...which he's borrowed.
---.
I'm signing off now as I'm gutted at today's news - give me quiet and boring off the pitch any day!!!..and for the next 3 months at least please.
---.
Night all.

the wizard says...
11:42pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Cheers Buddy, I'm gone too. lots to do tomorrow. Cheers.

Steve. Brentford says...
11:53pm Mon 15 Oct 12

joey butler wrote:
Having read all the statements, quotations and all the posts on the various Adver articles today, plus BBC and Sky Sports, my thoughts are as follows;

Firstly, very best wishes and sincere thanks to Mr Wray.

The burning issue however, is where does this leave PDC?

His Strengths:

Desire. Passion. Commitment. Detailed preparation before matches. Proud, Vast experience as a player.

His Weaknesses:

Man Management skills out of date, which will prevent him from managing at the highest level, unless he changes sooner rather than later.

Also, Over dependance on his agent, who seems to burn money either in finding new players, or helping negotiate their pay offs after PDC no longer requires them.

In summary, you just have to love PDC, his enthusiasm is fantastic, but he is his biggest enemy with his constant and very public outbursts with his Players and his Board.

PS. Just noticed that PDC says in his statement just released that his agent will be talking to the new Chairman, BIG MISTAKE PDC, with respect that should be You!!
I decided to say nothing on this until we see the whole picture and i'm afraid i have not read through all the above posts although i have read some but JB i just wanted to say very good post and yes it should be Paolo that speaks to the new Chairman i fully agree but we are not sure how the situation is behind the scenes and he (Paolo) may be more informed than we know and (i am speculating) things may well of progressed further than the need for him to speak himself,that said i will again sit back and see what happens in the next 24hrs.

Oxon-Red says...
12:43am Tue 16 Oct 12

joey butler wrote:
Oxon-Red wrote:
joey butler wrote:
Oxon-Red wrote:
southside7 wrote:
joey butler wrote: Having read all the statements, quotations and all the posts on the various Adver articles today, plus BBC and Sky Sports, my thoughts are as follows; Firstly, very best wishes and sincere thanks to Mr Wray. The burning issue however, is where does this leave PDC? His Strengths: Desire. Passion. Commitment. Detailed preparation before matches. Proud, Vast experience as a player. His Weaknesses: Man Management skills out of date, which will prevent him from managing at the highest level, unless he changes sooner rather than later. Also, Over dependance on his agent, who seems to burn money either in finding new players, or helping negotiate their pay offs after PDC no longer requires them. In summary, you just have to love PDC, his enthusiasm is fantastic, but he is his biggest enemy with his constant and very public outbursts with his Players and his Board. PS. Just noticed that PDC says in his statement just released that his agent will be talking to the new Chairman, BIG MISTAKE PDC, with respect that should be You!!
He didn't even have the courtesy to speak to Phil Smith Joey. It's his new boss and he sends his agent, if you don't want the job anymore PdC have the guts to come out and say it.
In the Article above Paolo states that he won't be conducting media interviews etc because that he wants to concentrate on the team and Saturdays match. I agree he may have dealt with Smith wrongly but he has a job to do with the team that needs his time more than talks with the new chairman and he has entrusted this to someone else. Not an uncommon practise in any sphere. COYMR
Oxen, There is a very big difference between speaking to the media and the far more important opportunity for PDC to talk with his new Chairman. I disagree with PDC and likewise with you, if I was the new Chairman, I would want to speak to the engine driver, not the fireman!!!
Fair point and I suspect a meeting will take place but when it comes to contracts, finance etc etc etc most humble football league managers will not necessarily know the ins and outs. Many sports people (and business people) have a team around them that deal with various aspects of their career to enable them to concentrate on their job. I don't see any difference here.
Sorry Oxen, But when was PDC a 'humble football league manager', your words not mine. But to be fair, you did make me laugh with that view!!
Jokey,

Glad you had a laugh. As Steve said above the talks may have been completed (Wray has known for 10 days) and it may be a case of dotting the i's and crossing the t's. If this is the case Paolo is right to be concentrating on team matters, that is his job.

I would like to wait and see what happens. Will many rejoice in the next few days or just the odd few ? Whatever happens STFC are playing Scunthorpe on Saturday and I will be there supporting the team regardless.

COYMR

stfc2012 says...
8:39am Tue 16 Oct 12

I think there is enough clarification so not sure what people are expecting to hear from Black or anyone else at the moment. Wray has said he was moved on by Black. Patey said he will continue the 3 year plan and find some investment. The plan remains but Black decided we needed another man to take us forward. That's all we need to know. The embargo would have been a factor but to be honest they may have had Patey in mind since Fitton was moved on and Wray stood in. I am rather excited by this appointment. He has done a great deal for this country and must be an expert negotiator and patient man. Must surely have a ruthless streak and won't be fooled by anyone. I'd imagine very well connected too which won't do any harm. Let's all stop crying over Wray as he's a big boy and will have plenty to keep him busy and walks away with the fans respect. Let's give Patey a warm welcome and give him a chance. And get singing our new song : 'He'd rather be in Swindon than Iraq, He'd rather be in Swindon than Iraq....'

don down the left wing rogers says...
10:29am Tue 16 Oct 12

Damned ironical! The man who has been in charge through all Dicanios embarrassing episodes, public humiliation of players and the outing of certain staff and players on the little Italians whim gets the bullet himself. Now we all know who is in charge at Swindon.

Oi Den! says...
10:43am Tue 16 Oct 12

stfc2012 wrote:
I think there is enough clarification so not sure what people are expecting to hear from Black or anyone else at the moment. Wray has said he was moved on by Black. Patey said he will continue the 3 year plan and find some investment. The plan remains but Black decided we needed another man to take us forward. That's all we need to know. The embargo would have been a factor but to be honest they may have had Patey in mind since Fitton was moved on and Wray stood in. I am rather excited by this appointment. He has done a great deal for this country and must be an expert negotiator and patient man. Must surely have a ruthless streak and won't be fooled by anyone. I'd imagine very well connected too which won't do any harm. Let's all stop crying over Wray as he's a big boy and will have plenty to keep him busy and walks away with the fans respect. Let's give Patey a warm welcome and give him a chance. And get singing our new song : 'He'd rather be in Swindon than Iraq, He'd rather be in Swindon than Iraq....'
Excellent post 2012.

dawn twodgers says...
12:35pm Tue 16 Oct 12

Good bet PDC will announce he is going to Bolton after the Villa game. The man is making loud sounds of wanting big. He is travelling through.

dawn twodgers says...
12:35pm Tue 16 Oct 12

Good bet PDC will announce he is going to Bolton after the Villa game. The man is making loud sounds of wanting big. He is travelling through.

Malkym says...
1:46pm Tue 16 Oct 12

Dear Mr Ian Charles Michael King -you've made somereally crass statements in the past old chap but this beats them all ->

Black won't appear in front of a ground he has no real interest in - spineless cowards like him will only appear if they have a BIG announcement to make - not to us but to the press....then he'll be stood there shaking hands with the new owners whilst wearing a brand new STFC scarf...which he's borrowed.
---.
so this is the spineless coward who single handedly has been financing all of PDC's spending and been propping up STFC on his jack! I'm sure he will appreciate your glowing endorsement of him.

Suggest you read STFC2012's post for an extremely well balanced interpretation of the situation and where the club is now at and where its going to be going forward.

SAPFanSTFC says...
2:21pm Tue 16 Oct 12

Malkym wrote:
Dear Mr Ian Charles Michael King -you've made somereally crass statements in the past old chap but this beats them all ->

Black won't appear in front of a ground he has no real interest in - spineless cowards like him will only appear if they have a BIG announcement to make - not to us but to the press....then he'll be stood there shaking hands with the new owners whilst wearing a brand new STFC scarf...which he's borrowed.
---.
so this is the spineless coward who single handedly has been financing all of PDC's spending and been propping up STFC on his jack! I'm sure he will appreciate your glowing endorsement of him.

Suggest you read STFC2012's post for an extremely well balanced interpretation of the situation and where the club is now at and where its going to be going forward.
You REALLY can't stand people posting their views can you!?...and you believe that your's is the only correct view!?
---.
'crass!?...' - I've made some pertinent comments and have explained how I see all of this stacking up and this was an end of day post following a number of other posts in which my view of the general picture was stated.
You seem to take great pleasure in protecting people from afar and dismissing other people's viewpoints ..this I find a very strange habit.
---.
If you want to bury your head in the sand then fine but please do me two favours:
...
1) Don't insult me in such fashion just when you deign to disagree please. Any man in his position who doesn't front up to the demands around holding such a position is, in my experience, a hidden agenda....we'll see who is right and who is wrong in time.
.
As mentioned in several of my posts I truly hope I'm wrong but even if he isn't selling immediately, Black will be at some point in my lifetime I'd hazard a guess and this appointment is one that would suggest it is sooner rather than later and that investment/buyer is being sought from certain geographical regions....I don't buy this 'Oh I'm a bit shy....not in his role....he probably just doesn't trust himself to be able to say all the right things....it all smells in my opinion....and I'll continue to hold it until it is proven wrong.
...
and
...
2) Please don't go posting names around everywhere - it is extremely churlish and only goes to underline a childish 'Te He He...I know who you are but you don't know me attitude - rather pathetic in my book'.
---.
If you were a real man I'm sure that you would explain who you are - oh and publicly on here as well....or will you continue to hide behind ever changing names?
---.
Oh and I'm sure that Black has been held in far poorer regard than my comments around his handling of the current situation...and I very much doubt he gives a diddly squat as well.
---
STFC2012 - Is he Black? Does he know the facts verbatim? Has he got the proof?...will he name names?...Oh but of course it probably matches up with your opinion doesn't it, so it must be right.
---.
I have full respect for whatever STFC2012 holds as an opinion and I've read most of the posts on the site which demonstrates a wide ranging set of views.....but I don't need to be told WHAT to think and believe by a person who takes pleasure in this stalker style approach...
I know your name but you don't know mine!
I'll come and see you in the Members but you won't know me!
You've got x number of little children and live in Royal Wootton Bassett but you don't know where I live!!
---.
Very sad little addition to what would have been a semi-reasonable post from you Jock.

the don69 says...
5:14pm Tue 16 Oct 12

Oi Den! wrote:
stfc2012 wrote:
I think there is enough clarification so not sure what people are expecting to hear from Black or anyone else at the moment. Wray has said he was moved on by Black. Patey said he will continue the 3 year plan and find some investment. The plan remains but Black decided we needed another man to take us forward. That's all we need to know. The embargo would have been a factor but to be honest they may have had Patey in mind since Fitton was moved on and Wray stood in. I am rather excited by this appointment. He has done a great deal for this country and must be an expert negotiator and patient man. Must surely have a ruthless streak and won't be fooled by anyone. I'd imagine very well connected too which won't do any harm. Let's all stop crying over Wray as he's a big boy and will have plenty to keep him busy and walks away with the fans respect. Let's give Patey a warm welcome and give him a chance. And get singing our new song : 'He'd rather be in Swindon than Iraq, He'd rather be in Swindon than Iraq....'
Excellent post 2012.
No,no,no!the new song should be-he'd rather talk to the Taliban than Paolo!LOL!!!!!!!!!!!
!

Malkym says...
6:34pm Tue 16 Oct 12

Ian

Of course I can stand others not agreeing with my view I don't pretend to hold the definitive view and can debate with most people except you on occasions it seems :)

I confess to winding you up but in my defence you really pi$sed me off with your vile insults regarding me being a danger to children (jeez I'm not Savile ffs!) so you could say I've been getting my own back by revealing some of your personal details. But again, if you don't mind me saying so you and others leave themselves wide open by the amount of personal information they reveal on these forums because it's easy to find out a great deal with the click of a mouse.

All that said if going forward I choose to now respond to any of your posts I'll keep it on topic...so in reply to your response about AB I can see where you're coming from! He may well be looking for a way out and as you say almost certainly sooner than in your lifetime and he may well have a hidden agenda that is revealed eventually but surely you should credit the guy for keeping the good ship STFC afloat and on the up by allowing Paolo to fu*k up with transfers get rid of and buy more which ultimately led to winning L2?

Steve. Brentford says...
6:50pm Tue 16 Oct 12

My name is not Steve and i dont live in Brentford, i dont support any football club and prefer Netball.(That`ll fock em)

Malkym says...
9:50pm Tue 16 Oct 12

Steve. Brentford wrote:
My name is not Steve and i dont live in Brentford, i dont support any football club and prefer Netball.(That`ll fock em)
...and you don't don't wear nylons -except on Sundays for church!! lol :)

the don69 says...
10:04pm Tue 16 Oct 12

Malkym wrote:
Steve. Brentford wrote:
My name is not Steve and i dont live in Brentford, i dont support any football club and prefer Netball.(That`ll fock em)
...and you don't don't wear nylons -except on Sundays for church!! lol :)
But Bob the builder!formerly known as Steve.Brenford(nylon as Malky calls him)loves baiting the Hook!LOL!!!!!!!!

Steve. Brentford says...
9:22am Wed 17 Oct 12

the don69 wrote:
Malkym wrote:
Steve. Brentford wrote:
My name is not Steve and i dont live in Brentford, i dont support any football club and prefer Netball.(That`ll fock em)
...and you don't don't wear nylons -except on Sundays for church!! lol :)
But Bob the builder!formerly known as Steve.Brenford(nylon as Malky calls him)loves baiting the Hook!LOL!!!!!!!!
You must admit though guys i do catch my fair share :O)

I would be happy to do church anyday of the week (i think she`s lovely)

the don69 says...
2:02pm Wed 17 Oct 12

Steve. Brentford wrote:
the don69 wrote:
Malkym wrote:
Steve. Brentford wrote:
My name is not Steve and i dont live in Brentford, i dont support any football club and prefer Netball.(That`ll fock em)
...and you don't don't wear nylons -except on Sundays for church!! lol :)
But Bob the builder!formerly known as Steve.Brenford(nylon as Malky calls him)loves baiting the Hook!LOL!!!!!!!!
You must admit though guys i do catch my fair share :O)

I would be happy to do church anyday of the week (i think she`s lovely)
I wonder if your misses knows!that your into a bit of Religion!!!!!!!LOL

Steve. Brentford says...
4:17pm Wed 17 Oct 12

the don69 wrote:
Steve. Brentford wrote:
the don69 wrote:
Malkym wrote:
Steve. Brentford wrote:
My name is not Steve and i dont live in Brentford, i dont support any football club and prefer Netball.(That`ll fock em)
...and you don't don't wear nylons -except on Sundays for church!! lol :)
But Bob the builder!formerly known as Steve.Brenford(nylon as Malky calls him)loves baiting the Hook!LOL!!!!!!!!
You must admit though guys i do catch my fair share :O)

I would be happy to do church anyday of the week (i think she`s lovely)
I wonder if your misses knows!that your into a bit of Religion!!!!!!!LOL
Ahhh she`s alright mate,enjoys a little go on the organ herself!

topsecret says...
7:06pm Wed 17 Oct 12

Malkym wrote:
Ian

Of course I can stand others not agreeing with my view I don't pretend to hold the definitive view and can debate with most people except you on occasions it seems :)

I confess to winding you up but in my defence you really pi$sed me off with your vile insults regarding me being a danger to children (jeez I'm not Savile ffs!) so you could say I've been getting my own back by revealing some of your personal details. But again, if you don't mind me saying so you and others leave themselves wide open by the amount of personal information they reveal on these forums because it's easy to find out a great deal with the click of a mouse.

All that said if going forward I choose to now respond to any of your posts I'll keep it on topic...so in reply to your response about AB I can see where you're coming from! He may well be looking for a way out and as you say almost certainly sooner than in your lifetime and he may well have a hidden agenda that is revealed eventually but surely you should credit the guy for keeping the good ship STFC afloat and on the up by allowing Paolo to fu*k up with transfers get rid of and buy more which ultimately led to winning L2?
bell end

click2find

Get Adobe Flash player
About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree