SWINDON TOWN: Wray's statement upon departure

Jeremy Wray Jeremy Wray

"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."

Comments(29)

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

Thanks for all you've done JW you did us proud and all the very best in your future endeavors. Undoubtably the best Chairman we have had in recent years.

Pewsham Red says...
12:32pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Oh dear. There is obviously something behind this and reading between the lines looks like an issue between Black and Wray.

I hope this does not see us return to the bad old days of board issues taking more headlines than on-field issues.

I have a bad feeling about all this.

gaz2612 says...
12:50pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Thank you Jeremy for all you have done for the club. This will be a great disappointment for STFC fans as you have always supported PDC with the aim of returning Swindon Town to a bigger league. Good luck for the future and I wish you all the best.

Is that you Lovesey says...
12:58pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Good luck Jeremy we owe you a massive thank you for everything you have done, one of the best chairman we have ever had and certainly one of the most informed and easy to communicate with, you always have time for fans and have always been approacheable.

scooby69 says...
1:05pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Many thanks Jeremy Wray for all your efforts as intrim chairman. Its been a great year for Swindon town FC.

Its a dam shame your not staying on the board of directors.
Your experience from the past year would off proved invaluable.

Thanks again, all the best for the future. (Please come back and watch the town !)

Rebel_phish says...
1:09pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Thanks Jeremy for all your efforts and input into this club. The best thing that you have done was the appointment of Paolo. I DO hope that the new chairman will allow the 3 year plan to come to fruition.

I just have the niggling feeling that the wheels have worked loose.

I must admit, I thought it would be PdC going before you.

All the best, and I'm sure STFC will remain in your heart for years to come.

jam1 says...
1:22pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Legend Jeremy Wray

TheBlackHand says...
1:55pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Can't see PDC being here much longer if he don't get the backing like he did from JW

sally2 says...
2:27pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Followed Town for 60 years.Never known a manager given so much freedom to buy players and never use them or get rid of them after 5mins.Then he says they are not good enough for Div 1(why did he buy them then?)He is interested in one thing his own ambition but he has not got the qualities to be a good manager.Lets be honest to get Swindon out of what is really is Div 4 is no big deal given his budget.He has brought in a couple of good players but thats all.Most of our best players were he before he came.He has already messed up the solid defence we had last year and Ritchie misses Caddis not the same player without him.

sally2 says...
2:38pm Mon 15 Oct 12

FORGOT TO ADD WRONG MAN GONE

Redgollum says...
2:39pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Sally2,
Totally agree!

Last step says...
2:56pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Never been a better time to join the Supporters Trust- http://www.truststfc
.com/join/join-onlin
e/

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.

SAPFanSTFC says...
3:14pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Pewsham Red wrote:
Oh dear. There is obviously something behind this and reading between the lines looks like an issue between Black and Wray.

I hope this does not see us return to the bad old days of board issues taking more headlines than on-field issues.

I have a bad feeling about all this.
Pretty much in line with my expectations here - as you say a bit between the lines but being honest a lot more that is ON the lines...not even being suggested between the lines.
---.
On another matter:
What is the supporters trust...what do they do and what have they done for the last 5 years?...not sure I understand what that post was all about given the current circumstances.

Lone Wolf says...
3:18pm Mon 15 Oct 12

I'd like to know a bit more about Andrew Black. As majority shareholder he must someone of considerable financial clout. He also must be someone who rubs shoulders with people on the high table (i.e. Sir William Patey). However, whoever he is, I wonder to what extent he has a) an interest in football and b) more importantly an interest in STFC. I'm also wondering how Paolo Di Canio, whom I believe is a man of the people, will engage with a knight of the realm. Intriguing but worrying.

Mind you, I always do seem to be two steps behind all the gossip so no doubt most people know much more about Mr Black than me. If so, please enlighten.

badger58 says...
3:32pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Top man is JW that i all i have to say

sp1dersw3b says...
3:39pm Mon 15 Oct 12

sally2 wrote:
Followed Town for 60 years.Never known a manager given so much freedom to buy players and never use them or get rid of them after 5mins.Then he says they are not good enough for Div 1(why did he buy them then?)He is interested in one thing his own ambition but he has not got the qualities to be a good manager.Lets be honest to get Swindon out of what is really is Div 4 is no big deal given his budget.He has brought in a couple of good players but thats all.Most of our best players were he before he came.He has already messed up the solid defence we had last year and Ritchie misses Caddis not the same player without him.
This forum enables individuals to air whatever their opinions or thoughts are and of course you are entitled to do this but it is clear from previous posts you are just a PDC hater.

For the record I do not agree with you at all basically on anything you posted here - and I will not waste time debating differing opinions with you as your first sentence has made me realise how terrible dementia must be.

No offence meant.

Lone Wolf says...
3:54pm Mon 15 Oct 12

sp1dersw3b wrote:
sally2 wrote:
Followed Town for 60 years.Never known a manager given so much freedom to buy players and never use them or get rid of them after 5mins.Then he says they are not good enough for Div 1(why did he buy them then?)He is interested in one thing his own ambition but he has not got the qualities to be a good manager.Lets be honest to get Swindon out of what is really is Div 4 is no big deal given his budget.He has brought in a couple of good players but thats all.Most of our best players were he before he came.He has already messed up the solid defence we had last year and Ritchie misses Caddis not the same player without him.
This forum enables individuals to air whatever their opinions or thoughts are and of course you are entitled to do this but it is clear from previous posts you are just a PDC hater.

For the record I do not agree with you at all basically on anything you posted here - and I will not waste time debating differing opinions with you as your first sentence has made me realise how terrible dementia must be.

No offence meant.
Ah now, Sally2, I think you're being just the slightest bit offensive to poor old 'Sp1dersw3b' and he/she has every right to take offence. Have you any idea how awful dimentia actually is? - I go along with your sentiments otherwise.

fatman says...
4:19pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Jeremy Wray an Honest top man very rare person as far as I am concerned

bongiaz says...
4:43pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Lone Wolf wrote:
sp1dersw3b wrote:
sally2 wrote:
Followed Town for 60 years.Never known a manager given so much freedom to buy players and never use them or get rid of them after 5mins.Then he says they are not good enough for Div 1(why did he buy them then?)He is interested in one thing his own ambition but he has not got the qualities to be a good manager.Lets be honest to get Swindon out of what is really is Div 4 is no big deal given his budget.He has brought in a couple of good players but thats all.Most of our best players were he before he came.He has already messed up the solid defence we had last year and Ritchie misses Caddis not the same player without him.
This forum enables individuals to air whatever their opinions or thoughts are and of course you are entitled to do this but it is clear from previous posts you are just a PDC hater.

For the record I do not agree with you at all basically on anything you posted here - and I will not waste time debating differing opinions with you as your first sentence has made me realise how terrible dementia must be.

No offence meant.
Ah now, Sally2, I think you're being just the slightest bit offensive to poor old 'Sp1dersw3b' and he/she has every right to take offence. Have you any idea how awful dimentia actually is? - I go along with your sentiments otherwise.
Dont agree Sally2..I've been watching Swindon for 42 years and not since Glen Hoddle has going to games been so exciting..dont forget it was this great chairman in Mr Wray that saw something in PDC and has backed him all the way...and would still be backing him if he had the support from a certain Mr Black! Ritchie missing Caddis please! Ritchie is already our top goalscorer but we are in league 1 now dont forget and Ritchie will be marked tight as he was on Saturday! Nathan Thompson is already a better defender than Caddis!

simoncoy says...
5:12pm Mon 15 Oct 12

Lone Wolf wrote:
I'd like to know a bit more about Andrew Black. As majority shareholder he must someone of considerable financial clout. He also must be someone who rubs shoulders with people on the high table (i.e. Sir William Patey). However, whoever he is, I wonder to what extent he has a) an interest in football and b) more importantly an interest in STFC. I'm also wondering how Paolo Di Canio, whom I believe is a man of the people, will engage with a knight of the realm. Intriguing but worrying.

Mind you, I always do seem to be two steps behind all the gossip so no doubt most people know much more about Mr Black than me. If so, please enlighten.
Andrew Black is indeed a very wealthy man as he is co-founder of the online gambling site Betfair and one of the richest men in the country. He was listed in the Sunday Times Rich List earlier this year. I believe his co-founder of Betfair is Jeremy Wray's brother, Ed Wray.

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

thanks and good luck jeremy wray in whatever you do in the future ,

Psychedelic Syd says...
6:14pm Mon 15 Oct 12

A Black day indeed. I remember reading about Andrew Black at the time of the takeover but he has taken a retrograde step here, a gamble too far methinks. Jeremy Wray has been far too much the gentleman in his statement given the dreadful manner of his departure. Some recompense for being the best Chairman in living memory. There must be more to the story than meets the eye but it is hard to escape the conclusion that this piece of idiocy does not bode well for our club. Given the choice of Black disappearing (has he ever actually appeared?) or Wray, I have no doubt what the fans of our club would wish for.

Thank you Jeremy Wray for being such a superstar, I just hope that when these football-ignorant tycoons have completed their mess-up and sold their stake in the club, you might consider a return. All good wishes for whatever you choose to do.

Do you think Andrew Black might be an Oxford supporter .........????!

smirg kcab says...
6:31pm Mon 15 Oct 12

bongiaz wrote:
Lone Wolf wrote:
sp1dersw3b wrote:
sally2 wrote: Followed Town for 60 years.Never known a manager given so much freedom to buy players and never use them or get rid of them after 5mins.Then he says they are not good enough for Div 1(why did he buy them then?)He is interested in one thing his own ambition but he has not got the qualities to be a good manager.Lets be honest to get Swindon out of what is really is Div 4 is no big deal given his budget.He has brought in a couple of good players but thats all.Most of our best players were he before he came.He has already messed up the solid defence we had last year and Ritchie misses Caddis not the same player without him.
This forum enables individuals to air whatever their opinions or thoughts are and of course you are entitled to do this but it is clear from previous posts you are just a PDC hater. For the record I do not agree with you at all basically on anything you posted here - and I will not waste time debating differing opinions with you as your first sentence has made me realise how terrible dementia must be. No offence meant.
Ah now, Sally2, I think you're being just the slightest bit offensive to poor old 'Sp1dersw3b' and he/she has every right to take offence. Have you any idea how awful dimentia actually is? - I go along with your sentiments otherwise.
Dont agree Sally2..I've been watching Swindon for 42 years and not since Glen Hoddle has going to games been so exciting..dont forget it was this great chairman in Mr Wray that saw something in PDC and has backed him all the way...and would still be backing him if he had the support from a certain Mr Black! Ritchie missing Caddis please! Ritchie is already our top goalscorer but we are in league 1 now dont forget and Ritchie will be marked tight as he was on Saturday! Nathan Thompson is already a better defender than Caddis!
No man would ever agree with a women. They no nothing about football FACT
Onwards and downwards

sally2 says...
7:25pm Mon 15 Oct 12

smirg kcab wrote:
bongiaz wrote:
Lone Wolf wrote:
sp1dersw3b wrote:
sally2 wrote: Followed Town for 60 years.Never known a manager given so much freedom to buy players and never use them or get rid of them after 5mins.Then he says they are not good enough for Div 1(why did he buy them then?)He is interested in one thing his own ambition but he has not got the qualities to be a good manager.Lets be honest to get Swindon out of what is really is Div 4 is no big deal given his budget.He has brought in a couple of good players but thats all.Most of our best players were he before he came.He has already messed up the solid defence we had last year and Ritchie misses Caddis not the same player without him.
This forum enables individuals to air whatever their opinions or thoughts are and of course you are entitled to do this but it is clear from previous posts you are just a PDC hater. For the record I do not agree with you at all basically on anything you posted here - and I will not waste time debating differing opinions with you as your first sentence has made me realise how terrible dementia must be. No offence meant.
Ah now, Sally2, I think you're being just the slightest bit offensive to poor old 'Sp1dersw3b' and he/she has every right to take offence. Have you any idea how awful dimentia actually is? - I go along with your sentiments otherwise.
Dont agree Sally2..I've been watching Swindon for 42 years and not since Glen Hoddle has going to games been so exciting..dont forget it was this great chairman in Mr Wray that saw something in PDC and has backed him all the way...and would still be backing him if he had the support from a certain Mr Black! Ritchie missing Caddis please! Ritchie is already our top goalscorer but we are in league 1 now dont forget and Ritchie will be marked tight as he was on Saturday! Nathan Thompson is already a better defender than Caddis!
No man would ever agree with a women. They no nothing about football FACT Onwards and downwards
Sally is the name of my dog.I am a 76 year old male who played semi pro for 12 years ,I know a little bit about football and so do a lot of woman

jayden says...
8:37pm Mon 15 Oct 12

sally2 wrote:
smirg kcab wrote:
bongiaz wrote:
Lone Wolf wrote:
sp1dersw3b wrote:
sally2 wrote: Followed Town for 60 years.Never known a manager given so much freedom to buy players and never use them or get rid of them after 5mins.Then he says they are not good enough for Div 1(why did he buy them then?)He is interested in one thing his own ambition but he has not got the qualities to be a good manager.Lets be honest to get Swindon out of what is really is Div 4 is no big deal given his budget.He has brought in a couple of good players but thats all.Most of our best players were he before he came.He has already messed up the solid defence we had last year and Ritchie misses Caddis not the same player without him.
This forum enables individuals to air whatever their opinions or thoughts are and of course you are entitled to do this but it is clear from previous posts you are just a PDC hater. For the record I do not agree with you at all basically on anything you posted here - and I will not waste time debating differing opinions with you as your first sentence has made me realise how terrible dementia must be. No offence meant.
Ah now, Sally2, I think you're being just the slightest bit offensive to poor old 'Sp1dersw3b' and he/she has every right to take offence. Have you any idea how awful dimentia actually is? - I go along with your sentiments otherwise.
Dont agree Sally2..I've been watching Swindon for 42 years and not since Glen Hoddle has going to games been so exciting..dont forget it was this great chairman in Mr Wray that saw something in PDC and has backed him all the way...and would still be backing him if he had the support from a certain Mr Black! Ritchie missing Caddis please! Ritchie is already our top goalscorer but we are in league 1 now dont forget and Ritchie will be marked tight as he was on Saturday! Nathan Thompson is already a better defender than Caddis!
No man would ever agree with a women. They no nothing about football FACT Onwards and downwards
Sally is the name of my dog.I am a 76 year old male who played semi pro for 12 years ,I know a little bit about football and so do a lot of woman
He be better not worrying my sheep

SAPFanSTFC says...
11:23pm Mon 15 Oct 12

jayden wrote:
sally2 wrote:
smirg kcab wrote:
bongiaz wrote:
Lone Wolf wrote:
sp1dersw3b wrote:
sally2 wrote: Followed Town for 60 years.Never known a manager given so much freedom to buy players and never use them or get rid of them after 5mins.Then he says they are not good enough for Div 1(why did he buy them then?)He is interested in one thing his own ambition but he has not got the qualities to be a good manager.Lets be honest to get Swindon out of what is really is Div 4 is no big deal given his budget.He has brought in a couple of good players but thats all.Most of our best players were he before he came.He has already messed up the solid defence we had last year and Ritchie misses Caddis not the same player without him.
This forum enables individuals to air whatever their opinions or thoughts are and of course you are entitled to do this but it is clear from previous posts you are just a PDC hater. For the record I do not agree with you at all basically on anything you posted here - and I will not waste time debating differing opinions with you as your first sentence has made me realise how terrible dementia must be. No offence meant.
Ah now, Sally2, I think you're being just the slightest bit offensive to poor old 'Sp1dersw3b' and he/she has every right to take offence. Have you any idea how awful dimentia actually is? - I go along with your sentiments otherwise.
Dont agree Sally2..I've been watching Swindon for 42 years and not since Glen Hoddle has going to games been so exciting..dont forget it was this great chairman in Mr Wray that saw something in PDC and has backed him all the way...and would still be backing him if he had the support from a certain Mr Black! Ritchie missing Caddis please! Ritchie is already our top goalscorer but we are in league 1 now dont forget and Ritchie will be marked tight as he was on Saturday! Nathan Thompson is already a better defender than Caddis!
No man would ever agree with a women. They no nothing about football FACT Onwards and downwards
Sally is the name of my dog.I am a 76 year old male who played semi pro for 12 years ,I know a little bit about football and so do a lot of woman
He be better not worrying my sheep
Aww Come On!!!...Sally2 the poster won't be out worrying any sheep tonight and nor will his dog!!....it's far too wet!!

SAPFanSTFC says...
11:29pm Mon 15 Oct 12

---.
Sorry Sally2 - no offence meant personally just a couldn't miss jibe!
---.
I understand your initial comments but I'd have to disagree with a few points.
---.
If you need players in order to get promoted but they won't come unless you give them a two year contract then the board's ambition has to be fulfilled somehow - and they will be sanctioning this move. The following season IF the aim is to be at the top end League 1 then half of not more of these players have to go....the difference between Lgue 2 and top end Lgue 1 is a big jump.
---.
...also note that it isn't just a manager's fault that he needs all of the money and freedom - it is the players demanding these contracts and salaries that puts the teams into this quandary.

SAPFanSTFC says...
11:31pm Mon 15 Oct 12

On another note - Black has done the dirty on Wray....in a big way - and I believe it reflects his view of the club.
...
Purely a commodity that he's got bored with.

gaz2612 says...
7:49am Tue 16 Oct 12

Has PDC helped in all of this? He buys the players,some he believes are not good enough so why buy them? He then offloads the ones he feels will not make the grade or he falls out with them, generally at a loss either by letting them go free or for less money than he paid ie: Connell. They have two year contracts which are either honoured or negotiated on. PDC is always looking to sign more players. Why not give the some of the youngsters a chance ie: Storey.This has been proved with Nathan Thompson who is an excellent player. Signing more is not always the answer because they all have to gel as a team. A settled side is required and the continual complaining about the players publicly will not help their confidence.
I hope that Paulo continues at STFC as he has certainly changed the club for the better, and he is the right man to help us win promotion. He now needs to use his managerial and tactical skills with the players he has got.

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