Di Canio statement regarding Wray's replacement (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)
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SWINDON TOWN: Di Canio statement regarding Wray's replacement
6:44pm Monday 15th October 2012 in Sport
Di Canio statement regarding Wray's replacement
THE Advertiser has received a statement from Paolo Di Canio in the wake of Jeremy Wray being replaced as chairman at Swindon Town.
It reads:
"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 three 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 18 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.
"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."
Comments(57)
Wellfire
says...
6:58pm Mon 15 Oct 12
jayden wrote:I'm sorry to say, I agree with you.
Think we might know whats coming next
candlestrobe
says...
7:02pm Mon 15 Oct 12
ChrisWantageRed
says...
7:06pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Since 1950
says...
7:07pm Mon 15 Oct 12
jayden wrote:Think it's been coming since his post match rant after the Shrews game.
Think we might know whats coming next
Looks like Andrew Black might have acted alone if the suggestion that Russell backhouse is set to resign also. Watkins next?
Only at Swindon!
Swindon1984
says...
7:07pm Mon 15 Oct 12
On the flip side, the board clearly still want championship football if they're looking at redeveloping the ground, and may see Paolo as the one to bring that.
Unless... The reason they're so keen to develop the ground is to have an all purpose venue with maximum revenue streams where football is only a secondary concern (a la Coventry at the Ricoh).
All speculation, let's hope for the best for now.
Swindon1984
says...
7:12pm Mon 15 Oct 12
candlestrobe wrote:Ha! Needed a laugh, cheers!
Blimey, Di Canio's English has improved.
Wilesy
says...
7:13pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Would be fairly surprised now if Paolo stays, but I doubt that would come as a surprise to Mr Black if he leaves following the departure of Wray and probably Backhouse, (a mischevous view might think it part of the grand plan?) so I suspect Black will have a contingency plan should that happen, a big name would be needed as there would be big shoes to fill....
Doctor red
says...
7:14pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Jeremey thank you for all you have done for our club the fans respect you and always will!
The doc
Wilesy
says...
7:15pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Swindon1984 wrote:Indeed very eloquent words from Spencer oops I mean Paolo.
candlestrobe wrote:Ha! Needed a laugh, cheers!
Blimey, Di Canio's English has improved.
joey butler
says...
7:16pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Swindon1984 wrote:Agree, No way did PDC write this. His agent has probably invoiced us for it already!!!
candlestrobe wrote:Ha! Needed a laugh, cheers!
Blimey, Di Canio's English has improved.
Swindonian63
says...
7:20pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Swindon1984 wrote:Coventry isn't a great model...they get no revenue from the Ricoh and in effect are just tenants. That's a major reason why they're in the financial state they are.
Kind of mixed messages there - think if the new regime don't offer Paolo the backing he wants he'll be off. As reigning Paolo in may be the very reason for the change, that would only end one way.
On the flip side, the board clearly still want championship football if they're looking at redeveloping the ground, and may see Paolo as the one to bring that.
Unless... The reason they're so keen to develop the ground is to have an all purpose venue with maximum revenue streams where football is only a secondary concern (a la Coventry at the Ricoh).
All speculation, let's hope for the best for now.
sadgit
says...
7:26pm Mon 15 Oct 12
My only concern with Paolo is how he seems to be blaming all and sundry for the transfer embargo when it appears that it is due to his own dealings in the transfer market that has taken us over the 65% figure.
RedBrum
says...
7:27pm Mon 15 Oct 12
TheDukeOfBanbury
says...
7:31pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Of course Di Canio is sad to see Wray and Backhouse go. However it would appear from this statement that Di Canio awaits the statement and plans from Black and co.
Until then we just have to sit back and wait.......but the message is clear for all Black holds the key and decision.
Over to you Mr Black...............
.but Paolo is right, this is breaking up a team that is (was) moving in the right direction.
Interesting Saturday and particularly going Corporate will be interesting behind the scenes.
Jeremy Wray - You done us all so proud so leave with your head held high.
Whatever the outcome - Nothing changes as a Supporter of the football Club and whoever is at the helm. We will all be around longer than any Board.
Swindon til we die.
DarrenSTFCRomain
says...
7:32pm Mon 15 Oct 12
So what if he goes...EVERY week now for the past mounth.I WILL HAVE TO LOOK AT MY POSISTION my players aint good enoughs.YES he has done a good job as are manager BUT would he have been a good manager without the very big budget..Dont think so do you
bradley red 1
says...
7:33pm Mon 15 Oct 12
backhouse were the main three faces of the consortium at the start and now they are all gone! so for me a statement from the majority shareholder is key as to where this all ends up,i had a feeling this could all end in tears..oh dear!
Exmouth_red69
says...
7:46pm Mon 15 Oct 12
DarrenSTFCRomain wrote:You really are a plonker, you may well be eating your own words over the next few months. But then again if you really are a fan you would be happy with the position the club are currently in compared to a couple of years ago.
This is now starting to psis me rightoff..
So what if he goes...EVERY week now for the past mounth.I WILL HAVE TO LOOK AT MY POSISTION my players aint good enoughs.YES he has done a good job as are manager BUT would he have been a good manager without the very big budget..Dont think so do you
Rogersforengland
says...
7:53pm Mon 15 Oct 12
None of us want Paolo to go but many of us want him to calm down and keep things private.
His rash decisions to buy then fall out or leave out of the team must be financially crippling for the club so again perhaps there is much more to this than meets the eye.
Paolo can do no wrong with us the fans, but kicking the dug out about like he did Saturday with no apology and yet makes Wes apologise for kicking a water bottle over cannot be right....what does this have to do with Wray going I hear you all ask, well who knows but it might be a part of a bigger problem within the club
DarrenSTFCRomain
says...
7:54pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Exmouth_red69 wrote:Exmouth do a big one...
DarrenSTFCRomain wrote: This is now starting to psis me rightoff.. So what if he goes...EVERY week now for the past mounth.I WILL HAVE TO LOOK AT MY POSISTION my players aint good enoughs.YES he has done a good job as are manager BUT would he have been a good manager without the very big budget..Dont think so do youYou really are a plonker, you may well be eating your own words over the next few months. But then again if you really are a fan you would be happy with the position the club are currently in compared to a couple of years ago.
I hope he will stay but its getting stupid reading the same thing week in week out.
BUT thats just me then HA HA ..
IF your happy then fine..
have a nice day MATE
Swindonian63
says...
7:59pm Mon 15 Oct 12
TheDukeOfBanbury wrote:Good summing up, very well balanced comment.
Too much speculation and emotion as to confirm what is and what is not going on.
Of course Di Canio is sad to see Wray and Backhouse go. However it would appear from this statement that Di Canio awaits the statement and plans from Black and co.
Until then we just have to sit back and wait.......but the message is clear for all Black holds the key and decision.
Over to you Mr Black...............
.but Paolo is right, this is breaking up a team that is (was) moving in the right direction.
Interesting Saturday and particularly going Corporate will be interesting behind the scenes.
Jeremy Wray - You done us all so proud so leave with your head held high.
Whatever the outcome - Nothing changes as a Supporter of the football Club and whoever is at the helm. We will all be around longer than any Board.
Swindon til we die.
Kingseleven
says...
8:03pm Mon 15 Oct 12
SeanG92
says...
8:05pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Lazaat
says...
8:09pm Mon 15 Oct 12
DarrenSTFCRomain
says...
8:20pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Lazaat wrote:and if paolo does resign are enbargo will be lifted...
Paolo will already have spoken to Jeremy Wray and he will know what is going on and the boards plans! In view of this and reading his statement it seems odds on that he is going to resign, probably what Mr Black wants to save the club a lot of money as Paolo has recently signed a new contract! I wouldn't be surprised if another manager hasn't already been lined up? The Pox must be loving all this?
swindon30
says...
8:22pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Over the last few years the investors have spent 20million plus saving and investing in this club which I along with all other supporters are truly great full.
However, I would like the mysterious AB to come out with a statement and hopefully put our minds at ease some what
jayden
says...
8:22pm Mon 15 Oct 12
TheBlackHand
says...
8:28pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Exmouth_red69
says...
8:34pm Mon 15 Oct 12
DarrenSTFCRomain wrote:Jog on back to scum, you are yellow not red, or very special.
Lazaat wrote:and if paolo does resign are enbargo will be lifted...
Paolo will already have spoken to Jeremy Wray and he will know what is going on and the boards plans! In view of this and reading his statement it seems odds on that he is going to resign, probably what Mr Black wants to save the club a lot of money as Paolo has recently signed a new contract! I wouldn't be surprised if another manager hasn't already been lined up? The Pox must be loving all this?
bradley red 1
says...
8:42pm Mon 15 Oct 12
southside7
says...
8:43pm Mon 15 Oct 12
jayden
says...
8:44pm Mon 15 Oct 12
smirg kcab
says...
8:49pm Mon 15 Oct 12
jayden
says...
8:54pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Exmouth_red69 wrote:Darrens no Diplomat but is a true red
DarrenSTFCRomain wrote:Jog on back to scum, you are yellow not red, or very special.
Lazaat wrote:and if paolo does resign are enbargo will be lifted...
Paolo will already have spoken to Jeremy Wray and he will know what is going on and the boards plans! In view of this and reading his statement it seems odds on that he is going to resign, probably what Mr Black wants to save the club a lot of money as Paolo has recently signed a new contract! I wouldn't be surprised if another manager hasn't already been lined up? The Pox must be loving all this?
jayden
says...
8:56pm Mon 15 Oct 12
HardwickeRed
says...
8:59pm Mon 15 Oct 12
TheBlackHand wrote:I`ll still be there. Hope you will too
Typical Swindon just when you begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel somebody closes the door! i'm afarid we will be back to 5k attendances at best. such a shame as the place was just about looking a proffessional out fit and looking to head forward..........i hope i am totally wrong :(
doomster
says...
9:01pm Mon 15 Oct 12
smirg kcab
says...
9:13pm Mon 15 Oct 12
doomster wrote:Town players to wear red and white burkas against scunny
meh panic not if he was going to go would of expected him to have gone already. I reckon its to do with new investment and was probably one of the T&Cs of the deal as Jay Wray would of scared prospective investors. Wouldn't be a shock if we are renamed Sudan Townas Omar Al Bashir gets revealed as a new sugar daddy with pre season tours swiched from Norcia to war torn Khartoum. Keep the faith
Onwards and downwards
Cookie43
says...
9:21pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Black was obviously getting worried that Pdc was to pally with Wray and that Pdc was maybe getting too powerful, and this was a perfect opportunity to oust them both out. By removing Wray he knew that Pdc would resign out of loyalty to wray and that would even mean he would not have to pay him out of his contract very shrewd from Black. A very silly mistake in my opinion but like i said at the beginning we always do it we always find a way of screwing things up big time!!
ohh well it was fun while it lasted
but as usual i will be there on sat
Come on you reds!!!!!!
who am i
says...
9:35pm Mon 15 Oct 12
HardwickeRed
says...
9:51pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Port Vale 3 Vermin 0
SAPFanSTFC
says...
9:59pm Mon 15 Oct 12
...
I'm more bothered about who is going to buy/into the club as opposed to losing PDC...I'm a huge fan but think his replacement will have a smaller say in the longer term future of our club.
Feeling very sad it is ending up this way but as others have said - it would not be STFC without the Great Storm and tidal waves arriving to ruin a pedalo trip round Coate Water
DarrenSTFCRomain
says...
9:59pm Mon 15 Oct 12
jayden wrote:HA HA What a silly boy that mouth is...
Exmouth_red69 wrote:Darrens no Diplomat but is a true redDarrenSTFCRomain wrote:Jog on back to scum, you are yellow not red, or very special.Lazaat wrote: Paolo will already have spoken to Jeremy Wray and he will know what is going on and the boards plans! In view of this and reading his statement it seems odds on that he is going to resign, probably what Mr Black wants to save the club a lot of money as Paolo has recently signed a new contract! I wouldn't be surprised if another manager hasn't already been lined up? The Pox must be loving all this?and if paolo does resign are enbargo will be lifted...
You say your big you say your strong BUT DO I CARE....
And as another true red jayden said IM NOT YELLOW BUT I AM A TRUE RED...
SWINDON TILL WE DIE..
Hows things with jayden 2day..
Hope you had a wonderfull monday
bushwacker
says...
10:06pm Mon 15 Oct 12
mrclick
says...
10:06pm Mon 15 Oct 12
But there was clearly an issue, something we know nothing about and probably never will. The new guy deserves a chance clearly a highly experienced negotiator, which we'll certainly need very with the bloomin council to get the development through. Also he appears to be here to attract more finance.
So new stadium plans mover forward
Even more money for PDC
Doesn't sound to bad to me
bushwacker
says...
10:19pm Mon 15 Oct 12
southside7
says...
10:19pm Mon 15 Oct 12
SAPFanSTFC wrote:Yes SAP, totally agree, the investors are the absolutely lie awake at night, terrifying aspect in all this. It is pure speculation, but if a middle eastern or the like outfit come in, bringing a new soulless plastic stadium like the Madjeski etc etc , then the club is gone in my opinion and it's off to Supermarine. I know I'm in the minority but I only follow the town because it's real and heartfelt and yes there is a business element, but a foreign owners hobby that he can show off about to his friends? no thanks, not for me.
The other possibility is that Black already has investors/buyers lined up & it is they that want a clean sheet or PDC out....I'd expect Paolo to say goodbye on Saturday & say Cheerio to the fans.
...
I'm more bothered about who is going to buy/into the club as opposed to losing PDC...I'm a huge fan but think his replacement will have a smaller say in the longer term future of our club.
Feeling very sad it is ending up this way but as others have said - it would not be STFC without the Great Storm and tidal waves arriving to ruin a pedalo trip round Coate Water
Highworth red
says...
10:24pm Mon 15 Oct 12
SAPFanSTFC
says...
11:06pm Mon 15 Oct 12
southside7 wrote:..exactly....it is that soulless stadium in the middle f nowhere a la Colchester, Shrewsbury and many, many more that worries me.
SAPFanSTFC wrote:Yes SAP, totally agree, the investors are the absolutely lie awake at night, terrifying aspect in all this. It is pure speculation, but if a middle eastern or the like outfit come in, bringing a new soulless plastic stadium like the Madjeski etc etc , then the club is gone in my opinion and it's off to Supermarine. I know I'm in the minority but I only follow the town because it's real and heartfelt and yes there is a business element, but a foreign owners hobby that he can show off about to his friends? no thanks, not for me.
The other possibility is that Black already has investors/buyers lined up & it is they that want a clean sheet or PDC out....I'd expect Paolo to say goodbye on Saturday & say Cheerio to the fans.
...
I'm more bothered about who is going to buy/into the club as opposed to losing PDC...I'm a huge fan but think his replacement will have a smaller say in the longer term future of our club.
Feeling very sad it is ending up this way but as others have said - it would not be STFC without the Great Storm and tidal waves arriving to ruin a pedalo trip round Coate Water
---.
My passion and love for the club comes from years of standing on the corner of the Shrivenham Rd and Stratton Bank in my early years and then my proud progression to being 4 rows back and centre stage in the Town End....I spent every penny I earned on following STFC all over the shop stood on empty terraces with 50-100 others in the freezing cold and my biggest fear...
...my BIGGEST fear...is that we'll get a plastic club with a St Mary's stadium as it won't feel right at all....I'll even think about going and watching Royal Wootton Bassett play as it is the heart and soul of the club that matters, the social, the seeing friends old and new at each and every game home and away.
---.
Sad is how I'm feeling today as I truly believe we're seeing a change towards a new STFC.....will it be better....!?
Wilesy
says...
11:16pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Task is 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.
Looking at it simply it could be that Black justfeels Batey is better connected, and more experienced to achieve those plans than Jay Wray. Clearly sourcing foreign investment is being sought, so long term it could be a good move.
I'm sure if Spencer hears the right noises (ie embargo sorted, £££ to spend in Jan etc) then all will be well to ride this storm, after all money seems to talk, but the ground will take a few years to redevelop I just can't see Paolo still being here then regardless of if he stays for now.
jedthered
says...
11:21pm Mon 15 Oct 12
billbst
says...
11:28pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Wilesy wrote:Have to agree why on earth does he send in Spencer. Perhaps because he knows that will aggravate Mr Black and to start a negotiated exit with a substantial pay off. Just how much has Spencer taken in fees I wonder. It is all so typically STFC. JWray was such a breath of fresh air. Now we will have to get used to..full and frank disussions...clearin
A fairly important meeting, I would have thought that Paolo would want to be in attendance to look them in the eyes and all that?
Would be fairly surprised now if Paolo stays, but I doubt that would come as a surprise to Mr Black if he leaves following the departure of Wray and probably Backhouse, (a mischevous view might think it part of the grand plan?) so I suspect Black will have a contingency plan should that happen, a big name would be needed as there would be big shoes to fill....
g the air...in the wider interest.... which all boil down to.... we are doing nothing and have no idea what to do next.
old town robin
says...
11:36pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Highworth red wrote:Had to wait until your post HR for some commonsense. Andrew Black has far too much invested in our club not to have a plan B. He's the majority share holder and he has every right to make any decision he thinks best to protect his investment until such time he decides to sell or stick with the hand he has.
This is a major development. Something monumental is going on behind the scenes that we obviously are not aware of yet, and I wouldn't assume that its all negative. Mr Black will expect success and he will not be affraid to make big changes to achieve that success. Will be very interesting to see what leaks out over the next few days.
The biggest disappointment for me is Jeremy rejected the chance to remain on the board. As a decision maker he could have still had a say and may have taken the position of Technical Director and what about Watkins, what's his situation now, as I thought he was responsible for finding the investors for the stadium development.
No, if AB saw that his chairman was not delivering what he expected from a financial perspective and he has the confidence in the new fella to get the investors on board we need for the stadium, as much as I appreciate what Jay has done I support the board to be bold enough to take the decisions with what is needed off the field to take us to the next level.
Contrary to other opinions I do not think Paolo is about to walk and I'm sure Jay would have been the first person to tell him to stay put and completed the mission they both set out to fullfill. Think everyone needs to calm down, let the board do what they have to do behind the scenes and WE the supporters get behind Paolo and give him and the team our support to carry us forward with winning games.
stfc2011
says...
12:15am Tue 16 Oct 12
As for Di Canio i believe he will resign and go elsewhere, He will be loyal to JW as he gave Paulo his first chance in Management. They had a plan together and have worked well together, Once that group gets broken the whole plan changes.
I hope he stays as i feel if he goes we will get a bad manager in and we will just slide down the league and have no ambition, where as i believe with di canio we can get promotion this season either automatic or play offs.
As for the New Chairman sod him, i dont care what his history or contacts are this is a toy for him to sell to some Arab or oil company who has loads of money or it could be like the venkys at Blackburn.
Why the hell would you sack Jw WHEN he has done a good job with the club and di canio
As for people moaning about Di Canio messing up with the money sorry no its not his fault, Black as owner should tell di canio no more spending not let him carry it on, as for the wages for a player its not di canio who agrees what they are paid its the players agents and the chairman or some board member - everyone on the board also must agree to any transfers so how is it all PAULOS FAULT.
as for him kicking the dug out that was out of passion and frustration its not hurting anybody its his way of managing so why do people moan about it. It will good to watch his actions this saturday or after the game. As i think then we will get a big clue as to whether he is staying or not. if he waves or something to the fans then that will be it.
Steve. Brentford
says...
12:26am Tue 16 Oct 12
Swindon Town FC supporter today(and as long as i'm still breathing) i will be just that tomorrow.
We are STFC and we are used to ups and downs as much as any club,,as long as i go to my grave still having my club to support then that will do for me,no ifs,no buts.
Wilesy
says...
1:26am Tue 16 Oct 12
Glosteroldboy
says...
9:08am Tue 16 Oct 12
old town robin wrote:How refreshing to read a concise and in my eyes a positive and closer to reality post. I think we need more of these as scaremongering is doing us no good at all. Thank you.
Highworth red wrote: This is a major development. Something monumental is going on behind the scenes that we obviously are not aware of yet, and I wouldn't assume that its all negative. Mr Black will expect success and he will not be affraid to make big changes to achieve that success. Will be very interesting to see what leaks out over the next few days.Had to wait until your post HR for some commonsense. Andrew Black has far too much invested in our club not to have a plan B. He's the majority share holder and he has every right to make any decision he thinks best to protect his investment until such time he decides to sell or stick with the hand he has. The biggest disappointment for me is Jeremy rejected the chance to remain on the board. As a decision maker he could have still had a say and may have taken the position of Technical Director and what about Watkins, what's his situation now, as I thought he was responsible for finding the investors for the stadium development. No, if AB saw that his chairman was not delivering what he expected from a financial perspective and he has the confidence in the new fella to get the investors on board we need for the stadium, as much as I appreciate what Jay has done I support the board to be bold enough to take the decisions with what is needed off the field to take us to the next level. Contrary to other opinions I do not think Paolo is about to walk and I'm sure Jay would have been the first person to tell him to stay put and completed the mission they both set out to fullfill. Think everyone needs to calm down, let the board do what they have to do behind the scenes and WE the supporters get behind Paolo and give him and the team our support to carry us forward with winning games.
jayden says...
6:51pm Mon 15 Oct 12