Di Canio surprised and delighted by seven new signings (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)
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SWINDON TOWN: Di Canio surprised and delighted by seven new signings
5:50am Friday 29th June 2012 in News
Paolo Di Canio
IT’S SAFE to say Paolo Di Canio has got his own way so far this summer, and Town’s manager could not be happier about it.
Swindon may be just two days into pre-season training but the Robins boss has already secured seven new signings as he prepares for life in League One next term.
That may be a remarkable haul given that the new campaign remains some seven weeks away, but Di Canio is more pleased by the fact that each and every one of the new faces he has recruited were at the very top of his wish list when he began his spending spree.
“I’m very happy, but not because of the numbers - because all the players that I’ve brought in are the players that I’ve wanted. Exactly the players that I wanted,” he said.
“Not just the numbers, but I have got seven players that I wanted in my squad for different reasons.”
By his own admission, Di Canio did not expect to have landed the players he has so quickly this summer.
Gary Roberts, James Collins and Jay McEveley were all courted by Championship clubs before opting to sign for Town, while Andy Williams and Troy Archibald-Henville both rejected contract offers from their former sides to join the Robins - proving how much of a draw Di Canio and Swindon have become of late.
“I told you five (signings before the Italy tour) two weeks ago or three weeks ago because I couldn’t imagine that, when you are in a transfer market situation and you have seven targets, you can get all of them,” said the Town boss.
“It’s difficult - especially in this moment of the season, but the fact is we worked very well and the lads enjoyed being part of this plan and that made me even more happy.”
Comments(75)
Rhs Boydy
says...
7:28am Fri 29 Jun 12
How many times did we hear the guy we wanted had gone elsewhere and we were working our way down the list under the likes of Andy King etc?
Rhs Boydy
says...
7:28am Fri 29 Jun 12
How many times did we hear the guy we wanted had gone elsewhere and we were working our way down the list under the likes of Andy King etc?
dreamofacleansheet2
says...
7:41am Fri 29 Jun 12
Extremely confident about our manager and and our season. As someone who backed Italy each way for the Euro's with the Town the only way is up.
Back to back promotions coming. Watching the birth of a managerial legend.
SirReg
says...
7:45am Fri 29 Jun 12
Since 1950
says...
7:45am Fri 29 Jun 12
Now it's, 'He signs who he wants, he signs who he wants. Paolo Di Canio, he signs who he wants!'
Happy days!
COYR!
supersaver
says...
7:49am Fri 29 Jun 12
He is now at the University of Swindon!
the real Tosh man
says...
7:57am Fri 29 Jun 12
Rhs Boydy wrote:to be honest that problem wasn't under the king regime. It all started when AF was in control.
If this is the case it must be the 1st time ever we've got who we wanted.
How many times did we hear the guy we wanted had gone elsewhere and we were working our way down the list under the likes of Andy King etc?
rockdog
says...
8:09am Fri 29 Jun 12
red white
says...
8:23am Fri 29 Jun 12
If you read his book like SirReg mentions,you'll know just how important this is for him and the fight for the title.
Championes!
Is that you Lovesey
says...
8:44am Fri 29 Jun 12
I am soo looking forward to this season, win lose or draw the close season is just too long to live without STFC....
aussieg
says...
8:44am Fri 29 Jun 12
rockdog wrote:Agree with this quote--we are all thankful to JW & The Board & Paolo--6 weeks of hard work ahead--Go Reds.
Don't forget that without JWray and the board Paolo wouldn't have got what he wanted. It's them that we should be grateful to.
TheDukeOfBanbury
says...
8:54am Fri 29 Jun 12
the real Tosh man wrote:Have to disagree. We never had the investment in those Dark Days.
Rhs Boydy wrote: If this is the case it must be the 1st time ever we've got who we wanted. How many times did we hear the guy we wanted had gone elsewhere and we were working our way down the list under the likes of Andy King etc?to be honest that problem wasn't under the king regime. It all started when AF was in control.
Before you criticise AF you should look at the state of the Club when he and the Board took over our Club. Have a look at the debts and what had to be paid out just to keep the Club afloat. You may change your opinion.
We were very close to winding up so AF in my eyes will always be a saviour and I for one am grateful.
Now a few years on we have a far better well run Club, a great Board and Manager and can attract decent players.
jontyg
says...
9:10am Fri 29 Jun 12
London Red
says...
9:10am Fri 29 Jun 12
.
Yes he is lucky Swindon wanted him and that he has a great board that have backed him - but he is the first to say that too!
.
He may well have gone elsewhere and been stuck with the poorer purchases and struggled
.
Then again he may not have joined a club which had seen it playing side fall into crisis and have to pretty much start from scratch and therefore, not forced into so many panic buys!
.
Even with a big budget and a supportive board he still had to pick the team and manage them - and managers like Holdsworth pointed that out!
.
We won the league and got to a cup final - that is a MASSIVE achievemtn for a rookie
.
We are now signings better players (on paper) who are here BECAUSE OF PdC and his achievements
.
That doesn't take anything away from the board - but we have a fantastic manager so lets give him some credit
SAPFanSTFC
says...
9:11am Fri 29 Jun 12
TheDukeOfBanbury wrote:Hear Hear!
the real Tosh man wrote:Have to disagree. We never had the investment in those Dark Days.
Rhs Boydy wrote: If this is the case it must be the 1st time ever we've got who we wanted. How many times did we hear the guy we wanted had gone elsewhere and we were working our way down the list under the likes of Andy King etc?to be honest that problem wasn't under the king regime. It all started when AF was in control.
Before you criticise AF you should look at the state of the Club when he and the Board took over our Club. Have a look at the debts and what had to be paid out just to keep the Club afloat. You may change your opinion.
We were very close to winding up so AF in my eyes will always be a saviour and I for one am grateful.
Now a few years on we have a far better well run Club, a great Board and Manager and can attract decent players.
..
It has just got better and better since - even the pain of the bad season has had a silver lining! (Probably more like a gold with diamond encrusted lining if we do well in League 1 this season)
London Red
says...
9:16am Fri 29 Jun 12
.
Who was it who went to court and WON battles against Bill Power and Mick the Greek
.
Who was it who settled our millions of pounds of debt with HMRC and St Modwin
.
Who was in charge and signed Cox, McNamee and Austin - all who raised us serious cash!
.
Also who in charge when we landed Caddis, Flint, Ritchie and Ferry - the main part of our current squad!
.
Give AF some credit - he did a fantastic job for us and should always be given a fantastic reception whenever bac kat the CG
umpcah
says...
9:18am Fri 29 Jun 12
Since 1950
says...
9:26am Fri 29 Jun 12
umpcah wrote:A character indeed. Remember him well. RIP Syd.
NEWS FOR OLDER TOWN FANS : Sid the Kid has recently died at the age of 75. Senior Townenders will remember his Oggy Oggy Oggy calls to rouse the crowd. R.I.P. Sid
clunge_meister
says...
9:29am Fri 29 Jun 12
the real Tosh man wrote:I see the name suits - that's defeinitely a really large pile of Tosh.
Rhs Boydy wrote:to be honest that problem wasn't under the king regime. It all started when AF was in control.
If this is the case it must be the 1st time ever we've got who we wanted.
How many times did we hear the guy we wanted had gone elsewhere and we were working our way down the list under the likes of Andy King etc?
We we're a dead club walking before Mr Fitton took over and couldn't keep our own players let alone compete to sign new ones.
avo
says...
9:38am Fri 29 Jun 12
London Red wrote:He wouldn't of gone elsewhere and been stuck with the poorer purchases though, he was in the fortunate position of not needing to.
I don't see the need for this continual belittling of PdC's achievements by some . Yes he is lucky Swindon wanted him and that he has a great board that have backed him - but he is the first to say that too! . He may well have gone elsewhere and been stuck with the poorer purchases and struggled . Then again he may not have joined a club which had seen it playing side fall into crisis and have to pretty much start from scratch and therefore, not forced into so many panic buys! . Even with a big budget and a supportive board he still had to pick the team and manage them - and managers like Holdsworth pointed that out! . We won the league and got to a cup final - that is a MASSIVE achievemtn for a rookie . We are now signings better players (on paper) who are here BECAUSE OF PdC and his achievements . That doesn't take anything away from the board - but we have a fantastic manager so lets give him some credit
*
PDC is a wealthy man, so there was no financial need for him to take the first job that came along, he picked his club well, sold himself perfectly, and delivered on his promise in his rookie season.
*
I agree with you that in this present moment, I see no reason to question anything he has done so far.
*
He states that he got all 7 that he wanted, and he never holds back on sharing his views, so at the end of this season, if he gets promotion again, with the players that he stated before the season started were the players that he wanted, then he'll have proven beyond all doubt that he learnt quickly the mistakes from last seasons recruitment drive, something which he has already readily stated that he made mistakes in.
*
I fail to see why anybody could find anything to question him on at the moment. Doing a great job in my eyes.
hertz
says...
9:39am Fri 29 Jun 12
London Red
says...
9:43am Fri 29 Jun 12
Med Red
says...
9:48am Fri 29 Jun 12
Would anyone in their right mind want Fitton back?
stfcknowitall
says...
9:58am Fri 29 Jun 12
red white wrote:Couldnt agree more.
Great thing is Paolo has got the signings in before pre season training starts. If you read his book like SirReg mentions,you'll know just how important this is for him and the fight for the title. Championes!
Basically we have our whole squad who will have a whole pre-season together, hopefully this will mean a full, superfit squad come the start of the season with each player starting off knowing exactly whats required of them.
I have a good feeling this season might even be more special than the last.
In Paolo we trust!!
mustard red
says...
10:02am Fri 29 Jun 12
London Red wrote:I completely agree with this LR. Without Fitton we would be lucky to be in the gutter.
Who was it who brought JW, Andrew Black and Sir Arbib together to form our current board!
.
Who was it who went to court and WON battles against Bill Power and Mick the Greek
.
Who was it who settled our millions of pounds of debt with HMRC and St Modwin
.
Who was in charge and signed Cox, McNamee and Austin - all who raised us serious cash!
.
Also who in charge when we landed Caddis, Flint, Ritchie and Ferry - the main part of our current squad!
.
Give AF some credit - he did a fantastic job for us and should always be given a fantastic reception whenever bac kat the CG
Swindon have used the experience of Fitton at the helm to get us looking financially sound, and have moved into an new era under Wray where there is now a second focus.
Long may this continue.
TerryHubbard
says...
10:03am Fri 29 Jun 12
Mr Di Canio is an extraordinary person (every fan should read his autobiography to find out just how remarkable he is).
Read it on holiday recently, from it you realise how driven and ambitious the bloke is to suceed in everything he does. He doesnt suffer fools, if JW wasnt as ambitious as he is and didnt give him want he wants he would be gone by now. Should be intresting when we play Sheffield United as him and Wilson didnt hit it off when PDC played under him at Wednesday.
TerryHubbard
says...
10:05am Fri 29 Jun 12
Kingseleven
says...
10:08am Fri 29 Jun 12
johnt1102
says...
10:20am Fri 29 Jun 12
And he knew how to kick you when playing football.R.I.P.
umpcah
says...
10:40am Fri 29 Jun 12
johnt1102 wrote:Sid was known as Pedro in those days if I remember correctly. He later became a well known Teddy Boy !
I remember Sid the Kid when he was a cycle speedway star!
And he knew how to kick you when playing football.R.I.P.
Wilesy
says...
10:48am Fri 29 Jun 12
Unfortunately that approach led to relegation, with a few poor decisions (Greer, Dougie captain, Prutton v Ferry, not replacing Paynter and Austin etc) but despite that the club was ship-shape.
Enter J Wray and the new era begins. Some bolder decision-making made but not high risk (appoint and stick with Paolo, backing Paolo in the transfer market twice, not selling Ritchie). The slight gamble has paid off massively with the promotion and cup final.
We are now in a far better position than 12 months ago to attract players -
We are back in League 1, not League 2.
Feel good factor well and truly re-established.
Paolo now an established manager as well as a massive name.
The board have backed him with money for presumably decent wages.
Combination of factors have led to the success, but I'm not surprised we are getting our targets. Well done to Paolo, J Wray and the board for a series of good decisions over the last 12 months.
Old-Stager, Hilperton
says...
11:07am Fri 29 Jun 12
Wilesy wrote:Quite agree with you Wilesy about Andrew Fitton, because his great efforts for Swindon Town F.C. a few years ago dragged us out of the proverbial mire.
Harsh to criticise the Fitton era too much. As others have said it followed a diastrous financial period so the priorities were in putting things right, getting the books in order, and being cautious with the future plans. Unfortunately that approach led to relegation, with a few poor decisions (Greer, Dougie captain, Prutton v Ferry, not replacing Paynter and Austin etc) but despite that the club was ship-shape. Enter J Wray and the new era begins. Some bolder decision-making made but not high risk (appoint and stick with Paolo, backing Paolo in the transfer market twice, not selling Ritchie). The slight gamble has paid off massively with the promotion and cup final. We are now in a far better position than 12 months ago to attract players - We are back in League 1, not League 2. Feel good factor well and truly re-established. Paolo now an established manager as well as a massive name. The board have backed him with money for presumably decent wages. Combination of factors have led to the success, but I'm not surprised we are getting our targets. Well done to Paolo, J Wray and the board for a series of good decisions over the last 12 months.
How anyone could dare to criticise him and churlishly refer to him as "Fitton" beggars belief.
I really hope that Andrew doesn't actually read some of these remarks.
mallorca
says...
11:11am Fri 29 Jun 12
As tp Pdc and the new players,first I hope they all work out as he hopes.Also I just hope theres no fall out and Football will be the main issue..
as to Billy Bodin yes 40k was a cheecky bid but maybe we can get a sell on clause.
On that subject does the club get anything if Simon Cox is sold by WBA and charlie austin by Burnley?????
So let's look to Pdc getting Bostock and a Goalie, also heard lee barnard of Southamptin has been connected with the Town,is that B/S or Kosher???????
So best of luck on there pre season work out from a very warm 34c over here
robstfc
says...
11:12am Fri 29 Jun 12
London Red wrote:I totally agree. AF was the precursor to all the great things we have today (chairman, board, manager, team). Without him I believe STFC would have been no more.....
Who was it who brought JW, Andrew Black and Sir Arbib together to form our current board!
.
Who was it who went to court and WON battles against Bill Power and Mick the Greek
.
Who was it who settled our millions of pounds of debt with HMRC and St Modwin
.
Who was in charge and signed Cox, McNamee and Austin - all who raised us serious cash!
.
Also who in charge when we landed Caddis, Flint, Ritchie and Ferry - the main part of our current squad!
.
Give AF some credit - he did a fantastic job for us and should always be given a fantastic reception whenever bac kat the CG
Great times are ahead of us.... COYR's
Old-Stager, Hilperton
says...
11:14am Fri 29 Jun 12
mustard red wrote:Mustard Red......
London Red wrote: Who was it who brought JW, Andrew Black and Sir Arbib together to form our current board! . Who was it who went to court and WON battles against Bill Power and Mick the Greek . Who was it who settled our millions of pounds of debt with HMRC and St Modwin . Who was in charge and signed Cox, McNamee and Austin - all who raised us serious cash! . Also who in charge when we landed Caddis, Flint, Ritchie and Ferry - the main part of our current squad! . Give AF some credit - he did a fantastic job for us and should always be given a fantastic reception whenever bac kat the CGI completely agree with this LR. Without Fitton we would be lucky to be in the gutter. Swindon have used the experience of Fitton at the helm to get us looking financially sound, and have moved into an new era under Wray where there is now a second focus. Long may this continue.
Nice to hear that you are still alive and kicking, living within the boundaries of the enemy in yellow and blue.
I definitely agree with your Pro-Andrew Fitton views as stated above.
Also dont forget to engage with UKfpl at the start of the season, to compete on a level playing field this time around.
Another view
says...
11:22am Fri 29 Jun 12
Yes there were mistakes in the middle of all the good work, but it is rare to succeed big-time without taking risks.
The club will make more mistakes on their way up the league, but who would swap that excitement for a slow timid approach?
There is more than enough bad news out there these days. STFC is a real breath of fresh air which helps us all take our minds off all the crap!
Old-Stager, Hilperton
says...
11:24am Fri 29 Jun 12
Last season, there were only 2 entrants from Swindon Town, and we were outnumbered by our rivals from Bristol and Oxford.
A really well organised Prediction League based upon English Football Results, always immediately updated and supported by hundreds of Football Fans across the U.K.
Just type in UKfpl.
the wizard
says...
11:25am Fri 29 Jun 12
Rhs Boydy wrote:Lets be fair about Andy King. Given what he had he got the best out of them, and remember, he was trying to build a side and get it promoted while the board at that time just sold players from under and around him.
If this is the case it must be the 1st time ever we've got who we wanted.
How many times did we hear the guy we wanted had gone elsewhere and we were working our way down the list under the likes of Andy King etc?
I doubt very much if anyone else put in his position could have done much better.
stokes_stfc
says...
11:34am Fri 29 Jun 12
TerryHubbard wrote:Rejected... which i'm glad about. bodin will be leaving, but a bid of 40k is a bit insulting to him i think. he will be sold on the cheap, as he is out of contract, so may even be through a trubunal, but we should be able to get a bit more for him - just a few weeks ago he could have been in the wales squad.
Just read Torquay have bid £40k for Bodin.
the wizard
says...
11:36am Fri 29 Jun 12
Obviously in Paolo's eyes we have people who are better.
As goes Bodin, he has cooked his goose here and if he wants out then lets let him go as we have better now according to PDC. I don't think Billy ever did feature as a major contributor to our present cause.
We must not forget, Wray has given PDC a clear mandate, get this clb into the Championship, easy, plain and simple as that, and no room for those who are not up to that task.
As Wray said himself, no room for sentiment, this is business, and business comes first.
MITTED
says...
11:41am Fri 29 Jun 12
Old-Stager, Hilperton wrote:I will always be grateful to Andrew Fitton and his fellow board-members. They saved our club, stopped the rot and paved the way for Jeremy Wray's successful stewardship as Chairman. FACT.
Wilesy wrote:Quite agree with you Wilesy about Andrew Fitton, because his great efforts for Swindon Town F.C. a few years ago dragged us out of the proverbial mire.
Harsh to criticise the Fitton era too much. As others have said it followed a diastrous financial period so the priorities were in putting things right, getting the books in order, and being cautious with the future plans. Unfortunately that approach led to relegation, with a few poor decisions (Greer, Dougie captain, Prutton v Ferry, not replacing Paynter and Austin etc) but despite that the club was ship-shape. Enter J Wray and the new era begins. Some bolder decision-making made but not high risk (appoint and stick with Paolo, backing Paolo in the transfer market twice, not selling Ritchie). The slight gamble has paid off massively with the promotion and cup final. We are now in a far better position than 12 months ago to attract players - We are back in League 1, not League 2. Feel good factor well and truly re-established. Paolo now an established manager as well as a massive name. The board have backed him with money for presumably decent wages. Combination of factors have led to the success, but I'm not surprised we are getting our targets. Well done to Paolo, J Wray and the board for a series of good decisions over the last 12 months.
How anyone could dare to criticise him and churlishly refer to him as "Fitton" beggars belief.
I really hope that Andrew doesn't actually read some of these remarks.
ecklington
says...
11:43am Fri 29 Jun 12
johnt1102 wrote:I rode cycle speedway with Sid the Kid, the club was Wroughton Racers, in Osbourne Street. Then the Town Council built us a brand new track where the site of the Oasis is now. RIP Sid, had many a fun time with him in those days.
I remember Sid the Kid when he was a cycle speedway star!
And he knew how to kick you when playing football.R.I.P.
Old-Stager, Hilperton
says...
11:43am Fri 29 Jun 12
the wizard wrote:I must agree with the wizard about Andy King.
Rhs Boydy wrote: If this is the case it must be the 1st time ever we've got who we wanted. How many times did we hear the guy we wanted had gone elsewhere and we were working our way down the list under the likes of Andy King etc?Lets be fair about Andy King. Given what he had he got the best out of them, and remember, he was trying to build a side and get it promoted while the board at that time just sold players from under and around him. I doubt very much if anyone else put in his position could have done much better.
Andy King was certainly one of our better managers in modern times, and for some reason is frequently maligned by a sizeable minority of Town Fans.
He produced a good Swindon Town side that almost made it to the Championship, with very little spending money; and his ability to spot new signings was second to none.
Perhaps his biggest fault was his outspoken views expressed on the radio, directly after a match, which did upset some fans including myself at times.
Devon Red
says...
11:55am Fri 29 Jun 12
Just a bit of info. from Torquay.
It seems that Torquay had accepted an offer from Crawley for Okane as Crawley agreed to pay the contract release figure of £175,000 but the player turned them down. The present view by some Gulls fans down here is he might still end up going to the Town as part of a deal for Bodin. Martin Ling has been told he can spend some of the £380,000 he has gained by selling Olejnik and Ellis. Will update if I hear any more.
TheDukeOfBanbury
says...
11:55am Fri 29 Jun 12
Old-Stager, Hilperton wrote:Perhaps the most accurate account of Andy King.
the wizard wrote:I must agree with the wizard about Andy King. Andy King was certainly one of our better managers in modern times, and for some reason is frequently maligned by a sizeable minority of Town Fans. He produced a good Swindon Town side that almost made it to the Championship, with very little spending money; and his ability to spot new signings was second to none. Perhaps his biggest fault was his outspoken views expressed on the radio, directly after a match, which did upset some fans including myself at times.Rhs Boydy wrote: If this is the case it must be the 1st time ever we've got who we wanted. How many times did we hear the guy we wanted had gone elsewhere and we were working our way down the list under the likes of Andy King etc?Lets be fair about Andy King. Given what he had he got the best out of them, and remember, he was trying to build a side and get it promoted while the board at that time just sold players from under and around him. I doubt very much if anyone else put in his position could have done much better.
Looks a **** site healthier since ditching the Cigars and booze.
Yes indeed very outspoken as he was as a player.
umpcah
says...
11:58am Fri 29 Jun 12
ecklington wrote:Or was it Ferndale Pirates ? I remember too Crash Matthews of Wroughton and Alfie Hobbs the Penhill flyer ! Yes Great FUN Days !
johnt1102 wrote:I rode cycle speedway with Sid the Kid, the club was Wroughton Racers, in Osbourne Street. Then the Town Council built us a brand new track where the site of the Oasis is now. RIP Sid, had many a fun time with him in those days.
I remember Sid the Kid when he was a cycle speedway star!
And he knew how to kick you when playing football.R.I.P.
hertz
says...
12:11pm Fri 29 Jun 12
umpcah
says...
12:13pm Fri 29 Jun 12
Devon Red wrote:With the lads off to Italy on Sunday I expect Paolo will do all he can to complete his squad today. I`m not sure that O`Kane is still a Swindon target but my fiver is on Bodin joining The Gulls once a suitable fee has been agreed.
Another fan here who will always be grateful for what AF did during his time at STFC.
Just a bit of info. from Torquay.
It seems that Torquay had accepted an offer from Crawley for Okane as Crawley agreed to pay the contract release figure of £175,000 but the player turned them down. The present view by some Gulls fans down here is he might still end up going to the Town as part of a deal for Bodin. Martin Ling has been told he can spend some of the £380,000 he has gained by selling Olejnik and Ellis. Will update if I hear any more.
Since 1950
says...
12:21pm Fri 29 Jun 12
Old-Stager, Hilperton wrote:Hear, hear!
Wilesy wrote: Harsh to criticise the Fitton era too much. As others have said it followed a diastrous financial period so the priorities were in putting things right, getting the books in order, and being cautious with the future plans. Unfortunately that approach led to relegation, with a few poor decisions (Greer, Dougie captain, Prutton v Ferry, not replacing Paynter and Austin etc) but despite that the club was ship-shape. Enter J Wray and the new era begins. Some bolder decision-making made but not high risk (appoint and stick with Paolo, backing Paolo in the transfer market twice, not selling Ritchie). The slight gamble has paid off massively with the promotion and cup final. We are now in a far better position than 12 months ago to attract players - We are back in League 1, not League 2. Feel good factor well and truly re-established. Paolo now an established manager as well as a massive name. The board have backed him with money for presumably decent wages. Combination of factors have led to the success, but I'm not surprised we are getting our targets. Well done to Paolo, J Wray and the board for a series of good decisions over the last 12 months.Quite agree with you Wilesy about Andrew Fitton, because his great efforts for Swindon Town F.C. a few years ago dragged us out of the proverbial mire. How anyone could dare to criticise him and churlishly refer to him as "Fitton" beggars belief. I really hope that Andrew doesn't actually read some of these remarks.
the wizard
says...
12:27pm Fri 29 Jun 12
umpcah wrote:Do you not think that given the way the "new seven" were signed, that if PDC wanted O'Kane and probably shot of Bodin, a deal would have been done long since so as to get O'Kane on the full pre-season.
Devon Red wrote:With the lads off to Italy on Sunday I expect Paolo will do all he can to complete his squad today. I`m not sure that O`Kane is still a Swindon target but my fiver is on Bodin joining The Gulls once a suitable fee has been agreed.
Another fan here who will always be grateful for what AF did during his time at STFC.
Just a bit of info. from Torquay.
It seems that Torquay had accepted an offer from Crawley for Okane as Crawley agreed to pay the contract release figure of £175,000 but the player turned them down. The present view by some Gulls fans down here is he might still end up going to the Town as part of a deal for Bodin. Martin Ling has been told he can spend some of the £380,000 he has gained by selling Olejnik and Ellis. Will update if I hear any more.
umpcah
says...
12:33pm Fri 29 Jun 12
the wizard wrote:YES ! It seems that Billy is not a contented player so Paolo will , I think, move him out asap i.e.when the right amount is on offer. Today ?
umpcah wrote:Do you not think that given the way the "new seven" were signed, that if PDC wanted O'Kane and probably shot of Bodin, a deal would have been done long since so as to get O'Kane on the full pre-season.
Devon Red wrote:With the lads off to Italy on Sunday I expect Paolo will do all he can to complete his squad today. I`m not sure that O`Kane is still a Swindon target but my fiver is on Bodin joining The Gulls once a suitable fee has been agreed.
Another fan here who will always be grateful for what AF did during his time at STFC.
Just a bit of info. from Torquay.
It seems that Torquay had accepted an offer from Crawley for Okane as Crawley agreed to pay the contract release figure of £175,000 but the player turned them down. The present view by some Gulls fans down here is he might still end up going to the Town as part of a deal for Bodin. Martin Ling has been told he can spend some of the £380,000 he has gained by selling Olejnik and Ellis. Will update if I hear any more.
London Red
says...
12:43pm Fri 29 Jun 12
.
O'Kane is not out of contract so it would mean we would have to pay something like £100k + Bodin - which I don't think we would want to do now - as we have had to shell out on Collins and Troy (not to mention signing on fees and termination fees for numerous others)
.
Also I think landing Bostock moved PdC's goalposts and O'Kane no longer fits the bill
.
I will be shocked if that goes through
.
As for King - he had an eye for talent that is not in question but his man management was shocking
.
His treatment of Jerel was bang out of order
.
Also he made some strange decisions - like releasing Howard on a free to try and keep Grant Smith
.
Which one went on to be a massive Championship star again?
.
Think Duke's recent article says it all - King was not what we needed at that time or something to that effect about his 2nd period here
.
King and Wilson both had one thing in common - they both managed to not promote a fantastic side and then subsequently turn it into a relegation outfit
.
Both who were then picked up of the ground by fitness junkie Premier League legends and promoted the following year!
London Red
says...
12:51pm Fri 29 Jun 12
.
If Billy wants in he simply signs the deal on the table and joins up with the team
.
Though probably not a wise move after his comments and actions this summer
.
However, if Billy wants out he simply declines the offer and signs elsewhere - like Collins and Troy did
.
Its then up to that team to come to an agreement with JW or go to the Tribunal
.
JW has said in all 3 cases he would like to avoid a Tribunal - but if need be that is where it will be decided
.
It's obvious Billy wants out - the same way Exeter and Shrews knew Troy and Collins wanted out - the offer was simply there to protect the club and pick up a fee of some sort
ecklington
says...
1:22pm Fri 29 Jun 12
umpcah wrote:Hi umpcah. No, it was Wroughton Racers. I believe long before I joined them they used to be in Wroughton, but for some reason moved to Osbourne St. and kept the name. I can't recall Crash Matthews - maybe before my time (1956-1959), but I certainly remember Alfie Hobbs, boy did he fly! Did you ride at all, if so, when?
ecklington wrote:Or was it Ferndale Pirates ? I remember too Crash Matthews of Wroughton and Alfie Hobbs the Penhill flyer ! Yes Great FUN Days !
johnt1102 wrote:I rode cycle speedway with Sid the Kid, the club was Wroughton Racers, in Osbourne Street. Then the Town Council built us a brand new track where the site of the Oasis is now. RIP Sid, had many a fun time with him in those days.
I remember Sid the Kid when he was a cycle speedway star!
And he knew how to kick you when playing football.R.I.P.
mustard red
says...
1:30pm Fri 29 Jun 12
Old-Stager, Hilperton wrote:Old Stager, the yellow and blue fraternity are a little quiet around here these days.
mustard red wrote:Mustard Red......
London Red wrote: Who was it who brought JW, Andrew Black and Sir Arbib together to form our current board! . Who was it who went to court and WON battles against Bill Power and Mick the Greek . Who was it who settled our millions of pounds of debt with HMRC and St Modwin . Who was in charge and signed Cox, McNamee and Austin - all who raised us serious cash! . Also who in charge when we landed Caddis, Flint, Ritchie and Ferry - the main part of our current squad! . Give AF some credit - he did a fantastic job for us and should always be given a fantastic reception whenever bac kat the CGI completely agree with this LR. Without Fitton we would be lucky to be in the gutter. Swindon have used the experience of Fitton at the helm to get us looking financially sound, and have moved into an new era under Wray where there is now a second focus. Long may this continue.
Nice to hear that you are still alive and kicking, living within the boundaries of the enemy in yellow and blue.
I definitely agree with your Pro-Andrew Fitton views as stated above.
Also dont forget to engage with UKfpl at the start of the season, to compete on a level playing field this time around.
Thanks for the heads up, nothing like a bit of competition hey?
I'm looking forward to August like never before because these new signings are very exciting. Its just a shame that Connell won't be part of it.
RamsburyRed
says...
1:34pm Fri 29 Jun 12
*
This 'eye for a player' and 'unearthing a gem' is a complete myth started by the man himself. How many years was he our manager? And in that time, how many players did we get for nothing and sell for a significant amount? For every Parkin there was a shedload of Sabins.
*
In a very short space of time, we made far more money on Austin and Cox than King ever made for us.
*
btw, AF is king and should always be so. He had an idea of the way the club could be run commercially which proved to be not quite attainable. And the current Board and Investors deserve five gold stars because they are putting a lot on the line in the hunt for promotion. I would not take anything away from PDC's achievements so far at all, but the real test is yet to come ...
SeanG92
says...
1:50pm Fri 29 Jun 12
dreamofacleansheet2 wrote:He wanted Holmes until Holmes decided to go somewhere else in search of more money.
It's not strictly the case because he wanted Holmes but as I've said getting business done early allows them to come in for the full pre season which can only be good.
Extremely confident about our manager and and our season. As someone who backed Italy each way for the Euro's with the Town the only way is up.
Back to back promotions coming. Watching the birth of a managerial legend.
We are PANTS
says...
1:53pm Fri 29 Jun 12
London Red
says...
3:23pm Fri 29 Jun 12
.
Also York have bid for Connell - and are also interested in Smith - so may do a double deal
Jacobstfc
says...
3:28pm Fri 29 Jun 12
Since 1950 wrote:Forget just the old town fans. Sid the kid paraded Wroughton throughout my childhood always lightening the mood with his chanting.
umpcah wrote: NEWS FOR OLDER TOWN FANS : Sid the Kid has recently died at the age of 75. Senior Townenders will remember his Oggy Oggy Oggy calls to rouse the crowd. R.I.P. SidA character indeed. Remember him well. RIP Syd.
R.I.P. Sid The Kid!!!
umpcah
says...
3:43pm Fri 29 Jun 12
ecklington wrote:Hi Eck. I was only ever a spectator - not sure why ! Crash would`ve been around in the late 50s. Wore glasses I think. Mike Richards was another good`un at the time. There were tracks at the lower end of Penhill and at the top of Church Walk North at one time. I also remember one up Poplar Avenue way c1963. Great Days !
umpcah wrote:Hi umpcah. No, it was Wroughton Racers. I believe long before I joined them they used to be in Wroughton, but for some reason moved to Osbourne St. and kept the name. I can't recall Crash Matthews - maybe before my time (1956-1959), but I certainly remember Alfie Hobbs, boy did he fly! Did you ride at all, if so, when?
ecklington wrote:Or was it Ferndale Pirates ? I remember too Crash Matthews of Wroughton and Alfie Hobbs the Penhill flyer ! Yes Great FUN Days !
johnt1102 wrote:I rode cycle speedway with Sid the Kid, the club was Wroughton Racers, in Osbourne Street. Then the Town Council built us a brand new track where the site of the Oasis is now. RIP Sid, had many a fun time with him in those days.
I remember Sid the Kid when he was a cycle speedway star!
And he knew how to kick you when playing football.R.I.P.
Not so Smart Roger
says...
4:01pm Fri 29 Jun 12
johnt1102
says...
4:08pm Fri 29 Jun 12
ecklington wrote:Sid & Alfie Hobbs started with Penhill Pirate before going to Wroughton Racers(at Wroughton).Rode against them many times for East Ward Eagles
umpcah wrote:Hi umpcah. No, it was Wroughton Racers. I believe long before I joined them they used to be in Wroughton, but for some reason moved to Osbourne St. and kept the name. I can't recall Crash Matthews - maybe before my time (1956-1959), but I certainly remember Alfie Hobbs, boy did he fly! Did you ride at all, if so, when?
ecklington wrote:Or was it Ferndale Pirates ? I remember too Crash Matthews of Wroughton and Alfie Hobbs the Penhill flyer ! Yes Great FUN Days !
johnt1102 wrote:I rode cycle speedway with Sid the Kid, the club was Wroughton Racers, in Osbourne Street. Then the Town Council built us a brand new track where the site of the Oasis is now. RIP Sid, had many a fun time with him in those days.
I remember Sid the Kid when he was a cycle speedway star!
And he knew how to kick you when playing football.R.I.P.
together with Keith Hancock,Nick Popham & Co.
35yrRED
says...
4:11pm Fri 29 Jun 12
Not so Smart Roger wrote:Contract terminated!!!
Cibocchi tweet also suggests Lanzano is now on his way out
deviant in the tupping pen
says...
4:46pm Fri 29 Jun 12
umpcah wrote:Can confirm there was a track on The Rec on the town side of Poplar Ave in the 60s. All built on now of course.
ecklington wrote:Hi Eck. I was only ever a spectator - not sure why ! Crash would`ve been around in the late 50s. Wore glasses I think. Mike Richards was another good`un at the time. There were tracks at the lower end of Penhill and at the top of Church Walk North at one time. I also remember one up Poplar Avenue way c1963. Great Days !
umpcah wrote:Hi umpcah. No, it was Wroughton Racers. I believe long before I joined them they used to be in Wroughton, but for some reason moved to Osbourne St. and kept the name. I can't recall Crash Matthews - maybe before my time (1956-1959), but I certainly remember Alfie Hobbs, boy did he fly! Did you ride at all, if so, when?
ecklington wrote:Or was it Ferndale Pirates ? I remember too Crash Matthews of Wroughton and Alfie Hobbs the Penhill flyer ! Yes Great FUN Days !
johnt1102 wrote:I rode cycle speedway with Sid the Kid, the club was Wroughton Racers, in Osbourne Street. Then the Town Council built us a brand new track where the site of the Oasis is now. RIP Sid, had many a fun time with him in those days.
I remember Sid the Kid when he was a cycle speedway star!
And he knew how to kick you when playing football.R.I.P.
umpcah
says...
5:05pm Fri 29 Jun 12
johnt1102 wrote:Have been racking my grey cells but cant remember East Ward Eagles ! Where was their track ? Rodbourne Rockets c1951 were my real idols ! Who remembers them ?
ecklington wrote:Sid & Alfie Hobbs started with Penhill Pirate before going to Wroughton Racers(at Wroughton).Rode against them many times for East Ward Eagles
umpcah wrote:Hi umpcah. No, it was Wroughton Racers. I believe long before I joined them they used to be in Wroughton, but for some reason moved to Osbourne St. and kept the name. I can't recall Crash Matthews - maybe before my time (1956-1959), but I certainly remember Alfie Hobbs, boy did he fly! Did you ride at all, if so, when?
ecklington wrote:Or was it Ferndale Pirates ? I remember too Crash Matthews of Wroughton and Alfie Hobbs the Penhill flyer ! Yes Great FUN Days !
johnt1102 wrote:I rode cycle speedway with Sid the Kid, the club was Wroughton Racers, in Osbourne Street. Then the Town Council built us a brand new track where the site of the Oasis is now. RIP Sid, had many a fun time with him in those days.
I remember Sid the Kid when he was a cycle speedway star!
And he knew how to kick you when playing football.R.I.P.
together with Keith Hancock,Nick Popham & Co.
Rhs Boydy
says...
5:27pm Fri 29 Jun 12
the wizard wrote:I wasn't having a go at King, this time, just using him as an example as I can remember him admitting in an interview once we were onto No5 or 6 on our wanted list for a new midfielder. Just shows how much we've changed since Fitton literally saved this club from extinction and Wray dragged us to true proffessionalism.
Rhs Boydy wrote:Lets be fair about Andy King. Given what he had he got the best out of them, and remember, he was trying to build a side and get it promoted while the board at that time just sold players from under and around him.
If this is the case it must be the 1st time ever we've got who we wanted.
How many times did we hear the guy we wanted had gone elsewhere and we were working our way down the list under the likes of Andy King etc?
I doubt very much if anyone else put in his position could have done much better.
ecklington
says...
5:32pm Fri 29 Jun 12
umpcah wrote:Yes I remember the Pinehurst track, but not East Ward Eagles, probably before my time. I remember Keith Hancock though, I thought he rode for Pinehurst. Maybe this was after he left East Ward Eagles?
johnt1102 wrote:Have been racking my grey cells but cant remember East Ward Eagles ! Where was their track ? Rodbourne Rockets c1951 were my real idols ! Who remembers them ?
ecklington wrote:Sid & Alfie Hobbs started with Penhill Pirate before going to Wroughton Racers(at Wroughton).Rode against them many times for East Ward Eagles
umpcah wrote:Hi umpcah. No, it was Wroughton Racers. I believe long before I joined them they used to be in Wroughton, but for some reason moved to Osbourne St. and kept the name. I can't recall Crash Matthews - maybe before my time (1956-1959), but I certainly remember Alfie Hobbs, boy did he fly! Did you ride at all, if so, when?
ecklington wrote:Or was it Ferndale Pirates ? I remember too Crash Matthews of Wroughton and Alfie Hobbs the Penhill flyer ! Yes Great FUN Days !
johnt1102 wrote:I rode cycle speedway with Sid the Kid, the club was Wroughton Racers, in Osbourne Street. Then the Town Council built us a brand new track where the site of the Oasis is now. RIP Sid, had many a fun time with him in those days.
I remember Sid the Kid when he was a cycle speedway star!
And he knew how to kick you when playing football.R.I.P.
together with Keith Hancock,Nick Popham & Co.
I remember Mike Richards, I used to be mates with him, a really classy fast rider, much faster than I ever was!
In those days there used to be a huge pile of old bikes at Barnfield tip and you could pick a frame, wheels etc for free and build your own track bike. All you had to buy was butterfly handlebars, knobbly tyres and a 26 tooth sprocket for a flying start, then pedal like hell!! Yeah happy days....
Back on track now, so to speak, Sky website says Shrewsbury are still waiting for Swindon to pay a fee for James Collins, since he is under 24 -
Quote:
"We've started talking about a fee, but we've had no correspondence from them other than me chasing it up earlier this week," Turner told the club's official website.
"We're awaiting an offer, what we're looking for, and I would think the chances of it finishing up at a tribunal are quite high."
Rhs Boydy
says...
6:04pm Fri 29 Jun 12
Old-Stager, Hilperton wrote:For me the interviews with former players, including his favourites, show what sort of small bully he was and as you said coming on immediately after games maligning players and fans even after wins means I will never like the man
the wizard wrote:I must agree with the wizard about Andy King.
Rhs Boydy wrote: If this is the case it must be the 1st time ever we've got who we wanted. How many times did we hear the guy we wanted had gone elsewhere and we were working our way down the list under the likes of Andy King etc?Lets be fair about Andy King. Given what he had he got the best out of them, and remember, he was trying to build a side and get it promoted while the board at that time just sold players from under and around him. I doubt very much if anyone else put in his position could have done much better.
Andy King was certainly one of our better managers in modern times, and for some reason is frequently maligned by a sizeable minority of Town Fans.
He produced a good Swindon Town side that almost made it to the Championship, with very little spending money; and his ability to spot new signings was second to none.
Perhaps his biggest fault was his outspoken views expressed on the radio, directly after a match, which did upset some fans including myself at times.
the wizard
says...
6:31pm Fri 29 Jun 12
ecklington wrote:Turner has had a gripe with us for a while and when on TV as a pundit had little good to say about us.
umpcah wrote:Yes I remember the Pinehurst track, but not East Ward Eagles, probably before my time. I remember Keith Hancock though, I thought he rode for Pinehurst. Maybe this was after he left East Ward Eagles?
johnt1102 wrote:Have been racking my grey cells but cant remember East Ward Eagles ! Where was their track ? Rodbourne Rockets c1951 were my real idols ! Who remembers them ?
ecklington wrote:Sid & Alfie Hobbs started with Penhill Pirate before going to Wroughton Racers(at Wroughton).Rode against them many times for East Ward Eagles
umpcah wrote:Hi umpcah. No, it was Wroughton Racers. I believe long before I joined them they used to be in Wroughton, but for some reason moved to Osbourne St. and kept the name. I can't recall Crash Matthews - maybe before my time (1956-1959), but I certainly remember Alfie Hobbs, boy did he fly! Did you ride at all, if so, when?
ecklington wrote:Or was it Ferndale Pirates ? I remember too Crash Matthews of Wroughton and Alfie Hobbs the Penhill flyer ! Yes Great FUN Days !
johnt1102 wrote:I rode cycle speedway with Sid the Kid, the club was Wroughton Racers, in Osbourne Street. Then the Town Council built us a brand new track where the site of the Oasis is now. RIP Sid, had many a fun time with him in those days.
I remember Sid the Kid when he was a cycle speedway star!
And he knew how to kick you when playing football.R.I.P.
together with Keith Hancock,Nick Popham & Co.
I remember Mike Richards, I used to be mates with him, a really classy fast rider, much faster than I ever was!
In those days there used to be a huge pile of old bikes at Barnfield tip and you could pick a frame, wheels etc for free and build your own track bike. All you had to buy was butterfly handlebars, knobbly tyres and a 26 tooth sprocket for a flying start, then pedal like hell!! Yeah happy days....
Back on track now, so to speak, Sky website says Shrewsbury are still waiting for Swindon to pay a fee for James Collins, since he is under 24 -
Quote:
"We've started talking about a fee, but we've had no correspondence from them other than me chasing it up earlier this week," Turner told the club's official website.
"We're awaiting an offer, what we're looking for, and I would think the chances of it finishing up at a tribunal are quite high."
Bad egg on his part, sounds like he is jealous to me, any excuse to put the knife in, lost a good player to a local rival.
Go sit in the naughty corner Turner, and let your venom drain away.
old town robin
says...
1:14am Sat 30 Jun 12
shered
says...
1:19am Sat 30 Jun 12
old town robin
says...
1:29am Sat 30 Jun 12
It said alot for the guy he was able to persuede good players to play for his team. Of course the team I played for Rentaset had the best in Dudley Tyler, lol!
old town robin
says...
1:37am Sat 30 Jun 12
the wizard wrote:Think Evans and Turner are in a loving relationship, always praising each other and putting the boot into Paolo and Swindon.
ecklington wrote:Turner has had a gripe with us for a while and when on TV as a pundit had little good to say about us.
umpcah wrote:Yes I remember the Pinehurst track, but not East Ward Eagles, probably before my time. I remember Keith Hancock though, I thought he rode for Pinehurst. Maybe this was after he left East Ward Eagles?
johnt1102 wrote:Have been racking my grey cells but cant remember East Ward Eagles ! Where was their track ? Rodbourne Rockets c1951 were my real idols ! Who remembers them ?
ecklington wrote:Sid & Alfie Hobbs started with Penhill Pirate before going to Wroughton Racers(at Wroughton).Rode against them many times for East Ward Eagles
umpcah wrote:Hi umpcah. No, it was Wroughton Racers. I believe long before I joined them they used to be in Wroughton, but for some reason moved to Osbourne St. and kept the name. I can't recall Crash Matthews - maybe before my time (1956-1959), but I certainly remember Alfie Hobbs, boy did he fly! Did you ride at all, if so, when?
ecklington wrote:Or was it Ferndale Pirates ? I remember too Crash Matthews of Wroughton and Alfie Hobbs the Penhill flyer ! Yes Great FUN Days !
johnt1102 wrote:I rode cycle speedway with Sid the Kid, the club was Wroughton Racers, in Osbourne Street. Then the Town Council built us a brand new track where the site of the Oasis is now. RIP Sid, had many a fun time with him in those days.
I remember Sid the Kid when he was a cycle speedway star!
And he knew how to kick you when playing football.R.I.P.
together with Keith Hancock,Nick Popham & Co.
I remember Mike Richards, I used to be mates with him, a really classy fast rider, much faster than I ever was!
In those days there used to be a huge pile of old bikes at Barnfield tip and you could pick a frame, wheels etc for free and build your own track bike. All you had to buy was butterfly handlebars, knobbly tyres and a 26 tooth sprocket for a flying start, then pedal like hell!! Yeah happy days....
Back on track now, so to speak, Sky website says Shrewsbury are still waiting for Swindon to pay a fee for James Collins, since he is under 24 -
Quote:
"We've started talking about a fee, but we've had no correspondence from them other than me chasing it up earlier this week," Turner told the club's official website.
"We're awaiting an offer, what we're looking for, and I would think the chances of it finishing up at a tribunal are quite high."
Bad egg on his part, sounds like he is jealous to me, any excuse to put the knife in, lost a good player to a local rival.
Go sit in the naughty corner Turner, and let your venom drain away.
Hope we stuff Shrews home and away this season and shut the old **** up once and for all, Lol!
Redhouse Red says...
6:11am Fri 29 Jun 12