As Paul Sturrock returns to Plymouth Argyle and calls his time with Swindon Town "zany", the Gazette charts his year of frustration where he always insisted he was in for the long haul.
November 7: Sturrock appointed as Swindon Town boss saying: "At the end of the day, I want to be the long-term manager of Swindon Town Football Club. I know this club has potential."
December 14: First voices off field concerns due to former investor Bill Power's takeover talk. He said: "A takeover at this time would not benefit this club in any form. I have been politically knocked from pillar to post in my last two jobs and I feel a steadiness is needed at the club."
May 2007: Leads the Robins to promotion to League One following a 1-1 draw at home to Walsall. Sturrock said: "The main aim is to put building blocks in place to make sure we're in the league we're going into at the end of next year."
June 2007: Starts summer recruitment with Craig Easton, Hansey Aljofree and Steve Adams and is still intent on being with Town for the long term. He said: "I like to think we are blending ourselves into a club that's thinking long term. "There will be a back bone of the squad here who I'm confident will be able to play in the Championship plus a group of players who have to prove themselves when we get there."
June 2007: With an outstanding £900,000 Company Voluntary Arrangement hanging over the club, Sturrock insists he isn't worried, and said: "I try not to think about the financial side of it because at the end of the day Swindon have been in administration twice. But put it this way - I'm not worrying."
July 2007: A consortium, BEST Holdings, register an interest in Swindon Town, with the club saying they will take over in eight weeks. The Scot said: "I met the new investors and they were nice people I am delighted the short-term finances have been sorted out. I am also delighted to hear what their long-term plans were as well."
July 2007: Reveals frustration at BEST takeover bid stalling saying: "I had pre-planned a lot and am exasperated now because the fruition of what I wanted to do has been hindered in the time frame. A lot of the people I would probably have targeted have been gobbled up."
August 2007: Town are hit by former investor Bill Power's £1.2 million writ demanding the money he loaned the club back. The Robins insist it was a share issue.
August 2007: Sturrock slams delay in BEST Holdings take over saying: "I am sat in limbo at the minute, so the quicker it happens the better for everyone. It is something that has to be clarified either way. This thing is dragging on now."
August 2007: An upbeat Sturrock, after the takeover seems to be completed says: "Now we will be able to sit down and have a real think about things. "Obviously with new owners there's a lot to mull over in my mind. As far as the team is concerned there is more work to be done."
September 2007: Dismisses speculation linking him with Leicester City job. He said: "It is pure speculation. I have a job of work to be done here. I would hope to think this club will benefit, hopefully, from a longer period with me as a manager."
September 2007: Pleads for clarity surrounding the BEST takeover: "I need clarification like any football manager needs clarification to know their thoughts on the goals of the club," he said.
October 2007: BEST deal collapses with both sides saying each other are to blame.
October 2007: Sturrock still confident after BEST deal ends and another consortium, later revealed as Andrew Fitton's, declares interest.
"Financially we are a mess, we have been for 10 years, and the Wills' have put £800,000 of their money into this football club nearly every season and you can't keep doing that. We will have to balance the books and be appreciative of that, but it would be nice to get a benefactor in and ease our woes."
October 2007: Town slapped with a transfer embargo but Sturrock remains defiant: "We will go until the bills are paid. We are in a catch 22 because we have to pay them back before we can bring players in."
November 7 2007: Celebrates year anniversary with the Robins by saying: "A lot of water has gone under the bridge and a lot of politics which I really believe is draining to a football club.
"I have been a bit annoyed that my thoughts have been more on what is happening off the football pitch than events on it.
"I have kicked myself a few times for allowing that to happen but I am fully focused now on what I think we could achieve."
Saturday, November 24: Town receive approach for Sturrock from Plymouth.
Tuesday, November 27: Confirmed as manager of Plymouth describing time at Town as "zany."
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