Thetownend.com

So after my little blip last match i'm back! I can remember when our games are now we're back to Saturdays!

I think we can win this, I also believe today will be the day promotion is sealed!
It's gonna be a good one!

2-0 Win. Connell & Holmes.

COYR!

Let's get it all wrapped up later. Good luck to both Wimbledon and Southend. COYR!

Great prediction.

I'm feeling a 3-0, Benson 2 and Ritchie 1. (Is Ritchie playing?)

Cibbo won't be playing.

That's my fantastic input.

Wouldn't surprise me to see Ritchie and Caddis in the squad, maybe even starting. No idea on the score. It'd be great to get the win, get promoted and break a couple of records, but I reckon Plymouth will spoil it by getting a goal and denying us the clean sheet!

2-1 Benson and Holmes

Well I've predicted promotion against Plymouth and the championship at Gills for the past few months, so here's hoping that comes true....3-1 Swindon, 10,459 attendance with Bensonnnnnnn (oh jesus christ), Ferry & McCormack on the scoresheet!

C.O.Y.R!!!

Time to wrap up promotion- we'll win 2-0 with goals from Benson and Ferry.

3-0 Benson, Risser and flint. Hoping for promotion tomorrow but will be at Aldershot all the same. Thinking around 10,800 which is less than Paolo would of liked but will be a passionate crowd so hopefully that will make up for the short fall.

A four nil shellacking.

3.0 win, along with wins for Torquay and Crawley.
Anti-climax.

2-0 Swindon COYR

Got a bad feeling about this. 2-1 defeat.

 :D

2-0 Connell double

1-0 win.

I know that Connell has a bit of an affinity with Bournemouth FC but you always back him to score. Have you seen him play? He doesn't score that many, however, I will doff my cap to you if he does.

2-0 Benson & Rooney

got the same feel as JPT, we must not think we can just turn up and win. that said i think we will win 2-0. see what crawley and torquay do. oh, and glad im not on the bank  :girlgiggle:

My daughter is a mascot for the game today....not sure who is looking forward to it more, her or me.

Bless, hope she has a great day

2-1 Connell, Benson.

Turkey and Creepy both draw to leave us a gnat's chuff away from mathematical promotion.

Enjoy the day !!!!!

I will take that result now !!!!

Plymouth have put in some decent results of late, not many teams turn them over anymore so suspect it'll be a tight game.  Score draw 1-1 with them taking a first half lead.

on another note...beautiful day to have the bank open! hope you've all brought your coats!

4-0 thumping in front of 11071 and a Caddis goal on his comeback   

2-1 defeat

Pissing down here, hope nobody has SB tickets.

Our STFC vs Plymouth match preview...find out about two records which Town could secure today...

http://thewashbag.com/2012/04/12/match-preview-swindon-vs-plymouth-argyle/

Going to go for a cagey first half, 0-0 at the break, Town go onto win 2-0 thanks to goals from Benson & Devera.  Crowd of 10,753.

Forza Swindon!

Just looked at the rainfall radar. That will be cleared through by kickoff.

I'm predicting we squeeze a 2-1 win but Creepy & Turkey keep us hanging on until Tuesday.

Can't stay long around to celebrate afterwards today anyway as I have to get to Emili Sande gig in Brum straight after.

1-0

Di Canio to make an impromptu entrance from the subs bench

I'm going for a 1-0 or 2-0. We rarely concede at home.

Plymouth have been good of late but I think we will have too much for them!

2-0 Benson and Risser, crowd of 11,358

If we don't lose we may win or draw

Taking the little man to this one so hoping for a good result.

I reckon it will be a crowd of 10,472 including 1,184 Plimuffs.

I don't give a shit what happens in the other games TBH if we win we stay at least 7 points clear, that will do for me, our destiny is very much in our own hands.

I think a lot of Plymouth's success as of late has been as a result of a stern defence, with Purse and Blanchard among the best central defensive partnerships in the division. They don't score many goals either, so I can see this being a tight affair. 1-0, Benson the scorer.

Crawley to lose and us and Turkey to win.

4-0 promotion in style with the sun coming out at 14:53

I didn't realise that fucking ex Pox wanker Purse was playing for them, nasty piece of work he is.

this I'm afraid

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this would be good, & would not suprise me, had a dream we won 6 nil :nod:

Sun peeking out in west swindon.

Its going to be my first game since Hereford at home,so hoping i'm not going to be a curse!

Feeling strangely nervous. Don't think today will be the day, most likely due to Crawley and Torquay than our own result.

agree with this.

Champions Elect 0 - 0 Party Poopers

Points can be dropped elsewhere today but we need to be on form to get 3 points today.

Scrappy game in rubbish weather, 1-1 draw.

Been away can I turn up and buy a ticket today?

Doesn't look like a sellout by any means, plus home fans have the Bank which will have plenty of space and the weather is improving...

ta...they were still on line but went to bookies and by the time i came back that had disappeared. Bit chilly for open end but reckon I will one ticket. Leaving Bath at 1.00pm.....2-0 or even 3-0.  ;D

My friends grandson is signing his STFC contract on the pitch at half time. Have a grand day out.

5-0, Benson with 4 and Ferry the other, 11,743 Attendane and Crawley and Torquay to win.

Same prediction and Barnet, Morcambe and Northampton - Bostock & Benson to score in a 2-1 win

caddis on the bench. Hope we get agud crowd and suport the manager.

De Vita starting for Rooney today is the only change in the starting line up.

Going for a 2-1 win. Benson and Holmes the scorers.
COYR

Caddis, J Smith, Connell, N Thompson and Rooney on the bench.

Wesley Foderingham        
Joe Devera        
Aden Flint        
Alan McCormack        
Jay McEveley        
Lee Holmes        
Simon Ferry        
Oliver Risser       
Raffaele De Vita
Paul Benson        
Ronan Murray    

Subs:
Paul Caddis
Jonathan Smith
Alan Connell
Nathan Thompson
Luke Rooney

At least Bostock got to play at Wembley eh.

An interesting post on the Torquay forum today....

McCormack has been replaced by Caddis

How proud would that make you?!

I think I would burst.

Both bad and good with Gabilondo on the bench.

McCormack left because his wife has gone into labour, good luck to him.

Sounds like a wet dream based on nothing other than fantasy.

Its my birthday 'weekend' - drinking & clubbing is due to begin at 10pm.
We will win 2-1 (Benson & Risser) thus meaning I go straight out after the match, then meet my friends later in a dreadful state

YOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU  REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDDDDS

Please get promoted today - my plastic O*ford fan friend is over here this week - my town shirt is on already under my jumper  ;D

must win this

Ive been out here in Hamburg with my STFC shirt on, and many people have stated "we hate Bayern Munich :-)"

Wishful thinking

"In League Two, Swindon v Plymouth takes prominence as the Robins will be promoted if they win and Torquay and Crawley lose. Torquay face Southend and Crawley host Wimbledon."

I thought if one of them lost & we win we are up

To be fair...this really is the first must win game this season.

De Vita hits the bar.

Shrewsbury losing.

Crawley down to 10 men!

Unfortunately to Slobberham.

SENT OFF: Crawley Town, Akpan, Foul & Abusive Language (6)

he learns well from the fat man then

Hope Akpan was a 'WHOA' signing of the summer for many people. Hasn't lived up to his hype, wherever that came from.

Sounds like its been all us so far.

Hammers 3-0 up already against Brighton after 11 mins, Sams job safe....for now :D

Swindon 60% - 40% Plimuff possession

Swindon 4 shots Plimuff 0 shots.

Let's hope they get up via the PO's

Got to make the possession count.

You do indeed, at one point after 11 mins we had 82% possession.

Austin scores

17 goals in 30 games this season, not a bad record at all.

sounded close

Crewe losing at Macclesfield

close again

Come to Town

Bristhole Shitty 2-0 up at Brum.....looks like they are going to stay up with the skin of their teeth.

Not even that. It's turning out to be a quite comfortable relegation fight given their situation two weeks ago.

I would have put money on them going down 2 weeks ago TBH, they have turned it around.

H/T 0-0 all us by the sound of it.

soccer saturday's game says there haven't been any chances of note and neither side really on top

Loads of possession, but no end product. Benson might as well be up front on his own.  I'd take Risser off as well, he's offered nothing other than giving away fouls.

We have dominated possession without really creating that many chances. Doesn't help that nobody (apart from Ferry) wants to shoot.

Plymouth have defended but done fuck all else.

Ref is absolute dog shit of the highest order.

Still expect us to nick this 1-0

Time for super Alaaaaaan to come on and grab a double

Billy Painter trending on twitter for scoring a goal

Time for AAAAALLLLLLLLAAAAANNNNNNN?

Shrews winning 2-1

Come on Town, just one goal please.

Connell on for Murray according to the Beeb

De Vita for Rooney

(Afternoon chaps!)

Other way round.

OK.....

Afternoon chaps

De Vita replaced by Rooney

(Yes, I cheated a bit!)  :D

Is anything happening... at all?

crewe now above oxford as it stands :)

Ball cleared off line from Rooney

One of those days.

I hate them days so much.

Didnt we do this at their place then sneak a winner in the last minute? (Or was that last year?)

Are there many Town fans on the Bank?

Yeah, De Vita got the winner in the 80 something minute when we played at their's in late October.  Was the game following Di Canio's father's death.

Apparently not many.

Smith on for Risser

National was close...

Photo finish

Neptune something or other by the looks of it.

Ok

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/374041_425584417455258_154012821279087_1776592_1492850646_n.jpg

wimbledon 1.0 up

GET A FUCKING GOAL

Ohhh...


COME ON TOWN!

COME ON SWINDON!!!!!!!!!!

cheers jj-not impressive!

COME ON YOU REDSSSSSSSSSSSS

COME ONNNNN!!!!!

I'll try the "Going for a smoke trick"

I am as well.

No its not mate, its fairly poor TBH.

That was a pic posted on FB minutes before KO.

I'll go walk the dog...

please town ease the agony ahhhhhhhhh :pint:

Crawley 1-1

Rovers have certainly found some form.

fuck off wimbledon

fuck off Gary Alexander

yesssssssssss

It's amazing what happens when you're under no pressure.

GET IN YOU FUCKERS!

WOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWW!

Connell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

BEEEAAAUUUUUUTTTTTTTTTYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

GET INNNNNN!!!!!

Hahahaha good work exiles, we played our part.

AAALLLLLLAAAAANNNNN

Alaaaaaaaaaaan!

Come on Wimbledon and Southend!

Cleared from Ferry

come on wimbledon. come on wimbledon

Come on Wombles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The fag trick worked then!

a goal difference of +41 over +22 of crawley. we're up today :)

Ha, it worked then

Get innnnnnnn Alaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnn

To think, some want smoking banned.

Go for another and see if AFC score!

You Reds !!!! :beers:

Alan Fucking Connell?

Come on Timlin-prove you're Swindon til you die!

Great result.

That'll do

West Ham get 6

*Chortle*

On to Tuesday then.

Paynter got two  :eek:

Reading that PdC's mum passed away last night.

Attendance: 10,422 (1,238 away supporters)

they said on the radio he wasnt going to be interviewed after the match.

We showed em

Would imagine he's off to get the next plane to Italy

Jeez, that's rough. Mum and dad in about 6 months.

got a link sam?

NW just announced t ground. RIP.

I heard thats too.

Fucking hell, add to that an Italian player died on the pitch today, think that's what the bloke said on Final Score anyway

RIP

And both were just days before we played Plymouth.

Yeah a Serie B player

Brilliant to nick it at the end - that man Connell!

Sad news about Paolo's mum.  It must have been very difficult for him today.  

So if Im correct if we lose all 4 games and Crawley win all games and make up a 19 goal difference then we wont go up.

I am now feeling quite confident that we may be playing in league 1 next year.

Very sad to hear about PDC's mother.  Big respect for the bravery he's showed.

Clearly you're an optimist. Until its confirmed, a little bit of me will still think we'll screw this up.

Pessimism is the new optimism!

Sixth straight clean sheet in the league.

We may 'struggle to break teams down' but at least the opposition find it harder.

Not exactly correct.....

Shrewsbury still have to win 3 of their last 4 games as well.

And

Or

Torquay have to win their last 3 games by a similar amount as well.

Yeah Torquay have an even bigger goal difference mountain to climb, in fewer games.

We're up.

Well-earned three points there. Dominated the first half, aided by the return of Caddis, but once again a lack of cutting edge up front meant we went in at half time level. The second half was a scrappy affair, but Paolo's subs worked again and Connell popped up with yet another invaluable goal.

Final word goes to Paolo; kudos to him. His professionalism is an inspiration and thoughts are with him at this sad time.

Just got back. I'm sorry to hear about PDC's mum - I did wonder why he spent so much time in the dugout. RIP Paolo's mum.

Not a great game and one I didn't expect us to win. Big party and promotion at Aldershot and then win the league at the Pikeys.

 

Wasnt there today but my blackberry is melted as I kept refreshing.

Tuesday night is going to be great and I can't wait.

Am I right in thinking that if we win a d Shrewsbury lose their next game that's the title seen up too?

Not a great game mainly due to having to break Plymouth down. Great turn and finish by Connell but made by Rooney's persistence in keeping the ball in play.

Gloss taken off it by the news of PDCs mum. Very sad but a sign of the great man he is. We sit behind the dugouts and could tell things weren't as they usually are with him. Got VERY angry with the 4th official at one point for no obvious (to us) reason. Just needed to let fly at someone.

Roll on Aldershot for promotion and win the league at the Pikey's............party back at SN1 v Port Vale.

RIP Mrs Di Canio.

Even a Shrews draw on Tuesday would give us the title if we win at Aldershot.

Did you not notce his black arm band then?

Another grafted 3 points tonight and another clean sheet, as JW said on the radio on the way back from the game it really is fortress CG this season!

All thoughts go to Paolo and his family on the passing of his Mother. A great professional on what I'm sure was a massively difficult day for him! Lets wrap this up this week and really give Paolo something to smile about once again!

Looking forward to Aldershot now, Gills tickets snapped up today...what a week it looks to be for us Town fans, just hope Paolo will be there to join us, which I'm sure he will!

Only knew about his loss after the game on the radio. Was wondering during the game where he was and not in his technical area. We also chanted for his name at the end for him to do the ritual, but he wouldn't come out. RIP Mrs Di Canio. Paolo I love you.

You didn't see him at the game?

We were fantastic today, for the first 15 minutes. Got at them, created chances and really had them rattled. It was clear how much we've missed Caddis. Then it just all slowed down and went a bit subdued. Got to half time thinking something needed to change but it didn't, and the second half plodded along in similar fashion.

Then it seemed that as soon as everybody found out Wimbledon were ahead, there was a buzz around the ground. Our play improved, we were pushing forward again, and the breakthrough came through two of Paolo's substitutions.

Awful to hear about Paolo's loss, what is it about us playing Plymouth?? I hope he takes the time he needs to be with his family, rather than rushing back. I'm sure he'll want to be back as soon as possible, but one more win could sew the title up for us, and his time may be better spent coming to terms with what's happened.

Sad to be missing the game on Tuesday. I'll take a 0-0 then a title winners' party at Gills next week!

Sorry to hear about the gaffers mum. RIP

We played as well as we have played for a while - average. But the goal for Wimbledon did lift the crowd and in turn lifted the players. As with any good team we only needed that 1 chance or lucky break and we got it. Bang 1-0. Game over.

Wasn't that impressed with Plymouth. Ugly stuff mostly (although at times we weren't much better) and didn't come for anything other than a point.

That's 23 clean sheets for us now and still only 8 goals conceded at home. We've bossed it at the CG this season. Promotion all but done and dusted. Bring on Tuesday. If we better Shrewsbury's result we'll be champions.

P.S a final word for Paolo on the loss of his mum. Thoughts are with him and his family and fair play for taking to the dugout again. What a man!

I saw him first half but couldn't see him anywhere second half.

Not the greatest performance but it as enough, Sad news about Paolo's mother thoughts are with him and his family.

Anyone hear the little dig Caddis had at Evans? made me laugh.

He was there, almost getting into trouble again for arguing about a decision, which happened by the DRS!!

We have conceded precisely one goal total in our last SIXTEEN home league games. That is mental.

Not the greatest game, workmanlike and the right result, although PA threw a lot of people forward in the last five minutes but never looked like scoring - even with three good chances.  Nice round of applause for PdC after the announcement of Paolo's loss, and congratulations to Alan Mac whose partner gave birth to a little girl at 3-30 pm.  Ironic really, one loss, one gain!

We've now kept a league record a 18 clean sheets at home..and we've still got one game to go.

Plymuff, like most sides lately played 4-5-1 to frustrate us...and like most sides they left empty handed.

But all thoughts should go to PdC and his family at this time.

Lets win the title for Paolo.

In light of paolos mum passing away i am kind of glad we were not promoted day.Not right if he can't celebrate it aswell imo

Do we think that Paolo will be in the dugout for Aldershot? I'm not so sure.

Fully agree on that.

He doesn't need to be really

This. Didn't know until after the game - he's lost both his parents within 6 months. So sad. RIP Di Canio's mum

Neither do I.

Indeed, can't argue with that.

A bittersweet day. Congrats to Alan Mc on the birth of his daughter. Congratulation to STFC on virtual promotion. Deepest sympathy to PDC on the death of his mother.

PDC, what a man. With all that going on he was with his men today,and he didn't let it be known so the sad event could not have overshadowed the teams potential achievement.
----------
Not the best game. Plymouth were always going to put a fight. They made it difficult for us as all teams that come to the CG do, but weren't 100% defensive. That said we were pretty much in charge. Great to win, what a difference to this run in than last time we were in this shitty division.

That one goal in 16 home league games stats is even more impressive than I realised.

Oh, and on a selfish note come on Shrews, win on Tuesday, got a Gills ticket but not a Shots :) - only joking really.

Did our job, despite the ref being an utter moron. we were business-like, and mostly effective (Murray aside). Nice.

Condolences to PdC.

Workmanlike as Ronnie said sums it up. Still lacking that cutting edge up front and need to be more inventive other than playing it into the box from the wings IMO. Need someone creative to sit behind the front two.

Other than that I thought the Plymuff fans were in very good voice until we scored. Full respect to them for clapping the news about PDC's mum - good genuine footy fans despite the historical bad feelings between the clubs.

Sympathies go out to PDC and his family at this sad time. Tuesday could be very emotionally charged atmosphere - glad I got my ticket.

He'll be there. Today would have been the one he missed but he battled through admirably.

Di Canio is a very professional man.

Most people take time out (and rightfully so) he'll take a few days out, no doubt.

I'd bet on him being there Tuesday though.

Plymouth were a carbon copy of Rovers, big, physical and shite. The referee and his assistants were on another planet today, some of the decisions were unbelievable. i thought the tackle from behind had been banned.
As for the football, Plymouth were crap. I'd hate to see that shit every week. Scummer Purse is still a grade A cunt. We weren't at our best but fully deserved the win. McEveley is getting better each game and would be a good signing. Flinrt and Devera were both very good. Caddis was good but looked rusty. Risser was not as good as he has been. Ferry was MOM for me. DeVita looked good for 30 minutes and then faded. Benson was pretty good and led the line well but Murray wasn't great. Now for Holmes. I think I'm alone here but I don't see much in him. He's not very fast, needs a lot of time on the ball and his delivery and shooting are pretty crap. I think I'd pass on himas i feel there are better players out there.
RIP Mrs Di Canio.

Fuck that, I've got an Aldershot ticket but can't make Gillingham  ;D

sorry if it's been mentioned but was I right in hearing Plymouth singing to Aden flint "you're just a big fucking scarecrow" ? genius

Agree with that. He traps those high balls with one touch EVERY time! My only criticism would be that he occasionally passes without looking up.

 :clap:

Brilliant and possibly accurate.

was told today that we've only ever had 9 promotions - bearing in mind we've been 4th to 1st and back again since the mid 80's I must have seen most of them

Only 22 points ahead of the scum now, gonna need a telescope soon!

 :clap:

Don't forget the game in hand we have. Better make it the Hubble.

There was 13 norwegian present at the game today.

Swindon-fan Bernt and 10 mates had his surprise stag party in Swindon and there was also to other norwegian Swindon-fans at the game!

COYR

I make it 8...not including this season.

I've seen them all.... :) and then the relegations... :(

Do we count playoffs v Sunderland ?

Somebody should list them (please)

Thought the crowd was decent!  Hope Bernt and his mates had a great time, and are now sampling the best Old Town has to offer.

Firstly condolences to Paolo and his family, must of been very difficult for him today. Plymouth came to spoil the party but failed like a lot of others to take anything back. The Ref today was incompetent and did anyone else's notice the linesmen changed sides for the 2nd half, The knob lino who did the Arkells first half was also incompetent. Going Tuesday so already looking forward to that but feel gutted for Paolo right now.

I'm counting it.

62/63 Div 3 to Div 2

68/69 Div 3 to Div 2

85/86 Div 4 to Div 3

86/87 Div 3 to Div 2

89/90 Div 2 to Div 1

92/93 Div 2 to Div 1

95/96 Div 3 to Div 2

06/07 Div4 to Div 3 

Ace, we need to adopt that...  :D

Thanks Reg. So nothing before the 60s ? Crikey

Here's the table, with gaps between teams roughly representative of the points difference between them

Not my best ever graphic design effort, but you get the idea 8)

Hell Paolo has been through hell this year, to lose both parents in 6 months is just horrible, I am not sure how anyone of us would survive that.

I am not sure how or what, but we need to show our support for the man, our man - as to have achieved what he has with us over the last so many months with this happening in his family just shows how speacial he is!

Less teams went up in those days...in fact for many years in Div 3 it only used to be 1 up....Argyle, finished 2nd something like 6 seasons in a row, without going up.

I think honouring the man as a football manager is to honour the team. A 21 scarf salute? Scarf guard of honour?

His family bereavement is something for him and his family personally, other than passing on condolences I don't think there is much more to be done.

There's a suggestion of black armbands on Tuesday on Twitter. Simple, effective.

As you say very simple, but very poinient

As I think Paolo would really appreciate this I'll be doing it unless asked not to by the club.

What did caddis say about evans by the way.

He was a fat cunt

A slightly bizarre coincident that when Paolo lost his dad in october, it was just before the Plymouth game at Home Park...

It would be good to do something against port vale too to show him we care while picking up the L2 trophy

Would be good if we could do something on Tuesday to show our support for Paolo.

I don't know what, the armbands or perhaps a minutes applause after 10 mins maybe.

It is amazing that Paolo was back today after going back to see his Mum on Weds this week.

There ought to be a minutes silence when were all on the pitch infront of the Arkells after the game against Port Vale.

So what happened to Cibocchi?

don't be daft

People deal with grief in their own way. Whilst these gestures are nice in principle, they are just that - gestures.

Just turn up and support the team. There is no need to go OTT with this. Let the man have his moment.

I'd normally agree - but I think some sort of recognition on Tuesday, a simple gesture to demonstrate that we appreciate the sadness Paolo must be feeling along side (hopefully) the elation of achieving a goal he's been working towards, living and breathing, for nearly a year...I think that would be appropriate.  He's taken this club to his heart.  I think Tuesday would be an appropriate time to show that we appreciate that, and that we have taken him to ours.

The black armband, for me, gets it about right.  Simple, understated.  Not sure where I'd get one though.

I like the black arm band approach but how will he know ? Is he going to be able to pick them out amongst a crowd ?

We need something vocal or clearly visible.

Not a great game, but another win and we are pretty much over the line.

We had a good first 30, but faded before half time. Seem to raise our game when the crowd realised Wimbledon had scored. Think Connell had a good impact as well, took his goal well.

Plymouth were shite, the ref was a complete fucking moron.

Always the sign of a good side when you keep winning when not playing your best.

My thoughts are with Paolo, would love us to show our appreciation for him on Tuesday.

Totally agree-there's too much public grieving these days.

spot on

Do what you want

Left the gym in an ambulance with the top of his leg strapped up on Wednesday - after screaming and hitting the deck whilst on the treadmill.

Argyle fan here.

Agree with posts about our style, it isn't nice but its what was required to keep us up this year. Remember where we wear after 9 games. We had 1 point. Admin had torn the club apart and the morale was rock bottom.

Hopefully next year we can build on the good defence that has been built and add some creativity and finishing prowess to the side. Whether Carl Fletcher can achieve that I'm not sure but he deserves a chance.

Enjoy league 1. I'll miss the trip to the County Ground, one of our shorter trips and before today we have had some great 3-2 wins. But I enjoyed today none the less, good pre-match session in the Merlin and a lively atmosphere in the away end as always.

Finally, thoughts with Paolo tonight about his mum and I know the sentiment is echoed by all of the green army, as we clapped the announcement on departure. I'm a big fan of his; great player, great character and on the way to being a great manager.

Nicely put.

Paolo chose to be at the club today leading his team whereas many others may not have which could suggest that it has helped today at least with his grief . Some people do need their own space and time but others find it helps to be around friends. I think an extra show of support for Paolo on Tuesday would be appreciated by him but like DRS says people will do what they think is best.

Cheers PAFC.

Good luck against Exeter next year if they go down. You can't trust a county that puts the cream on a scone before the jam. Its wrong.

Can't remember the last time I had a scone

I had some 3 hours ago. yum  :I'm a complete mofleakin Deak

I can, about two hours ago.

Back to the game, I honestly thought Wes took their man out when he came rushing out of goal. I assume he actually took the ball?

Think he did get some of the ball but It was a bit of an " Oh shit moment " also think it was Suggs who mentioned the other week about Wes being outside the box when he releases the ball for kicks. Thought he done it a couple more times today and then he looked over to the Lino to see if he had noticed.

Does he actually release it over the line? I've always thought he lets go of it just before, but when he kicks it it's miles over.

It was me, We noticed too again so far out of his area! I assume as pretty much every single keeper in the world does it, he's unlikely to get picked up on it..


Ref was poor,
When Paolo when absolutely mental at the 4th official I thought he was lucky not to go. I've never seen a football manager get that angry about something before!

Im convinced he is over the line before he releases the ball and does it regularly. Very rare you see anyone pulled up for it though especially with a Lino like today. Any ideas why the linesmen swapped sides at half time ?

I said the same during the game about Paolo but knowing what we know now do you think the officials were aware of this and had a bit of sympathy for him, unlikely but he has been sent to the stands for less in the past.

Nah, he throws it up in the air just inside the area... all fine

On him rushing out... I never thought he'd get to it, but he clearly got a touch on the ball. He got up and got on with it, and the Plymouth player clearly wasn't too upset. Just their fans who were up in arms really.

The away support was good

Except I don't know why they'd start singing 'We are staying up' ...

I was right in front, he took the ball...Just

Did it not occur to you that there were other games going on which affected the foot of the table?

Did it not occur to you that they were already miles above the bottom 2, and chanting that song would just encourage a response from Swindon to replace 'staying' with 'going'?

Condescending cunt.

Just left Bernt and his chums...top lads...they're having a good time.  :)

He said that there a lots people of people jealous of us, especially the new rotherham manager

Wasn't it Caddis who sprayed a water bottle at fat boy Evans ?  :clap:

On another note, watch Graham Turner's interview on the Football League show after the Shrew's win. Blatant dig at our glorious leader regarding waving arms about and kicking the dugout.

Geriatric twat.

They STILL aren't mathematically safe from relegation, but while Crewe were winning at Macclesfield they actually were safe for a few minutes.

Just looked on that stats 365 website.

Macclesfield haven't won for 20 games. Must be shit supporting them.

A bit like supporting us last season then.

A bit like us last season, we went 23 games without winning up to the last game of the season, it is shit indeed.

Beat me to it while I was reading the other pages! :D

Thought we'd blown it yesterday and destined for a 0-0 but we keep grinding them out like true champions.

If Turkey win every game by 4 goals and we lose all ours by 3 we're still promoted so definitely as good as up.
I thought, considering it could have been the promotion day, the atmosphere was rather subdued yesterday - almost as if we were resigned to it not happening yet.

I thought our first half was generally as good or better than we've played for since the Turkey match but somehow we seemed reluctant to go for goal to make the most of our possession.  Every time we got to the edge of theier box we tried to play in little passes through the defenders or put the ball back out to the wingers who would either lose the ball or put over a cross that would find an Argyle defender's head.  Having Caddis back definitely improved the quality of the crosses though.
Second half was looking to be a repeat of the Bradford match with the bus being parked and little evidence that a way through would be found, but I had obviously forgotten that supersub was on the pitch  :)

Bring on Aldershot on Tuesday - hopefully Vale can hold Shrews and we can be champions that night too.

Last season was proper crap, wasn't it.

Still, my lads at age 11 and 10, who have been coming for 5 years, fully understand what a rollercoaster it is supporting Swindon. A last day of the season promotion, play off final loss, comfortable relegation and now another promotion. Not many years of dull consolidation!

Sounds great!

Winning 1-0 at Brentford doesn't count then ?

nah, Paul Hart was our manager then. That 'episode' has been removed from my memory of the clubs history

I saw that Ralphy, Turner is a wanker!

Shrewsbury fans seem to think it was aimed at fat boy Evans, it appears he was up to his usual "how to win friends and influence people" antics again.

Why did the ref take time out to come and talk to Wes during the second half?  Had something been said about him carrying it out?  Seem to rememeber our crowd very agitated about how the Crawley keeper was taking the ball out of the area before releasing it.  And whilst talking about the ref, he did miss a blatant illegal corner kick from Raffa in the first half, ball at least six inches outside the quadrant, and an illegal throw (also by Raffa I think) when one of his feet was well off the ground when he took the throw-in!!

In fairness to the ref (who had a shocker) he wasn't helped much by his linesmen, who seemed incapable of making decisions on numerous occasions

Our new left back is quality and we will be lucky if he signs perm.He is clearly championship standard.

Turner said in the interview "I'm not refering to Steve when I say this".

Can't stand Turner. I loved every minute when he blew his top in that game against us.

They're a good side Shrewsbury with some good players but I dislike their manager a lot. (They probably say the same about us)

I also saw this last night and immediately thought it was a dig at PDC.At the end of the game there
was a handshake and embrace between Turner and Evans.

Turner does have some history with regards to Swindon.When he was player manager at Shrewsbury
i remember him stamping on Kamara at the CG.He also accused Chalky White of getting the Wolves
centre half Alistair Robertson sent off,when he was Woves manager.

I understand it is almost a done deal!!

Yep agree. Wasn't sure in his first couple of matches, but definitely seems like a potential good signing. Very good first touch, very good defensively. And getting better at overlapping down the wing.

No doubt after a full pre season he will be a decent signing

Just another example of how players should be given a chance to settle in before being judged then. Some players fit in straight away, others take a few games to adapt. Not rocket science really

I love Risser too  :D

I don't think it was a dig at all.

I thought McEveley looked a decent signing from the start - was very solid at Wembley.
Certainly all of his last 4 games he has shown that he will be a very good acquisition for League 1

Risser, I'm in 2 minds about.  Last few weeks he's much more noticeable than he was earlier in the season.
He does a lot of really good things.  However, in most matches recently he's given the ball away in dangerous positions far too many times.  Other than for one of the Crewe goals we've got away with it but I fear we'd be caught out too often at League 1.

True, although "I'm not refering to Steve when I say this" could be meant along the lines of "I'm not being rude but... (I'm just about to do precisely that)"

Nope, blanked it :D

Agreed.

Yeah it did, but they're not mathematically safe though so Crewe taking the lead was a bit of good news for them. Why have we been singing 'we are going up' when we're miles clear too?

I thought it was obvious, sorry for being condescending as clearly it wasn't so obvious to you.

I think Risser's been poor for the last few games.  Aside from what you've mentioned above, the game passes him by at times and he regularly gets in the way of team mates.  I think Smith offers far more and personally I would play him in front of Risser every time. I also remember reading somewhere that Ferry likes playing alongside Smith.  Risser will struggle in League 1.

I don't think Risser has been that bad since he came back into the team, but he was dire yesterday.

Pity, because he's a trier. But he's no way good enough for league one

[url width=234 height=427]http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/5928/pdco.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/444/pdco.jpg/)[/URL]

Think this image proves how hard this was for Di Canio, full respect for the man for staying, couldn't imagining losing my parents in such a short space of time.

Would imagine we may see Macca back in the centre of mid field with Ferry now Caddis is back. Can't see him dropping either Flint or Devera. Macca did mention in an interview again last week thats where he would like to go back to.

I'm sure I recall Paolo saying Fezza and Macca would never play together after some poor performances early in the season.

I think Macca's a better centre half than he is centre mid as well. I really can't see how he'd fit into our midfield. Especially when we get Pack and Powell. :D

Why he keeps picking Risser over Smith I don't know.

Do you think Paolo will rotate Macca, Flint and Devera for the remaining games? I'd have Macca over Risser or Smith in the middle but think starting Risser then bringing on Smith has worked recently.

No way will Macca be moved from CB. To do so would be madness

McCormack is the best centre back we have. He oozes confidence and class, sweeps up countless opportunities for the opposition, and is incredibly composed on the ball, even when under pressure. He'd be one of the first names on the team sheet for me, and always in defence.

and levein

Anyone know what's happened to Lee Cox.  Another one that's disappeared into oblivion?

 :nod:

McCormack is the centre half that Paolo was hoping Comazzi was going to be.

Someone who is happy to bring the ball out from the back & has good distribution. He has also shown that he is a good captain since taking over from the injured Caddis.

Don't know if he will be a good enough defender in League 1, but wouldn't be at all surprised to see Paolo keep him there.

Hasn't been in the matchday 16 since the Torquay home game on 20th March.

Is he injured ?

I don't think Paolo rates him as highly as he expected to?

I wonder if he'll give him the pre-season to see if he can shape up before trying to ship him out.

He may well join with Lanzano, Esajas and Kerrouche who are still under contract next season but not likely to appear again.

Add to that any that Paolo thinks won't cut it in League 1 and we may need to be paying up some contracts in the Summer to make room for new players and remain under the salary cap.  I'm presuming that any such payments don't count for the cap.

He didn't do too bad in our FA Cup run against League 1/Championship/Premiership opposition.

He and Flint work well together, Flint in the air, and McCormack on the ground, and he just reads the game so well from the back.

He would win my vote for POTY for his performances and scoring that goal at Northampton and causing that celeb. One of the highlights of the season for me.

McCormack's only weakness is when he's up against players with real pace (and skill to go with it). There's not many of these in L2.

We'll have our own when we sign Collins from Shrewsbury!

I think McCormack can easily cope in the higher league, he oozes class and can read the game so well and his runs and distribution are fantastic too.

Flint would be on the bench for me with Devera alongside Mac. Like DeVita was the unsing hero of the first half of the season, Devera has been the unsung heros of the second half. In the first few games he looked a rabbit in the headlights but once he got back in the side he has been excellent and I think can eaaily make the step up next season.

Wasn't it 18 games? We won at Brentford.

Alan Mac has the best football brain in the squad, he will still stand out as a quality CB in League 1

Completely agree

Although i felt a certain amount of sympathy for our visitors yesterday after their recent financial problems etc i cant remember the last time i heard a load of gobshite crap from an away following in ages.I suppose we had better get used to it as after all in this division our team and management are the only thing worth talking about(although steve evans has tried his best to be the only talking point and has failed miserably ha ha ha)

Do you not get out much ?

I actually agree. In the 1st half alone they ironicly cheered us singing 7 times.

Prefer it much more when away fans turn up in numbers and make some noise. The Pilgrim fans yesterday made more noise than most visitors and what I heard was just football banter songs which made for a better atmosphere. They applauded the young Swindon lads at half time and gave a sympathetic round of  applause on hearing the news of Paolo's mum at the end so fair play to them I say.

I agree but the ironic cheering got on my tits It's like when fans do it 5 times in 10 minutes to refs giving them a free kick.

Fair point notts but our average gate is higher than theirs so our ground is not too big for us.Also we dont have to gob off for 90 because by being patient we know we normally get the right result from our fitter,stronger mentally better team and management.

But that's all banter, would rather away fans sing different songs bollocks or not than knobs like Rovers singing the same song about some prostitute called Irene.

Exactly. The same as we give banter when we out-sing the home fans. We had the last laugh though  ;D

I laughed when I heard them sing molly malone, thought i'd gone back in a time warp to the mid 80's

Quite, nothing at all like us singing about 'shooting the Oxford scum', or 'Tommy Mooney on a piece of string'

Nice to meet you at The Beehive. 

We had a great time in Swindon (before, during and after the match).  For two of my mates, this was their first ever match outside Norway.

 :) think the last time Swindon saw so many Vikings, was in the aftermath of the Battle of Edington. Let's hope we win te next time you come over...

So is that more converted town fans in Norway? Good work for getting over.