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25% => The Reg Smeeton Match Day Action/Reaction Forum => Topic started by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 09:14:22



Title: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 09:14:22
Battle of the railway towns. blah blah blah.

Look, the sun is shining*, its a great day to have a pint in a beer garden somewhere, pick up the Cheltenham tickets and see your mates.

Don't let the league table, football or result spoil the last day before heading back to work.

*probably, I've just got up and not drawn the curtains yet


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Private Fraser on Monday, April 22, 2019, 09:20:18
The last two visits by this lot were both goalfests, ending in 4-3 victories to us. A nailed-on goalless draw today, then.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Monday, April 22, 2019, 09:29:39
The last two visits by this lot were both goalfests, ending in 4-3 victories to us. A nailed-on goalless draw today, then.

The last number of visits have usually provided goals mainly for us. That followed a spell when Crewe were good where they usually won. 0-0 is probably a good shout.  At least a draw would keep them below us..... must be a while since they finished above us.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: REDBUCK on Monday, April 22, 2019, 09:31:51
Same message, different team ;D


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 09:32:09
The last two visits by this lot were both goalfests, ending in 4-3 victories to us. A nailed-on goalless draw today, then.

Absolutely not. We will win.
Then we'll look at the league table in agony thinking if only we'd have beaten Cambridge.
Then we'll lose at Nam.

You can't change the laws of football.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Legends-Lounge on Monday, April 22, 2019, 09:40:57
A win at the GC today is a must on many levels. PO? Nah that boat has sailed, however, pride, extend unbeaten run, player contracts? (He should know by now who he wants), fans (that’s us 😁) need to see something to keep up interest over the closed season and optimism for next in L2, improvement on last seasons standing to name a few. I will not be in attendance now until next season, to much to do today and my lad has discovered girls so he has other plans today and Notts Co. I have plans for that W/E. So eerily enough I am already excited about next season as I genuinely see it as the start of the renaissance of STFC, yes another one.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Monday, April 22, 2019, 09:56:31
Interestingly today will be Wellens' 27th league game in charge the same as Brown....

PB: W7 D11 L9

RW: W10 D10 L6

We can see from that Wellens has made an improvement, and his current success rate if replicated over 46 games would give 70 points..... probably not enough for a PO spot, and nowhere near autos.  He needs to find an extra gear for next season.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 10:08:44
End of season mid table meaningless match.

Crewe sit in 14th and Town in 12th place with just 2 points between the sides.

Crewe have won 2 more matches than Swindon but have lost 6 more games.

Crewe scored 54 and conceded 53 with Swindon scoring 53 and conceding 50, so 2 pretty evenly matched teams on paper.

They have won their last 2 matches with the last 5 games being WLLWW, Swindon are unbeaten in the last 7 games with the run being DWWDDDD.

Crewe haven't won at the CG since 2007 a run consisting of DDWWWWWW for Swindon scoring 23 and conceding 8 times, in that run Town have scored a 5, and 3 times scored 4 goals.

In all the 18 games at Swindon  between the teams Crewe have only won 3 times with Swindon winning 12 of the games. Weirdly all 3 Crewe wins came in a run of 3 games played at the CG between 1999 and 2002. Swindon have a win ratio of 66% at the CG with Crewe being on 16%.

Last season Swindon were 3-1 down to them at home with 39 mins left and we still won 4-3, the season before Swindon were 3-1 down at HT and won again 4-3.

Earlier in the season in the away game Town were beaten 1-0 with a smash and grab after Kirk caused us all sorts of problems down the left.

Crewe never travel in numbers so I expect the normal 130 odd fans of theirs.

The only player involved who has played for the other side is Marc Richards who had a loan spell of 4 games for Crewe when he was a youngster at Blackburn in 2001.

Swindon 2-0 Crewe with Anderson and Woolf scoring in front of 6,251 with 135 fans from the "minor railway Town" there.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 10:15:01
Interestingly today will be Wellens' 27th league game in charge the same as Brown....

PB: W7 D11 L9

RW: W10 D10 L6

We can see from that Wellens has made an improvement, and his current success rate if replicated over 46 games would give 70 points..... probably not enough for a PO spot, and nowhere near autos.  He needs to find an extra gear for next season.

Pointless extrapolation into next season. We all know we don't know WTF we will get next year.

This January Wellens wanted to bring in experience, and then realised it was too expensive. Next season we will have shifted some surplus, and freed wages up. Maybe he'll be able to afford a better caliber of player. Or maybe the budget will be further reduced. Who knows.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Monday, April 22, 2019, 10:28:28
Pointless extrapolation into next season. We all know we don't know WTF we will get next year.

This January Wellens wanted to bring in experience, and then realised it was too expensive. Next season we will have shifted some surplus, and freed wages up. Maybe he'll be able to afford a better caliber of player. Or maybe the budget will be further reduced. Who knows.

Fair enough... but where's the fun in that.  I think the stats pointing out that Wellens will need to do better, is a valid consideration going into next season.... the pre season is going to provide us with endless fun about whether so and so is really the sort of thing we need if we are to start pulling ourselves out of this present morass.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: singingiiiffy on Monday, April 22, 2019, 11:40:24
stevenage v exeter DRAW
grimsby v carlisle HOME WIN
yeovil v colchester HOME WIN
macclesfield v newport HOME WIN
swindon v crewe HOME WIN.

only odds of 229.63/1.

league table:
7th exeter 66 remaining (oldham home, forest green away) DRAW. LOSE.
8th swindon 64 (chelt home, notts county away) WIN. WIN.
9th carlisle 64 (crawley home, yeovil away) DOESN'T MATTER IF WE WIN 3 WITH GD
10th colchester 63 (Franchise home, lincoln away) DOESN'T MATTER IF WE WIN 3
11th newport 63 (lincoln home, oldham away, morecombe away) LOSE, DRAW, WIN

PLAYOFFS!


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Monday, April 22, 2019, 12:23:21
5-0, I insist!

I think Wellens' record, when aligned next to Brown shows decent improvement - he can't suddenly turn it around.  The record since the January window is a little better again, suggesting (only suggesting) that once he gets his own players and time to get them playing his way, he has a better solution than Brown did.  IF he can get the right players in over the summer, the trend might be upwards, lets hope it remains that way and not a false dawn.

What odds we win the final three and still miss out :-)


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Costanza on Monday, April 22, 2019, 12:25:22
Crewe are in fine form. We are unbeaten in 7.

1-1.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 12:45:37
Crewe are the worst away performing side in the league with just 3 wins but they were at MKD, Mansfield and Stevenage. They have lost 12 of their 21 away games but they are also the divisions lowest away scorers with just 13 on their travels.

TBH the game has no score draw written all over it today.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 13:00:16
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D4wkBUiWkAEt6HR.jpg:large)


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: bigbobjoylove on Monday, April 22, 2019, 13:03:24
3-5-2 today?


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 13:03:27
Interesting looks to be playing Conroy as holding midfield by the look of it as we won't play 5 at the back against Crewe IMO.

As Wellens has played Conroy in that role before.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Monday, April 22, 2019, 13:05:12
Red card for Dunne today.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 13:07:33
Red card for Dunne today.
Can't help thinking that either Rose injury he picked up on Friday was a bit worse than he thought when he played through it, or, Dunne is being given his last chance to earn a contract for next season by Wellens.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Monday, April 22, 2019, 13:09:36
Is Smith still with us?


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Monday, April 22, 2019, 13:09:46
Interesting looks to be playing Conroy as holding midfield by the look of it as we won't play 5 at the back against Crewe IMO.

As Wellens has played Conroy in that role before.

Hopefully.  It worries me switching to three at the back at this level without a lot of planning.  The defenders just are not good enough to figure out positioning usually.  If Conroy sits in front of the back four it means Doughty being released behind Robinson and Anderson and Bennett probably floating about.  Dunne provides the legs to enable Doughty to forget about tracking back too much.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Monday, April 22, 2019, 13:10:29
Also hoping this means both full backs are given full license to attack.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 13:12:33
I would suggest that the line up today will be

                  McCormick
Knoyle  Woolf       Broadbent   Koiki
                     Conroy
Dunne    Anderson   Doughty     Bennett
                   Robinson

With Knoyle and Koiki playing wingbacks with Conroy covering behind them effectively giving us 3 at the back while attacking.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 13:14:52
Is Smith still with us?
I don't know if he is still injured but I heard he turned down a loan move to the Conference before the deadline so Wellens questioned his attitude.

I liked Smith when he has played, hes a better option for me than Dunne.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Monday, April 22, 2019, 13:17:07
BRovers fans seem to think Broadbent hasn’t been playing due to ‘personal problems’.

Glad he’s back, though.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Monday, April 22, 2019, 13:18:19
I don't know if he is still injured but I heard he turned down a loan move to the Conference before the deadline so Wellens questioned his attitude.

I liked Smith when he has played, hes a better option for me than Dunne.

Wellens didn't think he was good enough going backwards, which to be fair, given our defensive improvement, you have to give him.  There was some specific wording about tracking runners I think.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: tans on Monday, April 22, 2019, 13:26:56
BRovers fans seem to think Broadbent hasn’t been playing due to ‘personal problems’.

Glad he’s back, though.

He told us at the dinner that the manager thought he needed a rest


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: pauld on Monday, April 22, 2019, 13:28:04
He told us at the dinner that the manager thought he needed a rest
But he'd hardly played had he?


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:06:17
0-1 bad defending again.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Berniman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:09:28
But he'd hardly played had he?

That was exactly the reason given, hardly played at Rovers and then came in and played 8 straight for us, so felt he needed a rest.  Then we became solid at the back so he couldn't get his place back..


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:11:27
Good save by LMc should have been 2.

Town all over the place at the moment.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:13:06
Have we got the deckchairs out?


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:15:18
Should have been another goal for them, poor finish from 6 yards.

Defensively we are all over the place, Broadbent nowhere near the ball most of the time, he needs to get his mind on the game.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:16:01
First time I've seen managers have to wear bibs!

Game is shite. Obviously.
Hope we don't take the option in koiki next season


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: 4D on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:16:19
Main problem this season has been the home form, surprised it's been allowed to continue.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:17:27
Looks like we've switched to 4 at the back


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:18:40
Or 0 at the back


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:20:46
We are a mess right now, mostly in an attempt to hide Koiki it seems, but we are doing a good job of showing why footballers have a poor reputation for having something between the ears.  A couple of changes in personnel, a few runs by the opposition and everyone loses their positioning.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:23:25
Robinson nice shot saved by the keeper from 15 yards.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: joteddyred on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:24:05
Glad I made the decision to give it a miss today.  Sounds shambolic.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:24:28
Town coming into it more tha last 5 mins, creating some chances, Crewe definately the better side at the moment, Doughty and Dunne seem to be falling over the ball at every chance currently.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:29:10
Nice break by Doughty finds Robinson in the box but his cross hits a defender, Town looking far better this last 10 mins.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:30:51
Players seem to have figured out where they are playing at least now.  Koiki is a mess, a continuation of the past two games, that's a worry for next year if we extend him, a lot of work with him positionaly over the summer?  Conroy in midfield seemed to confuse Dunne and Doughty, that has settled a bit now.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Berniman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:33:47
He needs to get Koiki off and Woolery on..


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:34:40
Lovely long cross from Doughty onto Robinsons head but he chooses to chest it at the keeper and its saved.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:35:15
Woolery ready


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:35:21
He needs to get Koiki off and Woolery on..
Koiki looks lost as left midfield, I would definately bring Woolery and Rose on.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:36:27
Cynical from Dunne, could have been red on a bad day


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:36:57
Woolery on
Koiki off


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:37:11
Dunne with a fucking needless pull back.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:37:40
Could have been a red for Dunne not the yellow.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:37:50
Dunne with a fucking needless pull back.
Get him off. Never rated him.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:37:57
Woolery on for Koiki.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Berniman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:38:15
Well, called that spot on..


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:38:56
Get him off. Never rated him.
He has played a handful of good games but 80% he is useless. Hes trying to earn a new contract too. I wouldn't bother, hes an average L2 midfielder IMO.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:39:31
Koiki has got to take this on the chin and go and do some homework.  He's gradually played himself into a daze the past two and a half games.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:40:37
He has played a handful of good games but 80% he is useless. Hes trying to earn a new contract too. I wouldn't bother, hes an average L2 midfielder IMO.
Ever since that awful red card at Crawley I’ve never wanted him in the side. Liability.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:41:25
Anderson nearly thread a ball to Robinson in the box.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:43:28
Nice break by Bennett the ball ends up with Robinson just inside the box but his shot is shit and at the keeper, easy save should have been 1-1.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:44:22
Bennett is probably our best outlet this half, Doughty started shit but has grown into the game.

We miss Rose IMO, I would get Dunne off and Rose on at HT.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:45:52
Doughty nice effort deflected wide for a corner.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:48:25
2-0

Wank defending


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:48:52
2-0

Wank defending
You surprise me


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Processed Beats on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:49:00
Dreadful half of football, not helped by a bizarre selection and formation. This is crap.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:49:11
0-2


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:49:53
Just as we got back into the game Crewe hit us on the break.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:50:45
Turgid festering pile of turd half with everything shit.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:50:57
We are shit in the box.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:51:46
Great save by LMc.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Legends-Lounge on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:52:01
We are shit in the box.

Both boxes it would seem?


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:52:16
Well, left back is clearly a priority position still.

Bennett didn't follow his man there, think he is probably to blame, but it's not a coincidence that side of the filed is our problem child right now.

Actually, following that Bennett utterly vacated the left side again, allowing them another break.  He's turned into a ghost in defence again.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:52:51
Town look like scoring with most attacks, that is right up until we try and have a shot then we don't look like scoring at all.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:52:59
Why change the back 4 who have done OK lately?

And as for picking Dunne . . .


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: singingiiiffy on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:54:00
Is porter the young kiddy who ran rings round us in the away game? If so he's a player we should be looking for in the summer.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Panda Paws on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:54:34
Is porter the young kiddy who ran rings round us in the away game? If so he's a player we should be looking for in the summer.

No, 35 year old journeyman. Ex Colchester.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:55:09
Is porter the young kiddy who ran rings round us in the away game? If so he's a player we should be looking for in the summer.
No that was Kirk.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:56:00
No that was Kirk.
Beam me up, Scottie.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Berniman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:56:10
I think it is clear from this that, Robinson is not the answer, Koiki is not the answer, Dunne is not the answer.

Knoyle needs to go back to right back.

We are devoid of ideas in the final 3rd, and a shambles at the back with the current situation of nobody seemingly knowing where they are supposed to be playing.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:58:43
OK, so, Wellens takes the blame for the selection of Conroy in the midfield.

Koiki takes the blame for us being at sixes and sevens, really basic stuff knowing where you need to be on a pitch.  A worrying sign for him.

Bennett can take the blame for us being 2 down and nearly 3 down.  Not sure what he was doing in the last 5 mins of that half but he was a liability in front of Knoyle who is trying to play in the wrong position to mop up Koiki's mess.  He's not a young player either so he should have more smarts to know he has a responsibility.  He looked ok for about 15 mins going forward, but the last 5 min is criminal.

Dunne - he is the type of player we need in midfield, he's just not anywhere near good enough.

Robinson - seems to have played himself out of form.  He still has the best presence up there but his radar is all squiffy right now.

Doughty - absent, then took control, then meh.

Anderson - I'd take Woolery over him, especially if we pick-up Bennett.  He may dazzle on the ball from time to time, but his final ball is a crock of shit.  If he can't shoot and score often enough, he has too get some assists, and neither look likely unfortunately.  Woolery at least has a little burst of goals in him.

Shit for 15 mins, gathered some control, then shit for 5 mins again.



Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Monday, April 22, 2019, 14:59:10
4 points from 15 makes pretty grim reading


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: FormerlyPlymRed on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:00:55
Well that was fucking awful.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:01:18
I think it is clear from this that, Robinson is not the answer, Koiki is not the answer, Dunne is not the answer.

Knoyle needs to go back to right back.

We are devoid of ideas in the final 3rd, and a shambles at the back with the current situation of nobody seemingly knowing where they are supposed to be playing.

To be fair to Knoyle, there is nobody else who can fill the slot in the squad either, he is trying to clear up a mess.  Also, it's the first game we've looked rank in for a while.  It is certainly exposing all of our weaknesses in the squad today though!


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:08:07
No knee jerk reaction from me.

We passed the ball quite well at times, we look poor at LB, striker and holding midfield...as we have ALL season.

We let in silly goals with poor individual mistakes....as we have done ALL season.

With a decent left back, the holding midfielder...which we have on the bench in Rose...and a striker who can actually score then we will be OK.

Broadbent looks rusty as fuck with no cover in front of him from Dunne.

We are a mid table side and with nothing to play for that was a mid table perfoemance too, not in any danger of relegation but also not good enough to get into the play offs, with the right signings we will still do well next season IMO.

Get Rose on for Dunne and just keep on pressing them.

Our last 2 home games against this lot we were 3-1 down with the 2nd half left and still won 4-3....could still happen!


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:10:24
Town look like scoring with most attacks, that is right up until we try and have a shot then we don't look like scoring at all.

I don't agree with looking like scoring. Still, at least this half can't be as bad


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Berniman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:11:20
No knee jerk reaction from me.

We passed the ball quite well at times, we look poor at LB, striker and holding midfield...as we have ALL season.

We let in silly goals with poor individual mistakes....as we have done ALL season.

With a decent left back, the holding midfielder...which we have on the bench in Rose...and a striker who can actually score then we will be OK.

Broadbent looks rusty as fuck with no cover in front of him from Dunne.

We are a mid table side and with nothing to play for that was a mid table perfoemance too, not in any danger of relegation but also not good enough to get into the play offs, with the right signings we will still do well next season IMO.

Get Rose on for Dunne and just keep on pressing them.

Our last 2 home games against this lot we were 3-1 down with the 2nd half left and still won 4-3....could still happen!

Agree with most of that, and pretty much sums up my previous post. 


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:12:03
Dunne good pass to Robinson in the box but his shot is blocked.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:13:18
I don't agree with looking like scoring. Still, at least this half can't be as bad
First half we had 4 shots, each one looked like we COULD score right up to the point we fucked up the shot, as my post suggested.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:17:22
Offside luckily, Doughty with a major fuck up.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:17:25
Well done Crewe. Mess up 2 v keeper. Snigger


Title: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditiona
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:18:13
Sorry PV. I just don't recall us looking dangerous. Probably the cider intake


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:18:46
Crewe manager being a gobby wanker.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:20:02
Corner to Town.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:23:25
We look exactly what we are, a mid table side with little to play for and no urge to try harder.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:24:02
🏠 for Anderson


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:24:42
Doughty free kick well wide.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:25:05
Anderson has been innefectual today.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:26:28
Penalty!


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:27:11
House brought down for a pen.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:27:24
Looked quite favourable to Town IMO.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:27:49
2-1!!!!!


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Berniman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:28:01
Never a penalty, we'll take it


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:28:13
Looked quite favourable to Town IMO.

Soft as fuck!


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:28:29
1-2 Doughty.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:28:48
Good penalty.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:30:04
We do get a lot of penalties it seems, probably a symptom of not being decisive in and around the box.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Berniman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:30:17
House did well to get the chance though, although he was never looking like he was confident enough to have the shot..


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:30:46
And their manager is out of here


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:30:47
Conroy very lucky to get away with that, the worst dive for a penalty I have ever seen by the Crewe player.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:31:09
And their manager is out of here
Bye bye gobby wanker.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:31:14
Theyre losing their heads


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:34:19
Dunne is having a mare.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:34:37
Theyre losing their heads
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ8D9iIMgJs


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:35:44
Theyre losing their heads
Crewe really struggling now.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:40:08
Tactical 'injury' from Crewe me thinks


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Berniman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:40:26
Kirk has done nothing but time waste all afternoon..


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:43:06
Kirk has done nothing but time waste all afternoon..
Unlike the away game when he was the difference between the teams.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:45:47
Robinson off, Richards on.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: adje on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:46:55
Desperate times


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Berniman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:46:57
Robinson should have had a clear opportunity there if he had done the simple thing.  Gone backwards since he joined..


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:48:56
Town have resorted to hoofing the ball up to Richards, ala Flitcroft.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:51:24
3 corners in a row for Town, all been poor.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:54:33
Crewe understandably with a lot of timewasting.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:57:12
Poorest home performance since Crawley.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Outletred on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:59:10
I am sorry but it really is time people woke up.

We are going NOWHERE under this owner. We sit 14th in the basement division and this is the 4th season on the trot our league position has got WORSE.

Enough surely has to be enough. Let’s secure the ground then force Power out- we are going backwards every year under his ownership


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 15:59:41
House, Richards and Dunne will not be with us next season, none of them are good enough for a promotion push.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: adje on Monday, April 22, 2019, 16:00:38
I  sorry but it really is time people woke up.

We are going NOWHERE under this owner. We sit 14th in the basement division and this is the 4th season on the trot our league position has got worse.

Enough surely had to be enough. Let’s secure the ground then force Power out- we are going backwards every year under his ownership
Fair enough but we might not finish 14th


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Outletred on Monday, April 22, 2019, 16:00:47
House, Richards and Dunne will not be with us next season, none of them are good enough for a promotion push.

The club under this owner isn’t good enough for a promotion push!


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 16:02:06
Poor.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Flashheart on Monday, April 22, 2019, 16:05:19
Bottled it again, went to pieces when they attacked. Promising going forward at times but impotent yet again.

A couple of experienced faces and a goalscorer or two and we'd be good to go.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: singingiiiffy on Monday, April 22, 2019, 16:08:50
I am sorry but it really is time people woke up.

We are going NOWHERE under this owner. We sit 14th in the basement division and this is the 4th season on the trot our league position has got WORSE.

Enough surely has to be enough. Let’s secure the ground then force Power out- we are going backwards every year under his ownership

As you are awake, what's your plan of action?


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Sir red ken on Monday, April 22, 2019, 16:09:38
Bottled it again, went to pieces when they attacked. Promising going forward at times but impotent yet again.

A couple of experienced faces and a goalscorer or two and we'd be good to go.
Go where, into the conference, the club gets worse each season.
We're not going up under our current management, both first team and owner.
We're facing another close season with last minute leftovers and loans.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Outletred on Monday, April 22, 2019, 16:17:49
As you are awake, what's your plan of action?

Get the ground- the game will own half- then force Power out. We will be more attractive to a buyer once we own the free hold.

The way some of our supporters defend Lee Power is staggering. The stats do not lie- our league position has got worse every year for the past 4 seasons.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Outletred on Monday, April 22, 2019, 16:18:21
Go where, into the conference, the club gets worse each season.
We're not going up under our current management, both first team and owner.
We're facing another close season with last minute leftovers and loans.

Spot on.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Flashheart on Monday, April 22, 2019, 16:19:16
Big clear out according to Wellens, and he's not going to let players faff about regarding signing new contracts.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Processed Beats on Monday, April 22, 2019, 16:25:27
Substandard dross. No one came out of that looking good, not even Bennett.

Even after Crewe tried to self-implode with Cooper-style passing and angry Artell, we just weren’t good enough. 14th in League 2 isn’t acceptable.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: 4D on Monday, April 22, 2019, 16:27:27
Fair enough but we might not finish 14th

We'll definitely get no more points this season, we've got bogie Cheltenham and then a home game.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Sir red ken on Monday, April 22, 2019, 16:28:41
Substandard dross. No one came out of that looking good, not even Bennett.

Even after Crewe tried to self-implode with Cooper-style passing and angry Artell, we just weren’t good enough. 14th in League 2 isn’t acceptable.
The seasons not over yet we could drop a few more places.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: pauld on Monday, April 22, 2019, 16:33:59
Well that was a pile of old bollocks


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Monday, April 22, 2019, 16:37:04
That has similarities to the Barnet/Crawley game (can;t remember which) under Flitcroft, where the tactical changes simply confused the players.  Wellens needs to take some blame for how that started off - the players equally for not having the where with all to sort it out themselves.

Koiki - on reflection I would not be comfortable if we had him as out first choice left back for a season.  Ok to have him, but only if we bring in someone ahead of him.

Broadbent looked like a player who hadn't played in a few weeks.  We know he is better than that.

Rose is clearly the player Wellens would like in midfield, but Dunne did a good job of showing what we are missing - a half decent version of him!

Anderson, Bennett and Woolery - the enigma.  Personally, Anderson is the dead weight here.  I'd think Woolery has enough credit in the tank to give him another season - as in delivers too infrequently but more often than Anderson.  Bennett has had a few really good games, today was more like the first couple and he exposed the defence too many times.

Doughty - you have to find a way of getting the best out of him, and it is not in a midfield two.

Robinson - he's not good, but he's better than we had.  I'd be ok with him, but would prefer someone better if we can manage it.  Today was the down side of him.



Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Monday, April 22, 2019, 16:39:19
We'll definitely get no more points this season, we've got bogie Cheltenham and then a home game.

The good news is we cannot finish below Numb.... or 15th for that matter, so the 17th place historic low of 83/84 is safe.



Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: pauld on Monday, April 22, 2019, 16:43:11
Doughty - you have to find a way of getting the best out of him, and it is not in a midfield two.
It's also not by letting him train part-time. He either wants to be a player or he doesn't. If he wants to concentrate on the business he inherited, fair do's, can't blame him for that, but either focus on that or park it if you want to play.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Quagmire on Monday, April 22, 2019, 16:55:36
It's also not by letting him train part-time. He either wants to be a player or he doesn't. If he wants to concentrate on the business he inherited, fair do's, can't blame him for that, but either focus on that or park it if you want to play.

That’s not true is it? Pretty sure it’s rubbish.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Monday, April 22, 2019, 16:57:23
 As pointed out, this was the danger for Wellens of a poor end of season, an erosion of momentum and a sense that perhaps we might have the core of a squad who could do something next year with a bit of strengthening.  However a bit of redemption could come with a win at Whaddon Road..  Notts County game could be horrible


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: pauld on Monday, April 22, 2019, 17:02:09
That’s not true is it? Pretty sure it’s rubbish.
In which case, please ignore it!


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 17:03:47
Well 7 games unbeaten and yet again when we lose its....

(https://i.gifer.com/ILsF.gif)


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: normy on Monday, April 22, 2019, 17:09:12
I don't quite see the level of criticism directed at Dunne.  I thought his passing was generally quite good, and he didn't make fuckups like several others.  The yellow card offence stopped a break clean through in my opinion.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: pauld on Monday, April 22, 2019, 17:12:43
Well 7 games unbeaten and yet again when we lose its....

(https://i.gifer.com/ILsF.gif)
tbf, it was fucking terrible today. I don't want to go overboard in terms of overreaction but today was dreadful. We're limping to an indifferent end to a mediocre season in a shit division, watching a team half of whom seem to be either on the beach (or according to the manager planning their return to their parent clubs) already and not seeing much sign it's going to get radically better. I think it's quite reasonable for people to be fucked off.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 17:21:19
tbf, it was fucking terrible today. I don't want to go overboard in terms of overreaction but today was dreadful. We're limping to an indifferent end to a mediocre season in a shit division, watching a team half of whom seem to be either on the beach (or according to the manager planning their return to their parent clubs) already and not seeing much sign it's going to get radically better. I think it's quite reasonable for people to be fucked off.
Yes it was terrible, but was it any worse than most home games earlier in the season such as Cambridge, Crawley, Exeter, Bury and Carlisle? did the fans of MKD and Mansfield have the same reaction when beaten by Crewe at home?

I think the answer is no to all of that.

Yes you are right it was fucking terrible but its not the first time this season or last season for that matter that we have been terrible at home.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 17:26:48
I don't quite see the level of criticism directed at Dunne.  I thought his passing was generally quite good, and he didn't make fuckups like several others.  The yellow card offence stopped a break clean through in my opinion.
Dunne misplaced at least half his attempted passes from what I saw, his tackling was off too, as for the break...yes he did bring the man down but in all honesty should have been sent off as he was the last man and in our own half which would have meant we were at a man disadvantage for 60 mins, much as he did at Crawley and against Accrington and Coventry last season.

Cynical or just a poor tackler? either way its not good enough for me when we have Smith who is better who can't get a game and Toums who is way better who can't even get a game, also we have Rose on the bench who is far better, and for that matter McCourt who is at least as good.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 17:26:53
You're right.

Cumulative frustrations of another year in division 4 and a few years now of generally being crap at home


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Sir red ken on Monday, April 22, 2019, 17:30:09
Yes it was terrible, but was it any worse than most home games earlier in the season such as Cambridge, Crawley, Exeter, Bury and Carlisle? did the fans of MKD and Mansfield have the same reaction when beaten by Crewe at home?

I think the answer is no to all of that.

Yes you are right it was fucking terrible but its not the first time this season or last season for that matter that we have been terrible at home.

MKD and Mansfield are still up for promotion so their fans aren't that bothered in the great scheme of things. Defeats happen but for stfc there's only a slow continued slide, where its OK to be beaten at home far too often against teams we should beat. This seasons been poor with only a slight chance of joining the party. Taxi for Wellens,Taxi for Jewell and a super fast bike to take LP to Ireland,Switzerland or anywhere else he'd like to be.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Bob's Orange on Monday, April 22, 2019, 17:34:18
God this feels like Deja Vu. Last season we ended the season so feebly when in with a shot of the play offs. But it was ok as Phil Brown was going to cull the deadwood, bring in his own trusty steeds and we would be pushing towards automatic promotion. Alas, that went south with some truly awful home performances and just general malaise. So he was given his marching orders and in comes Mr Wellens.......

Things begin well, but home form is generally as bad as it has been and with the play offs in sight the team shows they have zero bottle but it’s ok, Wellens is going to cull the deadwood and bring in his own trusty..... can’t be bothered going on, we all know how it ends.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: THE FLASH on Monday, April 22, 2019, 17:34:39
Haven't read back.

Disgraceful performance...the first under Wellons for me.

Time to drop some players and throw in the kids now...


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Bob's Orange on Monday, April 22, 2019, 17:36:06
I do like what Wellens has said about not taking any shit from players dithering about contract extensions though. If players don’t want to be here then ship them out.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 17:41:04
You're right.

Cumulative frustrations of another year in division 4 and a few years now of generally being crap at home
I know its a Town fan (and football fans in general) right for a knee jerk reaction but we are 14th, yes we have made big strides forward under Wellens, despite what some fans will have you think, but is it really a massive shock to be beaten at home by a comparitively struggling side?

It doesn't shock me, it doesnt mean the players that were heroes a few weeks back have suddenly become shite. It shows me that we are where we deserve to be with the players we have, some good some bad some middling. We will get better, we will also get worse, thats football, thats what being a fan is all about.

But in your mind you think and hope and pray that it will get better and when it gets a bit better we hope for it to continue improving which it does and then you get one poor performance and we are back to square one.

The players we have are playing in Div 4 for a reason...because they aren't good enough regularly to play at a higher level. We as fans have to see that. Wellens made a mistake in his team selection but the players are Div 4 average in the main, which is why we are currently say half way up/down the table.

We can only hope that the right signings are made next season so we can get some better quaility players on a more consitant basis.

Almost every player at the club is a decent Div 4 player who at times show glimpses of being better than Div 4 but all too often every layer on show has also shown us they have the capability of being worse than Div 4. Pretty much as every oither team in the division, and I include Lincoln in that, all they have is a team spirit, they have a style of play that works for them where every player knows his role and can play it at a solid level.

When we won the league in 85/86 we had quite frankly an average team but they all played for each other and knew their roles on the pitch and the fitness level was amazing, we had no stars, no great players, we just had a side that performed to a decent level week in week out as Lincoln did this year.



Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: pauld on Monday, April 22, 2019, 17:42:41
Yes it was terrible, but was it any worse than most home games earlier in the season such as Cambridge, Crawley, Exeter, Bury and Carlisle? did the fans of MKD and Mansfield have the same reaction when beaten by Crewe at home?

I think the answer is no to all of that.

Yes you are right it was fucking terrible but its not the first time this season or last season for that matter that we have been terrible at home.
The fact that it wasn't anomalous makes it worse not better


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: DiV on Monday, April 22, 2019, 17:45:29
Burn it down & start from scratch.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 17:47:30
The fact that it wasn't anomalous makes it worse not better
Its not about being better or not, I am shocked that fans are still shocked by it.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Flashheart on Monday, April 22, 2019, 18:00:33
Burn it down & start from scratch.

You might get your wish going by Wellens' comments today.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Monday, April 22, 2019, 18:09:58
I get the being frustrated bit - this season, in it's entirety is an utter failure.  Brown was given the keys to a car with a pretty full tank in comparison to many Managers in this division but we seemed to burn all that fuel standing still confused by a crossroads.  Wellens has, by and large, managed to get us performing (over his stretch) about where I think we should be (you can live with a game like today if you win more than you get these).  He looked like he might be able to eek a little more than that out of the squad but he and they have let it slip a little in recent weeks.  It's shown up some of the weaknesses we still have, that's for sure.

I don;t understand the point in going on about Power - we know what we have, he's not going to vanish because we want a better owner though.  The questions are:

a) is Wellens a Manager that could get a team promoted from this division with a suitable if not extravagant budget?

b) is our budget sufficient to be challenging?

I'm more in than out on the first.

I certainly think the budget afforded a Manager for this division is enough to be challenging for play offs and the right person should squeeze a little more.  We have limited info to go on, but we are certainly not spending less than 2 million based on the limited accounts we can see.  It may not be the biggest budget, but it shouldn't be a budget that hampers being in the mix.

Power does have a decision to make this summer though - can he find a way to get, through him or otherwise, extra investment into the club?  It feels a bit like his lance chance saloon now.  Another poor season will see him reaching a point where the ongoing commitment is being increased to the point where any resale is eroded.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 18:29:07
Power does have a decision to make this summer though - can he find a way to get, through him or otherwise, extra investment into the club?  It feels a bit like his lance chance saloon now.  Another poor season will see him reaching a point where the ongoing commitment is being increased to the point where any resale is eroded.
Sounds an awful lot like the situation with Vigs, hold on and hold on until the value rises then when it doesn't he walks.

Would anyone be interested in buying the club if it came up for offer? I personally doubt there would be much if any interest.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Monday, April 22, 2019, 18:29:14
When we won the league in 85/86 we had quite frankly an average team but they all played for each other and knew their roles on the pitch and the fitness level was amazing, we had no stars, no great players, we just had a side that performed to a decent level week in week out as Lincoln did this year.

Colin Calderwood was a great player.... went through divs with us played in the Prem and did OK v Brazil in the WC.

Chris Kamara, was another who was much better than journeyman and eventually played in the top flight

Dave Bamber was above normal Div 4 standard, playing much of his career in Div 2

That was the sort of spine you need to do something in Div 4

Similarly when Div 4 was won under PdC the spine of Fods, Flint and Ritchie was way better than Div 4 average.

Get a strong spine, then have some hard workers around and you're onto something.

Atm we've nothing approaching the quality required and difficult to make much of a case for any making the necessary step up for next season.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RedRag on Monday, April 22, 2019, 18:29:54
Probably wiser not to comment given we have finally today thrown away a play off opportunity that the shite standard of this league persisted in keeping open for us.  A tenacity of sorts.

We are lucky to have Reg's historical perspectives.  We cannot finish lower than the historic 17th spot. Let's see how we feel about that after the next two games.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Flashheart on Monday, April 22, 2019, 18:38:11
For the last 10 games or so we've been good but not quite good enough. I know plenty will decide that all is bad based on today's single poor performance rather than the previous run, but I'm not one of them.

Add the 'enough' to the 'good' and we could be in for a good season next.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 18:44:29
Who would you retain for next season then to give us a platform?

Me:

Done: McCormick,  Broadbent
Keep: Knoyle, Conroy, Bennett, Rose, Woolery or Anderson, Doughty
Undecided: Dunne

I'm assuming Wolfenden will be playing for Ipswich.

I think that's about it for me. An on form and fit TD should be useful if such a thing is possible.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: tans on Monday, April 22, 2019, 18:49:46
Did i read that we had an option on Rose?


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: tans on Monday, April 22, 2019, 18:53:43
Yes we do


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 18:53:57
Colin Calderwood was a great player.... went through divs with us played in the Prem and did OK v Brazil in the WC.

Chris Kamara, was another who was much better than journeyman and eventually played in the top flight

Dave Bamber was above normal Div 4 standard, playing much of his career in Div 2
Yes a strong spine is needed but at the time Calderwood was nowhere near the quality of player he would develop into as it was his first season with the club. Who is to say that Conroy or Broadbent or even Woolf won't develop the same way eventually?

Kamara was out injured for more than half the season so contributed to under half the games played, yes when he played he was way better but he didn't regain fitness until the season after.

Bamber was ok he was not that great and even though he played at a higher level earlier in his career  he was only just above an average Div 4 player at that point. He had played 1 season in Div 3 and 2 in Div 4 followed by 1 season in Div 1 where he failed at Coventry scoring just 3 times and then a season at Walsall in Div 3 where he only scored a few goals. He was nothing like the "great player" you suggest, he was a decent Div 4 striker who won us a lot of penalties and anyway only played less than half that season too. You suggest Bamber played most of his career at Div 2...he only played 23 games above Div 3 when he signed for us.

So your arguement doesn't hold up that Calderwood, Bamber and Kamara were way better than Div 4 as Kamara and Bamber didn't even play 42 games that season between them and Calderwood at that point only when he signed only had 2 full seasons of football so although we could see he was decent nobody could have known the career he would eventually go on to.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Monday, April 22, 2019, 18:56:11
I don't think I'd be unhappy if Robinson became permanent (only if not on it's own though).

I'd be ok with Koiki as a back-up/sub with the view to him developing - which I guess is the point of a loan player to his parent club.  He's done enough in the past three games to show he is not going to be the answer to a promotion season right now though.

I'd be ambivalent to McCourt or Smith remaining.  The former looked alright when he had a little rune of games.

I think you let go or find a way of letting go of Vigs, Robertson, Lancashire, Taylor, Richards, Dave.  Woolfenden is probably staying at Ipswich and I'd not want House back.  Carroll, maybe take him for a season.

Sign Bennett, Rose and maybe Robinson.

McCormick is here, Woolery is here, Knoyle and Conroy you'd want, Broadbent is here, Doughty is here.

Dunne - is he off this summer?  I hope so, but he'd be ok to have about if he is signed up for another year I guess.  I;d not want to have him in my first team though.

The youths are not worth including for now

Find a way of solving Anderson-  either improve or ship.

That leaves a fair few gaps that need filling, but a core worth having about vs. last seasons switcheroo, where the players who did stay were mostly crap, or it was one season too many.

Forward, central midfielder with some presence, left back and probably another centre half at a minimum.  You probably want a couple of different forward though, to give options.



Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 18:58:19
Who would you retain for next season then to give us a platform?

Me:

Done: McCormick,  Broadbent
Keep: Knoyle, Conroy, Bennett, Rose, Woolery or Anderson, Doughty
Undecided: Dunne

I'm assuming Wolfenden will be playing for Ipswich.

I think that's about it for me. An on form and fit TD should be useful if such a thing is possible.
As I suggested after the Oldham game this is what I would like to see.

Lancashire, McGlashan, Richards and Robertson all should be freed, Taylor is retiring so thats 5 experienced level wages freed.

I have a feeling Toums, Smith, Vigs and either McCourt or Dunne will be freed, choose to leave or made available for transfer.

The rest have something to offer and should have contracts renewed or at least be told they can fight for a place next season.

McCormick,  Knoyle, Doughty, Anderson, Woolery, Conroy, Broadbent, Rose, Curran, McGilp.

I would try and sign Robinson and Bennett on permanent deals, both of which I feel would accept an offer.

Maybe get Koiki and Carroll in on season loans, Woolf will be playing in the first team in L1 at Ipswich and I don't think House has impressed enough to warrant another loan.

I would probably also try and get back Sid Nelson on a permanent deal as it hasn't worked out for him at Tranmere and he has loads of potential.

We also have Twine, Henry, Iandolo, Romanski, Edwards, Bancroft, Matthews, Young and Pryce who could play a part or maybe go out on a long term loan to see how they progress.

With Wellens/Power/Jewell connections I feel 4 new signings would be about right and compliment what we have along with a couple of young loanees coming in too.
I think as you say a fit Toums would be a major asset too.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Monday, April 22, 2019, 18:59:12
I forgot McGlashan, he can go too


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 19:04:49
I forgot McGlashan, he can go too
Hes already been told he can leave on a free by RW.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: tans on Monday, April 22, 2019, 19:12:04
Where you hear that?


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 19:12:57
Where you hear that?
Radio interview pre game a few weeks back, Wellens was interviewed and he said McGlashan has been told he has no future at Swindon, from the horses mouth.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, April 22, 2019, 19:15:58
Part of it here too.

https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/17484633.jermaine-mcglashan-joins-national-league-club-wrexham-on-loan-after-not-fitting-into-richie-wellens-playing-system-at-swindon-town/

Quote
m at Swindon Town
By Shaun Reynolds @95_reynolds Chief sports writer
McGlashan heads to Wrexham, and is unlikely to play for Swindon again

JERMAINE McGlashan will spend the rest of the season on loan at National League club Wrexham, and Swindon Town manager Richie Wellens revealed he has no plans to include him in his squad for next season.

McGlashan, 30, has made 28 appearances for Town this season after signing a two-year deal with the club last summer.

Since Wellens’ arrival, the former Cheltenham winger has played only eight times though – the last of those being at Macclesfield on the first weekend of January.

Not one to criticise McGlashan’s style of play, Wellens said he has found it difficult to fit him into the squad under the system he likes to play.

Therefore, a move to Wrexham was deemed as the best decision for all concerned – with McGlashan expected to seek a fresh contract elsewhere for the 2019/20 season.

Wellens said: “Jermaine’s move to Wrexham is a good one for him.

“If you train all week, you should be playing at the weekend.

“And Jermaine now has that opportunity.

“He has been a bit unfortunate, the way that I like to play hasn’t quite worked with him.

“His only real chance was the first game against Carlisle where I played him wing back, that just didn’t work.

“He did great in the times he came on as a substitute, but at his age I’m sure he’ll be looking for a new contract in the summer.
 
“So, I’ll give him the best opportunity to try and find another club.”


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Monday, April 22, 2019, 19:16:24
I don't think I'd be unhappy if Robinson became permanent (only if not on it's own though).

I'd be ok with Koiki as a back-up/sub with the view to him developing - which I guess is the point of a loan player to his parent club.  He's done enough in the past three games to show he is not going to be the answer to a promotion season right now though.

I'd be ambivalent to McCourt or Smith remaining.  The former looked alright when he had a little rune of games.

I think you let go or find a way of letting go of Vigs, Robertson, Lancashire, Taylor, Richards, Dave.  Woolfenden is probably staying at Ipswich and I'd not want House back.  Carroll, maybe take him for a season.

Sign Bennett, Rose and maybe Robinson.

McCormick is here, Woolery is here, Knoyle and Conroy you'd want, Broadbent is here, Doughty is here.

Dunne - is he off this summer?  I hope so, but he'd be ok to have about if he is signed up for another year I guess.  I;d not want to have him in my first team though.

The youths are not worth including for now

Find a way of solving Anderson-  either improve or ship.

That leaves a fair few gaps that need filling, but a core worth having about vs. last seasons switcheroo, where the players who did stay were mostly crap, or it was one season too many.

Forward, central midfielder with some presence, left back and probably another centre half at a minimum.  You probably want a couple of different forward though, to give options.

What you need to consider is that this season we've gone backwards, albeit not by much.  That wasn't exactly a surprise as the summer squad building looked to have significant deficiencies and so it has proved.  So we're going to need some strengthening just to stand still.  To push on is going to require something significant, and given that usually means spending money... I don't suppose many are expecting too much.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Monday, April 22, 2019, 19:18:31
Back to basics. Lump up front with someone playing off him. We’ve had no ‘presence’ up front for ages. Even when we get in good positions- and we do very often most games- we end up fannying around as if we’re Man City instead of just getting the ball in the box. We don’t have enough players actually in the box to pick up the pieces.

Approach play is fine - generally defence is OK. Up top we’ve got nothing, nada, zilch, fuck all.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Monday, April 22, 2019, 19:31:44
Back to basics. Lump up front with someone playing off him. We’ve had no ‘presence’ up front for ages. Even when we get in good positions- and we do very often most games- we end up fannying around as if we’re Man City instead of just getting the ball in the box. We don’t have enough players actually in the box to pick up the pieces.

Approach play is fine - generally defence is OK. Up top we’ve got nothing, nada, zilch, fuck all.

Think what is needed is a couple of extra bodies up top, so you get competition and rotation, so if for example we sign Theo and assuming Woolery and Anderson are still around, get in a couple of other big lads. If we can't get a 24 goal man then have 3 8 goal men


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: tans on Monday, April 22, 2019, 19:32:11
Bring back Shaun Close i say


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: THE FLASH on Monday, April 22, 2019, 19:49:06
Back to basics. Lump up front with someone playing off him. We’ve had no ‘presence’ up front for ages. Even when we get in good positions- and we do very often most games- we end up fannying around as if we’re Man City instead of just getting the ball in the box. We don’t have enough players actually in the box to pick up the pieces.

Approach play is fine - generally defence is OK. Up top we’ve got nothing, nada, zilch, fuck all.

Been missing for two seasons now...

A decent finisher would of probably got us in the play offs this season..



Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: DiV on Monday, April 22, 2019, 19:55:02
You might get your wish going by Wellens' comments today.

That includes Wellens.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: DiV on Monday, April 22, 2019, 19:56:18
I get the being frustrated bit - this season, in it's entirety is an utter failure.  Brown was given the keys to a car with a pretty full tank in comparison to many Managers in this division but we seemed to burn all that fuel standing still confused by a crossroads.  Wellens has, by and large, managed to get us performing (over his stretch) about where I think we should be (you can live with a game like today if you win more than you get these).  He looked like he might be able to eek a little more than that out of the squad but he and they have let it slip a little in recent weeks.  It's shown up some of the weaknesses we still have, that's for sure.

I don;t understand the point in going on about Power - we know what we have, he's not going to vanish because we want a better owner though.  The questions are:

a) is Wellens a Manager that could get a team promoted from this division with a suitable if not extravagant budget?

b) is our budget sufficient to be challenging?

I'm more in than out on the first.

I certainly think the budget afforded a Manager for this division is enough to be challenging for play offs and the right person should squeeze a little more.  We have limited info to go on, but we are certainly not spending less than 2 million based on the limited accounts we can see.  It may not be the biggest budget, but it shouldn't be a budget that hampers being in the mix.

Power does have a decision to make this summer though - can he find a way to get, through him or otherwise, extra investment into the club?  It feels a bit like his lance chance saloon now.  Another poor season will see him reaching a point where the ongoing commitment is being increased to the point where any resale is eroded.

a) no
b) no


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Quagmire on Monday, April 22, 2019, 20:14:11
Who would you realistically like to get in as manager DV?


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Monday, April 22, 2019, 20:18:22
That includes Wellens.


Wellens is doing OK.... relative to Brown, as mentioned today was the 27th league game same as Brown, and Wellens has got us 8 more points in that time.  When he came we were 17th and it's those 8 extra which have got us up to 14th.

I don't hold him culpable of not being able to do more....he's done enough to merit a crack at next season.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: DiV on Monday, April 22, 2019, 20:30:27
Who would you realistically like to get in as manager DV?

Don’t know, don’t think it matters.

Only way we will start moving forward is investing (wasting?) more money into the playing budget.
This is not something that will happen under Lee Power (not a dig at him, he’s *seemingly* a steady owner, getting us stable. He won’t bankroll us)

At best we will tread mid table Division 4 water for numerous years.

The club needs a serious shot in the arm & I don’t think that will ever happen unless we somehow attract an exceedingly wealth owner.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: DiV on Monday, April 22, 2019, 20:32:16
Although I’d always opt for a recently retired pro going into his first job than any manager who has been on the merry-go-round...


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: 4D on Monday, April 22, 2019, 21:16:02
Up top we’ve got nothing, nada, zilch, fuck all.

We've got four forwards?  :sherlock:


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Flashheart on Monday, April 22, 2019, 21:21:49
We've got four forwards?  :sherlock:

And some of them are quite decent at times. It's a shame that they don't seem to know where the fucking net is.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Bogus Dave on Monday, April 22, 2019, 21:26:57
Although I’d always opt for a recently retired pro going into his first job than any manager who has been on the merry-go-round...

Like what we’ve got?


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 21:44:10
I read that as machining he'd rather have a Wellens than a Brown?


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: DiV on Monday, April 22, 2019, 22:01:30
Like what we’ve got?

No.

We hired a manager who already had a sacking & a relegation on his CV.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Monday, April 22, 2019, 22:07:15
Or not what he meant at all:)


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Monday, April 22, 2019, 23:06:28
At least all the hope is gone, it's the least we can ask for in a season.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Jilted John on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 08:41:42
Don’t know, don’t think it matters.
First good post you have made, yes your opinion doesn't matter.

You yourself say you don't watch Swindon any more so how can you have an opinion on somebodys team that you haven't even seen play, stop talking out of your arse, Wellens is a recently retired pro who has played at a decent level with well under 1 season as manager.

Actually watch the team before basing your opinion on reading match reports from others.

I think Wellens will do OK.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Jilted John on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 08:45:22
And before you ask, yes I have been to every match this season.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 08:50:27
At least all the hope is gone, it's the least we can ask for in a season.

Don't you qualify hope with the reality of expectation?  We haven't really had that all season.  There have been perhaps 3 or 4 times this season, whereby there has been a glimmer, but rapidly extinguished.

So, I would identify, the start under Brown after 7 games we were in a PO slot after a steady run.... OK thrashed at Lincoln, but after the summer recruitment it was obvious they'd be there or thereabouts, so unsurprising.  We then had the Bury game at the CG, just relegated, suspected financial problems and a terrible away record.... win in a routine manner and we could be onto something... we lose.  We do bounce back at Yeovil, but it has exposed the home form and Brown never recovers.

Wellens comes in and the thrashing by Carlisle, does raise questions in his mind as to whether we might struggle, but a little three game bounce helps to get a more stable looking mid table place.  A bit of window shopping then brings a further welcome if modest improvement.....  which leads to 3 stand out results.... winning at Tranny, but backing it up by losing at home to Crawley isn't what you need to be doing.  Then winning at Franchise backing it up by beating FGR, yes there was perhaps a glimmer then, but promptly drawing with Grimsby, showed nothing had really changed.  By now it was expected so, there were those like BD, who could identify yes we'd win at Bury, and then as happened fuck up against Yeovil.

It just hasn't been convincing Wellens himself has said it doesn't smell like a promotion squad.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 08:52:20
I personally think that we won't do much better than Wellens and would struggle to get any better manager without major investment from an outside party, which probably won't happen under Power in the near future.

We are playing decent football and creating chances we just don't have a striker/midfielder that can actually hit the back of the net regularly, have said it all season and still will...we need a goal scorer.

Robinson is a good striker but hes not the out and out scorer we need, he would be decent playing alongside a poacher/scorer but we can't rely on his finishing which has gone downhill in the last 4 games after a good start for the club.

Despite the result yesterday and some of the posts on here I am still looking forward to next season and think we will do well with 4 or 5 good signings and removing the deadwood.

Even if it seems not many agree with me judging by many of the comments on here.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: reeves4england on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 09:01:31
It's one thing to say Wellens got 8 more points than Brown in the same amount of games, but another thing entirely to consider where we'd have been had Brown stayed in charge. The squad was totally unbalanced, results were becoming alarming and the team didn't seem to have a decent performance in them. Wellens turned results around, brought in players in the positions we needed and even gave us glimpses of a decent side. For that reason he's worth keeping on for another season.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Flashheart on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 09:06:57
With a goalscorer, so many of those draws would have been wins. Ifs and buts.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 09:07:26
If we take it for granted that there is unlikely to be a major increase in the budget, then I fail to see where/how Wellens can replace the likes of Robinson, Woolery, Anderson etc with anything better.

Unless he and Jewell have something up their sleeve another season of bluster and nearly there beckons.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Flashheart on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 09:14:11
We'll be shifting a lot of dead wood for starters.

Don't forget we do have a 1 in 2 striker in Richards... only age has caught up with him. They are out there. An aging pro with a couple of years left or a non-league starlet. Things may have been very different for us had Richard's legs held out for another season.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 09:19:49
It's one thing to say Wellens got 8 more points than Brown in the same amount of games, but another thing entirely to consider where we'd have been had Brown stayed in charge. The squad was totally unbalanced, results were becoming alarming and the team didn't seem to have a decent performance in them. Wellens turned results around, brought in players in the positions we needed and even gave us glimpses of a decent side. For that reason he's worth keeping on for another season.

But that's the point... that 8 point increment was needed otherwise trouble.... that prospect of trouble was why Brown was sacked.

I don't think I've read anyone on here saying Wellens should go, you'll need to go to the Adver BTL for that....

Wellens is an inexperienced gaffer... after yesterday, a bit of humility might have been called for, hands up admit he fucked up, and don't blame the players.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 09:21:20
If we take it for granted that there is unlikely to be a major increase in the budget, then I fail to see where/how Wellens can replace the likes of Robinson, Woolery, Anderson etc with anything better.

Unless he and Jewell have something up their sleeve another season of bluster and nearly there beckons.
The only way is by good dealing in the loan market, bringing in 2 or 3 good youngsters for this level, such as getting Alzate back and maybe taking a risk on a high scoring youngster at U23 level.

But also if we do indeed lose Taylor, Vigs, Richards, Robertson, Lancashire, Dunne, McGlashan and possibly McCourt/Toums then that will free some high wages enabling us to get better quality but lower quantity. All of those came to us on decent wages we would imagine as all are experienced.

Thats 8 good level wages saved.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 09:27:20
Wellens is an inexperienced gaffer... after yesterday, a bit of humility might have been called for, hands up admit he fucked up, and don't blame the players.
Mark Cooper has managed a decent career as a manager blaming everybody else for his own fuck ups, even blaming the fans at Swindon on a few occassions but never ever himself. Even the FGR fans think he sometimes should blame himself but never ever does.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Berniman on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 09:30:11
Having slept on it i think yesterday was a blessing in disguise.  If the fringe players had turned up yesterday we might have ended up giving contracts to players that would just drop back into mediocrity for next season.  The fact that we were so bad has prompted the reaction from Wellens which is the one that is needed.

Doesn't make it any easier to take after watching that, but at least Wellens is angry enough now to clear the decks of the dross and make the right decision of (almost) completely rebuilding which is different to what he was saying a few weeks ago.

I for one am happy with Wellens at the helm, he has done enough to show he has the potential to do the right things - the fact that he has had his hands tied with the majority of somebody else's squad (years of poor recruitment being mentioned regularly as a reason we find ourselves in the mess that we are) leaves me with the feeling that "if" he is allowed to bring in the players that he wants we will at least be good enough for a play off push next year. 


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 09:35:49
The only way is by good dealing in the loan market, bringing in 2 or 3 good youngsters for this level, such as getting Alzate back and maybe taking a risk on a high scoring youngster at U23 level.

But also if we do indeed lose Taylor, Vigs, Richards, Robertson, Lancashire, Dunne, McGlashan and possibly McCourt/Toums then that will free some high wages enabling us to get better quality but lower quantity. All of those came to us on decent wages we would imagine as all are experienced.

Thats 8 good level wages saved.

Steven Alzate is just the sort of thing you don't need in Div 4 if serious about going up... a Carroll type is required, less talented but horrible.

At this stage I'm not sure it's worth speculating too much about the summer.... we kind of know who'll be out but little of what the budget might be like.  You'd like to think that with Power trying to get a foot in the CG ownership door, that he'll maintain it at present levels in order to at least keep league football at the CG, rather than the usual well income has dropped therefore budget must drop.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 09:43:48
Mark Cooper has managed a decent career as a manager blaming everybody else for his own fuck ups, even blaming the fans at Swindon on a few occassions but never ever himself. Even the FGR fans think he sometimes should blame himself but never ever does.

I guess in the scheme of things, it could be argued that plenty of games in non league and Div 4, with a few higher.... might have been more at a higher level without the slagging off players trait.

You can probably get away with it to an extent in the lower leagues... like PdC,  but you can't when dealing with the egos higher up the food chain.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: reeves4england on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 10:20:30
But that's the point... that 8 point increment was needed otherwise trouble.... that prospect of trouble was why Brown was sacked.

I don't think I've read anyone on here saying Wellens should go, you'll need to go to the Adver BTL for that....

Wellens is an inexperienced gaffer... after yesterday, a bit of humility might have been called for, hands up admit he fucked up, and don't blame the players.

DV has suggested Wellens should go, so there's one. And my point was written in response to that - the danger of underestimating how much we improved under Wellens. We didn't necessarily only improve by 8 points... with Brown we might have finished on 53 points or we might have finished on 43, nobody knows but it certainly wasn't looking good. Basically I agree with you but was trying to make a slightly different point.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: pauld on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 10:21:09
Mark Cooper has managed a decent career as a manager blaming everybody else for his own fuck ups, even blaming the fans at Swindon on a few occassions but never ever himself. Even the FGR fans think he sometimes should blame himself but never ever does.
I'm with Reg on this tbh, think Wellens showed himself up a bit with that, albeit it went down well with the fans but rarely comfortable with a manager who plays to the gallery at the expense of his team. Just because Cooper does it as well, doesn't exactly set a template


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Panda Paws on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 10:22:43
RW has done more than enough to deserve a summer and his own squad. He done better with Brown's team than Brown did.

Also, we know we'll have a budget somewhere in the 6-9 bracket at this level. We need a manager to recruit well and deliver against budget to get in the play-offs. Hardly a miracle is it...


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: THE FLASH on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 10:29:25
Im up to giving him a crack at a whole season.

The lack of a decent striker has meant we are, where we are, as Flasheart says, so many draws could of been wins....woulda, coulda, shoulda...im not a football manager by any means but the majority could see where we lacked...frustrating.



Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Bob's Orange on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 10:32:32
I don’t think we are much worse than Tranmere or FGR but they have Norwood and Doidge (yes I know he missed a chunk of the season pissing about at Bolton) who are both goalscorers and are comfortably play offs.

We had Richards who is basically a 1994 BMW 3 series that has failed its MOT and needs to be scrapped.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: DiV on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 10:41:50
First good post you have made, yes your opinion doesn't matter.

You yourself say you don't watch Swindon any more so how can you have an opinion on somebodys team that you haven't even seen play, stop talking out of your arse, Wellens is a recently retired pro who has played at a decent level with well under 1 season as manager.

Actually watch the team before basing your opinion on reading match reports from others.

I think Wellens will do OK.



Results are there for all to see.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: horlock07 on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 10:47:57
Well, left back is clearly a priority position still.

Bennett didn't follow his man there, think he is probably to blame, but it's not a coincidence that side of the filed is our problem child right now.

Actually, following that Bennett utterly vacated the left side again, allowing them another break.  He's turned into a ghost in defence again.

Bennett did exactly that throughout the first half of the Carlisle game, made the LB (cannot recall who was playing there) look absolutely shite, but he had zero protection from midfield and two men running at him constantly!


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Panda Paws on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 10:52:27
Bennett did exactly that throughout the first half of the Carlisle game, made the LB (cannot recall who was playing there) look absolutely shite, but he had zero protection from midfield and two men running at him constantly!

Coincidentally, it was Knoyle that day too.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 11:02:51
I don’t think we are much worse than Tranmere or FGR but they have Norwood and Doidge (yes I know he missed a chunk of the season pissing about at Bolton) who are both goalscorers and are comfortably play offs.

We had Richards who is basically a 1994 BMW 3 series that has failed its MOT and needs to be scrapped.

For sure if you can find a golascorer then well and good, but a small analysis of the stats reveals you can do OK without one.   Just looking at Lincoln who pissed the league and their leading scorer has 2 more than ours, both take pens, tells you that.  Akinde has played more or less twice the games of Doughty.

Tranny strength has been home form... yet they've only scored 4 more than us, it's been their defensive resilience... 12 conceded v our 26.  basically it means for their goals scored there's more value, the source doesn't matter so much.

Dodge has scored fewer for FGR than Doughty.

In many ways you're better off without a headline scorer for the simple reason, chances are they'll be buggering off at an inconvenient time.... it happened to us with Austin and we went down.  Stockley and Doidge have both done it this season. If you're over reliant on one player you're fucked.

This is why I prefer the Flitcroft 17/18 approach, stock up with numbers, so he went in with Anderson, Woolery, H Smith, Norris, Mullin, none of them particularly been prolific but gives options, he then replaced H Smith with Richards.

With Richards problems, we've effectively been 2 men down, at a cost of maybe 8 potentially important goals.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: horlock07 on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 11:08:15
Coincidentally, it was Knoyle that day too.

Was it..... Not saying that Knoyle is a particularly good LB, however as someone who played as a full back when I did its nigh fucking impossible if the midfielder in front of you just permanently fucks off and plays in the middle, Bennett might be worth keeping as a midfielder but he is a liability if he isn't playing in the middle!

From recollection at Carlisle McCourt got injured, Anderson came on and they reshuffled with Bennett going into the middle and Anderson on the left and we looked a different team after that!


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 11:11:35
As piss poor as we’ve been for much of this season, a win yesterday would have left us 2 points off 7th.

To me that tells you all you need to know about the underlying shitness of this league. Believe me, it ain’t going to take much tinkering/recruiting to get to the POs. Anything better than that would be pushing it, I reckon.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 11:25:56
As piss poor as we’ve been for much of this season, a win yesterday would have left us 2 points off 7th.

To me that tells you all you need to know about the underlying shitness of this league. Believe me, it ain’t going to take much tinkering/recruiting to get to the POs. Anything better than that would be pushing it, I reckon.

By definition Div 4 is never going to be a high standard... the last 3 times we've been in it then auto, has followed.  That's what we should be aiming at.  Reaching the PO's isn't really success in Div 4, you have to get through them and we know how difficult that is.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Bob's Orange on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 11:27:40
For sure if you can find a golascorer then well and good, but a small analysis of the stats reveals you can do OK without one.   Just looking at Lincoln who pissed the league and their leading scorer has 2 more than ours, both take pens, tells you that.  Akinde has played more or less twice the games of Doughty.

Tranny strength has been home form... yet they've only scored 4 more than us, it's been their defensive resilience... 12 conceded v our 26.  basically it means for their goals scored there's more value, the source doesn't matter so much.

Dodge has scored fewer for FGR than Doughty.

In many ways you're better off without a headline scorer for the simple reason, chances are they'll be buggering off at an inconvenient time.... it happened to us with Austin and we went down.  Stockley and Doidge have both done it this season. If you're over reliant on one player you're fucked.

This is why I prefer the Flitcroft 17/18 approach, stock up with numbers, so he went in with Anderson, Woolery, H Smith, Norris, Mullin, none of them particularly been prolific but gives options, he then replaced H Smith with Richards.

With Richards problems, we've effectively been 2 men down, at a cost of maybe 8 potentially important goals.

Doidge’s goals recently have been the difference between FGR being in the play offs and not in my opinion - not that I have done masses of research to back that up!!


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Shrivvy Road on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 11:35:29
I am genuinely worried about Wellens. Probably totally wrong but i just can't get away from the impression he just falls out with far too many people. You really can't do that at this level. What has happened to Broadbent by the way? when he was first dropped they said he needed a little break. 6 weeks later he starts and gets slated in the press.

I was quick to give credit to Wellens after a good run it's only fair to question after a dodgy spell


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Panda Paws on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 11:38:05
I am genuinely worried about Wellens. Probably totally wrong but i just can't get away from the impression he just falls out with far too many people. You really can't do that at this level. What has happened to Broadbent by the way? when he was first dropped they said he needed a little break. 6 weeks later he starts and gets slated in the press.

I was quick to give credit to Wellens after a good run it's only fair to question after a dodgy spell

RW didn't slate Broadbent - he said he was off the pace and looked like he'd been out the team for a few weeks. Perfectly fair and reasonable.

If he brings in his own players, and then falls out with them and slags them off, all while failing miserably, then I'll worry. It's clear he thinks this squad is a few players short of a competitive side, which is a fair enough assessment I think.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 11:45:32
Doidge’s goals recently have been the difference between FGR being in the play offs and not in my opinion - not that I have done masses of research to back that up!!
I think we should make an offer for Danny Rowe of Fylde when they don't win promotion again this season from the National League.

Yes hes recently turned 29 but he has scored 27, 28, 48, 31 and 35 goals in the last 5 seasons and knows where the net is thats for sure, they turned down a bid of £50k in Feb this year for him from an unnamed ex Premier League club and said it was derisory, I think £150k would get him and he still has a good 4 or 5 seasons left.

He scores goals from all over the pitch, hardly any are penalties almost all come from open play and is exactly the type of finisher we need.

He probably doesnt fit the Power type of player what with is age but he does suit the Wellens type of player, as he has gone for Rose, Bennett, Robinson and Broadbent since he arrives, all in the 27 upwards age bracket.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 11:47:02
Doidge’s goals recently have been the difference between FGR being in the play offs and not in my opinion - not that I have done masses of research to back that up!!

For sure in the last 4 games he's scored 4 v Crawley, Macc and Cambridge, which got 3 wins for FGR, but that's more or less half his goals for the season. Definitely handy and had we had someone who could have perhaps done similar in the previous 4 drawn games, things would look better.

We need to find something like Bryan Wade who we got from Trowbridge Town, who wasn't great but had a knack of bundling in important goals in the promo sesons of 85/86 and 86/87 as a squad man.

Wader's finest hour was scoring 4 for Brighton on home debut v Newcastle, coming back into the game after a stint on the dole. It didn't last.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Flashheart on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 11:54:30
Wellens' said Broadbent was rusty. I think he was defending him more than anything.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 12:20:04
and he was, very rusty.  With his background I doubt he'll be too beaten up by being described as such.

I'm still inclined to take Wellens' period in totality, which has been ok so far with most games ending with us as victor or the better of the two teams that just failed to score goals.  The summer recruitment is going to be key, there is the potential he has a bit of budget to play with given the players who are leaving, with the plus being that none of them are currently playing with any regularity by and large.  So he's replacing bench warmers budget with the option to get first teamers.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: 4D on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 12:28:44
Im up to giving him a crack at a whole season.

The lack of a decent striker has meant we are, where we are, as Flasheart says, so many draws could of been wins....woulda, coulda, shoulda...im not a football manager by any means but the majority could see where we lacked...frustrating.



I blame me, if I hadn't attended those two games this season we could have been on level points with Exeter


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Nemo on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 12:40:41
I have just received the push notification from the STFC app notifying me of the full time result yesterday.

Either that was a lot of injury time or some fairly shoddy app work.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Crozzer on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 13:06:30
Having slept on it i think yesterday was a blessing in disguise.  If the fringe players had turned up yesterday we might have ended up giving contracts to players that would just drop back into mediocrity for next season.  The fact that we were so bad has prompted the reaction from Wellens which is the one that is needed.

Doesn't make it any easier to take after watching that, but at least Wellens is angry enough now to clear the decks of the dross and make the right decision of (almost) completely rebuilding which is different to what he was saying a few weeks ago.

I for one am happy with Wellens at the helm, he has done enough to show he has the potential to do the right things - the fact that he has had his hands tied with the majority of somebody else's squad (years of poor recruitment being mentioned regularly as a reason we find ourselves in the mess that we are) leaves me with the feeling that "if" he is allowed to bring in the players that he wants we will at least be good enough for a play off push next year.  


Preseason started after Good Friday's lukewarm (no pun intended) performance against Cambridge, so have to agree. If you want to beat Crewe, you need to break up their play with some physicality.   That's why they struggle most of the time in this league, but they are usually the best footballing side in the lower divisions, when teams allow them to play.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Outletred on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 17:17:55
 Next season we shouldn’t be aiming for play offs- we should be going for automatic.

This should be the minimum- although we are in the basement because we haven’t been good enough- this club belongs at least in League one


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Outletred on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 17:50:02
We really should not be just aiming for playoffs in the basement league- we should be going for automatic.

Yes we are down there on merit but this club should be minimum in league one


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Bob's Orange on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 19:19:23
We really should not be just aiming for playoffs in the basement league- we should be going for automatic.

Yes we are down there on merit but this club should be minimum in league one

Why? (To your second point)


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: 4D on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 19:33:59
Well it's not on performance, probably on history, club size etc.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 20:10:25
Well it's not on performance, probably on history, club size etc.

Next season is the centenary of our arriving in the Football League... before that we'd been a leading Southern League club.... 2 FA Cup semi finals, we won the SL twice, it's standards were comaparable to FL.

In that hundred years most of it has been in the third tier...one top flight season and 18 second tier seasons. It will be our 9th season at Div 4 level.... it's about 66 at Div 3 level.  I don't think it's being greedy or big time Charlie to think that we shoud be getting back there.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: THE FLASH on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 21:38:30
I have just received the push notification from the STFC app notifying me of the full time result yesterday.

Either that was a lot of injury time or some fairly shoddy app work.
[/quote
I have just received the push notification from the STFC app notifying me of the full time result yesterday.

Either that was a lot of injury time or some fairly shoddy app work.
They've been out there all that time and still couldn't score!!


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: 4D on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 22:09:23
They've been out there all that time and still couldn't score!!

You been down the boozer Flash?  :)


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: THE FLASH on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 08:50:03
You been down the boozer Flash?  :)

If i was i wouldnt be pissed with you there... Round dodger...


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: horlock07 on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 09:32:34
Next season is the centenary of our arriving in the Football League... before that we'd been a leading Southern League club.... 2 FA Cup semi finals, we won the SL twice, it's standards were comaparable to FL.

In that hundred years most of it has been in the third tier...one top flight season and 18 second tier seasons. It will be our 9th season at Div 4 level.... it's about 66 at Div 3 level.  I don't think it's being greedy or big time Charlie to think that we shoud be getting back there.

But this means bugger all in a sport that has changed beyond all recognition in the last 10 years of those 100 years, league position now appears to mainly depend on two variables,

a) how much cash the club owners are prepared to throw around, which leads to oddballs like Bournemouth who are fighting miles above their historic station based upon such a criteria or;

b) In more rare cases the quality of the manager, possibly luck in cheap acquisitions and sod the budget, see Accrington as the prime example of that.

In our case it would appear that Power is broadly where we should be (roughly par for the course in L2) in terms of a) but we are not getting there in terms of b), so in combination its falling over, also in terms of managers its worth bearing in mind that of our last few managers one fucked off for more cash when we were doing reasonably well and Ling (who i still think had great potential to meet so many fans expectations both in managerial ability and also being 'one of us' left due to reasons outside the clubs control).

Where we 'historically belong' is nonsense these days, our crowds are roughly average for our division as is our budget, so we are at our natural level as it stands.


Title: Re: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Oaksey Moonraker on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 09:39:58
Next season is the centenary of our arriving in the Football League... before that we'd been a leading Southern League club.... 2 FA Cup semi finals, we won the SL twice, it's standards were comaparable to FL.

In that hundred years most of it has been in the third tier...one top flight season and 18 second tier seasons. It will be our 9th season at Div 4 level.... it's about 66 at Div 3 level.  I don't think it's being greedy or big time Charlie to think that we shoud be getting back there.
And it will be 20 seasons outside the 2nd tier which is the longest period since 1963 and probably another 5-10 years before we get there. 

We were unlucky in 2009/10 and 2014/15 to have good enough teams to go up in a strong 3rd tier with teams like Norwich, Leeds and Bristol City able to throw big money. In true Town style we show the ability to then take a backward step with relegation in 1 or 2 seasons.

There is a whole generation of Town fans who have never seen us play in the second tier which for those watching in the late 80s and 90s took for granted.

Sent from my HTC U11


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: 4D on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 09:45:27
If i was i wouldnt be pissed with you there... Round dodger...

We all were after the Yeovil game  :D


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 10:32:14
But this means bugger all in a sport that has changed beyond all recognition in the last 10 years of those 100 years, league position now appears to mainly depend on two variables,

a) how much cash the club owners are prepared to throw around, which leads to oddballs like Bournemouth who are fighting miles above their historic station based upon such a criteria or;

b) In more rare cases the quality of the manager, possibly luck in cheap acquisitions and sod the budget, see Accrington as the prime example of that.

In our case it would appear that Power is broadly where we should be (roughly par for the course in L2) in terms of a) but we are not getting there in terms of b), so in combination its falling over, also in terms of managers its worth bearing in mind that of our last few managers one fucked off for more cash when we were doing reasonably well and Ling (who i still think had great potential to meet so many fans expectations both in managerial ability and also being 'one of us' left due to reasons outside the clubs control).

Where we 'historically belong' is nonsense these days, our crowds are roughly average for our division as is our budget, so we are at our natural level as it stands.

I wouldn't disagree with most of that, but there has to be room for emotion in football support, and that makes me think we should be in Div 3.

However I am mindful that your analysis means that the present more fluid nature of football, means that perhaps in our present state, we should be aware that dropping out of the league is a possibilty.. and therefore make avoiding that our first goal of the coming season.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Ardiles on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 10:34:49
There is a whole generation of Town fans who have never seen us play in the second tier which for those watching in the late 80s and 90s took for granted.

You're not wrong (that we took it for granted).  I can distinctly remember thinking at our first game in the 3rd tier in 1995 (vs Hull City, away) 'OK, so this is what lower league football looks like'.  It was all a bit of a novelty.  If I knew then how the next 25 yrs would pan out, I'd not have been quite so blasé about it.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Flashheart on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 11:32:28
Wellens said he wants to cut the squad down to 20. A couple short if you ask me, but you'd think he is better qualified to make such decisions than I am. This will also mean offloading up to 3 that are still under contract. I think this would mean the likes of Anderson/Woolery.

Regardless, that's a big cut in terms of playing staff. Assuming the budget remains as it is-ish, that should mean a better quality (albeit small) squad. Provided they spend it wisely, of course.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Flashheart on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 11:35:07
33? I had no idea our squad was that large.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: wheretherealredsare on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 11:42:08
Wellens said he wants to cut the squad down to 20. A couple short if you ask me, but you'd think he is better qualified to make such decisions than I am. This will also mean offloading up to 3 that are still under contract. I think this would mean the likes of Anderson/Woolery.

Regardless, that's a big cut in terms of playing staff. Assuming the budget remains as it is-ish, that should mean a better quality (albeit small) squad. Provided they spend it wisely, of course.

Where was this reported Fh? Seems the Adver and many local rags are not available here.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 11:43:09
Wellens said he wants to cut the squad down to 20. A couple short if you ask me, but you'd think he is better qualified to make such decisions than I am. This will also mean offloading up to 3 that are still under contract. I think this would mean the likes of Anderson/Woolery.

Regardless, that's a big cut in terms of playing staff. Assuming the budget remains as it is-ish, that should mean a better quality (albeit small) squad. Provided they spend it wisely, of course.

I think he's saying 20 of our own and then loans. Think he'll have a problem in getting some of the in contract players out, as no-one will want them.

This will be Wellens first summer squad build, and it looks like having said he wanted to create a spirit, by keeping the squad together as far as it goes, has now opted for the clear out and rebuild.

So we'll have to see.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Wobbly Bob on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 11:44:24
Good point re smaller squad with more quality, then trust our youngsters if injuries or suspensions kick in.

If Twine works on upper body strength over the summer then there is decent enough player there.
If all else fails, just lay Jacob Bancroft across the pitch and there is no way through for the opposition.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 11:54:18
Where was this reported Fh? Seems the Adver and many local rags are not available here.
https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/17594160.richie-wellens-to-slash-swindon-towns-squad-size-this-summer-to-20-and-will-depart-with-more-than-a-dozen-players/


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Power to people on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 12:04:16
I wonder on Will Henry, he has constantly been loaned out managers deciding he needs experience, will be interesting to see if he is either promoted to 2nd choice or released

I'd like to see Rose & Dunne stay, other than that those out of contract can go


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 12:10:18
https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/17594160.richie-wellens-to-slash-swindon-towns-squad-size-this-summer-to-20-and-will-depart-with-more-than-a-dozen-players/

For cost reduction, or increase in quality? Will be interesting.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Flashheart on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 12:13:25
Quote
Thirty three is too much as this level – let’s lower the numbers and increase the quality. I want to put money in the right areas

I think that's quite unambivalent.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Quagmire on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 12:14:55
For cost reduction, or increase in quality? Will be interesting.

You’d think increase in quality. When you have players like Smith, McGlashan and Diagouraga being paid probably decent league 2 wages and not getting a look in, you could spend it elsewhere. Add to that Vigouroux, Taylor and Richards, you’d think those 6 wages alone could be spent on significantly improving the squad.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 12:23:39
I wonder on Will Henry, he has constantly been loaned out managers deciding he needs experience, will be interesting to see if he is either promoted to 2nd choice or released

I'd like to see Rose & Dunne stay, other than that those out of contract can go
For me Rose is a must and on the radio Saturday he said he wanted to sign for next season and that it was 99% there.

Dunne for me has to many flaws and there are way better options out there than him, he has had a few decent games but far too many times he has had awful games and he is petulant too and 3 sendings off and 17 bookings in 50 odd games is too many, he could easily have been sent off on Monday too.

As for Henry, he has been called up to the England U20 squad twice and is still only 20, hes been loaned out to a number of clubs to get experience and then after a few games we get an injury in goal or Vigs decides he doesn't feel like turning up so Henry gets recalled and is unable to complete his loan spell.

Apparently he was playing really well at Supermarine before he was recalled.

We need to keep hold of our youngsters as we have often released players under 23 who with the right blooding could have had a good future at Swindon.

For me we need to keep him and get him playing in the Mickey Mouse cup but also give him some decent loan time as we have tried to do. The new rules allow him to play for our U23 side as well as his loan club so we could keep an eye on him that way and see how he is progressing.

For me we need a 3rd keeper as I am sure RW will get in another 1st team keeper to press LMc for a starting slot.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 12:27:13
You’d think increase in quality. When you have players like Smith, McGlashan and Diagouraga being paid probably decent league 2 wages and not getting a look in, you could spend it elsewhere. Add to that Vigouroux, Taylor and Richards, you’d think those 6 wages alone could be spent on significantly improving the squad.
Pretty much exactly what I posted a couple of pages back, all those will be on good L2 wages and that will free a nice amount for RW to play around with.

On the Rovers forum they suggest we have made them an offer for Bennett which they are considering but the stumbling block is his wages rumoured to be £4k a week.

I think hes shown enough in his loan spell to prove that he would be a good asset at L2 level as Rovers don't seem to want him.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 12:49:20
He feels you Reg:

“Thirty three is too much as this level – let’s lower the numbers and increase the quality. I want to put money in the right areas - wingers that will score and create, strikers that are going to score and centre backs that are going to defend the box well.

“We can fill the other areas accordingly with loan signings.”

I like the plan as well.  The fact he calls out that the players not in the starting XI are taking up more in budget than those he is picking says it all really.  I'd imagine most of the players like Iandolo are goners. 


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: horlock07 on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 12:55:39

However I am mindful that your analysis means that the present more fluid nature of football, means that perhaps in our present state, we should be aware that dropping out of the league is a possibilty.. and therefore make avoiding that our first goal of the coming season.

I think for just about any team in the bottom to divisions that has to be the first objective in any season, this is based upon the fact that long term contracts in lower league football are no longer the norm and most teams start each season with a comparatively new squad. This is why I think another favourite of supporters is now nonsense, namely the predictions of who is going to do well and who isn't, as no one knows how these new squads are going to gel each year its at best a lottery, as an example there have been years recently when I have looked at our squad come August and thought 'we have a chance this year with these players' only for them to be crap when combined into a team.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 12:58:07
Looking at the players in that article:

Rose - new contract
Conroy - new contract
Knoyle - new contract
Henry - new contract?
Dunne - released
McCourt - released
Lancashire - released
Richards - released
Smith - released
Young - released?
Edwards - released
Anderson - in contract, might look to offload
Woolery - in contract, as above, keeps one of them though I think
Dave - in contract, really don't see him being here, but will someone take him?
Taylor - retiring
Robertson - not in the article, gone already?
Broadbent - in contract and wanted
McCormick - in contract and wanted

You add Bennett and Robinson as potential additions to staff that we retain and Doughty who is under contract.

House will probably not return
Woolfenden unlikley
Koiki may come in for a year?
Carroll- he likes him I think, so mght come back for the year

There is a wedge of salary being freed up this summer


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: horlock07 on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 12:58:18

On the Rovers forum they suggest we have made them an offer for Bennett which they are considering but the stumbling block is his wages rumoured to be £4k a week.


Bloody hell £200k a year to be unable to play in a position requested by the manager, and people claim there is no money to be made for players in the lower leagues....


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 13:13:14
I think for just about any team in the bottom to divisions that has to be the first objective in any season, this is based upon the fact that long term contracts in lower league football are no longer the norm and most teams start each season with a comparatively new squad. This is why I think another favourite of supporters is now nonsense, namely the predictions of who is going to do well and who isn't, as no one knows how these new squads are going to gel each year its at best a lottery, as an example there have been years recently when I have looked at our squad come August and thought 'we have a chance this year with these players' only for them to be crap when combined into a team.

Lower league prediction isn't an exact science... but I'd imagine most people had Lincoln, Mansfield and Franchise as likely auto candidates and probably Yeovil and Macc as strugglers.  There's always room for a Notts or Chesterfield though.

As regards our lot..... there wasn't enough in the summer to think we'd be properly competitive....of course some fans will hope for the best, but sometimes reality has to creep in.

This summer Wellens has an opportunity, to get rid of a number of players who don't suit, the style, or are just plain knackered and bring in reinforcements.... sounds easy doesn't it.  Of course the reality is that as an inexperienced gaffer you know the sort of quality you  want, but just can't get, for whatever reason. You then have to start being pragmatic... Flitcroft could pick up someone of Taylor's quality, because he lived locally, probably reckoned he had 2 years left, and probably wasn't looking for silly money.   It's that wheeler dealer aspect that is key... sure Jewell can help here, but it is a big unknown for the summer.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Super Hans on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 13:17:16
Drinks round mine the day Lancashire leaves (and Robertson). Have we had a worse captain than Lancashire?


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Nemo on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 13:24:54
Drinks round mine the day Lancashire leaves (and Robertson). Have we had a worse captain than Lancashire?

Risser? I liked Risser and he tried hard, but he wasn't very good.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 13:28:01
Drinks round mine the day Lancashire leaves (and Robertson). Have we had a worse captain than Lancashire?

It's not so much the identifying of players who need to go..... that's easy. It's getting in players who are substantially better.  Think back to when Flitcroft had to do a rapid rebuild and it was something like he was talking to 5 players for each spot... it's highly likely that he wanted better than Lancashire and Robertson, but couldn't get them, so at some point you have to accept with the season about to start you have to compromise.  Last summer we wanted Preston, but it ws obvious he'd go to Mansfield.

It'll be interesting to see if we revisit Nelson....


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 13:40:20
It'll be interesting to see if we revisit Nelson....
He hasn't won the fans over at Tranmere. I guess it depends on if hes won Mellon round, also could depend on whether they get promoted or not if they can afford or even want Nelson again next season or if he fancies a move up there.

RW spoke before a game a few weeks back when questioned and he said he would like Nelson back but it was out of his hands now, hinting that he has asked Power but its up to him to negotiate.

I would like Nelson back hes one of the few defenders in many many years that gives everything when he plays.

Millwall have told him he can leave in the Summer too according to their forum.



Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: pauld on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 13:41:19
Where we 'historically belong' is nonsense these days, our crowds are roughly average for our division as is our budget, so we are at our natural level as it stands.
Actually we have the 5th highest average gate in L2, we'd be top of the bottom half in L1, so using attendances as an indicator would back up a "natural" 3rd rather than 4th tier:
https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/league-two/attendances
https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/league-one/attendances


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: pauld on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 13:44:45
https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/17594160.richie-wellens-to-slash-swindon-towns-squad-size-this-summer-to-20-and-will-depart-with-more-than-a-dozen-players/
I think the most astonishing thing about that article is that the headline writer appears to not know the difference between "depart" (to leave) and "part" (separate). As it stands he's suggesting that Wellens is going to slash the squad to 20 then fuck off himself with the ones he's kicked out in some kind of managerial hari-kiri. I know local papers are cutting back and all but surely a basic knowledge of English is a prerequisite to be a journalist at any level?


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: horlock07 on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 13:56:08
It's not so much the identifying of players who need to go..... that's easy. It's getting in players who are substantially better.  Think back to when Flitcroft had to do a rapid rebuild and it was something like he was talking to 5 players for each spot... it's highly likely that he wanted better than Lancashire and Robertson, but couldn't get them, so at some point you have to accept with the season about to start you have to compromise.  Last summer we wanted Preston, but it ws obvious he'd go to Mansfield.

It'll be interesting to see if we revisit Nelson....

The big pressure with having a small squad will be getting it right as there will be considerably less wriggle room for duff purchases/loans and thus more scope for it to go royally tits up without the safety net of between windows purchases/loans.

You don't want to revisit Nelson, its still a shit tip just outside Burnley!


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 14:07:49
I know Reg deems Alzate the kind of player we don’t need to get out ofL2, but idfancy him back playing under Wellens.

The ‘style’ he is attempting to impose could well be attractive to those clubs higher up the food chain looking to loan out their talented little darlings.

Thinking about it, wasn’t that the point of Luke’s being manager.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: wheretherealredsare on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 14:14:11
https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/17594160.richie-wellens-to-slash-swindon-towns-squad-size-this-summer-to-20-and-will-depart-with-more-than-a-dozen-players/

Adver etc. not available here as in blocked.



Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 14:27:41
I know Reg deems Alzate the kind of player we don’t need to get out ofL2, but idfancy him back playing under Wellens.

The ‘style’ he is attempting to impose could well be attractive to those clubs higher up the food chain looking to loan out their talented little darlings.

Thinking about it, wasn’t that the point of Luke’s being manager.

Luke also wanted a smaller squad rather than players around not doing much... I still maintain and nothing I've seen this season has changed my mind, that any loan kids should be a bit of icing on the cake.  Your core should be your own and football hardened types.  Either that or if they are to be in spine positioins have plenty of bodies around so you're not over reliant..... relying on Bayo as sole CF last summer was ridiculous, despite what some said about Woolery being able to cover for him, remembering it took him a while to get back from injury. OK it was unfortunate that Richards got injured pre season.  However I think if you're serious you have to factor in such eventualities in squad building.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 16:48:52
I'd have Alzate back, but the point being made by Reg needs to be catered for first - add someone like Nelson and two centre forwards first.  Alzate would be a better Anderson in my book.  Less ability on the ball but seemed to find a pass and could score a few played in the right position.

I thinkg we can take what Wellens has added so far as the guide - so Broadbent > Lancashire, Rose > everyone bar Doughty that we had before.  Nelson would be better than Robertson, so three permanent players, if he signed Nelson, that were improvements.  I think we need a better version of a Dunne - that's sort of what Carroll was for I tihink.  And we need two up top that are better than the empty gap we have there right now.  Then at least one player better than Woolery/Anderson would be ideal and a left back.  Alzate, assuming on loan would be what you'd add to supplement that.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 16:56:05
I can’t have Anderson being better on the ball than Alzate. Even though his season ended well before Xmas, I’d hazard a guess Alzate scored more than Anderson - at worst, not much in it.

I loved watching Alzate


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 16:58:48
I'd have Alzate back

Well you did say he was the best player you'd seen in Div 4 this season.... so no surprise really.  Wellens tbf probably knows a bit about the midfield, so if he wanted to re visit Alzate, then fair enough.... back injuries though in one so young, could be a problem for the lad.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 17:06:02
I can’t have Anderson being better on the ball than Alzate. Even though his season ended well before Xmas, I’d hazard a guess Alzate scored more than Anderson - at worst, not much in it.

I loved watching Alzate

Anderson has cracking close ball control- he is just shit at everything else.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 17:16:39
I'd have Alzate back

Id that the new colloquial term for a stress fracture?


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: ronnie21 on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 19:10:03
He did sign two players in the last window "for the future", cannot think he will discard them without playing them.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Frigby Daser on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 19:34:59
He did sign two players in the last window "for the future", cannot think he will discard them without playing them.

I always wonder about those signings. Probably genuine signings - they’re low risk and could end up being decent. Another part of me wonders if an agent has said, sign so and so, and I’ll give you first dibs on this player.... I do wonder why we have seen youth teamers on the bench and not either of Curran or McGilp.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 20:02:15
Wasn't one of them a friend for Clem?


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 20:25:35
Wasn't one of them a friend for Clem?

That was the assumption a sort of Harry Agombar, without the GBH threat.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Quagmire on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 20:42:22
I always wonder about those signings. Probably genuine signings - they’re low risk and could end up being decent. Another part of me wonders if an agent has said, sign so and so, and I’ll give you first dibs on this player.... I do wonder why we have seen youth teamers on the bench and not either of Curran or McGilp.

You have to have a youth teamer/home grown player on the bench/squad.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Frigby Daser on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, 21:38:47
You have to have a youth teamer/home grown player on the bench/squad.

Of course - puts my conspiracy theory to bed! Curran for POY next year then.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 07:37:57
Carroll- he likes him I think, so mght come back for the year

Talk of that in the Adver... however in the most vague terms,  probably along completely theoretical lines.  I'm sure there are a lot of players Wellens would like, but can he get?


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Flashheart on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 08:48:03
Sounds like Carroll will be offered a contract.

Good, I say. I like him. He's gritty.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Quagmire on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 08:52:17
Isn’t he under contract at Brentford until 2020?


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: tans on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 08:53:50
Probably get a season lomg loan, which i would not be averse to at all


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Flashheart on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 08:56:51
The adver seem to think it will be permanent... but it is the adver. They may have spelled 'season-long loan' incorrectly.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 08:57:21
Isn’t he under contract at Brentford until 2020?

May well be... it's in the Adver, so should be taken with a pinch of salt.  It does serve the purpose that they quote Wellens post match and pre match thoughts and spread them out over the week, but I wouldn't trust the interpretation too much, as the hacks seem to know little about football.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Quagmire on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 08:59:51
From the Brentford official site in August last year...

Quote
Canice Carroll has joined Brentford B from Oxford United for an undisclosed fee.

The 19-year-old defender put pen to paper on a two-year deal today, Thursday 9 August, which includes the option for an extra year.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 09:02:25
From the Brentford official site in August last year...


So it would likely involve a fee.... therefore won't happen, unless Brentford have decided that he really isn't their sort of player and want to help him out.

Mayhap a loan....


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 09:09:11
Well it seems pretty obvious having watched him that he will be nowhere near Brentfords first team for a few years to come if ever, but in L2 he is a nasty dirty niggly bastard who could and will improve in time and I would want him to sign for us.

Power has paid money for players in the past so why not now?


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: FreddySTFC! on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 09:47:01
Wasn't one of them a friend for Clem?
Where was this rumoured then?


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Abrahammer on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 09:48:02
Power has paid money for players in the past so why not now?

Exactly, it wouldn’t be remotely close to 6 figures either so it’s absolutely possible  


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: FreddySTFC! on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 09:50:22
Would be happy with Carroll coming in. Exactly what we need at this level & is young so time for improvement. Should hopefully hurry up the departures of Dunne & McCourt aswell then.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 10:16:47
Well it seems pretty obvious having watched him that he will be nowhere near Brentfords first team for a few years to come if ever, but in L2 he is a nasty dirty niggly bastard who could and will improve in time and I would want him to sign for us.

Power has paid money for players in the past so why not now?

After a little flurry of buys, like Obika and Michael Smith, which seemed to have been more aimed at something happening on the pitch, rather than hoping for a fat sell on.... we've only possibly had Vigs and Wollery in recent years, both seemingly in the hope of a profit. 

We live in hope that Power might be bored with being mid table Div 4 side, and therefore start looking at the significant strengthening required.... but I've seen nothing recently to think it likely.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 10:35:49
Broadbent, Curran, McGilp, Woolery, Anderson, Richards and Vigs were all signed for an undisclosed fee and were not free transfers so your argument doesn't really stand up that Power doesn't pay fees for players.

Why ruin a good moan with facts?


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 11:18:51
Broadbent, Curran, McGilp, Woolery, Anderson, Richards and Vigs were all signed for an undisclosed fee and were not free transfers so your argument doesn't really stand up that Power doesn't pay fees for players.

Why ruin a good moan with facts?

Last year we spent 20K on agent's fees.... so yes often there is a fee involved in a seemingly "free" transfer, + tieing up other contractual loose ends, hence why they're undisclosed.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Abrahammer on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 11:33:52
They are undisclosed so you, i and nobody else knows how much was paid for any of those players.

Your agent fee explanation is nothing more than a guess, certainly not a fact


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 11:40:32
They are undisclosed so you, i and nobody else knows how much was paid for any of those players.

Your agent fee explanation is nothing more than a guess, certainly not a fact

The agent fee thing gives you an indicator.... nothing more. But obviously as agents take a % of any fees... the higher the agent fee the higher the transfer fee.  There may be the odd player who doesn't have an agent.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 11:43:47
Where was this rumoured then?

It wasn't :-)

One of the lads is Australian and Clem had just done a piece at the time talking about the need for a path for development of Australian youth talent to the English leagues and he was hoping to get involved in that in his role.  2+2=5 and a rubbish joke.

On fees - Anderson was significant as I remember the description at the time and Woolery was certainly six figures because FGR leaked the fact someone had outbid them and they had bid something like 150k.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 11:47:27
Would be happy with Carroll coming in. Exactly what we need at this level & is young so time for improvement. Should hopefully hurry up the departures of Dunne & McCourt aswell then.

I'm not sure his arrival will have much influence on those two leaving, I'd imagine they go anyway.  If you combined them you might have a half decent player, but Dunne looks like he got into football by winning a windmill arm running competition and McCourt has Arthritis.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 12:01:50
  By way of a change of subject....  have I missed the PotY in the Adver for this season.  Or are they no longer going to bother? 

  Of course, it's possible that there just hasn't really been anyone good enough to merit it.  I did have a little think at the weekend, and couldn't come up with an obvious name... 


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Paolo69 on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 12:09:34
We're mid table Reg. We've lacked consistency but have stayed up by the skin of our teeth. Surely even in your world can find someone?


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 12:20:35
We're mid table Reg. We've lacked consistency but have stayed up by the skin of our teeth. Surely even in your world can find someone?

Often in a disappointing season the keeper gets some votes... however I think even previous Vigs apologists have given up on him.

Knoyle has been steady, but not really done much, and Michael Doughty hasn't played too often which holds his candidature back.

I've liked Woolf, but you don't want a loan being PotY.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 13:49:45
So if e got Carroll and we sign up Rose, add in Doughty you probably need one more for the central slots and get rid of everyone else on the books/off the books this summer.  I'd like to think we'd try and fill that fourth slot with a player with a bit physical presence and some legs on them - Rose can sit and dictate, Carroll is niggly but can ping a ball, Doughty is all about the creative so release him.  Add in that athletic type of player and you have a good mix - a younger version of Dave really (he may still be here and be fit, I doubt it though).


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Thursday, April 25, 2019, 15:02:39
Well Bennett has thrown his hat in the ring about a perm transfer.

https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/17597959.swindon-town-loanee-kyle-bennett-admits-he-would-be-interested-in-turning-his-loan-deal-into-a-permanent-one-in-the-summer/


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: horlock07 on Friday, April 26, 2019, 08:53:32
Well Bennett has thrown his hat in the ring about a perm transfer.

https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/17597959.swindon-town-loanee-kyle-bennett-admits-he-would-be-interested-in-turning-his-loan-deal-into-a-permanent-one-in-the-summer/

As long as he is limited to the centre of the pitch, might be a good buy?


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Friday, April 26, 2019, 08:56:12
If I'm honest I'm not sure I know what a good buy is any more. We are in division 4, we probably don't pay stunning wages. What is a good buy?!

I think my expectations are too high.

Bennet has done well in some games, not so well in others. Seems OK to me


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Friday, April 26, 2019, 09:09:55
If I'm honest I'm not sure I know what a good buy is any more. We are in division 4, we probably don't pay stunning wages. What is a good buy?!

I think my expectations are too high.

Bennet has done well in some games, not so well in others. Seems OK to me
Exactly, thats the type of player we can attract...inconsistant but with some games he is unplayable, other times he is a passenger.

Its gambling that one moment of skill can change a game, almost a luxury player but I think he offers more than that.

It took him 3 games before he could even pass a ball to a Town player but on 2 or 3 other games hes been head and shoulders above the rest of them, hes a 1 in 2 or 2 in 3 performer, but thats still a better average than most of the rest of our attacking players.

If he is played in an advanced roaming role then he will do well, if he is stuck out wide left he is poor.

I think he would be a huge asset in Div 4 and for me offers more than every midfielder/attacker we currently have except for possibly Doughty. But saying that Doughty is good but he too is inconsistant also.

Bennett has scored 1 in 3 for Town and scored 1 in 3 for Doncaster (110 games) playing as a number 10 alongside/behind a good target man, thats a 15 goals a season average which is way better than anything we have now.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: horlock07 on Friday, April 26, 2019, 09:11:30
Exactly, thats the type of player we can attract...inconsistant but with some games he is unplayable, other times he is a passenger.

Its gambling that one moment of skill can change a game, almost a luxury player but I think he offers more than that.

It took him 3 games before he could even pass a ball to a Town player but on 2 or 3 other games hes been head and shoulders above the rest of them, hes a 1 in 2 or 2 in 3 performer, but thats still a better average than most of the rest of our attacking players.

If he is played in an advanced roaming role then he will do well, if he is stuck out wide left he is poor.

I think he would be a huge asset in Div 4 and for me offers more than every midfielder/attacker we currently have except for possibly Doughty. But saying that Doughty is good but he too is inconsistant also.

Bennett has scored 1 in 3 for Town and scored 1 in 3 for Doncaster playing as a number 10 alongside a good target man, thats a 15 goals a season average which is way better than anything we have now.

The issue is that with a squad of 20, is there room for luxury players?


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Friday, April 26, 2019, 09:12:30
The issue is that with a squad of 20, is there room for luxury players?
If that luxury player can return 15 goals in a season then yes. Thats more than any other player has managed for us this season.

Thats more than Bayo, Anderson and Woolery have scored between them all season.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Friday, April 26, 2019, 09:45:37
If I'm honest I'm not sure I know what a good buy is any more. We are in division 4, we probably don't pay stunning wages. What is a good buy?!
I think my expectations are too high.

I'd have thought the last few seasons would tell you not to expect much.... that way you're not disappointed.

We're competing with a bunch of other clubs at a similar level for a certain grade of player... whether on loan or getting on a free.  We don't have too many selling points.., and don't pay silly money (which is fair enough) 

So for example, Matt Preston who we wanted, was always going to Mansfield, because like the manager saw them as a better prospect.  Harry Toffolo would have been a good solution to the LB problem, I'm sure all Town fans were a little surprised he dropped down to Div 4... not with us mind.

Sometimes the reasons why these types don't come often isn't just money... but perception of career advancement or just geography.

The sort of players we pick up are the likes of Bayo... who last season had a loan stint at Cheltnumb, Sid, who did Yeovil and Chesterfield and Jak McCourt who also got relegated with Chesterfield.   Jermaine McG also had a spell at Cheltnumb on his CV.

I suspect Wellens is being a bit naive with his wanting better quality rather than numbers.... he's never had to do a summer recruitment, so dangerous times ahead. 

I worry about the thinking behind hanging Jermaine McG out to dry... I would call it incoherent, but will only get told off... for me, yes we can all see JMc isn't up to much, but he does seem at least professional, has a year left on contract, and if you can move him on then fair enough.  If not I don't see that he's done anything to warrant the criticism... a better approach would be, after failing to move him on, would be can we get some use out of him... coming off the bench perhaps. Like at Macc.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: reeves4england on Friday, April 26, 2019, 10:00:40
We don't have too many selling points.., and don't pay silly money (which is fair enough)

...

I suspect Wellens is being a bit naive with his wanting better quality rather than numbers.... he's never had to do a summer recruitment, so dangerous times ahead.

Isn't the whole point of the latter to deal with the former? Lower numbers allows more funds to bring in the better quality, giving us a competitive advantage in one area at least. Of course, you're right about the recruitment needing to be right, but I think having Jewell on board should help and the signs from the January window are, for me, encouraging.

Will Wellens put together a top 3/top 7 side for next year? I don't know. But I think he might.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Batch on Friday, April 26, 2019, 10:00:45
Well Reg, I agree with a lot of what you say. I guess I saw the reduction to 20 as a sign we were maybe breaking the wage structure and upping it a bit, thus making us more attractive.

I have no idea how slagging McG puts him in the shop window. I guess scouts are savvy enough to ignore anything that a manager says and look at the player themselves.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: horlock07 on Friday, April 26, 2019, 10:05:13
If that luxury player can return 15 goals in a season then yes. Thats more than any other player has managed for us this season.

Thats more than Bayo, Anderson and Woolery have scored between them all season.

Not disagreeing with you, although I am unconvinced about Bennett based upon 20 minutes at Carlisle.

As I have said elsewhere my slight concern is that by limiting his squad to 20 you are only ever going to have 2 players outside the squad each weekend, with our recent history of pretty shitty scatter gun recruitment its a risk....


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Friday, April 26, 2019, 10:12:11
I presume he means 20 of ‘our’ players bolstered by the usual 5 loanees.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Peter Venkman on Friday, April 26, 2019, 10:15:18
Not disagreeing with you, although I am unconvinced about Bennett based upon 20 minutes at Carlisle.

As I have said elsewhere my slight concern is that by limiting his squad to 20 you are only ever going to have 2 players outside the squad each weekend, with our recent history of pretty shitty scatter gun recruitment its a risk....
TBF to Bennett, the Carlisle game was possibly his poorest for Town other than his first 2 appearances. He has been my MoM on at least 3 occassions this season.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Friday, April 26, 2019, 10:23:30
Well Reg, I agree with a lot of what you say. I guess I saw the reduction to 20 as a sign we were maybe breaking the wage structure and upping it a bit, thus making us more attractive.

I have no idea how slagging McG puts him in the shop window. I guess scouts are savvy enough to ignore anything that a manager says and look at the player themselves.

There may well be a Conference, or bigger Conference S, who would take Jermaine... after all Ricky Shakes has had 400 odd games mostly at that sort of level and at 34 as far as I know still going.  It will depend whether he wants to sit on his arse or play.

We haven't got the large squad by strategy, but rather churn... new manager wants new players, then change and incoming doesn't rate them, wants his own... repeat.  So those players will have been recruited at the sort of money we'll be paying next season, assuming Power doesn't trim the budget, but keeps it as it is.

Jewell is going to be key in this..as Reeves pointed out, Jan recruitment wasn't too bad... certainly we picked up a bit as a consequence.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: RobertT on Friday, April 26, 2019, 12:33:48
I presume he means 20 of ‘our’ players bolstered by the usual 5 loanees.

That's what I read into it as well.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Friday, April 26, 2019, 14:33:45
That's what I read into it as well.

Trouble is the standard of journalism in the Adver is so poor, that you have to be careful constructing anything on the back of it.  This is even ignoring any attempt at interpretation and assumming the quoting of Wellens is accurate.

For example, one of Wellens points was that our better players were the loanees.... presumably he said that next season he wanted our own players to be the better players.  Thast's not what was written yeserday... it was repeated as next seson he again wants our better players to be the loanees.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Panda Paws on Friday, April 26, 2019, 16:43:45
Rule 1 with the adver - don't read into it all. Listen to RW's press conferences and make your own judgments, rather than reading a quotes piece in that rag 4 days later.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: pauld on Friday, April 26, 2019, 17:09:30
Given the Adver couldn't tell the (rather important) difference between "parts" and "departs" in the headline, I'd say PP's advice is solid. All they print is a garbled version of the BBC interview and they can't be trusted to get that right.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Costanza on Friday, April 26, 2019, 17:17:14
Given the Adver couldn't tell the (rather important) difference between "parts" and "departs" in the headline

Somebody corrected the journalist on this error on Twitter.

I sympathise with their current situation but the reply was a little OTT...

Quote
"Yep correct! Mistakes happen, and will continue to happen amid cuts - tricky to go a couple of days without making an error when you have to attend, drive, write, sub, web, photograph & promote stories daily. Plus we have weekly deadlines to hit etc."


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Flashheart on Friday, April 26, 2019, 17:53:52
A couple of days? This lot struggle to go a couple of sentences without an error. Given my line of work, I think the odd typo should be forgiven but their amount of errors is unforgivable.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Friday, April 26, 2019, 17:59:27
Never been the same since they moved to fucking Oxford.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Panda Paws on Friday, April 26, 2019, 21:18:29
A couple of days? This lot struggle to go a couple of sentences without an error. Given my line of work, I think the odd typo should be forgiven but their amount of errors is unforgivable.

Number of errors. Forgivable, as you say.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Flashheart on Friday, April 26, 2019, 21:25:01
Number of errors. Forgivable, as you say.

Yep. If I were paid to post here then I would proof my posts. I also wouldn't post after having had a few.

I know it is difficult. It is common knowledge that the brain automatically corrects mistakes so they don't get noticed. I often find myself skim-reading pieces without realising, and then have to go back and start again. Then, when I try to focus on spelling and grammar, I find myself focusing on individual words rather than the meaning of the sentence.

I know how difficult it is.

But the numbers of errors from the adver is still not acceptable.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: suttonred on Saturday, April 27, 2019, 05:23:36
A couple of days? This lot struggle to go a couple of sentences without an error. Given my line of work, I think the odd typo should be forgiven but their amount of errors is unforgivable.

BBC is as bad. The education tables say over the last 10 years students leaving school and uni are brighter than ever. Utter fiddle, and it's getting worse.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: The Artist Formerly Known as Audrey on Saturday, April 27, 2019, 12:27:10
Adver at it again in a piece about Wellens moaning about players being complacent.

Twice using ‘personal’ instead of ‘personnel’.

Spell checker is all well and good but it can’t decipher context.


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Flashheart on Saturday, April 27, 2019, 12:33:17
Grammarly picks it up, and it's free to use:

(https://i.imgur.com/dwyMI5t.jpg)


Title: Re: Swindon v Crewe - matchday thread traditionally created on the match day
Post by: Wobbly Bob on Saturday, April 27, 2019, 12:52:10
The Newsquest websites are awful and to be avoided if possible.

Was recently picked out as part of a national survey on sport and recreation habits etc.
The questioner who popped round was Jon Murray, former reporter on STFC at the Adver post Clive King. A thoroughly nice bloke, but is now a freelancer concentrating mainly on that lot at the other end of the A420.