Thetownend.com

Town to make midday statement
           


  SWINDON Town will make a statement tomorrow regarding their new manager.

           

http://www.thisisswindontownfc.co.uk/news/headlines/9038510.Town_to_make_midday_statement/?ref=rss
           

He may be a facist, but he's our facist.... :headhurts:

How nostalgic

Are the bringing in Baghdad Bob to announce it?

Could this finally be the news we've all been waiting for  :hmmm:

Midday?  Have they now respect for tradition?  5pm, it should be 5pm. :furious:

Appointing a manager is a bit like buying a house...

Are we getting gazumped ?

Town to make midday statement, to make an announcement  to clarify the club's situation regarding the appointment of a new manager not made on wednesday. :smack:

As mentioned in the twitter thread, it's thought (by Gary Rose) that Di Canio has verbally agreed.

Phew .... With the advers track record Hamann is still very much in the mix then!

I'm nervously excitedly shitting myself.


Part of me is thinking "can't wait for tomorrow and Di Canio being showed off to the press".

The other part of me is thinking "a statement ? what fucking statement?! Please don't fuck this up board!"

I thought statement ? why a statement, why not call a press conference to announce it

He might be yours. You're fucking welcome to him. And it's spelled fascist

A statement is an announcement

It's either the Advertiser trying to back themselves if nothing happens.

Or it'll be a...

"We have agreed a deal with [insert whoever it is here] and they will sign a deal on Monday"

Yeah, that would make sense. Statement to confirm identity tomorrow, followed by formal "unveiling" (still hoping for that dust sheet) press conference later on

That would be suicidal.

Another club (Brentford) could then come in with a better offer to said candidate and snatch them from under our noses.

And if they do and he goes then we have dodged a bullet.

lets hope it is Di canio
im getting bored with all this waiting now tbh

whats all this about losing a sponsor? the only thing ive found out about this is the gmb w15 branch have to pull out.
some kind of publisher im guessing.

I'm not really bothered with the wait (well...)

If it is Di Canio, I suppose the Board have had to call all the sponsors to see if they would walk RE: the Roman chaps political idealogies.

well this so called sponsor is not one of the main sponsors.
Its just free advertising for season tickets in some sort of branch newsletter and they pay to use our conference facilities

Any publicity is good publicity as they say ....

True, but at first it came across as something which could possibly sway the decision to hire pdc but i seriously doubt that

Samsung, EA Sports and 442 don't seem bothered !

But what do they do now?

Pull out regardless of the media coverage the club will get? They may have shot themselves in the foot there.

Will Lumps ever grace the CG again, even if we are murdering the league we are in?

Over the last 12 months we have provided £350 in direct sponsorship, £3500 in business to the conference/catering arm, and provided a free advert for season tickets in our branch newsleter with distribution of 5000.

Small beer compared to some big sponsors, but we have a genuine commitment to the club.

STFC is popular with our members, and the club has a good commitment to the community and is familly friendly.

We love Swindon Town FC, and want to continue supporting them, but obviously given the anti-fascist commitment of our union, we could not associate our brand wth a club that has an explicitly fascist manager

Fuck knows who they are

I suppose if the sponsors pull out we could always get Max Mosley - maybe the ladies around the corner could strut their stuff in Nazi uniforms and earn a few quid.

I have this image of Wray and Watkins sat either side of di canio with a White sheet over his head and half way through the conference di canio asking if he can take it off now and being told "Not until Monday"

would it be quite a pointy White sheet with eye holes

They're the local branch of one of Britain's biggest trade unions:

http://www.gmb.org.uk/home.aspx

And no they're not a major sponsor, as they acknowledge. Won't make a whit of difference to the club's bottom line as they well know, it's a stand on a point of principle

yes the burning cross would have to stay outside for health safety reasons

Ah makes sense, Fuck 'em then  ;D

Please be Di Canio  8)

If it is di Canio, will people start gloating in the faces of those of us who do care about his politics? If so I think I'll follow Lumps.

No.

Politics doesn't interest me in the slightest.

All I care about is STFC and getting a passionate, winning team back.

I understand why PDC splits opinions but I fucking love him already :D

I wonder if at the press conference PDC political beliefs will be brought up?

If anyone does feel the need to stop supporting the club for this reason can I just ask that you act swiftly as pulling out as a sponsor/getting a refund of your season ticket or whatever it is you feel the need to do? We don't need division next season we need unity.

I appreciate his politics aren't most peoples cup of tea, but how do we know that any of our managers ever have been? Wilson could vote BNP for all we know. He's here to do his best for Swindon Town and that's what matters

I couldnt give two hoots about his politics, one of the reasons I'm not keen on the (possible) appointment is that I don't feel a excitable, crazy, combustable live wire is what the club needs at this moment.

That and the obvious media circus that will surround the whole appointment.

But saying that, I reserve the right (if he turns out to be some kind of managerial mastermind) to be first in the queue to tug him off.

I don't think his politics will change my support for Town.

I just hope nobody on here starts gloating about the fact some people will be turned off from supporting Swindon by his appointment.

I wont be gloating but at the same time then if he is appointed is everyone going to still bang on about his beliefs.

Not the news i wanted to be hear, don't see any sense in that appointment, Any how the adver have been wrong more than once before!

I hope not too because like many of us, if they thought it was irrelevant before then it still is now. Some of our fans like to use any excuse to have a pop at fans they don't agree with though so there may be a bit of it.

Hope it's Di Canio, I can see next year being the most exciting for years ( bar maybe last year) in the last 20.

Done. Now you've got to delete yours quoting mine :)

Done

pauld is being silenced and he doesn't even realise it.

Mmmffffmmmmmfffmmmm :)

[mischievous] Also, its depressing knowing that whoever we appoint, Di Canio/Hammann etc, we'll probably be looking for another manager this time next year. Either because the appointed manager is total shite and has been sacked, or they've been amazing and get poached by a better/bigger club...

Oh, and when I say a better/bigger club, I mean sadly it'll be some wanking, shitty, middle of the road team like Middlesbrough or Crystal Palace.

Positive thinking and all that. :D :D  [/mischievous]

Ah that would happen regardless.

All I ask is one whole season (if they're doing well).

I see Di Canio has a UEFA Pro coaching license, probably means as much as a GCSE in Home Economics. But it must mean he has at least got a bit of flair for this coaching lark, hopefully he takes to management like a duck to water.

Hmm. I agree with Sonic on this one I think. Would rather have seen the other two but I hope he does well as I hope they all do well.

And if he doesnt, I'm sure the resulting meltdown will be hilarious.... all headbutts, ref shoves, 'roman' salutes and tears.

All I want is at least one stereotypical 'mamma mia!' mentioned in a press conference. I similiarly wanted Macari to utter a 'Hoots Man!' at least once.... but he never did... I cry nightly about it, I mop my tears with an old Tam O' Shanter (complete with comedy ginger wig).

well it's gonna be brilliant or an absolute disaster.
fuck it,lets get on the di canio train and see where it takes us.a new stfc cult hero may just be born tomorrow.
di canio's red and white army!!!!!!

Its bound to be Dietmar Hammann now after all this Di Canio love.

Well embraced Arriba. Its going to be interesting. Interesting good or bad I do not know.

Its good he sees us as a club he can start his career with though. Must think he can do well here, he wouldn't want to kill his managerial career before it begun.

I think Di Canio's passion, enthusiasm and drama will give the whole Town a lift, not just STFC.

We need the excitement, and now we are going to get it.

That's my main worry. I've tried to stay out of the politics side, because for one I know nothing about it and two choose to make my own mind up about someone.

It's why in some ways, as much as I want PDC, I also want us all pulling in the same direction and it worries me that if under him there's a fair portion of contempt directed at him from the off, it could be divisive.

I hope those who didn't want PDC, give the bloke a chance on the off-chance he's a good manager, a good bloke and there's more than a smattering of typical journalism sprinkled into his character. Who knows though, it might be Tisdale announced tomorrow for all we know?!

It would beat  ;) the Robinettes

I still don't think that many will care about his political stance.

Its more whether he can do the job, and if he can will he'll stick around.

Indeed, sensible uniting type words.  However, much as I will grit and grind my teeth and indeed give the bloke a chance, I'm actually more concerned about the process that keeps delivering these absurd outcomes.  Malpas, Hart and by the looks of it, Di Canio.  Who the fuck next?  Victor Chandler might as well keep his book handy because I don't think it'll be gathering much dust.

TOTALLY AGREE

I don't know how you can put Di Canio in the same bracket as Malpas and Hart.

You also seem to have omitted DW

Just reading the Wikipedia entry (must be true) - btw when can we have some fun with that, it would put the Benyon evening to shame.

Anyway I cannot believe that he has a bar/lounge named after him at Upton Park - he only played 118 times for West Ham. On the basis that Pooky played over 100 games for us, and Daisy Duke over 200 (really I cannot believe that) - I think its only right we follow WHU lead and honour those stalwarts of the club!

He would beat the Robinettes.... allegedly

So? Its about quality not quantity.

Marco Van Basten retired aged 28. Doesnt mean he wasnt a legend.

Come drink at the "The Pook n' Duke Arms"

Its got a ring to it.

Believe it....

[url width=300 height=300]http://www.whufc.com/javaImages/84/0/0,,12562~9044100,00.jpg[/url]

Exactly. A good example relating to us is Fjortoft, clearly a legend but didn't play that many games for us.

[IMG]http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo177/archstanton1973/012562904410000.jpg[/url]

I think the "Dook & Puke" would be a more appropriate name for it...

Ha ha ha

Ace.  :D

That arm looks suspiciously straightened.

My old man has just text me saying that it's going to be Calderwood?!

Legend and all that, but no ta.

I have a horrible feeling it may not be DiCanio or Hamann and that we may end up with someone like Nicky Forster or Calderwood.

My personal preference would be Hamann so I am just hoping that the foxes are needing some time to wrap up their changes in the boardroom after the majority shareholders took full control this week?

Wishful thinking though as we'll probably announce someone has verbally agreed and then there will be a reason they cant join at the last minute causing us to offer the job to someone else and we'll be reading daily drivel from the adver about "I may have been 2nd choice, but I'm not 2nd best" or similar tripe.

I reckon it's Hamann and Di Canio as a sort of Hannibal and Murdoch combo. Or something.

Well he only tExt you because I sent him that information and he forwarded on to you

if it's not di canio i'm never buying the adver again

You'll be on a long list - some of whom have already decided to unsubscribe!

If it's PDC I will renew my season ticket.

What a hoot.

Greeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaattttttttttttt!

And I'll continue to fork the pitch ;)

And again I'm awake at ridiculous oclock...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1388957/Paolo-Di-Canio-set-Swindon-boss.html

If it is Di Canio then there will no doubt be a lot of media interest ie the sponsors get shit loads more coverage

Personally I do hope it's Di Canio. Exciting times ahead

If DC has a lounge named after him at West Ham does that mean Marseille or Rennes will have a Fanni Bar or Lounge?

A verbal agreement is not worth the paper it's written on. However,it looks like I may have to take a leap of faith and back him after all.  It'll end in tears, quite quickly I'd imagine. Glad I've not got a long term season ticket as I don't really fancy the Conference.

Certainly exciting times ahead if it is indeed Di Canio.

I'll be interested to hear Wray talk about how clear cut this decision was.

BBC radio and the Adver saying they "understand" its Di Canio. It would be a major shock if it isn't now.

If if turns out to be PDC, then I'm of the opinion he must be an intelligent, knowledgable and likeable bloke. Our board are no mugs, so I can't see how Di Canio would get an interview in the final 3 and be appointed unless this was the case.

I'd like to think in the first interview we hear he comes across as the right man and sets all our minds at rest. If on the other hand he comes across like a thick idiot and talks about going to the hammers asap, it'll worry me greatly.

Also, what was the delay? Did we maybe want Hamann and couldn't get compensation agreed, so went with PDC? Or maybe they'll be our management dream team. The explosive Italian and the measured and calculated German.

And why would you do that? You know he's the gullible sort!

You may mock me take the piss etc. But if it is di canio Im out of here. Fascism to me is something that makes me sick to the stomach and i cannot and will not pay money and support an openly fascist supporting manager at the county ground. After 29 years i promise to you now i wont set foot in the county ground until he is gone, shit performances I can put up with but not this. Sorry if that makes me a shit fan but throughout my life i have been on anti fascist rallys, in the past my family have died fighting fascism and this appointment does not sit well with me. If he is appointed today my love will stfc will die.

I think the intended irony got lost somewhere, it's not sitting comfortably with me at all, and thanks for the spelling tip

Not that it really matters. I'm the most armchair lower division football fan of all time. Which is probably why some things are more important than football to me.

If it's Di Canio I'm done.

Yes your right, because it is not written, it is verbal!

Wooooooooosh

I think you missed the joke.  :doh:

looks like you'll be off then ben and mex.it is di canio taking over.
reckon you'll only miss next season though, as he'll either get sacked or fuck off to a bigger team

Eh ....... There was a joke?   :doh:

Will forays.press.conference be live on the radio

If there was you certainly didn't see it, wooooosh.

Fair play Mex.Top post and think it will sum up the feelings of quite a few supporters.Sad to think of you not going to games anymore  :(

My feelings about the appointment are confused,on the one hand i'm very excited at the thought of him coming in,but on the other hand i'm not happy with his dodgy political beliefs.

I feel that i am able to divorce the football from the politics though ,and i suspect most of our fans will do that too.


Anyway,it will all end in tears and he'll end up sulking back home in Italy in three months time.

Completely agree with that, my other concerns are that immediately he is a divisive figure amongst fans- not helpful when trying to get promoted and that because of his views we'll all be tarred with the same brush.

Headline breaking news on BBC Sport website now

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/

Well the media attention will certainly be big...

I can't see the announcement of Paul Bodin as boss making the headlines of the BBC Football website.

Mex, I do completely understand your point of view, and respect it - however is there not a point here where politics and football can be separated ? 

You might not like the blokes politics, you might not even like the bloke very much - but his politics don't mean they are STFC's politics or any of the players politics

I am sure over the years we have had many players who have been pretty right wing in their beliefs, and probably just as many who are left wing - I'm sure the same can be said for managers/owners/chairman as well...

But you don't stop supporting the club because of it - PDC is only one man - STFC is a lot bigger than that - as fans we will back the team and as you know managers come and go

Just a thought like ?

'kin hell :eek: Whatever happens it won't be boring. Think I'll see how things are looking 6 months down the line rather than make any rash statements right now.

Question for Ben & Mex:

Would you stop supporting the club if one of the players sympathised with fascism, or a member of the ground staff, the or the financial controller or one of the chaps who works in the ticket office?  I appreciate that the manager's role is a public-facing one, but where do you draw the line?

I don't like the fascist sympathies either but, in my view, Di Canio will be just one of many people working at the club - none of whom are bigger than the club itself.  I hope you change your minds.

Be interesting to see how the board deal with this, if at all.

I see why those saying they won't go feel that way. Personally, I'm more concerned about his coaching ability and his ability to do his job. There's no question the appointment will generate a lot of excitement. He has excellent contacts and, crucially, he may convince some of our players who were thinking of leaving to stay on.

We will have the fittest squad, bar none. And who is going to mess with him? No-one.

I think the players will be inspired by him. It's a massive call from the board, let's hope it pays off.

I understand people's concerns and fair play to you if that's how you feel.
I've never really been actively interested in politics to be honest, but would certainly consider myself as a lefty if anything. Racism, fascism, etc does not sit well with me either, and i'd be lying if I said I wasn't concerned about the impact Di Canio could have on the club.
On the other hand, as a footballer he never displayed any such views, he came across as passionate and also compassionate (Take the Everton game where he caught the ball when the goalkeeper was down, for example). I just hope it's only this side of him we see and he leaves his political views in Italy.
I'm mostly excited about the appointment (if indeed it is him), but I also have an air of concern at the same time.

Spot on Mex. Got a lot of thinking to do over the summer myself. Whatever people might wish, football does not exist in the moral and ethical vacuum it thinks it does. Some things are just bigger than football.

http://twitter.com/#!/ELITEtheAGENTS (http://twitter.com/#!/ELITEtheAGENTS)

They say its Di Canio

The manager is not just someone "working at the club", he is it's public figurehead. And this isn't a question of a player's/groundsman's private views, they (and the manager) are welcome to them. This is someone who has repeatedly and publicly espoused fascism. By employing such a person as the public figurehead, it inevitably reflects on the club and, at the least, what the club thinks matters and does not matter. Utterly ashamed

People are saying 'I'm not bothered about his political beliefs' like it's a question of whether he votes Labour or Tory or something. As you say, it goes way beyond that. It sure as hell is going to be interesting.

I really hope this is one big red herring and come midday PDC is no where near our club for footballing reasons.  I don’t agree with his political views but it is totally irrelevant to me and I suspect will be to the vast majority, I don’t really think a significant proportion of fans will be cutting ties with the club.  

There is no genuine footballing reason why you would appoint him to a league 2 team, my only hope is that his number 2 will have experience at this level and become the brains behind the outfit, similar to the Wise/Poyet setup.

Assuming its PDC though I’ll put my disappointment aside and fully support him hoping I’m proved wrong about the appointment.

I think this is close to something I'd have liked to have said. It's also clear Wray doesn't mind sticking his neck out where Fitton was a bit more cautious. The fat lady is yet to sing though.

I don't see what his beliefs have to do with managing the team, ok if you feel that way but for me it makes no sense to stay away. The difference between what he believes and actions of those in history is miles apart so unless he starts making fans march on a Saturday morning before the game I'll be going (I'm not really a morning person).

Sadly I cannot sponsor this Facist among other reasons. I will not be renewing my manager’s sponsorship this season, Ok someone else will jump at the chance to sponsor him but morally I can’t do it. I already informed the club previously I would not back Paul Hart either as he didn’t give a shit about STFC. Hamman was my first choice followed by Bodin.

Not ripping Di Canio as he hasn’t had a chance yet but Di Canio could easily do a “Wise”, Wray said he wanted someone who was here for the long haul and was looking for someone who wanted to be at Swindon Town for a long time. If I was Wray I would be pretty fucked off and question Di Canio’s commitment to STFC already, days after being interviewed for the STFC job he is doing the media rounds begging West Ham to be their manager. I would have said fuck him then and went on to choice number 2 based purely on that. Clearly he will fuck off at the first chance of calling, some would say ok that’s fair enough because to get a bigger club he has to do well here first…

 It may pan out, it may not, it’s a calculated risk, you either love him or hate him and sadly after last season the fan base will once again be divided. Hamman would have got everyone on side. Very risky bringing in someone who seemingly has little or no knowledge of the lower leagues in England, he may give the players a kick up the ass yes but I would have went with Haman or Bodin for me.

Gazza is back! Gazza is back! Woooahhh! Hey Gaz!

You're gonna be fucked if he's in it for the long term! (Which I doubt)

What will you all do if he does a Fergie?

I have been a returning officer for councils for years and years - I have had to completely suppress my own political beliefs as the only way I could even handedly deal with politicians from all parties - I had to assist the BNP just as much as the Greens.

What is more important to me? My newly returning political voice (now I have left the council) or my father/son bonding cheering on the Town?

The father/son bonding wins hands down, I am afraid. It is what we do on Saturday afternoons, and I am not letting anyone spoil that for me. PDC won't be with us long, and will just form another part of the "do you remember when" conversations we have on the way home from matches.

This fan will be keeping his toys in the pram for now.

Paul you also have to understand that this is your point of view - and judging by the posts here and elsewhere you are in a very small minority on this one

For me I completely disagree with his beliefs - but I don't feel its particularly relevant to his ability to unite the club and run the team

I am not dismissing your beliefs at all - of course you are entitled to them - but I would hate to see GOOD supporters of STFC like yourself and Mex walking away from the club.....

I totally understand some of the reservations about the possibly appointment of Di Canio due to his questionable beliefs. I am more concerned about his ability as a manager to get us out of the shit.....as he has no track record, impossible to gauge his possible potential. Di Canio is in a win - win situation, for Red Army its a large gamble. I dont quite understand why the board feel the need to take this massive risk when there are seemingly good alternatives out there. The impact wil be big,  as will the hype and expecation will be massive and I think it will split the supports not unite....this is just all so STFC.

It may well be Hamann yet, or Burley. Nothing's been confirmed, only rumour mongering by the adver, and we know what a shower of shit they are.

BBC and now Sky Sports News reporting it as a done deal

It would be awkward if it was Luigi Di Canio.....

I will still be supporting Swindon however will not be sponsoring Di Canio. Nothing saying I wont get behind him. Just dont want my name linked with his through Sponsorship etc.

Still no-one really knows, I think...

I do. I'm not suggesting anyone else has to agree with me, it's purely a personal response. Don't expect anyone to agree with me, even, just how I feel. Utterly ashamed.
Of course it isn't. His ability to run the team (not sure about unite the club) isn't my major bone of contention, I think I've made that clear. I can take shit managers, don't know if I can support a shit as manager.
Mex has made his choice, it seems, which I agree is a crying shame for him and for the club. For myself, I've got a lot of hard thinking to do over the summer. I'm sure the club will do just fine whatever I think.

I've been to several hundred games where the manager at the time had no support from me but I went to support the club and the players (some of them!) so that's where I sit with this.

i dont think fans not going is too a bad thing really.it happens all the time for many reasons.(work,family reasons,fed up with it,etc,etc)
they may come back,they may not.football clubs evolve and stfc will continue to do so.the appointment of di canio driving fans away will also entice others to come along.

We'll gain more fans than we'll lose.

Conversely, I'm now renewing my season ticket, when I wasn't going to before. Excited to have Di Canio here and looking forward to what could be an eventful season...

 Hopefully the miserable git next to me will fuck off so I can have his seat for my lad.

When was the last time our fanbase was united? Even during the Diamond Mike years there was division.

Political leanings are one thing, criminal acts are another.

Too many people are coming across as thought police. The bloke has got some dodgy views for sure, but what criminal acts has he committed?

We've all aired our views (as has PDC) now it's time to move on. If he's appointed the continual references to his sympathies need to stop, they're pointless and divisive.

Until he actually commits a racist act, or comes out and defends ethnic cleansing or The Holocaust, I'll put his views to one side and concentrate on the football.

Hmm.

Not quite on the Paul and Mex boycott train, but I'm certainly not fully behind this appointment. As a purely footballing decision, it's a big risk and one that I'm not sure we needed to take from the other names rumoured, but could go well. On the other hand, I do think there have to be some lines morally and Di Canio is at least close to one- his on the field conduct and sportsmanship was exemplary, but his politics is dubious to say the least: it worries me how many people would rather have a Fascist than a former Oxford player in charge (I don't mean Rix, I accept there are other issues there).

I'll continue to support my team, but I'm not sure I can sing the guys name and at least some part of me hopes we get off a flier and West Ham do terribly, and he's at Upton Park by season's end.

Paul Alcock may argue with you on that one.

This is more "thought police" than any of the anti-fascist posts.

How? People are condemning him for his views, rather than any criminal act.  I'm not.

How does that make my post "thought police"?

It's a huge risk but all the euphoria and hype might be enough to make the players believe they are capable of promotion.

I don't agree with his political point of view. Socialism/Fascism, I hate it all. But hopefully we won't hear or see(!) his beliefs whilst he's in this country. I can't remember any fascist comments whilst he was a player over here.

I've kept out of this, but I am surprised that our board has interviewed the people they are said to have interviewed and have decided that Di Canio is the man for the job. It represents a complete change in their thinking with regard to risk taking (which some might argue was needed after last season), and even more surprisingly indicates that they considered the fact the man was a fascist and decided it wasn't important. I can't pretend that doesn't disappoint me.

Hamman would have brought all the benefits of Di Canio (in fact, he achieved much more as a player and would have amassed even better contacts) with none of the negatives. As soon as I heard he was up for the job, I honestly assumed it was a no brainer.

I understand those who feel strongly about this, even to the point of taking a stand by not going to games whilst he's in charge. I just don't share those views.

For me he will be Swindon manager first and foremost and that's what matters. His beliefs weren't an issue when he was a player over here, don't see why they have to be the be all and end all now.

If it generates interest in the club and he can produce some success on the pitch, I'm behind it.

I have to agree with that post Steve, my thoughts too.

Me too! This is a rollercoaster I want to get on. I just hope I've got the stomach for it.

I've tried to keep football and politics separate but I can't detach myself from the nagging notion in my head that this is a man who walks around with a tattoo in honour of his favourite fascist. I don't know if I can stomach that. Of course everyone from the players, managers, board members to the stewards, cleaners and the club's general dogsbody has their own political beliefs which I may not agree with but nobody is more of a figurehead for a club than the manager. I don't know whether Danny Wilson voted BNP or the Communist party, it's irrelevant as he never once publicly discussed his politics or walked around with a hammer and sickle tattooed on his skin.

I am not condemning the man or taking a stand, I'm simply just outlining how I feel about the appointment. I'm inclined to agree that his personal opinions have little relevance to his choice of career and appreciate that most are unperturbed by this, I however feel quite torn.

It doesn't matter how many fans we entice or how many walk away - the appointment of a manager should not be this divisive nor should it be due to non-footballing reasons. If ever there was a time we need to be united and to back the club, it's now - coinciding with boardroom changes, managerial changes and following on from an extraordinarily poor season. For what it's worth, I'm not convinced that di Canio is a good appointment due to him entirely lacking any coaching experience, let alone his questionable temperament. It will end in tears.

I don't know whether I'll go next season. I doubt anyone would consider it a great loss. I will always support STFC, I couldn't walk away from it.

I will wish the best of luck to whoever is appointed at Midday.

Quite shocked we have gone for PDC over the 3 in the shortlist to be honest but if he is the man then good luck Paolo, lets bring the enjoyment and excitement back to the County Ground!

According to reports in recent days Hamman was never in for the job, Leicester chief executive claimed first they had heard of it was when they read it in the paper and a source close to him said he had not applied and Swindon had not approached him so you can't be dissapointed by something that was never going to happen.

It's funny how whenever we appoint a manager, there's always people who are unhappy. Normally it's the mongs and the irrational, yet in this instance those that are unhappy are those who are traditionally the more rational and completely devoid of mong. I find that unsettling. :(

For the record only Rix would prevent me from attending. I'd even attend if it was King, Malpas or Ruddock.

Good post Sonic, fairly good summary of my thoughts on this whole fandango.

Personally I think more people will attend than those leaving.

Does the attendance matter?

Appointing a big name will approximate to sweet fuck all if he doesn't deliver.

I'm I the only one who has noticed some of those who are most against are happy to drink with a proud member of the EDL?

This is not a dig against the EDL member, just an observation.

No, but I'm on about intially. PDC has created a buzz, which I think no other candidate would've done.

huh?


But what will it matter if we end up languishing in midtable?

I too have avoided getting involved in this argument because it is really, really difficult...and I suppose we should really all wait now until it is confirmed or otherwise.  But assuming it is di Canio.....I will/could never stop supporting STFC, and long to see them rebuild from this past season.  I long to see football like the Ardiles/Macari/Hoddle days, and guess that di Canio might just be able to achieve something like that in time - if he gives us time.  I supported Hamann as soon as he was mentioned for the same reasons as ThePeoplesGame, but definitely see the potential in di Canio.

However, I do not think, in the modern world, we can just ignore the political stuff.  We live in a celebrity culture, and everything about football is immersed in that culture - the adulation, the press coverage, the glamorous relationships....and the consequent attention of the media on anyone who shows any 'frailty', whether moral, political or whatever means that there is a real risk of di Canio - whether by his own actions or just because of his reputation - bringing our club into disrepute.  (And his actions with Lazio do not bode well.  A the very least - because football is also pretty cruel - I can imagine the field day that opposing fans are going to have, and the potential for that to develop into violence).  And there is the wider concern about fascism generally, which has been well and truly aired, and with which I personally completely concur.  But....I cannot imagine that, if he is intending to appoint him, JW wll not have thought through these things, and interviewed di Canio pretty sharply about it.  If it is not raised in the Press Conference, I will be worried.

Do some of those on here complaining not meet up with crispy for drinks?

So it's OK to associate with an EDL member, but not somebody with certain political beliefs.

Again, not a dig at crispy, just wondering why one is acceptable and not the other

I've never met him.

This appointment wouldn't be so divisive if some of our fans weren't such sensitive little girls ;)

I said "some" people.

And crispy isn't talking over as Swindon manager? Maybe so, but people still meet up for drinks with him.

Say that to my face!



I'll run away crying for my Mummy.



BR - I really don't know what you're getting at?

Bring it on. :D

I met crispy for a pint. I didn't buy him one, and I told him what I thought of his views. It's not an approach I think will work with Di Canio. I don't think it worked with Crispy either, but it was worth a try.

I also think I might have tried to chat up his sister.

This is all part of the wider debate going on at the moment about privacy and public interest - where do we draw the boundaries?

From my understanding there are some people on here who meet up with crispy, a proud member of the EDL, before/after matches. Some of those same people are saying they won't attend because Di Canio is a fascist

It's possible I have got my wires crossed but otherwise that to me is a tad hypocritical.

Never met crispy in my life so not me

can none of you cunts read?

OK.

Maybe I made an assumption and was wrong.

Do super injunctions count on forums???

Di Canio to appoint Julian Dicks and Roy Carroll as part of his coaching set up??

RYAN GIGGS.

seems ok.

Di Canio is an individual whose beliefs are his own but also represents the football club we all support. Crispy is an individual whose beliefs are his own.

but I don't think any of us who are 'against' di Canio even know Crispy very well anyway.

The Adver have just confirmed the obvious. Di Canio is the new boss.

Everyone has a right to their opinion and i will not knock those people that won't support the club because of Di Canio appointment and his beliefs. Di Canio's problem is that he is a very open person and he speaks what he believes which has led to a lot of contraversy.

Here's another scenario how do we know that previous Town managers like DW wasn't a member of the BNP or Iffy Onoura wasn't a member of the Al Qaeda? What would our views of them been then? The difference is these managers may have chosen to keep their beliefs to themselves.

[url width=170 height=215]http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z223/redbullzeye/tevez-1.jpg[/url]

Tevez the first new signing??

I think at the anouncmet were not only guna find out the new manager but his no 2 and here the wray wil step down as interim chairman and we wil have a director of football in place. A bit of a shake up maybe.

From the Adver on Twitter:


http://twitter.com/stfcadver/status/71510342332710912

Ben, have you deleted your account?

Either the Super Injuction police have nabbed him or he's pulled a Gary Scott :)

I blame di Canio.

How's he going to answer you if he has?

It looks like on twitter he's taken to supporting Poxford instead.

Ben is magic.

It'll give a whole new meaning to 'Paolo, Paolo, Give Us A Wave!'

(Shamelessly stolen from DRS).

He has a magic hat.

Who needs Mourinho, We've got Di Canio!..

To the theme of Ottawans D-I-S-C-O

"D-I-CAN-IO, D-I-CAN-IO"

Still can't help but think that if fitton was still chairman we would have ended up with fucking trollope

We would have done!

Is it wrong to pine for that scenario a little?

We're football fans...not health & safety managers!

I keep coming back to this, I know, but Macari was a risk, Hoddle was a risk, Ardiles was a risk...and Di Canio is a risk.  I think we have to run with this.

I must admit that when his name was first mentioned, I was all for it.

Then when Hamann was mentioned, I was all for that too. Probably more so.

But we've got Di Canio and he's got my backing. Maybe he'll do a Wise, maybe he won't.

I don't think the board have done this on a whim, perhaps he's got an amazing no.2 lined up. Who knows maybe he's been sent dvds over the last couple of months, giving him time to put together a presentation and a list of players that he wants for his interview and he blew the board out of the water?

Whatever.

WE ARE PAOLO'S RED AND WHITE ARMY.

This really excites me, looking forward to having some passion on the touchline.

Roll on August!

For those of us interested/worried by the political side there is a long @Marcotti discussion about it on Twitter that you can piece together. Let's see what gets said at the imminent statement by our glorious leaders.

Looking on Twitter it looks like Di Canio isn't there today

JW live now on BBC

Well it's 12.04pm

Di Canio OUT!

Political beliefs "never raised in the interview, not an issue in any way" from Wray.

Political views not raised and not an issue according to JW

PDC already requested videos of all games are made available for Monday.

Two year deal, option for third.

2 year deal for PDC

Christ he will be quitting Tuesday when he sees what he has to work with

Money available to bring in players

He'll have topped himself by Tuesday then.

nothing about his no. 2 yet

NW never met a more impressive candidate

No, but mention of Bodin assisting him on what is needed in the team was mentioned by Wray.

Good interview from Wray - he does sound like he knows what he's doing anyway.

Seems PDC standout from there point of view early on - 'most impressive candidate' Nick Watkins has ever seen evidently.

Asked about playing staff ins/outs Wray said nothing done yet - all decisions on that front to be left to PDC

He mentioned he doesn't come cheap either. And there'll be money for him to spend (within L2 cap).

Well, in for a penny. If Dicanio is the boards choice then i'm in.

Bring on the fun

is the interview on the net yet?

He is;

C Controversial
A An anarchist
N  Not normal
I  Italian
O Our manager
Wow wo woooo!!! Paolo Di Canio !!! :D ;D :)

Love it. I'm nicking that.

Would any of these people who are saying they won't attend games be exactly the same if we reappointed Hoddle? Now we didn't know this at the time of his first appointment but he has some very puzzling views on disabled people, which to me is a lot worse than differing political beliefs.

I have a strong feeling it wouldn't be the same

I wonder if the bookies will make us favourites to win the league now PDC is here.

pdc also has a fit bird :D

Must have been one hell of a detailed interview if they went into stuff like that....

I think you'll find he is anything but ;)

:D

Ive just been speaking to Julian Dicks about it..i will keep you posted 

Well happy fucking days!!

Cant wait to see who he brings in as No2 and other backroom staff.

Money to spend aswell,be good to see if he has any connections at Juve, Milan, or Lazio where we could snap up some young talent??

Also isn't there a big Italian fan base in swindon?? Something to do with Swindon Ultras ? Remeber seeing loads of Italian flags in the town end afew years back and reading something about Ultras in town? be intresting to see what PDC thinks of them? I might be talking absolute shite mind!!

anyway COYR's

see I knew all along is was going to be Paul ... oh shit ....errr ...  Paolo Di Canio  :sherlock:

Wonder if we'll be having a pre-season in Italy

My mistake. Apparently football, and our football club in particular, does exist in a moral and ethical vacuum. Well, that's all OK then

So far Nick Watkins has interviewed Malpas, Wilson and Hart. So that's not exactly a ringing endorsement

Yeah, I was a bit disappointed with that as well, you'd think it would have at least been addressed.

That's funny

I could have sworn he worked at other clubs before he joined us.

No, he had no professional involvement in sport before he joined us

This is exactly how I feel.  The board made the right decision removing Harte and I believe some of that decision was borne out of the knowledge that the fans didn't want him here. They'll always be supporters who aren't 100% happy about an appointment, but this goes derper than that. We needed to start off in League 2 with a sense of optimism and unity. We certainly now don't have unity and I'm not so sure about optimism either? Anyone who thinks Di Canio is in for the long haul is deluded.  As previously mentioned, I can honestly see him doing a Wise, when we need some stability. This completely goes against Wray's previously statement that he didn't want anyone who would use it as a stepping stone and disappear when a better offer comes along.

It seems the board have gone 100% for the excitement factor. Yes, it might get a few more through the gates, but at the same time will alleniate anothers, which is not what we need. It may change as the season approaches, but at the moment I'm not feeling the same sense of excitement as some. I'm feeling more like 'here we go again, this could be a disaster!'

Do people really think the board should have opted for somebody they don't consider to be the best option for the club?

Let's go for second best to keep a minority happy shall we?

I think we can certainly say one thing about our new fascist regime. It certainly won't be about keeping minorities happy

Repression of the minorities starts here.

Pauld I do enjoy your posts (as a general rule as you are amusing and intelligent), however, I knew that you would not be happy with the appt.

As somebody who has no interest in politics whatsoever I feel that this is a great appointment. I do hope that you may feel like that someday soon.

I don't think anyone does, to be fair.  But neither is 'long haul' particularly high up most people's wish lists.  Hoddle and Ardiles gave us just over 100 games each and then jumped ship...yet both are rated to this day as among the most successful managers we have ever had.  They came in, did a job for us, and then left.  If Di Canio can do the same, I'll be happy.

So then, we should look to please the minority at the expense of the majority?

God save the Queen

 They made you a moron  :D

i was singing that in my head just before you posted that.:)

I'll give you Malpas.  Wilson was gods gift last year and whilst he made mistakes, I think the board and the players should be held just as culpable.  Was Hart actually interviewed?

not all fans are going to be happy it has been a choice between Di Canio and Didi
With Didi we would have German efficiency and technical play
With PDC we will have a rollarcoast ride with hopefully a lot of fun
Both will not be here for the long haul and they will use it as a stepping stone which is good for them and hopefully good for us
More importantly the club have acted quickly a move in the right direction
I can't wait to see PDC when we play Poxford or those peg sellers from Kent

At least the "Swindon Ultras" will be pleased.

but he also would have interviewed candidates for various other roles before any involvement in football, it's quite likely he just meant that di canio was the best candidate for a respective role he ever interviewed...

We still don't know that Didi was in the running at all. In fact, it would seem as though he wasn't.

Yes this was the point Wray was making I think. He referenced Watkins' 7 years in executive recruitment prior to his time at Swindon when quoting that opinion.

Wray said Watkins in his 7 years experience of interviewing people for executive managment positions he has never been so impressed.

On the subject of not talking about Di Canios political stance maybe they did but wray doesn't want to go into that? It's up to Di Canio to answer to the press those questions if he is asked not Jeremy Wrays.

While I agree with the main sentiment of your post, seeing as neither of them has ever managed a team I don't think you can make any assumptions as to what sort of football they would encourage their teams to play just based on their nationality or even their playing style during their careers.

Did the Board confirm that Hamman had even applied?

Di Canio wasn't my top choice but it is an exciting appointment and like others have said represents a complete change in club ethos in terms of manager personalty/skill sets/experience etc. In short, they have listened to the fans.

My only concern is that he is as erratic as he was as a player or that the media will give all their attention and focus to his political leanings and the club will get dragged through the mud with it. I know fans have given a lot of debate and coverage to this and the 'fascist not racist' argument but to be fair he has never said anything in the media (from what I can see) which is racist. We can argue to the hilt about whether fascism and racism goes hand in hand and imply particular things but it will be best to leave this debate behind for now. Those so strongly opposed should leave quietly and those who don't see a problem, or are apathetic towards it can get on with supporting the club. The club is bigger than one man's political beliefs anyway.

After 2 years (albeit not continuous) of shit football under managers this board has appointed I'm really looking forward to something a bit different next season.

This came round on the London Reds e-mail list a short time ago.  Have to say, it made me laugh.

Has anyone else read Paolo Di Canio's autobiography? I read it ~10 years ago (and should still have it somewhere - I'll try to look it out for June 17th). Unlike many sportsmen's autobiographies, I found it most entertaining, and not entirely dissimilar to Brian Moore's book in style. The comments on the photos were particularly amusing, one being something along the lines of "Observe the confused look on [defender X]'s face, as he is completely befuddled by my trickery..." . A Swindon-relevant comment which sticks in the mind is him referring to Danny Wilson as "a frustrated nobody"... The most bizarre bit though is at the end, where for no particular reason, he gives detailed instructions on how to make Tiramisu just how he likes it...

so he's a mascarpone man then

That's comedy gold Ardiles.

Well, well, well, Paolo di Canio is the new manager of Swindon Town, Who would of ever thought that 6 weeks ago, or even 3 weeks ago. Yes a few feathers are defiantly going to be ruffled by Robin’s supporters, however wasn’t the same thing said about Hoddle?
His appointment as manager ( di Canio) is risky I agree but I’m sure he’s going to do the club well, and am confident that he will lead us out of league 2 next season.
There must have been something about him the board liked or they wouldn’t of given him the job, and before someone says they only appointed him because of the money that will be generated through gate receipts I say so what, more money means more bums on seats and hopefully these new supporters will stay.
Also I’m sure he has great contacts in the game so may be able to persuade better players to come in as well.
Yes he had his moments in his playing career but so have other high profile players, Cantona anyone?
It’s going to be an interesting pre season, wonder if we could get a friendly with Lazio?
Let him lead us out of league 2, Let him get us playing great football, Let him get us more people coming to watch and Let him give us a higher profile in football, if he’s only here for a few seasons before going on to bigger club so be it, this is going to be an exciting season I can feel it, and to be honest I can’t wait.
Come on you reds

Agree

Oh, and the backroom staff will be made up of 2 italians currently working in Seria A apparently according to agents on Twitter.

Prince Harry wore a Nazi uniform so what.

Don't mix politics with football...................excited by the news.

Di Canio interviewed well, Hamann was in the running as was Burley. However the Board were impressed what Di Canio had to say.......
and then I thought of Paul Hart, seems years ago now.

Something to look forward to.

At least he is surrounding himself with people who know lower league English football then  :hmmm:

I think you urgently need to review your definitions of both amusing and intelligent :) but thanks

"inferior league" actually

At the end of the day nobody can predict how this one will go. For every fan saying it won't work there will a fan saying it will.
 
I don't give a toss about political beliefs as long as it doesn't effect the team or the club, it didn't affect Wednesday or West Ham so why should it affect us.
 
It will either be a complete car crash or a success as we have found out in the past with the likes of Macari, Ardiles, Hoddle, McMahon, Onoura, Wise and Malpas who all started their managerial careers with us and had different levels of success from the sublime to the absolute nightmare.
 

One thing is for sure, for League 2 level it is a high level appointment and one that will be interesting to watch and be involved in.

It was supposed to be tongue in cheek. I'll signpost more thoroughly in future for the hard of irony

It IS an inferior league though ?

Am I missing something :) ?

Other than me taking the piss out of the half-arsed translation his agent did of his interview, no. So actually, no, you're not missing anything at all

Aaaaagggghh.....how to react???  I really hope this won't come back to haunt us.  I have been inclined to be more on the side of those sensitive about the political issues.  But I confess I am also excited purely on the footballing side.  I think I can only wait and see.  I remain more concerned about how he and the club will handle the inevitable media circus, and the reactions of other clubs supporters than that he will try and impose his political views in any substrantial way either within the club or the wider community.  But it feels a bit of a 'heart in mouth' moment.

Why worry about other fans? They'll take the piss whatever, as we will with them, part and parcel.

To be honest, none of the coverage of this I've seen in the national press today has made anything more than a cursory mention of the political issue.

It's been as much a part of the story as the ref-pushing incident or him catching that cross as far as the rest of the country is concerned it appears.

Likewise. Well said Si.

This for me is about the football. New season, new ambition, new players wanting to play for a influential individual.

I'm waiting for the first pics in the press from when our fans chant ' Paolo, Paolo  gives us a wave'

New Order? :)

When do we get to see him with the scarf over his head anyway?

Monday

Any excuse

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uFWGALVF0Y

It's a crying shame that two good members of this forum feel so strongly about the appointment that they have deleted their accounts, it's kind of deflated my excitement somewhat.
Hopefully they'll reconsider.

who has gone?

Apparently the Pox don't like him much ('cos obviously if given the chance to have Di Canio manage them they would turn him down on principle):

I really hope this comes back to bite them (http://yellowsforum.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=fldiscussion&action=display&thread=2334&page=1):

I think both flammableBen and mexico red have deleted their accounts.

If you mean me, I don't know that I am either. I haven't said that although I have stood up for those like mex and Dorset Red who've said they will.

I really wasn't sure about him leading up to the appointment, but now its happened I cant hide my excitement for next season!
I can understand some fans have strong views on his beliefs and find it hard to back him as a manager, I hope that he can win them round and we can all celebrate a great promotion winning season (hopefully)

I can understand Ben and Mex not wanting to go to the games - but why delete their accounts on here ?

This forum is not linked with the club - it's merely an outlet for fans to talk about all sorts - including a lot of non football stuff...

I cannot understand the logic to be honest....

It's a real shame, like you I feel a bit deflated. I can't believe a new manager means they won't support the club again. Maybe Mex was one of the 18,400? ;)


Perhaps it's due to feeling disillusioned? Afterall there are a number of fans pleased and it'd perhaps be quite hard to see why? It's like when I found out a good friend took crack, I was so disgusted I didn't feel like he was a friend anymore.

I can understand the guys who detest fascism. However, can't somone who (in the heat of the moment with adrenaline pumping) makes a Nazi salute later regret their actions.
I'm not saying that this is the case with Di Canio, but to me actions speak louder than words.
A guy called Oscar Schindler sucked up to the Nazi's in WW2, but is now lauded as a good guy because of what he did not what he said.
Di Canio, said he was a fascist, but what does that mean in Italian. Does it mean right wing, or neo nazi, I have no idea.
I know one thing. He pushed a ref over & he stopped play when in a position to score because an opposition player was injured.
I'll judge him on how he acts as STFC manager.

I think I can. The overwhelming mood is that people are really pleased about what they see as an exciting appointment. If you don't join in that general euphoria, but actually find the cause of it makes you feel quite sick then it's difficult to be around. A bit like (say) a Tory being at the 97 Blair victory party. Or being at a party where everyone's celebrating and you've just been told your grandma's dead. Or some equally inappropriate metaphor. You have two alternatives: go round being a bit "pissing on everyone's strawberries" or simply remove yourself from the party you're so obviously out of sync with.

Of course, Ben and Mex may have completely different reasons and I may be talking out of my arse. As usual.

Yes of course they can. He doesn't. He's made that very clear.
Erm, that's largely the point?
It means fascist.
I think that's probably best in your case, you seem a little confused on everything else.

Lumps,dont forget Lumps :(

We are all missing the most important point here.

What is PDC's favourite cheese?

Shame to lose two good posters and to be fair as i have said before fair play to anyone who stands up for what they believe in so passionatly.

Shame though.

I would be more concerned if PDC had been appointed as leader of Swindon borough council as his political views would be relevant to the role. As manager of STFC I can't see him using this as a soap box to achieve world domination...

It's snide and unnecessary remarks like that which could lead to things getting out of hand on here.

I feel a little bit dirty after having looked at the Oxford site you linked to.  Another post read as follows:

May 17, 2011, 10:49am, kahunaburger wrote: Di Canio second favourite now.
http://newsthump.com/2011/05/11/swindon-town-fans-to-embrace-fascism/
I know it's a spoof site but surely no-one remotely believes a Swindon supporter would be capable of string a sentence together like:
“We could take on Di Canio and give the team strong leadership, singular collective identity, and the will and ability to commit violence and wage war in order to keep the club strong, or we could hire Jim Magilton. It’s a no-brainer!” said one enthusiastic season ticket holder.
“Let’s be honest, I think we’d all take a little authoritarian indoctrination in order to secure League One football.”

Spacey needs to have a word (http://yellowsforum.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=fldiscussion&thread=2282&page=1#44396)

Oh FFS. It was a gentle piss-take. And I thought I took life too seriously. Wouldn't worry about it anyway, I'll probably be following mex and ben out the door soon enough.

yes.
 I thought mr wray spoke very highly of mr di canio and was very very impressed with him! wray wants the fans to be excited about him and i am. for those who missed it on the radio it was fantastic and im realy looking fowerd to the new season i really canot wait. we needed someone with passion someone who the players can relate to and respect we now have that man, the county ground will be the place to be next season we will win the league and the place will be rocking!!!!
UP THE REDS!!!!
people who have left the forum and are not going to follow the team, ull be back when were at the top. sort it out.

It's a bit difficult to tell who is taking the piss and who isn't though.

Big shame.  I won't try to talk you out of it, because I know how seriously you take the issue.  I just hope you find a way to come back soon.

No ..... I wont let you leave!

Someone lock the f*****g door!!!!!!

I take it from this that he is a mascarpone man...

I very much doubt it. I think you're underestimating quite how strongly some people feel about this. You might think it's trivial, pathetic, taking irrelevant stuff too seriously etc etc but that's not the point. The likes of mex, Dorset Red etc (and me) don't see it as trivial. Can't say about DR, but I think I know mex well enough to say he hasn't taken this kind of decision lightly. I very much doubt any of these people will be back watching Town while Di Canio's in charge (and yes I know it won't make any difference to the gate etc etc). A sprinkling of success won't change that. Just because you think it's trivial, doesn't mean others do

You sound just like that custody sergeant :)

It is a shame if people are actually deleting their accounts - particularly if they are "leading lights" of the forum.

I know how you feel on this paul as it's all been said before and it's a real shame mex and ben will be withdrawing their support while di canio is here but as you do the whole football thing with your kids i think it would be an even bigger shame if you were to follow them.

i don't doubt you're torn and are disappionted with the appointment on moral grounds but i don't see how you could tell your boys that you'll not be taking them to football anymore, even if you were honest with them as to why i doubt they'd understand and you'd be the bad guy in all of this.

people have said that the club is bigger than all of this and it's up to individuals to make their own minds up on that but seriously think that family is bigger and think you really need consider that above anything else in this instance, i'd have been devestated if, for whatever reason, my dad stopped taking me to the football when i was younger

Couldn't agree more.

Apart from the bit about the Swindon Borough Council as it doesn't affect me in any way.

Yeah bet they are devestated Ben will continue not to go ;)

yeah ok, ben doesn't really go anyway, point remains though

Paul quick question mate you don't have to answer.What if your kids want to still go to football? Will you not let them or what if someone else takes them.

Paolo will win us promotion to the chamiponship according to SSN....

[url width=900 height=675]http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x480/tanswell2010/d689c03b.jpg[/url]

We need to tether a blimp at the bottom of Paul's back garden as encouragement to reconsider.  Once that has worked, the blimp (let's make it an orange one, for old times' sake) goes on tour to Ben's house and then Mexico/Brighton or wherever it is that Mex hangs out.

Apart from anything, we are going to need their pithy, insightful comments on here when the Oxonian hoards descend next season.  I'm feeling a lot less comfortable about next season without them.

Thanks KT. That's a big part of the internal debate I'm having. Already renewed mine and the kids' season tickets so I've got all summer to mull it over. Wouldn't stop the kids going though, not right to make those kinds of choices on their behalf for something they don't fully understand.

Be interesting to see just how many sponsors bugger off as well.

Not many by the sound of it,

No, absolutely not, wouldn't dream of stopping them. I'll make my own decision in my own time, but it's not right to impose that on my kids. Although I suppose I have imposed going to watch Swindon Town on them for several years now which is probably in and of itself good reason for them to sue me for the cost of years of therapy when they grow up :)

No Ben, No Lumps, No Mex, and now Pauld could leave?!

Don't worry though, TalkTalk's coming back..

Swings and roundabouts

I think it's one smaller sponsor. Something to do with them being associated with a union.

Only minor ones looking to pull out, it won't effect the club much at all.  Samsung said they are committed to sponsoring Swindon and would not get involved in the management process as it was the boards decision.  Di Canio will raise the clubs profile and with that will raise the profile for any sponsors profile.

wray interview now on stfc world

i dont see why not going to games while di canio is manager means you have to delete your account on here?
bet the cunts will lurk anyway. ;)

waiting for the Beeb to put their interview up as I am a tight bastard and wont pay for STFCWorld!

 A black day in the history of STFC...complete betrayal of thousands, including the likes of my late father, who fought and in some cases died fighting fascism.

 But after a bit of consideration, I'll be sticking around, don't think di Canio will be for very long, and the club is always bigger and more important than individuals....I'd like to see any who've decided enough is enough to reconsider.

 My immediate concern is the c unts who can't spell Paolo and the c unts who insist on a capital D.

Is that not slightly Fascist?

Probably, insofar as it requires individuals to conform to a set of agreed rules, not so much of a problem though as needing to conform to being a white, heterosexual, able bodied, non socialist non pacifist.

No thats the requirements for Club Red next season

Good.

Only the Youth Wing...

If Pauld quits I'm going to ban you

Fantastic.

Anyone who deletes their account over this is just childish and silly.

That's 90% of the forum....

No I'm not.

25% Football 80% Fascism

Let's talk Ustase...

dont be such a twat


run along now

You have a point to be fair. I forgot about them. Although it is now a defunct movement so I think its irrelevant to the conversation.

Perhaps you could ask Paolo for his views at a fan's forum?

It happened so long ago though, I don't have a hatred for Croatia because of it. Chetniks on the other hand....

Anyway I can see where this conversation is heading so I'm gonna leave it there.  :zipped:

What an absolute clusterfuck of a reaction. I don't mean people shouldn't do what they feel, but I'm a bit gutted that Ben and Mex (and possibly PaulD) feel they need to leave the TED and maybe not attend STFC games :(

Hope you come back guys.

Wrays interview now on bbc site, well worth alisten!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13466915.stm

Why would anyone feel the need to delete themselves from the TEF because of STFC's choice of manager? As far as I'm aware this site has no official link to STFC.

I'm genuinely gob-smacked by the reaction of a minority on here & it smacks of attention seeking more than anything.

The way most of our squad displayed a complete lack of interest in the Swindon shirt & contempt for paying customers whilst earning thousands of pounds a week I found disgusting. I would have been happy with the appointment of Hitler as manager towards the end of last season

Yes it is a shame but fair play to them. They have their views and feel strongly about them.

I think that sums it up quite well Hobodan

Some people have beliefs and principles that are very important to them.  I guess they didn't want the circular arguments about the whole topic, hence deleted themselves. Its a hard thing to avoid when you've made it known how you feel.

Well maybe not Ben, he probably got drunk and pressed the wrong button.

To you and I it may first seem like an overreaction, that's because we don't hold those same principles as strongly. And yes that makes me a hypocrite. I slated Crispy and the EDL but I can't apply the same to PDC because to me football is more important (plus I'm fairly ignorant and don't know PDCs level of dedication to facism).

edit: Wot Paul said in Fred's quote :(

We all have differing political beliefs. Unlike in Italy where strangely clubs seem to belong to a political party, football clubs in this country have fans from all backgrounds. Surely the one thing that unites us is Swindon Town?

Well this thread was a complete clusterfuck to read after getting back from holiday.

Always a shame when we lose paying supporters, but guaranteed we'll pick up more next year with this appointment. (internet fans don't really register anywhere so hard to see what difference it'll make to anything?)

I stopped going during the dark days of the Diamandis reign, lost my love for the club completely so I can understand the feeling, although I don't agree this appointment should be a catalyst for such a reaction. Get over it and get down the CG it's going to be a rollercoaster!!  8)


Personally this is the most exciting appointment since Hoddle, and I cannot wait for the start of pre season!! Not been this excited for years and that surely is ultimately what football should be about.  :beers:

Hats off to the board for really pushing the boat out with a marquee signing like this, I believe the passion, charisma and leading by example that Di Canio brings to the club will give players and fans a massive lift.

Grinning from ear to ear tonight, off to get pissed and celebrate!! :beers: :beers:

Ben and Mex have been immense posters but I do not respect people leaving the forum.

We must all be bloody mad to support STFC and for one reason or another, even of principled protest, some of us may have been able to stop ourselves going to matches.

I believed what we had in common was that we would always be red whatever differences we had with the club, its managers, its players, itds fans including with each other.

This is a fucking forum, ie we abuse, mick take, annoy, bore, amuse, inform one another.  A forum does not take any one line, hell there's even been one or two posters who don't seem to fully get it about the Pox, and severing links with this forum (as opposed to drifting away) is far from standing up to fascism if that is how some see it, but highly misguided.

In political life it's usually when dialogue stops that problems start

Mex has made his point quite clear with a tweet

The reason I have left tef too is I want nothing to do with stfc whilst a fascist holds the reins, with a heavy heart stfc can get fucked

Typically blunt and to the point, fair play to him.  I hope he comes back post PDC.

One small issue, it would have probably had the clubs lawyers having kittens if we had turned down the best application due to the person's politcal beliefs alone.  Dodgy ground and a grey area in employment law (it can often go either way).

Someone's missed a real opportunity here.

I hear we're going to be signing a lot of right wingers.

Round of applause if you will ...

Been done already

Honestly very sad that Mex says he wont be comming for a while. Certainly one supporter who cannot be replaced.

It would have been better if Di Canio could have had a press conference today. Hope he will clarify things so we can concentrate on the football.

Pissed on my bonfire.

This made me chuckle from the http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1388957/Paolo-Di-Canio-new-Swindon-boss.html

Nevin and Groves on 5live!

Pretty predictable.  Think it will be a rollercoaster.  Key is who he brings in with him.  Groves wondering what directors or lower league football think at time ..... What does Di Canio know about league 2 etc ......

Do we know who PDC is going to bring in as part of his coaching staff??

I'll still be going. Although I'm a lefty I have respect for another person's views even if they personally repel me. As long as its only an ideology and it doesn't manifest into anything illegal then thats OK with me.
On a slightly different tack, we annexe Scumland tomorrow and then move on to Slave Trade Central.

At least the matches will start on time...

Has anything official come out from Di Canio himself? (I may well have missed it).  This is STFC we're talking about and it wouldn't be completely impossible to get to Monday and find the situation has changed.  You just never know .........................

 :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:

My feelings exactly.

It does feel like weve got all the fallout of Di Canio, without anything signed on paper.

Cant help but think he's got the club by the balls in terms of a contract negotiation. Hopefully he will be a man of his word.

Iv'e been on this forum and the Loud and Proud forum before this for about 5 or 6 years now.
Ben and Mex have been super posters on each forum, both funny and serious.
At only 20 years old, and a bit of a thick twat, I have no idea what so ever about this facism malarky, but I hope every member that has left the forum, and decided agaisnt watching the Town re considers.
At the end of the day, were a football club, and everyone on this forum wants want is best for STFC, we want di canio to get Swindon back into League 1, we want 6 points of Oxford and we want a good season with good football.
Everyone on here will respect the decisions each and every member has made, but, at the same time, this forum won't be the same place without certain member.
I have had a few to drink, and this is probably one of the most serious posts I have ever made, but, it all comes town to one thing, were not Paolo di Canio fans, were not facists, racists or anything else, we are Swindon Town fans, and if were doing well, then what the fuck else matters?
COYR!!!!

I'll still be going, my love of the club is bigger than one man, that coupled with a 'what the fuck else am I going to do on Saturdays' attitude.

The leader of our local Neighbourhood Watch fiddles with dogs (allegedly) but I still go to meetings, its not that much different is it?

Don;t worry mate, I'm 50 and a thick twat - you've still got a way to go but keep up the good work

Now go and fuck a fence...

He just wants to watch Championship football in a new stadium, bloody glory hunter ;)

Haha, cheers Tans.

What a fucking circus.

I'm very excited by the appointment, it has really got me interested in STFC again.

This season since Christmas was such a nightmare and the games were so painful to watch I really got fed up with it and decided not to renew my season ticket which I had for 15 years. I have a young son and I just spent the games wondering why I was there and not spending time (and having fun) with him, i'm sure a lot of new dad's feel the same, more important things in my life now.

I'm still going to stay away next season apart from the odd game but I can't wait to see what PdC does over the summer, I really think he is what we need, breathe a bit of life into the club, fire up the players.

It is a gamble and it could all go wrong but I'm hopeful he is going to do a really good job.

note to those mourning the loss of posters.it's a forum for fucks sake.nobody died.
this is what happens when you get to cliquey. i dont give a monkeys who goes,likewise nobody would care if i fucked off.that's the way it should be.c unts! :)

You are right of course - but Ben was mental, and there will be a lot less bollocks on here without him.

I'd miss you Arriba.

I like this.
Come on chaps....have a rethink.

ben will be back.he fucked off for a while before and returned.when he's ran out of white ace and wanked himself dry he'll get bored and start posting again.
i'd bet all of them are lurking.

Wish you had morals and fucked off arriba.

nah.i tried that once before

I drank White Ace and wanked myself dry when you did

well you had to do something to numb the pain of my absence.

Thank fuck you did come back though, my knob was in a sorry state

What he says...

I still cannot get my head round people need to delete accounts etc (if you dont want to get involved - dont post!) as the forum has no link to the club and a very tenuous link to football generally, but its their choice, life goes on and good luck to them.