Thetownend.com

I liked him, and will clap him accordingly.

Same ere.

David Duke is pleased to see Swindon Town back on an upward trajectory - and described the club during his time there as 'a shambles'. The considered but passionate Scot, who played for Swindon between 2000 and 2005, is looking forward to taking on his old employers when they visit his club, Darlington, on Saturday.

Duke was part of the side that went so close to winning promotion to the Championship in 2004 under Andy King.

However, the 27-year-old was also involved in more fraught campaigns that were overshadowed by the club's perilous financial plight.

Swindon is now a much happier place to be, with Mark Devlin and Bill Power on the board and Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet in the dug-out.

However, for Duke, his memories of Town will always be somewhat tainted.

"The move has been fantastic for me," he said. "Darlington is a marvellous club with a big ground and no problems or dramas like we had at Swindon.

"Everything is very stable and organised. It's much better.

"But it also seems to be better at Swindon now. They are doing quite well and have brought in some experience. They seem to have the club organised finally.

"When I was there it was just a shambles and those of us who have moved on have realised just how badly run it was at the time.

"At our new clubs we all get paid on time every month, although I understand they have sorted out that now.

"It looks like the new management team has more nous and has got it back on track.

"Perhaps there is a bit more respect and discipline floating around, which will help."

Swindon's squad has changed almost beyond recognition since Duke was part of an exodus last summer.

Only Christian Roberts, Jerel Ifil, Andy Nicholas and Michael Pook remain, but Duke is still looking forward to seeing some familiar faces.

"I can't wait for Saturday's game, to play against the lads and see how they're doing," he said.

"And I can't wait to get some grief off their fans - I'm hoping they bring enough to make it worthwhile."

His last comments were probably made with his treatment during his final season at the County Ground in mind.

For a period, Duke was regularly booed by some Swindon fans as they became frustrated with their side's performances. However, that experience has not clouded his view of the club.

"I was at Swindon for five years and I enjoyed it, so, of course, I have an affection for the club," he said.

"We had some tough times, but we also had some good times.

"But I wouldn't say it was a wrench to leave, because I was pleased to get back up north, and to join perhaps a bigger club."

Duke's first year at Darlington was punctuated by a four-week injury lay-off, although when he was fit he was generally a first-choice full-back. This year he is targeting a midfield place and has had to bide his time on the bench accordingly.

His personal target this term is simply to play as much football as possible, although he shares his club's loftier ambitions.

"We know we are good enough to get promoted and it is a big club, certainly one of the biggest clubs in the division, so we deserve it," he said.

"I think the four who came down will be up there with the sides fighting for promotion.

"Swindon seem strong but I don't think it will be a walk in the park like they expect.

"It is a funny league and is very much similar to League One, in that everyone can beat each other.

"There will be no runaway leader, that's for sure."

annoying people like you?  :wink:

I  saw him on a night out once and told him he was shit. I don't think he appreciated it  :)

His missus has lovely boobs.

Interesting article in WDP today particularly the bit regarding how bad the club was run from 2001-2005. Just reinforces what we already knew

Interesting article in WDP today particularly the bit regarding how bad the club was run from 2001-2005. Just reinforces what we already knew

i don't think duke knows what his natural position was.

Bench warming?

:o  After reading that article I've decided duke is a idiot (sorry Birdy, I am no longer in the dukey fan club) The way he spoke about the club I love.....pfffft no way. Wankkkkkerrrr.

Apart for stating he 'believes Darlington are a bigger club'  :shock: , there really isn't much to disagree with quite frankly.

Anyway, I thought you agreed to dress up as Daisy Duke in his honour?

Birdy - congrats on making the top ten posters, you geek  :D

Thanks  :evil:  I am not geek  :(

so, come on then tell me....what was his natural position?

Maybe, I am wrong...but I certainly dont remember him ever playing in what I would class as his natural position for Swindon...

I would have stuck him in the right wing, he was right footed and much better going forward than defensivly and he had a decent cross on him with both feet, which is more than can be said for current right winger...

correct me if im wrong but the time that duke was at that club didnt you stop watching for a few years??how many times did you see him play

i remember his run and goal in an fa cup game. the town end were booing him etc... and then he scored, everyone went nuts and chanted dukey for scotland?
now, i dunno if they were trying to insult him secretly, and duke thought it was a compliment. That though sounds too intelligent for the town end.

you do work in IT

duke is captain for them today

sounds like Dukey did ok for them today. actually had a few shots on goal. dont see why he didnt do that more for us

because we played him at full back, where as they played him further up the park