Thetownend.com

Well its been an interesting few months since the fiery Italian took charge. Feel free to add your own contributions -

* We shipped out a lot of dead wood
* We had a wonderful pre-season beating several 'Select XI' sides by a lot of goals to none
* We have potentially signed Milan Misun part 2 (Cibocchi)
* We paid 100k for a striker who couldn't stop scoring in the conference last season who hasn't yet had a chance to shine, however will have had a massive confidence boost in being substituted after 29 minutes of play.
* Signed an Italian keeper who is our new number 1 who is yet to play
* Our manager bollocks the team at half time being 1-0 up and we go on to lose 2-1 playing feebly in the second half
* We have more strikers on our books than in living memory and not one of them has scored so far
* Aden Flint has shown to be a little bit good
* On field spats between our 'number 1 striker who will score 20 to 25 goals this season' and our fitness coach

De Vita scored against Brizzle City and Kerrouche scored last night ;)

Sent off against Oxford and spent the second half looking like a mug in the stand.  Celebrated our equaliser against Oxford in front of the scummers.  Very professional.

Always one to let facts get in the way Ging!!

The only positive on that list is Aden Flint and he was signed by Danny cunting Wilson!

Di Canio may as well walk round with a target painted on his head.

Every game we play somebody wants a piece of him.. The ref (Oxford), Other teams fans, other teams managers (eg AFC Wimbledon) Other teams players (See southampton's Dan Harding steam over to him last night?) and now even our own players.

And of course all the while the cameras are there to capture every second.

 
Overcoming this, for me, is one of PDC’s biggest challenges.

Can't blame the oppo for this. You will always try and get at the weaknesses of your opposition.
Di Canio's weakness is his temper. So others are going to try to wind him up.

Call it passion or whatever, but at the moment it's hurting not helping the team.

I'm never a one to be negative but these look like Worrying times without a doubt, I'm concerned now our players are not good enough.I think we could be just treading water in this division for a good while and hopefully it wont involve a relegation scrap. 

Its looking at the moment as if he's making a massive fucking balls up of this job, and it might take someone else quite a bit of time and money to rectify it all.

Strikers haven't scored in the League then... in 5 games. That's not really acceptable.

Yes and no...

At half time on Saturday people would have said things were looking good. We'd just beaten City, and were 1-0 up away to a fairly strong team. We're turning the corner and it all looks rosey.

Fast forward 3 days and we've still only got 3 points, fans are going into histrionics because we've been outplayed by a team from the Championship, and then this whole Clarke incident occurs. I still believe that if PDC and the players can get over last night's incident then things could come good.

The next couple of weeks are gonig to be pretty huge for PDC.

Ive been getting more impressed as the season has gone on.

Was just reading through some old stuff and saw this from March

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/footballnation/newport-county-fc/2011/03/19/county-miss-out-on-di-canio-after-former-star-s-father-taken-ill-91466-28364391/

Yes, it all goes quiet when we are doing well!!

We had an interesting start, lots of players came in and the start of the season looked like a car crash waiting to happen. The Clarke incident looked like being the straw that broke the camels back but it looks like it has worked out well for all involved.

Paolo now appears to have a relatively settled team and a large squad of (hopefully) hungry players in all positions which bodes well when we go through an injury crisis.

After having issues with goalkeepers, we have signed (what sounds like) a confident young man who has kept 4 clean sheets in a row. We have a settled side that is playing some very attractive football.

October was a good month and it seems we are settling down nicely after a shaky start.

November sees 2 tricky cup matches in which I would like to see 5 or 6 of the fringe players given a chance. We also have some difficult matches in the league. Vale (a), Wimbledon (a), Aldershot (h).

Woohoo !

Paolo, it's Paolo.

Glad to be of service Nav.

I think things are shaping up as many predicted.

An initial few months where we were completely inconsistent and a slight circus.  Things are now settling down and were starting to see the results of a slightly more settled team and manager. 

A few points off the cuff.

Once things settled I wasn’t expecting quite so many of the foreign players to be outside the starting 11 and it is a concern we have almost a second 11 of foreign players doing nowt
Concerned about the dependency of loan players aka our playoff season under Wilson
Squad is way too big

Otherwise everything is going according to plan and what an enjoyable plan i is.

Well it was never going to be a dull season and i can`t see it changing in anyway. I believe Di Canio has been given a free rein by the board to do whatever it takes to get us out of this divison. It`s shit or bust season, at the moment its just about working out, in fact the last month has seen it all coming together and I think it will be play offs for us and then promotion. Second guessing what his plans is impossible as I dont think he really knows...foreign signings major disappointment and as has been pointed out Flint wasn`t one of his ideas...

 di Canio, as was always likely, has made some mistakes....nevertheless he's shown signs of having learned from them.

It's fairly obvious that we've too many players, who look a bit marginal, and essentially are draining funds....that needs to be addressed and has the potential to be a major problem.

In some ways a patchy start is better for us, because if we'd started like a Wise/Poyet train, then who knows what predators might have started sniffing blood.

A while back, I said we needed to go on something like a 10/12 game unbeaten run.....we've managed 5...over the next 7 or so games we'll have played everybody once....this will provide a much clearer idea, of where we're at.   So at the moment, OK, but nothing more.

That's almost a ringing endorsement from you Reg.

That's my biggest concern. IF we don't do it this year has the budget gone.... Bit too early to be concerned with such things I suppose.

Anywho, PDC gets a C+ from me (but October gets an A-).

We've certainly got a lot better over the past month or so. Our defence was our weakest aspect and we also needed a settled side to go with it. Di Canio has addressed these issues and with 4 clean sheets and a similar team sheet every week we've got ourselves an unbeaten run which is nice. There is some potential deadwood in the squad but the release of Atiku shows that this is being considered as well.

Top 7 at the moment and we're getting towards the half way mark soon so i'm pleased at the moment.

There's an excellent interview with PDC in todays Independant.Reinforces the complexities and passion of the man but also dispells some of the myths about him,notably the racism claims levelled against him.Would be very surprised and disappointed if he was'nt here for the long haul and think it's more likely we're in for one hell of an adventure

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/paolo-di-canio-my-life-speaks-for-me-6273526.html

Thats the link for it.


I enjoyed that bit the most I think..

I do like those comments.

that article is a good read....makes you think hes here for the long run

I agree. That was an excellent read and reinforces in my own mind that yesterday's comments were purely 'heat of the moment' and nothing more.

Di Canio was a unique player and is a unique manager.

Cracking article.

He makes me even more proud to be a Swindon fan.

Just read it. I particularly like the comments about his plans for the winter solstice !!

They missed off the bit about a giant wicker man.

Can't have enough respect for the guy, feel very lucky to have him at our club.

Paolo the Samurai - love it.

Great article

Jeez i enjoyed reading that...thanks for posting the link Will.

Brilliant read and I hope this man continues to remain within our family for many years!!!

We are Paolo's Red and White Army!!!

Excellent stuff.  Not many characters in football these days.  He's some character!

Excellent read. I don't think he's ready to forgive Clarke, just yet!

Two passages caught my eye.  One concerning the fascism criticisms:

The truth is that – today at least – you don't have to spend long with Di Canio to realise he is not a demented fascista; neither does he have any time for the sort of repugnant racial opinions held by at least two English Premier League footballers I can think of (and that's without even trying). While he was in Italy, his column in the national sport newspaper Corriere dello Sport routinely took the form of a rant against the idiocy of racism.

And the final section.  Refreshing to read something about STFC in one of the nationals that is neither patronising nor derogatory.  I think Robert Chalmers has developed a crush on us.  And I think Paolo has fallen in love.

"People who talk that way don't know me. I am calm, as I said, and more mature and I am really happy. The board, the players and the fans are fantastic. They all have enthusiasm, commitment and a real bond with the town. I say again, we're like a family. Our ambition may take years to achieve, but I honestly believe that this club is capable, eventually, of promotion to the Premier League."

As you leave Swindon Town's County Ground, heading towards the city centre, you have to cross an intersection named, appropriately enough, the Magic Roundabout. Looking back at the stadium, with the autumn light fading over the main stand, I can't help believing that the gypsy has, at long last, found his home.

Enjoyed reading that from the Independant. Going to now make a point of buying his book.

I bought it for £2 on amazon, plenty of copies on there

Cheers Tans, I'll put it on my Christmas list and leave it by the kettle for my good wife in the morning !

2nd hand though

That's ok, was yours in goodish condition ? Seen a few 2 nd hand ones but the normal book stores don't seem to have new ones. Perhaps WH Smiths could order one in.

Yeah spot on condition.

I dont think the book is published anymore

It's a superb read. I blazed through it in a day or so. Couldn't put it down.

Unless i have made a mistake, someone is selling the book on amazon for £113 and then having the cheek to to charge £2.80 for delivery

I noticed a few of the books being sold had been signed by Paolo. Could buy a load for £2 get them signed pitch side and make a tidy profit selling them on to Hammers fans etc.

Fantastic article, really enjoyed reading that

di Canio is a nut job, there's no two ways about it....his Samurai idol, Yukio Mishima, I recall from the early 70's, because he committed hari kari, after a failed right wing coup d'etat.....best lock up the CG cutlery if we don't beat Morecambe.

I arrived back  in Swindon late last night and went back home to my mums house where I had my copy of Paolos book delivered. The introduction to the book is amazing. It covers the story of West Ham v Bradford and the famous incident where Paolo demanded to be substituted due to the frustration of being denied 3 stonewall penalties whilst WHU were losing 2-4. We all know the story of what happened. But, to read it from the man himself and to know the emotions of what he went through that afternoon is a wonderful story. As we know, this guy has passion and I am very proud he is part of the Swindon family.

In PDC we trust.

This seems to be a similar (ish) incident to Clarke's incident  ???

PDC has been interviewed on Colin Murrays 5 live show tonight and was given the scenario of the Wigan keeper going up for a corner in the 93rd minute with the scores level and landing awkwardly and being badly injured,the ball being played to Matt Richie who with an open goal beckoning,picks the ball up in an act of good faith, what would he do,I'd kick his ass was Di Canios answer. The mans a God

Article in the daily mail today:

 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2091728/Paolo-Di-Canio-barbarian-Swindon-cool-life-England.html

I've only glanced at it but that looks like the same article word for word that was done by The Telegraph (I think?) a few weeks ago.

The Independent, but yeah.

One of my friends here is Italian and an AC fan.  In the past he really couldn't give a shit about Swindon, whenever I mentioned them I could see that he really wasn't listening.  When PDC was appointed he told me that Di Canio was nothing in Italy unless you were a fan of Lazio and that people weren't interested.  Recently his tune has changed, every time I talk to him he has some little piece of 'Swindon news' which has appeared in the Italian newspapers. 

Thanks for that Tans, ive just got his book so am enjoying that but love when he talks about Swindon the way he does in articles like this. Paolo is a top man.

Given all the evidence that disproves the myth that the man is a fascist, or racist, or Nazi, i'm surprised
that those who chose not to support the club since his appointment haven't yet realised they were
mistaken and come back into the fold.

Maybe it says more about their blinkered and stubborn viewpoint than it does about PDC?  

Maybe they don't believe the evidence.

Its a shame because aside from some of August I've pretty much loved every kick of this season so far.

you have to admire their resolve though (or stubborness)...I dont think I have what it takes to be a freedom fighter..would have caved in months ago...

It does suck to admit when you're wrong. It's probably that.

*Awaits patiently with tin opener for arrival of canned worms*

you'll have to wait until Ben is drunk :)

I decided that after mostly abject misery in my time of supporting Swindon combined with the fact I won't be living in the UK when the 2012/13 season rolls around, I wanted to make the most of this season regardless of the manager.

As it happens I've warmed to him quite a lot and am inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt - so I'm either lacking in conviction or an appeaser :)

Charged by the FA again.

Incompetent cunts.

Not shocked, the FA are the best at making the wrong decisions.

The FA are a fucking joke. Cunts.

I assume you mean Di Canio,  well he was sent off - for the third time this season.  What else could we expect ? The incompetence will probably cut in when his defence is rejected.  They'll probably give him a long enough ban to miss all key games in Feb.

Di Canio says he will take the fine but a another 1 match ban is unfair. I'd hate to think what he'll do if it's more than 1 game.

I can't help but feel if he was calmer in his post match interview, he might have gotten away with without any ban... :-(

The FA are a joke. How many games will he miss if found guilty then? Hasn't he already got some match bans suspended from last time?

Just for those of you who don't know, this is all part of Jezza Wray's plan.

He's instructed Di Canio to act up, and get a few bans to get the country's media focussing on PDC (and thus Swindon)... ;-)

Unfortunately you can't get sent off 3 times in a season and expect to get off lightly with it.

Hope I'm wrong but I can see a 3 match touchline ban coming.

Doesn't matter, we will still win this league!

Completely agree!

We all know that the Italians speak with their whole body.  Cut off an Italian man's arms and he can't talk!!

We all know that their is an active FA campaign to kick racism out of football..  Does this only apply if a player is black????

Surely this attitude towards overseas managers based in England (regardless of which country they are from and their skin colour)and the FA's intollerance of their national 'characteristics' is in itself racist!

Smells of hypocracy to me!!

Maybe i should ask the FA.  Who thinks I will get an answer from them,or does the racism campaign only come into effect when the FA say so?

Flailing your arms around and having a moan (what manager doesn't?!) is nowhere near as bad as waving imaginary cards, in my opinion. No crackdown there though...

The people who stopped watching Swindon because of Paolo's political views - alleged or otherwise - are pricks.

He is here as a football manager not a politician. If you don't like his politics, then don't vote for him to represent you in government - should he decide to stand.

Personally, I don't care if he is a fascist, Nazi, Stalinisn or supporter of Colonel Gadaffi - he is a passionate football man who seems to love the club, and has brought back the mojo to this club.

Having said that, respected journo's, including from the Independant, who know him, confirm that he is not a fascist anyway.

Paolo has completely transformed this club in 6 months, the club is the biggest news story in Swindon again, and he is probably the most talked about manager outside the Premiership. He is also learning fast, and will become a top manager pretty soon.

The only thing that tempers my anger against the self-righteous pricks who "boycott" the club because of their petty little views, is the knowledge that they are missing out on this brilliant chapter in the history of our club - sitting at home with their big bottom lips sticking out, wishing they hadn't fucked up

people do care though, and i'm sure they'll care what you think

We're all different but we're all Town. Some of those who walked away were decent people who due to their political beliefs could not support DiCanio. I think calling them "pricks" is misguided. They had principles and stuck to them - fair play to them.  

For god sake, here comes another 10 page debate about this.

If people don't want to support the club because of Paolo's "beliefs" then let them, its there choice. No need to call them pricks.

Hes caught a whopper i reckon

I'd go as far as to call 'fans' who can't even be bothered to spell the manager's name properly dimwitted pricks.

Agreed. I don't share their opinions (I am a lefty and I will continue to support Town) but I respect people making a stand, even if I don't agree with it.

Go Nev!

I really expected there to be more protest from unhappy Swindon Town fans. We got a withdrawal of a sponsor and a handful of supporters said they wouldn't go any more but that was it. I supposed I thought there would be more outrage than there actually was.

Also, (early on) I expected PDC to have gone by now. I misjudged his work ethic and loyalty - I'm not misguided enough to think he'll stay for years and years but he has clearly dedicated himself 100% to Swindon Town.

I'm not.

Yes you are

Straight red for any cunt doing that.

I would be willing to bet a sizeable sum, that the people defending the "Conscientious objectors", are the same ones who were moaning a few weeks back about the young supporters who were making too much noise at away matches.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQqq3e03EBQ

Well you'd be completely fucking wrong then wouldn't you.

I think they'd be a lot of people willing to take the other side of that sizeable bet.

The sooner we get our club properly sanitised the better.

Why can't we have a brand new concrete stadium like Northampton ?
What about cheerleaders and organ music.

What and why are you getting up on your high horse ?

Calm down fella !  If people decide they don't want to come because of PDC then that's their choice - calling them pricks for it says more about you than them !

If you are determined to have a row at least make it something worthwhile

Would the cheerleaders be fit?

Look I'm sorry OK

I've been doing a bit of research on the internet, and it seems I've been wrong.

Have you seen what the Romans did to Boadicea less than 2,000 years ago ?

I will never set foot inside the County Ground untill that Roman Bastard has gone

Boudica had it coming. Those togas won't iron themselves.

She was an ugly bitch anyway !

Ok so I think I need to come out of the closet, I am gay.  I love a man.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/swindon-town/9045066/Leicester-City-v-Swindon-Town-Paolo-Di-Canio-adds-method-to-the-madness-as-passion-pays-dividends.html

I'm with you on this Nev....I predicted back in May when di Canio was appointed, that more problems would be caused by misspelling than by TEF departures.

We've had 7 months of this now....

Think of it like this boys and girls.....Paolo is mint....like a polo. (rearrange...a polo)

What really kicked it off was what the Romans did to her daughters.....

Single parent sponging off the state, canoodling with any male in her tribe ... get those Romans back here now!