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NICK WATKINS INTERVIEW: The managers that got away, the relationship with Di Canio and how close Town came to insolvency
           
           


  ON Wednesday, Swindon Town confirmed that Nick Watkins was stepping down as chief executive at the County Ground.

           

http://www.thisisswindontownfc.co.uk/news/headlines/10278456.NICK_WATKINS_INTERVIEW__The_managers_that_got_away__the_relationship_with_Di_Canio_and_how_close_Town_came_to_insolvency/?ref=rss
           
           
           

Some very interesting tales. I'm glad to see uncle Nick has opened up and told us some home truths.

Really good. What's interesting is that he had the same views on things going on and managers coming and going that the fans had.

He seemed the calm mind in the madness.

Interesting read. Probably the most accurate version of events so far.

Nick will be a sad loss.

Fantastic interview.

Maurice who?
:)

That's a remarkable insight into life at the club pre-Di Canio as well. It certainly confirms some of the awful decisons Fitton made and highlights the importance of Di Canio's appointment, as much as we're all left either disappointed with his departure or chewing over the bitterness of how it all ended, he was exactly what STFC needed at the time.

Unlike most on here, I never met him nor would I have recognised him at games but judging by that account he will be missed.

Very insightful from Nick. Can't really say a lot more about him than what's already been said. The biggest compliment I can give him I suppose is that I trusted him to run our football club.

First time I met him was Stockport away, when we arrived after a 4 hour drive only to hear the news of a postponement (despite no rain that day). He along with most of the players were equally frustrated about a wasted trip. We all had a moan, he gave me a business card, told me to email and he'd refund some of my petrol money as a gesture for making the trip. Unexpected and a totally top man!

Fascinating read.  It really does confirm the view that Andrew Fitton was instrumental in turning the club around off the field of play...but should have had more scrutiny from the others when it came to football matters, where his judgement was not really up to it.

Thats a brilliant read, thanks for your help Nick and all the best for the future.

A great read. Hindsight is a wonderful thing when it comes to managerial appointments. On paper Malpas was a successful ex - player, a coach with a good reputation looking to get into management. Sound familiar?
Back on track, NW has to go down as one of the most professional and universally popular execs in recent memory at the club. A hard act to follow.

excellent read

we've had a lot of self serving insights from various protagonists, supplemented with liberal speculation from most of us on here to support our own takes but this has a whiff of objectivity that has been lacking for months now.

A big thank you for your professionalism Nick.

Without doubt the best chief exec we've ever had. Ok I know the comparison with Diamond Mike is like comparing Bill Gates with a Big Issue seller but on his watch we had sponsorship deals that previous regimes could only dream of. Big shoes for Steve Murrall to follow that's for sure.

 :hmmm:

One of the very few times over the years where we get to read what really happened behind the scenes. It is a great shame that an obviously nice guy on top of his job is no longer a part of the organisation.

Really enjoyed reading that interview in the Adver.

Best thing that has been on the back pages for donkeys years.....except the results of course.