From the Adver today:
http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/mostpopular.var.1996475.mostviewed.fitton_wants_three_amigos_out.phpHe talks about the BEST 3 and mentions maybe up to 7 out next week. If this included Adams and Kaid, 2 more to go plus another incoming? Also talks about Cox and Brez.
Fitton wants 'Three Amigos' out
Exclusive By Andy Cryer
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CHAIRMAN Andrew Fitton has launched a last-ditch plea for Town's Three Amigos' to quit the County Ground as he looks to close the door on a "bad chapter" in Swindon's history.
Spaniard Ibon Arrieta, Frenchman Franklin Anzite and Portugal's Mauro Almeida were all brought to Wiltshire by former club suitors BEST Holdings but, with the Portuguese-led consortium consigned to history, Fitton insists the trio have no Swindon future.
Moses Ashikodi, Anthony McNamee and Pat Kanyuka have all arrived at SN1 this week as boss Maurice Malpas continues to shape his squad for the long-term but Fitton admits any further plans to strengthen are being hindered by the presence of Town's unwanted three.
Ahead of today's trip to Crewe Alexandra, Fitton revealed as many as seven players could be heading out of the exit door by the end of January while he was hopeful of adding another permanent signing.
While keen on giving Malpas the best possible preparations for next season, Fitton admits Town' playing budget has been allowed to get "well out of control" and knows the departure of the Best Holdings trio would help get that down the 25 percent they are targeting.
With just four league appearances between them, the three have endured a nightmare spell at Town but are so far declining the offer on the table to buy out their contracts and walk away.
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Fitton, pictured, said: "We do have a problem with the three guys who arrived with Jorge Rubenstein. They were brought here under false pretences and we have told them they have to go.
"We have told them their agents have done them no favours and from our point of view the sooner they go the better. I don't think the fans know how much these guys are costing us.
"They are part of a very bad chapter in the club's history. BEST Holdings was always a flawed deal and was never likely to be a success."
BEST Holdings almost bought Town earlier this season but, after some farcical negotiations, Town's previous owners turned to Fitton & co as an alternative to the relief of the majority of the fans.
But with Arrieta and Anzite handed two-year contracts and Almeida on a one-year deal, Fitton's takeover bid has left the three out in the cold.
"They are very likable lads," said Fitton. "We don't blame them at all but their presence here is doing themselves and the club no good at all.
"They may or may not be good enough to play first team professional football but we don't want them here. They have no future at Swindon and we need them to see that l and to continue their careers elsewhere.
"We are trying to massage the budget down to where it should be and to give us some head room. So if we could buy Simon Cox from Reading we would be in the position to buy him and pay his wages.
"I am not saying we have to sell before we buy but we do need to get ourselves back into the right place. I am sympathetic with the three players but at the end of the day that is not our fault."
With the January transfer window closing next week, Fitton warned the three are not the only squad players set for a move - although insisted the club's "crown jewels" would only be sold for the right money.
He said: ""I am a believer you shape your squad when you are up, not down. We want to strengthen when we are strong and that was always going to mean some squad shaping.
"I would be surprised if there were not seven players out next week, some on loan deals and others permanently, while we are still hoping we can bring one more player in.
"We want to get ourselves in the position where Maurice has a headstart in the summer. We are trying to build for the future and I am sure Swindon fans will be excited by seeing the club actually buying players again.
"I don't expect Peter Brezovan to be one of those we sell. We have had enquiries but we have been very firm only a substantial offer would change our minds."
