Adver News: The Paolo Di Canio Column: I have the perfect chairman

[Nemo]

I like how every other team seems absolutely convinced that we're financially unsustainable because we've spent a few pennies here and there.

Torquay have an average attendance of 2720

We have an average attendance of 7786, have just sold out a home tie against Wigan and are in the FA Cup 4th round, and are on the way to Wembley in the JPT.

It's hardly a cunting surprise we might have more money to spend than them is it?

[Gnasher]

Most L2 forums are the same. Even Crawley fans think we're buying our way out of this league!

[Ardiles]

Exactly.  There difference is that Torquay are playing at their natural level, while we are playing below ours.  And there's nothing to be proud of about that for us.  Based on attendances/resources etc. we should, in theory, be holding our own in League 1 and challenging for promotion to the Championship.  But we're not.  We're underachieving at the moment.

We're in the basement division, on merit, and trying our best to get out of it.  In order to do that, we're spending more than most in the division because we can spend more than most in the division.  That isn't dick waving; it's economic reality.

[chalkies_shorts]

I don't really give a fuck what the other clubs think. I think we'll be just fine, get promoted and have a team to finish half way next season - without a great deal of further investment. I'm quite happy to let other clubs take pot shots at us while we just sail on and wave goodbye to them.  

[Peter Venkman]

Most L2 forums are the same. Even Crawley fans think we're buying our way out of this league!

Now thats the epitome of irony!

[DV]

we're swindon and we do what we want!

Mr. Wray has been excellent so far. Everything he has done has been spot on and with each day he shows up Fitton run as chairman more and more.

Anything less than Champions is failure.

[london_red]

Great article, good to know our chairman and manager have such a good relationship. A pleasant and unusual feeling to know the club is in great hands in the boardroom and the dugout.

[reeves4england]

Understand some of the points being made by Torquay fans - if we were to keep spending like we are and stay in League Two then we'll be in trouble in a few years time.

But realistically, we're not going to keep spending these sums of money int he future, as the plan has been to build a side capable of challenging not only in this league but in the league above. Our results in cup competitions suggest we've done this quite well.

I don't think fans of Torquay, Crawley etc are being bitter, they just don't see how well Paolo manages the team and how much progress the club is making, as they only see us once/twice per season.

[tans]

Anything less than Champions is failure.

So if we finished 2nd that would be a failure??

Christ almighty.

As long as we go up, i couldnt give a fuck how, be it playoffs or automatic

[Batch]

Mr. Wray has been excellent so far. Everything he has done has been spot on and with each day he shows up Fitton run as chairman more and more

I think that's slightly unfair. Fitton sorted out the immense mess that he inherited from the greek fuck, and worked hard to restore the clubs credibility. I think it is due to Fittons hard work Wray can do what he can.

Secondly, Fitton undoubtedly gave Wilson his support. We went to Wembley under his watch. At that point in time everything was great.

Fitton obviously made mistakes (Malpas, Greer, Hart - though presumably with boardroom support), and Wray seems somehow more of a 'football' man, but I think its a bit unfair to compare the two.

[Flashheart]

If we finish rock bottom but all teams above are disqualified from promotion meaning we get to go up, the season would have been a resounding success.

[Ardiles]

Andrew Fitton made a few mistakes, but he was the right man at the right time in 2007 when the club's back office needed clearing out and rebuilding.  He did that quickly and effectively.  On the field of play, he did less well...but you can't have it all.  He's moved on and so have we.  Sadly, he left the club in a lower division to when he took over, but he also left it in much better shape in so many ways.

[chalkies_shorts]

So if we finished 2nd that would be a failure??

Christ almighty.

As long as we go up, i couldnt give a fuck how, be it playoffs or automatic

Totally agree. PdC made mistakes early on and we lost ground, we're now making it up. I want us to be champions but the main thing is to go up and then compete next season.

[tans]

Totally agree. PdC made mistakes early on and we lost ground, we're now making it up. I want us to be champions but the main thing is to go up and then compete next season.

Exactamundo mr shorts

[jonah]

I've noticed an undercurrent of opinion on TEF that "expects" us to be promoted this year.

I am a natural pessimistic - and I don't expect promotion (I bloody well hope for it), I just can't help thinking that come May and if we haven't made it - how much shit we are going to get from the likes of Torquay, poxo and the rest....

j