SWINDON TOWN: Pressure is off for Paolo

Town boss Paolo Di Canio Town boss Paolo Di Canio

PAOLO Di Canio is not feeling the heat in the slightest as he prepares his Swindon Town side for their biggest match at the County Ground in the best part of two decades.

The Robins entertain Aston Villa in front of a sell-out crowd tonight with a place in the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup at stake.

Having already overseen the defeat of two Premier League sides during his 17-month tenure in Wiltshire, some pockets of Town fans are almost expecting an upset - potentially leaving Di Canio under pressure to deliver yet another shock tonight.

However, the Italian remained cool and collected in his pre-match press conference yesterday, telling the Advertiser: “It will be normal, honestly. I was thinking more about it yesterday but I am getting close to the match and I am more relaxed.

“You can’t wait to start when you have time to wait. Today I don’t know why but I feel positive, I feel happy, I have a positive energy.

“If we can do something more it would be a dream but I don’t feel the pressure.

“I think there would be more pressure if there were some details I could use to prepare my players better. Two days ago I was thinking about their game and I wanted to check everything and maybe I was more nervous in some way.

“Then when you think you have done a good job, your players answer very well in the way they train and they are very focused, you relax and use your energy only to think if that there is something that can help your players.”

Di Canio could be buoyed by the return from injury of striker Andy Williams and defender Nathan Thompson against Villa.

Williams has been out of action for the best part of four weeks with a calf problem but has been back in training for several days and could make the bench tonight.

Thompson has recovered from an ankle knock.

Comments(44)

castle9 says...
7:35am Tue 30 Oct 12

Come on then, lets make a decent atmosphere tonight as it has been like a morgue at the CG most of the season so far.

Lets see the 'Irriducibili' banner back in the Don Rogers (Curva Sud!) and bring your scarves.

If he's playing can we please clap Given when he comes up to the Town End?

SeanG92 says...
9:24am Tue 30 Oct 12

The excitement builds! Today is going to go very slow.

Aye I will be bringing my scarf! Lets get the entire stadium doing the whole scarf salute to Paolo again, it looked fantastic at the end of last season!

Aye i dont doubt that Given will get a good old clap when he comes to the town end. :)

SAPFanSTFC says...
9:27am Tue 30 Oct 12

Agree on the scarf salute!...will work better tonight if we win.
---.
Predictions League Link:
http://www.thisisswi
ndontownfc.co.uk/new
s/10012231.PREDICTIO
NS_LEAGUE__Swindon_T
own_v_Aston_Villa/

jam1 says...
9:36am Tue 30 Oct 12

SAPFanSTFC wrote:
Agree on the scarf salute!...will work better tonight if we win. ---. Predictions League Link: http://www.thisisswi ndonAgreed, spread the word re: scarfs! A sea of red across all 3 stands is a must!

Redhouse Red says...
9:40am Tue 30 Oct 12

What's this 19 minutes clap thing I've seen on twitter for petrov?

SeanG92 says...
9:52am Tue 30 Oct 12

Redhouse Red wrote:
What's this 19 minutes clap thing I've seen on twitter for petrov?
Apparently its been organized for all the fans to clap for 1 min on 19mins to show support for petrov.

http://www.swindon.v
italfootball.co.uk/a
rticle.asp?a=298119

Malkym says...
9:54am Tue 30 Oct 12

SeanG92 wrote:
The excitement builds! Today is going to go very slow. Aye I will be bringing my scarf! Lets get the entire stadium doing the whole scarf salute to Paolo again, it looked fantastic at the end of last season! Aye i dont doubt that Given will get a good old clap when he comes to the town end. :)
More likely some of the Town End -would give him the clap! :)

dreamofacleansheet2 says...
9:57am Tue 30 Oct 12

We should definitely clap Given and definitely clap for Petrov on 19 minutes. Given was brilliant for us all those years ago and it would be good if Town fans could show some respect to Petrov to. To much rubbish around the beautiful game that is frankly ugly at the minute. Let's try and show some class and then knock them out of the Cup.

Redhouse Red says...
10:13am Tue 30 Oct 12

SeanG92 wrote:
Redhouse Red wrote:
What's this 19 minutes clap thing I've seen on twitter for petrov?
Apparently its been organized for all the fans to clap for 1 min on 19mins to show support for petrov.

http://www.swindon.v

italfootball.co.uk/a

rticle.asp?a=298119
Cheers

Red Army says...
10:14am Tue 30 Oct 12

castle9 wrote:
Come on then, lets make a decent atmosphere tonight as it has been like a morgue at the CG most of the season so far.

Lets see the 'Irriducibili' banner back in the Don Rogers (Curva Sud!) and bring your scarves.

If he's playing can we please clap Given when he comes up to the Town End?
It's not been helped by the crap away fan following. There is only atmosphere when there are two sets of fans there not just 80 or so.

pdc does wot he wants says...
10:15am Tue 30 Oct 12

dreamofacleansheet2 wrote:
We should definitely clap Given and definitely clap for Petrov on 19 minutes. Given was brilliant for us all those years ago and it would be good if Town fans could show some respect to Petrov to. To much rubbish around the beautiful game that is frankly ugly at the minute. Let's try and show some class and then knock them out of the Cup.
charlie austin was brilliant for us and no one clapped him . how many games did GIVEN actualy play for us ?
how about lets put all our effert in to cheering and clapping our own players not some bloke that played about 5 games 20 years ago. COYR not shay given

pdc does wot he wants says...
10:15am Tue 30 Oct 12

dreamofacleansheet2 wrote:
We should definitely clap Given and definitely clap for Petrov on 19 minutes. Given was brilliant for us all those years ago and it would be good if Town fans could show some respect to Petrov to. To much rubbish around the beautiful game that is frankly ugly at the minute. Let's try and show some class and then knock them out of the Cup.
charlie austin was brilliant for us and no one clapped him . how many games did GIVEN actualy play for us ?
how about lets put all our effert in to cheering and clapping our own players not some bloke that played about 5 games 20 years ago. COYR not shay given

SAPFanSTFC says...
10:21am Tue 30 Oct 12

jam1 wrote:
SAPFanSTFC wrote:
Agree on the scarf salute!...will work better tonight if we win. ---. Predictions League Link: http://www.thisisswi ndonAgreed, spread the word re: scarfs! A sea of red across all 3 stands is a must!---.
Got my scarves back out already and waiting...although have had to get the older ones out at home as my car is in for service and MOT...and everything in the back.
---.
Doh!
---.
Sea of Red and White tonight!!
---.
Also!
Like the keep it simple chants I read somewhere - Let's (Arkells) go for the STFC response to the Town End's "We are Paolo's Red and White Army"...but we'll need the DR stand to help us get it going.

duncanjclark says...
10:30am Tue 30 Oct 12

Help! I was meant to be in Singapore this week and therefore didn't buy a ticket for tonight but my trip has been cancelled. Anyone that has a spare ticket, please get in touch duncanjclark at hotmail dot com. I'd be well grateful. Thanks very much.

bookiered says...
10:31am Tue 30 Oct 12

Lets see the 'Irriducibili' banner back in the Don Rogers (Curva Sud!) and bring your scarves.

Please do your research, you will then discover the reasons why displaying this banner and associating with this group are so repugnant. My season ticket is in front of where people have attempted to display this banner and believe me it will not be happening. Enough said. No need for further comment.

jam1 says...
10:47am Tue 30 Oct 12

Irriducible means Invincible.

jam1 says...
10:52am Tue 30 Oct 12

The arrival of the Irriducibili - During a Lazio-Padova match in 1987, a 10 meter long banner announced the arrival of a new Ultra group on the scene, Irriducibili Lazio formed by Antonio Grinta. Irriducibili rose to power in the Curva Nord and revolutionized the way Lazio fans supported their side. No more drums were used but English chanting styles were adopted. This contrasted boldly with the Italian style of the Eagles Supporters, and by 1992, Irriducibili were by far Lazio's most powerful group as the Eagles Supporters disbanded.

With the arrival of the new club president, Sergio Cragnotti, Lazio qualified for European competition becoming one of the world's strongest teams. During this period, Lazio ultras formed close ties with both Interisti and Veronesi. In addition to these, relationships with supporters of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Paris Saint Germain developed.

The number of traveling Lazio fans did not drop from the "old days" though, as approximately 4,000 travelled to Dortmund and Vienna, 20,000 to Paris, 15,000 to Birmingham for the 1999 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup Final and 10000 to Monaco for the UEFA Supercup despite only being allocated 3,500 tickets.

Swindon1984 says...
11:46am Tue 30 Oct 12

dreamofacleansheet2 wrote:
We should definitely clap Given and definitely clap for Petrov on 19 minutes. Given was brilliant for us all those years ago and it would be good if Town fans could show some respect to Petrov to. To much rubbish around the beautiful game that is frankly ugly at the minute. Let's try and show some class and then knock them out of the Cup.
Agree with every word of that!

SAPFanSTFC says...
12:00pm Tue 30 Oct 12

Swindon1984 wrote:
dreamofacleansheet2 wrote:
We should definitely clap Given and definitely clap for Petrov on 19 minutes. Given was brilliant for us all those years ago and it would be good if Town fans could show some respect to Petrov to. To much rubbish around the beautiful game that is frankly ugly at the minute. Let's try and show some class and then knock them out of the Cup.
Agree with every word of that!
Ditto that!

SAPFanSTFC says...
12:04pm Tue 30 Oct 12

On another note - My wife has just gone to the shop to get the away kits for the two boys as Christmas presents...no more shorts in stock and not getting any more in!? The shorts were going to be GrandDad's contribution so gutted now.
---.
Going to have to hunt for a 'similar style' pair although no badge will be possible....unless anyone else knows as to where you can still get them?
---.
Need a 9-10yr old and 6-7yr old if anyone has any ideas?

The-Swindon-Man says...
12:04pm Tue 30 Oct 12

Good luck town. Let's make it a magical night...

COYR!!!!!!!!

SeanG92 says...
12:08pm Tue 30 Oct 12

SAPFanSTFC wrote:
On another note - My wife has just gone to the shop to get the away kits for the two boys as Christmas presents...no more shorts in stock and not getting any more in!? The shorts were going to be GrandDad's contribution so gutted now.
---.
Going to have to hunt for a 'similar style' pair although no badge will be possible....unless anyone else knows as to where you can still get them?
---.
Need a 9-10yr old and 6-7yr old if anyone has any ideas?
Seems a bit ridiculous that they are going to be out of stock of shorts for the rest of the season?!?

Malkym says...
12:41pm Tue 30 Oct 12

SeanG92 wrote:
SAPFanSTFC wrote: On another note - My wife has just gone to the shop to get the away kits for the two boys as Christmas presents...no more shorts in stock and not getting any more in!? The shorts were going to be GrandDad's contribution so gutted now. ---. Going to have to hunt for a 'similar style' pair although no badge will be possible....unless anyone else knows as to where you can still get them? ---. Need a 9-10yr old and 6-7yr old if anyone has any ideas?
Seems a bit ridiculous that they are going to be out of stock of shorts for the rest of the season?!?
Seems there's a short-age!

SAPFanSTFC says...
12:55pm Tue 30 Oct 12

Malkym wrote:
SeanG92 wrote:
SAPFanSTFC wrote: On another note - My wife has just gone to the shop to get the away kits for the two boys as Christmas presents...no more shorts in stock and not getting any more in!? The shorts were going to be GrandDad's contribution so gutted now. ---. Going to have to hunt for a 'similar style' pair although no badge will be possible....unless anyone else knows as to where you can still get them? ---. Need a 9-10yr old and 6-7yr old if anyone has any ideas?
Seems a bit ridiculous that they are going to be out of stock of shorts for the rest of the season?!?
Seems there's a short-age!
Cue a queue of groans!
---
Just seems daft though as many would have asked for the away strip for a present I'd guess....they can't even order any now as Adidas are said not to be able to deliver until after April potentially.
...
Need to do some internet hunting for Adidas contacts I think.

dreamofacleansheet2 says...
1:10pm Tue 30 Oct 12

SAPF maybe worth ringing (not online) http://www.soccersce
ne.co.uk and if they don't have them ask where you might be able to get them.

Can't wait for tonight.

pdc does what he wants. Some of us did clap and chant Charlie Austin's name. Can't help the ignorant idiots. Not suggesting for one minute you support them during the game. Not quite sure how you got to that conclusion......

Malkym says...
1:17pm Tue 30 Oct 12

SAPFanSTFC wrote:
Malkym wrote:
SeanG92 wrote:
SAPFanSTFC wrote: On another note - My wife has just gone to the shop to get the away kits for the two boys as Christmas presents...no more shorts in stock and not getting any more in!? The shorts were going to be GrandDad's contribution so gutted now. ---. Going to have to hunt for a 'similar style' pair although no badge will be possible....unless anyone else knows as to where you can still get them? ---. Need a 9-10yr old and 6-7yr old if anyone has any ideas?
Seems a bit ridiculous that they are going to be out of stock of shorts for the rest of the season?!?
Seems there's a short-age!
Cue a queue of groans!
---
Just seems daft though as many would have asked for the away strip for a present I'd guess....they can't even order any now as Adidas are said not to be able to deliver until after April potentially.
...
Need to do some internet hunting for Adidas contacts I think.
Short sighted marketing I reckon by the commercial side... Now then what do you think would sell well for Xmas I know how about junior replica kits not rocket science is it sorry about the appalling pun it was bad! Lol :)

Redhouse Red says...
1:19pm Tue 30 Oct 12

SAPFanSTFC wrote:
Swindon1984 wrote:
dreamofacleansheet2 wrote:
We should definitely clap Given and definitely clap for Petrov on 19 minutes. Given was brilliant for us all those years ago and it would be good if Town fans could show some respect to Petrov to. To much rubbish around the beautiful game that is frankly ugly at the minute. Let's try and show some class and then knock them out of the Cup.
Agree with every word of that!
Ditto that!
Great post dream of...

Brainy_G93 says...
1:22pm Tue 30 Oct 12

Personally I find the Irriduscibili banner offensive.

http://www.football-
hooligans.org/lazio-
ultras.html

jam1 says...
1:46pm Tue 30 Oct 12

Fair enough. Its purely done in honour of paolo though. It has nothing to do with lazio and the far right element of their support. Paolo loves it bannered up, looks great as well. 6 hrs to go, atmosphere is going to be amazing. Bring your scarfs

mossy282 says...
2:07pm Tue 30 Oct 12

duncanjclark wrote:
Help! I was meant to be in Singapore this week and therefore didn't buy a ticket for tonight but my trip has been cancelled. Anyone that has a spare ticket, please get in touch duncanjclark at hotmail dot com. I'd be well grateful. Thanks very much.
Duncan,check yr e mail!

Cliff

duncanjclark says...
2:54pm Tue 30 Oct 12

mossy282 wrote:
duncanjclark wrote:
Help! I was meant to be in Singapore this week and therefore didn't buy a ticket for tonight but my trip has been cancelled. Anyone that has a spare ticket, please get in touch duncanjclark at hotmail dot com. I'd be well grateful. Thanks very much.
Duncan,check yr e mail!

Cliff
Thanks everyone, ticket is sorted :) COYR!!!!!

Oxon-Red says...
2:57pm Tue 30 Oct 12

Quote on the BBC site from our beloved manager:

"Sending Manchester United out was amazing. It was like having sex with Madonna and beating Villa as a manager would be just as good."

Seems he has connections in the world of showbiz :-)

I'm just glad he said Madonna and not Maradona !!!

COYMR

Rondogers says...
3:13pm Tue 30 Oct 12

bookiered wrote:
Lets see the 'Irriducibili' banner back in the Don Rogers (Curva Sud!) and bring your scarves. Please do your research, you will then discover the reasons why displaying this banner and associating with this group are so repugnant. My season ticket is in front of where people have attempted to display this banner and believe me it will not be happening. Enough said. No need for further comment.
Couldn't agree more!

why do some STFC fans feel the need to follow a pathetic 'Irriducibili' group just because PDC was associated with it.

We are Swindon not Lazio!

Grow up up and just enjoy the game, so sick of all the nonsense going on in football at the moment! anyway rant over....COME ON YOU REDS!

lord nikon says...
3:24pm Tue 30 Oct 12

heard some big news on the grapevine today that were being bought by saudi billionaire mohammed al moudy 61st richest person in the world because he loves di canio 5 year plan to get in premiership and into europe with new all purpose stadium don't slag me watch this space might explain why Di Canio is feeling relaxed!

Rondogers says...
3:39pm Tue 30 Oct 12

lord nikon wrote:
heard some big news on the grapevine today that were being bought by saudi billionaire mohammed al moudy 61st richest person in the world because he loves di canio 5 year plan to get in premiership and into europe with new all purpose stadium don't slag me watch this space might explain why Di Canio is feeling relaxed!
Well guess we'll have to watch this space then...

Started me thinking though, would I still have the same affection for STFC if we we had a Man City 'makeover'.

I remember hearing a Man City fan saying he missed the old days after their recent success. Said he was bored of watching them win pretty much every game.

I'm not sure if I would enjoy buying success. I've supported STFC since 85 and it's never been boring. I think when you earn success it means more.

Hey not saying i wouldn't enjoy winning the Champions league! imagine rubbing Oxfords fans noses in it! lol

california andy says...
3:42pm Tue 30 Oct 12

Posted also on other thread. Bloody flight cancelled from California because of fog. My son will be travelling by train with two tickets, and now only needs one. If anyone out there would like to buy it at cost, email me at andrewscull at hotmail.com and I will put you in touch with him.

Absolutely gutted, but come on Town, let's have a win...

dave bamber`s caravan says...
4:00pm Tue 30 Oct 12

lord nikon wrote:
heard some big news on the grapevine today that were being bought by saudi billionaire mohammed al moudy 61st richest person in the world because he loves di canio 5 year plan to get in premiership and into europe with new all purpose stadium don't slag me watch this space might explain why Di Canio is feeling relaxed!
IF true..... it doesnt matter how many billions he's got........ we still can't spend more than 65% of our turnover.

SeanG92 says...
4:14pm Tue 30 Oct 12

dave bamber`s caravan wrote:
lord nikon wrote:
heard some big news on the grapevine today that were being bought by saudi billionaire mohammed al moudy 61st richest person in the world because he loves di canio 5 year plan to get in premiership and into europe with new all purpose stadium don't slag me watch this space might explain why Di Canio is feeling relaxed!
IF true..... it doesnt matter how many billions he's got........ we still can't spend more than 65% of our turnover.
Technically he could invest money in a specific way to allow it to be classed as turnover.

However I highly doubt nikon's claims.

the wizard says...
4:22pm Tue 30 Oct 12

Lord Nikon,

This rumour was on a infamous web site yesterday. To a point I hope its true, as long as the club doesn't become a fashion trinket like many clubs have with far east owners.

Hope we have a brilliant evening.

Oxon-Red says...
4:41pm Tue 30 Oct 12

From the BBC Website:

"This is the 12th time the sides have met in all competitions. Aston Villa have won six matches, Swindon two and there have been three draws."

6 + 2 + 3 = 12 ???

COYMR

Oxon-Red says...
4:46pm Tue 30 Oct 12

Oxon-Red wrote:
From the BBC Website: "This is the 12th time the sides have met in all competitions. Aston Villa have won six matches, Swindon two and there have been three draws." 6 + 2 + 3 = 12 ??? COYMR
Pillock !!

Read it properly before you post :-)

COYMR

Oi Den! says...
5:05pm Tue 30 Oct 12

SeanG92 wrote:
dave bamber`s caravan wrote:
lord nikon wrote:
heard some big news on the grapevine today that were being bought by saudi billionaire mohammed al moudy 61st richest person in the world because he loves di canio 5 year plan to get in premiership and into europe with new all purpose stadium don't slag me watch this space might explain why Di Canio is feeling relaxed!
IF true..... it doesnt matter how many billions he's got........ we still can't spend more than 65% of our turnover.
Technically he could invest money in a specific way to allow it to be classed as turnover.

However I highly doubt nikon's claims.
Different rules in the Championship though Sean - and different ones again in the Premier League. Don't ask me what they are. I couldn't be bothered to find out. It was enough of a pain in the arse just trying to find out the rules for our division!

tenerifetaxi says...
5:06pm Tue 30 Oct 12

lord nikon wrote:
heard some big news on the grapevine today that were being bought by saudi billionaire mohammed al moudy 61st richest person in the world because he loves di canio 5 year plan to get in premiership and into europe with new all purpose stadium don't slag me watch this space might explain why Di Canio is feeling relaxed!
Hopes dashed again. Al Amoudi is only 63rd richest in world now! By the time Paulo has spent his wad he will be the 63rd poorest - LOL!!! "

Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Ali Al Amoudi (Ge'ez: ሞሓመድ አልአሙዲ, Arabic: محمد حسين العمودي; is a Saudi Arabian/Ethiopian businessman and billionaire who lives in Ethiopia and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As of 2011, his net worth has been estimated by Forbes at $12.3 billion, making him the 63rd richest person in the world. This listing also ranks him as the richest person in Ethiopia and the second richest Saudi Arabian citizen in the world. According to Forbes, as of March 2012 Al Amoudi is the richest black person in the world, having surpassed Aliko Dangote."

Dover Red says...
7:15pm Tue 30 Oct 12

prefer to do it the old fashioned way !

click2find

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