Chase hots up for Town duo (From This Is Swindon Town FC)
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SWINDON TOWN: Chase hots up for Town duo
5:50am Thursday 28th June 2012 in Headlines By Sam Morshead
Alan Connell
PAOLO Di Canio has confirmed that there has been interest shown in transfer-listed duo Alan Connell and Jonathan Smith.
The pair, who both played major roles in Swindon’s League Two-winning campaign, have been told they are free to find new clubs after Di Canio decided they were not in his plans for the assault on League One in 2012/13.
The Advertiser understands Connell has received attention from several clubs in League One and League Two, while Smith is the subject of reported interest from Oxford and York.
Di Canio hinted that offers could already be on the table for the two players, and he stressed that the next move was down to them.
“Obviously there are some rumours, there are some situations for them because it is obvious that they were protagonists and someone wants them,” he said.
“It depends what they want to do, they have to decide whether to accept or not or if they want for another situation.
“It’s obvious that Jonathan Smith and Alan Connell have got some good situations but they have to decide if they want to go through or maybe wait a bit more, I don’t know.
“It’s up to them now.”
Connell and Smith, the two players the Advertiser reported on Monday as being set to leave Town, have been joined on the transfer list by midfielder Lee Cox and goalkeeper Mattia Lanzano.
And Di Canio explained the reasoning behind the quartet being made available for a move away from Wiltshire.
He said: “Alan Connell was an important part of the team like Jonathan Smith - Lee Cox a little bit less because he joined in January and you can see he is talented but, with the way I want to play in the middle, I discovered he’s not exactly the player I want even if he’s a very talented player.
“Up front I want dynamism, more physical presence and Alan is probably not the kind of striker I would have next year.
“Jonathan Smith is a good midfield player, he’s one that can challenge all round the field, one that gives his heart - but I want to play a bit more football. It will be difficult for Jonathan to find the space.
“It was not fair to tell them to stay and maybe play one game or maybe even not one minute.
“So it is good enough for them to move on because they finished as a protagonist last year and try to find a place where maybe they can play regular football and maybe have a good contract.”
The four players will not travel with the Town squad to Italy for the Robins’ pre-season tour on Sunday.
Instead, they will continue training with a fitness coach at the club’s training ground at Liddington.
Meanwhile, striker Lukas Magera has left Swindon after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.
Comments(48)
bowralbob
says...
7:06am Thu 28 Jun 12
I have a feeling Alan Connell is going to be another Alex Revell, we shall see...
LionelHutz
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7:27am Thu 28 Jun 12
BorisIsTheSpider
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7:51am Thu 28 Jun 12
bowralbob wrote:I too think that Connell will come back to haunt us. Always thought he was a good old-fashioned centre forward. Can only assume it is something personal, because I never saw a lack of commitment from him. Best of lack Alan, you are going to do well for someone!
I hope they find good clubs and I thank them for doing their part getting us promoted to Div 1.
I have a feeling Alan Connell is going to be another Alex Revell, we shall see...
BorisIsTheSpider
says...
7:51am Thu 28 Jun 12
bowralbob wrote:I too think that Connell will come back to haunt us. Always thought he was a good old-fashioned centre forward. Can only assume it is something personal, because I never saw a lack of commitment from him. Best of lack Alan, you are going to do well for someone!
I hope they find good clubs and I thank them for doing their part getting us promoted to Div 1.
I have a feeling Alan Connell is going to be another Alex Revell, we shall see...
the wizard
says...
8:14am Thu 28 Jun 12
bowralbob wrote:I think you are probably right.
I hope they find good clubs and I thank them for doing their part getting us promoted to Div 1.
I have a feeling Alan Connell is going to be another Alex Revell, we shall see...
When he does come back to CG he will get a brilliant reception, because he deserves nothing less, and the same goes for Smith as well.
Shame we haven't had the chance to show our thanks but time itself will probably help us to do just that.
old town robin
says...
8:17am Thu 28 Jun 12
Lanzano
P Smith
Scott
Kennedy
Esajas
Bostock (hope he comes back)
Cox
Said
Gabilondo
Connell
Bodin (is he on the plane)
Murray
Kerrouche
J Smith
Holmes
Magera
I make that about 1/2 of last seasons squad has been discarded with only 6 new players + Jay McEverley. Have the new lads been assigned shirt numbers yet, think Wes is going to have to change his to #1
jmostfc
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8:39am Thu 28 Jun 12
BorisIsTheSpider wrote:I think it was more of a lack of ability to do what is required rather than something personal. He always had the work rate and commitment but was not overly clinical and that is what we will require to push on to the next level. Wish him all the best though.
bowralbob wrote: I hope they find good clubs and I thank them for doing their part getting us promoted to Div 1. I have a feeling Alan Connell is going to be another Alex Revell, we shall see...I too think that Connell will come back to haunt us. Always thought he was a good old-fashioned centre forward. Can only assume it is something personal, because I never saw a lack of commitment from him. Best of lack Alan, you are going to do well for someone!
mallorca
says...
8:50am Thu 28 Jun 12
Let's hope the newcomers can train get fit and most of all do not fall out with Pdc.
As for the lad from Exeter I do hope the FA notice he is a young Black palyer,I never know what to say should it be coloured?????? still I hope he also fits in,sound very keen.
Sad day all round however as JW said no room for sentiment and even looking how many goolies pdc dropped by bringing in players he got us promoted s Champions.
So good luck in Italy, mind you with our club theres never a dull moment.
LeGod
says...
8:50am Thu 28 Jun 12
Connell will always be highly regarded at STFC and will always get a great welcome when he comes back as he always gave 100% on the pitch but im afraid it's a ruthless business and harsh decisions have to be made and going back to what i originally said sentiment cant come into it.
I wish Connell all the very best and hope he is successful wherever he goes (as long as its not Oxford) and a great thanks for what he did for us last season.
burley01rs
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8:55am Thu 28 Jun 12
Psychedelic Syd
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9:05am Thu 28 Jun 12
London Red
says...
9:07am Thu 28 Jun 12
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I agree fully with LeGod here - he did his job he should be well remembered but we move on - the same goes for Kennedy and the 2 Smiths!
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Also in what way did PdC persist with Murray?
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He only started 9 games for us and at the end of the season was not even in the matchday squad - he was certainly behind Connell in the pecking order
London Red
says...
9:12am Thu 28 Jun 12
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Just don't go to the Pox!
umpcah
says...
9:12am Thu 28 Jun 12
Psychedelic Syd wrote:Two good LEAGUE TWO players ! Paolo is replacing them with better players and that`s the way forward.
Alan Connell showed some excellent skill and always gave 100%. His positive attitude and professionalism were always a credit to him. However he did get physically bullied around on the pitch, for all his skill. When Paolo talks about dynamism and physical presence he has recognised that Connell for all his many attributes, can be pushed out of a game - even though he is always game and never gives up. Hard decision but I think the right one with the players we've got coming in. Smith as well always gave everything - I hope both of them get good deals because they both deserve it. Their commitment to our club throughout their time here has been unquestionable.
Chish and Fips
says...
9:37am Thu 28 Jun 12
umpcah wrote:Agree with you P Syd & Umpcah - good luck to the guys hope they find a club - and if they do happen to play against us, hope too they have a stinker of a game. :o)
Psychedelic Syd wrote:Two good LEAGUE TWO players ! Paolo is replacing them with better players and that`s the way forward.
Alan Connell showed some excellent skill and always gave 100%. His positive attitude and professionalism were always a credit to him. However he did get physically bullied around on the pitch, for all his skill. When Paolo talks about dynamism and physical presence he has recognised that Connell for all his many attributes, can be pushed out of a game - even though he is always game and never gives up. Hard decision but I think the right one with the players we've got coming in. Smith as well always gave everything - I hope both of them get good deals because they both deserve it. Their commitment to our club throughout their time here has been unquestionable.
Old-Stager, Hilperton
says...
10:16am Thu 28 Jun 12
I do hope that they find good contracts elsewhere, but preferably not with Bristol Rovers or Oxford United.
Custodian
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10:28am Thu 28 Jun 12
oldandwise
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10:53am Thu 28 Jun 12
ell and Kennedy should have been kept.All the remarks about the new signings were made this time last year and many had to be revised.hope PDC has indeed learned from last year,because in a poor league we made hard work of it at times.I really hope we do well this year,but I am still not convinced about Paulo.I suspect I am in the minority !!!!
stfcknowitall
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12:00pm Thu 28 Jun 12
London Red
says...
12:21pm Thu 28 Jun 12
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The overseas were sold on hope - that they had done X,Y and Z so should be good
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Yes most didn't work out and PdC has acknowledged this - see Magera article for example
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However, the Brits were nearly all a hit (Smith, Devera, Connell, Macca, Rooney, Benson) - PdC has clearly acknowledged this and we are now only seeing British based siginings
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This year there is no hope - we can all see for ourselves what these guys have done
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McEveley is already one of us
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Roberts and Miller played an active role in getting Udders promoted from L1 - including the PO final
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Navarro has years of experience at L1 and Championship level and played over 30 games in the league above last year
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TAH played all bar 1 game last year and nearly 150 games in 3 seasons at Exter in L1
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Williams has had years in L1 and scored goals in the latter half of last year when moved up top in the league we are going into
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Collins is a bit more raw but played 30+ games from a team that went up with us - so known
London Red
says...
12:22pm Thu 28 Jun 12
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The overseas were sold on hope - that they had done X,Y and Z so should be good
.
Yes most didn't work out and PdC has acknowledged this - see Magera article for example
.
However, the Brits were nearly all a hit (Smith, Devera, Connell, Macca, Rooney, Benson) - PdC has clearly acknowledged this and we are now only seeing British based siginings
.
This year there is no hope - we can all see for ourselves what these guys have done
.
McEveley is already one of us
.
Roberts and Miller played an active role in getting Udders promoted from L1 - including the PO final
.
Navarro has years of experience at L1 and Championship level and played over 30 games in the league above last year
.
TAH played all bar 1 game last year and nearly 150 games in 3 seasons at Exter in L1
.
Williams has had years in L1 and scored goals in the latter half of last year when moved up top in the league we are going into
.
Collins is a bit more raw but played 30+ games from a team that went up with us - so known
London Red
says...
12:22pm Thu 28 Jun 12
London Red
says...
12:22pm Thu 28 Jun 12
London Red
says...
12:22pm Thu 28 Jun 12
the wizard
says...
1:55pm Thu 28 Jun 12
You are welcome back here for us to say thanks and show our appreciation any time.
gaz2612
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2:05pm Thu 28 Jun 12
Steve. Brentford
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2:14pm Thu 28 Jun 12
London Red wrote:What`s up me duck!
Quack
LeGod
says...
2:26pm Thu 28 Jun 12
London Red
says...
2:30pm Thu 28 Jun 12
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Miller is a midfielder and Connell is a forward
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The question is who will score more and play more - Williams or Connell
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PdC obviously thinks Williams as he banged in 17 last season in L1 - he is also a couple of years younger than Connell
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As JW said this is as much about Connell as it is about Swindon - they want him to do well so think he would be better off playing than not playing with us
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Would he get a better deal next year if he has hardly played?
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Steve - it was a joke in relation to the old myth that a duck's quack doesn't echo - as my first post doubled up like an echo
London Red
says...
2:31pm Thu 28 Jun 12
Steve. Brentford
says...
3:06pm Thu 28 Jun 12
London Red wrote:Ah, well myth it is,they definitely echo under Kew bridge.
What's Miller got to do with Connell?
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Miller is a midfielder and Connell is a forward
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The question is who will score more and play more - Williams or Connell
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PdC obviously thinks Williams as he banged in 17 last season in L1 - he is also a couple of years younger than Connell
.
As JW said this is as much about Connell as it is about Swindon - they want him to do well so think he would be better off playing than not playing with us
.
Would he get a better deal next year if he has hardly played?
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Steve - it was a joke in relation to the old myth that a duck's quack doesn't echo - as my first post doubled up like an echo
I get your point about Connel and we will surely get a better return now than if he was sold at the end of the season without featuring for us, anyway old hat now and i agree with Den when he said he would wait until the new signings had actually played for us for a while before titling them as great, they do look good signings but great is a word that should be used when proven.Only my opinion of course.
London Red
says...
3:43pm Thu 28 Jun 12
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It is rumoured L1 teams are looking at him on the back of last year - would they next year had he played only 5 games?
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So even if he became a freebie next year - he may not get the offers he would now
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I think JW also thinks like that too
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Yes he wants the books to balance - so selling him is better than releasing him - but he also seem to actually care about the players and wants to help them where he can and moving him on now is seen as better for AC
shered
says...
6:07pm Thu 28 Jun 12
NEWBURYREDS
says...
6:23pm Thu 28 Jun 12
Chish and Fips
says...
6:33pm Thu 28 Jun 12
NEWBURYREDS wrote:Just an initial offer to see if we are suckers enough to accept it I expect.
around 40k Torquay have offered for Bodin that's a pi££ take unless there's a good sell on clause
dreamofacleansheet2
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6:58pm Thu 28 Jun 12
Totally behind the sale of Connell on the assumption the manager believes he's bought better players. I'm happy to trust his judgement.
bullyfish
says...
7:48pm Thu 28 Jun 12
Ginger-nutz
says...
7:56pm Thu 28 Jun 12
Chish and Fips wrote:orquay have netted circa 400k inplayer sales to date.... So I expect them to loosen the purse string to about £80k with a sell on clause.
NEWBURYREDS wrote:Just an initial offer to see if we are suckers enough to accept it I expect.
around 40k Torquay have offered for Bodin that's a pi££ take unless there's a good sell on clause
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Eunan Okane could be back on the radar again as he has turned down the Crawley opportunity.... So perhaps a swap deal for Bodin may be on the cards..
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Also, good rumours about Lee Bardnard (saints) and John Fleck (Rangers) on Louis favourite site :)....
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Both of these would also be decent additions if we could pull them off.....
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Happy days :)
hungerford robin
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8:06pm Thu 28 Jun 12
London Red
says...
9:18pm Thu 28 Jun 12
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Crewe also want him - so there could be a bit of a bidding war
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Would fully expect us to at least get the £80k Crewe just paid Torquay for Ellis
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Though a bigger sell-on might be more beneficial than a few extra k now
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JW will know what he is doing considering we are in he same boat with Collins and TAH
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PdC did say he looked at O'Kane in Jan but moved on and Miller has arrived since then too
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If he was to go for another AMC it is most likely to be Bostock as he can also play as a forward (well that's PdC's plan)
the wizard
says...
10:12pm Thu 28 Jun 12
hungerford robin wrote:I'll bet Paolo and his Italian backroom team are well happy after Italy beating, "them Germans" this evening.
I thought PDC has already stated he doesn't want O'Kane?
the wizard
says...
10:49pm Thu 28 Jun 12
I think one more maybe two, incoming, if we are lucky enough to get Bostock, but I don't see him arriving until possibly September. There will be a lot going on at Spurs before that and players in and out of White Hart lane.
Ginger-nutz
says...
10:59pm Thu 28 Jun 12
the wizard wrote:Hi Wiz......
Sorry Hungerford Robin, I meant to add, PDC has said several times that he has decided against going for Pack and O'Kane.
I think one more maybe two, incoming, if we are lucky enough to get Bostock, but I don't see him arriving until possibly September. There will be a lot going on at Spurs before that and players in and out of White Hart lane.
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Bostock stalling hence Fleck rumours from rangers...
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A very young boy who has played 1st team football as an attacking MF player.
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He is also interesting our very own DW af the blades and was on loan at blackpool last season.
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I get the feeling that he would be a terrific signing if we could pull it off.
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Normally the Blades or STFC would be a no brainer..... but now we have the PdC factor in our favour :)
Wilesy
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12:11am Fri 29 Jun 12
Bostock was viewed as a second striker I thought so would be happy to see him arrive as with Connell, Kerrouche, Magera and probably Bodin leaving we could do with one more.
London Red
says...
8:27am Fri 29 Jun 12
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Should we go for the current trend of 3 in the middle - 3 become a necessity
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In a 4231 Ferry and Miller can compete for the playmaker role in the 2 and Miller, Bostock, Fleck or A.N.Other for the hole role
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The other thing is PdC may see Fleck as a forward like he does Bostock?
Psychedelic Syd
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8:57am Fri 29 Jun 12
London Red
says...
9:42am Fri 29 Jun 12
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He seems to expect a lot for a 20 year old kid!
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The difference in attitude between him and Collins is amazing!
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He may well have been misquoted in the press but he demand for a regular spot was insane!
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Yes he should demand not to be sent out on loan but to be considered as part of the group of forwards - but to demand to start -what is he on!!!!
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He couldn't even get in the Crewe team towards the end!
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He has potential and could have grown and developed into a fantastic player here - but that lack of maturity seems to be driving him back into L2
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I don't think he will shine at Torquay next year as they are going to struggle!
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They have lost Olijenk, Ellis and soon O'Kane - they will not be the same side and Billy is not good enough or ready yet to carry them!
Redhouse Red says...
6:11am Thu 28 Jun 12
Connells goals against rotherham in front of he sky cameras will live long in the memory....