Wray dismisses Kewell link

Wray dismisses Kewell link Wray dismisses Kewell link

INTERIM-CHAIRMAN Jeremy Wray has rubbished reports linking Swindon Town with a move to sign former Leeds United and Liverpool winger Harry Kewell.

The high-profile Australian has been a free agent since leaving Melbourne Victory in his homeland last season, and is believed to be keen on a return to England for family reasons having also spent three years with Turkish side Galatasaray.

The 33-year-old was also linked to Championship side Blackburn Rovers before a proposed deal fell through, and Middlesbrough have also been mentioned in connection with the player.

Town boss Paolo Di Canio has turned his attention to youth this summer to bring in strikers James Collins and Andy Williams, and Wray told the Advertiser there had been no discussions about bringing the former PFA Young Player of the Year to the County Ground.

“There is nothing at all in it, no association at all,” he said.

“I have seen the rumours but there is nothing in them, the first I saw about it was in the media.”

Town are continuing their pursuit of Tottenham midfielder John Bostock and are also looking to reduce their wage bill over the coming weeks, and Wray believes there could be some movement in the next seven days.

“There could well be things happening this week, but I am not sure in what order, although we are working on it at the moment,” he said.

One player who is edging closer to a move away from the County Ground is striker Alan Connell, although the Advertiser understands there is little truth in the rumours linking the 29-year-old to League Two side Plymouth Argyle, who are managed by Connell’s former Bournemouth teammate Carl Fletcher.

Comments(67)

stfclondon says...
6:34am Mon 16 Jul 12

Good.

Swindon1984 says...
6:34am Mon 16 Jul 12

No disrespect to Kewell but not sure he'd be a good fit, especially when we're talking about balancing the books.

the wizard says...
6:54am Mon 16 Jul 12

Great news !

I thought we had our fill of ex-Leeds players anyway.

umpcah says...
6:55am Mon 16 Jul 12

Kewell to Swindon & Connell to Plymouth ? How these media guys dream them up !

mallorca says...
7:01am Mon 16 Jul 12

Yes pleased was just a rumour.It's clear he is looking for somewhere to hang his hat and pick up a few $$$ in the process.
as for Alan Connel would be nice if he finds a decent club soon.
one rumour i did hear the other week in fact first heard it in Jan from a reliable scource.mat Ritchie being looked at by Burnley.May be nothing in it as I guess many clubs have looked at him.Just it's where this came from,he was spot on about Charlie Austin, and another thing he is not leaving Burnley not at this time anyway.
We will get all these rumours it's best just to ignore and when JW or Pdc say it's gospel

jayden says...
7:06am Mon 16 Jul 12

umpcah wrote:
Kewell to Swindon & Connell to Plymouth ? How these media guys dream them up !
yeah so fed up with all the crap about him all weekend on here .Still waiting to know how many season tickets have been sold

jayden says...
7:08am Mon 16 Jul 12

mallorca wrote:
Yes pleased was just a rumour.It's clear he is looking for somewhere to hang his hat and pick up a few $$$ in the process.
as for Alan Connel would be nice if he finds a decent club soon.
one rumour i did hear the other week in fact first heard it in Jan from a reliable scource.mat Ritchie being looked at by Burnley.May be nothing in it as I guess many clubs have looked at him.Just it's where this came from,he was spot on about Charlie Austin, and another thing he is not leaving Burnley not at this time anyway.
We will get all these rumours it's best just to ignore and when JW or Pdc say it's gospel
spot on

U REDS says...
7:11am Mon 16 Jul 12

Great news...

Redhouse Red says...
7:28am Mon 16 Jul 12

Oh well, enjoyed the weekend of speculation.

Thanks to the adver and j wray for the succinct response on this one!

umpcah says...
7:31am Mon 16 Jul 12

Redhouse Red wrote:
Oh well, enjoyed the weekend of speculation.

Thanks to the adver and j wray for the succinct response on this one!
" Town are continuing their pursuit of Tottenham midfielder John Bostock " That`s the bit that I was happy to see ! Come on John, let`s be having yuh !

dreamofacleansheet2 says...
7:32am Mon 16 Jul 12

You've got to love J Wray, deals with nonsense in a succinct manner. Looking forward to welcoming John Bostock by the end of the week. Tremendous stuff.

P*ssed Off says...
7:46am Mon 16 Jul 12

mallorca wrote:
Yes pleased was just a rumour.It's clear he is looking for somewhere to hang his hat and pick up a few $$$ in the process.
as for Alan Connel would be nice if he finds a decent club soon.
one rumour i did hear the other week in fact first heard it in Jan from a reliable scource.mat Ritchie being looked at by Burnley.May be nothing in it as I guess many clubs have looked at him.Just it's where this came from,he was spot on about Charlie Austin, and another thing he is not leaving Burnley not at this time anyway.
We will get all these rumours it's best just to ignore and when JW or Pdc say it's gospel
If it is best to ignore rumours until JW or PDC say it's gospel, then why bother to put such a post on here?

umpcah says...
7:54am Mon 16 Jul 12

P*ssed Off wrote:
mallorca wrote:
Yes pleased was just a rumour.It's clear he is looking for somewhere to hang his hat and pick up a few $$$ in the process.
as for Alan Connel would be nice if he finds a decent club soon.
one rumour i did hear the other week in fact first heard it in Jan from a reliable scource.mat Ritchie being looked at by Burnley.May be nothing in it as I guess many clubs have looked at him.Just it's where this came from,he was spot on about Charlie Austin, and another thing he is not leaving Burnley not at this time anyway.
We will get all these rumours it's best just to ignore and when JW or Pdc say it's gospel
If it is best to ignore rumours until JW or PDC say it's gospel, then why bother to put such a post on here?
Good question ! What is a fact is that most clubs are weighing up the strength of their squads and pondering on potential targets. At the same time the guys in the media spend their time giving the papers something to print and keeping footie fans amused !

LeGod says...
7:55am Mon 16 Jul 12

Good, we dont want a has been looking just for a pay cheque if he was that good clubs would be queing up for him and their not. Good news Mr Wray.

London Red says...
8:13am Mon 16 Jul 12

Personally thought Kewell at STFC would be great - just shows how far we have come that we could land someone of that quality
.
However - think we have a great squad already so it's not as if we will suffer by "missing out" - especially if Bostock joins
.
Looks like some on here need to change their brand of source!
.
Mallorca please please please give the daily Ritchie leaving post a rest
.
Burnley might well be interested - doesn't mean STFC are!
.
As you said our source said Udders want Austin but he's not going anywhere - the same can apply to Rithie!!!!!!

jam1 says...
8:16am Mon 16 Jul 12

well at least thats cleared that one up, sounds v promising re bostock

Stratton Red says...
8:24am Mon 16 Jul 12

London Red wrote:
Personally thought Kewell at STFC would be great - just shows how far we have come that we could land someone of that quality . However - think we have a great squad already so it's not as if we will suffer by "missing out" - especially if Bostock joins . Looks like some on here need to change their brand of source! . Mallorca please please please give the daily Ritchie leaving post a rest . Burnley might well be interested - doesn't mean STFC are! . As you said our source said Udders want Austin but he's not going anywhere - the same can apply to Rithie!!!!!!
LR - totally agree. A fit HK would have been class at L1. Disappoined this turns out to be nowt but a rumour.
*
I love the way some fans on here mock him as a has been or a money grabber without knowing him at all... Obviously at 33 your finished and that class that sees you voted as Leeds player of year (when they were good), PFA young player of the year, play for Liverpool and Galatassary couldn't possibly be rekindled at L1 level. If there was ever a man who could do this we have him at the helm. Also think it would give the squad a bit of boost. If his wages and attitude are right then I would take a punt...

Oi Den! says...
8:32am Mon 16 Jul 12

As Wray has said of PDC, "you don't keep a dog and bark yourself". Rather than get excited about who is / isn't / might be signing, I prefer to let PDC get on with it - and then see what sort of job he has made of it when we get down to business in August. I realise of course that people enjoy speculation and have their likes and dislikes of players but it's not for me. If PDC were to sign Kewell, fine. If not, equally fine with me.
.
The one thing I am excited about is the level of ambition shown by the board and investors in giving the manager such marvellous financial support. Fingers crossed for another successful season.

umpcah says...
8:37am Mon 16 Jul 12

Stratton Red wrote:
London Red wrote:
Personally thought Kewell at STFC would be great - just shows how far we have come that we could land someone of that quality . However - think we have a great squad already so it's not as if we will suffer by "missing out" - especially if Bostock joins . Looks like some on here need to change their brand of source! . Mallorca please please please give the daily Ritchie leaving post a rest . Burnley might well be interested - doesn't mean STFC are! . As you said our source said Udders want Austin but he's not going anywhere - the same can apply to Rithie!!!!!!
LR - totally agree. A fit HK would have been class at L1. Disappoined this turns out to be nowt but a rumour.
*
I love the way some fans on here mock him as a has been or a money grabber without knowing him at all... Obviously at 33 your finished and that class that sees you voted as Leeds player of year (when they were good), PFA young player of the year, play for Liverpool and Galatassary couldn't possibly be rekindled at L1 level. If there was ever a man who could do this we have him at the helm. Also think it would give the squad a bit of boost. If his wages and attitude are right then I would take a punt...
"Disappointed this turns out to be nowt but a rumour". I`m pleased that it`s a rumour ! These threads are all about opinions and discussion so let`s not lose sight of that ! The acquisition of someone like Kewell would be a break in the current mould i.e. a squad of hungry ambitious players with it all to achieve and not "last lap" guys who probably think they know it all already !

London Red says...
9:02am Mon 16 Jul 12

Umpcah - Benson and Miller would not fit that mould either though!
.
Granted - We don't know how Miller will turn out yet - but Benson was a major factor in us winning the title!!!!
.
PdC has not ruled out older players - he clearly has said its about fitness and desire - not age
.
Age brings experience and that is something you can never have with a young hungry player!
.
Yes it is about opinions and if people are pro or agianst Kewell vor A.N. Other that is fine - but it should not be on wild acqusations about his so called motives or state of mind! (not that yours was but others have been)

Steve. Brentford says...
9:43am Mon 16 Jul 12

dreamofacleansheet2 wrote:
You've got to love J Wray, deals with nonsense in a succinct manner. Looking forward to welcoming John Bostock by the end of the week. Tremendous stuff.
Yes dreamo,he certainly does,he really is a top man, not a lot of them in football boardrooms we are exceptional lucky he is here at Swindon and fair play to the Adver for putting the question to him.I for one would loathe dealing with gossip and rumours on a regular basis.Roll on August even if my "ol Dad" used to tell me not to wish my life away.

Stratton Red says...
9:52am Mon 16 Jul 12

umpcah wrote:
Stratton Red wrote:
London Red wrote: Personally thought Kewell at STFC would be great - just shows how far we have come that we could land someone of that quality . However - think we have a great squad already so it's not as if we will suffer by "missing out" - especially if Bostock joins . Looks like some on here need to change their brand of source! . Mallorca please please please give the daily Ritchie leaving post a rest . Burnley might well be interested - doesn't mean STFC are! . As you said our source said Udders want Austin but he's not going anywhere - the same can apply to Rithie!!!!!!
LR - totally agree. A fit HK would have been class at L1. Disappoined this turns out to be nowt but a rumour. * I love the way some fans on here mock him as a has been or a money grabber without knowing him at all... Obviously at 33 your finished and that class that sees you voted as Leeds player of year (when they were good), PFA young player of the year, play for Liverpool and Galatassary couldn't possibly be rekindled at L1 level. If there was ever a man who could do this we have him at the helm. Also think it would give the squad a bit of boost. If his wages and attitude are right then I would take a punt...
"Disappointed this turns out to be nowt but a rumour". I`m pleased that it`s a rumour ! These threads are all about opinions and discussion so let`s not lose sight of that ! The acquisition of someone like Kewell would be a break in the current mould i.e. a squad of hungry ambitious players with it all to achieve and not "last lap" guys who probably think they know it all already !
I don't see how JW quashing HK as a rumour and me being disappointed about it detracts from others opinions and discussions???
*
Out of interest, how do you know HK's last last lap? If e.g. Giggs, scholes can play at the highest level well into their late 30's, HK ay 33 may have 3-4 years left in L1 / Champ and be really hungry for some success. maybe what he knows could positively rub off on some of the players. Thats my opinion and discussion...

umpcah says...
9:59am Mon 16 Jul 12

Stratton Red wrote:
umpcah wrote:
Stratton Red wrote:
London Red wrote: Personally thought Kewell at STFC would be great - just shows how far we have come that we could land someone of that quality . However - think we have a great squad already so it's not as if we will suffer by "missing out" - especially if Bostock joins . Looks like some on here need to change their brand of source! . Mallorca please please please give the daily Ritchie leaving post a rest . Burnley might well be interested - doesn't mean STFC are! . As you said our source said Udders want Austin but he's not going anywhere - the same can apply to Rithie!!!!!!
LR - totally agree. A fit HK would have been class at L1. Disappoined this turns out to be nowt but a rumour. * I love the way some fans on here mock him as a has been or a money grabber without knowing him at all... Obviously at 33 your finished and that class that sees you voted as Leeds player of year (when they were good), PFA young player of the year, play for Liverpool and Galatassary couldn't possibly be rekindled at L1 level. If there was ever a man who could do this we have him at the helm. Also think it would give the squad a bit of boost. If his wages and attitude are right then I would take a punt...
"Disappointed this turns out to be nowt but a rumour". I`m pleased that it`s a rumour ! These threads are all about opinions and discussion so let`s not lose sight of that ! The acquisition of someone like Kewell would be a break in the current mould i.e. a squad of hungry ambitious players with it all to achieve and not "last lap" guys who probably think they know it all already !
I don't see how JW quashing HK as a rumour and me being disappointed about it detracts from others opinions and discussions???
*
Out of interest, how do you know HK's last last lap? If e.g. Giggs, scholes can play at the highest level well into their late 30's, HK ay 33 may have 3-4 years left in L1 / Champ and be really hungry for some success. maybe what he knows could positively rub off on some of the players. Thats my opinion and discussion...
"These threads are all about opinions and discussion so let`s not lose sight of that !" That bit in my posting was a general and essential reminder to several posters on thse threads ! MAYBE , a word used by you, is very apt in the over 30 potential !

Farteaboy says...
10:06am Mon 16 Jul 12

Thank god for that. Have had the dubious privilege of watching him play in the Aussie A League for the last couple of seasons. He was good about 10 years ago but wouldn't make the Swindon first team now.

Sharkyharper says...
10:11am Mon 16 Jul 12

London Red wrote:
Umpcah - Benson and Miller would not fit that mould either though! . Granted - We don't know how Miller will turn out yet - but Benson was a major factor in us winning the title!!!! . PdC has not ruled out older players - he clearly has said its about fitness and desire - not age . Age brings experience and that is something you can never have with a young hungry player! . Yes it is about opinions and if people are pro or agianst Kewell vor A.N. Other that is fine - but it should not be on wild acqusations about his so called motives or state of mind! (not that yours was but others have been)
I would be delighted with signing A.N.Other, whenever I watch soccer Saturday he is always banging them in.... Quality signing! ;)

Oxon-Red says...
10:38am Mon 16 Jul 12

Still feel we need cover at the back. Plenty of options going forward, especially if Bostock joins, experienced CB please Paolo.

COYMR

Jightymoe says...
10:44am Mon 16 Jul 12

The Matt Ritchie situation seems perfectly clear to me. Until such time as he wants to leave he will remain at Swindon. If he decides he wants to go then I think it becomes very difficult to keep hold of him. Luckily for us, I think he wants to stay at the moment. Who's to say whether that would change if a promotion challange doesn't materialise, or if somebody he wants to go to comes in for him. A lot has been said about AF selling players, but in almost every situation he was faced with players who wanted to go (either before hand or when they became aware of the interest). That is a very different situation and one in which it becomes a lot harder to keep hold of people.

Steve. Brentford says...
11:08am Mon 16 Jul 12

Jightymoe wrote:
The Matt Ritchie situation seems perfectly clear to me. Until such time as he wants to leave he will remain at Swindon. If he decides he wants to go then I think it becomes very difficult to keep hold of him. Luckily for us, I think he wants to stay at the moment. Who's to say whether that would change if a promotion challange doesn't materialise, or if somebody he wants to go to comes in for him. A lot has been said about AF selling players, but in almost every situation he was faced with players who wanted to go (either before hand or when they became aware of the interest). That is a very different situation and one in which it becomes a lot harder to keep hold of people.
I agree, i also see it that way, i don't see him playing lge 1 football after this season and what more could of been done here to show how committed the club is about us getting another promotion, fortunately for us both i think we are progressing at a similar rate,hopefully this will continue and MR will still be here next season.

ciclosporindorset says...
11:09am Mon 16 Jul 12

Oxon-Red wrote:
Still feel we need cover at the back. Plenty of options going forward, especially if Bostock joins, experienced CB please Paolo.

COYMR
I dont agree on this one. Defenders once in situ tend to hold their place. We have already Archie, Mac, Mc, Cads, Flint, Cibo, Thommo, Devera, plus Risser, Smith. OK so I am minimalist but I reckon if we want anyone else in we have to let some go.

Psychedelic Syd says...
11:13am Mon 16 Jul 12

Bostock would be a fantastic acquisition. Kewell has had his best days and would just be a drain on the wage bill. Glad to see Wray squash this rumour.

Oxon-Red says...
11:53am Mon 16 Jul 12

Ciclos,

Agree we have cover, what we don't have is an experienced head to help the younsters. You could argue that is provided by Mac but he is a converted CB.
What I am saying is if Paolo is looking to add to the squad I feel this is where it could be most useful. We all remember the effect Greer had on the team when he joined.

COYMR

Malkym says...
12:43pm Mon 16 Jul 12

Oi Den! wrote:
As Wray has said of PDC, "you don't keep a dog and bark yourself". Rather than get excited about who is / isn't / might be signing, I prefer to let PDC get on with it - and then see what sort of job he has made of it when we get down to business in August. I realise of course that people enjoy speculation and have their likes and dislikes of players but it's not for me. If PDC were to sign Kewell, fine. If not, equally fine with me. . The one thing I am excited about is the level of ambition shown by the board and investors in giving the manager such marvellous financial support. Fingers crossed for another successful season.
Spot on Denzil -as I said elsewhere when all the usual crew were eulogising and having their"socks blown off" (FFS what is all that tosh!) about new signings ABC etc. it remains to be seen whether PdC has chosen wisely - their previous pedigree may well be a guide but until they cut the mustard -or don't we won't know (e.g. Magera)-and in any case they'll all surely take time to gel so its definitely a case of wait and see.

Agree the board & investors can't be faulted for trusting in Paolo's judgment and like you say we'll all be delighted if he pulls it off - another promotion that is - just in case the wits on here had other thoughts in mind lol!!

ciclosporindorset says...
12:44pm Mon 16 Jul 12

Oxon-Red wrote:
Ciclos,

Agree we have cover, what we don't have is an experienced head to help the younsters. You could argue that is provided by Mac but he is a converted CB.
What I am saying is if Paolo is looking to add to the squad I feel this is where it could be most useful. We all remember the effect Greer had on the team when he joined.

COYMR
Greer transformed the side - no doubt. If we could replicate that move then I reckon we would have to balance the books big time!

Old-Stager, Hilperton says...
12:58pm Mon 16 Jul 12

Lee Barnard's name keeps appearing on various rumour websites, and this would definitely impress me.
Failing that, a second thoughts situation regarding Alan Connell would please me very much'
"Vital Football" claims that 70% of Swindon Town fans would like him to stay.

Swindon1984 says...
1:15pm Mon 16 Jul 12

Oxon-Red wrote:
Ciclos, Agree we have cover, what we don't have is an experienced head to help the younsters. You could argue that is provided by Mac but he is a converted CB. What I am saying is if Paolo is looking to add to the squad I feel this is where it could be most useful. We all remember the effect Greer had on the team when he joined. COYMR
There doesn't seem to be a lot of cover at CB, and interestingly out of all the new signings, the one I've heard nothing about so far in pre-season is Troy Archibald (think that's him anyway). Good or a bad sign? Who knows.

SAPFanSTFC says...
1:29pm Mon 16 Jul 12

Swindon1984 wrote:
No disrespect to Kewell but not sure he'd be a good fit, especially when we're talking about balancing the books.
Have to say I would have been very surprised had it been true mainly as he doesn't seem to fit the mould to date - plus on top of that we're close to the wage budget and he'd have been a bit of David Peach type signing in my book - and not something that PDC seems to do.
..
I'm sure he could have cut it and would have been ok to have him here but just didn't sound right.
..
Lets see how the boys we have get on before we start running around the sweet shop again.
--
Can't get to Weston Super Mare in time on Wednesday so hoping to get some really good write-ups and comments in here after the game please folks!?...did the STFC training camp include a game in the shallows of lake Garda!?

TheDukeOfBanbury says...
1:31pm Mon 16 Jul 12

Great and another 2 fingers up to those rumour message Boards and the people who read and believe them.

Messi next anyone ;)

Stilloyal says...
1:31pm Mon 16 Jul 12

Old-Stager, Hilperton wrote:
Lee Barnard's name keeps appearing on various rumour websites, and this would definitely impress me. Failing that, a second thoughts situation regarding Alan Connell would please me very much' "Vital Football" claims that 70% of Swindon Town fans would like him to stay.
Those wanting A.C to stay are just saying that through emotion and there is not a lot wrong with that, he did O.K for us last season.
However this season is a different situation, 1/ Paolo has aquired better quality strikers and I doubt every much that Connel would get much if any play time. 2 / IMHO I don't believe that Connel is good enough to take us to the next level, Paolo obviously believes this too , hence the new players.

I'm off to the bookies later this week to have a punt on Collins being top scorer in L1 .

Good luck to Connel at his new club wherever it may be.
I also believe that one or two that made the trip to Italy will be on their way very soon also. Their removal from the wage bill will pay for Bostock and a keeper maybe one other real quality player.

the wizard says...
2:56pm Mon 16 Jul 12

I get the feeling that there is a club who will benefit well from having Alan Connell playing for them. The chances of him becoming our next Alex Revell I would say are a fair bet. Not that it will happen, but I would love to see him given the chance up till Christmas to prove a point. Surplus to the diCanio ideology but fit in somewhere he definitely will .
Great player, big heart, top scorer, decent sort of a bloke, open to ideas and not afraid of hard work. Quite why nobody has signed him yet remains a mystery to me.

By the by, rather pleased Wray has put this rumour over Kewell where it belongs. Sorted.

LeGod says...
3:02pm Mon 16 Jul 12

i dont understand fans saying we dont have cover at centre back when we have four players who can play there. De Vera -Flint-McCormack and Archibald with McCormack the experienced one who i can see playing that role again this season.

Old-Stager, Hilperton says...
4:01pm Mon 16 Jul 12

LeGod wrote:
i dont understand fans saying we dont have cover at centre back when we have four players who can play there. De Vera -Flint-McCormack and Archibald with McCormack the experienced one who i can see playing that role again this season.
Quite correct LeGod, and we can throw in Cibocchi as an emergency centre back as well.

LeGod says...
4:37pm Mon 16 Jul 12

wizard - dont agree with your comments on Connell-no way is he a great player what he is is a totally committed player who works hard and gives everything but doesnt quite have the cutting edge to move up the leagues. As much as all of us admire Connell for his commitment and you could tell he enjoyed playing for the shirt but that is not everything, he needs to be more of a fox in the box and as well as the goals he scored last season he missed some absolute sitters. With all due respect to him as i will never criticise the guy but if he is that great he would have been snapped up straight away we announced he was on the list and why was he playing in the conference when we picked him up and bearing in mind he will be 29 this year he is experienced enough but i dont think he quite cuts the mustard for L1.

Oxon-Red says...
5:38pm Mon 16 Jul 12

LeGod/Hilper,

Last season we started with Flint, Devera and Commazzi in the CB position. This season we have Flint, Devera and Archie.

Commazzi (the experience) didn’t work out as planned so with suspension and injury we were forced to utilise Mac as an emergency CB. We also had to use Risser and Cibo during the course of the season, both filled in well but I would not want to see them starting regularly at CB.

We were very lucky that Maccer worked so well but I am worried that he could be found wanting this season against better strikers. He reads the game well, which is why he was able to make a success of his new position last season and he thoroughly deserved his ‘Player of the Season’ award, but he is not an experienced centre half.

If Paolo is looking to add one or two to the squad, as he has stated, it is my opinion that this is the one position that does not have an experienced player. We have very good options upfront and in midfield with a good blend of youth and experience but not at the heart of the defense (good players but not experienced).

Would adding another attacking player or an experienced Centre Half give the team more in the long run ?

COYMR

the wizard says...
5:41pm Mon 16 Jul 12

LeGod wrote:
wizard - dont agree with your comments on Connell-no way is he a great player what he is is a totally committed player who works hard and gives everything but doesnt quite have the cutting edge to move up the leagues. As much as all of us admire Connell for his commitment and you could tell he enjoyed playing for the shirt but that is not everything, he needs to be more of a fox in the box and as well as the goals he scored last season he missed some absolute sitters. With all due respect to him as i will never criticise the guy but if he is that great he would have been snapped up straight away we announced he was on the list and why was he playing in the conference when we picked him up and bearing in mind he will be 29 this year he is experienced enough but i dont think he quite cuts the mustard for L1.
I think his experience with us last season has probably brought a lot into his game.

While never prolific, I think the guy would do a job in L1 as PDC has hinted towards, but not perhaps for a club like us that is purely promotion focused.

I agree he is not a "fox in the box", but I still think he will do a decent job somewhere, and like us, they will be grateful for the shear amount of effort and hard work he is able to contribute.
I believe he is also a tidy mid fielder, quite a useful asset for a smaller club looking for somebody who can contribute in two positions in an able manner.

That said, we will have to wait and see how Williams blends in, as there were sitters missed against Bayern. We will all have to wait and see, time my friend will reveal all, to us mere mortals.

Steve. Brentford says...
6:14pm Mon 16 Jul 12

SAPFanSTFC wrote:
Swindon1984 wrote:
No disrespect to Kewell but not sure he'd be a good fit, especially when we're talking about balancing the books.
Have to say I would have been very surprised had it been true mainly as he doesn't seem to fit the mould to date - plus on top of that we're close to the wage budget and he'd have been a bit of David Peach type signing in my book - and not something that PDC seems to do.
..
I'm sure he could have cut it and would have been ok to have him here but just didn't sound right.
..
Lets see how the boys we have get on before we start running around the sweet shop again.
--
Can't get to Weston Super Mare in time on Wednesday so hoping to get some really good write-ups and comments in here after the game please folks!?...did the STFC training camp include a game in the shallows of lake Garda!?
Did you print the results of that Pred/lge whilst i was away Sap? if your still waiting for BT i would suggest finding another supplier...
im full of good ideas ya know.?

LeGod says...
6:17pm Mon 16 Jul 12

Hi Wizard- im not worried about players missing sitters in friendlies as a player that used to play at a fairly decent standard in my heyday it took a good 5 to 6 games before you got proper match fit and all the parts of your game really didnt come together properly until then so i dont think missing chances in friendlies is an issue it all about getting ready for the big kick off. The players that have come in all have L1 experience so im not worried abut the new players at all as in the JPT final as poor as Chesterfield were we got bullied a bit and these new players will have that experience plus our quality players from last season are easily good enough for L1.

DarrenSTFCRomain says...
6:36pm Mon 16 Jul 12

umpcah wrote:
Stratton Red wrote:
umpcah wrote:
Stratton Red wrote:
London Red wrote: Personally thought Kewell at STFC would be great - just shows how far we have come that we could land someone of that quality . However - think we have a great squad already so it's not as if we will suffer by "missing out" - especially if Bostock joins . Looks like some on here need to change their brand of source! . Mallorca please please please give the daily Ritchie leaving post a rest . Burnley might well be interested - doesn't mean STFC are! . As you said our source said Udders want Austin but he's not going anywhere - the same can apply to Rithie!!!!!!
LR - totally agree. A fit HK would have been class at L1. Disappoined this turns out to be nowt but a rumour. * I love the way some fans on here mock him as a has been or a money grabber without knowing him at all... Obviously at 33 your finished and that class that sees you voted as Leeds player of year (when they were good), PFA young player of the year, play for Liverpool and Galatassary couldn't possibly be rekindled at L1 level. If there was ever a man who could do this we have him at the helm. Also think it would give the squad a bit of boost. If his wages and attitude are right then I would take a punt...
"Disappointed this turns out to be nowt but a rumour". I`m pleased that it`s a rumour ! These threads are all about opinions and discussion so let`s not lose sight of that ! The acquisition of someone like Kewell would be a break in the current mould i.e. a squad of hungry ambitious players with it all to achieve and not "last lap" guys who probably think they know it all already !
I don't see how JW quashing HK as a rumour and me being disappointed about it detracts from others opinions and discussions??? * Out of interest, how do you know HK's last last lap? If e.g. Giggs, scholes can play at the highest level well into their late 30's, HK ay 33 may have 3-4 years left in L1 / Champ and be really hungry for some success. maybe what he knows could positively rub off on some of the players. Thats my opinion and discussion...
"These threads are all about opinions and discussion so let`s not lose sight of that !" That bit in my posting was a general and essential reminder to several posters on thse threads ! MAYBE , a word used by you, is very apt in the over 30 potential !
WELL I THINK THAT HARRY WOULD OF BEEN A FANTASTIC SIGNING...
So thats that end ov

the wizard says...
6:47pm Mon 16 Jul 12

LeGod wrote:
Hi Wizard- im not worried about players missing sitters in friendlies as a player that used to play at a fairly decent standard in my heyday it took a good 5 to 6 games before you got proper match fit and all the parts of your game really didnt come together properly until then so i dont think missing chances in friendlies is an issue it all about getting ready for the big kick off. The players that have come in all have L1 experience so im not worried abut the new players at all as in the JPT final as poor as Chesterfield were we got bullied a bit and these new players will have that experience plus our quality players from last season are easily good enough for L1.
Yep, have to agree with that. I just hope this years pre season games stand us up better than last years. I think PDC has learned a lot over the last 12 months, so no more soft games please in the warm up.

Haven't seen you or G-N down on that other site lately. What a laughing stock they are turning into. Lads across the road from me are in despair, and have asked if they could watch Town from the visitors enclosure.

They reckon the owner has lost it and are completely disillusioned. Ripe for converts I reckon. They cannot believe our budgets etc, or the players coming in.

Simples! says...
7:21pm Mon 16 Jul 12

Shame. I would have liked to see kewell in a town shirt. I think he would have been a great signing at league 1 standard and would prob have chipped in with a few goals!

London Red says...
8:04pm Mon 16 Jul 12

On the Connell debate - they should run another poll and ask those 70% who would start Connell - you watch that number plummet!!!!
.
It seems most want him here as 4th choice due to his commitment alone - hardly a ringing endorsement!
.
I would be happy with him as that - but would he?
.
After all that is why PdC is moving him on as he will not really play!
.
Also run the poll again when Bostock joins and see if 70% still want him a 5th choice!

London Red says...
8:11pm Mon 16 Jul 12

Don't think we need a CB - doesn't matter if Macca was a midfielder - he is doing a great job at CB so should be seen as one
.
Bale was a LB but now plays further forward - should Spurs get a new Winger as Bale is "really a LB"
.
Football is meant to be fluid and if players can do jobs elsewhere why pigeon hole them by past positions?
.
Sol Campbell, Gary Doherty , Dion Dublin, Kolo Toure - none started as CBs but all ended up playing there!
.
Henry, Ronaldo and Messi were all wingers - yet alll became one the best CF in the world!

mikek says...
8:44pm Mon 16 Jul 12

Please if you can spare a little time feel free to visit the Poxford Mail forum and go on their spreading charm and goodwill and.................
....................

Flaming Gloating and giving those yellow inbreds some payback for their vile insults last season. Yes its payback time and we should spread the gospel according to Sir Paolo Di Canio and let them six fingered freaks AV--IT. But please keep it clean.

Oi Den! says...
9:26pm Mon 16 Jul 12

London Red wrote:
On the Connell debate - they should run another poll and ask those 70% who would start Connell - you watch that number plummet!!!!
.
It seems most want him here as 4th choice due to his commitment alone - hardly a ringing endorsement!
.
I would be happy with him as that - but would he?
.
After all that is why PdC is moving him on as he will not really play!
.
Also run the poll again when Bostock joins and see if 70% still want him a 5th choice!
Who knows which players are going to prove themselves worthy of frequent starts next season? There are great expectations of our new signings; they have all yet to prove themselves in a Town shirt. I don't think it's just Connell's commitment that supporters appreciate. It's his all round game; he provides a spark that makes things happen around him up front, and I believe that's why many people thought he deserved a chance to show what he can do at this level, even as a possible fringe player. But there was obviously something about him that doesn't fit in with PDC's thinking, so we move on and so does Connell.
.
Anyway LR, it's interesting that you wouldn't keep Connell on the basis of his commitment alone, but you seemed to want to persevere with Magera on the basis that he was a Czech international and therefore must be good, regardless of the fact that he did nothing for us!

dreamofacleansheet2 says...
10:15pm Mon 16 Jul 12

Personally I trust the manager to buy players and put a team together. Last year he had to cut out the cancer and completely redo the squad. Anyone missing any of those players from 10/11?

He's learnt from his scatter gun approach coming at it late. Researched the players he's wanted and brought them in early enabling 7 to be with us for a full pre-season.

Of course as Den says the jury is still out as we haven't seen what they will do for us but I'll believe that we can be optimistic by the signs.

Just my humble opinion of our great leaders expertise.

Back to back promotions coming. Watching the birth of a managerial legend.

Oi Den! says...
11:06pm Mon 16 Jul 12

I'm optimistic too. I would be surprised if we don't have a good season. I'm just a little wary of counting the chickens - e.g. in the manner of the first sentence of your catchphrase!

red white says...
11:30pm Mon 16 Jul 12

We'll go up as champions.

What else,we are Swindon.

Can we play in red and white please!?

the wizard says...
12:25am Tue 17 Jul 12

LR said,

On the Connell debate - they should run another poll and ask those 70% who would start Connell - you watch that number plummet!!!!
.
It seems most want him here as 4th choice due to his commitment alone - hardly a ringing endorsement!

Says who ??? You ??? and on what grounds ??? None of the new guys hardly setting the world on fire, and none of them yet have proven themselves have they ?? just banking on reputations, and none of those are stand out impressive.

The thing is James, most of us have seen a lot more of Alan than your good self, and we rate him. Maybe never going to set the world on fire, but most of us have a respect for him that he has earned that the hard way. Maybe not flavour of the month with PDC, but elsewhere he could do very well. And before you ask, yes I would start him, or even bring him on as an impact sub. He did more for us than your buddy Magera ever did yet you were sticking your neck out philosophising about how good he was and was going to be this season, so where is he ??? gawn . The only impression he made was in the mud when he fell face down!!
Perhaps if you got down to CG more often your calls on players may be different to two minutes with Maniche on the Beeb late show.

ciclosporindorset says...
8:19am Tue 17 Jul 12

Blimey Wiz. Very incisive commentary if I may say! Actually - if we want a permanent sub to play 30 minutes each game and score each time - we could do worse. I suspect Storey may fit that bill this season - just a hunch!

Swindon1984 says...
8:28am Tue 17 Jul 12

mikek wrote:
Please if you can spare a little time feel free to visit the Poxford Mail forum and go on their spreading charm and goodwill and.................

....................


Flaming Gloating and giving those yellow inbreds some payback for their vile insults last season. Yes its payback time and we should spread the gospel according to Sir Paolo Di Canio and let them six fingered freaks AV--IT. But please keep it clean.
Got better things to do really - fine for those that enjoy it but I'm just happy we're out of their poxy league.

Stilloyal says...
9:12am Tue 17 Jul 12

Connell was good for us last season in the basement , but as I've said before he isn't good enough to take us to the next level.
Paolo obviously sees this too or he would keep him. The manager has brought in better proven quality at this level, however I can even see one or two of those moving on next season should we gain the much expected promotion.
Collins will be L/1 top scorer , thats where my money is going anyway.

As for a G/K Tom Heaton is a free agent and would be good cover for Wes.

Malkym says...
1:27pm Tue 17 Jul 12

Loyal I agree - I'm a Connell fan but he has his limitations and clearly PdC doesn't see him in his plans - if he goes to a rival L1 club and scores a shedload of goals then PdC , me and a few others will be wrong if not we'll all be right provided he is afforded prime game time at his new club of course.

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

red white wrote:
We'll go up as champions. What else,we are Swindon. Can we play in red and white please!?
YEP gotta be your name colours - c'mon J Wray Red shirts - white shorts please - red socks with white tops -c'mon J wray you know it makes sense!!

red white says...
1:43pm Tue 17 Jul 12

Malkym wrote:
red white wrote: We'll go up as champions. What else,we are Swindon. Can we play in red and white please!?
YEP gotta be your name colours - c'mon J Wray Red shirts - white shorts please - red socks with white tops -c'mon J wray you know it makes sense!!
You know it makes sense!

Nice one Malk.

Come on JW.

Just look how beautiful the colours were against Wigan.

My scarf is red and white,forever.

Steve. Brentford says...
2:38pm Tue 17 Jul 12

Stilloyal wrote:
Connell was good for us last season in the basement , but as I've said before he isn't good enough to take us to the next level.
Paolo obviously sees this too or he would keep him. The manager has brought in better proven quality at this level, however I can even see one or two of those moving on next season should we gain the much expected promotion.
Collins will be L/1 top scorer , thats where my money is going anyway.

As for a G/K Tom Heaton is a free agent and would be good cover for Wes.
Hope your right Al, with regards to who will be Lge 1 top scorer,Ive left that one alone due to pdc`s chomping and changing.I trust your well mate and look forward to buying you a well earned pint (Charity walk) when the season starts.Traffic around here is going to be chaos over the next few weeks,i wish i had thought about that before and booked holidays whilst the Olympics were on.never mind i may go fishing for a week or two and forget about driving to work.
ANYONE going to Weston to watch the friendly???

Steve. Brentford says...
5:09pm Tue 17 Jul 12

Steve. Brentford wrote:
Stilloyal wrote:
Connell was good for us last season in the basement , but as I've said before he isn't good enough to take us to the next level.
Paolo obviously sees this too or he would keep him. The manager has brought in better proven quality at this level, however I can even see one or two of those moving on next season should we gain the much expected promotion.
Collins will be L/1 top scorer , thats where my money is going anyway.

As for a G/K Tom Heaton is a free agent and would be good cover for Wes.
Hope your right Al, with regards to who will be Lge 1 top scorer,Ive left that one alone due to pdc`s chomping and changing.I trust your well mate and look forward to buying you a well earned pint (Charity walk) when the season starts.Traffic around here is going to be chaos over the next few weeks,i wish i had thought about that before and booked holidays whilst the Olympics were on.never mind i may go fishing for a week or two and forget about driving to work.
ANYONE going to Weston to watch the friendly???
Chomping?

WurzelCol67 says...
7:10pm Tue 17 Jul 12

Stratton Red wrote:
London Red wrote:
Personally thought Kewell at STFC would be great - just shows how far we have come that we could land someone of that quality . However - think we have a great squad already so it's not as if we will suffer by "missing out" - especially if Bostock joins . Looks like some on here need to change their brand of source! . Mallorca please please please give the daily Ritchie leaving post a rest . Burnley might well be interested - doesn't mean STFC are! . As you said our source said Udders want Austin but he's not going anywhere - the same can apply to Rithie!!!!!!
LR - totally agree. A fit HK would have been class at L1. Disappoined this turns out to be nowt but a rumour.
*
I love the way some fans on here mock him as a has been or a money grabber without knowing him at all... Obviously at 33 your finished and that class that sees you voted as Leeds player of year (when they were good), PFA young player of the year, play for Liverpool and Galatassary couldn't possibly be rekindled at L1 level. If there was ever a man who could do this we have him at the helm. Also think it would give the squad a bit of boost. If his wages and attitude are right then I would take a punt...
Stratton Red, how little you know re HK. If you see Mr Kewell on your travels, ask him how much of the £5 million transfer fee that he and his agent carved up and how much Leeds Utd received when the club were desperate for money ? Can you please also ask him, how , after being in Galatasary on the night 2 Leeds fans were murdered , he thought it was a good idea to join the same club ??? When you receive the answers to these questions , please feel free to tell everyone on here what a top notch human being he is ...... Personally,i think STFC are better off without him !!!!

Mondeaux says...
9:33pm Wed 18 Jul 12

WurzelCol67 wrote:
Stratton Red wrote:
London Red wrote:
Personally thought Kewell at STFC would be great - just shows how far we have come that we could land someone of that quality . However - think we have a great squad already so it's not as if we will suffer by "missing out" - especially if Bostock joins . Looks like some on here need to change their brand of source! . Mallorca please please please give the daily Ritchie leaving post a rest . Burnley might well be interested - doesn't mean STFC are! . As you said our source said Udders want Austin but he's not going anywhere - the same can apply to Rithie!!!!!!
LR - totally agree. A fit HK would have been class at L1. Disappoined this turns out to be nowt but a rumour.
*
I love the way some fans on here mock him as a has been or a money grabber without knowing him at all... Obviously at 33 your finished and that class that sees you voted as Leeds player of year (when they were good), PFA young player of the year, play for Liverpool and Galatassary couldn't possibly be rekindled at L1 level. If there was ever a man who could do this we have him at the helm. Also think it would give the squad a bit of boost. If his wages and attitude are right then I would take a punt...
Stratton Red, how little you know re HK. If you see Mr Kewell on your travels, ask him how much of the £5 million transfer fee that he and his agent carved up and how much Leeds Utd received when the club were desperate for money ? Can you please also ask him, how , after being in Galatasary on the night 2 Leeds fans were murdered , he thought it was a good idea to join the same club ??? When you receive the answers to these questions , please feel free to tell everyone on here what a top notch human being he is ...... Personally,i think STFC are better off without him !!!!
Wurzelcol67,

Why didn't you just say, "Oh, c'mon, he's a bleedin' Aussie?"

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