Time for Connell to cut and run? (From This Is Swindon Town FC)

Best way for him to prove PdC, myself and some others wrong is to sign for this L1 club, nail down a starting spot and then score goals!

No fee? Slightly surprised to hear that.

"we help you move without asking any fee"
So it'll be a free transfer then? Disappointing when he's worth money, 150k we paid?

Northern Red wrote:
"we help you move without asking any fee"
So it'll be a free transfer then? Disappointing when he's worth money, 150k we paid?

There may not be a fee but does he have a year left on his current contract ? It may not cost them ought but doesn't cost us either ? Or is that not the case ? Either way I hope both Alan and Jonathan find clubs soon and if I was the later I would be going to Cheltenham. Good club, nice place, ex Swindon links and not too much disruption, and you can still play in red. Please not the pox and your better than York now so don't look back.

Northern Red wrote:
"we help you move without asking any fee"
So it'll be a free transfer then? Disappointing when he's worth money, 150k we paid?

Sounds like it's not a good deal for Alan nor for for the town. I can understand why Di canio thinks he should accept the first offer that comes along, so he can get him off the books, but he still has a contract with us and therefore why would Alan want to take a pay-cut to play at a higher level. Think he should wait and see what else turns up, especially if the interested club is not that prolific.

For me it sounds like another poor bit of transfer business to pay £150k and then get nothing back after the lad was top scorer for us.

Our loss is another clubs gain and if its another league 1 club for Connell, he will come back to haunt us, you just know it. He is a quality player and I'm sad to see him go. Smith is also a player I rate and he will do well at any league 1 or 2 club, good luck to them both.

Not so Smart Roger wrote:
No fee? Slightly surprised to hear that.

same here, if there are several clubs interested why not ask for a fee? even if it is just 50k - that along with the bodin money would bring in over 100k

Shrewsbury ....

STFCLee wrote:
Shrewsbury ....

You could be right, Lee. With the Jamie Collins money still to be sorted, that would make sense of something that doesn't quite make sense!

London Red wrote:
Best way for him to prove PdC, myself and some others wrong is to sign for this L1 club, nail down a starting spot and then score goals!

London Red, first one on this morning, can I ask do you really think Alan Connell worries about proving you wrong, i would not imagaine so. Been adding it up with the others paid off and this one, we have written off in the region of, 600k good business me thinks

Just a Question to anyone who can be bothered to answer.
Even though Di Canio is a legend and i love him dearly does anyone think he is breaking up the momentum of last season by selling what is our top scorer and a decent midfeilder bearing in mind the squad without any new arrivals beat opposition from every league above last season also could players become wary about signing for him if he can discard the top scorer just like that. In his interviews on tv Connell was always buzzing loved playing for the town worked hard and scored against premier league i just feel he hasnt been given the loyalty he deserves. Thoughts

lord nikon wrote:
Just a Question to anyone who can be bothered to answer. Even though Di Canio is a legend and i love him dearly does anyone think he is breaking up the momentum of last season by selling what is our top scorer and a decent midfeilder bearing in mind the squad without any new arrivals beat opposition from every league above last season also could players become wary about signing for him if he can discard the top scorer just like that. In his interviews on tv Connell was always buzzing loved playing for the town worked hard and scored against premier league i just feel he hasnt been given the loyalty he deserves. Thoughts

On one hand I agree, but there is no room for sentiment when you are looking for back to back promotions, I love AC and he loves Town, but if he stays it will be in the reserves and very little else, I also think the way PDC kept subbing him last season every time he made a mistake, it would be better for AC to move on anyway. He doesn't need to prove anything, he will get goals wherever he goes.

yes Connel was proud to wear the shirt,however sad as it is Pdc does not think he will figure in his plans for the new season.
Just maybe Connel may not accept any move as he is still under contract to the Town and therefor can just sit and collect his pay each month.
Don´t think he would be vidictive and do that,however one question I have is whar if collins-Williams turn out to be not so good.
Bodin has gone and I guess also Connel will.
Plus pdc´s record of falling out with players makes you think???? sorry it aint a dig at pdc but even though we were champions last season we will never know the true cost of doing so.as post said asking Connel to leave and go for less wages in the same div is mmmmm

OTR - Its called ambition why he would do it
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Players always harp on about how the most important thing to them is to play and test themselves at the highest level possible
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So singing on at a lower league club just for a few extra £££ goes completely against that
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Now obviously we do not know the details of this offer and it may be 1/4 of his current wage or something else ridiculously low and as it is unlikely he is a multi millionaire he is simply unable to accept that - which is fair enough
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But I don't think that will be the case
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Also the cut in wages is against his STFC wage - it doesn't say it is compared to other offers (does he actually have any others on the table?)
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There is no guarantee any other team will match his current wage - so if he wants to move he will probably have to take a cut
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As for the loss - is it really a loss?
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I asked the question in December if signing Benson for £100k guaranteed promotion shouldn't we do it?
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That £150k spent on Connell returned money through cup runs, gate receipts and prize money
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Going up also will help us secure more TV money, more prize money and probably more gate receipts again this year as we are now in L1
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Also going up as Champions also helped us secure the services of better players - I don't see Shrews or Crawley netting the likes of Roberts
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That is money well spent if you ask me
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Therefore, if allowing him to leave for free is a thank you by JW - it is just another sign of what a decent guy he is

stfc49 wrote:

London Red wrote: Best way for him to prove PdC, myself and some others wrong is to sign for this L1 club, nail down a starting spot and then score goals!

London Red, first one on this morning, can I ask do you really think Alan Connell worries about proving you wrong, i would not imagaine so. Been adding it up with the others paid off and this one, we have written off in the region of, 600k good business me thinks

stfc49, I'm getting bored of your constant need to have a pop at anything LR says. You've totally missed the point of his post - again.

Good luck to Connell - been a bit unlucky with us. He's been the nearly guy. Works his socks off, but just something that makes him not quite as good as you want him to be. Having said that you can't really argue with his goal return - not terrible for a striker that didn't start every game of the season! Good luck to him - hope he gets a good reception when he returns to the CG.......But I think he'll score every time he plays against us!!

Mallorca - thats football - you take risks that your new signings will take you forward
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PdC has said there is room for 1 or 2 more - I guess a forward could be one of them to ensure that if they are not as good he still has the fire power

stfc49 wrote:

London Red wrote:
Best way for him to prove PdC, myself and some others wrong is to sign for this L1 club, nail down a starting spot and then score goals!

London Red, first one on this morning, can I ask do you really think Alan Connell worries about proving you wrong, i would not imagaine so. Been adding it up with the others paid off and this one, we have written off in the region of, 600k good business me thinks

49 get a life and stop stalking others!make your own points!if you don't like what others write tough!your sooooo boring!!!!!!!!

Cheers guys - I was just going to ignore it as then it would end it without boring everyone with a long pointless tic for tat

I don't think it will be Shrews as that would see a fee involved
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Turner said Shrews have told us what they want and are awaiting our response - if we were to give them Connell instead that means we are valuing him at whatever they wanted for Collins
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Any that's me done for now work to do

Not so Smart Roger wrote:
No fee? Slightly surprised to hear that.

I imagine that the "No fee" is down to us needing to get players of the weekly wage bill. Not many lower league clubs these days can afford to pay a transfer fee. Connell maybe reluctant to move on as he is obviously on good money here, he could sit it out for another season and go on a "free" anyway.

What ever happened to logic?
Why tear the guts out of a successful team particularly as League 1 teams seem to want our proposed rejects.
I am surprised if JW is happy with some of the proposed moves financially speaking and hope that Pdc is not using threats to gain his way.
After all,. his recent successes do not mean he is infallible

JW will want leavers out asap as July 1st has passed already. Connell has all July & august to find another club. At 29 this is a key move for him. I would take all the time I need to get it right.

Davidsyrett wrote:

Not so Smart Roger wrote:
No fee? Slightly surprised to hear that.

I imagine that the "No fee" is down to us needing to get players of the weekly wage bill. Not many lower league clubs these days can afford to pay a transfer fee. Connell maybe reluctant to move on as he is obviously on good money here, he could sit it out for another season and go on a "free" anyway.

Because he isn't getting any younger and it will coming down to playing rather than being paid to do nothing for a year. I can think of one or two so called professional footballers who would do the latter but Connell is made of better stuff. He will find a club before the season starts.

Connell's done a job for us. PdC brought him in to get us out of Div2 which he has helped do.
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He scored goals and worked his socks off no one can argue with that ... but is he top of Div1 / Championship quality? .... probably not.
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Exactly the same applies to Smith.
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PdC has highlighted this and has (in his opinion) decided to improve his squad.
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Both will walk into any Div2 team next season and maybe higher, this shows the strength of our new squad.

Good luck boys and thanks for a great season.

MITTED wrote:

Davidsyrett wrote:

Not so Smart Roger wrote:
No fee? Slightly surprised to hear that.

I imagine that the "No fee" is down to us needing to get players of the weekly wage bill. Not many lower league clubs these days can afford to pay a transfer fee. Connell maybe reluctant to move on as he is obviously on good money here, he could sit it out for another season and go on a "free" anyway.

Because he isn't getting any younger and it will coming down to playing rather than being paid to do nothing for a year. I can think of one or two so called professional footballers who would do the latter but Connell is made of better stuff. He will find a club before the season starts.

Mitted, my point was that if we had asked for a fee for Connell any club paying that would have probably offered Connell even lower wages than what he is on now. Therefore Connell may not have been prepared to take a 50% drop in wages for example.

The fact the PdC has allowed him to go on a "free" means that he can get the best possible deal for himself, which Swindon should be applauded for. I have no doubt that this is due to the fact that he always gave 100% to the club on & off the pitch, but he hasn't quite reached the level needed here.

I dont think there is one person who doesn't like or doesn't appreciate what AC has done in the short time he has been here.

He has a two year contract and obviously feels that he has to secure the best deal he can for what is left of his professional career. He could sit here for another year and just take the money, but I don't think that appeals to him.

At some point over the next few weeks a club is going to miss out on their target, and that is when AC will possibly fetch his best available deal. His agent is not doubt doing his best to secure the best possible deal.

If good wishes and honest sentiment could be transferred in to a move then I'm sure the STFC supporters would have made something happen by now. Where ever he does go, he will become an asset, and people there will ask, why did we let him go?

Connell is 29 so why is PdC saying he's older?

Unfortunately with football, agents get involved so its not just a question of phoning Gary Mills at York and getting on with it on a Sunday afternoon. Then there are medicals etc so I would think Alan and Jonathan have 3/4 more days to wait yet despite PC's est wishes to get rid quicker.

If its York, perhaps they could be persuaded to part-ex their highly rated young forward Liam Henderson, who once scored bagfuls of goals for Watford reserves.

BillyLucas4me wrote:
What ever happened to logic? Why tear the guts out of a successful team particularly as League 1 teams seem to want our proposed rejects. I am surprised if JW is happy with some of the proposed moves financially speaking and hope that Pdc is not using threats to gain his way. After all,. his recent successes do not mean he is infallible

No, "tearign the guts out" would be losing the likes of Foderingham, Caddis, McCormack, Ritchie, Ferry, Benson. These players form the core of the team and will be key to us progressing, hopefully along with the new additions.

Connell and Smith did well for us last season but neither of them are in the same bracket as those mentioned above.

Davidsyrett wrote:

MITTED wrote:

Davidsyrett wrote:

Not so Smart Roger wrote:
No fee? Slightly surprised to hear that.

I imagine that the "No fee" is down to us needing to get players of the weekly wage bill. Not many lower league clubs these days can afford to pay a transfer fee. Connell maybe reluctant to move on as he is obviously on good money here, he could sit it out for another season and go on a "free" anyway.

Because he isn't getting any younger and it will coming down to playing rather than being paid to do nothing for a year. I can think of one or two so called professional footballers who would do the latter but Connell is made of better stuff. He will find a club before the season starts.

Mitted, my point was that if we had asked for a fee for Connell any club paying that would have probably offered Connell even lower wages than what he is on now. Therefore Connell may not have been prepared to take a 50% drop in wages for example.

The fact the PdC has allowed him to go on a "free" means that he can get the best possible deal for himself, which Swindon should be applauded for. I have no doubt that this is due to the fact that he always gave 100% to the club on & off the pitch, but he hasn't quite reached the level needed here.

Wasn't having a go or disagreeing, just pointing out that playing will be more important to a player of Connells' ethics rather than a big money move. I think the club letting him go on a free has done him a massive favour.

Hi Ho Swindon wrote:
Connell's done a job for us. PdC brought him in to get us out of Div2 which he has helped do. . He scored goals and worked his socks off no one can argue with that ... but is he top of Div1 / Championship quality? .... probably not. . Exactly the same applies to Smith. . PdC has highlighted this and has (in his opinion) decided to improve his squad. . Both will walk into any Div2 team next season and maybe higher, this shows the strength of our new squad. Good luck boys and thanks for a great season.

Exactly.

Feel sorry for Connell - between a rock and a hard place and it is not of his making. He has been used and discarded - must be hard when you think of how positive and committed he always sounded and the effort he put in, very different to the players from the season before last. While there is no room for sentiment in football our club needs to uphold a sense of morality and principles in all its dealings. We shouldn't just use and then casually dispose of human beings as if they were suddenly just trash - not when they've been like Alan and given their all. The money side of it also concerns me - call me mean but if I bought a car for £150k last year and it was still in very good running order I'd expect to recoup a decent amount of my investment.

**** it London, you make some good points!
Connell scored the goal that took us to Wembley? That is 150k paid straight back....
Agree with others thou... take your time Alan.

I don't blame Connell for biding his time. It's human nature to get the best deal you can. If that means staying put for now, then why not? The club attracted him with the offer of a two year contract in the first place. If the club now wants to terminate the contract and he doesn't, that's the club's problem. And the club can't have it both ways. If Connell had suddenly become very hot property after a year with us, attracting interest from bigger clubs, the remaining year on his contract would have been used to maximise any transfer fee. It's a two way street.

stfclondon - spot on with your comments. That is the business the player are in and some players have a level and Connell is one of them. He was totally committed to the cause last season and is well liked by all Town fans but he has his limits and his level and PDC is right we need better calibre of players now which is harsh but thats the way it is.

My uninformed guess is that Alan Connell will end up at Bristol Rovers.

stfclondon - agree totally with you on the "tearing the heart out" comment - I identified those exact 6 as "indespensable to the club" to coin the old Champ phrase
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I then think we have another group just below them while not "vital" are important - these being Flint, Devera, Rooney, Risser and RDV
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I think it is those 11 and the 7 new boys who will make up the core 18/19 JW refered to in his recent podcast
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The rest of the squad are then pretty much the kids - Bedwell, Thompson, C.Smith, Storey
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With just Cibbo in there as cover (possibly Thompson if not classed as a kid anymore)
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Syd aren't you contridicting yourself there?
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One hand you are talking about the morals of "tossing Connell aside" then say why are we not looking to make as much back as possible
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I think JW has excellent morals - which is why he is probably granting AC a free transfer to ensure he gets a (decent) deal elsewhere to continue his career as a thank you for his effort and commitment he showed
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Also as suggested above - I think AC helped generate way more than £150k to "recoup" our investment
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As JW said it is a testiment to PdC how far we have come that players like this are now having to be moved on as we are in a position to make that step up straight away
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Which is exactly what a Brighton fan said about Poyet and Brighton on the Washbag view on Navarro!
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I guarantee that in a few months time if all is going to plan and we are winning and near the top of the league - no one will be complaining or even think about Bodin, Connell or the Smith's

Psychedelic Syd wrote:
Feel sorry for Connell - between a rock and a hard place and it is not of his making. He has been used and discarded - must be hard when you think of how positive and committed he always sounded and the effort he put in, very different to the players from the season before last. While there is no room for sentiment in football our club needs to uphold a sense of morality and principles in all its dealings. We shouldn't just use and then casually dispose of human beings as if they were suddenly just trash - not when they've been like Alan and given their all. The money side of it also concerns me - call me mean but if I bought a car for £150k last year and it was still in very good running order I'd expect to recoup a decent amount of my investment.

So what do you suggest.
1) PDC keeps Connell, and plays him every game to the detriment of us gaining promotion in what is a much tougher league than last year:
2) PDC shows loyalty and keeps him till the end of his contract, to sit on the bench, play the odd cup game, and not do enough to attract attention from other clubs for when his contract runs out:
or 3) PDC lets him go, on a free to a club where he can get a good run and extend his professional football career and financial stability. I know which I think is the fairer .....

I think it totally unfair for PDC and certainly anyone on here to encourage Connell to take a cut - in fact it's not fair to air it in public at all.
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We have decided we don't want him, he's obviously on a good contract and rightly wants to take his time before making a move. Why should he rush into a potential mistake? He should wait until he has the right deal for him.
*
It just shows how desparate the club is to start reducing the wage bill, especially when we are not even asking a fee for him.

Northern Red wrote:
"we help you move without asking any fee" So it'll be a free transfer then? Disappointing when he's worth money, 150k we paid?

Not at all - he's only worth £150k if anyone's prepared to pay it -and he's off the wagebill!

London Red wrote:
Best way for him to prove PdC, myself and some others wrong is to sign for this L1 club, nail down a starting spot and then score goals!

Absolutely!

old town robin wrote:

Northern Red wrote: "we help you move without asking any fee" So it'll be a free transfer then? Disappointing when he's worth money, 150k we paid?

Sounds like it's not a good deal for Alan nor for for the town. I can understand why Di canio thinks he should accept the first offer that comes along, so he can get him off the books, but he still has a contract with us and therefore why would Alan want to take a pay-cut to play at a higher level. Think he should wait and see what else turns up, especially if the interested club is not that prolific. For me it sounds like another poor bit of transfer business to pay £150k and then get nothing back after the lad was top scorer for us.

OTR -think you're a bit off beam here - why would he take a pay cut? because as PDC says he then has the security of anothe two year contract at another L212 club - he can as LR said - prove us and PDC wrong by showing he can cut the mustard at this level - surely 2/3's of a sliced loaf for 2 years is better than a full loaf for 1yr?

oops bloody typos - L212 club =(L1)-- anothe(r)

Hi Ho Swindon wrote:
Connell's done a job for us. PdC brought him in to get us out of Div2 which he has helped do. . He scored goals and worked his socks off no one can argue with that ... but is he top of Div1 / Championship quality? .... probably not. . Exactly the same applies to Smith. . PdC has highlighted this and has (in his opinion) decided to improve his squad. . Both will walk into any Div2 team next season and maybe higher, this shows the strength of our new squad. Good luck boys and thanks for a great season.

Said by me and others before - will be said again no doubt by a few more - nothing wrong with what you've said there Hi Ho -most would agree - Pdc will no doubt admit he was wrong if AC goes on to score 20+goals for his new club -if its a L1 outfit that is!

Psychedelic Syd wrote:
Feel sorry for Connell - between a rock and a hard place and it is not of his making. He has been used and discarded - must be hard when you think of how positive and committed he always sounded and the effort he put in, very different to the players from the season before last. While there is no room for sentiment in football our club needs to uphold a sense of morality and principles in all its dealings. We shouldn't just use and then casually dispose of human beings as if they were suddenly just trash - not when they've been like Alan and given their all. The money side of it also concerns me - call me mean but if I bought a car for £150k last year and it was still in very good running order I'd expect to recoup a decent amount of my investment.

A £150k car is an expensive car whereas £150k is not alot for a footballer.

If we save £150k by not paying his wages for a year then that seems reasonable especially as has already been said you throw in a promotion and a wembley appearence.

Connell is worth a fee, let's face it the only reason we are not asking one is coz we want him off the wage bill. It's not great business but as stated above we probably stand to save £150k next year if he's off the books.

LR,

Just a question, with Wray down in Italy, probably taking a much needed well earned break, do you think he may also down there to do some business while he is at it, and bring back a "blow yer socks off "player ?

Phil - well you're in thr top half of the class along with me LR and a few others - your option 3) is the obvoius answer isn't it - can't quiter see why there are some that want to hold out for a fee we might not get anyway although I agree that Connell & Smith should have a good think but in the case of AC in particular - it's surely a no brainer to move to a L1 club with a more certain guarantee of first team footy!

Off subject, comments from an Ipswich mate on Miller and Roberts: "Miller was steady and a great penalty taker in his Ipswich days. Roberts has lots of skill, but somewhat slow, so needs to be on top of his fitness. We got him from non league and he impressed at times, but I think lost his fitness and deteriorated."
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Just thought it might be of interest.

the wizard wrote:
LR,

Just a question, with Wray down in Italy, probably taking a much needed well earned break, do you think he may also down there to do some business while he is at it, and bring back a "blow yer socks off "player ?

Weird question to ask Wiz, how do you think LR will know that? are you bored.

It is definitely fair to Connell to leave on a free, but surely he has enhanced his reputation during last year by being top scorer with the Champions?

I would think He must still be worth £150k, although you're only worth what people are prepared to pay. So presumably with no offers to buy we have to sell for free.

Alternatively maybe we paid well over the odds last summer for him.

Shame to see him go. A perfectly adequate 4th choice striker, particularly now Bodin has gone.

London Red wrote:
OTR - Its called ambition why he would do it
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Players always harp on about how the most important thing to them is to play and test themselves at the highest level possible
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So singing on at a lower league club just for a few extra £££ goes completely against that
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Now obviously we do not know the details of this offer and it may be 1/4 of his current wage or something else ridiculously low and as it is unlikely he is a multi millionaire he is simply unable to accept that - which is fair enough
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But I don't think that will be the case
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Also the cut in wages is against his STFC wage - it doesn't say it is compared to other offers (does he actually have any others on the table?)
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There is no guarantee any other team will match his current wage - so if he wants to move he will probably have to take a cut
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As for the loss - is it really a loss?
.
I asked the question in December if signing Benson for £100k guaranteed promotion shouldn't we do it?
.
That £150k spent on Connell returned money through cup runs, gate receipts and prize money
.
Going up also will help us secure more TV money, more prize money and probably more gate receipts again this year as we are now in L1
.
Also going up as Champions also helped us secure the services of better players - I don't see Shrews or Crawley netting the likes of Roberts
.
That is money well spent if you ask me
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Therefore, if allowing him to leave for free is a thank you by JW - it is just another sign of what a decent guy he is

LR, I see the point you are making, but if I was in Alans shoes I wouldn't take the first offer that comes along, he has time on his side and can afford to sit on this "offer" for a while and wait and see who else is interested, if we are giving him away i would not be surprised to see 1/2 dozen clubs wanting to sign him.

Another point that grates me with him leaving is why we never gave him a chance to show what he can do from midfield instead of keeping that next to useless Risser, whose performances were far worse than both Smith or Connell.

Before you remind me there is only one opinion that counts, I can't disagree with that, but for many supporters there has to be something more than just performing in training when there is no real contact, which suits Rissers game.

No need for you to respond to this last comment, as we have discussed it many times and I am unlikely to change my opinion of him any more than you are that we will be included as a sub for the first game. you are probably right, but for what purpose only paolo knows.

Bodin jr just tweeted - all sorted & thanks for 12 yrs at Swindon. Good luck Billy.

I'm new to this debate. But, after paying for a guy who was thought to be worth 150k, & did his job, why let him go for nothing?
The newcomers haven't proved themselves yet. We don't want to start the season having to buy another AC in panic.
He was signed for 2 years.

Steve. Brentford wrote:

the wizard wrote:
LR,

Just a question, with Wray down in Italy, probably taking a much needed well earned break, do you think he may also down there to do some business while he is at it, and bring back a "blow yer socks off "player ?

Weird question to ask Wiz, how do you think LR will know that? are you bored.

No, too busy to be bored, but I was looking for a speculative answer.

How is the fishing going ?

Redgollum wrote:
I'm new to this debate. But, after paying for a guy who was thought to be worth 150k, & did his job, why let him go for nothing?
The newcomers haven't proved themselves yet. We don't want to start the season having to buy another AC in panic.
He was signed for 2 years.

Last season it was painful to watch AC being pulled off for a single misplaced pass or misplaced shot. Di Canio by his actions showed little faith in AC , although AC scored critical goals at critical times. What would have happened if we had lost at home to Rotherham early on, would the wheels have come off the bus? AC was under extreme pressure, and under these circumstances he got on with it and represented Swindon Town in the most professional manner possible. A free transfer almost used to be an insult, but now it is a means by which a player can maximise a new contract. It's very simple, Di Canio doesn't want AC in the team, that doesn't say that AC couldn't achieve at League One level. Like Bodin, AC seemed to be judged as an out-and-out striker rather than a midfield/attacking utility player. Di Canio has his wingers, he wants venom on the end of crosses. The amount of crosses per game were sometimes ridiculously high last season for a one nil or two-nil score line. Di Canio has his system and variations on it, some players don't fit in with it. As Cloughie once said never ask a player to do something they are not capable of. One thing that has to be said is that AC did his utmost as a professional for the club on and off the field, and is highly respected for it. At his age, playing just a few games in a season is not going to have him in the right condition at the end of a contract. I think that is where Di Canio is coming from. Di Canio is honest and direct, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have concern for people.

the wizard wrote:

Steve. Brentford wrote:

the wizard wrote:
LR,

Just a question, with Wray down in Italy, probably taking a much needed well earned break, do you think he may also down there to do some business while he is at it, and bring back a "blow yer socks off "player ?

Weird question to ask Wiz, how do you think LR will know that? are you bored.

No, too busy to be bored, but I was looking for a speculative answer.

How is the fishing going ?

Well, i like the fact we have gone for players proven in this country and any player signed from abroad now would have to be exceptional. (imo)
I somehow think we may have another striker being lined up who maybe a loan
player but don't believe it will be a player from Italy, another proven forward will almost have us ready and equipped for the new season bearing in mind we will have left room for other loanees should we require them.
Fishing has been a little sporadic probably due to the weather not knowing what its doing but you know what they say "A BAD DAYS FISHING IS BETTER THAN A GOOD DAY AT WORK."

Steve, fair answer to a fair question. I'm thinking that one or two more may come, but you just never know with our guys, as to whom we might be getting. There has been a few surprises so far, so maybe another is on the cards. Probably British though.

OTR - Guess you are right that as we do not know who Club X is he might well be selling himself short by just taking it
.
Guess it depends on how serious other L1 clubs are about him
.
However, unlike some have suggested above I don't think PdC is simply trying to force just to get him off the books
.
He clearly says "play in League One – the league you deserve because you reached League One"
.
So from that I doubt it is a complete two bob L1 side - but one who would be a decent challenge/option for AC
.
As for midfield he would never compete with Risser as they are 2 different positions - AC is attacking Risser is defensive
.
Guess they only option would have been see what he was like out wide instead of RDV - where he played for Bournemouth
.
As for Risser - as Klinsmann said about the Germans - they didn't have someone who is prepared to make themselves look bad as the team is more important
.
That what Risser is about - the team - he forces players wide or will allow another to take the ball from his hassling etc - he doesn't look good from it but the team benefit from it
.
All I would say is (not just you) give him a clean slate and judge him on his performances this year
.
He has now settled, he is now in a league which should suit his style better so we should see more from him
.
In other news I see Fleck has joined Coventry - rules us out then!
.
So maybe the Bostock deal is not dead - think he would be the icing on the cake for our squad
.
Wiz - No I don't think he is over there doing transfer dealings
.
Magera was our big ticket item last year and that didn't work out - now as Steve says fully expect all our big signings to be British

Ah just seen that the BBC have the audio interview this article comes from online - and that is titled prove me wrong!
.
Certainly sounds like he does wants Connell to do well

Just broke the news to my boy that Alan Connell is going... with tears in his eyes and a big larry lip he said, Why daddy, he's our top goal scorer and my favourite player. Why's Paolo being so horrible?...

Real shame Connell is being shown the door what a true professional after all the treatment received from his manager he just got on with it when he was allowed to play. Top scorer yes but how many would he have got had he been allowed to play more. I have the feeling he will sign for a Div 1 club and Will come back to haunt us. I would have kept him here as any injuries to the present strikers will leave us short and then we will end up kicking ourselves. If ever there was a player who deserved more then Alan is that player and I feel the guy has had a raw deal from Paolo.

Steve. Brentford wrote:

the wizard wrote:

Steve. Brentford wrote:

the wizard wrote: LR, Just a question, with Wray down in Italy, probably taking a much needed well earned break, do you think he may also down there to do some business while he is at it, and bring back a "blow yer socks off "player ?

Weird question to ask Wiz, how do you think LR will know that? are you bored.

No, too busy to be bored, but I was looking for a speculative answer. How is the fishing going ?

Well, i like the fact we have gone for players proven in this country and any player signed from abroad now would have to be exceptional. (imo) I somehow think we may have another striker being lined up who maybe a loan player but don't believe it will be a player from Italy, another proven forward will almost have us ready and equipped for the new season bearing in mind we will have left room for other loanees should we require them. Fishing has been a little sporadic probably due to the weather not knowing what its doing but you know what they say "A BAD DAYS FISHING IS BETTER THAN A GOOD DAY AT WORK."

I LOVE FISHING ESP WHEN I GET ME HEAD DOWN THERE

DarrenSTFCRomain wrote:

Steve. Brentford wrote:

the wizard wrote:

Steve. Brentford wrote:

the wizard wrote: LR, Just a question, with Wray down in Italy, probably taking a much needed well earned break, do you think he may also down there to do some business while he is at it, and bring back a "blow yer socks off "player ?

Weird question to ask Wiz, how do you think LR will know that? are you bored.

No, too busy to be bored, but I was looking for a speculative answer. How is the fishing going ?

Well, i like the fact we have gone for players proven in this country and any player signed from abroad now would have to be exceptional. (imo) I somehow think we may have another striker being lined up who maybe a loan player but don't believe it will be a player from Italy, another proven forward will almost have us ready and equipped for the new season bearing in mind we will have left room for other loanees should we require them. Fishing has been a little sporadic probably due to the weather not knowing what its doing but you know what they say "A BAD DAYS FISHING IS BETTER THAN A GOOD DAY AT WORK."

I LOVE FISHING ESP WHEN I GET ME HEAD DOWN THERE

Down where hahaha

If your another club and you want to sign AC why not play hard ball. Start at a low offer of salary and try and force us to pay some of his contract out. Yes he's worth £150k of anyone's money not when we want rid.

I don't blame the other teams and I don't blame Alan Connell.

I also think its the right decision for the club. Harsh but fair. No sentiment and although may seem odd, good long term business sense. It's just like writing off depreciation in the accounts on assets, hey London?

I've said all along I expect Bostock to be hear next year, either loan or permanent deal.

Bootlegger wrote:

Redgollum wrote: I'm new to this debate. But, after paying for a guy who was thought to be worth 150k, & did his job, why let him go for nothing? The newcomers haven't proved themselves yet. We don't want to start the season having to buy another AC in panic. He was signed for 2 years.

Last season it was painful to watch AC being pulled off for a single misplaced pass or misplaced shot. Di Canio by his actions showed little faith in AC , although AC scored critical goals at critical times. What would have happened if we had lost at home to Rotherham early on, would the wheels have come off the bus? AC was under extreme pressure, and under these circumstances he got on with it and represented Swindon Town in the most professional manner possible. A free transfer almost used to be an insult, but now it is a means by which a player can maximise a new contract. It's very simple, Di Canio doesn't want AC in the team, that doesn't say that AC couldn't achieve at League One level. Like Bodin, AC seemed to be judged as an out-and-out striker rather than a midfield/attacking utility player. Di Canio has his wingers, he wants venom on the end of crosses. The amount of crosses per game were sometimes ridiculously high last season for a one nil or two-nil score line. Di Canio has his system and variations on it, some players don't fit in with it. As Cloughie once said never ask a player to do something they are not capable of. One thing that has to be said is that AC did his utmost as a professional for the club on and off the field, and is highly respected for it. At his age, playing just a few games in a season is not going to have him in the right condition at the end of a contract. I think that is where Di Canio is coming from. Di Canio is honest and direct, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have concern for people.

Bootlegger,
But then, why did he sign him in the first place? Cost us money.
And, can we expect similar from the new boys? Until we know that, I'd have kept him, having already forked out. Otherwise, I totally agree.

Steve. Brentford wrote:

DarrenSTFCRomain wrote:

Steve. Brentford wrote:

the wizard wrote:

Steve. Brentford wrote:

the wizard wrote: LR, Just a question, with Wray down in Italy, probably taking a much needed well earned break, do you think he may also down there to do some business while he is at it, and bring back a "blow yer socks off "player ?

Weird question to ask Wiz, how do you think LR will know that? are you bored.

No, too busy to be bored, but I was looking for a speculative answer. How is the fishing going ?

Well, i like the fact we have gone for players proven in this country and any player signed from abroad now would have to be exceptional. (imo) I somehow think we may have another striker being lined up who maybe a loan player but don't believe it will be a player from Italy, another proven forward will almost have us ready and equipped for the new season bearing in mind we will have left room for other loanees should we require them. Fishing has been a little sporadic probably due to the weather not knowing what its doing but you know what they say "A BAD DAYS FISHING IS BETTER THAN A GOOD DAY AT WORK."

I LOVE FISHING ESP WHEN I GET ME HEAD DOWN THERE

Down where hahaha

Just come back from a week's fishing in Torbay! Agree, a lot better than working!