Here's an interesting fact... the last time Wigan won at home on a Saturday they were playing... Oxford, and that was seven months ago.
Friday, November 30, 2001
Wigan v Swindon preview
It's up north tomorrow for a mid-table clash with Wigan at the JJB Stadium, a nice ground but one which - as Matty Heywood pointed out midweek - isn't one they fill very often. Perhaps as a result, the lactics have been struggling there this season, explaining their lowly position five points behind us, in 18th place.
Their worst home display this season was against Canvey Island in the FA Cup a couple of weeks ago, when they crashed out with a 1-0 defeat. Former West Ham defender Julian Dicks, now playing for Canvey Island, accused Paul Jewell's side of not taking the game seriously enough, although Wigan also had two men sent off, which suggests the team simply lost the plot.
Things have got slightly better for Wigan since, with a fortunate home draw against fellow strugglers Chesterfield followed up by a 2-0 win away to bottom of the table Northampton Town. But we represent the best opposition they've had since that cup exit, and meeting them at their home ground - where they've had only two wins this season - looks like it only improves our chances.
For us, a win and the right combination of results elsewhere could lift us to seventh place (OK - a good win and the eight teams above us dropping points) which either shows the tight nature of this league, or the hopelessly rosy view I have pre-match.
For Town tomorrow, a few changes from the winning midweek side are likely. Neil Ruddock is serving a ban, so Adam Willis is likely to get a recall to see if he can build on his promising appearance away to Wycombe a few weeks back. Matt Hewlett - who played so well midweek - has recovered from a knock and should start, as will Andy Gurney. Sol Davies, a longer-term injury victim, begins his first-team comeback with a likely place on the bench tomorrow, where he'll be joined by Paul Edwards, who is also fit again.
There's a comprehensive match preview, from a Wigan view, over at Cockneylactic.
It's up north tomorrow for a mid-table clash with Wigan at the JJB Stadium, a nice ground but one which - as Matty Heywood pointed out midweek - isn't one they fill very often. Perhaps as a result, the lactics have been struggling there this season, explaining their lowly position five points behind us, in 18th place.
Their worst home display this season was against Canvey Island in the FA Cup a couple of weeks ago, when they crashed out with a 1-0 defeat. Former West Ham defender Julian Dicks, now playing for Canvey Island, accused Paul Jewell's side of not taking the game seriously enough, although Wigan also had two men sent off, which suggests the team simply lost the plot.
Things have got slightly better for Wigan since, with a fortunate home draw against fellow strugglers Chesterfield followed up by a 2-0 win away to bottom of the table Northampton Town. But we represent the best opposition they've had since that cup exit, and meeting them at their home ground - where they've had only two wins this season - looks like it only improves our chances.
For us, a win and the right combination of results elsewhere could lift us to seventh place (OK - a good win and the eight teams above us dropping points) which either shows the tight nature of this league, or the hopelessly rosy view I have pre-match.
For Town tomorrow, a few changes from the winning midweek side are likely. Neil Ruddock is serving a ban, so Adam Willis is likely to get a recall to see if he can build on his promising appearance away to Wycombe a few weeks back. Matt Hewlett - who played so well midweek - has recovered from a knock and should start, as will Andy Gurney. Sol Davies, a longer-term injury victim, begins his first-team comeback with a likely place on the bench tomorrow, where he'll be joined by Paul Edwards, who is also fit again.
There's a comprehensive match preview, from a Wigan view, over at Cockneylactic.
As we wait for the new board to take over (only eight days to go, folks!) it's quickly becoming obvious how reliant Town is on its directors to keep bailing it out. Peter Rowe says the club is struggling to pay the players this month, and the PFA might have to step in to pay the shortfall. Other staff have had their money, but it's hard to imagine Roy Evans being particularly delighted at this latest development.
Sorry for the lack of posts... and if anyone knows a good electrician in the Swindon area, let me know. Logcentral happens to be in semi-darkness at the moment....
Tuesday, November 27, 2001
Swindon v Wrexham preview
Tonight's game is a re-arranged fixture, the game having been postponed because of Wrexham's international call-ups back in October. But it comes at a good time for Town, as we look to continue getting the season back on track following a bad run of form which culminated in that 4-0 thumping at the hands of QPR.
Saturday's 1-1 draw with high-flying Brighton was a great way to respond, with the team working a damn sight harder and winning a point for their trouble. More than a few felt we should have gone on to win that game - with a little bit of confidence, and luck, we might have done.
Now Roy Evans is looking for the improvement to continue tonight. Only Matt Hewlett is nursing a knock, and he should be fit. Bobby Howe returns after his family bereavement, and will probably take up the place left on the bench by the return of Jo Kuffour, who has gone back to Arsenal at the end of his loan period.
But if we think we've been having it hard, Wrexham have been having an even worse time. Brian Flynn's long reign at the club ended early in the season, and the arrival of former Oxford boss Denis Smith only offered a brief respite.
There have been recent glimpses of hope, thanks to dire Cambridge who Wrexham beat 2-0 last week, and a good performance against Stoke at the weekend in which they went down 1-0, but missed a penalty. After that, Smith will likely name an unchanged side for tonight.
But the Welsh side is still in 22nd place, firmly in the relegation zone and three points behind Notts County, the next side up. This is really a side that we should be beating...
Tonight's game is a re-arranged fixture, the game having been postponed because of Wrexham's international call-ups back in October. But it comes at a good time for Town, as we look to continue getting the season back on track following a bad run of form which culminated in that 4-0 thumping at the hands of QPR.
Saturday's 1-1 draw with high-flying Brighton was a great way to respond, with the team working a damn sight harder and winning a point for their trouble. More than a few felt we should have gone on to win that game - with a little bit of confidence, and luck, we might have done.
Now Roy Evans is looking for the improvement to continue tonight. Only Matt Hewlett is nursing a knock, and he should be fit. Bobby Howe returns after his family bereavement, and will probably take up the place left on the bench by the return of Jo Kuffour, who has gone back to Arsenal at the end of his loan period.
But if we think we've been having it hard, Wrexham have been having an even worse time. Brian Flynn's long reign at the club ended early in the season, and the arrival of former Oxford boss Denis Smith only offered a brief respite.
There have been recent glimpses of hope, thanks to dire Cambridge who Wrexham beat 2-0 last week, and a good performance against Stoke at the weekend in which they went down 1-0, but missed a penalty. After that, Smith will likely name an unchanged side for tonight.
But the Welsh side is still in 22nd place, firmly in the relegation zone and three points behind Notts County, the next side up. This is really a side that we should be beating...
Monday, November 26, 2001
Today's Adver thinks we should have got three points too. Eric says he's happy to have broken his duck, but angry he missed the earlier chance - "we are in a delicate position", he says, which phrases it better than many of us native English speakers could manage. Peter Taylor is full of praise for Town's efforts, but Danny Invincible is still wondering how Town can go from Wednesday's performance to Saturday's, with an unchanged team. It's all down to hard work, Danny, and more hard work - and to be fair it looked like you had that sussed on Saturday.
Sunday, November 25, 2001
Swindon 1 Brighton 1
Well, what an excellent game - perhaps one of the most entertaining we've seen at the County Ground this season - and, in the circumstances, an good result too.
Granted - the goal we lost early on in the first half was a bit of a disaster: a long ball hit through the centre of defence, and Bobby Zamora - who else - was on hand to knock a deft chip over Bart Gremink's head.
But as the first half wore on Swindon got stronger, moving from the team we saw lumber round the pitch midweek to a little closer to the side we knew and loved at the start of the season. There was more bite in midfield, an assurance about the defending, and up front Danny and Eric were working hard.
Some might say that Brighton weren't a particularly good side, but I think that would be to do them a disservice - we worked so much harder yesterday, they couldn't play their normal game. Despite a superb travelling support, they just couldn't get back into the game until the very dying moments of the second half, when a string of corners had Swindon hearts in mouths. For the rest of the time, despite some slick passing in the middle of the park, they couldn't find the killer pass to feed Premiership-class Zamora.
Swindon had got a just reward for their hard work midway through the second 45, when Wayne Carlisle latched on to a badly cleared ball 18 yards out, on the left hand side. He cut to the byline, beat his man and fired in a low cross across goal. Sliding in at the back post was Eric Sabin, who just had to extend his foot to get his first goal in Town colours.
Town could have won this game - had Eric taken a chance earlier on when he had just the keeper to beat, he could have had his double to scoop all three points - but after such despair on Wednesday night, this was just the pick-me-up we needed.
Now we look to Tuesday, and the visit of Wrexham, with new heart - three points would be an great morale boost, which would catapult us up the table too.
Well, what an excellent game - perhaps one of the most entertaining we've seen at the County Ground this season - and, in the circumstances, an good result too.
Granted - the goal we lost early on in the first half was a bit of a disaster: a long ball hit through the centre of defence, and Bobby Zamora - who else - was on hand to knock a deft chip over Bart Gremink's head.
But as the first half wore on Swindon got stronger, moving from the team we saw lumber round the pitch midweek to a little closer to the side we knew and loved at the start of the season. There was more bite in midfield, an assurance about the defending, and up front Danny and Eric were working hard.
Some might say that Brighton weren't a particularly good side, but I think that would be to do them a disservice - we worked so much harder yesterday, they couldn't play their normal game. Despite a superb travelling support, they just couldn't get back into the game until the very dying moments of the second half, when a string of corners had Swindon hearts in mouths. For the rest of the time, despite some slick passing in the middle of the park, they couldn't find the killer pass to feed Premiership-class Zamora.
Swindon had got a just reward for their hard work midway through the second 45, when Wayne Carlisle latched on to a badly cleared ball 18 yards out, on the left hand side. He cut to the byline, beat his man and fired in a low cross across goal. Sliding in at the back post was Eric Sabin, who just had to extend his foot to get his first goal in Town colours.
Town could have won this game - had Eric taken a chance earlier on when he had just the keeper to beat, he could have had his double to scoop all three points - but after such despair on Wednesday night, this was just the pick-me-up we needed.
Now we look to Tuesday, and the visit of Wrexham, with new heart - three points would be an great morale boost, which would catapult us up the table too.
Friday, November 23, 2001
Remember how Roy Evans said he'd only quit if he was messed around? Well, now it sounds like he's being messed around... Meanwhile, on the pitch Graz says start me tomorrow, and Mark Robinson sounds a determined note.
Swindon v Brighton preview
This has the potential to be a very bad week in the history of Swindon Town. After our thumping away to QPR, last night Town fans had to sit through another pretty depressing show as the club’s future was outlined at a meeting of the supporters’ trust. And tomorrow we face league leaders, with club morale at a new low for this season.
I couldn’t go, but others are doing a good job of describing what went on - and it sounds like a case of pass the Prosac.
Roy and Razor may well depart after the EGM next month, it was suggested, and there are question marks over whether or not the incoming consortium has enough cash to keep the club afloat in the medium term.
It was also said that the boardroom stuff is now affecting the performances on the pitch. If that’s so, tomorrow’s visit of high-flying Brighton could hardly come at a worse time. Taylor’s seagulls are cruising along, beaten only twice in the league. Victories in 15 of their last 17 games means they’re looking very likely candidates for a second promotion in as many years, and even at the peak of our form we’d still be happy with a point.
As we watched the goals fly in in West London they dropped their first home points under Taylor in midweek, when they could only manage a 1-1 draw with Peterborough. But even that was down to a bit of bad luck and some excellent goalkeeping, by all accounts. In a preview on the official website, centre-half Simon Morgan and Peter Taylor express their disappointment, and both hope for a good performance - in front of a big travelling support - tomorrow.
Their obvious dangerman is striker Bobby Zamora, the 20-year-old ex Bristol Rovers striker who got 28 goals in their promotion push last year, and who’s already bagged 14 this season, including their midweek goal. In fact, he’s scored in every one of their last six games, and he’s got to fancy his chances of making that seven. It would be lovely if rumours of a big money move to the Premiership came true ooh, around now, but it doesn’t seem particularly likely.
For Town, what does Roy Evans do? Tuesday’s performance was so bad it would be hard to think of many players - apart from, perhaps, Bart Gremink - who deserve to play at the weekend. But, of course, our squad is so bare only limited changes can be made, especially in the midfield area where the most change is needed.
It’s possible, but not that likely, I’d think, that Adam Willis might be given a shot at the back - I’d like to see Gurney pushed into the midfield at the expense of Matthew Hewlett. Up front, moving Danny back into midfield and dropping Duke might be an option, bringing back Graz or Kuffour but, again, I don’t know how likely it is.
Roy Evans, making the best of a bad lot, might decide to name the same starting 11, telling them to go out and redeem themselves in front of a big crowd (with around 3000 visiting fans likely to travel up). And, in the end, any changes will be only cosmetic if the level of performance from those remaining doesn’t improve ten-fold.
Should they perform like they did midweek, with so little application or ability, they’ll leave the pitch with boos quite rightly ringing down from the stands, after another humiliating defeat. And if they manage to get a point, or even three, against Taylor’s men? Well, they’d travel from zeros to heroes in around 90 minutes, and certainly take the edge off a pretty dark week.
This has the potential to be a very bad week in the history of Swindon Town. After our thumping away to QPR, last night Town fans had to sit through another pretty depressing show as the club’s future was outlined at a meeting of the supporters’ trust. And tomorrow we face league leaders, with club morale at a new low for this season.
I couldn’t go, but others are doing a good job of describing what went on - and it sounds like a case of pass the Prosac.
Roy and Razor may well depart after the EGM next month, it was suggested, and there are question marks over whether or not the incoming consortium has enough cash to keep the club afloat in the medium term.
It was also said that the boardroom stuff is now affecting the performances on the pitch. If that’s so, tomorrow’s visit of high-flying Brighton could hardly come at a worse time. Taylor’s seagulls are cruising along, beaten only twice in the league. Victories in 15 of their last 17 games means they’re looking very likely candidates for a second promotion in as many years, and even at the peak of our form we’d still be happy with a point.
As we watched the goals fly in in West London they dropped their first home points under Taylor in midweek, when they could only manage a 1-1 draw with Peterborough. But even that was down to a bit of bad luck and some excellent goalkeeping, by all accounts. In a preview on the official website, centre-half Simon Morgan and Peter Taylor express their disappointment, and both hope for a good performance - in front of a big travelling support - tomorrow.
Their obvious dangerman is striker Bobby Zamora, the 20-year-old ex Bristol Rovers striker who got 28 goals in their promotion push last year, and who’s already bagged 14 this season, including their midweek goal. In fact, he’s scored in every one of their last six games, and he’s got to fancy his chances of making that seven. It would be lovely if rumours of a big money move to the Premiership came true ooh, around now, but it doesn’t seem particularly likely.
For Town, what does Roy Evans do? Tuesday’s performance was so bad it would be hard to think of many players - apart from, perhaps, Bart Gremink - who deserve to play at the weekend. But, of course, our squad is so bare only limited changes can be made, especially in the midfield area where the most change is needed.
It’s possible, but not that likely, I’d think, that Adam Willis might be given a shot at the back - I’d like to see Gurney pushed into the midfield at the expense of Matthew Hewlett. Up front, moving Danny back into midfield and dropping Duke might be an option, bringing back Graz or Kuffour but, again, I don’t know how likely it is.
Roy Evans, making the best of a bad lot, might decide to name the same starting 11, telling them to go out and redeem themselves in front of a big crowd (with around 3000 visiting fans likely to travel up). And, in the end, any changes will be only cosmetic if the level of performance from those remaining doesn’t improve ten-fold.
Should they perform like they did midweek, with so little application or ability, they’ll leave the pitch with boos quite rightly ringing down from the stands, after another humiliating defeat. And if they manage to get a point, or even three, against Taylor’s men? Well, they’d travel from zeros to heroes in around 90 minutes, and certainly take the edge off a pretty dark week.
Thursday, November 22, 2001
QPR 4 Swindon Town 0
The mystery is why, after 90 minutes of (at best) ineptitude, we all stood there and applauded the Robins off the park. Don't get me wrong - I was standing there too at the end, throat sore from singing my lungs out, especially in the second half when things improved (from worse to simply bad). But there was a big bit of me wondering what this side had done to earn our respect, let alone whole-hearted support.
This was a dire display, which marked the end of any honeymoon period Roy Evans has had with his squad (although not the honeymoon period Evans himself is enjoying with the Town crowd, of course - we know he could put things right, given a little cash). What is more, this was not a one-off bad display - we now have only one win in six, and the players appear to have been building up to this nightmare in recent weeks.
In today's Adver Evans says he is furious with last night's debacle, and is demanding the players "take a long hard look at themselves". He says we made QPR look good despite the fact the London side's morale must have been pretty low after they were thumped themselves at the weekend.
And, to be fair, QPR were good - or at least clearly well motivated, keen to make things right after their cup exit. They came right at us in the opening spell, but it's depressing the Town players couldn't see this coming prior to kick off, and steel themselves.
Our hosts were very solid at the back, knew how to find space in the middle of the park (and there were acres to find) and up front they had pace, good running and even a bit of invention. In the opening stages, as Neil Ruddock admitted, it was men against boys, and it didn't get a whole bunch better. You had the feeling that QPR played within themselves last night - they could have stepped things up one more gear.
Games are most often won or lost in midfield, and perhaps we have to consider that ours is simply not up to it - and that the problem extends far beyond Bobby Howe (missing last night). Our central midfield duo of Robinson and Hewlett looked out their depth last night. Hewlett, in particular, seemed to be a yard off the pace and unable to stick his boot in to effect, while Robinson was lucky to stay on the park.
Duke had another useless game on the wing - no tricks, no pace, no crossing ability - and even Wayne Carlisle had a quiet night.
It was also comic capers at the back, as feared, with Gurney having another nightmare and Neil Ruddock looking none too clever either. It's embarrassing to see him laughing with the away fans as he plays so poorly - the last laugh, alas, will always be with the winners.
Meanwhile, up front, Danny Invincible is looking uninterested again - don't know if it's his style, or something, but a starting place at the weekend has to look doubtful, especially given the stark contrast between his lethargic display and the energy of Jo Kuffour and Graz when they came on later.
Peter Rowe says today the first team will not be paid if they join the proposed strike over TV money. It's a shame they have to be paid for displays like last night's.
The mystery is why, after 90 minutes of (at best) ineptitude, we all stood there and applauded the Robins off the park. Don't get me wrong - I was standing there too at the end, throat sore from singing my lungs out, especially in the second half when things improved (from worse to simply bad). But there was a big bit of me wondering what this side had done to earn our respect, let alone whole-hearted support.
This was a dire display, which marked the end of any honeymoon period Roy Evans has had with his squad (although not the honeymoon period Evans himself is enjoying with the Town crowd, of course - we know he could put things right, given a little cash). What is more, this was not a one-off bad display - we now have only one win in six, and the players appear to have been building up to this nightmare in recent weeks.
In today's Adver Evans says he is furious with last night's debacle, and is demanding the players "take a long hard look at themselves". He says we made QPR look good despite the fact the London side's morale must have been pretty low after they were thumped themselves at the weekend.
And, to be fair, QPR were good - or at least clearly well motivated, keen to make things right after their cup exit. They came right at us in the opening spell, but it's depressing the Town players couldn't see this coming prior to kick off, and steel themselves.
Our hosts were very solid at the back, knew how to find space in the middle of the park (and there were acres to find) and up front they had pace, good running and even a bit of invention. In the opening stages, as Neil Ruddock admitted, it was men against boys, and it didn't get a whole bunch better. You had the feeling that QPR played within themselves last night - they could have stepped things up one more gear.
Games are most often won or lost in midfield, and perhaps we have to consider that ours is simply not up to it - and that the problem extends far beyond Bobby Howe (missing last night). Our central midfield duo of Robinson and Hewlett looked out their depth last night. Hewlett, in particular, seemed to be a yard off the pace and unable to stick his boot in to effect, while Robinson was lucky to stay on the park.
Duke had another useless game on the wing - no tricks, no pace, no crossing ability - and even Wayne Carlisle had a quiet night.
It was also comic capers at the back, as feared, with Gurney having another nightmare and Neil Ruddock looking none too clever either. It's embarrassing to see him laughing with the away fans as he plays so poorly - the last laugh, alas, will always be with the winners.
Meanwhile, up front, Danny Invincible is looking uninterested again - don't know if it's his style, or something, but a starting place at the weekend has to look doubtful, especially given the stark contrast between his lethargic display and the energy of Jo Kuffour and Graz when they came on later.
Peter Rowe says today the first team will not be paid if they join the proposed strike over TV money. It's a shame they have to be paid for displays like last night's.
Wednesday, November 21, 2001
It's back to league business tonight when we head down the M4 (or up the central line, for those of us who work in London) to Loftus Road, and crisis-torn QPR.
As reported yesterday, fans of the club are having a protest tonight over suggestions their stadium might be sold off or mortgaged. We're invited to show our support for their cause, and perhaps we should - after all, we know all about the depths club boards can plumb, and when they come visiting the County Ground perhaps we'll need their help too.
If matters off the field have been upsetting for London 'Gers, then events on it have hardly cheered them up. QPR has been enduring a torrid time of late, capped - if that's the word - by an embarassing cup exit at the hands of third division Swansea. The Londoners were gubbed 4-0 in Sunday's televised FA cup first round, which left their fans fuming and their players red-faced.
The BBC website wasted no time in getting one QPR fan to chart the fall and fall of QPR but chins up, lads - at least your faces won't be as red as the half-wit who penned the BBC's preview of tonight's game, in which Ian Holloway was described as Swindon manager throughout. It's been changed now, but given Loftus Road's proximity to the BBC's HQ (it's next door) they didn't have much of an excuse. Ho hum.
Besides, we Townies know too well to fall for this "oppo in crisis" stuff. That's normally around the time the Robins step in to give everyone a big boost in confidence by lying down, laying on complementary comic capers at the back, and donating three points to the cause. We'll need to be on top of our game - or at least better than we were on Saturday - to beat QPR, talk of crisis at Loftus Road or not.
As if to underline the point, Holloway (who's QPR manager, Beeb folks) is saying his lads are "spineless" and have a point to prove tonight. He's also just resigned striker Kevin Gallen on a free from Barnsley, and that's bound to add a little more bite up front.
But what might be central to Swindon's chances is the recovery, or not, of defender Aziz Ben Askar, who had to sit out the weekend cup debacle. Askar, apparently an important part of QPR's defence, has had a knee problem, and is in a race against time to be fit to face Swindon.
For Town, Wayne Carlisle returns to the squad - and a likely starting place - after missing out on Saturday's FA cup tie because of an administrative cock-up.
Meanwhile, the Adver reports that the Trust meeting on Thursday will feature a showdown between Danny Donegan and a member of the rival consortium, where both sides will be able to state their case for running the club. Worth joining the trust just so you can watch.
As reported yesterday, fans of the club are having a protest tonight over suggestions their stadium might be sold off or mortgaged. We're invited to show our support for their cause, and perhaps we should - after all, we know all about the depths club boards can plumb, and when they come visiting the County Ground perhaps we'll need their help too.
If matters off the field have been upsetting for London 'Gers, then events on it have hardly cheered them up. QPR has been enduring a torrid time of late, capped - if that's the word - by an embarassing cup exit at the hands of third division Swansea. The Londoners were gubbed 4-0 in Sunday's televised FA cup first round, which left their fans fuming and their players red-faced.
The BBC website wasted no time in getting one QPR fan to chart the fall and fall of QPR but chins up, lads - at least your faces won't be as red as the half-wit who penned the BBC's preview of tonight's game, in which Ian Holloway was described as Swindon manager throughout. It's been changed now, but given Loftus Road's proximity to the BBC's HQ (it's next door) they didn't have much of an excuse. Ho hum.
Besides, we Townies know too well to fall for this "oppo in crisis" stuff. That's normally around the time the Robins step in to give everyone a big boost in confidence by lying down, laying on complementary comic capers at the back, and donating three points to the cause. We'll need to be on top of our game - or at least better than we were on Saturday - to beat QPR, talk of crisis at Loftus Road or not.
As if to underline the point, Holloway (who's QPR manager, Beeb folks) is saying his lads are "spineless" and have a point to prove tonight. He's also just resigned striker Kevin Gallen on a free from Barnsley, and that's bound to add a little more bite up front.
But what might be central to Swindon's chances is the recovery, or not, of defender Aziz Ben Askar, who had to sit out the weekend cup debacle. Askar, apparently an important part of QPR's defence, has had a knee problem, and is in a race against time to be fit to face Swindon.
For Town, Wayne Carlisle returns to the squad - and a likely starting place - after missing out on Saturday's FA cup tie because of an administrative cock-up.
Meanwhile, the Adver reports that the Trust meeting on Thursday will feature a showdown between Danny Donegan and a member of the rival consortium, where both sides will be able to state their case for running the club. Worth joining the trust just so you can watch.
Tuesday, November 20, 2001
QPR fans are asking us to take part in their demonstration tomorrow night at Loftus Road. They want to form a human chain around the ground, to send a message to the club's ownership that they should avoid selling off or mortgaging the stadium. Sounds like a worthy cause - if the chain makes it as far as the away turnstiles, I'll certainly be joining in...
Monday, November 19, 2001
Oh well, maybe I over-rated our performance on Saturday. The Adver's match report certainly suggests we could have been facing a replay but for some good luck (and bad finishing). Looks like my decision to enjoy the atmosphere down at the far end of the Nationwide, rather than my usual seat on the half-way line, might have clouded my judgement...
In the next round of the cup we face giant-killing Hereford United at home, but they're bound to fancy their chances having beaten Wrexham yesterday. Roy Evans watched the match and is sounding a note of caution tonight.
Meanwhile, in the boardroom, the two sides are going to meet up later this week to discuss their differences, although I'd rate the chances of anything productive happening as slim, given the two sides' performance so far. It's interesting to note Peter Rowe's "honest broker" role - possibly a wise move on his part, given he had appeared so closely tied to the now-defeated Donegan regime.
In the next round of the cup we face giant-killing Hereford United at home, but they're bound to fancy their chances having beaten Wrexham yesterday. Roy Evans watched the match and is sounding a note of caution tonight.
Meanwhile, in the boardroom, the two sides are going to meet up later this week to discuss their differences, although I'd rate the chances of anything productive happening as slim, given the two sides' performance so far. It's interesting to note Peter Rowe's "honest broker" role - possibly a wise move on his part, given he had appeared so closely tied to the now-defeated Donegan regime.
Saturday, November 17, 2001
Er... just found the Hartlepool fans' report, which contains the immortal line: "The one division difference between the two sides was nowhere to be see [sic], apart from in the number of goals scored."
Hmm... pretty much sums up the way footie works, chaps.
Hmm... pretty much sums up the way footie works, chaps.
Swindon Town 3 Hartlepool 1
It wasn't the best of Swindon performances, but all Town fans will be relieved the team overcame the potentially difficult hurdle of Hartlepool to progress to the second round of the FA Cup.
Hartlepool had made life difficult for Town in the opening stages of the match, as we had expected, but were failing to create any good chances.
For Town, Danny Invincible was looking lively in a more withdrawn role than the out-and-out striker position he's been playing in for the last few weeks. A great run through the Hartlepool defence gave him the chance to shoot early on, but his effort was tame and easy for Williams to gather. David Duke also looked lively on the wing, and on the quarter hour his cross was met by Grazioli, but his header went just wide.
It took until the 35th minute for the breakthrough. Eric Sabin - who else - was brought down in the box for what must be his fourth or fifth penalty this season. After Danny Invincible's last-minute penalty horror last week, Neil Ruddock was in no mood to let anyone else take the kick - he jogged up from the back to power it home, and put Town one up.
Then, less than a minute later, Gremink's clearance was collected by Eric Sabin on the right hand side. His cross-come-shot was fumbled by the away keeper and toe-poked into the net by Danny Invincible, lurking a couple of yards out at the back post.
But Hartlepool came right back at Swindon, and scored two minutes after Invincible's strike. A corner came in and, in a mad scramble in front of the Town end, Ian Clark was the player to apply his boot and knock it in.
Into the second half Hartlepool - encouraged by their goal - continued to enjoy a little more possession. Indeed, that they didn't equalise was often down more to sloppy finishing from their forwards than anything else - they contrived to hit the woodwork twice in seconds when it looked easier to score, and on a couple of occasions missed the ball altogether.
Town's midfield trio of Robinson, Hewlett and Invincible closed down and harried well, but looked less of a creative force than in the first half. On the wings, David Duke continued to cause problems and Mark Robinson had a pretty good game at right wing back, but neither were really going to provide the kind of inspiration we needed to kill the game dead.
So it was something of a relief when Matty Heywood capped a solid individual performance with a goal, nodding the ball into the postage stamp corner at a set piece in the 74th minute to secure Town's progress into the next round.
The next Town game is on Wednesday, in the league against QPR, which is bound to be a much stiffer test, followed up by Brighton's visit next Saturday. But at least the team is going into a difficult week with the relieved cheers of the County Ground faithful ringing in their ears.
Best of all, we can look forward to the cup draw tomorrow, knowing we're one match away from the possibility of a big name coming to the County Ground again.
It wasn't the best of Swindon performances, but all Town fans will be relieved the team overcame the potentially difficult hurdle of Hartlepool to progress to the second round of the FA Cup.
Hartlepool had made life difficult for Town in the opening stages of the match, as we had expected, but were failing to create any good chances.
For Town, Danny Invincible was looking lively in a more withdrawn role than the out-and-out striker position he's been playing in for the last few weeks. A great run through the Hartlepool defence gave him the chance to shoot early on, but his effort was tame and easy for Williams to gather. David Duke also looked lively on the wing, and on the quarter hour his cross was met by Grazioli, but his header went just wide.
It took until the 35th minute for the breakthrough. Eric Sabin - who else - was brought down in the box for what must be his fourth or fifth penalty this season. After Danny Invincible's last-minute penalty horror last week, Neil Ruddock was in no mood to let anyone else take the kick - he jogged up from the back to power it home, and put Town one up.
Then, less than a minute later, Gremink's clearance was collected by Eric Sabin on the right hand side. His cross-come-shot was fumbled by the away keeper and toe-poked into the net by Danny Invincible, lurking a couple of yards out at the back post.
But Hartlepool came right back at Swindon, and scored two minutes after Invincible's strike. A corner came in and, in a mad scramble in front of the Town end, Ian Clark was the player to apply his boot and knock it in.
Into the second half Hartlepool - encouraged by their goal - continued to enjoy a little more possession. Indeed, that they didn't equalise was often down more to sloppy finishing from their forwards than anything else - they contrived to hit the woodwork twice in seconds when it looked easier to score, and on a couple of occasions missed the ball altogether.
Town's midfield trio of Robinson, Hewlett and Invincible closed down and harried well, but looked less of a creative force than in the first half. On the wings, David Duke continued to cause problems and Mark Robinson had a pretty good game at right wing back, but neither were really going to provide the kind of inspiration we needed to kill the game dead.
So it was something of a relief when Matty Heywood capped a solid individual performance with a goal, nodding the ball into the postage stamp corner at a set piece in the 74th minute to secure Town's progress into the next round.
The next Town game is on Wednesday, in the league against QPR, which is bound to be a much stiffer test, followed up by Brighton's visit next Saturday. But at least the team is going into a difficult week with the relieved cheers of the County Ground faithful ringing in their ears.
Best of all, we can look forward to the cup draw tomorrow, knowing we're one match away from the possibility of a big name coming to the County Ground again.
Friday, November 16, 2001
Swindon Town v Hartlepool (FA Cup)
It's FA cup time again, although this year we've got a much harder opening tie: instead of non-league opposition, it's third division Hartlepool, and they've got to fancy their chances following our recent run of crummy form.
Not helping things are our old friends Lady Badluck and Lord Crass Stupidity. Lady Badluck has contributed a family illness - which means Bobby Howe is returning to his native north-east - and an injury, which means Alan Reeves will be struggling to get fit in time.
Lord Crass Stupidity has made sure that, while Roy Evans got the green light to play loan stars Jo Kuffour and Wayne Carlisle tomorrow, the players weren't registered in time with the FA. Neither are able to figure. It looks like Steve Robinson will return, and youngster Paul McAreavey could get a place in the first 11. And it's good to see former youth cup winner Bertie Brayley chomping at the bit to get into the side after some improving displays in the reserves.
But we're looking a little threadbare at the moment - our shallow squad is beginning to show its limitations as the winter draws in - and an already awkward tie is being made that little bit more difficult. Enough, certainly, to make me nervous.
Prices have been cut to just £10 a head to get in tommorrow - it looks like the Town side will need all the encouragement they can get to progress to the next round, and hopefully take a step closer to welcoming a big club to a packed County Ground.
It's FA cup time again, although this year we've got a much harder opening tie: instead of non-league opposition, it's third division Hartlepool, and they've got to fancy their chances following our recent run of crummy form.
Not helping things are our old friends Lady Badluck and Lord Crass Stupidity. Lady Badluck has contributed a family illness - which means Bobby Howe is returning to his native north-east - and an injury, which means Alan Reeves will be struggling to get fit in time.
Lord Crass Stupidity has made sure that, while Roy Evans got the green light to play loan stars Jo Kuffour and Wayne Carlisle tomorrow, the players weren't registered in time with the FA. Neither are able to figure. It looks like Steve Robinson will return, and youngster Paul McAreavey could get a place in the first 11. And it's good to see former youth cup winner Bertie Brayley chomping at the bit to get into the side after some improving displays in the reserves.
But we're looking a little threadbare at the moment - our shallow squad is beginning to show its limitations as the winter draws in - and an already awkward tie is being made that little bit more difficult. Enough, certainly, to make me nervous.
Prices have been cut to just £10 a head to get in tommorrow - it looks like the Town side will need all the encouragement they can get to progress to the next round, and hopefully take a step closer to welcoming a big club to a packed County Ground.
Thursday, November 15, 2001
Interesting piece in today's Adver about "forgotten man" Juan Cobian (actually - try invisible man). He's said to be praying every night for a first-team start, but might end up being farmed out on loan in order to get a first XI game.
The only times I've seen him, he's looked a class act - he once played for Boca Juniors, for goodness sake, alongside Maradona! I seem to recall he got a first team start last season in the FA cup - here's hoping it might happen again on Saturday. I mean, how bad do you have to be not to get in ahead of the perenially disappointing David Duke?
The only times I've seen him, he's looked a class act - he once played for Boca Juniors, for goodness sake, alongside Maradona! I seem to recall he got a first team start last season in the FA cup - here's hoping it might happen again on Saturday. I mean, how bad do you have to be not to get in ahead of the perenially disappointing David Duke?
Wednesday, November 14, 2001
How on earth? I don't normally have a lot to say about games that don't involve Town, but this is something else. Stoke, a team which thumped us 3-0 a couple of weeks back, last night slumped to their own - far worse - humiliation at the hands of Wigan. They lost 6-1 - and not to a fellow promotion-chasing side, but to one which (before kick-off) was struggling to get out the relegation zone. Even today, after their win, Wigan are still lying in 18th spot, five points behind Town. It just goes to show how close this table is, even at its widest point.
As for Stoke, they've missed out on going top of the table, and they're still sitting in a respectable third place. But you've got to wonder what this massive defeat will do to their confidence.
As for Stoke, they've missed out on going top of the table, and they're still sitting in a respectable third place. But you've got to wonder what this massive defeat will do to their confidence.
Tuesday, November 13, 2001
A bit of bad news today: Phil Cannon, responsible for bringing through some of the young talent at Town in the last few years (Steve Mildenhall, Alan Young, to name but two) is leaving to go to Everton. You can hardly blame Cannon for wanting to go to the far bigger club (and some job security, I'd imagine), but it must have been a sore one for ex-red Roy Evans...
Monday, November 12, 2001
The BBC has a good roundup of the long-running saga over the front garden, and the battle for control of Swindon Town. Well worth reading if you've been left confused by the continued wrangling between the various factions.
A pretty blunt assessment of Saturday's performance, player by player, from Jack2. Even the Adver's report struggles to find a sunny side - Adam Willis at right wing back, indeed...
Danny Invincible says he'll bounce back after his last-gasp penalty miss, while Steve McMahon is predictably chuffed with a win.
Danny Invincible says he'll bounce back after his last-gasp penalty miss, while Steve McMahon is predictably chuffed with a win.
Sunday, November 11, 2001
Blackpool 1 Swindon 0
A dismal Swindon performance against Steve McMahon's side was capped by a late penalty miss from Danny Invincible, which condemned Town to a second successive defeat. You can read the Blackpool fans' report or the shorter Annanova effort to get the gory details.
The result leaves us in 16th position and, as AnnaSwindon notes on Rivals.net, from eyeing play-off positions we suddenly find ourselves glancing nervously at the results of teams in the relegation zone.
But, chins up: we're still eight points away from the drop zone (and only five points off a play-off place, with a game in hand over most sides) so things aren't that bad. It just feels that way.
What is vital is that we rediscover our form for the vital Christmas period, a time when teams either make or break their season.
A dismal Swindon performance against Steve McMahon's side was capped by a late penalty miss from Danny Invincible, which condemned Town to a second successive defeat. You can read the Blackpool fans' report or the shorter Annanova effort to get the gory details.
The result leaves us in 16th position and, as AnnaSwindon notes on Rivals.net, from eyeing play-off positions we suddenly find ourselves glancing nervously at the results of teams in the relegation zone.
But, chins up: we're still eight points away from the drop zone (and only five points off a play-off place, with a game in hand over most sides) so things aren't that bad. It just feels that way.
What is vital is that we rediscover our form for the vital Christmas period, a time when teams either make or break their season.
Friday, November 09, 2001
Continuing gremlins dog the log... can you spot where it went horribly wrong?
And no, stop sniggering at the back. Not "everywhere".
And no, stop sniggering at the back. Not "everywhere".
It should be something of a relief to get back to matters on the pitch after a week of boardroom, and courtroom, turmoil. But we've got problems on the field too as we get ready for tomorrow's long trip up to Blackpool - four first time regulars are Eric Sabin a start. Whoever it is, he will be partnering the in-form Guiliano Grazioli, who says today he's out to win a new contract at the end of the season by scoring a few more goals. One or two strikes like his spectacular against Cambridge two weeks ago should do the trick. Young striker Berti Brayley could get a place on the bench after impressing - and scoring two - in the midweek reserve match.
And what of our hosts? Well, they were supposed to struggle in the second division, after moving up a league through the playoffs. But their midweek fight back against Stoke - and we know how good Stoke are - to gain a 2-2 draw shows they’ve not found the leap up too much. The seasiders, managed by Steve McMahon, are now level on points with Town.
Striker Brett Ormerod got ‘Pool’s two goals and we have to view him as the dangerman tomorrow. But McMahon has finally signed a partner up front for Ormerod - albeit for one month only - in the shape of Ian Marshall, of Bolton, and formerly of Everton. One Blackpool fan is relishing the prospect of a contest between the veteran striker and our own old man (although I’d not say that to his face), Razor Ruddock.
But, all told, there’s a decent mix of talented youth and experienced pros in the Blackpool squad as the Adver demonstrates. And, although former Town midfielder Lee Collins is an injury doubt, the presence of McMahon on the touchline should warm up what might otherwise be a pretty chilly seaside visit. You can read his comments on the official Blackpool website, which is full of how we're a club in crisis, without even a board of directors. Which I daresay is true.
Travelling up? The Blackpool Rivals.net site has a useful set of instructions to get you to Bloomfield Road, which is currently being refurbished.
And what of our hosts? Well, they were supposed to struggle in the second division, after moving up a league through the playoffs. But their midweek fight back against Stoke - and we know how good Stoke are - to gain a 2-2 draw shows they’ve not found the leap up too much. The seasiders, managed by Steve McMahon, are now level on points with Town.
Striker Brett Ormerod got ‘Pool’s two goals and we have to view him as the dangerman tomorrow. But McMahon has finally signed a partner up front for Ormerod - albeit for one month only - in the shape of Ian Marshall, of Bolton, and formerly of Everton. One Blackpool fan is relishing the prospect of a contest between the veteran striker and our own old man (although I’d not say that to his face), Razor Ruddock.
But, all told, there’s a decent mix of talented youth and experienced pros in the Blackpool squad as the Adver demonstrates. And, although former Town midfielder Lee Collins is an injury doubt, the presence of McMahon on the touchline should warm up what might otherwise be a pretty chilly seaside visit. You can read his comments on the official Blackpool website, which is full of how we're a club in crisis, without even a board of directors. Which I daresay is true.
Travelling up? The Blackpool Rivals.net site has a useful set of instructions to get you to Bloomfield Road, which is currently being refurbished.
It should be something of a relief to get back to matters on the pitch after a week of boardroom, and courtroom, turmoil. But we've got problems on the field too as we get ready for tomorrow's long trip up to Blackpool - four first time regulars are Eric Sabin a start. Whoever it is, he will be partnering the in-form Guiliano Grazioli, who
It should be something of a relief to get back to matters on the pitch after a week of boardroom, and courtroom, turmoil. But we've got problems on the field too as we get ready for tomorrow's long trip up to Blackpool - four first time regulars are Eric Sabin a start. Whoever it is, he will be partnering the in-form Guiliano Grazioli, who
Wednesday, November 07, 2001
It's Willie Carson again! This time he's saying he wants Evans and Ruddock to stay, because they've got the team playing attractive football and gates are looking OK on the back of it. There's further mention of the doubts over Town's finances, but a promise of fresh cash.
Willie Carson claims in today's Racing Post that Monday's High Court case was uncontested. This is odd: Danny Donegan said at the weekend that he would be contesting the case.
Carson adds he has no idea if the club is "skint" or not. This, I fear, is the start of a long campaign to brace us for that promised one million quid vanishing down the Town black hole. New board, same old problems - and a manager threatening to walk if he gets messed around.
Seems like the messing around has already begun...
Carson adds he has no idea if the club is "skint" or not. This, I fear, is the start of a long campaign to brace us for that promised one million quid vanishing down the Town black hole. New board, same old problems - and a manager threatening to walk if he gets messed around.
Seems like the messing around has already begun...
Right - haven't a clue what happened below, but whatever it is, in can't be fixed. Technology, eh? What I was trying to say is: if you haven't joined the trust yet, now's a good time to sign up, what with all the uncertainty that's surrounding the club. There.
Don't forget to add your name to the petition being raised by Swindon Town Supporters' Trust, urging Roy Evans and Neil Ruddock to stay at the club no matter who's in the boardroom.
And if you haven't joined the trust yet, now's a
And if you haven't joined the trust yet, now's a
