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The thoughts of the Swindon chairman

Pilchards

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Pilchards

Pilchards

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TOWN chairman Andrew Fitton is expecting an “easier” League One next season, believing less points will be needed to gain promotion.

 

Despite amassing 82 points, Swindon were forced to settle for fifth place and the play-offs in the 2009/10 campaign, with a higher-than-normal total being achieved by the promoted sides - Norwich, Leeds and Millwall.

 

Peterborough, Plymouth and Sheffield Wednesday all drop into League One from above, while Notts County, Bournemouth, Rochdale and Dagenham & Redbridge have come up into it, and Fitton believes it will be less competitive around the top end of the division.

 

“I think it will be slightly easier and I’m less concerned than I was last year, if I’m honest,” he told the Advertiser.

 

“We have got rid of two of the toughest teams in Norwich and Leeds, and I don’t see what is coming to replace them.

 

“Southampton will be tough, but there are some teams who people expect to be up there who won’t be.

 

“I’m not convinced by Huddersfield’s push, or Brighton’s push – even though they supposedly have a lot of money behind them now.

 

“Sheffield Wednesday could go either way. Plymouth? I don’t think so, as they have some rebuilding to do.

 

“And the clubs coming up from League Two won’t go straight through. I see it as a slightly easier league next year.

 

“This season it was very competitive, with seven or eight teams all capable of getting in the top two, and that’s why the points tallies were so high.

 

“Next year though I think it will be less teams competing for automatic promotion and less points needed.”

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Bailey

Bailey

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I agree to an extent.

 

As much as I hate them, it was good to see Leeds go up as they would have been up there again this time round, likewise with Norwich.

 

Millwall were always difficult to play against and out of the three relegated teams, only Sheffield Wednesday concern me.

 

I think Huddersfield will have another good season, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Brighton do OK.

 

However, with some good additions, Saints have got to be firm favourites to go up and rightly so.

 

With the budget that Pardew has had, it's to be expected and fingers crossed our 125th year is one of our most successful ever.

Edited by Bailey
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Bailey

Bailey

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I expect Huddersfield to be able to maintain last seasons form, or improve on it. Same can't be said for Swindon.

 

Agree completely.

 

As others have said, these words could well come back to haunt the Swindon Chairman.

 

Swindon, if anything, will struggle to repeat last season's achievement, where as Huddersfield, given the signings they have made so far this summer, are sure to be in and around the playoffs once again.

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Saint Fan CaM

Saint Fan CaM

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In terms of points it was a remarkable season to see so many teams on so many points in the top 8 and I agree that we will not see that again in all likelihood next season. However, if anyone thinks its going to be an easy season and we're going to sail through to auto is going to have a big shock. The signings in the next few weeks will be crucial to determining whether we do a Leeds or not IMO. We'll miss Antonio and to a lesser extent Papa - the replacement for Semi will be key also. If we don't sign 1 or 2 decent alternatives to Schneiderlin and Hammond we could be on dodgy ground.

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Doctoroncall

Doctoroncall

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Haven't they lost their top scorer, Paynter, to Leeds on a free.

 

All he is saying is they are hoping for weaker opposition to boost their chances to be up there again and keep the best of the squad. For us, didn't we do better against the decent sides of the division (Leeds, Norwich, etc) and struggled against the lower/combatives sides (tranmere, stockport etc)?

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ericofarabia

ericofarabia

Posted
Posted
TOWN chairman Andrew Fitton is expecting an “easier” League One next season, believing less points will be needed to gain promotion.

 

Despite amassing 82 points, Swindon were forced to settle for fifth place and the play-offs in the 2009/10 campaign, with a higher-than-normal total being achieved by the promoted sides - Norwich, Leeds and Millwall.

 

Peterborough, Plymouth and Sheffield Wednesday all drop into League One from above, while Notts County, Bournemouth, Rochdale and Dagenham & Redbridge have come up into it, and Fitton believes it will be less competitive around the top end of the division.

 

“I think it will be slightly easier and I’m less concerned than I was last year, if I’m honest,” he told the Advertiser.

 

“We have got rid of two of the toughest teams in Norwich and Leeds, and I don’t see what is coming to replace them.

 

“Southampton will be tough, but there are some teams who people expect to be up there who won’t be.

 

“I’m not convinced by Huddersfield’s push, or Brighton’s push – even though they supposedly have a lot of money behind them now.

 

“Sheffield Wednesday could go either way. Plymouth? I don’t think so, as they have some rebuilding to do.

 

“And the clubs coming up from League Two won’t go straight through. I see it as a slightly easier league next year.

 

“This season it was very competitive, with seven or eight teams all capable of getting in the top two, and that’s why the points tallies were so high.

 

“Next year though I think it will be less teams competing for automatic promotion and less points needed.”

 

That won't come back to bite him in the arse, oh no... :lol:

 

Well one things for sure, Brighton's push is most likely to come from behind and his arse won't just get bitten :scared:

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Big Ron fan

Big Ron fan

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Posted
In terms of points it was a remarkable season to see so many teams on so many points in the top 8 and I agree that we will not see that again in all likelihood next season. However, if anyone thinks its going to be an easy season and we're going to sail through to auto is going to have a big shock. The signings in the next few weeks will be crucial to determining whether we do a Leeds or not IMO. We'll miss Antonio and to a lesser extent Papa - the replacement for Semi will be key also. If we don't sign 1 or 2 decent alternatives to Schneiderlin and Hammond we could be on dodgy ground.

 

I've been away recently so am a bit out of the loop on signings, etc. Are we definitely not signing Antonio and Papa - a shame if that's the case.

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Bailey

Bailey

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Posted
I've been away recently so am a bit out of the loop on signings, etc. Are we definitely not signing Antonio and Papa - a shame if that's the case.

 

We haven't heard any official confirmaton, but from what has been speculated, it would seem that Antonio is the more likely to return to St. Mary's next season.

 

Somehow I don't think Papa will be back, but signing a similar but better alternative wouldn't be a bad idea.

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Saint Fan CaM

Saint Fan CaM

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I've been away recently so am a bit out of the loop on signings, etc. Are we definitely not signing Antonio and Papa - a shame if that's the case.

 

There's been no news either way as Bailey says above. What I meant was that IF we didn't sign Antonio or Papa or players like them, they would be missed due to what they offered individually including a decent haul of goals between them.

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Minsk

Minsk

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I agree to an extent.

 

As much as I hate them, it was good to see Leeds go up as they would have been up there again this time round, likewise with Norwich.

 

Millwall were always difficult to play against and out of the three relegated teams, only Sheffield Wednesday concern me.

 

I think Huddersfield will have another good season, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Brighton do OK.

 

However, with some good additions, Saints have got to be firm favourites to go up and rightly so.

 

With the budget that Pardew has had, it's to be expected and fingers crossed our 125th year is one of our most successful ever.

 

 

I agree with this. Plus, Charlton will be weaker next season.

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saintwarwick

saintwarwick

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There's been no news either way as Bailey says above. What I meant was that IF we didn't sign Antonio or Papa or players like them, they would be missed due to what they offered individually including a decent haul of goals between them.

 

I'm sure with the likes of Lambert, Barnard and Lallana we will still score goals along with the rest of the squad chipping in. I would like Antonio back but he didn't score an awful lot of goals but I won't miss Papa if he don't come back. Was a fairly decent player who was best coming off the bench and most of his goals last season was in the cups. I would think AP has his targets for next season and hopefully one of them is another striker.

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  • 3 weeks later...
tartanowl

tartanowl

Posted
Posted

Wednesday fan here and first time post.

 

A brave thing to say IMO about his team after losing their top scorer. The league will no doubt be weaker with Leeds and Norwich going up, but personally I strongly fancy us to finish at least in the top 2. Our squad has improved since last season despite us being relegated. Alan Irvine has signed very well this pre-season. We have a strong, well balanced squad. Anything except promotion for us will be a failure. I am sure you will all no doubt think the same.

 

Personally I think Plymouth will struggle to challenge the top 2 spots, but Peterborough have a decent squad for this league and I expect them to be up there. Add Charlton, Huddersfield etc and Swindon could struggle to make the playoffs nevermind the automatic spots.

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Rebel

Rebel

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I have to say I'm surprised the Owls have strengthened their squad - and not best pleased about it either!

 

I think you will push us all the way for promotion this season. Along with Huddersfield and Peterborough - and possibly Brighton and Plymouth. I think Charlton and Swindon will be a lot weaker than last season though and can't really see them pulling away from the chasing pack!

 

If Swindon lose Austin they are just a well organised defensive unit with no cutting edge - and maybe losing Paynter has blunted them enough already! Clark leaving Huddersfield could be a step backwards for them as well. I also think Plymouth and Peterborough could well lose more players than people think. Charlton have already lost their two best players - and hopefully a few more will follow them out of the door as well.

 

The next few weeks will be key though - and I think the odds on promotion from League 1 could change a lot before the end of August!

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  • 9 months later...
Dark Munster

Dark Munster

Posted
Posted
Wednesday fan here and first time post.

 

A brave thing to say IMO about his team after losing their top scorer. The league will no doubt be weaker with Leeds and Norwich going up, but personally I strongly fancy us to finish at least in the top 2. Our squad has improved since last season despite us being relegated. Alan Irvine has signed very well this pre-season. We have a strong, well balanced squad. Anything except promotion for us will be a failure. I am sure you will all no doubt think the same.

 

Personally I think Plymouth will struggle to challenge the top 2 spots, but Peterborough have a decent squad for this league and I expect them to be up there. Add Charlton, Huddersfield etc and Swindon could struggle to make the playoffs nevermind the automatic spots.

 

rolling.gif

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StDunko

StDunko

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I really do hope we get promoted this year though, otherwise we may face the same problems next season, as Swindon have this year.

 

If we fail to get promoted, I would not expect to see Fonte, Lallana, Oxo or Guly at SMS next year. Would we be able to replace those players with similar quality ones? I very much doubt it.

 

Come on Saints, just six more points and the future will be bright.

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NickG

NickG

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Posted
TOWN chairman Andrew Fitton is expecting an “easier” League One next season, believing less points will be needed to gain promotion.

 

Despite amassing 82 points, Swindon were forced to settle for fifth place and the play-offs in the 2009/10 campaign, with a higher-than-normal total being achieved by the promoted sides - Norwich, Leeds and Millwall.

 

Peterborough, Plymouth and Sheffield Wednesday all drop into League One from above, while Notts County, Bournemouth, Rochdale and Dagenham & Redbridge have come up into it, and Fitton believes it will be less competitive around the top end of the division.

 

“I think it will be slightly easier and I’m less concerned than I was last year, if I’m honest,” he told the Advertiser.

 

“We have got rid of two of the toughest teams in Norwich and Leeds, and I don’t see what is coming to replace them.

 

“Southampton will be tough, but there are some teams who people expect to be up there who won’t be.

 

“I’m not convinced by Huddersfield’s push, or Brighton’s push – even though they supposedly have a lot of money behind them now.

 

“Sheffield Wednesday could go either way. Plymouth? I don’t think so, as they have some rebuilding to do.

 

“And the clubs coming up from League Two won’t go straight through. I see it as a slightly easier league next year.

 

“This season it was very competitive, with seven or eight teams all capable of getting in the top two, and that’s why the points tallies were so high.

 

“Next year though I think it will be less teams competing for automatic promotion and less points needed.”

 

Swindon Town chairman Andrew Fitton has resigned with board director Jeremy Wray taking over the reigns.

Fitton took over the club in 2008 after a consortium, of which he was part, bought it from previous owner Sir Seton Wills and his son James Wills.

Wray joined the board of Swindon Town at the same time.

The board, including Fitton, are due to meet with manager Paul Hart on Thursday morning to discuss his future following Swindon's relegation from League One.

As part of the takeover Fitton and the consortium paid off a £900,000 bill to HM Revenue and Customs.

The club were also at serious risk of defaulting on their payment before he took over so effectively saving the club from going under.

It was also revealed one of Fitton's backers was Sir Martyn Arbib , a 67-year-old Henley-based businessman worth an estimated £370m.

It is understood he will still be part of the club but he is stepping down from his role as chairman due to a hectic work schedule.

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beatlesaint

beatlesaint

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Posted
Swindon Town chairman Andrew Fitton has resigned with board director Jeremy Wray taking over the reigns.

Fitton took over the club in 2008 after a consortium, of which he was part, bought it from previous owner Sir Seton Wills and his son James Wills.

Wray joined the board of Swindon Town at the same time.

The board, including Fitton, are due to meet with manager Paul Hart on Thursday morning to discuss his future following Swindon's relegation from League One.

As part of the takeover Fitton and the consortium paid off a £900,000 bill to HM Revenue and Customs.

The club were also at serious risk of defaulting on their payment before he took over so effectively saving the club from going under.

It was also revealed one of Fitton's backers was Sir Martyn Arbib , a 67-year-old Henley-based businessman worth an estimated £370m.

It is understood he will still be part of the club but he is stepping down from his role as chairman due to a hectic work schedule.

 

Seems he had about as much knowledge of football as that red cheeked ****er we used to have !!!

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dickyhale

dickyhale

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Posted
I especially liked Tartan Owls' prophecy and subsequent boastings about how good SW's squad was and how it was better, man for man, than ours.

Oh dear TO, a case of too much whisky in the jar perhaps ?

 

Me too......l do miss his HILARIOUS post about being are promotion rivals and Southampton being nothing special. I hope he wakes from his hibernation soon.............

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Saint Samuel

Saint Samuel

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Seems he had about as much knowledge of football as that red cheeked ****er we used to have !!!

 

To be fair Fitton seems to be a footballing man, he used to own my local club Hungerford Town before moving onto Swindon and tried to keep the connection, Swindon would come here for a pre season friendly and their reserves played at Bulpit Lane last season (Pardew made a visit here when Saints reserves came to town. The Swindon fans I saw in the pub last night seemed pretty down Fitton had left, but I suppose he had to go after their nightmare season.

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Window Cleaner

Window Cleaner

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Posted
To be fair Fitton seems to be a footballing man, he used to own my local club Hungerford Town before moving onto Swindon and tried to keep the connection, Swindon would come here for a pre season friendly and their reserves played at Bulpit Lane last season (Pardew made a visit here when Saints reserves came to town. The Swindon fans I saw in the pub last night seemed pretty down Fitton had left, but I suppose he had to go after their nightmare season.

 

 

A footballing man wouldn't have sold Paynter and Greer and would have kept Charlie Austin for the rest of this season as well. I'm sure Nicola could have given him a couple of pointers about how to keep your best players.

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stevegrant

stevegrant

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A footballing man wouldn't have sold Paynter and Greer and would have kept Charlie Austin for the rest of this season as well. I'm sure Nicola could have given him a couple of pointers about how to keep your best players.

To be fair, both of those summer departures were out of his hands - they were out of contract and were only going to sign a new deal if they went up.

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Window Cleaner

Window Cleaner

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To be fair, both of those summer departures were out of his hands - they were out of contract and were only going to sign a new deal if they went up.

 

Greer wasn't out of contract, he had a year left, Brighton paid Swindon about 300K for him.More likely than not Swindon's chairman was peeved about him getting a red card in the play-offs which kept him out of the final and reduced their (Swindon's) chances. Same thing with Austin,they could have done a similar deal to that which took Harley to Swansea but left him on loan at Exeter for the rest of this season. If Exeter should by some miracle get into the play-offs then Exeter's decision to forego a fee will be amply rewarded.

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