Tale Of The Trialists

Uruguayan Nicolas Raimondi is poised to become the latest to join on trial as he bids to become the man to solve our striker problem. Raimondi has been described as Uruguay's version of Bas Savage. His career has taken him to Brazil, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Greece and most recently Bulgaria.

Further information on Nicolas Raimondi is rather limited but considering he is 26, the Uruguayan hasn't played many games or scored a lot. Of course this could be down to a number of reasons but I am hardly inspired. I still want this 'big, experienced' forward who has played in the football league. 

Paolo Di Canio has gone down the trialist route on a number of occasions before in a bid to revamp our depleted squad. The club has seen no less than eight trialists arrive through the doors this summer; some signed permanently whilst overs were shown the door almost immediately. For this article I will look back at our trialists who have joined this summer.

First to arrive on trial was striker Leon Knight; I had never been his biggest admirer since our play-off games against Brighton in 2004. After only two days the striker was asked to leave with Di Canio citing for poor fitness and an even worse attitude. His unprofessional attitude that has followed him through his career and is something I don't want to see at the County Ground.

Namibian international Oliver Risser and Ghanian Ibrahim Atiku arrived on trial the same day as Knight. Oliver Risser immediately impress and was subsequently offered a deal after only two days of training. The Namibian international has also since been named as captain after having his leadership skills hailed. Ibrahim Atiku's versatility should prove to be a great asset when the inevitable suspensions and injuries arise.

Following the failure of Leon Knight, Di Canio turned to fellow Italian Christian Cesaretti to boost our almost vacant striker options. His career history was very much underwhelming; this was also coupled with reported poor attitude. With such a strict boss in Paolo Di Canio, the exit door which he walked through a couple of days later seemed inevitable.

Taijo Teniste was a left back who had spent last summer on trial at Championship side Doncaster Rovers. At the time, we were very much lacking left-sided players so looked likely to sign. However, Paolo Di Canio was seemingly unimpressed with his defensive attributes and soon returned to his native Estonia with Levadia Tallinn.

The exit of Teniste prompted the arrival of fellow left back Alessandro Cibocchi to join on trial who proved more to Di Canio's liking. Injury has prevented him from playing much of a role than a few minutes during a friendly against Supermarine. Injury has appeared to hampered his career so Callum Kennedy is likely to take the left back berth.

  

Former Sheffield Wednesday man Etienne Esajas was the next to join on trial on was signed permanently. The ability of Esajas was never an issue and has since shown that in the friendlies that followed. The main issue was Esasis' fitness and injury record, having only played 9 times in the previous season. He has also since dislocated his shoulder although it deemed not as bad as first feared. In spite of this, he is a player that excites me and can't wait to see in action.

Sibling Love

Today has saw the arrival of another player on trial as Paolo Di Canio looks to further strengthen his squad before the season starts. The player is striker Wilko Risser, the younger brother of our new captain Oliver.

Wilko recently arrived in England last week join League One side Oldham Athletic. It appears unknown as to why he left the Latics so soon. The 28 year old also played for Southend alongside Vincent Pericard and scored in a friendly this week.

Like so many of our signings, information on the younger Risser was few and far between. Wilko is a 6ft 3 striker who has most recently been playing in the fourth tier of Germany with SV Elversberg. Wilko Risser has also had 11 caps for Nambia scoring 3 goals in the process.

Oliver Risser obviously impressed since signing for Swindon and as a consequence of that he was offered a contract after only two days. Oliver's leadership qualities have been commended and last week was announced as captain.

I just can't see Wilko having the same impact and seeing the Risser brothers being Swindon's version of Gary and Phil Neville. His career history is far from overwhelming and would be extremely surprised if he was to make a permanent switch to the County Ground.

Furthermore, having seen the recent arrivals of Mehdi Kerrouche and Alan Connell the need for strikers isn't what it was. Following the announcement of the squad numbers and seeing that No.9 is vacant it is clear that Paolo Di Canio is still on the hunt for another forward. However I fully expect it to be someone with experience of playing in England although only time will tell.

The Curious Case Of Simon Ferry

This summer has seen Swindon strengthen central midfield with the signings of Jonathan Smith and Oliver Risser. Alan McCormack is also poised to leave Charlton to sign for Swindon. These arrivals have prompted me to ask what does the future hold for Simon Ferry.

The midfielder initially signed on loan during 2009-10 season and formed a solid partnership with Jonathan Douglas in the middle of the park. He performed superbly throughout the season; most notably in the play-off game at home assisting Danny Ward with a brilliant sprint up field.

Delight spread around the County Ground when Ferry joined permanently alongside Paul Caddis from Celtic last summer. However, it was fairly short lived as he was largely overlooked with David Prutton and Jonathan Douglas preferred.

One game to particularly forget for the Scot was away to Bristol Rovers; the poorest I have ever seen Ferry play with wayward passes and poor work in the tackle. Following that game he was frozen out of the first team until he made a substitute performance a month later.

Like many of his team mates Ferry was very unfit and quite frankly rather on the chubby side. I'm not talking Rik Waller but nonetheless completely unacceptable for a professional footballer. He did however, look much slimmer when I watched him against Supermarine.

Oliver Risser has been named as captain which almost gives him a guarenteed starting place in midfield. Jonathan Smith has started all three games during pre-season whilst Ferry has started just one. Michael Timlin only renewed his contract  this summer so his departure is very unlikely.

The arrival of Alan McCormack is likely to push the former Celtic player further down the pecking order. He has also signalled his intent that he wants to be playing regularly after failing to do so last season.

I have seen very little of any of the midfield trio we have signed so it is difficult to compare their ability to that of Ferry. Although in my view, he is good enough for League One so would love to see him stay at SN1.

Paolo Di Canio has stressed many a time the importance of impeccable fitness and commitment. I would think by losing the excess weight that Ferry has clearly been working hard in training in a bid to rejuvenate his falling Swindon Town career.

Seeing as he is my favourite Town player, I obviously want him to stay and think he would be a fantastic player if given a chance once more. But like others that have jumped ship this summer, if Ferry doesn't want to be here then we can leave. The club only needs players who are happy to be here and give their all every single game.

Battle For The Armband

The club have witnessed several arrivals and departures this summer leaving a new-look squad. Taking into account the signings we have made Town fans have a rough idea how the team will shape up on the opening game.

The real unknown is who exactly will take over the vacant captain's armband this season. Paolo Di Canio has stated he wants to see a battle for the captaincy throughout pre-season. I had until last season underestimated the importance of getting this decision correct.

So, who do I reckon Paolo Di Canio views as the main contenders for the armband?

Our latest recruit Oliver Risser is a very creditable contender with the midfielder set to become a key player in the squad. Having hit 30, Risser certainly arrived at the County Ground with vast experience in the game. Di Canio has also hailed his leadership and vocal abilities during his short time on trial. If he can do that immediately I am sure he would only improve once more settled into the club. Risser is my main contender for the armband.

Alberto Commazi is also a strong option to take over the captaincy for the coming season. The Italian has no shortage of experience having clocked up over 300 appearances in his career, albeit in his native Italy. One potential hazard could be that although he can speak English, it is still not his first language. Some people, including myself prefer a defender to have the armband which could see Di Canio choose his compratriot.

Fellow defender Joe Devera could yet see himself named as captain for the coming season. At 24, he may be seen by some supporters as being too young for the captaincy. Devera is experienced for his age having played over 100 times for his former club Barnet. Fans of the Bees have also commended him as some what of a natural leader. With age on his side, Devera could be seen as a long-term captain and Di Canio may welcome stability.

 

At only 23, Paul Caddis is an even younger contender in the battle for the armband. That said he was captain for our final game in League One in our victory over Tranmere. I always believe a captain should set an example to the other players and I love the work ethic and professional attitude the Scot shown in his debut season. Caddis has also captained Scotland Under 21's so has experience of being captain. Somewhat of an outsider contender but wouldn't be dissapointed should he get the armband.

Whoever Paolo Di Canio and his coaching team do decide to become captain I certainly hope they end up Gordon Greer than Jonathan Douglas. I believe the players I have mentioned are all capable and I personally welcome having more than one leader and communicator on the pitch next season.

Duo Arrive Through The Door

Trialists Oliver Risser and Ibrahim Atiku having completed their permanent moves to Swindon and in the process becoming our 6th and 7th signings. The pair have been on trial for the duration of our pre-season.

Oliver Risser

Oliver Risser is a midfielder who has plied most of his trade around various leagues throughout Europe. Risser impressed Paolo Di Canio and his coaching staff as soon as he arrived. Fearful of losing Risser to a bigger fish prompted the management to offer a contract after only a few days of training.

At the age of 30, Risser certainly comes with experience within the game and also have totted up 40 international for Nambia. The midfielder's leadership qualities have been praised throughout his trial and I would fully expect him to be a direct replacement for the departed Jonathan Douglas.

Our other arrival is Ibrahim Atiku, who was offered a permanent deal on Friday after a successful trial period. He is an attacking midfielder who has been experimented in a more forward role in a bid to fix our attack. Although reports suggest he is a more natural midfielder so is hard to guess where the Ghanian will play.

As well as impressing Di Canio throughout training, the pair have also come across well during interviews. There is always some degree of a risk signing players who are unproven in England although both have appeared keen to prove their worth in League Two, both in the press and on the training field.

Two More Taken On Trial

Swindon have taken two more on trial in the form of Taijo Teniste and Christian Cesaretti. It's no secret the squad is light and in need of further signings to add to the five we have already made.

So just who exactly are Taijo Teniste and Christian Cesaretti...

Taijo Teniste is a left back who can also be pushed up the pitch to left midfield. Teniste is still on the books of Levadia Tallinn so it likely Swindon will have to part with some cash if they are to bring him to the County Ground. He also has seven international appearances to his name for his native Estonia.

What with only Callum Kennedy and Matt Ritchie as our only left sided players, Teniste's versitility would prove an asset. There are also question marks over Kennedy's head as to if he good enough after dissapointing loan spells with Gillingham and Rotherham.

Our other new trialist Christian Cesaretti, a striker who have most recently been with Serie B club Empoli. Cesaretti has very little profressional experience so whilst trying to revive information it very much few and far between.

Our strike force is in large need of an overhaul. Only De Vita has scored a goal in professional football. Jordan Pavett and Billy Bodin are unknown quantities in the game so both will be settling for cameo roles. Even if Cesaretti does have a successful trial, another forward proven in the English game is a must.

These two joined other trialists Oliver Risser and Ibrahim Atiku  who arrived last week. The previous has already been offered a contract after impressing within the first few days. Word on the street, also suggesting that the Nambia international is set to become captain.

Fellow midfielder Ibrahim Atiku has a further fortnight to impress Di Canio and his coaching team. Atiku, who was once on the radar of Alex Ferguson is likely to be offered a long term contract at SN1.

Whilst I am pleased there is intent to bring more players to the County Ground, I can't help but feel some concern over the lack of experience that these trialists have in the English game. A good trial doesn't mean a good signing; just ask any fan at the Nottingham Forest friendly last season and mention Thomas Dossevi.

Paolo Di Canio needs to sign more Joe Devera's with experience of League Two and focus less on Mattia Lanzano type signings.