Match Review- Swindon Town vs Oxford United

Oxford United came out on top in what must have been the most awaited fixture in Wiltshire and Oxfordshire. The mutual rivalry and hatred between the supporters has only grown since the last time we played them in 2002. That combined with Swindon looking to appease fans following two away defeats.

Paolo Di Canio also added fuel to the fire with talk about Oxford striker James Constable being a Swindon fan. It was Constable who gave Oxford the lead on twelve minutes, heading home from a corner. Although the teams were well-matched, both teams were looking to attack so was no real surprise to see the deadlock broken.

Going a goal down appeared to lift the Town players into action and it wasn't a long wait for an equaliser. Matt Ritchie scored after somewhat of a scramble in the Oxford penalty area. The stadium erupted and the several elbows I received in the head from fans behind were more than worth it.

Swindon took charge of the game and looked the most likely to take the lead. However, Oxford were awarded a free-kick, courtesy of a rather theatrical fall. James Constable headed home from close range, grabbing his second in the process to ensure Oxford went into the break a goal up.

All four goals that Town have conceded  this season have been through set pieces. It an area that needs improving as we dominated most of the play in all three defeats. The defence looks all lost at sea whenever defending a free kick. Joe Devera in particular disappointed, given the fact he was marking Constable.

Raffaele De Vita made way for Mehdi Kerrouche at half-time as Town pressed for an equaliser. In a cruel twist of fate, Kerrouche only lasted 22 minutes before coming off injured with Alan Connell replacing. Despite his limited game time, the Algerian showed quality and intelligence in our attacking play.

Paolo Di Canio was sent to the stands following a spat with the linesman. Leon Clarke was wrongly flagged offside and frustration got the better of the Italian. Di Canio had been quite ridiculously, warned for over-excessive celebrating and running down the touchline after Ritchie's goal.

Etienne Ejasas made his first start, following previous cameo roles against Cheltenham and Dagenham & Redbridge. He looked impressive, constantly looking to run at defenders. Still lacking match practice, Ejasas was replaced by debutant Lander Gabilondo, who despite only signing on Friday looks very good. His desire to create opportunities troubled the Oxford back line and made a great chance for himself almost instantaneously.

Our best opportunity came courtesy of a Leon Clarke chance. He did the hard bit well – making space in the box only to lash the ball over from six yards. It was the moment you just knew it wasn't going to be Town's day and the bragging rights and the points were going up the A420.

Leon Clarke's golden opportunity was our last significant chance to snatch a point. Oxford successfully contained Swindon as they looked to play keep ball. Aden Flint was pushed up front to counter balance this, as long balls were thrown into the box, although he was unable to trouble the defence.

Swindon dominated play, much like our previous two defeats, but were unable to convert their possession into goals. The defeat hurts like no other but Oxford deserved to take three points from the game. James Constable took his chances, which none of our forward line did. Defensive errors also cost Town dear and teams can't expect to win making silly mistakes. Roll on March...

No Plan B

A superb opening day victory over Crewe gave Swindon fans new-found optimism that we could return to League One at the first time of asking. However, successive defeats away to Cheltenham and Dagenham & Redbridge have been a harsh reminder that League Two is no walk in the park.

In spite of the win over Crewe, it wasn't always plain sailing first half; Town were somewhat fortunate to head into the break with a lead, through a Callum Kennedy penalty. Swindon certainly upped the anti second half  and began to play football at a much higher tempo. Goals from Oliver Risser and Aden Flint provided an empathic win which provided Town fans with optimism. This optimism has been going down like the Titanic ever since.

Paolo Di Canio's philosophy is clearly to play good football and pass the ball round. An unusual game plan in this league with most teams looking to have a physical presence on their opposition. This approach isn't too dissimilar to that of Crewe, who have the likes of Byron Moore providing creativity.

Swindon took the same game plan to Whaddon Road for a game versus Cheltenham. On the whole, they struggled to break down an organised and resilient side and were largely limited to hopeful, long-range shots. Heading towards the end of the game, Swindon turned to 'Plan B'; long balls up to our forwards, who were comfortably sounded out by an experienced back line.

I wasn't able to make the trip to Dagenham & Redbridge so have no personal view on our performance. However, judging by reports and hear say from those who did attend, the performance sounds like a carbon copy to that at Cheltenham. Paolo Di Canio has been frank in interviews since and changes are expected for our derby clash with Oxford.

With Raffaele De Vita and Billy Bodin starting up front, we just aren't capable of executing 'Plan B' effectively. Both De Vita and Bodin look to be decent, young players with potential to improve their game. As a partnership though, the pair are just too similar; both are nimble and have quick feet but won't ever beat League Two defenders in the air. Early days admittedly, but neither look capable of scoring many more than ten a season.

Our two most successful seasons in the past decade came in 2003/04 and 2009/10; reaching the League One play-offs in both. The most stand-out thing in our squads in those seasons was our strike forces. Town favourite Sam Parkin partnered Tommy Mooney in 2003/04 bagged 19 goals each in the league. Six years later, Charlie Austin and Billy Panyter were a formidable partnership and scored 19 and 29 goals respectively.

It remains to be seen if either Alan Connell or Mehdi Kerrouche are the answer to our striking woes. Last season, Connell performed exceptionally for Conference side Grimsby and showed his goalscoring pedigree. Algerian Mehdi Kerrouche has shown his goalscoring ability throughout his career, albeit on foreign soil. Our strike force should receive a boost with QPR forward Leon Clarke poised to sign on loan.

With Danny Wilson at the helm, Swindon also looked to play football and reached the League One play-offs by doing so. Even in an otherwise awful season, our best performance away to Charlton came as a result of playing some decent football and not a long-range hoof up field. Performances like that were all too much of a rare occasion last term and Paolo Di Canio does need to ensure we avoid a repeat of last season this time round.

Are We Good Enough?

The dismal season which saw Swindon relegated to League Two sparked an exodus at the County Ground. Much has changed at Swindon in recent months and as a result of this, expectations are high and confidence amongst supporters is high.

The majority of Town supporters see play-offs as an absolute minimal requirement. The new look squad have a task to right a very big wrong by those who have jumped ship. So are we strong enough to make a serious promotion charge?

The appointment of Paolo Di Canio in May, shortly after our relegation is the most important change of all. Di Canio is a massive name within the English game, having plied his trade at Sheffield Wednesday and later West Ham and Charlton Athletic. The Italian's appointment has been a popular one which has seen season ticket sales soar.

The flip side of the coin to Di Canio's arrival is that it's his first taste of management. In spite of the optimism, no-one is sure that Di Canio will excel at management as much as he did as a player. As of now, I am impressed; his passion has been instilled into his squad which can only been seen as a positive step.

Since his arrival, Paolo Di Canio has looked to put his rubber stamp on the squad; allowing players to move on, and also bringing in new faces. Joe Devera and Alberto Comazzi have been brought in to shore up our shaky defence. Devera clocked up over 200 league appearances during his time with Barnet, whilst 32 year old Comazzi should give the defence some much needed experience and know-how.

With five central midfielders at the club, competition for a starting place is likely to be fierce. Nambia international Oliver Risser has been given the armband, whilst Alan McCormack and Jonathan Smith also signed. McCormack rejected League One clubs to sign from Charlton Athletic; presumably the lure of Di Canio turned his head so is unlikely to settle for a place on the bench. Jonathan Smith joined from Blue Square Premier side York City and started every pre-season game.

The trio joined Simon Ferry and Michael Timlin at the County Ground who will also be bidding for a starting place. Former Celtic man Ferry had a disappointing previous campaign and has it all to prove to Paolo Di Canio. That said, Simon Ferry has something different to the others; whilst the other quartet are tough-tackling whilst Ferry is a creative outlet. Michael Timlin had the opportunity to join Southend, but instead opted to stay at Swindon so won't be happy with a cameo role.

Our major downfall last season was a lack of goals; it speaks volumes when Sean Morrison, a central defender who left in January was our third top goalscorer. In a bid to fix this problem, three strikers arrived at the club with Raffaele De Vita the first to join from Scottish side Livingston. De Vita will face competition from Alan Connell, who joined from Grimsby after scoring 26 last season and Algerian Mehdi Kerrouche.

Whilst overs jumped ship at just about the first opportunity, Paul Caddis and Matt Ritchie have remained at the club. Our two best players last season, who impressed with the commitment and ability. There would have been interest from higher up the food chain, so for them to still be here is a great boost. Paul Caddis is likely to be pushed back into defence although will grow into the role comfortably.

Elsewhere, clubs have strenghten and there are some good teams in the league. Blue Square Premier winners Crawley Town have money and momentum which makes the Sussex side worthy favourites. Bristol Rovers have had a similar summer to Swindon following relegation from League One. Paul Buckle has taken over the reins, leaving Torquay in the process and has signed several players following so many exits. Shrewsbury will be looking to go one better whilst Rotherham, Oxford and Southend have improved their squads.

This season will be no walk in the park, with so many good teams in the league. One thing is for sure, with Paolo Di Canio at the helm, we are in for an eventful season. Who knows what this season will bring but of course we all hope Swindon fulfil the expectations resting on their shoulders.

The Revolving Door

No sooner than I was writing about our first signings am I discussing the departures of two players with another pair likely to be following them out of the County Ground. Striker Vincent Pericard and keeper Jakub Jesionkowski have left Swindon Town. Jon-Paul McGovern and Lecsinel Jean-Francios also look set to be heading for the exit doors.

Neither Vincent Pericard or Jakub Jesionkowski were offered the chance to re-new their contracts at SN1. Town fans had high hopes when the ex-Juventus player was brought to the County Ground in January 2010. However it took until the following season for him to score; scoring a brace in the Football League Trophy. Those goals didn't prompt a surge of goals and he finished the season with only six goals. Pericard also suffered poor fitness, meaning his last game in a Town shirt came against Yeovil in January. The poor form coupled with his fitness troubles meant his exit was almost inevitable.

Keeper Jakub Jesionkowski has also left Swindon without making a competitive appearance in his two seasons at the County Ground. It makes sense to get rid of another body in this case as the Pole would have been behind David Lucas, Phil Smith and Mark Scott in the pecking order. I personally never saw him play, although speaking to fans that had, the strong opinion that came through was that he wasn't good enough for League football.

 

Jon-Paul McGovern looks all set to return to Sheffield, this time with United having been at Wednesday between 2004 and 2006. The Scot also had a loan spell with the Blades back in 2002-03 season. McGovern was excellent at right wing in our play-off season topping the assist table with no less than 16. Although like many, he struggled last season and was moved from his best position into central midfield and playing behind the striker at times. His poor performances led to Paul Caddis being favoured in right midfield. Having seen Town drop down to League Two, the chance to play at League One and play under Danny Wilson will surely prove too tempting.

Jean-Francios appears to be on his way out with strong suggestions he has rejected a new contract. The defender definitely splits Swindon fans into two camps; I am in the 'rate him' camp. I love a footballing centre half who doesn't hoof it out at any given opportunity. That said he is still inconsistent and prone to an error so see the Haiti international as a loss but not irreplaceable. Rumours are that he will link up with McGovern and Danny Wilson at Bramall Lane although only time will tell.

The exit doors at the County Ground have been in more frequent use than the arrival door which does make the squad rather depleted. A degree of urgency is required to change however I feel confident Di Canio and Co are working hard to get the right players in.

Double Arrival at the County Ground

This is an article I have been wanting to write since the arrival of Paolo Di Canio. We have seen a few departures but now we finally have some arrivals. Town have sealed the signings of Jonathan Smith and Joe Devera from York City and Barnet respectively.

I am not going to give my own personal opinions of either as I haven't watched either play. However, when they are in the red of Swindon they both have my full backing and support. A big name doesn't mean a better player. Just compare the careers of David Prutton and Charlie Austin before they arrived at SN1; a former Premiership player and a former bricklayer.

Jonathan Smith has been described as a combative midfielder who likes a tackle. This is probably reflected in his disciplinary record last season, collecting twelve yellow cards and receiving marching orders twice. Swindon paid £30,000 for the former Forest Green man, a figure thought to be too low by York City supporters. Smith also scored five goals last season, which is something Town midfielders lacked last season with the exception of Matt Ritchie.

The other capture, Joe Devera was player of the season at Underhill last season for his performances at right-back. The general census is disappointment at Devera leaving for pastures new. There was always rumours of Championship side Millwall wanting Devera which certainly shows he has credentials. Devera is a versatile player who has also played in central defence. I am hoping the latter is his preferred position as it is the position that needs filling more than right-back.

I am sure more signings will be completed this week and I for one will welcome them with open arms. Although I am also expecting some departures in the coming days. A striker is at the top of my wish list.

A Blast From The Past: Simon Cox

With the much anticipated fixture list a week away from being announced and with no news of any signings just yet; news has very much dried up at the County Ground since the dust settled on the appointment of Paolo Di Canio.

The lack of activity at SN1 has forced me to look further afield which brings me to ex-Town favourite Simon Cox. The West Brom striker has made an inspired start to his international career scoring two goals in for appreances including once against Italy.

I am personally delighted for Cox and wish him every sucess with West Brom and at international level. In my short years of watching Swindon, he is the most talented player I have seen to grace the County Ground in the red and white jersey.

In the 2008-09 season, he almost single handily kept Swindon in League One scoring 29 of Swindon's 68 goals that year. That impressive figure made him joint top goalscorer in all four divisions alongside then Bristol Rovers man Rickie Lambert.

At club level, he has seen his opportunites somewhat limited although he recently scored his first Premiership goal against Tottenham to equalise late on. He is a player, with no lack of desire who will grab an opportunity with both hands.

I will leave you with my favourite Town memory of Simon Cox, scoring an absoulute peach against Walsall in 2009. The best goal I have ever seen. Bar none.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qy0YuNuPrhw

Jigsaw Is Yet To Be Completed

Since the arrival of Paolo Di Canio we have seen many leave the exit door at SN1. Full-back Michael Rose was first to leave, signing for Colchester United. Last week, David Prutton moved up north to Sheffield Wednesday. And this week defenders, Alan Sheehan and Scott Cuthbert signed for Notts County and Leyton Orient respectively.

With theses departures in mind, Swindon need to strengthen in the right areas if we to return to League One at the first time of asking. Expectations for this season are high, with supporters hoping the club bounces back from the disastrous past season.

So, where should these signings be made?

Goalkeeper: This is one area where the team has adequate quality. David Lucas struggled with injuries and lack of form last season. However, he is a very good keeper and providing he stays fit, I would be happy to see him between the sticks next season. Phil Smith was error-prone last season, although he is a more than capable understudy.

Right Back: Kevin Amankwaah is very much like David Lucas, superb in our play-off season but struggled with fitness and form the previous campaign. Amankwaah is a great asset, providing he can find form once more. Nathan Thompson is a excellent prospect and always impressed in the minimal opportunites given last season. I am sure the youngster will offer fine competition.

Left Back: With the exits of Michael Rose and Alan Sheehan, this is an area we do need to strengthen. Callum Kennedy is the only senior left back in the squad who I am sure could do a solid job in the position. However, he stills falls in the 'maybe' category on making the grade at Swindon. There is also no harm in giving a player competition.


Centre Back: Signing an experienced central defender has to be absoulute priority in the transfer market. There is no subsitute for experience in football and there was no coincidence we struggled without Gordon Greer. We need that leader that can marshall the troops when the chips are down. Swindon have two talented defenders in Aden Flint and Jean Lescinal Francois; however the same was said about Cuthbert and Sean Morrison a year ago and we all know how last season faired.

Right Midfield: Paul Caddis excelled when moved into the right wing role and I certainly see no reason why the Scot won't be able to impress in League Two next season. Jon-Paul McGovern is rumoured to be joining ex-Town boss Danny Wilson at Sheffield United. Like many of his team-mates he had a fine 2009-10 season but was poor last season. Considering that I am confident he is someone we could easily replace.

Left Midfield: Providing we keep hold of Matt Ritchie, this is probably our strongest position. The former Pompey man was superb last season, chipping in with seven goals. Determination and passion are two things I love in a player and Ritchie has this in abundance. Timlim can adapt to left midfield, although a left-sided player who can also play at full-back would be a welcome addition.



Will he stay?

Central Midfield: David Prutton has already departed SN1 and should Jonathan Douglas' contract not be extended, we will be lacking numbers in this position. I am a big Jonathan Douglas fan and hope he remains at the County Ground. He had a formidable partnership with Simon Ferry during our play-off season and would love to see that renewed. Michael Timlim is a industrious midfielder which is a great asset to have in this league. The future of Douglas is the key factor is deciding if signing a central midfielder is required.

Attack: This is another key area that needs addressing sooner rather than later. Since the exit of Burnley man Charlie Austin, the team has struggled for goals. Elliott Benyon proved at Torquay, he is a poacher in this division. However, we do need to concede, to get the best out of Benyon he will need a strong, physical partner in the Rory Fallon mould. Billy Bodin and Jordan Pavett have never scored a professional goal; Swindon can certainly not afford to lay our hopes on two unproven players.

Class Support

Swindon Town may not be the biggest team or in fact get even close to that accolade. However one aspect of the club I can never fault is the support. The red army continues it's strong support come rain or shine.

Last season, we had the 7th highest average home attendance; certainly no mean feat when finishing rock bottom. Ex-Premiership sides Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton completed the top three. High-flying Huddersfield took 4th spot whilst Plymouth and MK Dons just pipped us at the finishing line.

This year looks like it will be no different having already sold over 4,000 season tickets. With one month left of these current prices, I live more in expectation than hope of the figure rising.

I should imagine some would say so what. Well as the figure stands now, it will beat the total average attendances of twelve League Two teams; one of them teams included eventual runner-ups Bury.

If I was a betting girl, I would say only recently relegated Plymouth Argyle and Bradford would be capable of getting more through the turnstiles than Town this season.

I will be one of those returning to the County Ground just as I do every August. Only 67  days to the first game of the season; not that I'm counting. Here's hoping with the assistance of a good 12th man we will have a sucessful, League One bound season.