Final Peices To The Jigsaw

Paolo Di Canio has once more dipped his hand into the transfer market following two successive defeats. Lander Gabilondo and Leon Clarke have become signings number 13 and 14 and have arrived in time to play in our derby clash with Oxford. 

Lander Gabilondo has signed a one-year contract with the club, following a successful trial with Swindon. The Spaniard has spent his entire career in his homeland; most recently playing for third tier side Osasuna B. Gabilondo is a winger who can operate on either side the pitch and is likely to provide fierce competition for places with Etienne Esajas and Matt Ritchie already at the club.

Leon Clarke has also joined the club, securing a two-year contract in the process. His signing has been somewhat of a mini transfer saga; the deal looked dead in the water when Paolo Di Canio described his wage demands as amazing. A loan deal looked the most likely transaction to take place until Clarke's contract at QPR was terminated by mutual consent.

Clarke has been around the block since coming through the ranks at Wolves in 2003, knocking up seven clubs since. Clarke has profoundly struggled at most clubs, although hasn't dropped down as low as League Two, excluding a short loan spell with Kiddeminister in 2004. Furthermore, teams in League One have been rumoured to be interested in signing Clarke.

Following the arrival of Gabilondo and Clarke, the squad is looking more set for a serious promotion charge. The signing of Clarke might, just might stop me moaning about our lack of strike force. Both could leap into cult hero status like Steve 'Turbo' Robinson did a decade earlier. Forever and ever we follow our team... 

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.

The Striker Merry Go Round Continues

Paolo Di Canio's toughest task in the transfer market this summer was always to fix our largely depleted strike force. Since the exit of Charlie Austin Swindon have been left with no prolific strikers. Thomas Dossevi, Vincent Pericard and Elliot Benyon have also since left the club.

Di Canio's first step to fix the problem area was to sign 23 year old Raffaele De Vita from Livingston. The Italian has initially settled in well into the Swindon Town set up through pre-season. However, it was reported on the day of his arrival De Vita will be largely used as back-up.

Former Brighton striker Leon Knight was brought in for a trial to add substance to our attack. His exit followed two days later, Di Canio citing poor fitness and attitude as the reason. Knight has a notorious reputation as being some what of a trouble maker so it was no surprise to see him leave.

Our manager once more showed his tough managerial approach with our most recent trialist Christian Cesaretti. The unattached forward failed to impress so was also shown the door after only two days. Cesaretti's exit was similar to that of Leon Knight's, with Di Canio once more bemoaning a player's attitude.

As much as we are desperate to sign some strikers I have to say I am impressed of the ruthless approach being shown. As a frustrated supporter, I can't help but feel had previous managers had this method, the club wouldn't be League Two. As a Town fan, I don't expect to watch Messi and Ronaldo but there can be no excuses for lack of effort.

The initial excitement on the arrival of Hugo Bargas has since proved to be a false dawn. The Argentine had an excellent scoring record in the higher leagues in Holland so would have been considered a coup. Bargas was clearly holding out for a better club which proved to be his downfall if he had any interest in joining Swindon.

More positive news hit the papers today, with Swindon looking set to beat Gillingham to the purchase of Adam Birchell. The Dover striker hit an impressive 45 goals in 49 games last season, a record not too disimilar record to that of Charlie Austin. Birchell failed last time in league football but should be keen to prove his worth in League Two.

Paolo Di Canio's approach is consistent and players know what is expected of them, on and off the pitch. The team will consist of players who want to play for Swindon and give it their all in the process. It also very much mirrors his playing career and if half his passion can rub off on the team we are in for one hell of a ride.

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.

Third Capture Complete

Raffaele De Vita has become the third arrival of the summer today after signing from Livingston. The Italian striker had been playing north of the border since 2008 after failing to make an appearance during his four years with Blackburn Rovers.

In his time with Livingston he scored 21 goals in 67 appearances over three seasons. A fairly good total and at only 23, he surely has scope to improve further as a player. Given the exit of Elliot Benyon this week to Wycombe Wanderers, his arrival at the County Ground is definitely a welcome one. 

The latest capture

The general view from Town fans is a good one, the fact we are desperate with strikers and a young striker who seems keen to prove himself south of the border having failed with Blackburn.

Swindon need to press on with more signings having seen far more exits than arrivals this summer. Paolo Di Canio appears to be doing just that with reports of another two players poised to complete their moves to SN1 this week.

The player that has been strongly linked with a move to Wiltshire is fellow Italian Alberto Comazzi. On paper he certainly has all the attributes that would mean he would fit in perfectly at the County Ground. At 32, the central defender would bring the lacking experience to our squad and more importantly our back four. Although having played his whole career in Italy, it remained to be seem if he could adapt to the English game.

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.

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.