The Paynter and Austin tally increases

Just a quick blog update before I go for christmas lunch. As you should know, Town hosted Brighton at a snowy County Ground on Saturday - seeing the return of stopper Peter Brezovan and ex-assistant manager Gus Poyet.

As we crossed the Magic Roundabout you could faintly hear out of tune Christmas carols being blasted from the County Ground tannoy system. Apparently, this was the work of one Reverend Paul Rush and his acoustic guitar. Definitely not Swindon's Got Talent!

And though the Rev might have been off-tune, the opposite could be said about the partnership between strikers Billy Paynter and Charlie Austin as they both bagged a goal each to send Brighton back to the coast with nothing to show for.

But the game wasn't without controversy, and in good ol' Swindon fashion, the reds didn't make it easy for ourselves.

Peter Brezovan's first return to the County Ground after an apparent breakdown between himself and Wilson was a start for him to remember as he pulled off a remarkable save to deny a rare long range effort from Jonathan Douglas. This save gets better and better every time I see it! He also did well to keep out a close-range effort from Charlie Austin as Swindon were knocking at the door to break the deadlock early on in the first half.

The door was answered after about half an hour had been played. Jean-Francois Lescinel played a lofted ball towards Billy Paynter who fell under a challenge from Brighton's Jim McNulty and referee Mr. Moss quickly pointed to the spot, much to the protests of the Seagull's. Paynter stepped up and coolly converted the spot kick, sending old teammate Peter Brezovan the wrong way to give Town a deserved lead. Paynter later said that there was no doubt about the penalty appeal:

“My goal was definitely a penalty - I’ve gone up and he’s pushed me in the back, so there was no doubt about it. I got up, stuck it away and it’s set us on the right track. "

It didn't take long for Brighton to claw their way back into the game however. On 38 minutes Nicky Forster met am Elliott Bennett cross with his head, making no mistake from close range. His celebration less than savoury in the eyes of the Town End as Forster was bombarded with coffee and burgers for celebrating in front of them. Surprisingly, Forster received only a talking to from the referee, when on any other occasion he probably would have received a yellow card.

Swindon could have retaken the lead just before half-time, as Alan Sheehan crashed a superb free-kick against the underside of the bar with Brezovan beaten. That's two bars in two free-kicks for Sheehan so far in his short loan spell at the County Ground.

Town eventually did reclaim their one goal advantage early in the second half. Jon-Paul McGovern's perfect cross was met by a close-range header from Charlie Austin in an almost carbon copy of Forster's earlier goal. Austin took his tally to 5 goals and the Town End were happier to have the 20 year old celebrate in front of them.

As Swindon attempted to play time away, defending became a bit slap-dash and some costly errors nearly gifted Brighton a point. A slip from Gordon Greer nearly gifted Glenn Murray a goal if it wasn't for the superb goalkeeping from David Lucas. And a lapse in concentration from Lescinel Jean-Francois should have seen Liam Dickinson equalise for the seagulls, but he sent his shot surprisingly wide towards the death of the game.

And to top the game off, a Brighton had a very late penalty appeal turned down by referee Jonathan Moss as Nicky Forster went down after a tackle from Alan Sheehan, and both manager's agreed that perhaps Moss made the wrong decision here.

Gus Poyet, less than happy with Moss' performance struggled to control his temper in a post-match interview:

“I think it was a penalty – pressure, last minute, injury-time? Definitely,” said Poyet.

“If that happens at 0-0 in the middle of the game then you give it, but when it’s at the end sometimes you don’t.

“If it’s a penalty, it’s a penalty. It doesn’t matter how much you dive, how much you appeal – it’s a penalty and he was in the right position to see it. "

And Wilson admitted that on another day it may not have been 3 points to Swindon if that penalty was given:

“You’ve seen them given. Whether it was intentional or not doesn’t matter, if he goes down he goes down.

“I think Nicky knew exactly what he was doing and at that late stage in the game you ask the referee a question. Fortunately for us he hasn’t given them the answer they wanted.”

So with performances still a way from being perfect at the County Ground, Town managed to pick up another extremely valuable 3 points, with a heavy and tough Christmas period fast approaching. We sit in 6th place, the last playoff spot, with two games in hand over a handful of the teams above us. But Swindon's form is something for Robins fans to smile about over Christmas - 34 points from 20 games is the kind of form that will secure you a playoff place come spring-time, and with the state of the team upon Wilson's inheritance, I don't think anybody can grumble at that. Tidy up some of the performances and everything else will fall in to place.

See you at The Valley on Boxing Day!

Old faces, rumours and tickets!

Its been what, a week since my last update? I couldn't bring myself to retelling the horrors of our derby clash at the memorial stadium. We tried hard and succeeded to make it an excellent day out even with the drab performance and match, and the wintery weather. Excellent day, that's the end of that.

Football's a funny old game, a win at Rovers would have been 5 wins on the bounce. Wasn't to be though and now ahead of the visit from Brighton, more than ever we need the players to exhibit some bounce-back-ability. I've used the term already this season, following our open day shock hammering at Gillingham, and it does seem to be an oft used adage at the County Ground, but with a tough and busy Christmas period fast approaching, come January we could truly see with Town fans can hope for a playoff push or a mid-table obscurity come the end of the season.

The above "tough Christmas period" starts tomorrow as the seagulls fly west from the coasts of Brighton, though their league position may not suggest it. Brighton have been somewhat a banana skin for Town in recent meetings, having recorded 1 victory over the 'gulls in the last 5 meetings. That lone victory being in April of last season as we recorded an uncommon 3-2 victory at the Withdean.

A high-profile encounter between the two sides happened in the semi-final of the Division 2 playoffs in 2003/2004. A capacity crowd filled the County Ground for the home leg to see Brighton take a 1-0 lead back to the Withdean thanks to a deflected goal. And, after unfortunately not being able to make the trip, I remember watching the reverse fixture on Sky Sports as Sam Parkin levelled the scored with 9 minutes to go to secure extra time. My then favourite player Rory Fallon scored an extra time goal which looked to be sending us on our way to Wembley, only to be scuppered by an Adam Virgo headed equaliser with just seconds to go. Heartbreak followed as Town crashed out on penalties as Andy Gurney and Tommy Mooney both missed their spot-kicks.

Fun fact - of the two times I've been to the Withdean, I've been snowed on and rained on - and couldn't have written a match report to save my life. The Withdean is a terrible stadium, yet I keep going back.
Anyway, back to present times, and as the Brighton coach unloads tomorrow there will be two familiar faces entering the County Ground. Gus Poyet took charge at the Withdean in November and he had a short stint as player/assistant manager next to Dennis Wise at the County Ground back in 2006.

“It's going to be nice to go there and nice to see a few people. We had great times together but I need to go there and get the three points."

“It is going to bring back good memories, especially seeing the Magic Roundabout before getting to the stadium. Let's see if we can get through it on the bus!"

The Uruguayan jumped ship at the County Ground as he and Wise formed the new Leeds management team in the Championship after just 3 months with League 2 Swindon - perhaps unloyal but an opportunity that no doubt had to be taken. The pair returned to the County Ground in a playing capacity for Christian Roberts' testimonial in 2008 after the fan favourite was forced to retire at the age of 28 due to a long-standing knee injury.

The other familiar face on Saturday will be that of giant Slovakian 'keeper Peter Brezovan. Once tipped for a great career, Brezovan was signed on loan by Wise in 2006, allegedly "a favour from an agent". Brezovan had a magnificent debut between the sticks, capping an inspired performance which included two penalty saves to secure a 1-0 victory over fellow promotion favourites Hartlepool in the opening game of the season. Town went on to secure 5 more consecutive victories, whilst looking mediocre at best, thanks mostly to Brezovan's fine form - a start to his County Ground career that earned him PFA Player of the Month for September and the adulation of Robins followers and Dennis Wise confirmed that the big clubs were circling the County Ground to get a look at the Slovak stopper.

Then disaster struck. As Swindon held a comfortable 2-0 lead over Grimsby, Brezovan fell awkwardly, badly breaking his left arm. Fearing the in-form 'keeper would be kept sidelined for a while, fans were reassured by Wise that no potential deal would break down, as the current loan contract ensured that Town had first dibs on any permanent signature for Brezovan. Wise departed the County Ground in October, and Paul Sturrock filled the hotseat. Phil Smith filled Brezovan's boots for the rest of the season, and earned himself Supporter's Player of the Year thanks to a fine season. Though never seeing Brezovan play, Sturrock signed him on a permanent 2 year deal in March.

The 2007/2008 season saw Sturrock stick with Smith between the sticks, remaining loyal to the man who had served him well so far. Brezovan's appearances were restricted to Cup matches, and he did little to earn his place back, looking understandably shaky and nervous on his arm. Despite this, the slovak's name was still being banded around in the media, as the big keeper was linked with Premiership clubs. He joined Everton for a three day trial in September. Smith suffered a minor injury in October, and as Brezovan was called upon again, he slowly began to find his feet and return to the form that had one the Town fans over in his first season.

Another change of manager saw Brezovan fall out of favour with Maurice Malpas. He was unfairly blamed for goals by Malpas, and was later dropped to the bench in February as Smith returned to full fitness. Bizarrely , Brezovan came back into the fray after a month as Smith's performances were unconvincing, and Brezovan remained in goal for the rest of a frustrating season. In close season, Swansea and Tottenham were the latest teams to be linked with Brezovan, and the keeper himself admitted that though he was enjoying his time at the County Ground, he was uncertain where his future lay.

Despite all this, Brezovan was still on the books for the 2008/2009 season. Malpas again chopped and changed his number 1 as both keepers went through a truly awful spell. Brezovan lost his place after missing a through ball to allow an easy Colchester goal in a 3-1 home defeat. Phil Smith was called upon, himself making two consecutive blunders to give Brezovan the jersey back for a Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie against Hereford. With confidence looking low among both keepers, no doubt thanks to Malpas' heavy handed attempt at dealing with the catastrophic cloud that was forming over the County Ground, Brezovan made yet a further mistake, mis-handling a tame shot gifting Hereford a goal. Having seen the true ability of both keepers, the fans called for Malpas to choose one and stick with them to try and build some confidence. Malpas chose Brezovan who, beginning to build confidence, helped Town secure two badly needed back-to-back victories in October. Brezovan wouldn't remain Town's first choice however, as an ankle injury forced him out shortly after, for Smith to come back in again.

As Malpas got the chop, and a new manager was finally hired in Danny Wilson, Brezovan made a return on Wilson' first game in charge - Boxing day in a 2-1 away victory over Leyton Orient. Though Brezovan's confidence appeared to improve, he looked half the player that stole the hearts of the Town faithful years before, and after being criticised by fans for yet another costly error, he was dropped again. This time, Smith grabbed the bull by it's horns and played out the remaining ten games of the season and Brezovan was released in the summer.

Brezovan has today told local newspapers that his departure from the club was due to not seeing eye to eye with Wilson, though there are no hard feelings. I'm sure Swindon fans will join me in wishing Brezovan all the best at Brighton, just not tomorrow. A costly error will keep you in Town fans hearts forever.

Sorry if this edition is dragging, there's a lot I wanted to get through in today's rant. Moving on now to a rumour that has been circling the County Ground that has been shot down today. David Byrne (Head of Player Development at the County Ground, not the lead singer of the band Talking Heads), as rumoured to have applied for the vacant Cheltenham Town job, following Martin Allen's departure. He's categorically denied this rumour, though refused to deny a possible urge to take up a job in a managerial capacity in the future. Byrne held the fort at the County Ground as caretaker manager twice, following the departures of both Paul Sturrock and Maurice Malpas. Though named as a possible candidate for the position Wilson took, many fans called for his resignation as changes were needed. Seen as a true servant to the club, "Budgie" was "moved sideways" to Head of Player Development in recognition of his loyalty, and his success as youth team manager a few years before.

And finally, to wrap things up...I MANAGED TO GET FULHAM TICKETS! Yes I am a season-ticket holder, and yes we got first dibs when the highly sought after tickets went on sale for the FA Cup 3rd Round tie at Craven Cottage went on sale. But I didn't get off my ass, left it too late and now had to fight with the muggles to get my hands on the gold dust like tickets. Swindon's initial allocation of 3,900 tickets sold like hot-cakes. Fulham were originally going to keep two-thirds of the away stand for their popular "neutral tickets" that you may have heard about in the media. However, when hopeful Town fans bombarded the Fulham ticket sales line begging for tickets, they gave up another 2,000 or so tickets, which are also looking like they are going to sell out extremely quickly. Meaning we should be 6,000 strong for our big day out in London! This is huge for Swindon, though I'm not sure where they all were for the round before at Wrexham? Gig, myself and 424 other fans made the trip to North Wales for the not so glamorous tie! Bloody fair-weather supporters ;-) Oh well, just make sure you're in good voice at Craven Cottage, I lost quite a bit of sleep over the prospect of not getting tickets!

Gay jokes aside, lets give the Brighton boys a right seeing to tomorrow!

The Big One: Bristol Rovers

Saturday brings the long awaited trip to the Memorial Stadium for the huge local derby between Swindon and Bristol Rovers. And if the locality of the event isn't fuel enough for a hot-tempered afternoon of football, Swindon-born, former Town trainee and son of legend John, Paul Trollope will be hoping to turn over the club where his father built his legacy, a career spanning 40 years combining roles of Defender, Coach and Manager.

John Trollope is one of few in the footballing world to ply his trade at one solitary club, and with the club being that of his hometown, the achievement is made even more spectacular - a feat that you rarely see in today's modern game. Trollope holds the record for the number of league appearances made for one club - 770 games between 1960 and 1980, an accomplishment which saw John receive an MBE. John was also part of the inaugural League Cup winning team of 1969.Trollope announced his retirement at the end of the 1978/1979 season, taking up a backroom staff role. However, with an appalling start to the 1980/1981 season, Trollope's ability was called upon again and the defender came out of retirement, a move which would allow him to break the appearance record. After finally retiring for a 2nd time at the end of that season, Trollope then became manager of Swindon Town early on in the following season. However, Trollope's ability as manager didn't match that of his playing days, and with a tight budget in place, Trollope led Town to their first ever relegation to division four, and was replaced towards the end of the 1982/1983 season.

Though a slight tarnish on an illustrious Wiltshire career, this wasn't the end of Trollope. Lou Macari appointed Trollope as assistant manager in 1985, and remained at the club as youth team coach as the Swindon Town hotseat housed the likes of Ossie Ardiles, Glenn Hoddle, John Gorman and Steve McMahon. Today, Trollope plays a similar role helping out youth teams in the area, notably the Swindon Town Centre of Excellence's Under-15's and a part-time position helping Rovers with their youth setup.

Paul's footballing career would take him on a completely different path than that of his father's. Having begun life as a trainee at the County Ground in 1989, he was deemed surplus to requirements and moved to Torquay United. Over the years Trollope would grace 6 more clubs' wage-bill, making a healthy amount of appearances for the likes of Derby, Fulham and Northampton, before signing for his final club, Bristol Rovers, in 2004. During his 2nd season he became player-caretaker-manager, before later becoming "First-team Coach" in a joint bid to manage the club alongside Director of Football Lennie Lawrence. Though making few appearances, Trollope didn't officially retire his playing career until the end of the 2007/2008 season after maintaining a mid-table position in League 1, and an impressive cup run which saw them get knocked out in the Quarter Finals of the FA Cup, a feat that hadn't been achieved for 50 years. Trollope has just recently extended his contract at the Memorial Stadium until the end of the current season, and has officially changed his title from "First-Team Coach" to "Manager".
Rovers are Swindon's 2nd oldest Rivals, having first played competitive football in the Western League in 1897. From 1899 to 1953 the two teams met each other in league fixtures season after season. Unfortunately, the intense rivalry the extensive history of the two teams has built can spill over on occasions, such as in December 2006 following a season high attendance of over 10,000 at the County Ground watching a home win. Seats in the Arkell's stand were ripped up and used as missiles between both sets of supporters during the game. 11 people were reportedly arrested. At the reverse fixture, 20 Bristol Rovers fans attacked Swindon fans in a pub beer garden before the game, bringing a prompt end to talks regarding a possible ground-share between the two teams.

As for Saturday, lets hope that the rivalry can stay on the pitch with a high-tempo good old-fashioned derby game. Town go into it off the back of an impressive performance and 3-2 victory over Leyton Orient which catapulted us back into the playoffs with two games in hand. Bristol Rovers suffered a 1-0 defeat away at Colchester, but find themselves a position below Swindon, and one out of the playoffs in 7th place. The last time these two met was towards the climax of last season in April 2009, with Swindon sealing a 2-1 victory in front of just under 11,000 at the County Ground. Two goals from super striker Simon Cox sealed another season of League 1 football for Town.

Town have a virtual clean bill of health prior to derby day, with a full strength side expected to be named, probably to include the likes of David Lucas, Kevin Amankwaah, Scott Cuthbert, Gordon Greer, Jean-Francois Lescinel, Jon-Paul McGovern, Simon Ferry, Jonathan Douglas, Alan Sheehan, Billy Paynter and Charlie Austin. I imagine Austin will get his first taste of the Swindon-Bristol derby as his partnership with Billy Paynter continues to blossom, though 18 year old Danny Ward will be looking for a chance to impress before he returns to Bolton in January.

The game has been made ALL-TICKET for Swindon Town fans making the short journey, a common security measure employed for such derby games. Town ticket office are expecting 1000+ to cheer on The Robins on Saturday with tickets expected to sell out fast. I've got mine, so get yours!! And here's to hoping for another wedding party to crash after the game!

Come on you Reds!