Swindon vs. Charlton - Deja Vu at the County Ground

Saturday saw most of League 1's promotion hopefuls have a rare slip up as the top of the table opened up for a split second, but only Millwall really grabbed the opportunity with two hands as they recorded a memorable victory over leaders Norwich City, top of the form leader board across Europe.

Elsewhere fellow promotion favourites Leeds United failed to gain as much ground on Norwich as they would have hoped as host Hartlepool scored a dramatic 93rd minute goal to share a point with Leeds, I would have loved to see Jeff Stelling's reaction! Huddersfield failed to overcome visitors Carlisle as they drew 1-1, and Charlton and ourselves will have to wait for another rare opportunity to push for automatic promotion as a sickening 93rd minute equaliser saw Charlton head back east with a point in their swag bag as they robbed the Robins of all 3.

County Ground officials were expecting over 10,000 for the Saturday afternoon tie between two teams sat in the playoffs, with both knowing there is still a possibility of reaching the elusive 2nd place. However, the official attendance was recorded at under 10,000, no doubt hit by the surprise small number of Charlton fans. What has happened to their away fan base? I was extremely shocked by their numbers and their noise.

Wilson made one change to the side that threw away 3 points at Southend the weekend before as David Lucas took his regular spot in the between the sticks after recovering from a niggle, and Phil Smith would have to make do with a seat on the bench. Fellow recovers Alan O'Brien and Lloyd Macklin had a space reserved for them on the bench as well.

The first half was a cagey affair, with few clear cut chances for either side. Gordon Greer put his header from a Jon-Paul McGovern corner onto the crossbar. Then at the opposite end Nicky Bailey shook Lucas' goal as a thunderous effort from him was also kept out by the woodwork after Kyel Reid managed to find him unmarked on the edge of Town's box.

Danny Ward saw his poke towards goal turned away by the backside of team mate Billy Paynter after Charlie Austin had played in the Bolton loanee. And Austin saw an effort of his own flash wide of the goal as he managed to make something of a ball bouncing behind him, but was unable to connect cleanly.

Simon Ferry nearly put Town ahead with an audacious dipping effort but this went just the wrong side of the post, and looked like it was going in from where I was sat. The spirits of the home support was high as a physical first 45 came to a halt, knowing that we were definitely in with a shout against the Addicks.

As the players were reintroduced to the pitch, the pace of the game continued from where it had left off. Strong tackling and classy passing however allowed Swindon to grab the initiative. Ward played a short corner to McGovern, a move that riles up Town support as usually we see possession squandered from such attempts. However, this time the moved worked as McGovern played a first time ball to Gordon Greer, who had found himself involved heavily in Town's attacking play today. The captain had lost his marker at the near post and flicked the ball across Charlton's box where big wing back Kevin Amankwaah applied the finish for his 3rd goal of the campaign, causing the County Ground to erupt.

With just under half an hour remaining, it seemed Town took the gear down a bit too early and as we have on so many occasions, let Charlton back into the game rather than putting it to bed. Nicky Bailey was guilty of wasting two great chances to get Charlton back into it as Town's attacking prowess from the first 60 minutes disappeared, and our classy passing football turned into an un-confident "'AVE IT!" fest. And as the fourth official raised his board to display 5 minutes of added time, deja vu struck, and the chances of a boxing day repeat were on the cards.

And in the 93rd minute, lightning had struck twice for The Robins, and it would be Nicky Bailey, undoubtedly Charlton's biggest danger throughout the game, who would send the hearts of around 8000 Town faithful sinking.

Charlton broke down the left flank and Deon Burton, who was once on-loan at the County Ground, played a ball into the area and finding un-marked Nicky Bailey. Bailey drilled his shot low and hard, giving David Lucas little chance of scuppering Charlton's celebrations.

Once again, and for the 2nd time in a week, and for the 2nd time against Charlton this season, we conceded a late, late injury time equaliser. The draw felt like a loss to me, as it had on Boxing day at the Valley, and rather than having a cushion going in to our game Tuesday night against Oldham, the home faithful will be thinking that 3 points are a must if we want to keep up our push for playoffs or automatic promotion come the end of the season.

But there is a lot that we, and Danny Wilson can take from the performance that we put in. And the results around us have proven that any one can truly beat anyone in this league. And this, coupled with our thumping thrashing of Leeds 7 days ago, and numerous other results this season prove that we deserve to be competing come the end of the season, its now a question of whether we can weather the storm and keep on pushing.

Anyway, I'm off the Stamford Bridge now for the Super Sunday clash between Chelsea and Arsenal! Sat in the away section so expecting a brilliant atmosphere and great day out, should be a cracker!

January at Swindon Town

You'll have to speak louder, the atmosphere at the County Ground is deafening!

The January transfer window usually brings a flurry of players in and out of clubs. However, January at the County Ground has been strangely quiet off the pitch, perhaps to compliment the storm The Robins are currently kicking up on the pitch!

Now that the transfer window has slammed shut, lets sum up the hello's and goodbye's so far. Though not all restricted to the transfer window, in a busy period a couple could have been missed:

Players Out
Yinka Casal (Terminated)
Anthony McNamee (Norwich)
Alex Revell (Loan End)
Ben Hutchinson (Loan End)
Hasney Aljofree (Terminated)
Lee Peacock (Grimsby)

Players In
Alan Sheehan (Leeds Loan Extension until end of season plus playoffs)
Danny Ward (Bolton Loan Extension until end of season plus playoffs)
Vincent Pericard (Free Agent)
Simon Ferry (Celtic Loan Extension until end of season plus playoffs)

Wilson admitted he failed in a bit to add 3 new names to his squad as deals broke down at the 11th hour on deadline day. Strong rumours are linking two of the names as Scotland Under 21 Captain and Celtic Right Winger Paul Caddis and Portsmouth's 20 year old midfielder Matt Ritchie. Wilson has promised he will be following up his enquiries when the emergency loan window opens next week, so hopefully the latter list above will grow.

In comparison, on the pitch Town's football has been raising the decibel level at SN1 as Town have moved themselves into a very strong position to compete for a playoff spot come the end of the season. This has been aided by another unbeaten streak, this time of 7 games, with just our gutsy fall at Craven Cottage in the FA Cup being the blemish since our poor performance against Bristol Rovers back in December last year.

A certain two men who play off of each other better than Ant and Dec, or even Phil and Fern, have been setting alight League 1. Billy Paynter has bagged 16 goals to his name this season in all competitions, whilst non-league prodigy Charlie Austin has put away 10 in his last 13 outings in a red shirt! A feat that has earned 20 year old Austin a new 2 and a half year deal, putting the mockers on all those rumours floating about telling me the lad wouldn't be helping us push for promotion come the end of the season.

And the form we've found ourselves in hasn't been due to poor opposition. Town have racked the points up against worthy opponents, with the most notable points this season coming from a 1-0 victory over Southampton eons ago back at the start of the season, a 2-2 draw with Charlton at The Valley, and of course the 3-0 thrashing of Leeds United just 8 days ago. That one will certainly live long in the memory of every Swindon Town fan in the first sell out crowd since 2007 at the County Ground.

But its not going to be a cruise to the playoffs at the end of the season, as now we find ourselves coming up against teams in and around our position, and when you are doing so well, teams will come up against you with added vigour as a victory will mean so much more.

Saturday we welcome Charlton Athletic to the County Ground for the first time in League competition since the season of the millennium. One Michael Carrick scored for Town as they fell victim to a 2-1 Charlton victory. In 2007 Charlton made the trip West down the M4 as the teams were drawn in the League Cup. Charlton ran out 2-0 winners as the gulf in class became evident after a battling first half from Town. The likes of Nicky Weaver, Lloyd Sam, Marcus Bent, Darren Ambrose and Andy Reid outshone Town's battlers of Peter Brezovan, Miguel Comminges, Christian Roberts and Lee Peacock.

Hoping for another bumper crowd at the County Ground, as the other half of the ground who turned up for the Leeds game were treated to a Swindon carnival of football in our last game. Keep the performances up and the fans will stay, COME ON YOU REDS!

Wilson's dealings in the January Sales

The January transfer window is usually a busy one for teams across the county as manager's look to dabble in the transfer market to cover injured positions, get rid of the deadwood or simply to add that finishing touch to that will aid in the last push for promotion or safety.

January at the County Ground has been little different as Wilson looks to strengthen his playoff chasing pack. I'll keep this page updated with all the in's and out's at the County Ground during the January transfer window.

25/01/10 - Looks like Wilson read my blog post and fulfilled my wish! Just hours after updating this post with the news that Ben Hutchinson had returned to parent club Celtic, Simon Ferry has extended his loan deal until the end of the season!

Personally, I think Ferry has been instrumental in the position where we find ourselves at present and it would have been a great loss not to have him ply his trade in the middle of the park for us for the rest of the season. So far Ferry has made 23 appearances for us this term.

25/01/2010 - Another face departed the County Ground, probably somewhat to the joy of Town Fans. Ben Hutchinson took a flight back to Celtic Park after his extended loan deal ran out. He stepped into the County Ground back in August, and largely failed to impress the Swindon faithful, after having 15 chances! Hutchinson scored a solitary goal in the red shirt, in 3-2 away win over Brentford.

Hutchinson made the trip south with Celtic teammate Simon Ferry, who's last game under his current loan deal is that of Tuesday night's huge clash with Leeds United. Ferry's loan deal has been the opposite of Hutchinson's, with Simon being hugely impressive in the centre of midfield so I'm hoping we can extend his deal.

Wilson's first signing of the January transfer window was that of Vincent Pericard. He signed today (14/01) on a one and a half year deal after rejecting a contract extension offer from Carlisle United. Pericard will bolster Wilson's front line whilst keeping Ward, Paynter and Austin on their toes as the end of the season looms. Pericard has European and Premiership experience with the likes of Juventus and Portsmouth topping his impressive resume. Though Pericard's record has been marred by a served jail sentence for perverting the course of justice, the 27 year old has been trying to get his career back on track with a loan spell at Millwall and Carlisle.

Striker Alex Revell returned to Southend after joining on loan in September. It then came as little surprise as his contract was mutually terminated after chairman Ron Martin had made it clear he didn't want Revell at Roots Hall. Revell has since been snapped up by struggling Wycombe Wanderers in their bid to secure a League 1 position next season.
Wilson's first real move in the January transfer window was that of selling fan favourite Anthony McNamee to promotion chasing Norwich City for an undisclosed fee. The tricky winger had been at Carrow Road on a month's loan before signing permanently. McNamee admitted that the glitz and glamour of a "big club" chasing him proved to much to turn down and playing in front of treble the attendance of the County Ground was his main motivation for the move.
Danny Ward joined Swindon on a month's loan from Premiership Bolton Wanderers, and Wilson managed to secure his name on the back of the red and white shirt for a further month after agreeing an extension. Ward has made one start for Town so far, that being the high-profile FA Cup clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage. He's scored one goal so far as a substitute in Town's 3-1 over Yeovil Town.Another loan extension was made for versatile Alan Sheehan who joined Swindon after falling out of favour at Leeds. Being dropped into the first team as soon as he signed for Town he's made 7 appearances thus far and will be available until the end of the season, including the playoffs if required. Sheehan has been a superb edition at the County Ground, equally suiting the left-back and left midfield berth.
Though not linked to the January window, defender Yinka Casal saw his contract mutually terminated. Casal came to the County Ground during the Malpas era from Dutch club Cambuur in 2008, but made only 6 appearances in a red shirt before picking up a knee injury. Surgery was required and Casal has never returned to first team action under Danny Wilson. It has been reported that Casal has since linked up with Romanian side CFR Cluj. Cluj were one of Swindon's opponents during their pre-season tour, so had no doubt noticed the defender during their encounter back in the summer.

First of the year

Its been a long time coming since my last blog post, but with all the snow hampering my return to work for the new year, I've been busy with my attempts of helping get the economy back on its feet by barricading myself in the pub!

But now that the alcohol haze has warn off from a Saturday night on the tiles, we've got some catching up to do!

The festive period has been a productive one for the boys in red. When last we spoke Town had secured 34 points from 20 games this term, a form that has seen us flirt with the playoff positions. Now on January 10th, the story is much the same. A tough Christmas saw us come up against Charlton and Yeovil in the League, and Premier League Fulham in the FA Cup with the scheduled trip to MK Dons yesterday falling victim to the weather like so many other games across the football league.

The boxing day trip saw Dad and myself journey to The Valley, Charlton in the blue saxo for a huge game against promotion favourites Charlton Athletic. The roads were snow free following the short burst of the white stuff that had come only a few days before. We opted to go straight through the middle of London, which was surprisingly painless compared to the M25 that was blocked due to an accident. The Valley is a fine testament to football grounds, somehow modernly traditional if that makes sense at all, and possibly the best ground in League 1 this season. 18,000 turned out for the boxing day clash, about 3 times the attendance that we tend to get at the County Ground!

The action got under way just 18 minutes into the first half when Sam Sodje was dismissed for a disgusting lunge of a tackle on Jon-Paul McGovern. A great start for Town who were struggling to match impressive Charlton with 11 men. Though Town still struggled to take advantage of their extra man and Jonjo Shelvey opened the score sheet on 37 minutes. The 17 year old produced a fine finish from the edge of the box to give the Addicks the lead.

However, there was to be a further twist. Having just taken the lead, Charlton were further reduced to 9 men before the break, as former Swindon loanee Deon Burton received a second yellow and his marching orders for a deliberate handball when challenging with keeper David Lucas.

The 2nd half saw attack as the order of the day from Wilson's men as they pushed to use their now 2 man advantage. Though not a one-sided affair, Swindon piled on the pressure and restricted Charlton to a few counter attacks as they struggled against 11 men. O'Brien was brought on at the break for his attacking prowess. O'Brien has struggled for form so far this season as he battles with a recurring hamstring injury, but the ex-Newcastle man shone against a depleted Charlton, and some patient wide play from the Irishman saw Charlie Austin bag the equaliser on 56 minutes. Austin was shortly replaced by Bolton loanee Danny Ward after picking up a knock.

Town continued to push as they smelt all 3 points and Billy Paynter put Swindon ahead with 16 minutes remaining, and Town had further chances to put the game beyond all doubt but were unable to land the finishing blow. And this inability came back to bite them on the proverbial behind when Miguel Llera secured a share of the spoils in the 4th minute of added time.

I would have taken 1 point before the match, but the way things panned out, we left The Valley feeling somewhat robbed after such a late goal. Though definitely a bad result, I'm still left looking at the table thinking those 2 points would have put us deeper in the playoffs. Lets hope we don't regret the two points dropped come the end of the season.

2 days later we welcomed the visit from Yeovil Town. A bumper crowd of over 8,000 filled the County Ground for Town's last game of 2009, and left in a buoyant mood after witnessing an impressive Town victory.

Wilson made just one change to the battling side of Charlton, dropping Jean-Francois Lescinel to the bench and giving Alan O'Brien a start.

We didn't have to wait long for the first action of the game, as Yeovil came out all guns blazing and kept Swindon out of the game until the ninth minute. Jon-Paul McGovern was on-hand to deliver an inch perfect cross on to Billy Paynter's head as he finished his 12th of the season to give Swindon the lead.

Simon Ferry made a goal line clearance during a heart in the mouth moment at the back before Charlie Austin continued his fledgling Town career, doubling Swindon's lead by scoring his 7th in as many games - form that has attracted some media publicity linking him with a move away when his current contract expires in the summer, though Andrew Fitton and Danny Wilson have done their best to quell any rumours by promising him a long-term extension.

Moments later, Yeovil had somehow clawed themselves back into the game when Gavin Tomlin's cross-cum-shot sailed over David Lucas' head and into the back of the net. Whether he meant it or not, it certainly looked spectacular.

The scoreline remained this way up to the break and it took just seconds of the 2nd half for Danny Ward to secure a well-earned 3 points and a perfect end to 2009. The County Ground erupted as many people were still polishing off a pint under the stand. Ward had run through 2 defenders as if they weren't even there to stab the ball past a stunned Yeovil keeper - perhaps a goal that secured an extra month on his loan deal following his expiry in the January transfer window.

These hard earned 4 points set us in good stead for the big trip to London to face big boys Fulham. 6,000 Robins fans made the journey to make a truly awesome atmosphere at Craven Cottage and a brilliant day out, regardless of the result.

Swindon put in a good performance against Roy Hodgson's men, and were certainly not disgraced as a solitary Bobby Zamora goal was all it took to dump Town out of the FA Cup. On 16 minutes Zamora picked up a ball from the midfield and raced forward whilst holding off the challenge from Gordon Greer, who refused to bring the big man down. A touch of "premiership class" then saw Zamora coolly lift the ball over the onrushing David Lucas to give Fulham the lead.

Town reacted well however and the efforts of Mark Schwarzer in the Fulham goal was all that kept them from equalising. Chances from Ben Hutchinson, Danny Ward and Billy Paynter would have secured a replay if not for the efforts of the big Aussie in between the sticks.

A swift counter-attack from the home side saw Andy Johnson race away from the Town defence in the 2nd half. One on one with Lucas, the keeper was adjudged to have taken the striker down, enraging the travelling support to constant offence at the England International. Johnson could have rubbed salt in the Swindon wound as he stepped up to convert the spot-kick, however Lucas guessed right and kept out a tame effort from Johnson to keep the FA Cup dream alive.

Swindon huffed and puffed looking for an equalising goal to bring the Londoners down to the County Ground but it wasn't to be as Fulham kicked of 2010 with a 1-0 victory and passage to the next round.

Despite a disappointing result, Swindon gave a good account of themselves with an impressive showing against a strong Fulham side. McGovern, Ferry and Douglas shone for me as they bossed a busy midfield, making good tackles and setting up numerous Town attacks, though it was a lack of cutting edge in front of goal that saw the result end as it did.

Now I'm waiting for the snow to clear so that I can watch more football! Our trip to MK Dons has been postponed as it looks like we are going to have a busy close season with a few postponements. Its going to be an interesting 2010 at the County Ground as we either prepare our self for a battling Championship season, or a push for automatic promotion from League 1 next season. Either will be fine for me Danny, keep up the good work!!

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!