Ready Brek Glows All Round

Now that the dust is settling at the County Ground and the ink is dry on the dotted line, what can be said of the consortium that has taken control at Swindon Town? As can be seen on the SwindonWeb website (Meet the New Board), a press conference was held on Monday 25th February where the four front men were introduced to the public, with Jed McCrory the new Chairman. The session only lasted about half an hour and not much was said other than to introduce the four and explain very briefly their past experience, and their expected roles at the club. However, two things that were said that have significance for the club's future were very telling.

First, it was confirmed that the money behind the bid comes from two silent partners who wish to remain anonymous. Second, it was stated that the door is still left open for Paolo Di Canio to walk back into the club and pick up the reins as manager. The former statement is welcome as it confirms that the financial security is there. The latter piece of information shows that Di Canio may not have burnt all his bridges having resigned his position three days before this consortium bought the major shareholding in the club. Personally, I would like to see the headstrong Italian finish the job he started and get Swindon Town into the Championship with back-to-back promotions. There would have to be a lot of soul-searching on his part as to why he did what he did, leaving the team leaderless at such a crucial stage in the season, and he would have to be prepared to toe the line with the new board of directors and chairman, but, you never know, he may be back in the dugout soon.

Later, Jed McCrory gave interviews to various aspects of the media (see the Swindon Web website and the Points West interview (BBC Jed McCrory Interview)) and the nature of the takeover, and his own involvement in it was explained. He comes across as a very genuine person and foremost, a football fan. He mentioned that everyone at Swindon Town seemed to have a "Ready Brek" glow about them and that the "family" nature of the club was overwhelming. Whether teary-eyed through the emotion of the day, or red-rimmed due to the necessary long hours put in over the past few weeks  to get the deal done, Mr. McCrory looked truly pleased to be part of the Swindon Town story. Indeed, he looked like the child whose Christmases and birthdays had all come at once. Having listened to him and the other members of the new board, I feel that exciting times are ahead for Swindon Town, both on and off the field.