PAOLO Di Canio has his sights set on claiming top spot in League Two after Swindon swept aside another promotion rival last night as they eased to a 3-0 win over Crawley.
The game was Town’s second six pointer in as many league fixtures after they had demolished Southend 4-1 two weeks ago
By guiding Swindon to an immediate return to League One, Paolo di Canio has guaranteed his place alongside Ossie Ardiles, Glenn Hoddle and Lou Macari as one of the club's managerial legends.
It is an outcome that few anticipated happening when the fiery Italian was appointed almost 12 months ago, with many predicting that the unlikely partnership was doomed to fail.
The Robins were soon enjoying impressive runs in both the FA Cup and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy - where they reached the final - while they started their ascent to the top of the table, with Di Canio providing many amusing and memorable moments along the way.
His post-match news conferences quickly became famous for both their length and content - his players have been described as chihuahuas and rottweilers at various points during the campaign - and he is not afraid to be seen as outspoken, having risked the wrath of the Football Association on a number of occasions.
But behind the erratic behaviour and touchline antics is a very human story, with Di Canio having achieved all he has despite having to work against a backdrop of tragedy.
BBC Wiltshire's Chris Wise: "Paolo Di Canio has been given sizeable financial backing to achieve back-to-back promotions. Following the success of last season, most fans firmly believe momentum could be key in helping the team secure a place in the Championship.
"The squad has been improved once more over the summer. The arrivals of James Collins and Andy Williams will give the team goals, while midfielders Tommy Miller, Alan Navarro and Gary Roberts have the experience of League One football, as does defender Troy Archibald-Henville.
"Crucially, Town have kept the core of their promotion-winning squad. Paul Caddis and Matt Ritchie are capable of playing in a higher division while Wes Foderingham, Alan McCormack, Simon Ferry and Paul Benson offer genuine quality to a highly-talented squad."
SWINDON Town eased to their first league win of the season with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Crawley Town at the County Ground this evening.
Matt Ritchie, Tommy Miller and Raffa De Vita scored the goals as Town dominated their fellow promoted side, and it could have been more as the Robins fashioned a number of good chances during an impressive display.
"I did not mind losing the record, it was bound to happen one day, but it was the way we lost I did not enjoy. There was not the desire or the 100% commitment. After this week's results I think I have over-estimated my players.
It can't be that suprising considering where it is coming from. This is the guy that sat down on the pitch midgame after demanding to be taken off.
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'When I use a word,' Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, 'it means just what I choose it to mean — neither more nor less.'
SWINDON TOWN: Di Canio quits over 'broken promises'
SWINDON TOWN: Town statement on takeover and managerial situation
"Members of the current Board of Directors will be meeting with the prospective new owners today prior to an update with regards to the takeover of the club being provided.
Communication with the Football League continues as the takeover of the club nears completion.
With the club now at the top of League One following yesterday’s excellent team performance at Tranmere Rovers, there is already plenty of speculation as to who the next manager of Swindon Town Football Club will be.
No immediate decision will be taken and in the interim the Board will be discussing the matter with senior members of the playing squad to maintain consistency and be fully prepared for the next two home League One fixtures."
THE future of the club has yet to be cleared up, the manager has resigned, the fans don’t quite know what’s going on. So what, Swindon Town are top of League One.
Last night at Prenton Park, the Town players turned around and shouted in unison: “No manager, no problem.”
Today Swindon Town sit top of League One. My word don’t those players deserve it.
THE Board are delighted to announce they have now received clearance from the Football League and have completed of the sale of Swindon Town Football Club to Seebeck 87 Limited, a company backed by a consortium headed by Jed McCrory.
Following completion, which has seen Seebeck 87 acquire more than 99% of the shares in the Club, Sir William Patey, Andrew Black and Russell Backhouse have stepped down from the Board. The Club’s new board, chaired by Jed McCrory, retains Nick Watkins and welcomes new members Gary Hooper, Steve Murrall and Callum Rice.
Sir William Patey, outgoing Chairman said: “Andrew Black and the outgoing Board leave Swindon as leaders of League One, with a good chance of back to back promotions to the Championship. The quality of our squad is the legacy of the very considerable investment that has been made, and I believe the benefits of this will continue to be enjoyed by fans for seasons to come. Notwithstanding all the challenges faced, we have comprehensively accomplished Andrew’s key objective of passing the Club onto the new owners in a good state of heath.
“Despite the manager walking out on the Club, its players and its fans the day before a vital game, Tuesday night saw a wonderful performance from the team under incredibly difficult circumstances. The Club’s position at the top of the table is a testament to the efforts of those who will now go forward with the new owners. Losing our manager is obviously a disappointment but, as the result at Tranmere shows, Swindon is bigger than any one person.
FORMER Aston Villa striker James Collins is looking forward to being reunited with Kevin MacDonald following the Scotsman’s appointment at The County Ground.
He said: “I have worked with him before and I think it is a great appointment for the Club.
“Kevin will do well for Swindon Town and I know what he’s about. He is a great coach and I first met him when I was 14-years old in the youth system at Aston Villa. I played under him for the Villa reserves and he will get the best out of the players.
“The appointment will give everyone a lift. It is a fresh start for the Club and we’re all looking forward to getting into training on Friday and getting things going.”
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'When I use a word,' Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, 'it means just what I choose it to mean — neither more nor less.'
