STFC: A Town in Crisis?

It's not been a very entertaining 2011 thus far has it.

An unacceptable six points from a possible twenty-seven has resulted in Danny Wilson's side slumping into the relegation zone. With seemingly everyone around Town boasting games in hand the immediate future looks worrying.

Since the 3-0 defeat at Leyton Orient, well, since long before the 3-0 defeat at Orient many Swindon followers have been asking the same question:

'HOW IS DANNY WILSON STILL IN CHARGE?'

To be honest I don't believe it's a very difficult question to answer. To me, it's clear that the individuals who run our football club are an extremely loyal Board who have showed astonishingly prolonged patience with Wilson. Especially during an era within football where the norm is to 'can' a manager when the first hint of trouble ahead occurs.

Where did it all go wrong?

Has the departure of two players ever caused so much havoc within the balance of this football club? It's a good question that's been talked about over-and-over-and-over-and-over-and-over (you get it) again. In fairness, very few people honestly predicted that Billy Paynter would make such a step-up after the departure of Simon Cox in 2009. Paynter was always a hard worker and showed moments of quality but he always looked more like sidekick than prolific forward.

Therefore I completely understand why the club didn't start contract negotiations until Paynter was being linked to Leeds United.

It was Gordon Greer's exit that left everyone scratching their heads wondering how it was allowed to happen. The press and the hearsay has left me not sure what to believe. Some say the Board sold Greer off, some say Greer wanted to be a part of the Poyet 'Revolution' but what does it matter? Once a player doesn't want to play for the club, what can you do? Fact is that Greer never rubbished the Brighton link (which rumbled on weeks prior to his departure).

Wilson's decision to show some faith towards his young defence was, in hindsight, incorrect. Scott Cuthbert operated perfectly as the up-and-coming centre back with the seasoned pro (Greer) alongside him. Alongside Sean Morrison, it was cagey and nobody felt comfortable... and then Morrison buggered off!

Replacing Paynter with Thomas Dossevi was, in hindsight, the wrong decision. Dossevi is always praised for his work rate but plenty of huffing and puffing isn't enough when you are dropping down the division at a considerable rate!

Anyway, most people assume that Danny Wilson has only survived due to last seasons exploits. I don't fully agree with this because Danny Wilson, by his own admission, would say that he didn't achieve anything. 2009/10 was brilliant and it wasn't a fluke... Neither is the fact that in 2011 we are in the relegation zone. Argh!

Since Gary Johnson left Peterborough United, many have been obsessed with the idea of him taking over at Swindon. Johnson could do well at Swindon... It's a big 'could' though, right? Why do people automatically assume that new managers result in instant success and then a happy ended? Heck, Maurice Malpas started with a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest!

Like it or not, the club are sticking by their man. I must be a romantic because despite the baffling decisions and the poor results, I love the idea of the club standing by Danny Wilson. We've reached that annoying point where there are fans almost willing the club to lose in hope that Wilson will be fired, it's sad but it's true. These fans tend to disappear when all is well but oddly become very vocal during bad times.

To concluded, I think it's sad yet understandable that regardless of what Fitton and company have done for Swindon Town FC, this season could permanently 'define' them to many. I, for one, hope that they've got this one right.

Forgive this ramble.

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