The Clique is Dead!

Cliques.

They happen everywhere don't they? Whether it's within the workplace or group of friends there are always micro-communities within a larger set of people.

Within football, there can be no issues at all. This is as long as they are focusing on the bigger picture and on the same wavelength as their other teammates.

However, if this level of understanding is not met then it can have a detrimental effect on the fortunes of a football club.

It seems that cliques played its part in the downfall of Swindon Town. Chief Executive Nick Watkins briefly commented on what happened behind-the-scenes last season during an interview with the Advertiser in regards to Paolo Di Canio's quest to find the right players for the club.

He told the local Swindon newspaper that at 'the end of the day what Paolo (Di Canio) wants is a balanced squad of players both in terms of skill, culture and personality and we have to get away from these cliques that we had with various groups of players last season that I felt was unhealthy and eroded the culture of the dressing room.'

Interesting but not at all surprising. As an outsider you do get the feeling that their was 'cliques' within the Town camp.

The Old Bhoys: Caddis, Cuthbert, Ferry...

The Ex-Whites: Douglas, Prutton, Lucas, Sheehan...

The 'French': Pericard, Dossevi, Lescinel...

The Young'uns: Pretty much everyone else!

What do you think? Is it just an excuse? Post your opinions below

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