The Fall of the House of Wilson

It's been over a decade since we've experienced a football summer like this.

Swindon Town's pre-season exodus has been unprecedented with the departures of what is considered the vast majority of the first team squad.

Every year you expect the first year and/or young professionals to be axed.

The likes of Callum Kennedy, Billy Bodin, Nathan Thompson, Will Evans and Mark Scott all made brief or no appearances for Swindon last season yet all of them remain whereas as the 'big' names of David Prutton and Jonathan Douglas have all found their League One clubs to save them from playing in the basement.

Of the sixteen permanent signings made by Danny Wilson throughout his Town tenure (which was only 2 and half seasons) only five, possibly six, reported for pre-season training under Paolo Di Canio!

Here's look into the permanent transfer history of Danny Wilson.

WILSON'S TRANSFERS

Lecsinel Jean-Francois (Left for Sheffield United in 2011)

Hard working central defender who was offered new terms but opted to join Danny Wilson at Bramall Lane.

Hamdi Razak (Released in 2009)

A gamble that didn't pay off.

Gordon Greer (Left for Brighton in 2010)
Many would say that he was the best of the lot and question whether we'd be in this mess if he wasn't allowed to move.

David Lucas (Free to leave, 2011)

Th first of the Leeds United links. Half decent in his first season. Unreliable during his second.

Personal reasons have resulted in Lucas being allowed to seek a transfer up north.

Alan O'Brien (Released in 2011)

Oh how the Hibernian fans rejoiced when O'Brien left Easter Road. Fact is we really didn't get the chance to truly love or hate this guy as he spent much of his time injured or on the bench. Showed glimpses, it was never enough.

Jonathan Douglas (Left for Brentford in 2001)

Considered quite an impressive signing when Dougie came to Town. Brilliant during his first season (sweeping the end of season awards). His final season was a noted failure as he captained Town to relegation.

Scott Cuthbert (left for Leyton Orient in 2011)

Another great addition whose form dipped significantly during their second campaign. Never looked fully comfortable without Gordon Greer by his side.

Jakub Jesionkowski (Released in 2011)

Didn't make a single appearance in two years.

Charlie Austin (Left for Burnley in 2011)

Relegation was probably sealed with Austin's departure. Some would say that he lacked some class but the guy scored goals, what more can you ask from your forwards?

Vincent Pericard (Released in 2011)

Flop.

Michael Rose (Left to Colchester United in 2011)

The first senior member to flee after Town's relegation. Few were surprised or upset.

David Prutton (Left for Sheffield Wednesday in 2011)

Another who was quick to flee. Rarely impressed despite the hype.

Thomas Dossevi (Released in 2011)

Flop.

Alan Sheehan (Left for Notts County in 2011)

Never appeared to be fully committed to the Swindon cause.

Elliot Benyon (Left for Wycombe on loan)

A final throw of the dice by Danny Wilson and it didn't pay off... He was used less under Paul Hart.



Add these to the departures behind-the-scenes with Peter Shirtliff, George Wood and David Morrison all departing Swindon this summer.

Of the Danny Wilson permanent signings only Paul Caddis, Simon Ferry and Matt Ritchie returned to pre-season training as established senior players!

Jordan Pavett and Aden Flint remain while nobody knows what the deal is with Milan Misun.

An exodus indeed!


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