Mark Devlin Chats To Fans

Mark Devlin has today been speaking to fans on, online message boards and has released some inside details about the Rory Fallon Transfer and his personal feelings about the transfer and just why it was imporant to sell Fallon now, and a lot more.

'We think it was good business because, in the end, Rory decided that he felt his career would benefit from a move to Swansea, and In my opinion, the fee agreed is tremendous given that the player was out of contract at the end of this season. Yes, we have told he Iffy he can go and find a replacement, but that is not so easy as there are a lot of clubs currently looking for strikers, but we are going to give it a good go. I know some fans will be disappointed, but it is difficult to keep a player once he has decided to move on. Anyway we still believe we have a much stronger squad now since Iffy's signings during the window, and one player doesn't make a team, although you cannot get away from the importance of his goals. I can confirm that Barnsley had a sell on clause when Rory joined us, and we have agreed one with Swansea. We wish Rory all the best in the future, and now we have to move on.!'

Devlin also went on to tell critics of the transfer that, by keeping Fallon, who didn't want to remain at Swindon it may have had an adverse effect on him and the club.

We had a deal agreed with Rory's agent before Christmas, only for Rory's father, who has connections with Swansea, to decide differently, and Rory decided to go with his father's advice, which is his perogative. I don't where all these conspiracy theories start, but they can be quite destructive if too many people start to believe them. As for keeping a player who decides his future lies elsewhere, of course we could have ordered him to stay and play for us, but have you ever seen a player, who clearly wants to be elsewhere, playing. They almost never play to their full potential and their attitude can affect the team spirit, and we have that in abundance right now. So whilst I understand the thinking, in reality it could have done us more harm than good. As for how much can be spent, quoting figures is not a very smart move. Let's just see the names Iffy comes up with, and we'll do our best to support him.'

As for what the sell on clause Swindon included in the deal he said 'It was 20% (to Barnsley). We have a 25% sell on clause. Hope that clears up the confusion.'

Mark Devlin also went on to reveal the club are already chasing one player by stating, 'Don't want to show our hand by saying too much. We are already chasing one player, but would prefer not to say much more in case we alert other clubs. We'll let you know as soon as we can.'

As for rumours about player's turning down new contracts, Mark Devlin shed some light on the situation there as well. 'As for players turning down contract offers, don't believe all that you read.'