Tag Archives: promises

Paolo Di Canio has resigned as Swindon manager after his position became "untenable"

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Di Canio resigns as Swindon manager after his position became 'untenable'

By
Joe Ridge and Ralph Ellis

PUBLISHED:

19:28 GMT, 18 February 2013

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UPDATED:

22:13 GMT, 18 February 2013


Gone: Paulo Di Canio

Gone: Paulo Di Canio

Paolo Di Canio’s turbulent 18 months as manager of Swindon came to an end on Monday night when the fiery Italian walked out.

Di Canio, who won promotion in his first season, revealed he had resigned a week ago but gave the club’s prospective new owners seven days to get the green light from the Football League for their takeover.

When a 5pm deadline came and went last night with the deal — lined up to prevent the club going into administration — still uncertain, Di Canio decided it was time to go.

The 44-year-old had been threatening to walk out for more than a fortnight after star midfielder Matt Ritchie was sold to Bournemouth for 500,000 without his approval.

The statement said: 'In my previous press statement on 1st
February, I said that I was considering my future, as my position with
the club had become untenable, after I found out that Matt Ritchie had
been sold without my consent.

'As I had previously stated, there
have been a number of broken promises made by the club over the time
that I have been Manager of Swindon Town. Despite these problems, I have
delivered everything and more that was asked of me, by achieving
promotion last year as Champions and competing this season for promotion
to the Championship and being just 3 points from top place a year
earlier than expected.

'I did not resign immediately, nor
publicise my resignation after I had formally confirmed it, as I did not
want to jeopardise the negotiations for the sale of the club and I
wanted to listen to what the proposed new owners plans were.'

Hero: Swindon fans had done everything they could to keep Di Canio

Hero: Swindon fans had done everything they could to keep Di Canio

Di Canio won 44 of the 75 league games he was in charge at Swindon, and his resignation will spark interest from bigger clubs who are looking for a new manager.

The statement continued: 'Following discussions, my representatives put forward a proposal that
would secure my future at the club until at least the end of the season
and quite possibly beyond as well. This proposal actually reduced the
Clubs contractual liabilities to me in the interest of saving Swindon
Town FC. At a meeting last Friday the proposed new owners accepted and
said they were very happy with the new terms.

'I entered into a temporary arrangement with the proposed new owners
to continue in my role as Manager but all this was agreed subject to
Football League approval for the purchase of the Club being granted by
5:00pm on Monday 18th February.

Money: Off-field financial problems have begun to dog Swindon

Money: Off-field financial problems have begun to dog Swindon

'At the time of issuing this statement, I have had no further contact
from the proposed new owners and I have been told that unfortunately
Football League approval has not been granted yet and therefore my
temporary arrangement has ended and my resignation stands.

'This is all I wish to say for the time being other than to thank my
Technical Staff and the players for their fantastic professional
behaviour and attitude in achieving what they have done up to today,
also thanks to the Swindon Town supporters for the incredible support
they have shown me and the team throughout my time as Manager.

'I wish the best of luck to the supporters, the players and my Technical Staff for the future.'

Undermined: Di Canio felt the sale of Matt Richie was the last straw

Undermined: Di Canio felt the sale of Matt Richie was the last straw

Swindon currently sit sixth in League
One, just two points off the automatic promotion places — but Di Canio
wanted more backing to reach the Championship. Instead, he lost his top
player and his plans to recruit more were shelved.

Swindon’s owners put the club up for
sale in mid-January, revealing they had debts of around 13million and
warning they might have to go into administration.

That fear was eased when a consortium
agreed a deal to take over, but so far its leader, Oxford-based
businessman Jed McCrory, who bought Southern League club Banbury Town
six months ago, does not have Football League backing for his plans.

Di Canio’s position will be of
interest to West Ham, where he is the fans’ favourite to take over if
the club fail to agree a contract with Sam Allardyce when his deal runs
out in June.

Sepp Blatter claims racism won"t be solved by running away like Kevin-Price Boateng and AC Milan

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Racism will not be solved by 'running away' like Boateng and Milan, claims Blatter

By
Adam Shergold

PUBLISHED:

12:23 GMT, 10 January 2013

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UPDATED:

12:35 GMT, 10 January 2013

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has urged players not to leave the pitch in protest if they are subjected to racist abuse, saying 'running away' is not a long-term solution to stopping discrimination.

It follows the actions of AC Milan player Kevin-Price Boateng, who led his teammates off the field after being abused during a friendly with Italian lower league club Pro Patria last week.

Boateng was highly praised for his protest, including by Blatter, but the football chief warned that a repeat in the future would not make the problem go away.

Not a solution: FIFA president Sepp Blatter said Kevin-Prince Boateng's protest (below) was not the right way to stamp racism out of the game

Not a solution: FIFA president Sepp Blatter said Kevin-Prince Boateng's protest (below) was not the right way to stamp racism out of the game

Protest: Kevin-Prince Boateng leads his AC Milan teammates from the field after being subjected to racist abuse

'If you remember the Boateng problem and him running away, I made a comment on that and I still have the same feeling – it was good what he has done in order to give this impact by saying: “Listen – look at what has happened,” Blatter told Sky Sports News.

'But it can't be the solution because you can never solve any problem in your life – in your private life, in your public life, wherever – by running away.

'This is now to day “Listen, if you don't take care of our sport, we will do it.” It was a warning, but it can't be the solution.'

Protest: Boateng wears an

Protest: Boateng wears an “AC Milan against racism” t-shirt before the Serie A match with Siena last weekend

Blatter went on to make some vague promises about calling a meeting to discuss the problem of racism in the game.

He said: 'What we shall do now – and I am thinking about this – we shall make a kind of summit or discussion with all the actors concerning discrimination and racism.

'There must be a lot of solidarity and understanding that we have to eradicate it. But it can only be done if all the actors are participating, and actors are also the spectators.'

The full interview with Sepp Blatter will be shown on Sky Sports News HD Special Report at 7.30pm on Monday

Stephane Sessegnon was distracted by transfer rumours, says Martin O"Neill

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Sessegnon was distracted by transfer rumours but he's getting back to his best, says O'Neill

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UPDATED:

19:42 GMT, 22 November 2012

Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill believes Stephane Sessegnon was affected by rumours of a move away from the north east, despite signing a new contract in the summer.

The Benin international scored his first goal of the season in last week’s 3-1 win at Fulham and finally started to show the ability which made him the club’s player of last season.

O’Neill, who has persevered with the midfielder despite his alarming loss of form, believes Sessegnon, and England winger Adam Johnson are now starting to repay his faith. But he admitted Sessegnon’s indifferent start to this season had been perplexing for player and manager.

Back to his best: Stephane Sessegnon is regaining his form

Back to his best: Stephane Sessegnon is regaining his form

O’Neill said: 'He was somewhat sidelined by being touted around major football clubs.

'The view was that he may not be at this football club because some of the major clubs from abroad would be in for him. It didn’t happen and at that stage, I think there was a bit of disappointment on his part. He did get a little sidetracked by all the furore that surrounded him.

'If your head does get turned by possible promises of being taken, here, there and everywhere, and it doesn’t materialise, maybe it sets you back a bit.

'Also his family was a bit unsettled but we have resolved that now and hopefully we are seeing signs of returning to form. He has come back, signed a contract and he wants to go and prove himself again.

'Overall he is a danger and it is really very good to see him back to form. In training you would not believe he would be suffering any sort confidence loss.’

Former Paris Saint Germain ace Sessegnon, who is currently enjoying his longest run at a single club, was linked with a summer return to the French capital, as well as attracting interest from Tottenham and Arsenal, before they signed Santi Cazorla in a 15million deal from Malaga.

Wanderlust: The much-travelled Sessegnon appears content on Wearside

Wanderlust: The much-travelled Sessegnon (right) appears content on Wearside

O’Neill sees many comparisons with the Spanish midfielder who has lit up the Premier League since his summer arrival.

He added: 'Cazorla is really a fantastic player. Players like him are a necessity, not a luxury.

'Sess has ability to sit in that bracket and the natural talent to be in there but more consistency would be great. There was little period last year when he was at the edge of penalty area when you always felt something might happen.

'This year he has been bit frustrated with his own decision making more than anything else but the game against Everton in the first half, and that goal at Fulham, should give him that boost now.

'What I would say is that Sess playing well is so, so important for us because he can cause problems and he makes other teams start to think about it.’

Mark Cavendish on Team Sky exit and Bradley Wiggins

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Cavendish: Playing second-fiddle to Wiggins and broken promises forced me to quit Sky

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UPDATED:

10:44 GMT, 2 November 2012

Mark Cavendish has claimed broken promises ahead of this year's Tour de France forced him to quit Team Sky.

The 27-year-old said he was left feeling like a 'back-up rider' as Bradley Wiggins went on to claim a historic yellow-jersey success.

Cavendish, who moved to Omega Pharma-Quickstep last month, believes he could have also have captured the sprinters' green jersey and fulfil an ambition he thought Sky had held when he signed.

Walking away: Mark Cavendish quit Team Sky over broken promises

Walking away: Mark Cavendish quit Team Sky over broken promises

But the Manxman believes dreams of a Tour double were put on hold in the lead-up to the race as Sky instead focused on Wiggins.

'We didn't achieve what I thought we were setting out to achieve at the start of the season,' he told The Daily Telegraph.

'Sky should have taken both jerseys. We could have done that without any risk or detriment to the yellow jersey. It's frustrating.'

Cavendish, who won his only Tour green jersey last year, admitted Wiggins' success should always have been Sky's primary objective.

Second-fiddle: Cavendish admits he did not enjoy playing back-up to Bradley Wiggins at the Tour de France

Second-fiddle: Cavendish admits he did not enjoy playing back-up to Bradley Wiggins at the Tour de France

But while he was proud to be part of a famous summer for British cycling he suspected it would be his last with Sky after one of his support riders, Juan Antonio Flecha, was dropped from the Tour team.

'It was then, on the eve of the Tour, that I realised the promise I had signed to Sky on wasn't rally a promise,' he said.

'I was a back-up rider. At the end of the day we weren't going for the two jerseys at all.

'It wasn't a failure, and I was very proud to be part of a British yellow-jersey winning team with Brad, but it wasn't the ultimate either.'

Luka Modric latest: Igor Stimac blasts Spurs chairman Daniel Levy

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You promised Modric he could join Madrid! Stimac blasts Spurs chief Levy over star

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UPDATED:

08:53 GMT, 15 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Croatia boss Igor Stimac has launched a stinging attack on Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy.

Stimac accused Levy of wanting make a name for himself by standing in the way of Luka Modric's move to Real Madrid.

The former West Ham and Derby defender is convinced Modric will eventually complete his move to the Bernabeu, but claimed the Spurs chief had broken his word.

Frustrated: Croatia star Luka Modric wants to leave Tottenham

Frustrated: Croatia star Luka Modric wants to leave Tottenham

'I have spoken to Luka,' Stimac told Spanish newspaper AS. 'He hopes to move to Madrid. That's all he wants – to go to Madrid.

'It is complicated because on the other side is a guy who doesn't keep the promises he makes.

'Daniel Levy promised a year ago that if an offer came from Madrid, he would let him go. And when the offer came, he changed his mind.

'I believe this guy is trying to become famous in the world of football, but this isn't the way to do it.

'When something is promised, it needs to be delivered.

'He did the same thing with (Dimitar) Berbatov before he signed for Manchester United. He left on August 31.'

Talks have dragged on between the two clubs, with Madrid now reportedly prepared to pay only 25million plus add-ons for a player who earlier had been given a 40m price tag by Spurs.

Stimac, who's team face Switzerland in his first game in charge, is frustrated that his star player has not played in pre-season because of the negotiation.

Paris Saint-Germain have already pulled out of the race because of Modric's clear wish to go to Spain.

Stimac added: 'There is no turning back because I know Luka very well.

'He has already made his decision and he is very clear. Luka is very sincere, very emotional, very hard too.

'He is eager to play for Real Madrid and also has the promise from Levy. I just hope he ends up fulfilling that promise.

'It is the dream of every player in the world to play for Madrid. And the expectation is high – you have to live with that.'

Stimac believes Jose Mourinho will be the perfect boss for the 26-year-old – as well as an inspiration for himself.

'How could I not defend a man who has won so many things with teams in different countries' pondered Stimac.

Real deal: Jose Mourinho is eager to wrap up a deal to land Modric before the summer transfer window slams shuts

Real deal: Jose Mourinho is eager to wrap up a deal to land Modric before the summer transfer window slams shuts

'You have to have a lot of respect for a man who does things with such impeccable precision. I try to learn from him.

'His tactics and how he prepares for a game are incredible. He lives and sleeps football.'

Stimac believes Modric's versatility is what makes him so attractive to the former Chelsea boss.

'He can play any position on the pitch, from midfield forwards,' he said.

'There is no doubt because he has done it magnificently for the last five or six years.

'In any position which his new coach, Mourinho, chooses, Luka is going to perform perfectly.

'He has a great first touch. He is very creative, but he has a lot of discipline too. He defends well and does what is asked of him.'

Euro 2012: Greece hoping to lift troubled nation

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Greece hoping to lift troubled nation by evoking spirit of shock 2004 triumph

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UPDATED:

17:41 GMT, 6 June 2012

Greece are determined to lift the mood back home during Euro 2012 with the country's huge debt woes causing worry and fear, says striker Giorgos Samaras.

The Euro 2004 champions face co-hosts Poland in the tournament's opening game in Warsaw on Friday.

'I don't like to say big words or throw promises around,' he told a news conference. 'We are all thinking about the (deciding Euro qualifier) against Croatia and how we managed to help people celebrate and escape from their daily problems for a while.

Greece is the word: Giorgos Samaras (right) in training with Sotiris Ninis

Greece is the word: Giorgos Samaras (right) in training with Sotiris Ninis

'That is what we will try to do again. I do not know how far we will go and what we can do but with our joy of playing football we want to give joy to Greeks.

Euro 2012

'We are a young team and the atmosphere in the squad is outstanding and that is where everything starts.'

Eight years ago Greece caused a huge surprise by claiming an unlikely success in Portugal, while also riding a wave of enthusiasm ahead of the Athens Olympics a month later.

Just warming up: Greece's squad at the Stadium in Legionowo on Wednesday

Just warming up: Greece's squad at the Stadium in Legionowo on Wednesday

Now, the country is on the brink of bankruptcy and with talk of a potential euro zone exit swirling, is facing a second general election in less than two months with sharp austerity measures angering Greeks.

'I see all the messages we get sent from our fans and that is additional motivation for us,' said defender Avraam Papadopoulos. 'We want to make the people happy who are with us during good times as well as bad times.'

Fernando Alonso pledges support to Felipe Massa for rest of the season

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Alonso backs Massa to score more points and promises to back team-mate

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UPDATED:

21:45 GMT, 1 June 2012

Fernando Alonso has promised Felipe Massa his full support for the remainder of the season as he is convinced the Brazilian is capable of fighting for wins.

After a wretched start to the campaign, scoring just two points from the opening five races, Massa finally proved his worth to Ferrari in Monaco at the weekend.

After qualifying in the top 10 for the first time this year, and even threatening to start ahead of Alonso, Massa went on to finish sixth, three places behind the title-leading Spaniard.

Teamwork: Fernando Alonso says he will help Felipe Massa get more points on the board

Teamwork: Fernando Alonso says he will help Felipe Massa get more points on the board

Although Massa currently trails Alonso in the standings by 66 points, and is undoubtedly the number two driver at Ferrari, the latter still firmly believes in his team-mate.

'It's hard to think Felipe won't win many points in the second part of the season, that he won't make podiums or fight for wins. He's got the talent for it,' said Alonso.

'It's been an unfortunate start to the season because of a number of things – bad luck, a slower adaptation than before to the tyres…Felipe's results weren't normal.

'He's got all my support, and all the support of the team to change the situation around.

Getting back on track: Felipe Massa finished sixth at the weekend in Monaco

Getting back on track: Felipe Massa finished sixth at the weekend in Monaco

'Or to change his results because many times in practice or qualifying we're very close. but then in the race, because of the start or he got hit, he would be towards the back early on.

'In Monaco it looks like his results changed, so we hope that from here on it will all go well for him.'

Alonso, meanwhile, believes next weekend's Canadian Grand Prix will prove to be a more reliable benchmark of where Ferrari stand in the pecking order.

The 31-year-old's championship lead is in a car many feel is far from the best in the field, and given the topsy-turvy nature of F1 this season he has arguably lucked into his success.

Alonso said: “In Canada we want to confirm our improvement and be competitive in a more 'normal' circuit because Monaco is unique due to its characteristics and Barcelona has very quick corners.

Following his lead: Alonso and Massa will look to boost Ferrari's chances in the constructors championship

Following his lead: Alonso and Massa will look to boost Ferrari's chances in the constructors championship

'Canada and Valencia are going to be two very important tests for us to see if we can really put both Ferraris in Q3, like we did in Monaco, and opt to be in the top places.

'We're taking some upgrades to Canada, a race both on and off the track because all the big teams are going to bring new parts so let's see whose works best.

'We've tried to extract the most of what we had and our rivals have let their guards down.

'This year two or three tenths (of a second) makes you lose or gain five or six places, because everything is very close.'

Robert Snodgrass blasts Ken Bates

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Snodgrass blasts Bates over unfulfilled promises as Leeds captain eyes Premier move

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UPDATED:

14:52 GMT, 22 May 2012

Leeds United captain Robert Snodgrass has revealed he is finding it difficult to accept chairman Ken Bates' vision for the future after promises to achieve promotion failed to materialise.

The Elland Road club face another season in the Championship after finishing well off the pace in 14th position, and Snodgrass makes no secret of his desire to play in the Barclays Premier League.

The former Livingston player has been offered improved terms to remain at the Yorkshire club, but is not willing to sign if the club are unable to match his ambition.

Unfulfilled: Snodgrass has hit out at the Leeds chairman

Unfulfilled: Snodgrass has hit out at the Leeds chairman

He said: 'I'd love to get into the Premier League with Leeds. I'm captain now which is a different challenge.

'The chairman is trying to put a bit of pressure on me and he's telling me what plans he has for the club.

'But they told me the same type of plans the season before and it didn’t work out so it's hard to buy into these things again.'

Whites boss Neil Warnock has promised the Scot can leave Elland Road next summer if they fail to seal a return to the Premier League.

But Snodgrass will not allow his boss's comments to affect his decision as the 63-year-old is only contracted until the end of next season.

Maybe next year Warnock poses with the Championship play-off trophy

Maybe next year Warnock poses with the Championship play-off trophy

'He has already said he won’t be sticking around much longer. Who knows whether he has one or two more years left at Leeds

'It's all right for him to say he could get me a move but if he leaves the people above him in the football club are not going to worry about what he said.

'My future doesn’t lie in the hands of Neil Warnock, it's in the hands of Robert Snodgrass.'

Dimitar Berbatov accuses Sir Alex Ferguson of forcing his Manchester United exit

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Berbatov accuses Fergie of forcing him out of Old Trafford with broken promises

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UPDATED:

07:32 GMT, 21 May 2012

Striker Dimitar Berbatov is resigned to leaving Manchester United.

The 31-year-old has had limited first-team opportunities over the last couple of seasons, and claims manager Sir Alex Ferguson did not make good on promises to give him more chances.

He told The Sun: 'We talked 10 times, he told me there would be a place for me but I stayed on the bench.

Time's up: Dimitar Berbatov (centre) will leave Manchester United this summer

Time's up: Dimitar Berbatov (centre) will leave Manchester United this summer

'My time at Manchester United is running out. I no longer feel like a valuable part of this team.

'I think I did well in the few opportunities that I received.

'I am a little frustrated by the way this happened, I do not think I deserved it.

Out on the fringes: Berbatov had limited chances to impress last season

Out on the fringes: Berbatov had limited chances to impress last season

'But I have dignity and I stopped going to such meetings, it is clear that I'm leaving United. It's obvious that I have to leave.

'I'm looking for a new place now. I know I can still play at the highest level.'

London 2012 Olympics: IOC chief hails 2012 legacy

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London is the example! Olympics chief Rogge hails post-Games plan

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UPDATED:

07:52 GMT, 28 March 2012

International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge has described London 2012's legacy planning as a 'blueprint' for future hosts to follow.

London's success in securing the games was put largely down to their focus on legacy, and Rogge is delighted organisers are making good on their promise.

Legacy: London's post-Olympic plans have been hailed by the IOC chief

Legacy: London's post-Olympic plans have been hailed by the IOC chief

Quoted in The Independent, he said: 'London has raised the bar on how to deliver a lasting legacy. We can already see tangible results in the remarkable regeneration of East London.

'This great historical city has created a legacy blueprint for future Games hosts.'

Locog chief executive Paul Deighton expects to tell Rogge, who brings his inspectors to the capital this week, that London has stuck by the plan outlined when they won the Games in 2005.

'We have two main messages for the IOC this week,' Deighton told the Daily Telegraph. 'The first is that we are on track to deliver on all the promises that we made when we bid to stage the Games back in 2005.

Impressed: Jacques Rogge (left) says London has 'raised the bar'

Impressed: Jacques Rogge (left) says London has 'raised the bar'

'My presentation to them is primarily
about that, running through all the areas that we said we would deliver
and how we are on track to fulfil those promises.

'The second is that all the major
partners in this project are united in delivering the Games. We will be
presenting along with the mayor of London and central government, and
our message is that we are all working together in a very strong
partnership, and we are committed to making this a great Games with a
very strong legacy.'