It’s nearly a week since City came to Town, and the dust is just about settling on what was a fantastic occasion for all
involved.
15,000 had the pleasure of watching some of the finest players to grace The County Ground up-close-and-personal… as well as watching those Man City players, too. Just over 4 million watched live around the UK on ITV, and millions more across the hundreds of countries the game was broadcast into. The atmosphere was electric, the spirits were high, the plaudits for Town have been (quite rightly) laid on nice and thick, and everyone I had the pleasure of engaging with was thoroughly enjoying their evening!
The pre-match tifo produced by Great Western Reds in The Don Rogers Stand was something rather special and TrustSTFC were delighted to have helped cover the costs of its production, along with Clem Morfuni and others. We want to continue to see The County Ground full on a matchday, and for the Swindon community to be supporting their local team. We’ll continue to provide the club with ideas and suggestions on how our attendances can be increased, as well as enhancements to the matchday experience.
Whilst the vast majority of fans can be commended for their behaviour and the value they added to the game, we were saddened to hear the allegations from Ashley Cole and ITV of racist abuse towards the pundit. This behaviour does not represent our club, Trust membership, or wider fanbase, and there should be no place in the game or society for any form of hate crime. We’re pleased with the swift action and response the club took, and know they are working with Wiltshire Police to investigate. The Trust has this week contacted Ashley Cole and his representatives, not only offering our heartfelt apologies but also offering to make a donation to a charity of his choosing on behalf of Trust members and supporters. The behaviour of our fans, whether positive or negative, directly impacts the reputation of our club, and we’ll do what we can to ensure it’s protected. We’re confident the behaviour reported on Friday will be fully investigated, and that those guilty of any offence will no longer be welcome at Swindon Town FC. Town were on the road on Tuesday night and will be away again on Saturday to Port Vale – safe travels to those supporting away this week.
The home action returns next week for the visit of Bristol Rovers. We hope to see a jam-packed County Ground, and we’ll also have Board Members available behind the Town End ahead of kick-off for Bronze Members who are yet to collect their TrustSTFC scarf to be able to do so. We’ve distributed over 300 to date, and it’s great to see members wearing them at fixtures. We host our January TrustSTFC Board Meeting this evening, which follows our attendance at Tuesday’s Advisory Board session with the club. If any Trust member or fan has any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us directly or with one of our board members.
COYR!
TrustSTFC – Swindon Town Supporters Trust