Source: FOOTYMAD
Sturrock: 'Have to stop conceding so many goals'; Di Canio: 'Mohsni has good skill for his size'
Both managers have plenty to say before the League Two clash Saturday afternoon between Southend United and Swindon Town; one returning to old haunts. Sturrock: 'Di Canio's very passionate about the game' Blues boss Paul Sturrock was the boss at the County Ground for just over a year between 2006-07 and has no ill feeling towards the club. Sturrock told www.echo-news.co.uk: "I’m looking forward to heading back to Swindon Town tomorrow because I really enjoyed my time in charge there. We managed to win promotion out of League Two and it was a successful period so I would like to think I’d get a good reception from their supporters. When I left the club they were still in a good position in League One but, at that time, I had the opportunity to go back to Plymouth Argyle in the Championship and we only just missed the play-offs by a point that season." A lot for the Swindon faithful to be grateful for then and Luggy went on to explain why he resigned to rejoin the Pilgrims. Sturrock said: "There was also a lot of uncertainty surrounding the ownership of Swindon at the time which contributed towards my decision as it seemed like a consortium involving a company from Portugal were going to take over. I decided that I didn’t want to work for those people but as it turned out they didn’t buy the club in the end and the people who did were actually really nice! Because of that I’ve been saddened by the club’s recent demise and would love to see them do well this season, but just not this weekend. They will make it difficult for us and we have to stop conceding so many goals." We do indeed, but for now what does Luggy think about the new Robins boss, the colourful former Hamster Di Canio. Sturrock concluded: "It should certainly be interesting coming up against Paulo Di Canio tomorrow. He’s come back in to the English game and had a baptism of fire but he’s very passionate about the game and I hope he can do well for them." The jury is out on that one Luggs, but we agree, he can start doing 'well for them' after Saturday! Di Canio: 'We cannot switch off against Southend' Meanwhile, Robins boss Paolo Di Canio has made a mixed start to his time in Wiltshire and last Saturday's 2-3 victory over the previously unbeaten Millers would be hoped up the M4 to be a turning point for the team. Di Canio told www.thisisswindontownfc.co.uk: “I told my players that the win against Rotherham was important because we were in a bad moment, but we must keep going and win again at home, because to win two in a row would mean a lot for us." Well, yes, Paolo we all want to do that, but are his team in the right frame of mind to do it. Di Canio explained: "It is important to build the confidence not only individually but also collectively because you believe more in what you are doing. I am very happy with the way the players train because even when we were losing they still believed in the job that we are doing. We did not see a bad reaction. We cannot switch off against Southend because they have three or four players who can damage us. But if we give everything and do not save energy then we will have business again because we are in a good moment and the players believe that they can win the game.” Fair enough, and the Italian has seen enough of the shrimpers to know who can do the damage, and no one stands out, along with the dangerous Ryan Hall, than the makeshift striker that is Bilel Mohsni. Di Canio said: “They (Southend) were 2-0 up but because of two mistakes they conceded two goals and drew the game. But they should have had 12 points, which would have put them high up the table and they are a good team and have some good players. They obviously miss their two main strikers and Mohsni will probably play in attack. He has good skill for his size and he showed great technique with the goal he scored on Saturday.” Oh dear, watch them pushing Bilel to the limit from the kick-off, as we've said, hope Luggy has some strong words of warning with the Frenchman!
