Swindon Town open their 2006/07 League 2 Season at Hartlepool United.
Dennis Wise Says….:
‘I told my players to think that one day they will be in their place [in the Premiership]. They have to be the best every week. If they are arrogant, and mentally and physically strong, we will be OK. I’ve told them to enjoy their football.’
– Dennis Wise on preparing his players
Hartlepool United Team News:
Hartlepool join Swindon in League Two after they were relegated from League One last season. Hartlepool will be without prized striker Adam Boyd after his £500,000 move to Luton Town. Boyd scored 60 goals in 169 first-team appearances for Pools and will be sorely missed. Hartlepool goalkeeper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos says his side are determined to get back to League One at the first chance. You can find out more about Hartlepool United by viewing our Club Guide by clicking here
Player to watch: Joel Porter
Joel Porter will look to make a comeback after an injury plagued 2005/06 season. The striker suffered an injury to his knee and required three different operations before the problem was solved. Porter scored 14 goals in 37 starts in the 2004/05 season.
Swindon Town Team News:
Swindon Town will be without Gareth Whalley and Andy Gurney who are both recovering from injury. Gus Poyet and Dennis Wise will also be out of contention due to lack of match fitness. Swindon Town will have new signing Ady Williams available after resting him for most of the pre-season.
Player to watch: Christian Roberts
Striker Christian Roberts has looked fantastic in the pre-season. Manager Dennis Wise has challeneged the former Bristol City man to score 20 goals. Can Roberts carry his fine form into the season?
Match Facts & Stats
– Both clubs were relegated from League One last season.
Last Season both teams drew 1-1 at Victoria Park with Rory Fallon scoring for Swindon.
Ref Watch:
RJ Booth will be referee. His assistants will be M Brown and P Varley. The 4th Official will be R A Salt.
Match Prediction:
This is a very difficult match to predict. Both teams are tipped to go up. I would like to see a rejuvinated side win 2-1 and reward us fans making the long journey up north on Saturday.
Next Fixtures:
Tuesday 8 August 2006, Barnet @ Swindon Town 7:45pm Kick Off
Good luck to the team – hope they get the result or at least play well.
Well done lads – we got all three points – think Hartlepool will be having penalty practice on Monday…they have taking tips from England’s penalty takers 😉
what a goalie we have got!!!!!( Rhys Evans WHO!)