I just finished my first ‘Fitton Proper’ by expressing my hope that all football club owners have a plan, the patience to see it through, and deep pockets. It’s not groundbreaking to say that success in any organization, whether it’s a football club, a business, or even a kid’s birthday party, requires a solid plan. This holds true for the Chairman, CEO, and Team Manager.
Legendary boxer Mike Tyson once said, “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face,” and it seems like that’s the situation at The Nigel Eady County Ground right now. Things are not going according to plan for the Chairman, CEO, and Manager. They all had a plan for success, with the Chairman believing in the plan and improved processes put in place for promotion or at least a shot at the playoffs this season. The Manager, having likely received the financial backing he requested, also had his sights set on achieving that objective.
However, it’s clear that things are not unfolding as anticipated. While it’s true that the end result matters more than the beginning, repeating the same actions and expecting different outcomes, as Albert Einstein famously said, is a form of insanity.
Reflecting on a boxing match between Henry Cooper and Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) in 1963, where Clay’s trainer delayed the fight to allow for a strategic recovery, it feels like the team behind the scenes at Swindon Town must be regrouping and devising a new plan for success.
Everyone at The Nigel Eady County Ground is likely taking a step back, searching for the key to unlock success. No one wants to see the club fail, as they all share a common interest in its success. Hopefully, their plan will come to fruition because, at the moment, the team seems to be struggling at the bottom of League Two once again. The road to recovery and resilience may be challenging, but with determination and a well-thought-out strategy, Swindon Town can turn the tide and aim for a brighter future.
