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Devlin tackles grass roots!
From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Tuesday 25th Jun 2002.
STFC: MARK Devlin insists you have to take small but significant steps to put an ailing football club back on its feet.
One of the new chief executive's first observations at the County Ground was the state of the club's lawn mower.
He said: "The groundsman looks to have done a terrific job with the pitch but he is having to use a domestic lawnmower because the club cannot afford an industrial one.
"I know the fans might not think this is the most important issue for a chief executive but for me it shows how far this club has fallen in recent times.
"I have joined Swindon Town to help move it back in the right direction."
And Devlin is confident better times (and a new lawn mover) lie ahead.
He said: "From a personal point of view I am excited about taking on the chief executive role.
"As for the wider picture, I do believe that when we do begin to get things right on and off the field, the potential for success is enormous."
Devlin is now focused on implementing Town's three-year plan.
He said: "During that time I want us to emerge from the doldrums.
"Off the field at present we are dealing with a club that has very few basic business systems in place. It's frightening really.
"It is my job to sort out the nitty gritty if you like, before we can look to the greater vision.
"This club must never again face administration or worse. In an ideal world, three years from now we will be there or thereabouts in terms of breaking even."
Key to future success is supporters returning to the club.
Devlin said: "I would love to see 15,000 people coming here, or another site in the town, regularly."
That will not happen overnight but the chief executive is anxious to start the ball rolling.
One of his key concerns is the decline in match-ay attendances over the past few seasons.
He said: "I want to communicate regularly, openly and honestly with our fans. I want them to have facts, not spin, although there are going to be times when you cannot satisfy everyone.
"Of those fans who are currently staying away, I want to know the reasons why.
"Is it the football, is it the way they have been treated? I need to know the reasons if we are going to have any joy in attracting them back."
Devlin knows Town fans have suffered more than most in recent years.
He said: "I accept the fans have seen their club chivvied away over the last few years.
"But I believe we have a dedicated staff at this club who are just crying out for some stability and leadership. I hope to provide both."
The chief executive wants the club to be making news for the right reasons over the next three years.
He said: "I want to see us on the back page of the Evening Advertiser because we are getting results on the pitch and on the front page because we are being innovative in other areas.
"Swindon Town Football Club, as a brand, has been hugely dented over the years.
"We want to change that. The staff here are 100 per cent behind that."
Devlin took more than a passing interest in Town's fortunes last season.
He said: "I think Andy King has done a great job in very difficult circumstances, probably more difficult than anything QPR had."
While Bob Holt confessed to being something of a football novice, Devlin is passionate about his sport.
He said: "I was brought up on the game. I love my football.
"Over the next three years I want fans and club to truly come together.
"From what I have heard there has been rumour and mistrust between the club and certain sections of the fan base.
"Taking this club forward is a joint effort. Make no mistake about that."
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