Football Season Guide

It has been another summer of turmoil for Swindon Town following their defeat in the League Two play-offs. They were beaten by Port Vale in a semi-final penalty shoot-out and it has come at a cost. Head coach Ben Garner resigned less than a month later to take over at League One side Charlton Athletic. Goalkeeper Joe Wollacott, full-back Mandela Egbo and midfielder Jack Payne have all since joined him in East London, severely weakening the Robins squad. Defenders Akin Odimayo and Dion Conroy have signed for Northampton Town and Crawley Town respectively whilst half-a-dozen loanes have returned to their parent clubs. Scott Lindsay, Garner’s assistant, has been appointed as his successor and faces a tough task of completely rebuilding the squad. There are a couple of positives with striker and player of the year Harry McKirdy and winger Jonny Williams under contract for next season.. McKirdy is a mercurial talent but is notoriously difficult to manage. Lindsay will hopefully have picked up some tips having spent last years as Garner’s assistant. Last summer Swindon Town fans were facing the extinction of their club and, even after Clem Morfuni’s takeover, they were simply hoping to retain their Football League status, so will be philosophical about the disappointing end to the season and the departures over the summer. Lindsay has already made a dozen new signings and more are likely to follow. Full-back Remeao Hutton and centre-back Cian Harries bring the Football League experience with them whilst the remainder have been signed on the basis of potential.