Football Season Guide

Swindon have been in a constant decline since Paolo Di Canio left them in February - the Robins were the League One leaders when the Italian manager left them, but they finished sixth, and were eliminated in the Play-off semi-finals by Brentford. Kevin MacDonald, who took over from Di Canio, was initially expected to remain at the helm for the new season, but left the club "by mutual consent" on July 13th. The Robins currently do not have a manager, with assistant boss Mark Cooper serving as a caretaker, and their board will take their time over naming a new boss. However, it is quite clear from a mere look at their summer transfer activity that Swindon are no longer the side that they were in their previous campaign, as numerous regular players have left them, such as Aden Flint, Gary Roberts, Tommy Smith, Simon Ferry and skipper Alan McCormack. Star winger Matt Ritchie left midway through the previous season, with the transfer causing Di Canio to resign, so it is safe to say that next season's Swindon will be a side completely different to the one that lead the league under the helm of the charismatic Italian. When it comes to their new signings, they've brought in forward Tijane Reis, who is an unknown in England, Fulham defender Alex Smith, who failed to impress while at Stevenage last season, and no less than five Tottenham youth players! Out of the five, Nathan Byrne and Massimo Luongo already have League One experience, with Luongo looking very impressive during his time with the Robins last season. It needs to be noted that former skipper Paul Caddis, who left the club to join Birmingham on loan due to his personal differences with Di Canio, is now back with the Robins and, should he remain with the club, he will provide a much needed presence to a squad that will be crying out for experience and leadership.