Swindon Town Odds: 8/1 Last Five Seasons 2005/06 23 (League One, Relegated), 2004/05 12 (League One), 2003/04 5 (League One), 2002/03 10 (League One), 2001/02 13 (League One). 2005/06 Cup Progress FA Cup First Round (replay) vs Boston United (a) lost 4-1. Carling Cup First Round vs Wycombe Wanderers (h) lost 3-1. Football League Trophy Southern Sec. Sec Rnd vs Peterborough Utd (a) lost 2-1. Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Rory Fallon (striker) 14 goals. Players In Adrian Williams (Coventry City Free), Andy Monkhouse (Rotherham United Free), Jamie Vincent (Yeovil Town Free), Folawiyo Onibuje (Cambridge Free). Players Out Jamie Cureton (Colchester United Free), Rhys Evans (Blackpool Free), Sean OHanlon (MK Dons Free), Nicky Nicolau (Barnet Free). Swindon Town endured a torrid time last season and were relegated to League Two but due to the new management dream team of former Chelsea duo Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet, they have been instilled as the bookmakers firm favourites to win the division next season. Poyet has promised a tough pre season campaign to ensure his players are fit enough for the challenge ahead while Wise has assured the players who were at the club last season will be given a clean slate. Wises first signing since being appointed at the County Ground was that of Rotherham United winger Andy Monkhouse. The 25 year old made almost 150 appearances for the Millers, 67 of which were as a substitute, after coming through the club's youth system and signed an initial 12 month contract. To compensate for the loss of highly rated Sean OHanlon to fellow relegated side MK Dons, Wise has also drafted in veteran Coventry City defender Adrian Williams and Yeovil defender Jamie Vincent, both of whom have connections with Wise at former club Millwall. Williams spent five months on loan at Millwall last season, making 12 appearances for the Lions and made 41 appearances for Coventry City after signing for the club in November 2004. Vincent is a vastly experienced left back who has played 300 League games for Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Huddersfield, Portsmouth, Walsall, Derby and Millwall. Lagos born forward Folawiyo Onibuje has signed a short term deal following his release from Cambridge United. The 21 year old, who has also had spells art Peterborough United, Barnsley and Huddersfield Town, made 25 league starts for the U's last term and scored nine goals. Verdict Swindon may well be good enough to win promotion next season but the lack of firepower poses a cause for concern. Wise and Poyet hinted they may play themselves should results not go in their favour and if that is the case then the Robins will only be playing in the Football Leagues bottom tier on a short term basis. |
