Football Season Review

It was a frustrating season for Swindon Town as a play-off challenge failed to materialise under two different managers. Phil Brown was rather bizarrely handed the job by owner Lee Power despite failing miserably to reach the play-offs last season and the team made an uninspiring start to the new campaign. He was sacked in November with the side languishing in 17th place in the table. Richie Wellens was a surprise replacement and he made an inauspicious start with a 4-0 home drubbing to Carlisle United followed by a 1-0 home defeat to National League side Woking in the F.A. Cup. He made changes in January with the loan signings of Canice Carroll, Danny Rose, Kyle Bennett and Theo Robinson. The Robins struggled for goals in the second half of the season and they never looked like snatching a play-off place; eventually finishing in 13th place. Wellens grew frustrated with the attitude of some players; most notably goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux, who refused to train properly after rejecting the offer of a new deal. Wellens has promised to make big changes this summer with Matt Taylor having already announced his retirement. Jermaine McGlashan, Toumani Diagouraga and Marc Richards are also set to follow Vigouroux out the door. Player of the season Michael Doughty finished as leading scorer with 14 goals and is close to signing a new deal. He will be integral if they are to put in an improved showing next season.

Player of the Season: Michael Doughty