Swindon’s unlucky 13

Friday, 11/03/2011

by Michael Baker, Shoot's Swindon blogger

Swindon dropped to the bottom of the League One table after collecting just one point from games against fellow relegation battlers.

Despite dominating possession against a Walsall team visibly playing for a point, Town had to share the spoils in an uneventful, uninspiring and ultimately underwhelming first game in charge for manager Paul Hart.

Expectations were raised and, with the biggest home crowd of the season watching, Swindon failed to capitalise and were forced to settle for a point, hardly ideal although not catastrophic.

Tuesday evening’s trip to Home Park provided Town with another opportunity to put some much-needed points on the board and appease nervous fans, but a newly-resurgent Plymouth proved to be too strong as Swindon’s winless run reached 13 games.

The 1-0 defeat meant Swindon replaced The Pilgrims at the foot of the League One table, a new low for many Town fans already writing the 2010-11 campaign off. It is a surprising transformation from a team that, just ten months ago, were second in the league and contemplating Championship football.

Already fans are beginning to question chairman Andrew Fitton’s policies on such things as transfers, managerial appointments and on-the-field activities.

Failure to replace key players from last year’s success has ultimately been Town’s downfall and, when paired with Fitton’s willingness to invest in youth rather experience, supporters are even suggesting he himself must shoulder some of the blame.  

In a move to satisfy calls from fans, Hart has signed renowned targetman Calvin Andrew from former club Crystal Palace on a one-month loan deal and, with midfield enforcer Alessane N’diaye set to follow suit, it is hoped the pair will add some much needed presence to a weak Swindon side.

Saturday’s match at home to Dagenham and Redbridge is now a must-win. John Still’s side come into the game in impressive form and one place above the relegation zone.

The Londoners will hoping to complete an unexpected and unprecedented double over Town and, with things the way they, anything less than three much-needed points will be a disaster for Swindon.

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