Intro
It feels like a very exciting time for The Robins. Having had to deal with potential bankruptcy, transfer embargos and ownership changes, it’s fair to say that Clem Morfuni’s takeover in July 2021 was always going to have its challenges. He managed to steady the ship in his first year though, and there’s growing optimism at the County Ground that things are now moving in the right direction. With good results on the pitch and plans to redevelop the stadium and purchase it from the council, the feel-good factor is back amongst the Swindon faithful, having been absent for some years.
Principles
This series is going to be community driven – by that I don’t mean via social media comments, polls or voting, but that decisions will be made primarily with the Swindon Town community/fans in mind. The principles of that being to deliver:
Style of Play / Transfers
- An enjoyable match day experience – attractive, attacking football, particularly at home
- A club that takes cup games/cup runs seriously
- Opportunities for local players via the academy
- A route back for under 23 players released by Premier League, Championship and La Liga clubs (a tip of the cap to the Glenn Hoddle Academy)
Infrastructure
- A financially secure club (debt free, no loans, money in the bank, owner of ground/facilities)
- Ex-players/legends given opportunities to join the staff
- Investment in the youth academy
- Investment in facilities for the local fan base (corporate, stadium expansions as appropriate, pitch quality, sponsors, merchandise, custom kit designs!)
Footballing Philosophy
Glenn Hoddle and co celebrate winning promotion to the Premier League back in 1993
The ‘Hoddle era’ is widely considered one of the best periods of time in the club’s history. Having spent four years playing for Monaco in France, Hoddle brought a continental style of football over to Swindon, shaped in a 352 formation, which was quite different to the standard 442 formations being played throughout England at the time.
His philosophy: to play attractive, attacking football, and score lots of goals. They primarily achieved this by attacking teams from out wide. Hoddle (player manager), playing as a sweeper, would use his fantastic vision and distribution skills to release the wing backs with diagonal passes. Marauding wing backs like Nicky Summerbee, would provide ample crosses and through balls to feed the strikers.
The entertainment factor during Hoddle’s two year spell was culminated by their 4-3 victory over Leicester City, in the 1993 League 1 play-off final at Wembley. My primary tactic and style of play will be loosely based on that style of play during his tenure.
Swindon Town’s formation for the 1993 League 1 play-off final
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