Injury-free season the aim for Conroy

The new football league season is just over a week away. And as Swindon Town aim to push for promotion, TotalSport Swindon’s Ryan Walker spoke to defender Dion Conroy to get his thoughts on the upcoming campaign.

A difficult 2017/18 season seen the club fail to earn promotion back to League One at the first attempt. However Conroy insisted that the side has learnt from past experiences as Swindon aim to bounce back this season.

“I was here when we got relegated from league one and I personally don’t think we deserved to go down,” said Conroy.

“Obviously with a new gaffer in and a few new players, we’ve got a really good chance of getting promoted.

“Promotion is the target for everyone,” he added.

And when questioned on the impact that manager Phil Brown has had at the club, Conroy admitted that the managers Premier League experience has helped every player in the team to further develop their game.

“His Premier League experience helps everyone,” said Conroy.

“He knows what to do in every sort of situation; he’s been there and done it all before.

“Hopefully we can take his knowledge onto the pitch and get promoted,” he added.

“He’s worked with some of the best players around and we will learn a lot from him,” he said.

An injury-hit 2017 meant Conroy spent several months on the sidelines after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in Swindon’s win over Stevenage. And when asked about his personal aims for the new season, Conroy highlighted his desire to stay free from injury.

“Not to get injured is the main aim,” stated Conroy.

“Hopefully I can have an injury-free season and help the team get promoted.

“Obviously we want to be in the top three and earn automatic promotion,” he added.

“But if we were to be in the playoffs then I’m sure everyone would back us to beat whoever we may face.

“The goal is to definitely at least be in the playoffs but I’m sure we will be able to go on a good run and get in the top three,” said Conroy.

As the Robins struggled to put together a consistent run of positive results last season, their best form coming throughout January and the start of February as the side manage three wins in a row. It’s clear that Swindon need to find the ability to put a winning run together. Something that Conroy agreed with.

“I think it’s probably the first few games that we need to get out the way and pick up some positive results,” said Conroy.

“Hopefully we can then get a run going and have a good season.

“You can’t keep going win, lose, or win then draw,” he added.

“Teams at the top are always putting together good runs.

“You need to make sure you are getting those important one nil away wins and putting results together,” he said.