Swindon Town's New Year Resolutions

It's been a strange season so far for Swindon Town. Robins fans find themselves in January, with their team sitting in 16th place in League One, a far cry from last season's play-off final. Total Sport takes a look at some of the New Years resolutions Town should make in order for a successful 2016.

Select the next manager wisely, within the club's financial structure

With the recent departure of first team manager Martin Ling, chairman Lee Power must now go about pinpointing his third boss to sit in the Robins hot-seat this season. This is a decision not to be taken lightly and, while Town have a solid interim option in the form of assistant manager Luke Williams, the next full-time chief needs to be carefully hand-picked in order to fit into the set-up as seamlessly as possible and help the Robins climb up League One. Following a disastrous start to the season, Swindon can ill-afford to slip back into another consistent streak of defeats.

Make better use of possession

It's been a season of fine margins so far for Swindon Town, and the Robins need to become more clinical with their possession if they are to make 2016 a successful one. With the unpredictable nature of League One, translating time on the ball into goal-scoring opportunities is pivotal if the men in red are going to finish the season on a high. Recent results towards the end of 2015, including a 2-1 victory over Shrewsbury, a 1-0 triumph over Rochdale and a 1-0 defeat to Burton, each emphasised the need to take chances and put the game beyond reach.

Learn to adapt to suit specific game circumstances

Too many times during the current campaign, particularly when the season was in its infancy, the Robins were guilty of failing to adapt to the game playing out in front of them. A one-dimensional approach was often at fault for Swindon being unable to make their mark upon games and, as a result, ultimately losing out to opponents whom on some occasions were no better than the men in red. As the remainder of the season unfolds in 2016 Town need to be well versed in tactical flexibility in order to grind out the wins. It could be slender difference between an extra point or two as the season reaches crunch time. 

Play to Ajose's strengths

The pint-sized forward is Town's top scorer so far this campaign, with 10 goals to his name since rejoining the club. With Ajose up front, the Robins always seem to have that attacking impetus, which is best highlighted when the number 10 is utilised to his full capabilities. With 17 shots to his name this season, 16 of them on target, Ajose is no stranger when it comes to finding the goal. In a one-on-one situation, there are few better within the Swindon ranks, but the Robins must be careful not to isolate their front man and see his talents put to waste in 2016.

Retain a solid back line

Perhaps a resolution easier said than done, given the recent departure of on loan Egyptian defender Adam El-Abd. The Bristol man struck up a fine partnership with captain Raphael Rossi-Branco during his short stint in Wiltshire, and the Robins will have to try to continue to boast a similarly impressive defence in his absence. A good starting point for Town would be to address the issue with leaking goals. Only twice in the previous 10 games have Swindon picked up a clean sheet, in the 4-0 demolition of Chesterfield and the 1-0 win over Shrewsbury respectively.

Dip into the coffers

Finances may be sparse at Swindon Town, but the brunt of frustration for the majority of fans is the continuous loaning of players who come and go from the club. A successful crop of loanees can work wonders, but for a sustainable, longer term plan perhaps the Robins should tie up deals on a more permanent basis. While the January transfer window often proves to be anything but cheap, a few pieces of strategic business could serve Town well for the remainder of what is shaping up to be a long season. Building around permanent acquisitions would enable the powers that be at Swindon Town to form a stable core, to then embellish with more luxury loan signings thereafter. 

Do you agree with our New Year resolutions for Swindon Town? Let us know your thoughts, and add your own STFC resolutions in the comment section below.