In case you missed it see what’s in this section
We recommend
Let's Talk
Your Total Guide To sport
The Total Sport Column: What A Difference A Month Makes For STFC
This week's Total Sport column places under the microscope the recent revitalisation of Swindon Town. Life-long fan and editor of 'The Boot Room' Chris Linnell gives us his take on the transformative impact of Martin Ling.
Just as Nathan Thompson alluded in his programme notes ahead of Swindon’s 2-1 victory over Rochdale, what a difference a month can make. The Town skipper has been forced by injury to watch the action from the sidelines in recent weeks but he, like the rest of us, has been quick to acknowledge the club’s dramatic change in fortunes.
Just over four weeks ago, last season’s play-off finalists were staring a potential relegation. However, following the seemingly inspired appointment of former fan favourite Martin Ling, they find themselves climbing the League One ladder – claiming 12 points from a possible 15 since the Londoner’s reign began.
With the exception of an embarrassing 4-0 away defeat to Fleetwood, it has been quite an extraordinary month for the County Ground outfit. Wins against Scunthorpe, Walsall and Chesterfield saw Ling, whose appointment many questioned, nominated for the League One Manager of the Month accolade. A race in which he fell marginally short.
As a Town fan now living outside North Wiltshire, it was an absolute pleasure to return to the County Ground last weekend to see the lads rewarded with maximum points against Rochdale. The playing conditions were by no means ideal, nor was the overall level of performance, but finally we witnessed a level of grit and determination that had had been lacking for several months.
Saturday’s victory commanded a brave performance, with first-half goals from Fabien Robert and Ben Gladwin ensuring a perfect start to December and the ensuing festive period. While the style of football remains reminiscent to that played under Mark Cooper, the new level of confidence installed by Ling’s arrival is blatantly obvious.
The level of honesty portrayed by the 49-year-old head coach throughout his post-match interview was certainly refreshing, particularly when discussing Town’s lack of quality and attacking flair when in ownership of the ball.
This lack of urgency when in possession is probably the greatest criticism that can be drawn from recent displays. The back five are far to eager to spread the ball among themselves, while Yaser Kasim appears to have forgotten all sense of passing forward (discussion of the Iraqi’s miserable form will be put aside for another day).
A casual, possession-based game is all well and good when comfortably ahead. When the football is being played in the attacking third, I accept this notion. However, Swindon’s second half display on Saturday provides evidence of the pressure such football can invite, when insisting on playing the game in your own half.
Despite being two goals to the good at half time, Town appeared on the brink of throwing away all their hard work after Ollie Lancashire’s headed consolation for The Dale. With the defensive errors beginning to resurface, the visitors were presented with several opportunities to draw level in the latter stages.
Ultimately, only good fortune and hard work – on Swindon’s part - prevented Keith Hill’s side from travelling home with a share of the spoils. Nonetheless, at this stage of the season, three points is three points. Based on the club’s current standing, few supporters would be willing to sacrifice the victory for an improved quality of performance. This is always destined to come second.
With a solid defence providing the basis from which a side can build, Town fans can only hope for improved attacking displays from here on out. A free-flowing offensive game will come with time. Already we have seen this in glimpses, but to compete with the leading sides in the division, the likes of Burton Albion, Coventry and Walsall etc, Ling needs to re-establish the creative freedom that saw the club reach the play-off final the season previously.
Ling’s post-match comments twill surely be enough to convince even the most pessimistic of Town fans that the management are implementing the required changes, both in training and on a match-day. Technically speaking, the squad at Ling’s disposal is up there with the best in the division, now confidence is restored it is a case of squeezing every ounce of quality from this youthful group.
For now, Town fans can look ahead with optimism, with an away trip to Shrewsbury this Saturday posing another fantastic opportunity for the Robins to continue their fine resurgence under their new head coach. Considering their weekend hosts have managed just a single victory in their last five League One outings, travelling fans should expect another three points.
Weather in Swindon
Listings