Swindon Town have announced that manager Michael Flynn and assistant Wayne Hatswell have left the club with immediate effect, confirmed via statement on the club’s official website.
The decision comes after a poor run of form that saw one win in eight league matches, a 2-1 loss away at Crewe Alexandra proving the final straw for Flynn’s tenure at the club.
This result means Swindon currently sit 15th place in League Two – despite being eight points adrift of the play-off positions with minimal threat of relegation, January has been filled with little positivity for The Robins as loan strike partnership Jake Young and Dan Kemp returned to their parent clubs after contributing to 42 goals in the first half of the season.
Flynn took charge in May 2023, with expectations for the club to rebuild following a dreary conclusion to the 2022/23 season – The Wiltshire outfit started the season in excellent fashion going unbeaten in their first nine league outings. However, following a dreary three months, it would appear that a rebuild remains the expectation for their next appointment.
Following this news, Gavin Gunning will take temporary charge of The Robins as interim head coach as the team welcome Tranmere Rovers this weekend.
With 50 league goals scored, Swindon are the fourth highest scoring team in League Two – with statistically the second worst defensive record in the division. Now that the club find themselves without Dan Kemp and Jake Young, the next manager through the door at The County Ground will have a huge job on his hand to avoid the rot continuing.
With sixteen points between themselves and the relegation zone, there is at least breathing room for a new manager to put their stamp on the team.
What has been said?
Via the statement on the club’s official website, chairman Clem Morfuni has said:
“Firstly, I would like to thank Michael and Wayne for their efforts during their time at the club and wish them all the best in the future.
“I have confidence that Gavin can deliver a successful campaign for the remainder of the 2023/24 season and this starts with Saturday’s game against Tranmere.
“We hope our supporters will continue to back the first team and the new coaching staff we have in place, as we look to build a positive, successful environment across STFC.”
Writer’s View
Given the extremely poor run of form since the beginning of October, it is not a surprise to see a change in the dugout. However, concerns at Swindon stem higher than the manager – large change is needed both on and off the pitch if the club is to start pushing themselves further up the table.
It is needless to say that Swindon’s squad is much weaker than it was at the end of 2023, the next manager will have a huge job on their hands.
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