Ardiles remained in charge until March 1991, when he departed for Newcastle United
and was succeeded by new player-manager Glenn Hoddle.
Swindon progressed well during the 1991–92 season, Hoddle’s first full season as manager,
and just missed out on the Second Division play-offs, having briefly led the table in the autumn.
A year later Swindon regained what the fans saw as their rightful place in the Premiership after
a seven goal thriller at Wembley, in which the Town squandered a three goal lead before
beating Leicester City 4–3, snatching the winner from the penalty spot seven minutes from time.
the prize cannot be taken away.
Hoddle moved to Chelsea before the 1993–94 FA Premier League season began, and was
replaced by assistant John Gorman, but Swindon never adjusted to the
pace of Premier League football. They were relegated after recording only five wins
and conceding 100 goals — and have never yet returned to the top flight.
One of the few successes of the season was a 2 – 2 draw against
champions Manchester United in the league.
The following year, Swindon were relegated for the second consecutive
time and slipped into Division Two.
Gorman had been sacked as manager in November 1994, and although his successor,
player/manager Steve McMahon, was unable to avoid relegation, he did take
Swindon to the semi-finals of the League Cup.
McMahon then succeeded in getting Swindon back into Division One
on his first attempt, winning the Division Two championship in 1995–96.
McMahon remained as manager until September 1998, when he left by mutual consent
after Swindon lost five of their nine opening games of the 1998–99 season.
The club then went through five managers in five years (Andy King was appointed twice),
during which time they were again relegated into Division Two.