After enduring a dreadful first four months of 2023, some green shoots of progress were visible at the County Ground as Jody Morris’s side picked up four points and two clean sheets against promotion-chasing Barrow and Bradford City.
Anybody who witnessed Barrow’s visit would now struggle to remember any key moments, the biggest takeaway was the partnership of Tom Clayton and Tom Brewitt in the heart of the defence.
In both games, they looked very reassured in their all-round performance, with both scousers slowly building a good understanding, with Clayton contracted for next season, and Brewitt’s deal looking to be extended this might be a partnership that survives the summer and makes it through to next season.
Moving onto Tuesday night, Swindon looked a different side from their lacklustre showing at the weekend, whatever was said in the dressing room or worked on before the game, needs to be bottled up and repeated again and again, as Town were determined to end their nine-game run without tasting victory.
The stand-out was former Welsh International Jonny Williams, who put in a superb performance from minute one to ninety-seven.
He never let the Bantams settle in position and was a constant danger with the ball at his feet, and he capped off his evening with a wonderful header from Remeao Hutton’s cross in front of the Town End to lift the gloom surrounding the club.
With Williams’ contract coming to an end this summer, I’m sure he’ll be tempted by moving on up the league pyramid, or a move to Scotland, if Hibs renew their interest.
Like the majority of all Town fans, I hope he stays and signs a contract extension, he enjoys playing at Town, and after a career full of injuries, he has enjoyed his longest period without any setbacks.
My gut feeling tells me he’ll move on whilst his stock is on the up, which would be disappointing but understandable, I hope I’m wrong and he continues to be an important figure at SN1 in the years to come.
Tuesday’s result ends an awful run of results going back to late February, and it’s certainly given fans some pride back in their side and lifts any small amount of pressure that had been mounting on Jody Morris.
There is no escaping the fact the former Chelsea man has endured a nightmare start at SN1, three wins in fifteen games tells its own story.
Town was three points behind Bradford when Morris took over and before Tuesday night’s win, were nineteen points shy of Mark Hughes’ side, this is a damning verdict on his first three months in charge.
Despite his poor start, any call for him to be replaced was ridiculous, with Morris’ appointment seen as a long-term project for the football club, and I’m confident he will come good in the long run at the County Ground.
His job starts as soon as the full-time whistle goes against Crawley Town on the last game of the season.
He can start planning who stays, goes, and where he needs to prioritize his attention in the transfer market with the help of Technical Director Sandro di Michele.
They will also be tested by clubs who will come sniffing around our more talented assets, one of which earned his tenth assist of the season against the Bantams.
Despite the flack di Michele receives for his transfer policy, nobody can question the signing of Remeao Hutton from Barrow the 24-year-old has been one of the biggest stars in a drab campaign.
He could easily make the step up to League One next season, and as mentioned, I’m sure we will receive bids for our talented full-back. The club must remain strong in their resolve to keep Hutton, as he will be key to any promotion plans for next season.
This weekend Town makes their first-ever visit to the new and improved Plough Lane as they face AFC Wimbledon.
Along with Town, the Wombles have had a terrible run of results in 2023 and come into the game off the back of a 2-1 defeat to promotion-chasing Stevenage.
With nothing riding on the game in terms of promotion or relegation, it will be another chance for Morris to see who he’s interested in keeping around for next season, build on the momentum generated over the last two games, and end our season on a positive note.